FBC Manby Bowdler

Energy costs: why pressures persist – and what businesses can do next By Tracy Lake, Partner, Corporate Team, FBC Manby Bowdler Energy costs remain one of the most stubborn challenges facing UK businesses in 2026. Even with wholesale markets being calmer than during the dramatic peaks in 2022–23, the underlying pressures have not eased and new global issues, such as the conflict in the Middle East, exacerbate an already sensitive market.

"It's worth noting that whatever building you would like to convert into a dwelling must be suitable for conversion. Full demolition and rebuilding is not allowed.

" While the reforms to social care funding have been largely welcomed, homeowners need to understand the implications of the rule changes on their future plans" Partner, Carina Kervin Many homeowners may still have to sell their homes to pay for their own care later in life as reforms which were meant to tackle unfairness in the way the social care system is funded fall short of levelling the playing field, according to one leading Shropshire law firm.