Mayo Wynne Baxter opens new office in Tunbridge Wells
We’re excited to share that Mayo Wynne Baxter has opened a new office in Tunbridge Wells, further strengthening our presence across the South East.
The new space, located at Lonsdale Gate just a three-minute walk from the railway station, will allow us to work more closely with clients in Kent, Sussex and the surrounding areas. With this move, we’re continuing our commitment to being accessible and rooted in the communities we serve.
Building on our growth across the South East
For many years, our strategy has been to grow in Kent and Surrey, building on our strong reputation in Sussex. The opening of Tunbridge Wells marks an important step in that plan. It also means our network of offices now stands at 11, with teams based in Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Lewes, London, Peacehaven, Seaford and Storrington.
Each office is part of a wider network, but also deeply connected to its local area. This approach means our clients benefit from the resources of a large regional firm while still receiving the personal service that comes from having people nearby.
Why Tunbridge Wells?
Tunbridge Wells has long been a hub for business, professional services and creative industries. It’s also a thriving town with strong transport links to London and the wider South East, making it an ideal base for both our clients and our people.
By opening here, we’re making it easier for clients in Kent and beyond to meet with us, whether that’s in person at our office or virtually. The location allows us to strengthen existing relationships, while also supporting new businesses and individuals who need expert legal advice.
Putting clients and communities first
Dean Orgill, our chief executive, explained why this move is so important:
“We’ve always said we want to build roots in the communities we serve. Tunbridge Wells is a key part of that strategy, allowing us to be even closer to the clients and sectors we support across Kent.”
That community focus has always shaped the way we work. Whether it’s supporting families through life’s changes, advising businesses as they grow, or helping organisations navigate complex challenges, being present locally is central to our ethos.
A sustainable new space
As a certified B Corporation, we’re also committed to doing business in a way that has a positive impact. The design of the Tunbridge Wells office reflects that commitment, with sustainability considered at every stage. The fit-out has used upcycled and responsibly sourced materials wherever possible, reducing environmental impact and creating a workspace that reflects our values.
Looking ahead
The opening of the Tunbridge Wells office is more than just an expansion. It’s a statement of intent about our future in the region. We want to continue growing in a way that benefits our clients, our people and the communities we are part of.
We look forward to welcoming clients, colleagues and partners to the new space, and to building strong connections in Tunbridge Wells for many years to come.
Title picture: Simon Macklen, Dean Orgill, Joshua Mellor
The government estimates that around 250,000 pregnancies in the UK end in miscarriage every year. Miscarriage and pregnancy loss can profoundly affect those involved, both emotionally and physically, and someone who experiences pregnancy loss will often need time away from work to grieve the loss as well as deal with any physical symptoms.
Current employment rights in the UK provide support to employees in the form of statutory rights to leave and pay in cases of stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Under the existing law, employees in this situation retain a full entitlement to maternity and paternity leave and pay, as well as an additional right to 2 weeks of parental bereavement leave. In cases involving the death of a child shortly after birth (known as neonatal death) employees may also be entitled to neonatal care leave and pay.
However, if a miscarriage occurs in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, there is currently no entitlement to statutory maternity/paternity leave or pay, nor is there any right to parental bereavement leave. Of course, there are many employers who voluntarily allow employees to take paid or unpaid compassionate leave in such cases, but if not, any time needed to deal with such an event often has to be taken as sick leave or annual leave.
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC), a parliamentary select committee, has recently put forward proposals to extend parental bereavement leave to cases of miscarriage and other pregnancy loss occurring before 24 weeks of pregnancy, as part of the new Employment Rights Bill (ERB) currently being debated in parliament. This means that those experiencing pregnancy loss due to a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, a medical termination or in some circumstances an unsuccessful round of IVF may be entitled to a new type of leave. The new right would apply both to the woman who experienced pregnancy loss and her partner.
The government’s response to the WEC’s recommendation was positive, acknowledging that more could be done to support parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. This follows the recent launch of a baby loss certificate designed to formally recognise the loss of a baby during pregnancy before 24 weeks, to help ensure parents feel supported through their grief.
