Business Development Updates

17 January 2018

Get gifting savvy with the Octopus gifting calculator

It takes seven years before a gift becomes fully exempt from inheritance tax (IHT). Up until that point, clients making gifts could still face IHT liabilities. But with this new gifting calculator, you’ll be ideally placed to help them understand what these liabilities could be, and whether there are alternative estate planning solutions, such as BPR-qualifying investments, better suited to their needs.

It’s simple to use. Just input the details of your client’s estate, make a note of any gifts made in the last seven years, and let the tool do all the calculations – including the impact of taper relief – for you. After completing the calculator, you’ll get a PDF report for your own records.
 

Investments that qualify for BPR are considered to be high risk. The value of a BPR-qualifying investment, and any income from it, can fall as well as rise. Investors may not get back the full amount they invest. The availability of tax relief depends on individual circumstances and could change in the future. Tax relief also depends on the portfolio companies maintaining their BPR-qualifying status.

10 January 2018

Invesco Perpetual 2018 Investment Outlooks: Available now

As we move in to the New Year – and a new set of economic uncertainties – Invesco Perpetual shares its 2018 Investment outlooks, which offer both written and video commentaries from key investment professionals for the year ahead.

Visit the outlooks hub>>

The surging markets of the past year have taken place against a backdrop of macro developments whose long-term impact on the world economy has yet to be realised – from Brexit uncertainty and continued oil price volatility, to key elections in Germany and France.

In this context, the year ahead promises to be both interesting and challenging.

18 December 2017

When it comes to your business do you feel like your energy supplier is giving you good value

Adviser Home has been working with Octopus Investments for over 6 years, sharing ideas with you on tax efficient investment solutions.  However, you may not be aware of another part of the Octopus Group – Octopus Energy.  

Launched 18 months ago, Octopus Energy now powers over 100,000 homes across the UK. 

It was built around a simple concept – that energy should be better. Better for customers through transparency, honesty and simplicity. Better for the planet, through real long term investment in renewable generation and a low CO2 future. Better value, by throwing away the old business models of the “Big 6” and instead building a business that’s fit for the 21st century.

Energy for your business

Now they’re offering businesses the same opportunity to access good value pricing, award winning customer service, and responsibly sourced sustainable energy. If you’d like to see how Octopus Energy compares to your current supplier, just click herefor a quote. The process is surprisingly simple, and takes just a few minutes.  

If your business account is managed by a colleague, please forward this on to them?

If you run your business from your home, or you’re interested in getting a quote on your domestic bill, click here.

12 December 2017

You can now sign up for the first round of Invesco Perpetual Investment Intelligence Seminars 2018

Can Goldilocks continue?

In this round Invesco Perpetual provides its outlook for global inflation and growth in 2018, as well as outlining the key fundamental factors likely to determine asset class performance.

It will also take the opportunity to hear from investment experts to see where they believe the best opportunities lie at the asset class, regional and sector level.
 
Held at more than 60 locations nationwide, attendance will qualify you for 80 minutes of structured CPD.

Sign up now>>

05 December 2017

Prudential Oracle: Regulatory special edition

In a special edition of their highly-regarded Oracle publication, Prudential look at some hot topics in the regulatory world.

At their recent adviser seminar series they had Rory Percival as their guest speaker. An overview of what Rory covered in the seminars is included in this special edition, which I’m certain you’ll find useful and illuminating.

There are also articles covering what you need to know about GDPR, new KIDs (for PRIIPs), MiFID II, IDD and pension scams.

Access the latest Oracle 

Find out more about how Prudential can help you by reading this special edition. 

01 December 2017

How will the Investment Landscape Look in 2018?

Read this comprehensive guidefrom Pictet AM including analysis and views by region and asset class, forecasts for growth, inflation and earnings across the globe.

Headlines:-

2018 promises to be another good year for equities, thanks to broad-based global economic growth

Global asset classes - Reasonably smooth conditions for equities, choppier ones for bonds.

Equity regions and styles - US equities look expensive; European, Japanese and EM markets have better prospects.

Fixed income and currencies- EM local currency debt to benefit from weaker dollar, stronger commodities and improving economic growth.

