docStribute appoints ex-Group CIO of Newcastle Building Society as Non-Executive Director 16 Apr 2024, 11:23 am

docStribute appoints ex-Group CIO of Newcastle Building Society as Non-Executive Director  

London-based RegTech company, docStribute, today announces the appointment of Manila McLean to the board of the Company as an independent Non-Executive Director with effect from 15 April 2024.

With over 20 years’ experience in financial services, McLean was most recently Group Chief Information Officer at Newcastle Building Society. She joined the largest building society in the North East as its Digital Director before being appointed CIO in 2020. Before that she was Head of Digital at Tesco Bank.

Commenting on the announcement, docStribute Chair, Phil Shelley, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Manila to the board. She brings a wealth of experience in digitising the financial services sector. Her experience in driving excellent customer service by delivering a digital experience that customers enjoy engaging with is incredibly relevant to docStribute’s ambition to do the same.

“She joins us just as we have won our third building society customer, are deploying our technology for a Tier One bank, and as Consumer Duty increasingly requires financial services firms to proactively seek high levels of engagement with their customers on their regulated communications. 

“Manila’s understanding of our clients’ priorities will help us to continue to develop our technology in a way that helps them negotiate the changes the Consumer Duty regulation requires. The Board and I are very much looking forward to working with her.”

Manila McLean commented:

“I am really pleased to be joining docStribute at this exciting time in its development. The team has done a great job in developing a customer solution that provides an answer to the combined regulatory challenges of Durable Medium and Consumer Duty.

“The ability to measure customer engagement with important regulatory documents allows financial institutions, both large and small, to ensure they are doing all they can to help their customers understand these communications. I very much look forward to working with the team as they continue to develop their technology and as they seek to help more financial services companies meet their Consumer Duty requirements.”

Earlier in the year, docStribute announced a seed funding of £820k to be used for technology  development and marketing to accelerate the growth of the business.  The company has now raised over £1.7m to date.

The rise of the FDR and why it matters for High Net Worth Individuals 12 Apr 2024, 3:52 pm

The rise of the FDR and why it matters for High Net Worth Individuals

By Joanna Newton is a Partner at Stowe Family Law

Financial Dispute Resolution Hearings – What are they?

Over the past few years, particularly since the introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022, family lawyers have seen a growing number of divorcing couples looking to resolve any potential financial claims against the other through less adversarial methods than heading straight for court.

Alternative Dispute Resolution methods include processes like mediation, arbitration, collaborative divorce, and the use of Private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings (pFDR)

Financial Dispute Resolution hearings have been a useful tool within Financial Remedy Proceedings (a court process by which a couple’s finances are addressed as part of their divorce or civil partnership dissolution) in reaching financial agreements and settling disputes without the need for the stressful and costly final hearing. These hearings are the second of, usually, three hearings within Financial Remedy Proceedings, and they tend to be where a financial agreement is reached.

The hearing follows on from a First Directions Appointment (FDA), where both parties and their respective lawyers come before a Judge. This is essentially a case management hearing where the parties and the Judge put all the relevant directions in place so that the contents of the matrimonial pot are understood by the time that the FDR hearing is reached.

The FDR hearing itself is when a separating couple come before a Judge, who provides their expert input into the couple’s financial disputes. The Judge will hear submissions from both parties (or their legal representatives) setting out their respective cases in brief, as well as their thoughts on what the ultimate outcome of their financial proceedings should be.

The Judge then gives an ‘indication’ to the parties as to what they would anticipate the outcome of the dispute would be, should the case move to a final hearing.

At this point, the parties are encouraged to negotiate between themselves and try to reach a compromise based on the Judge’s views.

If negotiations at the FDR prove to be fruitful and an agreement is reached, this is then drafted into a financial consent order, to be approved by the court. It is important to note that simply coming to an agreement at the FDR hearing is not legally binding, as it must then be drawn up by a lawyer and submitted to the family court for approval.

If an agreement is not reached, it tends to be that the hearing is successful to the extent that the separating parties have a better insight into what a final outcome may look like based on the knowledge delineated by the Judge. They can then continue negotiations outside of court through their respective solicitors.

