Ablestoke Announces No VAT Increase on Retainer Fees

Ablestoke announces No VAT increase for clients in 2011

Ablestoke Consulting have announced that they will not be passing on the increase in VAT to their retained clients

After a "tough but fair" Budget, VAT will rise from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent in January of next year. New Chancellor George Osborne unveiled the largest package of tax increases and spending cuts in a generation, aimed at significantly reducing Britain's massive financial deficit within the next five years.

The Chancellor told the House of Commons: "The years of debt and spending make this unavoidable. This single tax measure will by the end of this Parliament generate over £13 billion a year of extra revenues. That is £13 billion we don't have to find from extra spending cuts or income tax rises."

A spokesperson for  Ablestoke announced “We appreciate that our clients will be suffering already from a rise in their cost of living due to general inflation, energy price rises, the above inflation rises in public transport fares announced and the rise in price of services many companies will pass on to their clients.

Ablestoke therefore will not be increasing the price of our retainer service for clients, and will bear the cost of the VAT increase internally”.

·          Ablestoke Consulting offer a retainer fee based service to their clients, which gives access to three different service levels depending on a client’s needs.

·          The Ablestoke service is based around a long term, ongoing relationship between a dedicated consultant and the client offering regular financial planning reviews, general financial advice and access to a range of industry specialists in all areas of financial planning.

For more details of the Ablestoke service visit: www.ablestoke.com

Brits 'preparing to spend big ahead of VAT rise' and save big in 2011

Ablestoke beleive there are mixed views on whether the impending VAT rise in January will lead to a retail spending spree for Christmas. Retailers are hoping that the January VAT rise will boost Christmas spending, and big names including Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Currys, Argos and House of Fraser slashed prices by up to 50% on Saturday in a bid to draw in customers. However, according to the Citizens advice bureau most of the public are unaware of the VAT rise with Almost a fifth of the British public not knowing what VAT stands for, a survey conducted by Citizens Advice indicates. Their research shows that many people will struggle to adapt their budgets to accommodate the change. One in eight (13 percent) of respondents are not aware that VAT is rising, while 18 percent do not know the current rate. Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said that the figures could indicate that many people will end up in debt in the New Year. "At this time of year we urge people to consider their spending carefully. Planning, budgeting and organisation are key to avoid getting into debt at Christmas and beyond," Ms Guy commented. The majority of respondents (58 percent) told the charity that they budget for Christmas to ensure they do not overspend. Some 438 Citizens Advice Bureaux are currently operating across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. To see the CAB findings visit: Citizens Advice Bureau Website The Bank of England (BOE) Holds Interest rates at 0.5% The Bank of England held back from another bout of quantitive easing and kept interest rates on hold at 0.5% today, seemingly confident that the economic recovery will continue.   The MPC – the Bank's monetary policy committee, voted to keep rates at their record low of 0.5% - the 20th month rates have remained unchanged. The MPC also did not increase the quantitative easing (QE) scheme beyond its current £200bn level. Quantitive Easing involves the bank 'printing' money that can be used to purchase assets from banks so that they may be freed to lend more money to businesses and individuals. The economy grew in the 3rd quarter of 2010 by 0.8% instead of the 0.2% predicted, which may have reduced the pressure on the BOE to act. Ablestoke are aware that some are calling on the BOE to raise interest rates and apply some downward pressure on prices; this would also provide some relief to savers who have seen the value of their cash savings reduce as savings accounts are typically offering below-inflation returns. However, the BOE has refused to increase rates, arguing that prices will come down of their own accord as spending cuts slow growth. They have said that rate rises would kill the economic recovery. For more information on the Bank of England’s latest announcements visit: Bank Of England Website For Ablestoke info visit our Blog: Ablestoke Blog For our latest client testimonials visit: Ablestoke Consulting Blog For the latest Ablestoke News & Updates visit: Ablestoke Consulting News

Ablestoke Consulting Charity Golf Day

Ablestoke Consulting hosted a Charity corporate golf day on the 14th October 2010

We have received a big thankyou from the charity as we raised £4444.14  Excellent !!!