On 7 July 2025 the government announced its intention to include, as a ‘day one’ right, an entitlement to at least one week’s leave for parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, the new proposals do not include any entitlement to paid leave, therefore arguably this may leave employees in no better situation than they are now, being forced to take other types of leave such as sickness or holiday in order to qualify for some pay.
The rules would apply to employees who have experienced pregnancy loss “of a specified kind”, but at this stage it is unclear what that means or at what stage of pregnancy it would apply. It may make it difficult for employers to navigate employees’ rights at very early stages in pregnancy, for example, after only a few weeks, and the leave might come as a surprise if employers weren’t even aware of their employees’ pregnancies. It remains to be seen what eligibility criteria employees will have to satisfy in order to qualify for the rights. Further consultation on the new rights is expected in Autumn 2025, with the new right indicated to take effect in 2027.
The employment team at Mayo Wynne Baxter are closely following developments of the new Bill and will provide updates as soon as more information is available. In the meantime, if you would like assistance with an employment issue, please contact any member of our employment team.
Please note that this update is not intended to be exhaustive or be a substitute for legal advice. The application of the law in this area will often depend upon the specific facts and you are advised to seek specific advice on any given scenario.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Nicole Humphreys as a Partner in our highly regarded Employment Law team.
Nicole brings over 15 years of extensive experience in employment law and dispute resolution to the firm. She joins Mayo Wynne Baxter from Acumen Law, where she served as Head of Employment, advising both employers and employees on a comprehensive range of contentious and non-contentious matters.
Specialising in all facets of employment law, Nicole’s expertise spans unfair dismissal, discrimination, contract and policy drafting, redundancy, settlement agreements, TUPE regulations, and disciplinary and grievance procedures. She is also highly experienced in delivering engaging employment law training and seminars for clients across diverse sectors.
Commenting on her appointment, Nicole said: “I am delighted to have joined a firm with such a strong reputation and a robust employment team. I was particularly drawn to the collaborative and client-focused culture here. I look forward to becoming an integral part of the team and a go-to contact for clients needing employment law support.
“Employment law is a constantly evolving area that interacts with many other aspects of law, including commercial and dispute resolution matters. I’m excited to bring my experience, empathy, and practical approach to the firm. Whether advising on internal processes or navigating complex tribunal claims, my goal is always to deliver fair and commercially sound outcomes.”
Throughout her career, Nicole has successfully represented clients in complex cases including whistleblowing, race discrimination, and unfair dismissal. She has also provided crucial advice on TUPE issues during business sales and service provision changes, and offered guidance on restrictive covenants and cease and desist actions.
Nicole’s recent achievements include securing a successful outcome in a pregnancy and maternity discrimination claim, which was conceded by the respondent and resulted in a tribunal costs award for her client. She has also effectively advised on and defended a sex discrimination and flexible working claim through to successful settlement negotiations, supported clients through intricate redundancy processes, and expertly drafted and negotiated favourable settlement agreements.
Nicole joins an established and growing employment law team at Mayo Wynne Baxter, which continues to provide pragmatic, commercial, and responsive legal advice to clients across a wide range of sectors.
Nicola Brown, Partner and Head of Employment at Mayo Wynne Baxter, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Nicole to Mayo Wynne Baxter. Her depth of knowledge and practical approach will be a significant asset to our employment law team and the wider firm. Her appointment reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality, strategic employment advice to our clients across Sussex and beyond.”
Did you know that June is Pride Month? It’s a time of vibrant celebration and powerful remembrance for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide, and its roots are deeply significant.
June was chosen for Pride Month because it marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969. After a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, led to the assault of many patrons, the LGBTQ+ community peacefully protested for days. These protests fundamentally changed the discourse around LGBTQ+ activism and are widely considered the beginning of the modern Pride movement.
Today, Pride events held throughout June (and beyond) are incredibly important for many reasons:
Visibility and Identity
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, Pride offers a unique space where they can express their true selves without fear or shame. It’s a public celebration of diverse identities—whether that’s sexuality, gender, or non-conformity—in a world where many still feel pressure to hide. This visibility helps challenge stereotypes and normalise LGBTQ+ lives within the broader community.
A Powerful Act of Protest and Remembrance
Pride’s origins are in protest, led by trans women of colour, which catalysed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Today’s events still carry that legacy. While celebratory, they also serve as a reminder that full equality hasn’t yet been achieved. They highlight ongoing issues like hate crimes, conversion therapy, and global inequality.
