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Stock Take Last week, a sluggish FTSE 100 suggested that markets are still nervous about the British economy, despite the UK Chancellor talking up its performance during his Autumn statement. One of…

At a glance Even if you’ve saved carefully for long term care, made your Will and got your affairs in order, there’s no knowing when life might suddenly throw you a curveball….

Being tax efficient through all stages of your financial planning journey can contribute to achieving your financial goals. That’s why being aware of the challenges and opportunities that tax, and benefit changes…

At a glance Most exiting business owners use advisers to help them find an appropriate buyer, then guide and manage the sales process. These advisers might include brokers, agents or corporate-finance advisers….

Stock Take After the risk-off mood in October, world markets have staged a strong recovery so far this month, as investors increased their bets that the major central banks have ended their…

At a glance When the time comes to step back from running your firm, appointing an internal successor can allow you the opportunity to plan the transition and make sure it’s as…

Stock Take UK equities ended last week on a down note, after figures revealed the UK economy was flat in the third quarter. Despite a recent pause, the Bank of England has…

At a glance Jake Munday discovered the importance of annual reviews soon after launching his firm Custom Neon in 2018. As CEO and co-founder of the online sign-making company, he realised these…

At a glance It can be a vicious circle. Worrying about paying the bills makes it harder to earn and manage your money. And feeling that you’re not on top of your…

Stock Take Global equity markets, particularly those containing small and medium sized companies, rallied strongly last week as optimism that central banks had reached the end of their tightening cycle, gathered momentum….

At a glance Money isn’t a dirty word. But it’s probably responsible for more arguments around the dinner table than almost anything else – from who’s spending too much, to how to…

At a glance They say you can’t put a price on family, but just how much does it cost to raise a child? Raising a child from birth to 18 in 2022,…

At a glance One of the most frustrating growth barriers many start-up owners face is a lengthy working capital cycle (WCC). If you face this knotty problem, the sooner you untangle it…

Stock Take Last week saw the anniversary of the 1929 Stock Market crash, an event which led directly into the great depression. 94 years later, the current market is going through its…

At a glance Financially it’s been a difficult few years for households in a range of income brackets. The cost of living has risen substantially as inflation has soared1, household energy bills…

At a glance By the time it comes to exiting your business, many SMEs will likely have written agreements with employees, suppliers, customers and shareholders. Unfortunately, many firms end up with a…

Stock Take Global markets remained firmly on the back foot last week, as inflationary and political developments continued to cause issues for investors. In the UK, the FTSE 100 fell 2.6% after…

At a glance When you’re considering your future and what to do with your money, it’s important to make sure you will have enough funds to cover your expenses and maintain a…

At a glance Most owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) care deeply about the wellbeing of their staff – whether that’s mental, physical or financial. They can also see how much…

Stock Take Geopolitical worries and mixed economic news across the West presented a challenging environment for investors last week. In the UK, The Office for National Statistics revealed that monthly GDP grew…

At a glance You may assume that if you needed some form of long-term care, you would have to move into a care home or nursing home. But that may not be…

At a glance For much of the past year, the big economic story affecting markets has remained the same: inflation is too high, and central banks have been increasing interest rates to…

At a glance As an early-stage business owner, you’re likely bursting with ideas for your company’s growth. You must plan this phase carefully; a key reason many small businesses fail is not…

At a glance Why financial health should be our ethical and financial priority What is financial wellbeing? It’s about knowing that you can pay the bills, manage your debts, deal with the…

Stock Take Dramatic events across the globe last week had a notable impact on investment performance. The developing situation in the Middle East is likely to put pressure on oil prices. Brent…

At a glance Your company’s first customers are a rich source of information about everything from themselves and other potential customers, to the market, suppliers, competitors and even your business itself. Learning…

Stock Take The phrase ‘data is the new oil’ has been common for much of the twentieth century. Technology companies have turned into trillion-dollar businesses, built around the collection and analysis of…

Your options for accessing your pension 29 September 2023 5 minutes At a glance There’s more choice and flexibility than ever before when it comes to accessing your retirement savings. You’re more…

At a glance For growing businesses, it’s natural to focus on building your sales or creating cost efficiencies to increase your profits. But don’t overlook strengthening your organisation’s resilience in these early…

Stock Take Established in 1668, Sweden’s Riksbank was the first institution recognised as a central bank. It was one of a host holding rate-setting meetings last week in a bonanza for central…

At a glance Any one of us can find ourselves vulnerable, at any point. Since Covid, and the cost of living crisis, the number of vulnerable people in our society has soared….

