Investments

Are You Obtaining the Best Return from Your Savings?

It’s vital to ensure your money is working as hard as you are. Regularly reviewing your savings and investment portfolio helps confirm that your returns remain competitive, your tax efficiency is maximised, and your risk exposure stays appropriate for your circumstances.

At Holland & Co Chartered Accountants, we help clients evaluate the performance and structure of their investments to ensure they align with personal financial goals, time horizons, and risk tolerance. Market conditions, legislation, and tax rules change frequently — meaning that a well-performing investment today may not be the most suitable option tomorrow.

Why Regular Reviews Matter

Even the most carefully selected investments require periodic review. Over time, changes in income, family circumstances, or business commitments can alter your objectives and risk appetite.

By reviewing your portfolio regularly, you can:

• • Ensure your investments remain appropriate for your age, income, and financial goals.

  • Identify underperforming assets and rebalance for better returns.

  • Make use of current tax allowances and HMRC-approved schemes.

  • Protect and grow your wealth through strategic planning and diversification.

Tax-Efficient Investment Opportunities

Several HMRC-recognised schemes and investment structures offer significant tax advantages to UK investors. These include:

1. Pensions

A pension remains one of the most effective long-term investment vehicles.

• • Contributions attract income tax relief at your marginal rate.

  • Funds grow free of income tax and capital gains tax while invested.

  • Pension funds can now be accessed flexibly from age 55 (rising to 57 from 2028).

Effective pension planning not only supports retirement goals but can also play a major role in tax planning, succession, and business exit strategies.

2. Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs)

VCTs are government-approved investment schemes designed to encourage private investment in small, high-growth UK companies.

Key benefits include:

• • 30% income tax relief on investments up to £200,000 per tax year (minimum five-year holding period).

  • Tax-free dividends, meaning returns distributed from the VCT are not subject to income tax.

  • No capital gains tax when selling qualifying VCT shares.

VCTs can deliver attractive returns and strong tax incentives, but they carry higher risk than mainstream investments. The companies they support are often early-stage and less predictable. Therefore, VCTs are generally suitable for experienced investors with a long-term investment horizon and the ability to tolerate market volatility.

3. Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)

The EIS encourages investment into smaller, unquoted UK businesses through a range of tax reliefs:

• • 30% income tax relief on qualifying investments.

  • Deferral of capital gains tax from other disposals.

  • Inheritance tax relief after two years of holding.

  • Loss relief, allowing investors to offset losses against other income or gains.

EIS investments can provide powerful tax efficiency and potential for high growth, but they should be approached with care and professional guidance due to the risks involved in early-stage companies.

4. Other Tax-Advantaged Investments

• • Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS): Similar to EIS but focused on very early-stage companies, offering 50% income tax relief and generous loss relief options.

  • Innovative Finance ISAs (IFISAs): Enable investment in peer-to-peer lending or debt-based securities within an ISA wrapper, offering tax-free interest and capital gains.

Each scheme has its own eligibility rules, risk profile, and suitability depending on your broader financial circumstances.

Our Role

At Holland & Co, we take a practical, client-focused approach to investment reviews. We:

• • Analyse your existing savings and investment performance.

  • Assess tax efficiency and alignment with your financial goals.

  • Identify potential opportunities for improved returns or diversification.

  • Ensure all recommendations are compliant with HMRC and current legislation.

  • Where appropriate, introduce you to trusted independent financial advisers (IFAs) for specialist investment planning, including VCT, EIS, SEIS, and pension strategies.

This joined-up service ensures that your investment decisions complement your wider tax and business planning — maximising efficiency, security, and long-term growth.

Why It Matters

Effective investment management isn’t only about returns — it’s about protecting capital, managing risk, and making informed decisions that fit your financial journey. Regular reviews can help you:

• • Make the most of available tax reliefs.

  • Adjust strategies as markets or personal circumstances change.

  • Maintain financial resilience and flexibility for future opportunities.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to review your current investments or explore tax-efficient opportunities such as VCTs, EIS, or pension planning, contact our team today for an initial discussion.

Tel: 0151 420 6666
Email: nigel@hollandandcompany.co.uk
Address: Holland & Co Chartered Accountants, 102 Widnes Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 6AX

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