Pictured above: Simon James, Senior Partner at Ansons Solicitors

The first half of 2011 has seen Staffordshire based Ansons Solicitors complete a hat-trick of agricultural based deals worth in excess of £7 million pounds.

The deals were all based in Staffordshire and included the sale of a working farm, the purchase of a 200 acre block of land and the sale and purchase of various other agricultural properties.

Commenting on the deals, Mr James of Ansons said: "The first half of the year has seen a notable increase in agricultural related legal work. There is also a notable trend with many farmers and landowners seeking advice on diversification schemes including woodland acquisitions, the conversion of agricultural buildings for office and light industrial purposes, and option agreements for development projects. The latter is a clear demonstration of how farmers and landowners have had to adapt to a changing market. It also pays tribute to their flexibility, resourcefulness and entrepreneurial sprit." 

Mr James also commented that enquiries were being received due to the HS2 proposals and that he anticipated those proposals will generate a significant increase in work.

Mr James is a member of the Agricultural Law Association and he is well known within the agricultural community. He is an active member of the Staffordshire community, including being Deputy Chairman of trustees at St Giles Hospice and a director of St Giles Hospice (Developments) Limited. In addition to his property work Mr James is also involved in tax planning for the agricultural planning and is often a trustee for family trusts.

Ansons Solicitors is endorsed by the Lexcel quality mark, Investors in People and is recommended within 'The Legal 500' directory of the top 500 UK law firms. The firm was formed in June 2004 and employs more than 50 people across its offices in Cannock and Lichfield. The firm's commercial specialisms include corporate transactions, commercial property, agricultural matters, commercial disputes, employment law and planning and environmental legislation. Its private client services include wills, probate and tax planning, family law, personal injury and residential property matters.

For more information about Ansons, please visit their website here: www.ansonsllp.co.uk