At a glance If you’re selling or exiting a business, you’ll hopefully receive a significant cash sum – your reward for years of hard work. But before you sign the deal, it’s…

Stock Take Several equity markets bounced last week on positive economic news from China and softer messaging from the European Central Bank (ECB). Starting in Europe, on Thursday the ECB lifted central…

At a glance Selling a second property? Cashing in a share portfolio? When you sell a valuable asset that’s gone up in value since you bought it, you may have to pay…

At a glance Simon Ursell is Managing Director of environmental consultancy Tyler Grange and has led the firm for 13 years. He has grown it from a start-up to a company of…

Stock Take September is often a tough month for markets. Data going back to 1945 shows that it is, on average, the worst month of the year for the S&P 500 Index….

At a glance Whether you’ve got 20 years before you retire or just a few, it’s important to have an idea of just how much money you’ll need for a comfortable standard…

At a glance We’re borrowing more and saving less. And finding yourself in financial difficulty is a known suicide risk. The prolonged cost of living crisis has had a profound effect on…

At a glance After your early-stage business has made some sales, it’s tempting to look at your bank balance and think you’re in a great position. But even with healthy customer numbers…

Stock Take The food inflation story took a new turn last week when it was revealed that Burger King faces a lawsuit in the US over allegations that its Whopper burger looks…

At a glance In all the excitement and exhilaration of getting a brand new job, or a big promotion, it’s easy to overlook your death-in-service benefits. Negotiating your new salary, or flexible…

Stock Take Some good company results last week helped US equities before all eyes fell on Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As well as being a popular skiing destination, Jackson Hole is becoming well…

At a glance Inflation is a topic that has been making headlines this year. It’s important to understand how it can impact your savings and investments. Simply put, inflation refers to the…

At a glance When we’re advising our clients, we often talk about what they want their money to do for them. How they can use their money to create a world they…

At a glance As a start-up, knowing what expenses can be tax-deductible will help boost your cash flow significantly. Plus, with the corporation tax rate increasing for some firms – to as…

Stock Take After more than a year of inflation dominating market performance in Western markets, the past week saw the emergence of deflation, raising its unwelcome head. The causes of inflation in…

At a glance If you need long-term care and have received a care support plan, the next step – if you think you might be eligible for some financial support – is…

At a glance  Entrepreneur Steve Witt has started and grown several businesses during his career, including his current venture, The Travel Franchise. In 2008, he sold UKDomains, a company offering web domain…

At a glance The Lifetime ISA (LISA) replaced the government’s Help to Buy ISA scheme at the end of 2019. LISAs were designed to help younger savers get on the property ladder…

Stock Take Much of 2023 has been fairly bleak for those in the UK. Inflation has remained above its developed market peers, as the cost-of-living crisis has continued for longer than many…

At a glance What are the chances that you’ll need some form of long-term care before the end of your life? It’s a question that’s very hard to answer, and all too…

At a glance One positive outcome of the pandemic has been companies’ increased focus on employee wellbeing – and these initiatives have been so beneficial that the trend looks here to stay….

Stock Take It’s not certain whether the saying ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’ really does have nautical origins. But there’s no doubt the Bank of England knows how it…

At a glance The first half of the year could be described as a bit topsy turvy, with some high-profile failures being reported alongside companies boasting record revenues and profits. Globally, inflation…

At a glance The government announced it was making changes to the social care system in England back in 2021. These included a social care cap: limiting the cost of personal care…

At a glance Be clear about payment terms “Two critical lessons we learned were about getting payments in on time and enforcing our terms rigorously,” Matthew explains. Early on, Rewind Creative ran…

US stocks rose last week, as positive economic news in the US combined with falling inflation figures to spur hopes that the US might be able to return inflation to normal while…

At a glance Whether you’re looking to exit your business altogether or just release some value, private equity (PE) firms might be an interesting potential buyer. There are advantages and disadvantages to…

Stock Take After disappointing inflationary figures for most of the first half of the year, a notable reduction in June helped lift optimism among UK investors. Headline CPI inflation fell from 8.7%…

