Bure Valley Group is an investment introducer platform which links successful investors with exciting, innovative UK startups seeking funding. This content is for information purposes only and should not be taken as financial or investment advice.
Wealth is not the same as having a high income. Rather, it is fundamentally about building up a range of valuable assets which enable you to enjoy more financial freedom. Wealth management, moreover, is concerned with organising these assets prudently to minimise risks and increase opportunities for growth.
In this sense, almost anyone can build wealth – even if each person may have a different “starting point”. Below, our team at Bure Valley Group offers 5 tips for UK investors who want to progress their wealth-building journey.
We hope these insights are useful to you. To learn more about our EIS projects and other early-stage opportunities, visit our portfolio page here. For enquiries regarding our latest projects and funding, you can reach us via:
+44 160 334 0827
#1 Look beyond cash
It can feel good to have cash in the bank. Yet cash is widely seen as a poor asset for long-term wealth creation. This is because interest rates from savings are typically lower than the returns that could be achieved from equities, bonds and private investments (e.g. early-stage businesses which qualify for the Enterprise Investment Scheme, or EIS).
In 2023, interest rates have improved as the Bank of England (BoE) has raised the central UK rate for the 14th time. High street banks have followed with their own rates (albeit unenthusiastically) and fixed-rate deals can currently be found at 5% or more.
With CPI inflation down at 4.6% and projected to fall further in 2024, there could be a rare opportunity for some savers to beat inflation. However, it is still likely that better investment options can be found elsewhere.
#2 Strengthen your protection
With this said many financial advisers still recommend keeping an easy-access “emergency fund” – e.g. 3-6 months’ worth of living costs – to help you weather possible negative events, such as an unexpected costly home repair. Cash could be an option for this as a “storage space” for this money. Another possibility could be Premium Bonds. If a large expense does suddenly arise, this helps the investor avoid needing to sell other assets (possibly at a loss) or turning to high-interest credit.
It would be a shame for your progress in building wealth to be undermined by a financial setback caused by a disaster, such as an accident or illness which prevents you from working. Here, options such as critical illness cover, private medical insurance, income protection and life insurance can help investors to build a “safety net” for their households.
#3 Set clear goals
What do you want your investments to “do”? How long will it be until you need the money? These questions play a key role in determining asset choices for your portfolio. For instance, are you mainly concerned with capital growth or generating an income from your investments?
If the latter, then early-stage companies may be lower down your list of priorities since these may be less likely to pay out profits to investors (instead, re-investing them back into the business). However, if you are after high growth and are willing to accept the investment risk, early-stage companies, such as EIS opportunities, could be a good option.
Your goals and strategy may change over time. A young investor may be primarily interested in building wealth whilst someone nearing retirement may wish to move over to a “decumulation” strategy (preserving the wealth as much as possible whilst drawing an income from it). Working with a financial adviser can help you discern the best options in light of your goals and situation.
#4 Go for tax efficiency
When wealth is created there is usually a government nearby looking to tax it! Fortunately, UK investors can maximise the retention of their hard-earned returns by engaging in prudent tax planning. The ISA is a well-known option. In 2023-24, an investor can contribute up to £20,000 per year into his/her ISAs (with some specific limits – e.g. for the Lifetime ISA) and all interest, capital gains and dividends earned inside will be tax-free.
However, for many successful investors, this £20,000 annual ISA limit will be too constraining. Here, options such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) can be attractive for those interested in early-stage opportunities. In 2023-24, an investor can claim 30% tax relief on the value of EIS investments up to £1m per tax year (or, £2m if these companies are classed as “knowledge-intensive”).
#5 Stay informed and invested
Successful investors put a lot of effort into keeping up to date about market trends, economic indicators and investment opportunities. They attend seminars, read financial news and participate in professional networks (such as ours at Bure Valley Group!). This all helps an investor to keep a level head during market volatility, making informed choices which align with their long-term investment goals and strategy.
Additionally, a disciplined investor is able to see opportunities where others cannot – such as during a down market, when many good companies may be trading at a “discount”. This investor is prepared for possible downturns in the market and continues to contribute to their portfolio, reinvesting dividends and profits whilst maintaining regular portfolio contributions.
Invitation
Interested in finding out more about the exciting startup projects we have on offer to investors here at Bure Valley Group?
Get in touch today to start a conversation with our team and discuss some of the great investment memorandums we have available here:
+44 160 334 0827
