Business

Many homeowners in Wales ‘failing to protect their family’s financial futures’

Published

9 months ago

February 10, 2024

ALMOST a third of homeowners in Wales are failing to protect their family’s financial futures

25.01.2024 – Almost a third (32%) of adults in Wales have not made financial arrangements to protect their families when they die, new research has revealed.

A survey, by Lycetts Financial Services (LFS), also revealed that 32% do not understand how Inheritance Tax could affect their loved ones.

“Most people focus on earning enough to buy a home and accumulate other assets during their lifetime,” said Nick Straker, LFS Divisional Director. “They regard this as more important than considering the potential tax consequences further down the line.

“However, the start of a new year is the ideal time to take stock of your financial assets and circumstances, and plan for the future. It could be the most important resolution you ever make.”

Currently, the first £325,000 of an estate is not subject to Inheritance Tax under the “Nil Rate Band” (NRB). Where the family home is also passed to a direct descendant then the NRB is boosted by a further £175,000 to £500,000.

If a couple are married and pass assets each to other, then the NRB can be inherited so that it can be up to £1million on the last to die. However, the rise in property values in recent years has still seen more people’s assets exceed the threshold and be subject to a 40% tax rate.

Straker said: “A Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET) allows you to make financial gifts of unlimited value without there being an Inheritance Tax liability. The only proviso is that the individual making the gift must survive for the following seven years, and that the gift itself is potentially subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on transfer.

“Before committing to PETs, consideration should be given to what your future financial needs may be. With life expectancy increasing, you need to consider how much income you will require to continue living the life you want to lead.

“The problem of giving assets away is that you don’t know how long you are going to live and there may also come a time when you need to pay for care and nursing home costs.

“The wisdom of making a PET when your children may be young, impulsive and have not yet established themselves, is another important consideration. Generally, people are getting married later and having children later, so planning becomes more difficult.

“Life Insurance, however, is a good short term measure. It provides protection for loved ones if something were to happen unexpectedly, and is relatively inexpensive. When your children are likely to be settled and more mature, and you have a better idea of your financial needs going forward, a PET might then be explored or other IHT plans can be considered.”

Straker also reinforced the importance of building up a pension fund, which can offer further financial support for a spouse and family.

“Pensions are highly tax efficient and are not affected by Inheritance Tax. You are never too young to start saving for your pension and should aim to build as big a fund as possible.

“My final piece of advice is to seek guidance from an experienced financial adviser. An audit of all assets is a good starting point to plan for the future.

“A YouGov survey revealed that that only 31 per cent of those who made resolutions in 2023 kept them all, but arranging your finances is one you should definitely stick to.”

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

15 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

21 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

Business

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.