Access 2018 Investment Landscape here

29 November 2017

Introducing Rathbones new personal inflation calculator

 

 

Under pressure?

What drives inflation, where it's heading and what it means for investors.
Whether your clients are accumulating for the future or drawing down on their wealth in retirement, inflation is a key factor.

Rathbones new personal inflation calculatoris designed to give a prediction of what inflation means to them.

 

Beyond the headline rate of inflation used in the press, the calculator looks at what your clients spend their money on to create a personal prediction that can be used as an indicator of how hard their investments will have to work.

 
Inflation Trends

Of course, knowing what inflation is today is only part of the picture. Knowing what drives it and where it is headed are also valuable insights when it comes to protecting and growing their wealth. You can read more about Rathbone’s thinking on the long-term outlook for inflation – on their specially created inflation hub.

If you would like a more detailed report on the Rathbone view on inflation, what drives it and where it’s heading, please read this investment report – Under pressure?

20 November 2017

Webinar - how can robo or automated investment advice help your business

Join Munnypot founder Simon Redgrove to discuss how more of your clients and prospective clients could benefit from simple, low cost automated investment advice. 

Choice of webinar dates :

Register here for 28th Nov 2017 11am

Register here for 29th Nov 2017 11am

Please note places are limited so we suggest you register early to secure a place. We expect high demand for this important subject. (Note that Munnypot may use your details to make contact with you but that your data will not be used for any other purpose.)   Why join this 30 minute webinar?    • We know from our research since FAMR that many adviser practices are concerned that their face to face approach, whilst essential for many clients, is uneconomic for others. Meanwhile the “advice gap” continues to mean that the majority of the UK population do not receive financial advice. • Simon will discuss this and ways to approach the issue, which can complement and help grow your existing practice. • Many advisers have concern about regulatory accountability with automated solutions. With Munnypot the position is entirely clear – they are responsible for the advice given. You have a complete regulatory hand off. • During the webinar you will see more of the Munnypot solution and have the chance to pose your questions to Simon (who is also hugely experienced in the adviser world through previous leading roles in Cavanagh and Close Bros).

 

At Adviser Home we are pleased to be helping Munnypot work with the adviser community and we’d suggest that this webinar would be a good use of 30 minutes of your time.

09 November 2017

IHT affects more clients than you think

It’s hardly news that, after years of rising asset prices, more people are affected by inheritance tax.
 
But it may surprise you just how big this issue now is. And advisers have a crucial role to play in helping clients navigate the inheritance tax maze, as this blog post shows.
 
Well over 40,000 estates now have an inheritance tax liability (Office for Budget Responsibility). More will follow. The Treasury has estimated that, over the next five years, it will pull in an extra £1.2 billion in inheritance tax receipts. That’s an increase of nearly 25% on today’s level.
 
This is an area where clients value ongoing guidance. Yet some are putting it off. Recent research shows there are three main reasons why this is. 

02 November 2017

Octopus Live: 6 big client issues of 2018 (2hrs CPD)

What options does a client have if they’re bumping up against pension limits? How can you help clients who are landlords reduce their tax bills (even after recent legislation changes)? And what’s the best way to bring up the tricky topic of estate planning? 

Octopus Investments will be answering these questions and more at the upcoming Octopus Live seminars around the UK. Each event will tackle six of the big topics your clients want answers about.

Aberdeen, 7 November, 10-12
Ashford, 22 November, 10-12
Belfast, 15 November, 10-12
Brighton, 23 November, 10-12
Bristol, 22 November, 10-12
Cardiff, 21 November, 10-12
Exeter, 30 November, 10-12
Glasgow, 8 November, 10-12
Knutsford, 14 November, 10-12
Leeds, 16 November, 10-12
London, 7 November, 4.30-7.30
Luton, 9 November, 10-12
Newcastle, 9 November, 10-12
Newmarket, 7 December, 10-12
Nottingham, 5 December, 10-12
Southampton, 14 November, 10-12
Truro, 29 November, 10-12
Weybridge, 16 November, 10-12
 

Secure your place at an event near you before spaces run out. It promises to be a very lively, informative and topical event. And of course, as well as refreshments, attendees will gain two hours of CPD.

