FBC Manby Bowdler returns to summer shows to support farming community

Image credit: FBC Manby Bowdler

Editorial Brief
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FBC Manby Bowdler will attend the Burwarton and Minsterley agricultural shows to discuss significant changes in commercial property leasing with farmers, particularly the upcoming ban on upward-only rents. This change, part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, will affect commercial leases in England and Wales, allowing rents to adjust with market conditions. The law firm aims to support farmers by providing insights into how these changes could impact their businesses.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

Forthcoming changes to commercial property leases are likely to be front of mind for many in the farming community this summer, as legal specialists use major agricultural shows to engage directly with rural businesses. With the ban on upward only rent reviews set to take effect under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, there is a clear need for practical guidance, particularly for farmers who have diversified into commercial property letting.

For many rural landlords, the shift away from upward only rents may alter long-standing assumptions about income stability and lease negotiation. The summer show circuit provides a timely forum for discussion, enabling farmers to seek advice and clarify the implications for their own businesses. With additional policy changes affecting areas such as farming incentives and inheritance tax, the opportunity for face-to-face support from legal and professional advisers is likely to be welcomed by those managing increasingly complex rural portfolios.

Press Release

Significant changes to commercial property in farming is set to be one of the main topics of conversations as FBC Manby Bowdler head out to this summer’s top agricultural shows.

The leading law form will be out and about over the coming weeks – appearing at Burwarton Show on August 6 and Minsterley Show on August 15.

Teams from agricultural & rural services, private client, planning, residential and commercial property will be on hand to chat with farmers and their families about various different issues.

It is anticipated that the main topic of conversation will be the big changes around a ban to upward only rents in commercial property.

The ban is part of changes in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 – and impacts commercial leases in England and Wales.

It is one of the most significant shifts in commercial leasing for years, and it will ensure rents can move both up and down in response to market conditions.

FBC’s teams will be on hand to support farmers and give insights into how these changes may affect farm businesses with commercial lets.

Tom Devey, Partner in the Agricultural and Rural Services team at FBC Manby Bowdler said that heading off to the summer shows is always one of the highlights of the year for the staff.

“We enjoy this time of year where we have the great pleasure of getting out and about to shows, to meet farmers and their families at the heart of their communities.

“As is always the case when we head out to shows, there are a lot of issues on the farming agenda.

“There is a change coming into force next year on upward only rents in commercial property leases, and this is going to have an impact for farmers acting as landlords of diversified property.

“There are a host of other things happening over the next year too, such as changes to the new sustainable farming incentive amongst other topics, and of course we had the changes to inheritance tax earlier this year.

“We know how busy farmers are and it is not always easy for them to make their way to our offices to discuss any issues, but the summer shows offer up the perfect opportunity to meet them and the general public.

“Our teams across a wide range of areas will be alongside each other at the show to answer any questions or address any issues people may be having.

“If there is something you need help with, or just have a quick query, then it is well worth popping in for a chat.”

FBC will be on a stand alongside Berrys & EFG Harris Allday at Burwarton, and will share a stand with Dyke Yaxley at Minsterley.

FBC Manby Bowdler’s agricultural and rural services department is one of the top teams in the county and regularly receives a top tier ranking in the Legal 500 and Chambers guides to the best law firms and lawyers in the UK.

It advises on everything from land sales to succession planning, agricultural tenancies, diversification, subsidies and funding, equine matters, sporting rights and farm and estate management.

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