Wilkin Chapman has announced the appointment of Paul Horton as a new partner, enhancing its succession planning team.
- Paul Horton adds extensive experience in succession planning and a focus on agricultural clients at Wilkin Chapman.
- Horton aims to address the lack of formal succession planning among British farmers, a crucial sector in Lincolnshire.
- His appointment is seen as a natural fit given Wilkin Chapman’s existing strengths in the agricultural sector.
- Colleague Lucy Butterfint praises Horton’s international recognition and detailed approach in advising clients.
Wilkin Chapman, the largest law firm in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, has fortified its expertise by appointing Paul Horton as a new partner. Horton, renowned for his proficiency in succession planning and a member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP), joins the firm’s reputable wills, estates, tax, and trusts team in Lincoln. This strategic addition to the team is anticipated to bring significant advancements in the array of services offered, including the setup of wills, lifetime trusts, family investment companies, Lasting Power of Attorney, and cross-option shareholder planning.
Notably, Horton brings a wealth of experience as a trustee across many trusts nationwide, with a particular focus on engaging with agricultural clients. This expertise aligns seamlessly with Wilkin Chapman’s existing services, as agriculture stands as one of the principal sectors in Lincolnshire. As Horton remarked, “Succession planning is a critical concern for business continuity in the agricultural sector, especially with a recent survey from the NFU confirming that 52% of British farmers don’t have a formal policy in place.” He further observed a heightened awareness post-COVID regarding safeguarding businesses, reflecting an increase in demand for such planning services.
Lucy Butterfint, a fellow partner and head of wills, estates, and trusts at Wilkin Chapman, expressed enthusiasm about Horton’s arrival, noting his international STEP membership as a testament to his dedication and meticulousness. Butterfint believes that his skills will significantly benefit a diverse client base throughout the region. Horton’s decision to join Wilkin Chapman was influenced by the firm’s esteemed reputation, particularly within the agricultural sector, which makes his new role particularly fitting. With over 24 years in the legal field, Horton transitions from a large national practice to contribute his expertise to Wilkin Chapman’s ambitions.
Paul Horton’s partnership at Wilkin Chapman signals a strategic enhancement of their succession planning capabilities, particularly for agricultural clients in Lincolnshire.