26 October 2017

A thought- provoking set of insights from Rathbones on prospects for markets - Q4 2017

We believe that you value clear, decisive market views and in our view Rathbones offer that here. As you know they are a major investment house with £37.5 bn.* under management and have been in business since 1742.
 
Highlights from the latest Rathbones Investment Insight Report Q4 2017

Investors today are paying a relatively high price for the domestically focused FTSE 250 compared with its larger multinational peers in the FTSE 100 – implications for investors Gold is back in the spotlight after an increase in geopolitical risks Can investors continue to find value in Europe’s equity markets? Attractive infrastructure investments are harder to find Are UK and US consumers driving into another financial crisis? Rathbones think not

 
You can access The Rathbone Investment Insights Document here
 
For more details on Rathbones including contacts
 
*as at 30 September 2017. Includes funds managed by Rathbone Unit Trust Management.

20 October 2017

Consider how robo or automated advice could help your business and expand your client reach

1. We know that it’s not cost-effective for some advisers to service clients with smaller investment pots.
2. We also know that some advisers have historic clients who may be in need of review.

Well, we think we’ve come up with a solution. We’ve recently partnered with Munnypot, who offer low cost, online investment advice. Munnypot are keen to work with the Adviser Home community to explore how their service can suit you and your clients.

Munnypot was founded by former IFAs, Andrew Fay and Simon Redgrove, who went on to form Cavanagh group and held the roles of Head of Wealth Management and Head of Personal Advice respectively at Close Brothers. Since then they have been developing Munnypot.

Munnypot offers online, personalised investment advice. If you pass clients to them, you achieve a clear regulatory hand off. You also gain from any investments made through the Munnypot service.

Munnypot is intuitive, easy to use and available for ISA and GIA investments of as little as £25 per month or a £250 single investment. The investment platform is provided by SEI and, with Vanguard Life Style Funds as the investment offering, the total costs – including advice cost – are targeted under 1%.

For more information and details on how to get in touch with Munnypot to see how this could work for you and your clients. More details here>>

20 October 2017

Octopus Live seminars.

The autumn series of Octopus Live seminars is just around the corner. Octopus will be hosting events across the UK, focusing on key advice opportunities that will dominate conversations with your clients in the months and years ahead.
 
Octopus will be:

taking a closer look at some of the trends expected to have a direct impact on your business and your clients talking through the opportunities that these scenarios present and how to approach your clients with them taking you through some of the solutions available that are designed to specifically meet these challenges  

Because a growing list of uncertainties requires a more innovative range of solutions.

It promises to be a very lively, informative and topical event. As well as refreshments, attendees will gain two hours of CPD.
Register now for Octopus Live

11 October 2017

Estate & Succession Planning with Investment Protection Options

We would like to introduce you to Stellar Asset Management, the estate & succession planning specialist.

Stellar was founded by Jonathan Gain just over a decade ago to offer real choiceto investors when considering inheritance tax planning options.

Investors can choose to invest in equities or physical assets, for growth or income - and they can insure their capital from the start.

Although each of Stellar’s services meets a different requirement, all are transparent, capable of generating uncapped returns and can be insured from day one.

 

AiM IHT Portfolio

 

«  40 AiM listed companies

«  Well diversified portfolio

«  Nine-year performance history

«  Available on wrap platforms

 

Find out more

 

AiM IHT ISA

 

«  40 AiM listed companies

«  Well diversified portfolio

«  Nine-year performance history

«  Available in an ISA & on wrap platforms

 

Find out more

  

 

Succession

 

«  Grow your capital

«  Invests in securitised tangible assets

«  Access to seven trading activities

«  Net target return of 5% p.a.

 

Find out more

 

Estate Planning Service

 

«  Generate a natural income

«  Invests in securitised tangible assets

«  Access to three trading activities

«  Net target income of 4.5% p.a.

 

Find out more

 

Investment Protection

Investors can choose to protect their investment from day one with Stellar’s loss in value insurance, providing real peace of mind that their legacy is protected.

Stellar are the only provider to offer a comprehensive insurance policy alongside all their services.

Stellar will be sharing documents from their adviser education toolkit with the Adviser Home community over the coming weeks, including placemats, guides and case studies – so watch this space!

