Spear's Salon
Strong Opinion from our Stable of Star Turns
Britain loves immigrants - as long as they can pay their way
There is a general recognition that there must be an economic dimension to border policy - the concern is therefore more over policy implementation than basis
Chris Grayling's legal aid cuts could destroy the rule of law in Britain
'I’ve just come back from Burma,’ says Shauneen Lambe, ‘and there they are trying to build a legal model to protect fundamental human rights. But here, we’re eroding those rights.'
World Wealth Report 2013 reveals clients unclear on what they want from advisers
Three of the key factors by which HNWs select their managers show neither model has an edge
What do the silver screen and house-hunting have in common?
‘I’d just like to be cut a break, is that too much to ask?’
Why does Ukraine want to join the EU?
Ukraine has a well-educated middle class, but is essentially bust and is currently in receipt of IMF funding – yet again
Philanthropists recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours
The point of honours for philanthropists is not glory-seeking but example-setting: the more people we see giving, the more likely we are to give
The nuts and bolts of EU membership
What does the car industry tell us about the UK's position in Europe?
New Study Suggests it Could be Prudent to Choose Your Employers on the Basis of their Office Space
An intriguing study points to the influence windows could have on your work performance
Sitwell Scoffs: Angler, 34, Plum and Spilt Milk, and Belgraves
After an unspeakable dinner that gave him food poisoning, William Sitwell is on fine scoffing form once more, reviewing Angler in Moorgate, 34, Plum and Spilt Milk and Belgraves
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In this new anti-tax-avoidance era, when so many tax reliefs have been withdrawn, I've heard that investing in a Business Property Renovation Allowance scheme is one of the few remaining good opportunities for maxing your tax position.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
- World Wealth Report 2013 shows record $46 trillion held by HNWs, up 10 per cent
- Kaiser Partner reports 'solid' results for 2012
- STEP: British 'tax havens' make plans to reveal who owns what
- Philanthropists recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours
- Trying to import art to the UK to sell? It's just got more difficult
Links to blogs we like
Dealbreaker
Guardian Datablog
Madame Arcati
Long or Short Capital
Econbrowser
The Wealth Report
Real Time Economics
Intelligence Squared
Iain Dale's Diary
Guido Fawkes
Huffington Post
ITA Wealth Management
The Lesperance Letter