Leaders & Columnists
Why Nine Elms' Redevelopment is Spooking Pimlico Residents
At least that’s what the residents of Pimlico think about the new ’burb springing up across the Thames. But, says Clive Aslet, the only thing being slashed is the distance to the nearest Waitrose
Filming Micro Monsters 3D With David Attenborough
‘One of the things you notice about David Attenborough is his enthusiasm. Wherever we travel are lines of people to meet him’
Why Are We So Surprised by Politicians Shortcomings?
Alessandro Tomé wonders whether the Huhne scandal represents a new development in the history of male-female relations or merely another good reason to watch Animal Planet instead of the news
The Tyranny of the School Reunion and the Fast Diet
A high-school reunion isn’t just about catching up with old friends, says Daisy Prince — it also means starving oneself in order to slim down and impress people who don’t really matter to you
At The Sharp End: Mr & Mrs Smith's Tamara Lohan
The Mrs behind the Mr & Mrs Smith travel website and hotel booking service is put under the Spear’s microscope
How Scotland's First Billionaire, Sir Tom Hunter, is Boosting Scottish Entrepreneurship
Sophie McBain hears how the ‘hatcheries’ of the not-for-profit business accelerator Entrepreneurial Spark are helping to nurture nascent businesses across Scotland
If Boris Johnson Wants to be PM he has to Work on his PR
Boris Johnson may have the charm and wiles of a classic Old Etonian, but he can forget about the top job until he learns to deal with the tough questions, says Edward Amory
Lara Croft Gets New Breasts and ... Feelings?
Lara Croft gets a makeover in the latest version of Tomb Raider. And feelings. And a slightly dubious concession to political correctness. What’s the story, asks Sam Leith
The New Vogue for Country House Opera
Country-house opera is enjoying a new vogue thanks to the efforts of a breed of promoter-philanthropists who are once again making their exquisite houses cultural hubs for local communities
As a globe-trotter, I've seen climate change with my own eyes
I readily confess I’m not a scientist and I used to sit carefully behind the most vocal disbelievers but, having spent the best part of two years travelling the globe, I’ve seen it for myself
Unbillable Hours
Our specialists solve your HNW problems (gratis!)
Q
In this new anti-tax-avoidance era, when so many tax reliefs have been withdrawn, I've heard that investing in a Business Property Renovation Allowance scheme is one of the few remaining good opportunities for maxing your tax position. Is it true that you can get up to 100 per cent tax relief on the amount invested? And what exactly are these schemes? How do they work? What are the upsides? Downsides?
A
In this climate, it is a relief to see one potentially attractive tax allowance come through unscathed from recent criticism
Spear's Wire
