Yet Again!

Our last newsletter referred to our full office return on 1 September. It is fair to say we hoped the return to ‘normal’ would not be threatened quite so quickly! We currently have a full staff presence in the office and we will continue to rely upon web meetings wherever possible to reduce any risk to our clients and staff. We will of course follow government guidance and let you know if our position changes.

This month:

• We are thrilled to announce exam successes for two of our paraplanners.
• Our Wellbeing HUB has been updated with this weeks Government guidance and the extension of the ‘Furlough’ scheme.
• Our ‘Distraction Ideas’ include an insight into the song-writing process.

HarperLees Exam Success

As a Chartered Financial Planning firm, we strive to support our team in enhancing knowledge to seek the best possible outcomes for our clients.

This month, particular praise is due to Michele and Laura who both passed exams whilst working at home, balancing work and family responsibilities. Michele has passed the CII Pensions exam and continues her journey towards the Financial Planning Diploma alongside the Investment Management Certificate that she already holds. Laura passed the Financial Planning Process paper (AF5) to be awarded the prestigious Chartered Financial Planner accreditation.

We look forward to making space on our ‘Chartered wall’ as soon as the paper certificate arrives!

HarperLees Wellbeing HUB

We hoped to have reached the stage to take down the Covid-19 elements from our Wellbeing HUB. However, with the new controls announced this week, it will continue.

For the updated social distancing requirements, click here.

For the introduction of the Wage Subsidy Scheme and enhancements to the VAT and Business Loan assistance schemes, click here.

Pre-Autumn Budget Planning

We previously included our opinion here on the potential prospect for Capital Gains Tax to be targeted in November’s Autumn Budget statement. Rishi Sunak has now announced that the Budget is to be postponed.

This potentially brings a stay of execution. However, it is likely to only delay the inevitable tax rises to attempt to balance the books. We would therefore urge you to take the opportunity to revisit assets that may be carrying gains and to consider your scope for pension funding allowances, where appropriate. Naturally, we will be happy to assist.

Distraction Ideas

This newsletter title, Yet Again, aside from feeling particularly apt this week, is the excellent lead single from 91 Days in Isolation the forthcoming album by The Slow Readers Club.

If you ever wondered how a song is developed from demo to the final version, the band have issued a revealing insight to the process here. The final song can also be heard here .

On a similar theme, we recently came across a podcast – Song Exploder which discusses, the story and influences in songs with the artists and bands. Highlights have included Laura Marling (featured in our previous newsletters) along with The Killers, Arcade Fire, Sheryl Crow and Fleetwood Mac. The podcast can be found here which also showcases the Netflix documentary to be released in October.