How do divorcing parties need to prepare for their FDR hearing?

It is important that clients are fully prepared for this hearing, and financial advisers should be aware of the context around FDR hearings in order to properly navigate the needs of the client.

The first step is to ensure that there is full and frank financial disclosure and that this is exchanged with the opposing party and their lawyer. Key evidence should also be obtained, for example a pension sharing report, mortgage capacity report or business valuation, which clients may seek a financial adviser’s input on. It is only when all this information has been shared and the matrimonial pot has been quantified, that negotiations can begin.

This element is particularly important for High-Net-Worth individuals (HNWs) where assets, including finances, property, businesses, and investments, are of paramount importance.

What are the benefits for High Net Worth Individuals?

For High Net Worth Individuals, Financial Dispute Resolution can come with many benefits. They require the divorcing parties to lay out their financial situations and obtain professional advice from financial adviser and legal professionals so that matter can be dealt with effectively.

DIY divorces have risen in popularity in recent years. These are ‘what they say on the tin’ and a couple essentially take matters into their own hands and draw up a financial agreement (along with anything else they may need to arrange, such as children matters) themselves. However, these can be risky, especially for HNWs, and are liable to be rejected by the court if they are not deemed to be fair.

It is essential that all requisite financial information is provided in order for the most suitable settlement to be reached and parties to properly set out their case. However, it can be the case that such information is left out or not considered to be important when undertaking a DIY divorce and not seeking legal and financial advice.

Where protecting assets is of high importance, FDRs can be useful in their cost-effectiveness. Where an agreement is reached at this stage of negotiations, a protracted court battle and final hearing can be prevented, lowering costs.

FDRs encourage a more amicable settlement based on expert knowledge and transparency. Both parties have a say in the outcome and the Judge will not make a ruling at this hearing, meaning there is no forced outcome. This can help reduce the stress around what can, particularly for HNWs, be a worrying time.

Private Financial Dispute Resolutions

Unfortunately, due to how busy courts are, there can often be delays when it comes to listing an FDR hearing. Even when listed, they can sometimes be cancelled if the judge is unavailable, or an urgent matter appears on the court list. This can be frustrating and can also see costs being wasted (for example if a barrister has been booked to represent a party and have prepared for the same).

Consequently, there has been a rise in the advocation of private FDRs (pFDR). This is, as the name suggests, a hearing that is conducted outside of the court, in private. They are being embraced by the family justice system as reducing long and acrimonious final hearings, the congestion within the courts is eased.

PFDRs are designed to save time and emotional stress, as well as keeping costs down. They take place at a location of the parties’ choosing, usually a solicitor’s office or barrister chambers and can take place over the course of a day (as opposed to the hour that a FDR is normally listed for before a Judge). Furthermore, what would be the Judge in court proceedings becomes a pFDR evaluator and is agreed upon by the separating parties. There is, therefore, far more ownership within this process.

Family practitioners will often recommend pFDRs to couples who are struggling to come to an agreement and need more detailed and personalised legal input, or those with complex matrimonial finances. For this reason, they can be a valuable option for HNWs.

The evaluator, unlike a Judge in the court process, is specifically focused on the individual case at hand and can offer detailed insight and expertise. This is advantageous for those with complex finances.

Conclusion

As every divorce or dissolution is different, specific, and tailored advice will be needed for the unique situation. Where possible, an amicable split should be encouraged as far as possible. PFDRs are voluntary to sign up to, which tends to see parties being more engaged in the process, resulting in a higher chance of an agreement at this stage.

There can be added complexities in financial negotiations for High Net Worth clients who have substantial and complicated matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets. This may mean that they need extensive advice from financial and legal practitioners who will be able to advise on the specifics of their situation.

When it comes to financial negotiations, Alternative Dispute Resolution methods can be useful. Of course, there will always be cases where a couple is unable to come to an agreement and a final hearing is required. However, FDRs, particularly pFDRs can be useful tools in guiding a smoother process.

Financial Dispute Resolutions and their private counterparts have increased over the last few years as couples try to keep their divorce or separation as amicable, and cost-effective, as possible. For HNWs, these can be a helpful way of seeking an amicable solution to complex financial disputes.

