Michael Bracegirdle

I am a Partner with over 40 years legal experience based at the firm’s dedicated agricultural and commercial office at Gadbrook Park, Northwich. I head the Agriculture Department, listed in the Top Tier Department of The Legal 500 2020 Private Client – Agriculture and Estates. I have been named as a Leading Individual in the listings, the only such named Agricultural specialist in Cheshire.

I pride myself on giving practical and straight forward advice, no matter how complex the clients problems or issues.

I was educated at Sandbach School, Warwick University and Chester College of Law (University of Law, Chester) I have an Honours Degree in Law from Warwick University and obtained a Distinction in Conveyancing and Property Law from the College of Law, Chester.

I specialise in:

• Agricultural and Mixed-use Residential Property
• Agricultural Holding Act and Farm Business Tenancies
• Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Succession Planning
• Inheritance Tax Mitigation
• Administration of Estates – including Post Death Deeds of Variation

I have a personal interest in:

• HS2 issues – I am a member of the firm’s committee and have dealt with numerous property/land sales.
• Advising on the most tax-efficient Agricultural Business Structure, Partnership Agreements and Shareholders Agreements.
• Stamp Duty Land Tax.
• Planning – Agricultural Occupancy Restrictions.
• High-value properties and Buy to Let portfolios.
• First Registration of Title.

I act for charities, farmers and landowners at all levels.  Coming from an agricultural background (had I remained in farming I would have been a 17 generation Cheshire farmer), I have a detailed knowledge of all farming practices.

Client testimonials in the The Legal 500 say of me:

“We have a great deal of faith in his judgement”

“Strong on planning for agricultural clients – can explain legal procedure in a way which makes it easily understandable and therefore less stressful”

I am a member of the Country Landowners Association, Tenants Farmers Association, British Institute of Agricultural Consultants and Solicitors for the elderly.  I maintain close links with the Agricultural industry –being involved both in the family farm and assisting my relations all of whom continue to farm locally.  My daughter is a qualified veterinary surgeon and my son an accountant (with a particular interest in Agricultural Taxation).

I am involved in the local community, being Chair of the Parish Council in Smallwood, Trustee of the Smallwood Village Hall and a member of the Old Sandbachians Association.

I enjoy all forms of rural pursuits and have an interest in both classic tractors and motors vehicles (owning both).  I enjoy motoring in Europe, watching Formula 1 and tennis, off-road I am particularly fond of French red wine.

Legal Insights from Mike

Are Farmers Making The Most Out Of Agri-Environment Schemes and Diversification?

Time to revisit succession plans

Farm Worker Accommodation

Inheritance tax and the forgotten family unit

Employer-provided living accommodation: changes to tax treatment

Dairy Farming in crisis

Farming and farmworkers during the coronavirus pandemic

Funding Long Term Care

Farmers React to Coronavirus

Choosing the Best Business Structure for your Farming Enterprise

Machinery Share Contracts

Agricultural Property Relief – Making a successful claim

Succession Planning for Landowners

What can you do when someone loses capacity?

Mitigating Inheritance Tax via the ISA Allowance – The Quick Fix?

Worried by Leasehold?

A Guide to The Tenant Fees Act 2019 and The Home Act 2018 

Our Tenant Farmers’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Funding Farm Diversification

Interpreting the New Rules for Farm Building Conversion

Use of Family Investment Companies as part of Succession Planning

Don’t Make HMRC Your Biggest Beneficiary

Farmers and Landowners, are you considering new agricultural buildings? 

Changes to Bird Control Licences

Gifting a Property: What You Need to Know 

DEFRA Tenancy Consultation: An Update

Inheritance Tax and The Nil Residence Rate Band

Who Will Succeed You in the Family Farming Business?

The Changing Structure of British Agricultural Industry

Reviewing Your Farm Lease or Tenancy Agreement – How Butcher & Barlow Can Assist

Government Plans to Restrict Visas for Low Skilled Workers

The Agriculture Bill – What does it mean for farmers?