A Family Investment Company (FIC) is a private limited company that is structured and run to hold, manage and grow family wealth in a controlled, tax-efficient way. It has become increasingly popular in the UK as an alternative to using trusts, especially since tax rules around trusts have tightened in recent years.

Here’s how it works and why families use them:

The basic idea

An FIC is usually created by parents or grandparents (the “founders”) who transfer cash, investments, or other assets into a company instead of holding them personally. The company then invests those funds, for example, in shares, bonds, property or other long-term assets, with the goal of growing the family’s wealth over time.

The key feature is that the founders retain control over the company, while passing the economic benefit of future growth to their children or other family members.

This is done through a careful division of share classes:

� Voting shares are typically retained by the founders, allowing them to make decisions and control distributions.

� Non-voting shares are usually given to children or held in trust for them, allowing them to benefit from dividends and capital growth without having day-to-day control.

Why families set them up

1. Control Parents often want to pass wealth to the next generation but are reluctant to give away full control. A Family Investment Company allows them to retain decision-making power while transferring future growth outside their estates.

2. Tax efficiency Companies are generally taxed at lower rates than individuals on investment income and capital gains.

� The Corporation Tax rate (currently 25 per cent for most companies) is often less than higher-rate personal income tax.

� Dividends received by a company from most UK and overseas shares are usually exempt from Corporation Tax.

� The company can also deduct certain expenses, such as management or professional fees, before tax.

When profits are eventually distributed as dividends, they are taxed in the hands of shareholders, but with careful planning, these can be allocated to family members in lower tax bands.

3. Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning By giving away non-voting shares early, parents can transfer future growth outside their estates. If those shares are gifted and the founders survive seven years, the value of those shares normally falls outside their taxable estate for IHT purposes.

Because the company structure fixes control and ownership separately, it avoids many of the risks of outright gifting.

4. Flexibility and investment control The FIC can hold a wide range of assets – from property portfolios to listed shares or even private equity. Directors (often family members) can decide how income and gains are reinvested, distributed or lent back to shareholders.

Typical structure

A common setup might look like this:

� The parents form a new limited company and subscribe for voting shares.

� They then introduce capital (either cash or investments) as a loan to the company.

� The company invests the funds.

� Over time, the loan can be repaid to the parents tax-free, while profits accumulate for the benefit of younger shareholders.

Sometimes, the company’s Articles of Association or a shareholders’ agreement will set out clear rules on dividends, share transfers and governance to avoid future family disputes.

Points to consider

� Costs and complexity: An FIC must prepare annual accounts, file returns at Companies House, and meet Corporation Tax and record-keeping requirements.

� Professional advice: Legal, tax and financial planning advice are essential at the outset, especially to draft share classes, shareholder agreements, and loan terms correctly.

� Double taxation: Profits are taxed in the company, and then again when paid out as dividends. Planning is needed to minimise this.

� Disclosure: Details of directors and shareholders appear on the public record, so privacy is reduced compared with a trust.

Summary

A Family Investment Company offers a structured, long-term way to manage and pass on wealth within a family while maintaining control. It combines corporate flexibility with estate planning advantages and can often be more efficient than trusts for families with significant liquid wealth or investment portfolios.

However, it is not suitable for everyone. The success of an FIC depends on careful setup, disciplined management, and ongoing professional oversight to ensure compliance and that it remains aligned with the family’s goals.

If you would like to explore whether a Family Investment Company might suit your circumstances, please call so that we can discuss your options before taking any action.

With the Autumn Budget due on 26 November 2025, speculation is mounting about which taxes could rise and where the Chancellor might look for extra revenue. After ruling out increases in the main rates of income tax, National Insurance and VAT, attention is shifting to the so-called “stealth” areas of the tax system, the ones that can quietly increase tax receipts without grabbing headlines.

Below, we outline the main themes currently circulating and what they could mean for clients.

Property and housing taxes

The property sector is attracting particular attention this year. There is talk of a complete overhaul of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), possibly replacing it with a more regular, value-based property tax aimed at higher-value homes. Some analysts believe this could be combined with a tightening of reliefs such as the residence nil-rate band, which reduces Inheritance Tax on family homes.

There is also speculation that second homes and buy-to-let properties may face higher charges, either through SDLT reforms or changes to Capital Gains Tax. Meanwhile, parts of the housing market appear to be slowing as buyers and sellers wait to see what the Budget may bring.

Anyone planning a sale or purchase before the end of the year should be aware that rules could change suddenly, particularly if property-related measures are announced to take effect from Budget day.

Wealth and high-earner targeting

Higher earners are another focus of speculation. Reports suggest the government could review how partners in professional practices, such as LLPs, are taxed compared with employed staff. A tightening of the partnership rules, or the removal of certain structuring advantages, could raise additional revenue while being presented as a fairness measure.