The Art of Attraction: Proven Tactics for Business Leaders to Attract Top Talent 12 Apr 2024, 3:08 pm

The Art of Attraction: Proven Tactics for Business Leaders to Attract Top Talent

By Andy Perks, MD of Vistage International.

Despite officially entering a recession earlier this year, workforce expansion plans are looking more optimistic as we enter a new financial year. In fact, according to the latest Vistage Confidence Index, 27% of UK SMEs anticipate that the economy will improve over the next 12 months; with a further 50% confident that their firm’s profitability will improve within the same period.
As a result, business leads are proactively planning to invest in talent, and organisational structure in the next quarter to keep pace. Specifically 25% of all SMEs are looking to recruit for new leadership positions.

Attracting the right talent is one of the major struggles for small and medium businesses, and it’s only getting more challenging as the demand for top talent continues to grow.

As attention turns towards talent recruitment it’s important for any business owner to understand that today’s job market is different. It’s a job-seeker’s market whereby fewer highly-skilled individuals are actively job searching, and there’s a massive demand for their skills and expertise. Posting a generic job advertisement, as you did 10 years ago and hoping for the best, simply doesn’t cut it anymore.

Here are three tips on how to best elevate your recruitment strategy for a savvy and evolving talent market.

1. Understand your ideal candidate persona

Many hiring managers assume that writing a job ad is their human resources department’s job. But HR doesn’t do those jobs and don’t always know how to present a role in an attractive way to potential candidates.

One simple tip? Enlist the help of hiring managers, and their top performers, by sitting them down to help draft up a persona of the ideal candidate. In this conversation you’ll need to get to the crux of what it is they do, what results look like, key deliverables and what skills they might be missing as a team already.

From there ask your top performer to rate the job ad on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 equals boring — they’ve already stopped reading it — and 5 equals compelling — they’d consider leaving their current job if this ad were true. If they rate it anything lower than a 5, your job ad is not on the mark and you need to go back to the drawing board.

2. Showcase yourself as an employer brand

Every organisation needs a clearly defined company brand — specifically a value proposition or brand promise — that articulates the benefits that customers will gain through the client relationship. Once realised, a value proposition transforms customers into brand advocates. Similarly, businesses need an employer brand — their employee value proposition — to compete and win in today’s increasingly complex job market.

Think of a company you’d love to work for. Why do you have this perception? What have they done proactively to make you think this way? It’s all part of their employer brand.

That’s why when it comes to finding new talent, it’s critical that your recruiting team partners with your marketing team to promote your employer brand as part of the overall strategy. This helps solidify your company as somewhere top talent want to be.

This means you should have consistent messaging across channels, from the careers page on the company website to your social media accounts; and through these channels emphasise the employee experience, values and culture at your workplace.

Social media has become the primary vehicle for engaging with candidates, especially with posts, pictures and short videos that cover topics such as:

• Culture and values
• Diversity equity and inclusion
• Employee spotlights
• Client interactions or major successes
• Volunteerism and other community or philanthropic initiatives

3. Meet top talent where they are

If you’re relying on one or two traditional recruiting methods you might be missing out. Ask yourself who are you looking for? If it’s a recent graduate, college partners, career counsellors or job fairs might be the way to go. But if it’s a mid-to-senior-level talent, then referral programs, alumni associations or utilising LinkedIn Recruiter Lite to reach out directly will likely be much more effective than posting to a jobs board.

Across the board the most effective method is networking. When next recruiting make sure to tap some of the best people at your company, across levels, to provide them with direction on how to reach out to their personal network. To further incentivise you can offer them a cash bonus for successful referrals.

With that said in today’s modern workplace it’s important to meet talent where they are. Quite literally. Remote and hybrid work practices have broken down geographical barriers, serving as a powerful tool in assessing talent. No longer limited to candidates in the local area, you can take a more national, or even international, approach and use this to the businesses’ advantage.

The process of finding qualified personnel has always been a challenge for businesses, and the current economic climate means that business leaders need to continue to think holistically and creatively about how they’re attracting a newer labour market.

