Mortgage approvals down, but conditions indicate ‘strong spring selling season’

The signage outside the Bank of England viewed from below

The latest Money and Credit Report from the Bank of England reveals net mortgage approvals for house purchase, an indicator of future borrowing, fell by 500 to 64,500 in November. Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals increased to £4.5 billion, following a decrease of £1 billion to £4.2 billion in October. The annual growth […]

Conveyancing experts give evidence to Affordability of Home Ownership inquiry – watch live

A view of Portcullis House, with Big Ben to the left

The government’s inquiry into the affordability of home ownership will continue hearing oral evidence today, with contributions from the Conveyancing Association’s Beth Rudolf, PEXA UK CEO Joe Pepper, and Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark. The Portcullis House meeting will be streamed live, with Rudolf – speaking in her capacity as co-chair […]

Govt launches recruitment drive for ‘ordinary people’ to become magistrates

The exterior of a magistrates court

The government is calling for “thousands of ordinary people from all walks of life” to help deliver justice by becoming magistrates. The Ministry of Justice said it is looking for “everyday heroes from all backgrounds” to deliver justice in local communities across the country. Over 2,000 extra magistrates have been trained since 2022 and the government intends the latest […]

Brachers completes acquisition of Gill Turner Tucker following Lawfront deal

Kent law firm Brachers has completed the acquisition of fellow Kent firm Gill Turner Tucker. The acquisition comes a year after Brachers’ partnership with private equity-backed Lawfront, in a deal which took the national group of regional law firms past £100 million revenue. The acquisition brings together two firms with deep roots in Kent: Gill Turner Tucker has served clients in Maidstone for over 70 years, while Brachers has operated in the county for 130 years. Brachers’ decision to join Lawfront in February 2025 was driven by the firm’s commitment to growing and enhancing its services and its people, it said, with Lawfront’s investment providing the necessary investment to move forward with these strategic priorities. The acquisition of Gill Turner Tucker enables Brachers to strengthen its regional presence and offer clients a broader range of expertise, while Gill Turner Tucker gains access to additional resources and specialist knowledge by becoming part of Brachers and the Lawfront group. Clients of both firms can expect a seamless transition, Brachers said, with existing staff remaining in place backed by the additional resources of a larger group. “We are thrilled to welcome Gill Turner Tucker into Brachers,” said Jo Worby, managing partner at Brachers. “This acquisition reflects our shared commitment to delivering exceptional client service and strengthens our ability to support businesses and individuals across Kent. It also demonstrates the benefits of our partnership with Lawfront, which has enabled us to invest in growth for the benefit of our clients.” “Joining Brachers is an exciting opportunity for our clients and team,” Robert Green, partner at Gill Turner Tucker, commented. “It allows us to maintain our local roots while benefiting from the resources and expertise of a larger firm and the wider Lawfront group. Our clients will continue to receive the personal service they value, with the added advantage of wider specialist support.” Neil Lloyd, CEO of Lawfront, added: “Supporting our firms to achieve their growth ambitions is at the heart of Lawfront’s strategy. Brachers’ first acquisition of Gill Turner Tucker is a significant milestone and demonstrates how investment and collaboration can create exciting opportunities for clients and teams alike. We’re delighted to welcome Gill Turner Tucker to Lawfront and into Brachers.” The acquisition demonstrates Brachers commitment to investing in Kent, the firm said, while reinforcing its position as a leading law firm in the area: Brachers is recognised in The Times ‘Best Law Firms 2026’ list, accredited as an ‘outstanding’ place to work by Best Companies, and named as a Best Companies ‘Top 15 Best Law Firm To Work For’. Image caption: Robert Green, Partner; Lachlan Donaldson, Partner; James Kent, Partner; Joanna Worby, Managing Partner

Kent law firm Brachers has completed the acquisition of fellow Kent firm Gill Turner Tucker. The acquisition comes a year after Brachers’ partnership with private equity-backed Lawfront, in a deal which took the national group of regional law firms past £100 million revenue. The acquisition brings together two firms with deep roots in Kent: Gill […]

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