At a glance Finding the money to pay for care home fees can be one of the biggest financial worries facing us in later life. Your local authority may help fund your…

At a glance It can be hard for business owners to find time to think about innovation, especially during an economic slump – but it’s often necessary for survival or to maintain…

Stock Take Has the US Federal Reserve finally got the upper hand in its fight against inflation? Data released on Wednesday provided hope that the succession of interest rate rises may at…

Five tips for negotiating with powerful suppliers 12 July 2023 4 minutes At a glance You may have more negotiating power with big suppliers than you think. But you often need to…

At a glance The US market had a strong quarter, while the UK market struggled Companies taking advantage of AI have seen strong returns over the past few months With so much…

Stock Take If all the hotdogs eaten by Americans on Independence Day were put end to end, they would stretch from Washington DC to Los Angeles more than five times. It was…

At a glance In the last tax year (2022-23) bereaved families paid £6.1 billion in Inheritance Tax, the largest single-year rise since 2015-16.1 Reducing the value of your estate during your lifetime…

At a glance It can be easy to delay launching a business, thinking that you need to know everything before you begin. But Nicola Russill-Roy, founder of Propose PR and a St. James’s Place…

Stock Take Global equities finished the quarter on a high note, with the majority of the major indexes finishing the week in positive territory. US shares helped lead the charge, with both…

At a glance Many women rely on the State Pension when it comes to retirement income, but you may have a smaller workplace pension than your colleagues if you took time out…

At a glance Active investing involves fund managers making active decisions over what to invest in. Passive investors look to replicate a given index or market. Both strategies have their strengths and…

Stock Take Not for the first time this year, last week’s economic news was dominated by persistent inflation struggles in the UK. Leading up to last week, expectations were for a moderate…

At a glance After reaching certain milestones or goals in your business journey, you may need to readjust your strategy to reach the next level, which might mean bringing new skills and…

Stock Take Global markets performed well last week, as investors reacted to inflation and interest rate news from the US. US headline inflation fell to 4.1% in May. This compared to 4.9%…

At a glance Inflation and other cost pressures are keeping confidence down among SMEs. Taking steps to keep a lid on fixed costs can help you maintain profits when margins are under…

Stock Take ‘Listless’ would best describe markets for most of last week. Investors sat on their hands awaiting imminent interest rate decisions by the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of…

At a glance LGBTQ+ people face unique challenges impacting their earning potential and decision-making around finances. Many factors present issues when it comes to wealth accumulation. Financial advice from an adviser you…

At a glance Keeping track of key financial metrics such as sales, costs, profit and cash flow, and analysing them regularly, can help you ensure your business is in good health. This…

At a glance Families often focus on how their aged relative will meet care costs, but those looking after loved ones should have a financial plan of their own as well. Carers…

At a glance Starting a child’s pension is a tax-efficient way to save for their future and set them up for future financial wellbeing. Only a parent or guardian can open up…

At a glance A growing number of business directors are making the decision to pass a controlling stake in their company to their employees. Employee-owned businesses enjoy various tax advantages and often…

Stock Take Over the last century, investors have frequently been concerned about the possibility of the United States defaulting on its debt, as the country has repeatedly faced political challenges in raising…

At a glance A financial adviser can help you understand Capital Gains Tax so you don’t end up losing out. Gains from almost any kind of personal possessions could be liable to…

Stock Take Japan’s asset price bubble of the late 1980s was a heady mixture of exuberant equity markets and skyrocketing real estate prices. The ground underneath the Imperial Palace was once said…

At a glance When you pay off your mortgage, you’ll have money that’s freed up by no longer having mortgage payments. Rather than see this money dissolve into household budget or day-to-day…

At a glance Some believe if you’re suffering from dementia, the costs of care will be met by the NHS – often, sufferers must pay care home fees themselves. Needing long-term care…

Stock Take Households are all too familiar with the challenge of paying the bills in the current climate. After last week’s further hike in UK interest rates, that challenge will become even…

At a glance Independent school fees jumped by 5.1% in 2022, up from 4% on 20/21.1 The average cost per child is now £34,790 a year for boarders.1 Private education can be affordable,…

Stock Take “We’re closer, or maybe even there.” After raising its policy interest rate at a rapid pace since March 2022, Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jerome Powell last week suggested the central…

