Spears Indices
Spear’s Indices are authoritative surveys of the key players and the most respected authorities in the high net worth world. Every issue, we produce another Index – from lawyers to property, security to private bankers. What is most important to HNWs is reliable information, and the thorough research and personal interviews of the Indices make them stand out. To obtain a PDF of one of them (£25 each, free to subscribers), email emily.rookwood@spearswms.com.
Spear's Hotel Index
When hotels start giving themselves seven stars, you know you need an independent guide. Spear’s is here to help
Spear's Security Index
From kidnapping to espionage and cyber-crime, business leaders and HNWs face constant threats. Freddy Barker and Mark Nayler profile the security firms and key figures who make it their business to prevent the worst happening
Education Index
Choosing a school for your children is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, so how do you identify which one will fit the bill? Freddy Barker and Mark Nayler profile the class acts — and surprise, surprise, they’re not all fee-paying...
Rising Stars of Wealth Management Index
Wealth management isn’t all stuffed shirts — a generation of new kids on the block are bringing innovation to the industry. Freddy Barker and Mark Nayler profile the leading lights
UHNW Wealth Management and Family Office Index
That ancient financial safeguard — putting your money under your mattress — is not an option available to UHNWs. Click above to see the full list.
HNW Wealth Management Index
Most of the country may have experienced the Great Recession, but high-net-worths have also faced the Great Disillusionment. Click above to see the full list.
Legal Index
There is something peculiarly personal about choosing your lawyer: you want them to be a combination of intellectual pit-bull, charming dinner companion and sympathetic counsellor. Click above to see the full list.
Accountancy Index
From the Big Four to the boutique firms, accountants do far more for HNWs and their businesses than merely counting beans. With the help of expert insiders, Freddy Barker and Mark Nayler profile the leading performers in their field
Philanthropy Index
No philanthropist is an island — even the most informed and motivated giver needs financial, legal and strategic advice. Freddy Barker, Mark Nayler and Becky Slack of Charity Insight talk to the names you need
Reputation Management Index
The Leveson Inquiry has done more than expose tawdry tabloids tactics — it has highlighted how crucial it is to take care of your reputation. Freddy Barker and Mark Nayler profile the leading solicitors, barristers and PR gurus whom HNWs trust to make sure no mud sticks
Property Index
The sharpest-suited estate agents out there are of questionable virtue, and although the recession has flushed the worst of them out — taking the industry headcount down from 80,000 to 50,000 — a little guidance is always welcome. Click here for the full list.
Art & Collecting Index
The best way to ensure that you collect with your eyes not your ears is to get an adviser. There are plenty of options as the 21st-century model for both the buy and the sell side is to provide the full suite of advisory services to the active clients they have. Click here for the full list.
International Financial Centres Index
International financial centres (IFCs) can be assessed on a wide range of criteria. Many guides stick to the raw essentials: quality of labour, strength of regulation, access to markets, level of taxation and robustness of courts. As well as taking such factors into account, this index places quality of life — be that the local culture, street safety or property availability — just as highly, and also looks at what makes each IFC unique. Click above to see the full list
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
- FT: EU may introduce country-by-country reporting as soon as summer
- Hauser & Wirth take on Paul Schimmel for Los Angeles gallery
- STEP: Switzerland introducing law to confiscate dictators' funds
- NYT: JP Morgan fined £3m for wealth management failings
- The Woolwich Attack Must Not be Used as an Excuse to Restrict Civil Liberties