Capital Gains, Inheritance Tax and “stealth” changes

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) remains firmly in the spotlight. Aligning CGT rates with income tax would significantly increase the tax payable on the sale of investments and second homes. Other suggestions include reducing the CGT annual exemption or restricting Business Asset Disposal Relief.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) could also be tightened. The government might extend the period before gifts fall outside an estate, reduce reliefs, or lower the private residence nil-rate

band. Similarly, savings/investment allowances such as ISAs could be trimmed or frozen, which would quietly raise additional revenue as inflation erodes their real value.

A difficult fiscal backdrop

Public finances remain stretched. With borrowing high and economic growth subdued, the government is thought to be seeking £20-30 billion in additional tax or spending cuts. Because increasing headline rates would break election promises, the most likely route is through freezes and incremental changes that gradually bring more taxpayers into higher band, the classic “stealth tax” approach.

What this means for clients

For clients holding high-value property, planning asset disposals, or managing large investment portfolios, these possibilities underline the importance of a pre-Budget review. Some may wish to complete disposals under current CGT rates, while others might explore pension top-ups or gifting strategies while existing reliefs remain.

Business owners, directors and professional partners should also monitor how any structural or partnership reforms might affect their remuneration and tax exposure.

Take advice before making changes

It is important to stress that all of these measures are still speculative. Acting on rumour can create unintended tax consequences, particularly where timing and interaction with other reliefs are involved.

If you are considering a disposal, pension contribution, or business restructuring before the Budget, please contact us first. We can help you assess your position, model possible outcomes and ensure that any action taken fits your wider financial and tax plans.

If you feel this article could help a business colleague or family member, please feel free to share it with them.

With colder days on the horizon, many pensioners will soon receive their Winter Fuel Payment, a vital support when heating bills start to rise. But as that help rolls out, fraudsters are ramping up efforts to exploit it. Recent data shows scam referrals have leapt by a staggering 153 per cent over the last week of September compared to the week before.

The scam surge

These scams typically arrive via SMS or text message, with the fraudster posing as a government or tax official claiming you need to “apply” or “confirm details” to receive your payment. Recipients might be prompted to click a link, enter personal data or bank account details, or even make a payment upfront.

But here is the key point: you never have to apply or confirm anything. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically to those eligible.

These messages had been trending down after a peak in June, but they are now increasing again just in time for payments to land in bank accounts next month. The timing is no coincidence.

Official warnings and advice

Pat McFadden, the Work and Pensions Secretary, issued a clear warning:

“If you get a text message about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam. They will be made automatically so you do not need to apply.”

Jonathan Silvester, HMRC’s Digital Defence Lead, added that people should not let themselves be rushed. If someone pressures you to act immediately, it is a red flag. Never give personal or financial details or click on suspicious links or attachments.

Independent Age, a charity supporting older people, emphasised that scammers are targeting those already anxious about paying their bills. The messages can be unsettling, implying that the recipient must act to receive what is rightfully theirs.

What you can do

Here is how to protect yourself and how to help warn others:

1. Do not respond to texts asking you to “apply” or “confirm”. If a message mentions Winter Fuel Payments and asks you to do something, it is almost certainly fake.
2. Never share bank details or personal information. The government will never ask for that by text.
3. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. This helps telecom providers block the numbers.
4. Delete the message and do not click any links or attachments.
5. Report suspicious contact. For scams mimicking HMRC, forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk; for calls or texts, report via GOV.UK.
6. Check eligibility through the official government website if unsure. Payments are automatic and confirmed by letter in October or November.

Final thought

Each time the government offers new financial support, scammers see an opportunity. The Winter Fuel Payment is no exception. With the surge in scam texts, it is more important than ever to stay alert, understand how the genuine system works, and share the warning with friends and family. No one should lose money to a scam disguised as help.

The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget is only weeks away, and there is growing speculation that key tax reliefs and allowances could soon be reduced or restricted. Reports suggest that higher-rate pension relief, capital gains tax rates and dividend allowances may all come under review.

For business owners and higher-rate taxpayers, this could be a good time to review your position and take action before any announcements are made. Acting early could help preserve existing tax advantages and avoid being caught out by last-minute changes.

Pension top-ups may be worth reviewing

If you are a higher-rate taxpayer, topping up your pension before the Budget could be a sensible precaution. There is increasing talk that higher-rate tax relief may be replaced with a single flat rate of around 30 per cent. Making additional contributions now could therefore secure valuable relief while it remains available.

We can help you check how much unused pension allowance you have from the previous three years and confirm the maximum contribution that can be made without breaching the annual limit. Once the figure is agreed, you will need to contact your financial adviser to arrange the transfer of funds.