Ablestoke would like to thank the management of the venue -
Brockett Hall  Brocket Hall Website

The charity is the much deserving The Connection at St Martin In-The-Fields The connection-at-stmartins

Ablestoke would again like to thank the companies who have supported this event by entering teams:

• Merrill Lynch - www.ml.com
• Glaxo Smith Kline - www.gsk.com
• Chantry Vellacott - www.cvdfk.com
• BUPA - www.bupa.co.uk
• Mackrell Turner Garrett - www.mackrell.com
• PruProtect - www.pruprotect.co.uk
• Hodge Jones Allen - www.hja.net
• Zurich - www.zurich.co.uk
• Avalon Abseiling - www.avalonpro.co.uk
• Scottish Life - www.scottishlife.co.uk
• Cyclone Cars - www.cyclone-couriers.com
• Quin-essence - www.quin-essence.co.uk
• Liberty Home Services - www.libertyhomeservices.co.uk
• Wincanton - www.wincanton.co.uk
• Smith & Nephew - www.smith-nephew.com

If you would like any information on this event or any other Ablestoke Consulting events then either contact us on news@ablestoke.com or visit our website: www.ablestoke.com

RAF Sportsman Of The Year 2010 Recommends Ablestoke Consulting

                         

Ablestoke Consulting Client: Simon Taylor

 Wins the 2010 Royal Air Force Sportsman of the Year

Corporal Simon Taylor who is an exercise rehabilitation therapist in the Royal Air Force and also a Team GB Modern Pentathlete has won the 2010 Royal Air Force Sports personality of the year Award and has endorsed the work of his Financial Consultant at Ablestoke Consulting

Simon who is aiming to compete for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympic Games in London praised Barnaby Balkwill, a certified financial planner at Ablestoke Consulting, stating: “Barnaby has been a great asset in managing my finances. His personal touch on all financial matters makes him a pleasure to work with”

Simon who has been a client of Ablestoke Consulting since 2008 also praised Barnaby for his integrity and the good value he has benefited from following his advice

Simon, British junior champion in 2000, took up shooting and swimming at an early age and later started fencing.

“Much of Britain's recent Olympic success has been aided by the funding elite athletes now receive from the National Lottery and Simon believes the system of supporting athletes is now far better than in the past”.

Whilst funding is obviously vital, Simon understands that managing his finances is too

“I have been a client with Ablestoke Consulting for about 2 years. I was recommended to them from a friend to sort out my personal finances in order to secure my future.

Ablestoke have helped me hugely, from setting up my short term and medium term investments, to ensuring I have enough money day to day. Their friendly and approachable staff give a great personal service, taking time to teach you the ways and means of finance in today’s complicated times.

Although the countries financial situation over the last two years has been quite turbulent, Ablestoke have ensured all my finances have been safe, secure and what’s more profitable. 

In the last 2 years Ablestoke have:

·         Helped manage debts and advise the best options.

·         Advised on pensions

·         Set up investments, which have performed very well

·         Given budgeting advice

·         Provided Financial planning models

·         Assisted in mortgage planning

The modern pentathlon is made up of five disciplines, all of which take place in a single day.

The 1st event is shooting; the 2nd is fencing, which is both Simons favourite and strongest event. The 3^rd event is a 200 metre freestyle swimming race, the 4^th event is horse riding which involves a show jumping course, and the 5th and final event is a 3000 metre race.

From all of us at Ablestoke well done & good luck for London 2012 Simon!!!

For more information on Ablestoke Consulting visit: www.ablestoke.com

To find out more about Simon and how you can help sponsor his Olympic bid visit: www.simon-taylor.net 

Ablestoke Consultings Blog: www.ablestokeconsulting.blog.com

For more Ablestoke Consulting Client Testimonials visit: www.squidoo.com/ablestoke-testimonials

Ablestoke Consulting Careers

Ablestoke Consulting is a growing financial management consultancy based in the City of London.

