• Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs): These are tax-efficient accounts that allow you to invest up to £20,000 per year without paying tax on the interest or capital gains. There are different types of ISAs, including Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs, and Junior ISAs*.

• Pensions: Personal pensions and workplace pensions are crucial for long-term retirement planning. They offer tax advantages and can be invested in a variety of assets.

• Offshore/Onshore Investment Bonds: These bonds provide tax deferral benefits and can be a useful tool for tax planning. They are not to be confused with corporate or government bonds, which are assets held within a tax wrapper.

• Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS): These schemes offer significant tax reliefs to investors who invest in small, high-risk companies.

• Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs): These are publicly listed companies that invest in small, high-risk businesses. They offer tax reliefs to investors, including income tax relief and tax-free dividends.

• General Investment Accounts (GIAs): A General Investment Account allows you to invest in a wide range of assets, such as shares, funds, and bonds, without the tax advantages of ISAs or pensions. GIAs are flexible, with no limit on how much you can invest, but returns may be subject to capital gains tax and dividend tax.

• Corporate Investment Accounts: These accounts are designed for businesses to invest surplus cash in various assets, including stocks, funds, and bonds. Corporate investments are subject to corporation tax on profits, which can be more tax-efficient than withdrawing cash and paying personal income tax.

*Junior ISAs are subject to maximum contribution limit of £9,000 per year

Accessing capital in an investment depends on the type of investment and its liquidity. Here are a few key points to consider:

• Investment Funds on Platform: These are generally liquid. You can sell them through your investment platform and access the funds within a few business days.

• Property: This is usually less liquid. Selling property can take weeks or even months, depending on market conditions and other factors.

• Private Equity: Investments in private companies or venture capital funds tend to be highly illiquid. You might need to wait several years to access your capital.

• Fixed Deposits and Bonds: Access to funds before maturity might incur penalties or result in lower returns.

Market conditions, including economic trends, interest rates, and geopolitical events, can impact investment performance. Understanding how these factors influence your investments can help you make informed decisions and adjust your strategy as needed.

Whenever you invest in markets you should be doing so with a long term view. Invested capital is always at risk, and the value of your investments can fall as well as rise.

Your investment income may be subject to capital gains tax, corporation tax, dividend tax, and interest income tax. Using tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and pensions can help minimize tax liabilities. We consider all these factors when creating your savings and investment plan.