At a glance If you’re selling your business, buyers will want to see as much data as possible to support their offer. As well as revenue and profit, they’ll look at detailed…

At a glance Economic downturns can leave staff feeling worse off and demotivated at work. It’s important to be open with employees about your firm’s situation and encourage them to share ideas…

At a glance A major contract with a multinational customer can boost your revenue, your reputation and your growth prospects. However, there are challenges to be aware of, from language barriers to…

Stock Take Strong earnings from a number of large companies contrasted with a third US bank failing last week to provide mixed results for investors. The bank in question this time was…

At a glance  Your company’s first 12 months are critical. There are several key areas you should focus on during this time in order for your business to grow and thrive. Articulating…

At a glance Saving a nest egg can give your children a great start in life – and it doesn’t have to break the bank. The longer the investment has to mature,…

Making a voluntary contribution to your State Pension pot could be an efficient way to put money towards your retirement, but it’s important to consider all the implications At a glance You’ll…

Stock Take “Inflation is taxation without legislation,” said US economist Milton Friedman. If so, it’s little wonder the UK is feeling the pinch. In a big week for UK data, the Office…

At a glance Offset mortgages can seem confusing but those who take them out can potentially benefit from great savings. Having an offset mortgage can provide flexible benefits when it comes to…

At a glance Success comes with its own challenges. It can take many years of struggling to grow your business to the point when you can sell it for what you had…

Stock Take Cooling but still too hot. The focus for markets last week was Wednesday’s release of the latest US inflation data, as investors looked for signs that the Federal Reserve might…

At a glance: Markets experienced broadly positive performance last quarter Although there were bank failures, this hasn’t led to a wider sector collapse, and diversification helped smooth some of the volatility this…

At a glance Some of the most common questions people tend to ask are “What if I can’t decide who gets what?”, “What if my beneficiaries are too young to look after…

At a glance It’s never too early to think about how long you will pay for long-term care in later life, either for you or a loved one. Long-term care can be…

Stock Take Markets meandered last week as the volatility induced by the recent turmoil in the banking sector subsided and investors eased themselves into the holiday weekend. The week was book-ended by…

At a glance Non-executive director (NED) roles can be a great option for SME owners when they exit their business. They can help you widen your leadership experience; stay fresh and motivated;…

At a glance In November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt introduced sweeping changes to tax allowances and a continued freeze on tax thresholds for basic and higher rate taxpayers. It’s more important than ever…

Stock Take Those Easter eggs are going to be even more of a treat this year. Last week, market researcher Kantar revealed that the soaring price of sweets and fizzy drinks contributed…

At a glance Fraud cases increased by 151% between 2021 and 20221, and SMEs are often seen as a soft target. Types of fraud SMEs are vulnerable to include phishing scams and…

At a glance In the current environment, making the best use of tax-efficient wrappers such as pensions and ISAs is all the more important. Choosing between an ISA and a pension isn’t…

At a glance As a growing business, you may be looking to expand your team, which means weighing up the pros and cons of hiring contractors vs employees. Freelance and contract workers…

Stock Take “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” Mike Tyson was better known for his boxing than his wisdom, but he had a point. Last week, the…

At a glance  Selling shares when markets are low could see you miss any price bounce back.  Market uncertainty can provide long-term opportunities for savvy fund managers to exploit.  Relatively cheap UK…

With the UK’s tax burden reaching its highest level since the 1950s, and the fastest-falling living standards in a generation, it’s more important than ever to combine your tax-efficient pension and ISA…

At a glance LGBTQ+ couples may not be eligible for all the Inheritance Tax allowances available – for example, if they’re not in a legally recognised union (a marriage or civil partnership)…

At a glance Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects almost two million adults in the UK. People with ADHD exhibit certain behaviour patterns such as impulsivity and trouble…

At a glance If you’re part of the ‘sandwich’ generation, with responsibility for a young family and elderly parents, you can feel pulled in every direction financially. Making the most of tax…

Stock Take Between a rock and a hard place is an uncomfortable place to be. Just ask the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. The upheaval in global bank shares…

At a glance We never know what’s just around the corner. The combination of inflation and rising taxes is leaving UK households worse off, with disposable incomes predicted to fall by 7%1….