Our business is to help both private and corporate clients with their financial, legal, taxation and lifestyle choices.

Ablestoke do this through establishing long term relationships with our clients, understanding their needs and objectives and guiding them through (what is otherwise) a complex field, providing them with dedicated account managers who are supported by an extensive team of experts.

The continued success of Abklestoke has lead to a need to recruit the next generation of advisers to meet the demands of our clients.

New entrants join the Ablestoke Academy which provides a comprehensive and fast paced training and coaching scheme, comprising both classroom style teaching and on the job training. Once this has been successfully completed you will join one of our teams and be mentored by one of our partners.

You will then begin the Ablestoke professional qualification programme.

The programme starts with the financial planning certificate which will lead to you gaining qualifications in areas such as financial regulations, investments, pensions, taxation, mortgages and protection. You will then progress to the Ablestoke financial planning diploma programme, and finally study towards becoming a chartered financial adviser, with Ablestoke bearing the costs of the training and qualifications.


Previous industry experience is not essential as the Ablestoke Academy training and professional qualification programme, as well as working alongside experienced Ablestoke financial advisers, mortgage brokers, stockbrokers, accountants and other industry experts are designed to guarantee an individual’s understanding & career progression.

Although excellent academic qualifications are assumed , Ablestoke look for other features in a candidate’s CV: e.g. areas of sporting success and/or situations where the candidate has held positions of responsibility or had the opportunity to demonstrate qualities of leadership and entrepreneurship.

Ablestoke require individuals, who have the excellent communication skills, immaculate appearance, self motivation and a determination to excel in order to help us deliver our promise to our clients.

Ablestoke is an appointed representative of Intrinsic FS whob are regulated by the FSA: www.fsa.gov.uk/register/

For more Ablestoke information visit: www.ablestoke.com

For more Ablestoke careers information visit: www.ablestokecareers.com

Ablestoke & Currency Solutions: 7 Costly mistakes to avoid when transferring currency

Ablestoke have formed some very positive alliances during 2010 and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Currency Solutions, FSA authorised Currency Specialists.

Currency Solutions have just launched a guide to maximising the efficiency of foreign currency transactions entitled:

If you or your company transfers funds internationally, this is an essential guide. It reveals the 7 most costly mistakes people make when transferring and receiving funds across borders. For more information contact Ablestoke

7 Costly mistakes to avoid when transferring currency

1. Using the bank to make your transfer


Many people leave foreign exchange in the hands of their bank. Ablestoke & Currency Solutions beleive this is a big mistake. It’s not a widely known fact but it’s certainly a costly one; currency exchange is one of the easiest ways for the bank to pick your pocket; and for larger transactions the losses can amount to hundreds, even thousands of pounds. A specialist broker is much better placed to look after your interests when making a currency transfer. Although they trade currency in exactly the same way as the bank, with smaller overheads you will be able to achieve more for your money. Ablestoke recommend Currency Solutions



2. Not getting the best rate


As we know at Ablestoke the exchange rate you achieve will have an impact on the cost of any foreign investment you make. Even a small change in the rate will affect your profits so it is vital that you get the best rate at the time you make your transfer. Unlike a bank who will often set a rate for the day (with a wide profit to allow for fluctuations), a specialist currency broker will work from a "live market" meaning the rate you get will be up to date at the second you do the deal. This will ensure you get the most for your money.


3. Not protecting your profit margins from adverse movements in the rates

Exchange rates can move as much as 5% in a week or 10% over a month. If you haven’t accounted for this volatility, an adverse movement in the exchange rate could severely impact your costs or profit margin. Understanding the different options available to you for buying currency will help you ensure your profits are safe from being wiped out by an exchange rate movement. Currency Solutions have helped many Ablestoke Clients with this.