Building Community and Solidarity
Many LGBTQ+ people experience isolation, especially those in unsupportive environments or who aren’t yet ‘out.’ Pride offers a vital sense of connection—a chance to meet others, feel supported, and know they’re not alone. Importantly, it also gives allies a visible way to stand beside their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and colleagues.
A Platform for Advocacy and Education
Pride isn’t just about the parties and parades; it’s a platform for raising awareness, promoting mental health, sharing resources, and educating both the LGBTQ+ community and the wider public. Events often feature stalls from charities, health services, and support organisations, helping people access life-changing information. It’s also a great way to support LGBTQ+-run businesses and organisations!
A Statement of Joy and Resistance
In a world where LGBTQ+ people are still marginalised or even criminalised in many places, the very act of celebrating publicly is revolutionary. Pride declares: we exist, we matter, and we’re not going anywhere. Joy becomes an act of resistance—defiant, healing, and empowering.
Pride is a powerful statement of identity, resilience, and hope. For LGBTQ+ people, it can be a life-affirming experience. For allies, it’s a chance to stand up, speak out, and show love in action. Together, Pride events remind us that diversity is something to be honoured, not hidden.
Mayo Wynne Baxter is a proud ally to the LGBTQ+ community and we’re delighted to be supporting Eastbourne Pride on July 19th and Crawley Pride on August 16th again this year.
Several of our colleagues will be attending both events (and some are even helping to set up the festival grounds at Crawley!).
As a special gesture, those attending Eastbourne or Crawley Pride may book their return travel as a Pride gift from the firm.
With best wishes for a wonderful Pride Month,
Sam Dickinson and Matt Parr
Why using a regulated solicitor matters when making a will
Making a Will is one of the most important steps an individual can take to protect their loved ones and ensure that their wishes are carried out after death. However, many people in the UK remain unaware that outside of the legal profession the Will writing industry can be largely unregulated. Each year thousands of people prepare their own Wills without seeking legal advice or with the help of unqualified Will writers who might lack adequate legal training. This can leave individuals open to poor advice, invalid documents and devastating legal consequences.
The recent case of Tedford V Clarke & Ors heard in April; the High Court provides a stark reminder of what can happen when things go wrong. This case was brought by Mr Tedford, Mrs Veronica Clarke’s nephew, who was appointed as her Executor in order to seek clarity and an interpretation of the Will. The poorly drafted Will had been prepared by an unqualified person holding himself out as a Will writer.
Veronica’s Will, which revoked a previously professionally drafted Will was so badly written that it included references to Abbey National Bank which had ceased to exist long before the Will was written. In addition, some of the clauses in the Will appeared to contradict each other about who the actual beneficiaries were. This led to confusion as to whether the nieces and nephews of Mrs Clarke (including Mr Tedford) were entitled to inherit. Disagreements about this exacerbated the already difficult family circumstances, as there was also a separate case being brought for the removal of Mr Tedford as the Executor.
Judge Cadwallader who heard the case noted that the legal jargon used in the Will shows ‘a limited understanding of their meaning and function and of the underlying body of law’. He also summarised that the badly drafted Will had caused ‘untold anguish, substantial expenses and delay and destroyed family relationships’.
Partner Caroline Flint, from our contentious probate team comments that “The Executor had no choice but to make an application to the Court for guidance before he could proceed with the administration of the estate. This caused significant funds to be depleted from the deceased estate and the potential to generate a rift between the family for generations to come”. “This is why it is important to make sure that the person you instruct is suitably qualified to understand your wishes and advise accordingly”’.
Why use a regulated firm?
Choosing a legal adviser from a regulated firm to prepare your Will ensures:
- Legal accuracy
- Complicated family, business and personal circumstances are taken into account.
- Tax and financial implications are accurately addressed
- Valid execution
- Safe storage
- Recourse if something goes wrong and a record of the advice is available.
At Mayo Wynne Baxter, our experienced Private Client team can give you the peace of mind of knowing that this is all in hand.
MWB have been celebrating the firms four recent promotions, which were effective from May 2025.
