Family Business
Wealthy families, spooked, urgently looking at tax again
Over half of wealthy families have started to consider 'regularising' their tax affairs after being spooked by increased government scrutiny, according to a new survey. The survey found that 53.4 per cent had done so, but that half of these were worried by the possibility of unlimited historic reassessments, 39 per cent by penalties and 32 per cent by criminal sanctions.
Exclusive: Founding family try and retake Escada with fashion heavy-hitters
A source close to the bankrupt fashion house Escada has revealed that the former CEO of Gucci and the owner of an upmarket French department store are assisting Sven Ley, the son of Escada's founder, in his bid to buy the company back.
Family Bhive
Grand projects derserve grand locations, and there are few grander than Kensington Palace, home of everyone from William and Mary to Princesses Margaret and Diana. Last night it played host to some rather less dysfunctional families as youth and experience gathered to celebrate the relaunch of Family Bhive, a social network for UHNWs to discuss the problems and perks of wealth.
Entrepreneuses Special Section
Spear's presents seven entrepreneuses who have triumphed in every field, from fashion to castles, wine to breakfast cereals. Sisters have done it for themselves
Legge, Braine and Fingers
Charlotte Legge and Kate Braine are neighbours who have become business partners with their ring company, adding a zing to every finger
Career Girl, Interrupted
Xenia Howard-Johnston on the unexpected pleasures of going back to work after almost 20 years of parenting and other distractions
California Drinkin'
Better than Bordeaux? The Napa Valley’s Spottswoode vintages are up there with the best of the best. President Beth Novak tells Spear’s the story of an emerging dynasty. Photography by Thomas Heinser
Castle Upkeep
Fiona Carnarvon reflects on the joys of living in Highclere Castle — and the challenges of making a historic building a financially viable proposition
The Golden Bowl
Lucy O’Donnell has hit the big time with Lovedean granola. Killer cereal, says Rory Ross
Keep it in the Family
Most family fortunes are frittered away within a few generations. With effective governance, it doesn’t have to be that way, says Rupert Phelps
Unbillable Hours
Our specialists solve your HNW problems (gratis!)
Q
I am growing increasingly worried about the effect of inflation on my portfolio, following the recent announcement that the CPI has risen sharply to 3.5%. What is the likelihood of significant inflation in the coming year and what strategies should I put in place to plan for this?
A
Firstly, it is important to note that inflation and deflation can co-exist within an economy. The CPI only indicates the net inflation/deflation. However, investors need to know what parts of the economy are inflating and what parts are deflating as this decides whether there is net wealth creation or net wealth destruction.
Spear's Wire
The Hedgehog
Spear's Spiky Undercover Agent Dishes the Gossip
