Ross Ibbotson
CEO
We were lucky enough to receive an early taste of summer this year, with 2025 providing the highest 1 May temperatures on record. Fingers crossed that these early highs preface a summer of barbeques, beach weather, and an inevitable hosepipe ban.
Sadly, the temperature remains high globally and politically, too, both at home and abroad. Although Conflict continues to dominate headlines, recent news indicates that UK business owners are currently more worried about events at home. From tariffs to tax hikes, read about what 2025/26 is likely to bring for you and your business, the key areas you might be worried about, and how professional financial advice could help.
While they might be part and parcel of business ownership, stress and worry aren’t something we associate with the centenarians of the globe’s so-called “blue zones”. These longevity hotspots include Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and Loma Linda in California. The healthy diet, active lifestyles, and sense of community in these regions mean that people here tend to live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Read about the tips we can all learn from the inhabitants of these areas and how you might take these lessons into your own financial life. With our help, you might even turn your retirement into your own financial blue zone.
Next up, the current tax year is well underway, and some 2024 Autumn Budget changes could mean that your tax bill is on the rise. Discover some of the frozen allowances and falling thresholds that could affect your wealth this year, as well as some useful strategies to help lower your bill.
Another change announced by the chancellor affected Business Relief and Agricultural Relief. Find out about how you might use Business-Relief qualifying investments and equity release as part of your estate planning, and even as an Inheritance Tax mitigation tool.
Finally, summer means summer holidays, and you may well be looking for a non-European city break this year. If so, we have just the rundown you need.
Consumer magazine, Which? recently asked 1,500 of its members to choose their favourite city destination based on a range of factors. From the more than 2,500 cities picked, a final five emerged. Read why these cities deserve their top five place and why they could be first on your list for a getaway this year.
Best regards,
Ross