The firm has promoted Angela Payne to associate chartered legal executive, and Ganesh Kent to associate solicitor. Private client lawyer Matt Parr and residential property specialist Sacha Bolourchi have also been promoted into the membership of legal and professional services group Ampa, which Mayo Wynne Baxter is part of.
Residential conveyancing specialist Angela started her legal career in 1995, working across East Grinstead, Lewes and Brighton. After a career break to raise her three children and working part-time in a primary school, she now brings her expertise and dedication back to the legal sector.
Ganesh, who joined the firm in 2019, assists clients with drafting wills, lasting powers of attorney, and estate administration. She qualified in 2017 after studying law at the University of Surrey, following a background in accountancy and business. She is passionate about guiding clients through major life transitions.
Dean Orgill, chief executive at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “Our people are at the heart of our business, and our clients directly benefit from the investments we make in their growth and development.
“Recognising and rewarding high performance is a fundamental part of our culture, reflecting our commitment to nurturing talent across Sussex.
“We remain dedicated to providing ongoing opportunities for our outstanding people to thrive, ensuring they are empowered to deliver exceptional service to clients both regionally and nationwide.”
When someone loses the capacity to make decisions for themselves, it can be an emotional and overwhelming time.
If there’s no lasting power of attorney (LPA) in place, you may need to apply for deputyship to legally manage their affairs. But what does the process actually involve?
In this post, we break down the application process.
- Assess Capacity
Before applying, it must be confirmed that the person lacks capacity to make decisions. You’ll need a specific type of capacity assessment completed by a professional – usually a doctor, social worker, or psychiatrist.
- Choose who will apply for Deputyship
You might want to apply for deputyship yourself, or with another person. This is called a “Lay Deputy”. We can send you guidance on what is required of a deputy to help you to decide. If you can’t decide, or there is no one to act, we can apply to be appointed as professional deputy.
If a lay deputy is to be appointed, we will send them our onboarding paperwork and ID checks to complete. This can be done remotely.
- Complete our Questionnaire
We will send you a questionnaire to complete with all of the information we need to draft the application forms.
- Complete the Forms
We will send you the draft application forms to check and sign.
- Notify Interested Parties
We are required to inform the person you’re applying to act for, and anyone else with an interest (like close family). This gives others a chance to object if necessary. We must wait 14 days between sending the notifications and submitting the application.
- Submit the Application
We will submit the application online and pay the application fee.
- Court Review and Decision
The Court of Protection will review the application. If there are no objections and everything is in order, they’ll contact the deputy to arrange a surety bond (a type of insurance) and issue a court order appointing the deputy.
- What Happens After You’re Appointed?
We will send you the order and our advice on the same.
You will be under the supervision of the Office of the Public Guardian, who will contact you to discuss your new role.
Final Thoughts
Deputyship is a serious legal responsibility, but it plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals. While the process can seem complex, understanding each step and getting proper advice can make it far more manageable.
If you’re considering applying for deputyship, make sure to start gathering documents early and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Need help applying for deputyship or understanding your options? Reach out to our team.
MWB has reaffirmed its commitment to East Grinstead by relocating to a new, modern office in the heart of the town.
The new modern and spacious office – on the second floor of Medway House, in Cantelupe Road – offers a range of state-of-the-art amenities designed to support the firm’s continued growth and commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
Key features include a dedicated reception area for welcoming clients; two external meeting rooms; a wellness room to support staff wellbeing; a small quiet office, ideal for focused work; an open plan office, including a number of height-adjsutable desks; a post room; and a separate kitchen space.
Dean Orgill, chief executive at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “We are delighted to open our new office in East Grinstead, which reflects our ongoing strategy to invest in modern, flexible workspaces across Sussex.
“This move is a testament to our long-term commitment to the town, ensuring we continue to provide high-quality legal services to the local community. Our investment in this new space also supports staff recruitment and retention, helping us attract top legal talent while creating a welcoming and efficient environment for both clients and employees.”
Located just 12-minute walk from East Grinstead Railway Station and close to town centre amenities, the new office is part the law firm’s strategy to broaden its footprint across the region, which included opening a new hub in Chichester in 2023.