More details and contact

For more details about Stellar and contact details, please click here.

04 October 2017

Will your next PII renewal still offer you DB Transfer cover?

You may have seen the recent MM article where Keith Richards warned advisers that PII insurers can withdraw cover for DB Transfers at your next renewal. There is becoming an urgent need for you to work with your broker on how to present your firm in the best light to insurers to ensure this doesn’t automatically happen.

It's not just DB cover that Insurers may exclude at your renewal. Will EIS's or P2P come in for critical review to lead insurers to withdraw cover? Having a dialogue with specialists can pre-empt issues before they arise.

O3 Insurance Solutions are at the forefront in providing robust PI cover exclusively to advisory firms and remain the only provider of 2 year PII policies for advisers! 

PII Renewal?
If your PII is due for renewal in the coming months and you would like a no obligation PII quote with the possibly of securing a 2 year PII policy with no hidden exclusions simply contact George or send him a copy of your renewal proposal:  [email protected]

About 03
O3 Insurance solutions are 100% specialists in providing Professional Indemnity for Financial Advisers and Planners. This is all they do, and with over 50 years of experience they can ensure that you have the right platform in place if anything were to happen. A specialist team of PI Lawyers and Claims experts are on hand to guide you through the process in any event.

25 September 2017

New RSMR Rating for Brooks Macdonald Defensive Capital Fund - join webinar with the manager

The IFSL Brooks Macdonald Defensive Capital Fund (DCF) has received the prestigious Rayner Spencer Mills Research (RSMR) rating. All of RSMR’s rated funds are subject to rigorous and ongoing scrutiny on both a qualitative and quantitative basis.
 
DCF has been a rated fund since August 2017. It is an award winning, global multi-asset absolute return fund, focusing on more esoteric asset classes including structured notes, convertible bonds, preference shares and discounted assets.
 
RSMR said the following about DCF.
 
“A positive for this fund is its differentiated return generating assets. Equity markets are viewed as being expensive relative to historic levels while the low yield environment offers minimal returns in bond markets at present. The majority of assets in the portfolio have fixed lives creating a self-amortising portfolio. The approach taken, not being dependent on market direction, offers investors an alternative in terms of return generation. It seeks opportunities in areas of the market that have suffered in previous crises and where they believe pricing anomalies exist.
 
Over the past five years, the risk adjusted performance of the fund has been strong generating a 35% cumulative return (as at 31 July 2017) at an annualised volatility level of approximately 3.8%. As the fund is long-only, it benefits from rising asset prices, but is still capable of generating positive returns in flat or slightly downwards markets. The fund had a particularly strong performance in 2016 returning approximately 9.3%.
 
The management team is well rounded. Jon Gumpel is an experienced manager who has worked in financial markets for over 30 years while the addition of Niall O’Connor in 2013 has strengthened the team’s technical capabilities given his background in derivative pricing and risk modelling. The manager’s skill lies in constructing a portfolio of alternative assets uncorrelated to traditional fixed income and equity markets with reasonable assurance that the underlying quality of these assets will hold value and be sufficiently liquid in a period of market stress.
 
The esoteric nature of the underlying investments must however be emphasised to investors with a caution that this fund is a satellite rather than a core holding but it is well worthy of a place in a diversified portfolio.”
 
For more details and contacts go here>> 
 
Join the webinar
 
Jon Gumpel, manager of the fund, is hosting a webinar on 4 October at 10am. Click here to attend.


Brendan Llewellyn
Adviser Home

Important information
Prices and income will fluctuate and you may not get back your original investment. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
 
All services, unless otherwise stated, provided by Brooks Macdonald Funds Limited.
 
Brooks Macdonald Funds Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No 5730097. Registered office: 72 Welbeck Street, London, W1G 0AY.
 
Investment Fund Services Limited (IFSL) is the Authorised Corporate Director for the IFSL Brooks Macdonald Fund. IFSL is registered in England No. 06110770 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: Marlborough House, 59 Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4QP. Copies of the Prospectus and Key Investor Information Documents are available from www.ifslfunds.com or can be requested as a paper copy by calling 0808 178 9321 or writing to IFSL, Marlborough House, 59 Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4QP