News

Hello to a new year, a fresh start and forward focus. We aren’t the only ones looking forward and appraising the year ahead; a new report has noted that in 2021, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are placing a high priority on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) issues and assessing how organisational ESG activities and investments […]

As we enter a new year, the winter months endure, but the hope of spring hangs in the air, an enticing prospect. So, while you’re awaiting the green shoots of spring, why not take the opportunity to get your finances in order before the end of the tax year? It’s a good time to double-check […]

Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts have fallen for the first time since 2009, according to data from HMRC. The amount of IHT collected in the 2019/20 tax year fell 4% (or £223m) to £5.2bn, with the introduction of the main residence nil rate band (RNRB) said to be the primary driver behind the fall. The RNRB, […]

Last year was challenging, with job losses and pay cuts causing many to tighten their budgets. It was particularly difficult for the self-employed, with many freelancers losing income as companies cut costs and stopped using contractors. Despite government grants being available, many self-employed workers have found they are not eligible. Almost five million people in […]

Launched in September 2020, the Green Homes Grant is a government scheme that allows homeowners in England to claim vouchers of up to £5,000 to help pay for energy-saving home improvements. Examples include insulating your home to reduce your energy use or installing low-carbon heating to lower the amount of carbon dioxide your home produces. […]

The equity release market is gradually showing signs of recovery following the initial lockdown last spring, although activity is still below the previous year’s levels. A total of £963m of equity was released in Q3 2020 by new and returning customers, according to data from the Equity Release Council (ERC), up 38% from Q2 but […]

Decimalisation 50 years on Shillings and pence were replaced with ‘new pence’ on 15 February 1971, in what proved to be quite a complex process. On ‘D-Day’ businesses had to switch their accounting and pricing to decimal, banks had to adapt their part-computerised, part-manual systems and everyone had to learn the new system, including school […]

With the end of the tax year fast approaching (Monday 5 April), if you have cash that you don’t need to access in the short term and would like to use some or all of this year’s ISA allowance, don’t leave it too late and risk missing out on this opportunity to save tax-efficiently; remember […]

Here’s a quick reminder of your mortgage ready tips for the year ahead: Advice – Choosing the right mortgage deal can be a challenge, which is why we’re here to advise and support you throughout the process and help you find the right deal for your circumstances. Budget and Be prepared – Go through your […]

Whatever 2021 has in store, we want to reassure you that we’re here for you and all your financial planning needs. While the year is expected to see the global economy rebound from the COVID-induced recession, the pace of recovery is indeterminable. In addition to uncertainties created by the pandemic, Brexit, trade and political issues […]