Four Notes
What a week! We are all enduring the start of another lockdown in the government’s latest attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19. However, the news of significant progress in Pfizer’s vaccine boosted stock markets whilst bringing hope that 2021 offers a more positive outlook.
The US elections have brought a change of direction with the imminent President-elect of Joe Biden, even if the current incumbent continues to shout ‘foul play’.
One major policy difference between Trump and Biden has been their approach to dealing with (or denying) climate change.
Coincidentally, we have been reviewing the HarperLees approach for dealing with Environmental factors amongst other Social and Impact Investment options when investing for our clients. We include further information below and a link to our new guide – Investing With A Social Conscience.
Continuing our newsletter series, we have also included a few distraction ideas and updated our Wellbeing HUB with the latest Government updates.
Please take time to view the incredible story of Paul Harvey, who lives with Dementia and his composition of Four Notes.
Please click the links on all songs, films and activities throughout the Newsletter for your enjoyment.
HarperLees Wellbeing HUB
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was due to end on 1 November and be replaced by the Wage Subsidy Scheme. However, Rishi Sunak somewhat surprisingly announced an extension to the more generous CJRS until 31 March 2021. Read more here.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) was increased, with the third grant covering November to January calculated at 80% of average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500. Read more here.
Investing With A Social Conscience
It will not have escaped your attention there has been a growing momentum of navel-gazing into our futures. There are several contributing factors:
Environmental (E) – Media coverage of Greta Thunberg addressing world powers and Sir David Attenborough’s recent ‘A Life on our Planet’ film highlighting his concerns for the environmental damage humans have and continue to cause wildlife and our eco-systems.
Social (S) – We are increasingly aware of the inequalities that exist in the UK and around the world, whether this be in relation to ‘fair’ pay, opportunities or profiteering at the expense of others.
Governance (G) – We have greater awareness of companies and services that ‘do the right thing’ for their workers, suppliers and customers whilst building sustainable profits and paying ‘fair’ tax contributions.
We can individually ask ourselves, what would we like to see:
1) More of in the world? and,
2) Less of in the world?
In our daily living, we choose to use companies, charities and organisations that meet our individual values. This may extend to how you choose your investments to be deployed.
Click here for the Investing with a Social Conscience Leaflet
Distraction Ideas
Our distraction suggestions are:
Music
Disco – by Kylie – Her 15th album and ideal for the ‘lockdown kitchen disco’!
Four Notes – by Paul Harvey and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Paul’s story can be found here and the finished song available here. The song is also available to download to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Music for Dementia.
All albums and songs are available to stream via the usual providers. However, please consider better supporting the artists who have all seen their income dramatically reduce through Covid-19 by buying the physical versions.
Online
Hay Book Festival – The festival is virtual and free to view between 26 and 29 November. The headlines include Arsene Wenger, Elton John, Dawn French, Stephen Fry and Ruth Jones. The full schedule is here.
For One Knight Only – Raising funds for the ‘Acting for Others’ charity, A Zoom Q&A with Dames – Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, and Sirs – Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi and Kenneth Branagh
For the Children
Let’s Go Live – Maddie and Greg return with their science-based fun. This edition is a Diwali themed special, including how fireworks are made.
Advice and Assistance
We will be discussing specific ESG requirements with our clients at the next review meeting. However, please let us know if you would like to consider options sooner.
As always, please contact us at any time for assistance, even if it is a general catch up, particularly during the lockdown.
