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Month: May 2025

Protecting what’s yours: The Supreme Court reviews Standish

Posted on by Britt Thompson

For high-net-worth individuals, one of the most pressing questions in a divorce is ‘what part of my wealth is mine to keep?’. This is the central issue in the case of Standish v Standish, currently awaiting a decision from the UK Supreme Court.

At the heart of the matter is how the courts treat non-matrimonial property, wealth brought into the marriage or acquired independently, such as inherited family money, pre-marital business interests, or trusts. The question is ‘when, if ever, does this become subject to sharing?’

The Standish background

The husband in Standish had brought considerable wealth into the marriage. This included interests in a longstanding family business, which had grown significantly during the marriage. The wife argued that, because of the marriage’s duration and the way their lives had become financially entwined, this non-matrimonial wealth should be shared.

The Court of Appeal found largely in the husband’s favour. They held that non-matrimonial property doesn’t automatically become subject to the sharing principle,a legal concept that says matrimonial assets should usually be divided equally, just because a marriage is long or the couple has a shared lifestyle.

The wife has now appealed to the Supreme Court.

Why this matters

The Standish case could redefine how wealth protection is approached in English divorce law, particularly for business owners, entrepreneurs, or anyone with inherited or pre-marital assets.

Right now, the law distinguishes between:

  • Matrimonial property: Typically built up during the marriage and usually shared equally.
  • Non-matrimonial property: Brought into the marriage or received independently, and not always shared.

The question the Supreme Court must now address is ‘how and when does non-matrimonial property lose its protected status?’.  Is mere passage of time enough? Or must there be some clear act of integration, such as using the wealth for family homes, joint investments, or lifestyle?

What you should know

While we await the final judgment, the Standish appeal is a reminder that ring-fencing wealth in divorce is possible, but not automatic.

If you have pre-marital or inherited wealth:

  • Keep clear records of the source and use of your assets.
  • Take legal advice early, especially if you’re contemplating marriage or going through divorce.
  • Consider tools like pre or post nuptial agreements.

Whether you are going through a divorce or getting married and have significant personal or family wealth, seeking advice early on can make all the difference. Please contact Naim Qureshi, Senior Associate in our Family and Divorce team for a confidential conversation about how we can help protect what matters to you. Call 01494 781356 or email naim.qureshi@blasermills.co.uk.

Buying a property in 2025? Here’s how stamp duty has changed

Posted on by Britt Thompson

As of 1st April 2025, the Government increased Stamp Duty Land Tax thresholds which will impact those purchasing properties and land in England.

What is Stamp Duty Land Tax?

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax payable to HMRC when purchasing a property or land in England or Northern Ireland. The amount of SDLT payable is dependant upon the purchase price of the property and the buyer’s circumstances. For example, is the buyer a first-time buyer, purchasing an additional residence or a non-UK resident.

Property valueStamp Duty Land Tax %
Up to £125,0000%
£125,001 to £250,0002%
£250,001 to £925,0005%
£925,001 to £1.5 million10%
Above £1.5 million12%

First-time buyers

he SDLT changes are likely to impact first-time buyers the most. The nil-rate threshold for first-time buyers has decreased from £425,000 to £300,000, and the cap on qualifying properties has been lowered to £500,000. SDLT will be payable at 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000.

If the property is over £500,000 then no relief is allowed and the SDLT will be the same as those who have bought a property before.

Additional property purchases

Buyers purchasing additional properties will continue to pay a 3% surcharge on top of the
standard SDLT rates.

Rates for non-UK residents

If you are a non-UK resident and wish to purchase a property in England or Northern Ireland, you will be liable to pay an additional 2% surcharge on top of the standard SDLT rates. Purchasing a property is known to be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. Understanding the new stamp duty thresholds, will ensure you do not encounter any financial surprises as the transaction progresses.

At Blaser Mills, we provide our clients with guidance and support to ensure your property transaction is as stress-free as possible.

For any further information or guidance, please contact Shannon Terry, Senior Associate in the Residential Property team on 01494 781368 or email shannon.terry@blasermills.co.uk.

A special relationship: Why are US celebrities investing in UK sport

Posted on by dominika.piechota@blasermills.co.uk

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in American celebrities and investors acquiring stakes in UK sports teams, especially within football. This trend is reshaping the landscape of British sports ownership, blending Hollywood and US commercialisation with the values of traditional British sporting institutions.

