Publications

As the UK population is rapidly vaccinated against Covid 19, and the lockdown measures are gradually eased, our first EIS Update of the year launches at a critical juncture for the UK SME ecosystem.

With the chancellor’s Spring budget effectively increasing the amount of taxes many clients will need to pay, while also looking to encourage investment, now might be the perfect time to introduce EIS as an efficient method of reducing their tax bill while investing in companies with great growth potential.

Of course, EIS remains high risk, and therefore not right for everyone. But for the right client, investing in SMEs today could see them investing in companies well positioned to take advantage of the post lockdown world.

Our first VCT Update of the year launches at a critical juncture for the UK, as macro-economic changes suggest the tough times of 2020 could be giving way to a generational opportunity to invest in British SMEs primed for a rebound.

A deal signed near the end of 2020 finally resolved the uncertainty over the UK’s relationship with the EU. At the same time, Covid has caused some industries to boom, and others to struggle. But with the country being rapidly vaccinated, this too could soon be a thing of the past.

Not only have VCTs fared well during these difficulties, but, as normalcy gradually returns, now could be the perfect time for investors to consider VCT investments.

The second edition of A Professional’s Guide to Estate Planning rounds up the latest developments that impact estate planning, as well as the rules and regulations that apply. New, exclusive thought leadership perspectives, case studies that illustrate additional planning ideas, an updated Professional Connections section and brand new section considering how estate planning and estate administration can interact have also been added to this edition. As an everyday reference resource designed to be useful to IFAs, solicitors and accountants, in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly and to save you from unnecessary reading, where there have been no changes in a particular estate planning area since our first edition, we either refer you back to that edition, provide a shortened summary or more information in the glossary. The first edition is also available in Intelligent Partnership’s research hub.

Our inaugural EIS update launched earlier this year, right as the global implications of the Covid-19 pandemic began to dawn on the markets.

Now, with the first vaccine having moved through the approval stages, and a public roll out just beginning, we have a new E!S update, to look at how EIS investments fared during one of the most volatile periods of recent history.

The update also features the usual in depth analysis of why you might want to consider Knowledge Intensive Funds, a look at how fees and charges have changed over the years, as well as expert commentary on EIS. It also includes a look at what will shape the market over the next 12 months, including potential Covid consequences, the Brexit endgame, and why tax increases may make EIS an even more important addition to your tax efficient arsenal.

Following in the footsteps of Venture Capital Trusts, Enterprise Investment Scheme and Alternative Investment Market, we’re switching to reporting on the ins and outs of the Business Relief market on a quarterly basis.

Business Relief is now a decidedly middle-aged 44 years old, but it has proved its value and continues to have a lot to offer. It has become a stalwart of family business protection and growth business funding.

This first dynamic quarterly update gives you all the usual in-depth analysis of the figures, identifying the trends shaping the market, as well as expert commentary and insight on what’s happening right now. That includes the potential Coronavirus consequences and Budget impacts – direct and indirect.

This year, the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) reaches an important milestone: It has now been one of the most important growth markets in the world for a quarter of a century. And despite the ups and downs, especially those recently created by Coronavirus impacts and measures to save lives, it is still going strong, offering support and funding to many smaller companies that will be essential in the UK’s economic recovery.

Our new format, bringing you more regular quarterly updates, will give us the opportunity to carefully chart how AIM performs. We specifically consider the impacts on those that qualify for the government’s tax-advantaged Venture Capital Trust, Enterprise Investment Scheme and Business Relief programmes.

We’ve transformed the analysis and insight by switching to an exciting and attractive interactive format to make it easier to digest and engage with.

At this strange time of unprecedented government interventions, unpredictable outcomes and unexpected issues, there may never have been a more apt time to take a read of what the experts, including the London Stock Exchange and fund managers, have to say and grab yourself up to two hours of structured CPD (not including breaks) in the process.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) continues to be one of the most successful tax-advantaged investment solutions, a quarter of a century after making its debut.

Our new format, bringing you quarterly updates rather than once-a-year snapshots, allows us to build up a clear picture of what is happening in this dynamic market – and we’re using an exciting, engaging and attractive interactive format to bring all the statistics and analysis to life.

The first quarter of 2020 has been one like no other, and we can expect plenty more shocks over the coming months, with no-one knowing quite how the current coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic will play out. In such times, it is good to look long-term, something that is a hallmark of EIS. So take a read of what the experts, including the EIS Association and fund managers, have to say and grab yourself up to two hours of structured CPD (not including breaks) in the process.

Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) celebrate their 25th birthday in 2020 but the market appears to be only just getting started, with rising demand from both investors and investee companies seeking to take advantage of the benefits these investment vehicles can offer.
As the market grows and matures, we are responding by changing the way we cover the tax-advantage landscape, by moving from annual reports to quarterly updates that will give readers a clearer picture of developments as they happen and a better understanding of the landscape, rather than an annual snapshot.
As well as containing all our usual figures and analysis from the MICAP platform, this Update includes the latest government statistics plus performance data provided from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). It also has expert commentary and takes a look ahead at what we can expect in the coming months, including March’s Budget.

Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) raised £731 million in 2018/19 – the second-highest amount since their inception, meaning they continue to be a vital source of tax-efficient investment into UK small businesses. With such strong interest, we believe the time is ripe to provide advisers with a clear and insightful explanation of the rules and operating structures surrounding VCTs.

Recent government changes mean that there is now a greater focus on higher-risk investments, and as interest in the market continues to rise, understanding VCTs is more important than ever.

This Guide takes a practical, impartial look at VCTs to give advisers and paraplanners the confidence to discuss the potential benefits and pitfalls of this market with their clients.

2019 marks the 25th anniversary of the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), and a number of legislative changes over the past few years mean it is quite a different beast to when it started a quarter of a century ago. While its aim of utilising tax-efficient investments to support small UK businesses remains undiminished, the rules around this have been given an overhaul. 

We, therefore, think the time is right to provide an update on those changes and offer financial advisers and paraplanners the tools to confidently and successfully navigate this market for their clients.

This Guide offers an impartial look at the nuts and bolts of investing in the EIS, offering practical support for advisers considering this market for their clients.