What options are available for Ablestoke Clients?


Spot trade 
A Spot Trade is when you buy the currency now and pay for it now; perfect when you need to make a payment quickly

Forward Contract
This is when you buy the currency now with a 10% deposit but pay the remainder when you need the money. Once you have fixed a rate you are protected from currency risk, meaning you won’t have any nasty surprises when you eventually make the payment. A Forward Contract can be fixed for up to 24 months and can be flexible should your time scales change.

4. Paying commission or charges

Bank commissions for making or receiving payments abroad can range (some foreign banks will take as much as 1.5% just to receive funds) and fees for making international payments are often up to £40 per trade.
On top of this, a hidden cost comes from the large profit a bank will make on the spread of the rate they offer; this can be as much as 4% which on a £50,000 transfer equates to £2,000!

5. Choosing a bad broker


Not all brokers are the same. Ablestoke suggest you should always choose a company which is FSA authorised, HMRC regulated and which holds client funds in segregated client account for total security
of funds.
Be aware of brokers that quote Interbank exchange rates and in some cases better than market rates. All businesses need to generate a profit so if the rate sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These brokers are likely to offer you an exchange rate different to that advertised closer to the time of transaction or they are speculating on the market.
In order to save yourself time, stress and money, choose a currency specialist which offers you a dedicated broker who will be your single point of contact, and will help you make an educated decision about how and when to make a transfer.

6. Leave your transfers to the last minute

Ablestoke suggest the longer you have to arrange your currency transfer, the more flexibility you will have to ensure you get the best deal. Although your broker will be able to offer you a same day transfer, the longer you have to manage your exposure the more options are available to you.

7. Think that using a specialist broker
will be more difficult than using your bank

Ablestoke recommend using a specialist broker such as Currency solutions:

Step 1

Registration
Registration with Currency Solutions is simple, free and can be done in minutes.
The easiest way is to register online at www.currencysolutions.com Once registered, you’ll be under no obligation to make a transaction and you can buy or sell any major currency pair. Alternatively please contact Ablestoke

Step 2

Buy Currency
When your account is open, you can agree an exchange rate over the phone. Once you have agreed the trade your broker will email you a Confirmation Note with details of the trade you ave completed and a secure link for you to tell us where to send the funds.

 Step 3

Make Payment
Once you have sent funds to our segregated client trust account, we transfer your purchased currency into your nominated account straight away. Depending on the currency you are buying (and where you are sending it) this will take from 3 to 48 hours. Ablestoke do not handle clients money - all payments are between you and Currency Solutions.

Working with Currency Solutions you will receive:

• The best exchange rates save up to 4% compared to a high street bank
• No commission meaning a totally transparent service
• Friendly, personal account managers to help you make an educated decision as to when and how to transfer funds
• Flexible trading options to protect against adverse currency fluctuations
• Fast efficient payments
• Total Security of funds with all funds being held in a segregated client account
• Authorised by the FSA and regulated by HM Revenue and Customs

Ablestoke & Currency Solutions advise: Don’t make a costly mistake when transferring currency. With a dedicated service, superb rates and the knowledge to guide you safely through foreign exchange, Currency Solutions have helped over 22,000 clients save time and money.

 

Currency Solutions Ltd is registered in England, Company No. 4864491. Regulated by HM Revenue & Customs, No. 12162570

and authorised by the Financial Services Authority, No. 512130.

