Friday, May 07, 2004
Financial Advice UK from Yahoo
Friday, April 16, 2004
OK, this isn't remotely related to Financial Services but I've just found the site of my favourite author whose books haven't been in the shops for years. If you fancy reading some cool stuff visit the website of Hugh Cook.
Friday, April 09, 2004
Friday, March 26, 2004
Budget 2004 Snippets
So what to make of the latest budget then? As always, not alot.
Pensions
The new pension rules got hardly a mention but the good news is that they will be going ahead in their entirety and the lifetime limit has actually been raised to £1.5m.
The bad news for advisers and consumers wanting to take advantage of the new rules is that their implementation has been postponed to April 2006. So the country will have to wait a while longer for Pension Simplification.
Economy
The Chancellor was understandably glad that the UK has met his much derided economic forecasts and proceeded to make more optimistic forecasts for economic growth. The inevitable question posed by the Tories (if the economy's doing so well why are we borrowing so much?) remains unanswered.
The tax rises will arrive post election.
So what to make of the latest budget then? As always, not alot.
Pensions
The new pension rules got hardly a mention but the good news is that they will be going ahead in their entirety and the lifetime limit has actually been raised to £1.5m.
The bad news for advisers and consumers wanting to take advantage of the new rules is that their implementation has been postponed to April 2006. So the country will have to wait a while longer for Pension Simplification.
Economy
The Chancellor was understandably glad that the UK has met his much derided economic forecasts and proceeded to make more optimistic forecasts for economic growth. The inevitable question posed by the Tories (if the economy's doing so well why are we borrowing so much?) remains unanswered.
The tax rises will arrive post election.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
This years ISA season is being predicted by many to be a damp squib but with equity markets the world over looking attractive, and the government planning to reduce the ISA allowance - now might be a good time to invest. See MJR Financial Management for independent advice.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
10th December Government Pension Proposals
On the 10th December 2003 the Inland Revenue and the Treasury published a long awaited consultation document on the simplification of pensions which contained a number of interesting proposals;
• The previously proposed £1.4m lifetime limit will be reviewed by the National Audit Office before the government decides if it is to be implemented.
• Pension Schemes will have much more investment freedom allowing them to invest in residential property, artworks etc.
• Tax-free cash of up to 25% of the fund will be allowed regardless of the type of pension.
• No limit on employer or employee contributions but employee contributions will only receive tax relief up to 100% of earnings.
• New Income drawdown proposals mean the minimum amount taken can be as little as £1 per annum.
Whilst the governments’ original proposal to set a lifetime limit of £1.4m has still not been finalized the proposal to allow investment in residential property is a welcome move and one which we believe will be very popular. These proposals have not been finalized but if they go ahead will become law on 6th April 2005.
Visit MJR Financial Advice for more info.
We're Listed in the
e financial directory .co.uk
Under: Financial Advisors Leicester
On the 10th December 2003 the Inland Revenue and the Treasury published a long awaited consultation document on the simplification of pensions which contained a number of interesting proposals;
• The previously proposed £1.4m lifetime limit will be reviewed by the National Audit Office before the government decides if it is to be implemented.
• Pension Schemes will have much more investment freedom allowing them to invest in residential property, artworks etc.
• Tax-free cash of up to 25% of the fund will be allowed regardless of the type of pension.
• No limit on employer or employee contributions but employee contributions will only receive tax relief up to 100% of earnings.
• New Income drawdown proposals mean the minimum amount taken can be as little as £1 per annum.
Whilst the governments’ original proposal to set a lifetime limit of £1.4m has still not been finalized the proposal to allow investment in residential property is a welcome move and one which we believe will be very popular. These proposals have not been finalized but if they go ahead will become law on 6th April 2005.
Visit MJR Financial Advice for more info.
We're Listed in the
e financial directory .co.uk
Under: Financial Advisors Leicester
Friday, January 16, 2004
For Mortgage, Investment, pensions, Insurance or tax planning contact MJR Financial Management for independent financial advice.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Another blog..................
And another site...
....................................... and a blog for mortgages
................... And one more........SurfRocket.com
And another site...
....................................... and a blog for mortgages
................... And one more........
New Years Resolutions!
Its that time of year again when we start making our plans for the coming year. Have you thought of a New Years Resolution yet? Well, if you’re considering putting your financial ‘house’ in order, heres a few suggestions……
Pensions
I will finally start a pension plan.
I will review my retirement plans.
I will finally make sure my partner starts a pension.
I will top up my pension.