Mayo Wynne Baxter has offices throughout the Sussex region, including in Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Lewes, Seaford, Storrington, as well as a London office.
We have launched a dedicated attorney affairs team to assist clients with managing their personal and financial affairs.
The newly-formed team is led by Tracy Rowden, a partner in the private client department who has more than 25 years’ experience. She is joined by chartered legal executive Angie Dodsworth, along with paralegals Kendall Sherwen and Hannah Tolley.
Together, they will oversee attorney affairs matters, including lasting power of attorney (LPA) applications where an individual’s capacity is in question.
Tracy said: “We understand that managing someone else’s financial affairs can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with complex legal and administrative processes. It can be difficult for individuals to navigate these responsibilities alone, especially during emotionally-challenging times.
“Our team is here to provide reassurance and practical assistance, ensuring individuals receive the support they need to manage financial and personal matters efficiently. We pride ourselves on our compassionate approach and take the time to understand our clients’ unique situations so we can tailor our services to their specific needs.”
The launch of the team comes amid increasing awareness of the need for proactive financial and legal planning.
However, according to a survey of more than 1,000 people[i], only 13% have formalised an LPA – despite its importance in protecting an individual’s financial and personal affairs should they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
This highlights a significant gap and with a growing number of individuals now recognising the need to safeguard their future, Mayo Wynne Baxter aims to bridge the gap between legal provisions and practical implementation.
The team will provide support in two key areas. The attorney affairs service is designed for individuals who have appointed the firm’s partners as their attorneys for property and financial matters under an LPA or an enduring power of attorney (EPA). This service includes managing financial correspondence, handling tax affairs, overseeing property maintenance and arranging care services where necessary.
The attorney assistance service offers guidance and support to lay attorneys who have been appointed under an LPA or EPA but may require professional assistance. This service is structured to meet different levels of need, from an initial guidance meeting to help clients get started, to a starter service that establishes necessary financial and legal structures, and a complete management option for those who require ongoing support.
[i] The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Mayo Wynne Baxter with 1,000 people with a parent aged 60 or over. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles, and is a member of The British Polling Council.
[1] The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Mayo Wynne Baxter with 1,000 people with a parent aged 60 or over. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles, and is a member of The British Polling Council.
Mayo Wynne Baxter mentors inspire students through Dare to Dream programme
As part of its ongoing commitment to social mobility, full-service Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has partnered with the Dare to Dream initiative – delivered by the Love Local Jobs Foundation – to help young people build confidence, ambition and self-belief.
Through the partnership, Mayo Wynne Baxter has been paired with Hove Park School, where a dedicated team of mentors is working closely with students to improve their self-belief and demonstrate that aspirational career paths such as the legal sector are not only possible but well within their reach.
Five professionals from the firm – commercial partner Jonathan Clays, litigation partner Paul Rooke, private client solicitor Eloise Smith, chartered legal executive Angela Payne and commercial paralegal Molly Hamilton – have stepped up as mentors, supported by colleagues family paralegal Rebecca Robinson and private client partner Rebecca Louis.
Together, they are guiding and supporting a group of year nine students through the programme, offering valuable insights into the legal industry and world of work, while helping the students develop essential life skills.
Mayo Wynne Baxter chief executive Dean Orgill said: “We believe in unlocking the potential of young people and giving them opportunities to explore careers they may not have considered. By working with Dare to Dream, we hope to inspire students at Hove Park School and show them that the legal services sector is accessible to anyone with ambition and drive.”
The programme officially began with an initial briefing in mid-February, where the mentors took part in a training session. Looking ahead, the next stage is set to take place in March, where students will further develop key competencies essential for their future success.
The students will also have an opportunity to visit Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Lewes office in April, allowing them to experience the professional environment first-hand. The programme will culminate a few weeks later, where students will put their new-found skills into action.
Dare to Dream is an initiative from the Love Local Jobs Foundation that is dedicated to helping young people reimagine their future by building self-awareness, resilience and employability skills.
Jack Hayes, head of programme delivery at Dare to Dream and the former long-standing host of the Heart Sussex breakfast show, said: “We’re all about changing mindsets and empowering young people to believe in themselves. The involvement of companies like Mayo Wynne Baxter is crucial in showing students what’s possible when they have confidence and determination.”