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Suffolk law firm hires top tax specialist amid shifting regulations

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Ellisons has recruited Senior Consultant Peter Crix to enhance its Private Client services at a time when tax regulations continue to evolve.

Why it matters: Crix brings expertise in advising high-net-worth individuals, business owners, farmers and landowners on succession and estate planning.

Rachel Dawson, Peter Crix and Nicola Weldon of Ellisons Solicitors
Rachel Dawson, Peter Crix and Nicola Weldon of Ellisons SolicitorsEllisons Solicitors

The details: Crix is a member of both the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Agricultural Law Association (ALA), and acts as a trustee for several substantial trusts, including multiple farms in Suffolk.

What they're saying: "I'm very pleased to be joining Ellisons, a firm with a strong reputation and a clear commitment to excellence in Private Client work," said Crix.

Guy Longhurst , Managing Partner at Ellisons , commented: "Peter's appointment is an important step in strengthening our Private Client offering. His expertise in tax and trust planning, combined with his hands-on approach, will be invaluable in helping our clients safeguard their wealth for future generations."

Nicola Weldon, Partner and Head of Private Client, added: "We are thrilled to welcome Peter to the team. His reputation for managing high-value estates is highly-regarded and his appointment will strengthen our ability to provide tailored, specialist advice to our clients."

The bottom line: The appointment strengthens Ellisons' wealth protection services during a period of shifting tax regulations, with Longhurst stating that "Peter's strategic insight ensures we continue providing clients with the very best legal support."

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Suffolk Libraries CEO requests county council 'listen to reason' as takeover decision looms

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Attwells Solicitors

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With over 22,000 petition signatures opposing the plan, the library charity makes its final appeal before today's cabinet meeting.

Why it matters: Hours before Suffolk County Council's cabinet meets to decide on taking the library service back in-house, Suffolk Libraries is highlighting what it claims Suffolk residents will lose under council management.

The big picture: The charity has run Suffolk's libraries for 12 and a half years and claims the takeover would jeopardise nearly £2.5m in annual financial benefits and numerous innovative services.

Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, and the County Library in Ipswich
Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, and the County Library in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers: Suffolk Libraries says its charity status delivers substantial financial advantages:

  • £690,000 contributed by Friends' groups for furniture, equipment and refurbishments

  • £150,000 yearly from running prison libraries

  • £500,000 in rates relief due to charity status

  • Nearly £100,000 raised annually through fundraising

  • Almost £1m yearly in grant funding only available to charitable organisations

What they're saying: "We urge Suffolk County Council to listen to reason, to stand by its stated mission 'to make a positive difference for Suffolk', and 'striving to improve, and securing the best possible services'," said Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries.

He pleaded: "Ensure the people of Suffolk continue to benefit from the outstanding library service which has been heralded as the benchmark for excellence within the industry. Please don't make such an important decision based on flawed figures which so many Suffolk residents are clearly opposed to."

Beyond the money: Suffolk Libraries warns that several services may not continue under council control:

  • Arts Council funded programmes

  • Health and wellbeing projects such as Menopause & Me and Moving Minds

  • Community-led initiatives including Men Can Talk and LGBTQIA+ groups

  • The Be Kind to a Kid Christmas toy appeal that donated over 6,000 toys to families in need

The volunteer factor: In 2023-24, over 1,200 volunteers provided 35,500 volunteering hours to the service. The charity says many volunteers "have already stated that they will not continue if the library service is run by the county council."

For context: Suffolk Libraries has achieved numerous industry innovations, including:

  • First library service with a dedicated wellbeing team

  • One of the first to offer libraries as warm spaces during the cost-of-living crisis

  • First to loan eReader devices to customers

  • First to develop its own self-service technology, saving around £100,000

The bottom line: With growing opposition from local residents, MPs, backbench councillors and other key stakeholders, Suffolk Libraries is making a final appeal for the county council to "return to the negotiating table" before the cabinet makes its decision.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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