STEP

In several jurisdictions across the Middle East, experts have noted that succession planning is increasingly being treated not simply as a family matter but as a core component of business continuity.

In this STEP Journal article James Patterson, News Editor at STEP, examines the changing landscape of family succession planning in the Middle East and the growing focus on governance, continuity and next-generation readiness.

📖Learn more in the article: https://tinyurl.com/4m7c5bnb

We are delighted that STEP's strategic partnership with The Association of Lifetime Lawyers has been shortlisted for a 2026 memcom Award for Best Collaborative Partnership.

Together, we successfully campaigned for a change in UK law to ensure that compensation payments made under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme are exempt from inheritance tax, regardless of how or when they are transferred. The change was announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget and subsequently enacted through the Finance Act.

Most importantly, this achievement will help ensure that compensation reaches affected families as intended.

This outcome would not have been possible without the commitment, determination and advocacy of a dedicated campaign team, including Jade Gani TEP and others. We owe particular thanks to Owen McLaughlin who has campaigned tirelessly, and whose personal connection to this issue has grounded the work in real-life impact.

We are proud that this partnership, and the impact it has delivered, has been recognised.

We look forward to joining fellow finalists at the awards ceremony on 24 September.

👉Find out more about the Memcom Awards shortlist: www.memcom.org.uk/awards-2026-shortlist

'The first edition of this title was published in 2014, and the fact that it has now reached its fifth edition is a powerful indicator of the pace at which both case law and practice in the Court of Protection in England and Wales have developed over the past decade.' Caroline Bielanska comments in her Book Review.

In this STEP Journal Book Review Caroline Bielanska reviews 'Court of Protection Handbook: a user’s guide, fifth edition' by Alex Ruck Keene KC, Kate Edwards, Nicola Mackinstosh KC, Sophy Miles, Sheree Green TEP and Laura Mannering.

👉Read more in the article: https://tinyurl.com/mwxnref9

You can shape the future of integrity, trust and excellence in our profession by joining STEP's Professional Standards Committee!

The Committee safeguards the reputation of STEP with responsibility for setting expected standards for our members worldwide.

Requirements include:

☑️ TEP membership held for a minimum of one year
☑️Commitment to professionalism, integrity and teamwork
☑️Sound judgement and the ability to make objective decisions

Find out more about the vacancy: https://www.step.org/governance/step-committees-and-panels