What We Do

ISAs, or Individual Savings Accounts, are tax-free savings and investment accounts that are available to residents in the United Kingdom. There are several types of ISAs, including Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs, Innovative Finance ISAs, and Lifetime ISAs. Each type of ISA offers different benefits and features, but all allow the account holder to save and invest money without paying tax on the interest or returns earned.   

OEIC, or Open-Ended Investment Company, is a type of collective investment scheme that pools money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and property.  OEICs are considered a flexible and convenient way to invest in a diversified portfolio, and they are typically managed by professional fund managers who make investment decisions on behalf of the investors.   

Also known as mutual funds, these are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. They are managed by professional fund managers, who make investment decisions on behalf of the investors. Investing in unit trusts offers diversification, cost-effectiveness, and professional management. However, they also come with fees and expenses, and all investments carry risk.  

Onshore and offshore bonds are investment products offered by insurance companies, which can be used for long-term savings and tax planning. 

Onshore bonds are investment products that are issued by insurance companies. They are subject to the local tax laws and can provide tax benefits, such as deferral of tax on any gains until the bond is encashed or sold. Onshore bonds are often used as part of an individual's financial planning for retirement or estate planning, as the tax benefits can make them an attractive option for long-term savings. 

Offshore bonds, on the other hand, are issued by insurance companies based outside of the investor's home country, usually in a low-tax jurisdiction. They are not subject to the investor's home country's tax laws and can provide potential tax advantages, such as tax deferral, for investors who live in high-tax countries. However, investors may be subject to tax on the gains when they repatriate the funds back to their home country. Offshore bonds are often used by high-net-worth individuals for estate planning or as a way to diversify their investment portfolios. 

These are investment decisions that take into consideration ethical, social, and environmental factors, and may involve investing in companies that prioritize sustainability, human rights, diversity and inclusion. It can be approached through socially responsible investing (SRI), impact investing, or environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. While they may come with trade-offs, many investors accept these in order to align their investments with their values.   

A pension review is an assessment of your current pension plan to determine if it's suitable for your needs. The review considers your financial situation, retirement goals, age, income, expenses, and investments. A pension expert may recommend changes to your plan or suggest alternative pension options. Regular reviews ensure your pension plan remains effective in meeting your goals and identifying potential issues early. 

Pension switching involves moving pension benefits from one scheme to another, often to consolidate pensions or take advantage of different investment options. Considerations include potential loss of guaranteed benefits, transfer value, taxes and charges, and scheme protection. Seeking professional financial advice is recommended before making a decision.  

Pension consolidation is the process of combining multiple pension plans into a single plan. It can simplify administration, reduce costs, and improve investment returns. Consolidation can occur within the same or different employers, or through annuities. However, it is a complex process that requires considering factors such as existing plan terms, investment options, fees, and the plan sponsor's solvency. Consult a financial advisor or actuary to assess its impact on your retirement income and benefits. 

Pension drawdown is a way to access your pension savings in retirement, which allows you to withdraw money from your pension pot while keeping the rest invested. It is an alternative to purchasing an annuity, which provides a fixed income for life. 

This is a flexible option that allows you to adjust your withdrawals to suit your changing financial needs in retirement. It's important to seek professional financial advice when considering pension drawdown to ensure that it is the right option for you and that you understand the risks involved. You should also regularly review your pension drawdown plan to make sure it continues to meet your needs and that you are not taking out more money than you can afford to. 

An annuity is a financial contract between an individual and an insurance company, in which the individual makes a lump sum payment or series of payments, and in return, the insurance company agrees to make regular payments to the individual, either for a specified period of time or for the individual's lifetime. Annuities are typically used as a way to provide a stream of income during retirement, and there are several different types of annuities available, including: 

• Immediate annuities: Payments begin immediately after the purchase.
• Deferred annuities: Payments are deferred until a future date.
• Fixed annuities: Payments are a fixed amount and the interest rate is guaranteed. 
• Variable annuities: Payments can fluctuate depending on the performance of the underlying investments.

The decision to purchase an annuity is a personal one and depends on your individual financial situation and goals. If you're considering purchasing an annuity, it is important to speak with a financial professional to help you understand if that is the right choice for you. 

Life insurance provides financial protection in the event of death. It can help cover end-of-life expenses and provide ongoing financial support for loved ones. There are several types of life insurance, and the right coverage will depend on an individual's specific needs and financial situation. 

Critical illness cover is an insurance policy that provides a lump sum payment if the policyholder is diagnosed with a specified serious illness, such as cancer or heart attack. The purpose of this cover is to help policyholders cope with the financial impact of a critical illness, such as expensive medical bills and loss of income. Critical illness cover is not the same as health insurance, and provides a lump sum payment that can be used however the policyholder chooses. 

Long-term care is a range of services for people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or aging who need assistance with activities of daily living. It can include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home care. Long-term care can be expensive, and is often paid for out of pocket or with the help of insurance or various government benefits. It's important to plan ahead for the possibility of needing long-term care to ensure you have access to the care you need and protect your financial security.  

Income protection is an insurance policy that provides a regular income to individuals if they are unable to work due to an illness or injury. It helps to replace a portion of their lost income, providing financial stability during a difficult time.