Consider dividend timing

If the Budget brings higher dividend tax rates or a further cut in the dividend allowance, taking available profits before the announcement could make sense. The timing of dividend payments is something that can be reviewed easily in advance, allowing you to decide whether an early payment would be beneficial.

Review planned disposals

There are also strong rumours that capital gains tax could be aligned with income tax rates from April 2026. If that happens, gains could be taxed at 40 or 45 per cent instead of 20 per cent. If you are considering selling an investment property, shares, or other chargeable assets, it may be worth reviewing the timing of any disposal now.

Make full use of current allowances

Now is also a good time to check that you have made full use of your ISA allowance, savings allowance and annual capital gains exemption for the current tax year. These smaller reliefs are often overlooked but can all add up.

Talk to us before the Budget

We recommend reviewing your position before the November Budget to ensure you are using every available planning opportunity.

Please get in touch if you would like us to review your pension contributions, dividend timing or planned disposals. A short discussion now could make a real difference later, and help you beat the Budget rather than being caught by it.

For many business owners and high value individuals, protecting family wealth is as important as creating it. Succession planning, deciding how ownership and control will pass on to the next generation, is no longer just a matter for the future. With possible changes ahead to inheritance tax (IHT) and Business Property Relief (BPR), this is an ideal time to review existing arrangements.

Family businesses often assume that shares or property will qualify automatically for IHT reliefs. However, the conditions can be strict. The business must normally be trading rather than holding investments, and the qualifying ownership period must be at least two years before death or transfer. If a company is mixed-activity or part trading and part investment, there can be uncertainty over how much of the value qualifies.

Similarly, property and agricultural enterprises that rely on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) need to ensure that land is being actively farmed and that ownership and occupation requirements are met. The rules are detailed and sometimes interpreted narrowly by HMRC.

Succession planning should therefore be treated as a continuing process rather than a single event. Reviewing company structures, shareholder agreements, and wills ensures that ownership passes smoothly and that tax reliefs are not lost. In some cases, establishing a family investment company or discretionary trust may be the best way to separate control from beneficial ownership and to protect wealth across generations.

It is also worth considering the role of pensions within succession planning. Pension funds usually sit outside the estate for IHT purposes, and nominations can be updated at any time.

A properly structured plan provides peace of mind for both founders and successors. It reduces the risk of disputes, ensures the right people are in control, and preserves as much family wealth as possible. Discussing your long-term plans with us now will help ensure that your business and family assets remain secure, compliant, and ready for the future.

Interest rates have now settled at levels many business owners and investors have not seen for over a decade. Even if the Bank of England begins to trim the base rate later this year, most commentators expect the cost of borrowing to remain well above the ultra-low rates of the past. That means every small business and higher-income individual should be thinking carefully about both sides of their balance sheet; the money they owe and the money they hold.

On the borrowing side, many companies and households are now facing the end of fixed-rate loans or mortgages arranged several years ago. Replacing these loans can mean a noticeable jump in interest costs, reducing cash flow and profitability. For directors, this might also affect drawings and dividends. Reviewing finance arrangements before they renew is therefore essential. Options may include refinancing with a longer-term fixed rate, negotiating flexible repayment terms, or repaying part of a loan where surplus cash is available.

On the savings side, higher rates are opening new opportunities. It is no longer sensible for business current accounts to hold large sums earning little or no return. Moving surplus funds into notice or fixed-term deposits can make a real difference, especially when supported by accurate cash flow forecasts. Individuals with significant personal savings should also ensure they are using tax-efficient wrappers such as ISAs or pensions where possible.

For limited companies, the use of directors’ pension contributions remains one of the most effective ways to take advantage of higher deposit returns while achieving corporation tax relief.

In short, higher interest rates are a mixed blessing. Borrowers face higher costs, while savers can finally earn a return worth having. A review with us will help identify how best to balance these two effects, manage debt prudently, and make cash work harder for both business and personal wealth.

Even the most advanced accounting software is built on a principle that has stood the test of time: double entry bookkeeping. First described more than 500 years ago, it remains the foundation of every set of accounts today. For business owners, understanding the basics can make reports and figures much easier to follow.

What is double entry?

Double entry means that every financial transaction affects at least two accounts. One side records where the money is coming from, the other shows where it is going. This ensures that the books always balance. In practice, for every debit there is an equal and opposite credit.

The accounting equation

At the heart of double entry is the accounting equation:

Assets = Liabilities Equity

Assets are what the business owns, liabilities are what it owes, and equity represents the owners’ interest. Every transaction will change at least two of these areas, but the overall equation must always stay in balance.