Contact us via communications@ablestoke.com

Ablestoke will be delighted to put you in touch with Currency Solutions

Ablestoke interviewed by Hi Mag

Ablestoke were recently asked for their opinion on improvements to the insurance policy application process, by Industry specialist magazine Hi-Mag.com

http://www.ablestoke.com/

Ablestoke Consulting Scam Avoidance Guide

Ablestoke Consulting Scam Avoidance Guide

Scams are schemes which are designed to con unwary people out of their money. Scams come in a variety of types and can be quite sophisticated; therefore even experienced people can be caught out. You may well have already come across scams in your life such as letters from abroad asking you to share in a fortune if your bank account can be used to release funds that are locked away overseas, premium rate competition scams, bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, and fake health cures. These are some of the favourite scams used by unscrupulous fraudsters. As the number of scams seems to be increasing, Ablestoke’s Scam Avoidance Guide is designed to make you aware and save your money.

Here are some of the most common scams Ablestoke have found:

·         Bogus Government Department Scams - some Ablestoke clients have received letters or emails claiming to be from government departments such as the Financial Services Authority asking for personal information or money.

·         Bogus communications form HMRC - A few Ablestoke clients have reported receiving letters or emails claiming to be from the Inland Revenue asking for account information or payment or offering a tax rebate.

·         Bank Charge reclaim cold callers - Ablestoke are warning people to be wary of telephone calls or emails out of the blue, offering to help reclaim your bank charges - often claiming to be from the Office Of Fair Trading

·         Identity Fraud - someone impersonates you without your knowledge, often by stealing discarded or lost documents.

·         Money In Overseas bank account Scams – Several Ablestoke employees have received a letter or email claiming that there is money in an overseas bank account left by someone with the same name as you who is deceased, and that the money has been frozen by the bank as there are no relatives. They suggest you can have the money transferred to your account and that you will receive a large part of the money as your fee.

·         Inheritance Scams – a letter from someone claiming to be a solicitor for a long lost relative, offering you their services in securing money left to you.

·         Advance Fee Scams - letters or emails that offer you large amounts of money if you make payments up front.

·         Credit Card Scams - An Ablestoke director received a telephone call telling him that he had been a victim of fraud and asking you to verify your card details.

·         Fraud Recovery Scams – a phone call or email from someone claiming to be from an organisation tackling fraud and offering to help you recover money from a previous fraud.

·         Mobile Phone Insurance Scam – a telephone call soon after buying your mobile phone offering you insurance cover.

·         Missed call fraud – Ablestoke have reported receiving calls on mobile phones, but the person hangs up after one ring. If you call back, you are put through to a specially set up premium-rate phone number.

Generally, firms have to be regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK's financial services regulator, or be the agent of a regulated firm. Regulated firms and their agents are put on the FSA Register and have to meet certain standards. The Ablestoke advice here is to always make sure that the firm you use is on the FSA Register before handing over your money. If they aren't regulated by the FSA, you won't have access to complaints and compensation procedures if things go wrong. To find out if a firm is on the FSA Register – www.fsa.gov.uk/register/

To find out more about how Ablestoke can help you avoid being scammed, visit: Ablestoke Help People Avoid Scams

Ablestoke - Find Us

www.ablestoke.com

Ablestoke Charity - Ablestoke consultants complete the 10th Annual ASICS London 10k run

Eight Ablestoke Consultants (Lee Wells, Roy Bannock, Ed Sayers, Dom Sbicca, Hamil Mason, Matthew Smith, Jason Yau & Barry Gardener) completed the 10th annual 10km London Run (http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk/)  in July, in support of the homeless charity - The Connection at St Martin-In-the-fields (Reg. Charity Number 1078201) http://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/


The Ablestoke runners were all very happy, and some suprised, with their times, especially as this was the first long distance run for some, and they acheived over £1500 of sponsorship from friends, family and clients for the deserving charity to invest into helping the homeless get off the streets of London and back into work and change their lives, hopefully forever


If you would like to help Ablestoke support this charity, you can still donate by following the link http://www.justgiving.be/AblestokeConsulting

Ablestoke would like to thank all of the people who generously donated and supported this effort

Ablestoke Client Testimonials

Read How Clients Recommend Ablestoke

More Ablestoke Client Testimonials


Ablestokes Guide for Avoiding Scams


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