Business owners
Owning and running a business isn’t easy. It can be all consuming and difficult to see where business ends and life begins, as the two are always intertwined. We know this because we’re business owners too.
Financial planning needs are bespoke, dependent on your goals and the stage of your business.
Planning allows you to build a life that’s separate from your business. One that’s not reliant on its success. It allows you to de-risk yourself and build financial security, whilst also determining the amount you need when you move on whether that be stepping away, exiting to build your ideal retirement, or to start another business.
Whilst financial planning services are offered by many firms, our extensive experience and knowledge in the business space sets us apart. Our clients trust us to create flexible plans that help them to reach their goals.
Get in touchInvestment
wrappers
Whether through regular capital extraction or larger plans using exit proceeds, it’s important that the best investment wrappers are utilised, and that the ownership structure is well considered. This may include ISAs, general investment accounts, investment bonds (onshore and offshore), and pensions.
For business owners, pensions can be one of the most tax-efficient ways of withdrawing capital from the business, and it’s vital that, with input from your accountant, any such contributions are structured correctly. Building up pension funds through regular contributions can result in a sizeable asset which sits separately to the business and, for some, could even provide planning possibilities such as commercial property purchase.
A combination of wrappers allows flexibility to build an income strategy. One that can adapt to changing circumstances whilst ensuring that you are focused on your goals and lifestyle.
As with all financial planning, and while we do all we can to protect our clients’ investments, the value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest.
Any tax reliefs are dependent upon your own personal circumstances and are subject to change.
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028).
Estate
planning
Your business is usually your largest asset and will often come under Business Relief rules, which means it is not liable for inheritance tax (IHT). On exit, the value of this asset then becomes part of your estate therefore inheritance tax planning/estate planning becomes key.
Some may be focused on retaining capital within the family and keeping control of this, whilst others would like to structure gifts to allow subsequent generations to share in the success. Planning in this area will almost certainly involve other professionals, such as tax advisers or lawyers, with consideration needed both pre- and post- sale.
Our solutions often incorporate a combination of trust planning, Family Investment Companies, protection policies and intergenerational engagement.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Trust, Estate Planning or Tax advice.
Protection
Protection is an often-overlooked area for many business owners. Whilst the main focus will likely be on building value for use in the future, it’s important to consider the risks that could occur before this point.
We consider and implement strategies for both the personal aspect and corporate level of your planning. Personal aspects include looking at cover for any debt, illness or inability to work, while at corporate level we look at cover for key individuals and for shareholders.
Protection plans typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.