Hewitson & Harker is located in one of the most rural parts of England and Wales and as a consequence has acquired particular expertise in agricultural matters. We act in the sale and purchase of farms, for both landlords and tenants in the negotiation of farm business tenancy agreements, in the preparation of partnership agreements as between business partners and in giving precise and up-to-date tax planning advice. We work closely with land agents, accountants, planning consultants and others in order to give our farming clients the best possible range of services.
The buying and selling of domestic properties is something fraught with difficulty and is increasingly subject to changes in legislation and regulation. The purchase of a house or flat is probably the biggest financial undertaking we are likely to make during our lives and, as such, you want to be certain that you are in safe hands. We can guarantee that here at Hewitson & Harker, given our many years experience in the domestic conveyancing market, if you instruct us, you may be assured that your transaction will be dealt with by someone who has a sound and up-to-date knowledge of the relevant law and procedure.
Kirkby Stephen is the economic heart of the Upper Eden Valley and, as such, contains a host of retail, catering, service sector, light manufacturing and warehouse and distribution businesses. Hewitson & Harker has, for many years now, acted both for the sellers and purchasers of businesses and business premises, as well as landlords and tenants. Knowing the local economy and its changing trends gives the practice real insight into the needs of clients who wish to start up in business or take over or purchase existing businesses. We will be delighted to discuss your requirements and objectives in any commercial conveyancing transaction and offer advice and assistance throughout what can often seem a daunting and tortuous process.
Making a Will can be a daunting prospect. It forces us to contemplate the inevitable and is often, therefore, something we delay doing or indeed avoid doing entirely. To do so, however, would be a mistake. Dying in the absence of a Will (intestate) can give rise to costs and heartache on the part of your family at a very difficult time, all of which may be easily avoided. Making a Will means that you may be sure that your property, money and possessions, may be inherited after your day by the people you would wish to inherit. It represents a clear statement that you have considered the needs of your family and others. In addition, it represents an opportunity to consider matters such as Inheritance Tax in a clear and definitive way.
As we live longer as a society, we are forced to contemplate how we might wish to spend our later years. Rare is it nowadays to find someone who is not touched and affected by the consequences of growing old – whether directly themselves or, indirectly, as a consequence of witnessing the effects of ageing on a close relative or friend.
Hewitson and Harker has a wealth of expertise in the area of Inheritance Tax planning and can help clients concerned by the possibility of their having to pay tax to work through the complexities and subtleties of the current tax regime in order that their affairs may be well ordered and the consequences of their owning assets that may make a tax liability possible fully understood.
Because it is impossible to anticipate what might happen in life, Hewitson and Harker Solicitors can help you plan for the unexpected. If you want to set out in advance how you would like decisions about your financial affairs and/or welfare to be made should you become unable to make those decisions for yourself, we are here to offer all appropriate advice and guidance.
Like many businesses in the Upper Eden Valley, Hewitson & Harker is proud to immerse itself in community life. In addition to the various voluntary roles that its members of staff fulfil in Kirkby Stephen and the surrounding area and its involvement in and sponsorship of, local events and sporting fixtures, the practice has sought to assist a number of local organisations in achieving their goals. For many years now, it has worked closely with local sports clubs, youth groups and charities in dealing with, among other things, various constitutional and licensing matters.
He is a Kirkby Stephen Town Councillor and served as Chairman of the Council between the years 2005 and 2009. He is a former chair of the Upper Eden Community Plan Group and was instrumental in the plan’s preparation. Currently, he chairs the board of directors of the Upper Eden Community Interest Company, the principal purpose of which is to oversee the day-to-day running of the town’s Visitor Centre, Alex having negotiated the lease of the premises from Eden District Council. Latterly, he has been involved in the preparation and implementation of the Upper Eden Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Karen deals with all the financial aspects of the company. Karen is AAT qualified and has over 15 years experience of working in accounts. She is a trustee of the Brough Memorial Hall through her involvement with Brough Toddler Group.