Debits and credits explained

The terms “debit” and “credit” can be confusing because they mean different things depending on the account type. The basic rules are:

• Assets increase with debits and decrease with credits
• Liabilities increase with credits and decrease with debits
• Equity increases with credits and decreases with debits
• Income is recorded as a credit
• Expenses are recorded as a debit

By following these rules, the accounts reflect the true financial position of the business.

An example in practice

Suppose a business buys a new computer for £1,000, paid from the bank account. The double entry would be:

• Debit: Computer equipment (asset increases) £1,000
• Credit: Bank account (asset decreases) £1,000

The books balance, and the transaction is fully recorded.

Why it matters

Double entry is more than a technical exercise. It gives business owners confidence that every transaction is captured, helps spot errors quickly, and forms the basis of reliable financial statements. Without it, reports such as the profit and loss account or balance sheet would not be possible.

Final thoughts

Modern software hides much of the detail, but the double entry rules are still working behind the scenes. For business owners, knowing the basics can make it easier to interpret accounts and to have more informed conversations with their accountant.

Winning new business is always positive, but before you commit to a new customer it is wise to carry out some checks. A little time spent at the start can save trouble later if the customer is unable, or unwilling, to pay. We often advise business owners to put a simple process in place for checking new customers.

1. Check who you are dealing with

Start by confirming the customer’s legal identity. If it is a company, search Companies House for free to check it is registered and still active. Make sure the person you are speaking with is authorised to place orders. If the customer is a sole trader or partnership, ask for basic details in writing so you know who is responsible.

2. Review their financial standing

A credit check can reveal whether the customer has a history of paying bills on time. For companies, filed accounts at Companies House can give a sense of size and stability. Trade references are also valuable, especially if the customer is asking for credit terms.

3. Be clear about terms and conditions

Before supplying goods or services, set out clear terms. These should cover payment dates, late payment charges, and what happens if there is a dispute. Using written contracts or standard terms gives both sides certainty. It also makes it easier to enforce your rights if payment problems arise.

4. Consider how much credit to offer

Even if the customer appears sound, it may be sensible to limit credit at the start. You can increase limits once they have shown a good payment record. Asking for deposits or stage payments reduces risk, especially for large orders.

5. Keep records of checks and agreements

Keep a simple file of all checks carried out, copies of contracts and any credit limits agreed. This helps if there are disputes later and shows that your business has acted responsibly.

6. Trust your instincts

Finally, listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong, take more time before agreeing to proceed. It is usually better to turn away a doubtful customer than to chase unpaid invoices.

Taking these steps helps protect cash flow, which is vital for every business. We can help design a straightforward customer acceptance process, so you can grow sales with greater confidence.

The government has announced permanent changes to business rates that will benefit thousands of small firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. From April 2026, qualifying businesses will see their bills reduced, with some enjoying discounts of up to 40%.

What has changed?

Business rates have long been a concern for high street shops, restaurants, pubs, and leisure operators. Rising property costs, combined with tight margins, have made rates one of the biggest overheads for many.

In a move designed to support growth, the government has confirmed:

• A permanent business rates discount of 40% for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure premises with a rateable value below £500,000.
• A freeze of the small business multiplier, to prevent rates bills from rising in line with inflation.
• The continuation of business rates improvement relief, so that firms making property improvements will not face immediate increases in their bills.

The government estimates that around 250,000 businesses will benefit from these measures, giving a much-needed boost to high streets and town centres across the UK.

Who qualifies?

The discount applies to occupied properties that are wholly or mainly used as:

• Shops.
• Restaurants, caf�s, pubs or bars.
• Cinemas, gyms, or other leisure facilities.
• Hotels, guesthouses or self-catering accommodation.

Properties with a rateable value of £500,000 or above will not be eligible, and relief is subject to subsidy control limits for larger groups.

Why is this being introduced?

The government has stated that the aim is to “level the playing field” between high street operators and online retailers, who do not face the same property-based costs. The measures are also intended to encourage investment in local communities by making it more affordable to run physical premises.

For many small businesses, the changes could mean significant annual savings, freeing up cash to invest in staff, marketing, or refurbishments.

What to do next

Although the relief will not take effect until April 2026, it makes sense to review your property situation now. Points to consider include:

• Checking your property’s rateable value to confirm eligibility.
• Reviewing your business structure if you operate from multiple premises.
• Considering whether improvements to your premises could be planned with improvement relief in mind.
• Budgeting ahead, as although relief is generous, it may not cover all increases in costs.

How we can help

We can review your current rates position, check eligibility for the new reliefs, and advise on planning around the April 2026 changes.

If you operate in the retail, hospitality, or leisure sectors, please contact us so we can confirm how these new rules will affect your business and ensure you make the most of the available reliefs.