This article is part of a series that will investigate this current trend and will consist of the following topics:

  1. What are the current investment trends in UK Sport?
  2. What corporate structures are used?  
  3. How to buy a football club?
  4. How to get the purchase over the line?
  5. So you own a football club, what next?
  6. How to exit?

UK sport, particularly football, is seen by American investors as a market with great commercial and investment potential. U.S. leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB thrive on lucrative sponsorships and partnerships, but English football’s deep-rooted sporting traditions often make their institutions resistant to change, especially in the lower leagues.

However, since its inception in 1992, the English Premier League has shifted the approach to commercialisation at the top levels of English football, but this culture shift has not yet been adopted by the whole pyramid, with those lower down hesitant to change. US investment consortiums that are spearheaded by Hollywood stars and US sport superstars are beginning to fast track fan approval and change traditional norms across all the leagues.

High-profile acquisitions

There have been a number of high-profile acquisition in recent years, with probably the most famous being actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchasing Wrexham AFC in 2021. Their hands-on involvement and the subsequent success of the club, documented by the hit series “Welcome to Wrexham” on Disney+, has inspired other celebrities to explore similar ventures.

NFL legend Tom Brady acquired a minority stake in Birmingham City FC in 2023, aiming to leverage his expertise in health, wellness, and recovery programs to benefit the club.

Similarly, another NFL star J.J. Watt and his wife, professional soccer player Kealia Watt, invested in Burnley FC, emphasising their commitment to both the men’s and women’s teams. NBA superstar LeBron James has also been involved English Football since 2011, initially acquiring a 2% stake in Liverpool FC for $6.5mn, which he later converted into a share of Fenway Sports Group, the club’s parent company, which is estimated to be now worth around $100mn.

Actor, Michael B. Jordan, ventured into sports ownership, notably becoming a minority owner of AFC Bournemouth, in December 2022, through his minority shareholding with a consortium led by American businessman Bill Foley. Demonstrating his commitment to the club, Jordan collaborated on designing special edition kits for AFC Bournemouth.

Motivations behind the investments

There are several key factors that drive this growing interest:

  • Global appeal: The English Premier League and the broader UK football system boast a massive international following, offering investors a platform to enhance their global presence.
  • Financial opportunities: Investors are attracted by the potential for significant returns through broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and the possibility of club promotions to higher leagues.
  • Personal passion: Many celebrities have a genuine love for sport and the competitive buzz that ownership provides them a way to engage with the sport beyond being a mere investment asset.

Other sports:

U.S celebrity interest in UK sport doesn’t stop at football. There has been interest across the sporting sphere, namely:

  • Formula 1 – Alpine F1 Team: In June 2023, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, along with actor Michael B. Jordan, invested €200 million for a 24% stake in the UK-based Alpine F1 Team through a consortium, including Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners. Later that year, prominent athletes such as NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, golfer Rory McIlroy, boxer Anthony Joshua, and footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold joined the investment group, further enhancing the team’s profile.
  • The E1 Series – an all-electric powerboat racing championship has attracted significant investment from American celebrities and athletes. Tom Brady, Will Smith, and Steve Aoki have all invested in the E1 Series as team owners, expanding their influence into sports ownership.

Impact on clubs and communities:

The infusion of celebrity status and capital has tangible benefits:

  • Enhanced visibility: celebrity involvement brings global attention to clubs, often leading to increased merchandise sales and a broader fan base. The enormous success of Liberty Media’s purchase of Formula 1 and phenomenon that is Netflix’s Drive to Survive has created a new found global interest in the sport.
  • Community engagement: investors often engage in community initiatives, fostering goodwill and strengthening the club’s local ties.
  • Commercial growth: the association with high-profile figures can attract lucrative sponsorships and partnerships, mirroring the transformative impact seen at Wrexham and Bournemouth under celebrity-backed ownership.

The trend of American celebrities and investors acquiring UK sports teams shows no signs of slowing down. As more high-profile figures recognise the multifaceted benefits of such investments, the convergence of entertainment, sports, and business is likely to become a defining feature of the UK’s sporting landscape for years to come.

If you are considering investing in a UK sports team, or advising someone who is, it is important to understand the legal and commercial landscape. For further information or advice please get in touch with Joshua Easterbrook, joshua.easterbrook@blasermills.co.uk, or Sebastian Annable, sebastian.annable@blasermills.co.uk.