Embark on a Journey Through the Peloponnese with Andrew Pateras 12 Apr 2024, 1:37 pm

Image copyright Andrew Pateras

Embark on a Journey Through the Peloponnese with Andrew Pateras

In the heart of Greece lies a region steeped in history and adorned with breathtaking landscapes—the Peloponnese. It’s a land that has inspired poets, artists, and adventurers for centuries, captivating the imagination with its ancient ruins, azure coastlines, and quaint villages. And amidst this timeless allure, one figure stands out as both a witness to its splendor and a storyteller of its essence: Andrew Pateras.

Renowned for his mastery in documentary photography, Andrew Pateras has not only captured the Peloponnese’s visual grandeur but also unearthed its soul. His lens has immortalized the silent echoes of Methoni Castle’s ancient stones, danced with the shimmering waves of Elafonisos, and delved into the vibrant tapestry of local life. Through his work, Pateras transcends mere imagery, inviting us to partake in the emotional journey of discovery that defines this storied land.

As we prepare to venture through the Peloponnese, guided by Pateras’ keen eye and profound insights, we embark not just on a physical journey but a voyage of the senses—an odyssey that promises to enrich our spirits and ignite our passion for exploration. Join us as we uncover the tales hidden within every corner of this enchanted realm, where each moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of memory.

Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes for Ancient Exploration

Pateras knows the importance of sturdy walking shoes while navigating the ruins of Methoni Castle. The terrain here can be uneven, and you’ll want to comfortably explore every nook and cranny without worrying about your feet. Pateras emphasizes the value of comfort and safety, allowing you to discover every hidden gem, much like his journey to Nestor’s Cave, a hidden treasure right above Voidokilia Beach.

Don’t Skimp on the Sun Protection

The allure of Elafonisos’ tranquil waters and Voidokilia Beach’s pristine sands is undeniable, but the Greek sun’s intensity requires proper protection. Andrew Pateras never ventures out without his sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, safeguarding himself from the sun’s harsh UV rays. This precaution allows him to fully enjoy the crystal-clear waters and explore secret lagoons worry-free.  Follow his lead to ensure your time in the Peloponnese is as enjoyable and carefree as possible!

Capture the Beauty with Your Camera

Image copyright Andrew Pateras

Imagine standing before the haunting Dimitrios Shipwreck or the peaceful shores of Skoutari Bay without your camera. For Pateras, this scenario is unimaginable. His adventures in the Peloponnese are a reminder of the indispensable role of a camera in seizing the moments that define this unique region. It’s an extension of the photographer’s eye, immortalizing the untold stories of the land.

Keep a Water Bottle Handy

Exploring the Peloponnese, with its rich history and natural beauty, is a thrilling experience. Whether exploring a charming fishing village such as Limeni or wandering through historical sites, staying hydrated is vital. According to Pateras, a water bottle is not just a traveler’s companion but a necessity for adventure, ensuring you’re always ready to capture the next amazing shot or discover a hidden gem.

Bring a Local Phrasebook and Connect Deeper

Diving into the Peloponnese’s culture, much like Andrew Pateras often does, is about truly connecting with its people. In a quaint fishing village, where English might seldom be heard, carrying a handful of Greek phrases can bridge gaps. With a simple ‘thank you’ or ‘delicious’ in Greek, you can share moments of appreciation and joy, deepening your experience. This approach, inspired by Pateras’ way of engaging with locals, can make your time, especially while savoring the day’s catch at a taverna, infinitely more rewarding.

Snorkeling Gear for Underwater Adventures

Image copyright Andrew Pateras

The clear waters around Elafonissos and the Dimitrios Shipwreck beckon, much like they have beckoned Pateras. Equipped with snorkeling gear, he dives into the aquatic world, pursuing the vibrant life beneath the waves. It’s an exploration of the unseen, capturing the beauty of the Peloponnese both above and below the surface.

