Moorcrofts Means Business

Welcome to Episode 3, Series 7 of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast. In this episode, Corporate Partners Will Pearce and Barry Maytum explore the key considerations when approaching business growth through mergers, acquisitions, or purchasing another company. They cover: * The legal process involved in acquisitions and mergers * Understanding your starting point and objectives — are you looking for a product, service, IP, key people, or a balance sheet opportunity? * The benefits of engaging advisers early and assembling the right professional team * The different types of acquisitions and what they mean in practice * Funding options available and how they work in real-world scenarios * Practicalities — assessing whether your business is ready, and how to manage the business post-acquisition to ensure smooth integration, cultural alignment, and long-term success Whether you're actively exploring growth opportunities or just starting to consider the possibilities, this episode provides a practical overview of what to expect and how to get started the right way.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 6 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast! In this episode, Lindsey Abbott, Employment Partner at Moorcrofts, is joined by Colin Barnett, Founder of CB Talent Consulting, to explore the ever-evolving world of talent, from recruitment and retention to AI’s growing role in the workplace. Topics covered include: * Current recruitment market trends post-COVID * The impact of flexible and hybrid working on talent strategies * Redundancies and employer responsibilities * Key challenges facing employers in 2025 * AI in recruitment — what’s hype vs. what’s helpful * The importance of employer branding * Diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring and retention * Enhancing the candidate experience and onboarding process * Why the first 100 days of employment matter * How SMEs can compete with larger companies for top talent Whether you're a business owner, HR professional, or manager involved in hiring, this episode offers actionable takeaways to help you build stronger, more resilient teams in the age of digital transformation and shifting employee expectations. Further Resources: Moorcrofts https://moorcrofts.com/blog/ [https://moorcrofts.com/blog/] CB Talent Consulting https://cbtalentconsulting.co.uk/ [https://cbtalentconsulting.co.uk/]

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 5 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast! In this episode, Heather Stewart and Jai Nathwani from Moorcrofts’ Corporate Team explore Employee Share Schemes - what they are, why they matter, and how they can benefit your business.  The discussion focuses on aligning employee interests with company performance, attracting and retaining talent, and the strategic value of share ownership in boosting productivity and engagement. Topics covered include: * What is an employee share scheme? * Benefits of implementing a share scheme * Why these schemes are becoming more popular * Tax-advantaged vs. non-tax-advantaged schemes * Key considerations before setting up a scheme * Overview of: * EMI (Enterprise Management Incentive) Schemes * Company Share Option Plans (CSOPs) * Save As You Earn (SAYE) Schemes * Share Incentive Plans (SIPs) * Why a non-tax-advantaged scheme might still be right for your business Whether you're a startup, scale-up, or established business, this episode provides essential insights into the different types of employee share schemes available in the UK and the key considerations before implementing one.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 4 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast! In this episode, Julia Ferguson, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Moorcrofts, is joined by Steve Page, Head of GreenFiT at Savills, to discuss the pressing topic of environmental performance in commercial real estate, with a particular focus on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).  As climate change takes centre stage, businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate strong ESG credentials - especially across their supply chains. With around 20% of the UK’s carbon emissions coming from the built environment, and 70% of UK office space currently below the likely required EPC rating of B by 2030, it's clear the real estate sector has a pivotal role to play in achieving net zero. But while many businesses are taking steps to reduce operational emissions, the challenge of decarbonising commercial buildings - especially around who pays and how improvements are delivered - remains complex. Julia and Steve discuss: * The current EPC regime and what reforms may be coming * The action needed to address anticipated increases in EPC rating requirements * Funding challenges and cost-sharing issues * Why collaboration is essential for meaningful energy improvements Whether you're a landlord, tenant, investor, or advisor, this episode offers clear insights into navigating sustainability in real estate. Further Resources: Moorcrofts Blog - MEES Update 2025: Stricter Rules, Higher Standards and Key Deadlines [https://moorcrofts.com/mees-update-2025-stricter-rules-higher-standards-and-key-deadlines/] Savills Offices EPC Factsheet [http://moorcrofts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Office-EPC-Fact-Sheet-Q4-2024.pdf] EPC Portfolio Summary [http://moorcrofts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/EPC-Portfolio-Summary.pdf]

In this episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast, Commercial and Technology Partner Tim Astley is joined by Senior Associate, Usha Guness to discuss some of the key risks of using generative AI and some potential mitigations and solutions.  They cover: * Intellectual Property risks from using existing IP used and IP ownership issues of AI produced work * Confidentiality and data security * Privacy and data protection * Bias in training data * Summary of AI regulation and what businesses need to know This episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help businesses navigate risks and mitigations of using generative AI.