At a glance We never know what’s just around the corner. The combination of inflation and rising taxes is leaving UK households worse off, with disposable incomes predicted to fall by 7%1….

In the days leading up to the Budget, the general expectation was that the primary focus of the Chancellor would be on encouraging long-term sustainable growth and continuing economic support for those…

At a glance You’ve got far more flexibility in how you plan your retirement income now, but there are a few tax-traps to look out for. Paying tax when you’re working is…

Stock Take Oscillate: to move repeatedly from one position to another. Last week saw markets continue to fluctuate as investors grappled with the higher-for-longer interest rate outlook. The week began with the…

At a glance The latest Financial Health Index from St. James’s Place highlights a huge – and widening – gap between the north and south of the UK when it comes to financial wellbeing. There’s also…

At a glance Exiting your business may be your ultimate goal, but when it becomes reality, many owners find it harder than they anticipated to let go a company they’ve started and…

At a glance From April, several changes to the way companies and individuals are taxed will come into force, so if you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to review how…

At a glance Taking advice can save you money and improve your financial wellbeing. Getting professional tax advice helps you make sense of the UK’s complicated tax rules and regulations. Having regular…

At a glance A business loan could help you secure much-needed funds without diluting your equity. It’s important to know the reasons why a loan application may be turned down. The credit…

At a glance An economic slump could be as good a time as any to launch a new business. Small, agile companies are well placed to capitalise on new opportunities that may…

Stock Take Soft landing, hard landing, or no landing at all. Markets are still having a tough time figuring out which economic outlook to believe. A soft landing is the scenario policymakers…

3 March 2023 3 minutes At a glance The amount individuals and couples need to enjoy a comfortable, moderate or minimum standard of living in retirement has risen by almost 20% in…

At a glance Tax planning shouldn’t be considered only at the end of the tax year – it’s something that should be built into your wider financial plan. The first step is…

At a glance Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced several tax changes from the 2023/4 tax year, including reductions in capital gains and dividend allowances. It’s important to make the most of pensions and…

At a glance: 2022 proved a difficult 12 months for financial markets Avoiding making rash decisions on short-term volatility is important Company valuations suppressed by market conditions might provide a long-term opportunity…

At a glance The hike in interest rates has meant securing funding to invest in growth is harder for businesses – so you need to place a greater emphasis on corporate quality….

At a glance: You can use tax allowances to balance your outgoings today against your financial investments and plans for your future Contributing as much as you can into pensions and ISAs…

At a glance Adding to your team at the right time needs careful planning and may require difficult conversations with your existing staff. If you’ve hit a growth ceiling, think about the…

At a glance People often question how to create a plan for their money when they’re gone, particularly those who are child free. Philanthropy and charitable giving means you can make a…

At a glance The UK is in a recession, but not all industries will be affected equally. Whether you’re in a shrinking sector or not, there are likely to be growth opportunities…

At a glance The difficult economic forecast in 2023 means that more companies will face scale-backs or closure. Using reliable cash-flow data will provide early information on financial problems, so you can…

At a glance: Good tax habits mean more confidence, control and peace of mind for you. Make sure you’re not missing out on important tax breaks – before tax-year end. Organise your…

Stock Take While global attention was largely focused on the build-up to the World Cup final between Argentina and France last week , the three main Western Central banks all raised interest…

Looking to sell your SME within the next five years? Here’s what you should start thinking about now If you want to sell your business within five years, you face critical decisions…

This crucial move not only helps in the fight against climate change, it can also provide benefits for your business. We take a closer look What is ‘net zero’? It has become…

The Retirement Living Standards explain exactly what a happy and enjoyable retirement will cost you. We now have more information, more choices, and more responsibility for our retirement savings. But will the…

Retaining senior talent is a challenge for many growing companies. Offering flexible, tailored pension schemes is a good way to keep your executives on board At a glance Consider offering a separate…

With reductions in tax reliefs and allowances looming for 2023/4, now’s a good time to check in with us to ensure you’re taking maximum advantage of them in this tax year At…

Tax matters touch nearly every aspect of your finances, so optimising tax reliefs and allowances as part of a holistic financial plan is key At a glance  Tax planning shouldn’t be considered…

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Markets eyed up higher interest rates

Claire Blackwell, Director of Marketing at St. James’s Place, explains that the sooner you start, the more you stand to benefit.