Why Packing Right Makes All the Difference

Having these essentials means you’re ready to fully embrace the Peloponnese, from its ancient stories to its natural beauty. Each spot has something unique to offer, and being prepared lets you enjoy the experience with nothing to worry about. So, pack up and get ready to uncover these gems of Greece, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

As you follow in Pateras’ footsteps through the Peloponnese, each destination unveils a new chapter of adventure and photographic discovery. What unforeseen beauty will you capture on this journey?

Best for pets – vinyl plank vs laminate flooring 12 Apr 2024, 8:29 am

Best for pets – vinyl plank vs laminate flooring

When choosing the right flooring for your home, consider your household’s requirements. You may have to accommodate elderly family members, children, or pets, each with different flooring needs.

Whether you’re a dog family, a cat family, or perhaps both, the type of flooring you choose is important. Picking a flooring material purely for its aesthetic value is fine in the short term, but if it’s likely to get damaged or worn over time, it will only cost more in repairs and replacement in the long run.

Some materials are more suitable for pets than others. For example, carpet can be less desirable for pet owners since it can easily stain under muddy paws and become difficult to clean if a pet regularly sheds fur. In contrast, vinyl plank and laminate flooring are both popular contenders for pet-friendly flooring, for reasons that we’ll discuss in this article.

Which is better for homes with pets, vinyl or laminate?

The two flooring types have similar qualities that make them suitable for pets, but in some areas, one or the other may be the most suitable. Whether you choose vinyl plank or laminate flooring will depend on your pet’s exact needs.

Durability

Particularly large or energetic pets may often run around the home, perhaps jumping off of furniture or taking corners at high speeds. Their claws’ repeated, heavy contact with the flooring has the potential to cause damage, so finding a durable material is important.

Both vinyl plank and laminate are hard-wearing flooring materials. They have a similar composition, comprising multiple layers that include a moisture barrier and an uppermost wear layer. The top layer is designed to protect the pattern of the boards, preventing scratches, dents, and stains.

Water-resistance

Unexpected spills are always a risk when pets are present. Boisterous dogs that knock into furniture and clambering cats that travel around the house using anything but the floor can knock cups and glasses off of tables. Pets also splash water from their bowls when drinking. Both older and younger pets may also have an accident indoors, so water-resistant flooring can be beneficial for many homes with animals.

The vinyl and laminate’s moisture barrier prevents water damage from liquid spills. However, vinyl planks tend to have higher water resistance than laminate. Many vinyl flooring products are available in specifically water-resistant versions, with some even offering full waterproofing qualities. Spills should be cleaned up promptly, but the boards can withstand small spills and the main concern from water damage is to the adhesive of the planks, not the physical planks themselves.

Laminate planks, however, have relatively poor water resistance in comparison. Spills should be cleaned quickly to avoid damage, as the boards can swell, warp, crack or lift if exposed to liquid for too long. The only fix for this type of damage is a complete replacement of the boards. Some laminate products have better water-resistance properties, but you may need to shop around.

Slip-resistance

If a pet regularly runs around the home, consider flooring with high slip resistance to avoid accidents or injuries from the animal sliding on the floors. Laminate flooring can be slippery underfoot, whereas vinyl planks are usually anti-slip, only becoming slippery when wet. 

Cleaning

Muddy paws and shedding fur are the enemy of most pet owners, and continuous cleaning becomes more tedious when the flooring is harder to clean. Both laminate and vinyl plank has a smooth surface and can be easily vacuumed and mopped for quick, regular cleaning.

Comfort

You may have purchased an expensive pet bed, but chances are your pet spends a lot of time lying on the floor. In these instances, the comfort of your flooring may be a factor to consider. Both vinyl plank and laminate flooring are fairly smooth underfoot, but vinyl tends to be softer and warmer than alternative hard flooring options, including laminate.

Sound reduction

The noise of a pet’s paws on the floor can be louder than you think. If you have downstairs neighbors or prefer a quieter home environment, your flooring’s sound-reduction qualities can make a big difference. Vinyl planks tend to provide much better sound reduction than laminate because they’re softer underfoot and absorb sounds well.

Choosing between vinyl and laminate for homes with pets

Both flooring types are available in various colors, styles, and finishes, with options to suit a wide range of interiors. The same applies to cost, with laminate and vinyl flooring products priced to accommodate most budgets.

