Blog
Oct 2020
Family Investment Companies
What is a family investment company (FIC)?
FICs are companies limited by shares (an “Ltd” or “Limited”) often setup by parents or grandparents (“Founders”) to benefit both themselves and their family as shareholders. Their popularity has increased in recent years, being seen as a corporate alternative to the more common discretionary trust.
Sep 2020
Giving the gift of property? Don’t get caught by the tax man
We’ve heard about plenty of incidents where parents have helped children get on the property ladder - but what about when children want to help grandparents downsize? Whilst many think they could be playing it safe, make sure the tax man doesn’t pounce.
Sep 2020
Coronavirus Update - Jobs Support Scheme announced
With new government guidance on Covid coming into force today and the current furlough scheme coming to an end next month, as expected, the Chancellor has today announced a new scheme to help businesses.
Sep 2020
Latest government Covid measures re-introduce work from home message
As Covid-19 cases continue to climb, the UK faces ever tougher restrictions. But, with the furlough scheme winding down, what rights do employers and employees have when returning to work?
Sep 2020
What could the UK jobs market look like after the furlough scheme comes to an end?
The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), was launched by the Government in March to protect people's jobs and help keep businesses steady.
Sep 2020
Death is no excuse for bill chasers without probate
When a loved one passes away, executors can begin dealing with any assets of the estate. However, many people do not realise as well as any property or savings, executors can be faced with debts left by the deceased, which can become a minefield without probate in some cases.
Sep 2020
Administrating an Estate is not a task to be taken lightly
Taking on the role of executor should be done with plenty of thought, as it can lead to a mountain of work and sorting out any assets from the estate can take months.
Sep 2020
Spousal Bypass Trusts: Explained
Spousal Bypass Trusts, a terminology widely used by independent financial advisors, otherwise known as a discretionary trust, have been around for a long time and have been designed to protect a spouse from paying inheritance tax (IHT) on any pension death benefits. However, thanks to recent changes in the law, many people may not need to hold any death benefits in trust and may be able to be passed down through the generations - as long as they remain in their pension “wrapper”.
Sep 2020
Positive property prices showing strength in post-lockdown recovery
Despite initial concerns for the property market, it appears there has been an upturn following lockdown as property prices notch up their highest monthly rise since February 2004.
Sep 2020
September separations are becoming most common for divorce
According to a recent report, the last Monday in September is the most common day for British couples seeking divorce, with more than double the amount of enquiries of a normal Monday.