Vinyl plank tends to tick the most boxes for the average pet owner, but suitable laminate products are out there; it just may take some extra time to research the best one for your needs.

Any type of flooring can cause safety concerns for you and your pets if installed incorrectly. Always have the flooring installed by a professional to ensure maximum safety and increase the floors’ lifespan.

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Powerhouse is a full-service home and commercial services company based in Texas. 

HEXAGON CARDS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE TO CELEBRATE YEAR ON YEAR INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP SIGNUPS 11 Apr 2024, 11:18 am

HEXAGON CARDS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE TO CELEBRATE YEAR ON YEAR INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP SIGNUPS

Hexagon Cards, one of the UK’s most exclusive business clubs, has launched a new website and membership portal following an unprecedented increase in sign ups since its launch in 2020, with memberships increasing by 40%.

In addition to an increase in memberships, Hexagon has also announced turnover growth of 35% year on year, cementing the company’s position as one of the fastest growing business clubs on the market.

Powered by MasterCard, the rewarding B2B loyalty club was created to help companies manage business spending, whilst also achieving wider goals and objectives. Today Hexagon has helped to transform hundreds businesses through exclusive networking, bespoke business strategies, and a suite of tools for effortless growth.

Uniquely designed for owners and directors of UK registered limited companies, the Hexagon program provides all of its members with a secure membership portal, where they can take control of company spending, track expenses, manage employee budgets, and enjoy rewards from partner platforms.

Hexagon is a sector topping corporate rewards programme, allowing users to earn points when spending with partner suppliers, online or anywhere in the world.

Richard Taylor, Operations Director at Hexagon Cards, said: “We are proud of the growth we have seen over the last three and a half years. We care about people’s business needs and being able to offer a service that will not only help businesses grow, but is also beneficial for its employees, is something we’re really passionate about. We pride ourselves on our customer service experience and are committed to ensuring we find the right business solutions for our customers.”

Three all-inclusive travel destinations for a next-level luxury experience 10 Apr 2024, 9:22 am

Three all-inclusive travel destinations for a next-level luxury experience

Alonso Marly, travel expert at Skylux Travel, part of Trevolution Group

With the summer season approaching, many people across the globe have already started making their well-deserved vacation plans. While some travelers look for more budget-friendly holiday options, others prefer a complete luxury experience to indulge in while vacationing abroad. Here are my travel expert insights and top destination recommendations for making the most of a luxury holiday experience. 

My number one advice for next-level luxury travel is to look for an all-inclusive resort that will make all your wishes come true 24/7. Not to mention the private room service, chic suites, exquisite meals and endless pampering treatments combined with gorgeous scenery around. One of such high-end luxury resorts is Kudadoo, a private tropical island in the Maldives reached via a 40-minute flight from Male, and it’s all about sustainable luxury. During the stay, guests have their own butler at all times who arranges everything from fine dining to leisure activities, meditation sessions, and even private yacht excursions. The overwater residences all have their own large terrace pools, soundproof walls, walk-in showers, amazing ocean views, and countless other amenities, making it the ultimate bucket list luxury travel destination that will impress even the most demanding holidaymakers who seem to have already seen and experienced it all. Yet another great reason to visit Maldives (not that you needed one). 

Another all-inclusive luxury resort worth mentioning is Ol Jogi – an exotic private family ranch in Kenya that offers the best for African safari escapes. Its cozy retro-style cottage suites and the incredible wildlife all around make it one of the top destinations for high-end travel. It also serves as a wildlife conservation sanctuary and is home to 64 of the less than 1000 black rhinos in East Africa, as well as some 500 elephants. Leisure activities there include walks with baboons, game drives, horseback riding, and a lot more. Ol Jogi’s thirteen suites are set in cottages and individually designed with bespoke furniture and access to a gym, steam room, and spa, complete with massage, manicure and pedicure services. Some travelers even say that it is a paradise on earth everyone should enjoy staying at least once in a lifetime, as not many places around the world combine unabashed but tasteful luxury with the chance to experience African wildlife in abundant privacy. 

Last but not least of my luxury travel destination picks to cross off the must-visit list is South Sea Island Resort located on the tiny Mamanuca Island in Fiji. The picture-perfect island is just 30 minutes from Port Denarau Marina and is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and thousands of colorful tropical fish. It only takes five minutes to walk around the whole island, and that’s what makes this holiday experience even more intimate and special. No one lives on the island; the only overnight guests are the travelers who are looking for the perfect escape. There is a saltwater swimming pool and non-motorized water sports equipment available on the island. In fact, the South Sea is a great place to learn to dive and enjoy early morning kayak, snorkeling, or paddle-boarding sessions. This is also a great destination for those travelers looking for a unique experience that feels very luxurious yet doesn’t cost a fortune. The Half Day cruise to South Sea Island is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time to spare but still want a taste of the ‘real Fiji.’ It is indeed a is a small piece of paradise on Earth I suggest visiting at least for a few magical days this year. 

Global trusted leader iStorage launches 24TB hardware encrypted desktop drive 9 Apr 2024, 12:16 pm

Global trusted leader iStorage launches 24TB hardware encrypted desktop drive

Thursday 4 April 2024

Global trusted leader iStorage launches 24TB hardware encrypted desktop drive.

(London, April 2024), iStorage, renowned worldwide as the foremost authority in hardware-encrypted portable data storage and cloud encryption solutions, unveiled their latest innovation. Celebrated for their user-friendly PIN-protected devices and unparalleled security measures, iStorage consistently leads the industry by years. Now, they have once again pushed boundaries with the introduction of a groundbreaking 24TB drive.

Since its debut, the diskAshur DT2 has established itself as the benchmark, being the premier PIN-protected, hardware-encrypted HDD worldwide. It boasts a pioneering secure microprocessor, certified to Common Criteria EAL5+ standards, endorsed by government accreditation schemes such as NCSC CPA, FIPS 140-2 Level 3, NLNCSA BSPA and NATO Restricted. Additionally, it offers an expansive storage capacity of up to 24TB.

iStorage drives are utilised globally in different sectors, including government, finance, healthcare, media, and more. The escalating sophistication of cyber-attacks leaves every company vulnerable, regardless of its size or prominence. Invest in peace of mind and top tier security with the iStorage diskAshur DT2.

Ranmore global equity fund triples assets under management over the past year to $220M 9 Apr 2024, 2:23 am

Ranmore global equity fund triples assets under management over the past year to $220M

London and Cape Town, 8th April 2024, Ranmore Fund Management, the UK-based global equity Value manager, saw the Ranmore Global Equity Fund surpass $200 million AUM for the first time in March 2024. Ranmore Global Equity Fund plc’s USD Investor class has been rated 5 Crowns by FE fundinfo and 5 Stars by Morningstar, assigned to the top 10% of funds.

Meanwhile, the BCI Ranmore Global Value Equity Feeder Fund has reached R656 million thanks to the partnership with the Cape Town-based Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) manager Boutique Collective Investments (BCI).

Management of Ranmore’s South African feeder fund moved across to the BCI platform in March 2023.

Sean Peche, Portfolio Manager at Ranmore, commented,

“We are delighted that our Global Equity Fund has crossed the $200 million AUM mark as we continue to attract new UK and SA wealth manager clients. Importantly, our largest wealth manager client represents less than 10% of our total assets, ensuring minimal client concentration risk, while the growth in assets continues to reduce our run rate TER / OCF.”

“Additionally, the success and substantial growth in assets of the R656m BCI feeder fund makes it a very important component of the R4.2bn Ranmore Global Equity Fund. BCI have been fabulous partners, as we have seen a 48x increase in feeder fund assets invested in Ranmore Global Equity Fund since BCI took over. We’re fortunate to work with such an effective and efficient organisation to make global equity investing so accessible for South Africans. Having partners like BCI provides us with the freedom to remain focused on our only objective – attempting to generate excellent real returns for our clients.”, said Peche.

Robert Walton, Chief Executive Officer at Boutique Collective Investments, commented, 

“We are thrilled to have helped Ranmore to reach this milestone. We look forward to continued success and growth in our collaboration.”

Enduring allure: balancing beauty and wealth through jewellery investment 8 Apr 2024, 6:06 pm

Enduring allure: balancing beauty and wealth through jewellery investment 

In a market where uncertain investment avenues such as bitcoin and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) continue to soar in popularity, jewellery stands out as a timeless, tangible asset class. Not only does jewellery often hold some form of cultural significance, but it can also provide investors with a unique blend of aesthetic pleasure and wealth preservation. However, all forms of investment come with some level of financial risk, so what can families do in order to best protect generational wealth?  

One of the primary advantages of investing in jewellery is that unlike stocks, bonds or bitcoin, these assets are physical, wearable, and can be admired in person. Additionally, the ownership of a classic piece is often imbued with a sense of permanence and emotional attachment, encompassing more than just its material worth. In this way, luxury items are distinguished by their exceptional craftsmanship, exclusivity and prestige and often become sought after heritage assets to be passed on as family heirlooms or hailed more widely as masterpieces.  

Not only do precious metals and gemstones tend to retain value, but this value often appreciates – rather than depreciates – over time – particularly with regards to antiques or items by specific designers. These sought after materials often withstand market fluctuations, acting as a hedge against inflation through their inherent worth retained through both their scarcity and desirability.  

The perfect investment piece therefore combines longevity, timeless design and intrinsic value. Pieces made from precious metals such as gold or platinum, adorned with high-quality gemstones like diamonds, rubies or sapphires are more likely to stand the test of time and hold sentimental value for generations to come. 

While investing in jewellery can undoubtably help to protect generational wealth, UK legislation means that the implications of inheritance tax (IHT) must be considered when estate planning. Recently, 13,000 UK families were surprised by tax bills as high as £1.4m on lifetime gifts. However, there are strategies that can be deployed to mitigate IHT in relation to personal jewellery investment.  

IHT is levied on the value of an individual’s estate (where the estate is above £325,000) after death. Gifting jewellery to loved ones during their lifetime naturally reduces the size of an individual’s taxable estate. However, relying on this as the only means of protecting generational wealth can incur risk as exemption only applies to gifts that are worth up to a certain value. 

Exemption through gifting also holds risk through its required timescale, as gifts given less than seven years before the individual has died may still be taxed. This depends on who receives the gift, their relationship to the individual, the value of the gift and when it was given. For example, gifts given between spouses are generally exempt from IHT if both parties live in the UK.  

One of the most effective ways to retain generational wealth and minimise the impact of IHT liability is through transferring jewellery to a trust. If certain conditions are met, the assets held within the trust are no longer viewed as part of the deceased’s estate for tax purposes. This means that the value of items held within the trust typically won’t be counted when the IHT bill is determined.  

Another advantage of establishing a trust is that trustees have a legal duty to manage assets for the eventual beneficiary and are able to set requirements for this management to maintain asset protection and control. For instance, a trust could be set up to avoid handing over investment pieces whilst beneficiaries are young or otherwise vulnerable.  

Before purchasing a luxury item, it’s crucial that individuals consider various factors, including potential tax implications such as inheritance tax and capital gains tax (CGT). Implications from CGT are particularly important to understand for those who may wish to eventually part ways with high-value items; especially those that have appreciated in value since being purchased. 

Similarly to IHT, sellers of luxury items are entitled to an annual exemption for CGT up to a certain threshold. By spreading sales out across multiple financial years it is therefore possible to minimise CGT liability. Additionally, jewellery that is kept and sold within a person’s primary residence may also qualify for private residence relief which provides further exemption from CGT.  

Despite the popularity of passing on family heirlooms decreasing over recent years, the financial benefits of purchasing luxury jewellery assets are undeniable. Serving as stronger investments that better stand the tests of time than intangible assets, investment jewellery pieces can help to hedge against economic uncertainty whilst simultaneously preserving family legacies. The craftsmanship and artistry behind luxury pieces can enhance appreciation for the cultural and historical value they embody and provide a stable source of financial security for generations to come. 

Kathryn Spencer Jones is the Business Coordinator for luxury jewellery retailer JQ Diamonds.