I will make a carry back contribution before the 31st January deadline.
Protection
I will review my cover to make sure that it is sufficient and up to date.
I will no longer trust to luck and accept that I may get sick. I will get some cover.
I will check to see how well I am covered in case I have to be off work for a long time.
Mortgage
Its time I looked at my mortgage position and found a better deal.
Savings
I will think of what I want in the future and start saving to get there.
I will make sure my investments are making the best returns possible.
I will use my ISA allowance before the 5th April deadline.
Its that time of year again when we start making our plans for the coming year. Have you thought of a New Years Resolution yet? Well, if you’re considering putting your financial ‘house’ in order, heres a few suggestions……
Pensions
I will finally start a pension plan.
I will review my retirement plans.
I will finally make sure my partner starts a pension.
I will top up my pension.
I will make a carry back contribution before the 31st January deadline.
Protection
I will review my cover to make sure that it is sufficient and up to date.
I will no longer trust to luck and accept that I may get sick. I will get some cover.
I will check to see how well I am covered in case I have to be off work for a long time.
Mortgage
Its time I looked at my mortgage position and found a better deal.
Savings
I will think of what I want in the future and start saving to get there.
I will make sure my investments are making the best returns possible.
I will use my ISA allowance before the 5th April deadline.
A Return To Growth
‘Growth’ is the theme of our Autumn Bulletin with the recent expansion of our Financial Services team and positive signs emerging on world stock markets.
We are delighted that John Bloxham has joined us from HSBC in Leicester to work alongside Richard Meek in offering our clients independent advice in all aspects of financial planning. He brings a wealth of experience gained in his 5 years as a technical adviser for HSBC, during which time he became CEFA qualified.
World stock markets have returned to favour in recent months with equity markets showing positive signs towards recovery and long term growth. It is fair to say that we will not see a swift return to double-digit returns, however, we do anticipate medium term returns of 6-7% per annum from the UK market.
These are ‘interesting times’ in the investment world:
• Base rates fell in July 2003 to their lowest level for 48 years after the Bank of England cut interest rates. Base rates have more than halved in the last 5 years and are now less than a quarter of the peak they reached in 1990.
• Elsewhere in the world, short-term interest rates have also dropped to minimal levels. At the end of July 2003, the US Federal funds rate (the equivalent of base rate) was just 1% and the European version was 2%.
UK deposit rates are so low that the after-tax interest you receive is unlikely to keep pace with inflation, which is still running at close to 3%. Consequently your income could be higher from share based investments than from banks or building society deposit accounts. However, as has been all too clear in the last 3 years, share values can go down as well as up.
Most experts believe that low interest rates and low inflation are here to stay for the foreseeable future. If you have not reviewed your investment strategy recently, you should do so now. “There are opportunities as well as threats in today’s investment markets.”
‘Growth’ is the theme of our Autumn Bulletin with the recent expansion of our Financial Services team and positive signs emerging on world stock markets.
We are delighted that John Bloxham has joined us from HSBC in Leicester to work alongside Richard Meek in offering our clients independent advice in all aspects of financial planning. He brings a wealth of experience gained in his 5 years as a technical adviser for HSBC, during which time he became CEFA qualified.
World stock markets have returned to favour in recent months with equity markets showing positive signs towards recovery and long term growth. It is fair to say that we will not see a swift return to double-digit returns, however, we do anticipate medium term returns of 6-7% per annum from the UK market.
These are ‘interesting times’ in the investment world:
• Base rates fell in July 2003 to their lowest level for 48 years after the Bank of England cut interest rates. Base rates have more than halved in the last 5 years and are now less than a quarter of the peak they reached in 1990.
• Elsewhere in the world, short-term interest rates have also dropped to minimal levels. At the end of July 2003, the US Federal funds rate (the equivalent of base rate) was just 1% and the European version was 2%.
UK deposit rates are so low that the after-tax interest you receive is unlikely to keep pace with inflation, which is still running at close to 3%. Consequently your income could be higher from share based investments than from banks or building society deposit accounts. However, as has been all too clear in the last 3 years, share values can go down as well as up.
Most experts believe that low interest rates and low inflation are here to stay for the foreseeable future. If you have not reviewed your investment strategy recently, you should do so now. “There are opportunities as well as threats in today’s investment markets.”
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Monday, December 08, 2003
For independent financial advice in the UK visit MJR Financial Management
Thursday, November 27, 2003
MJR Financial Management is the independent financial advice arm of Leicester based Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers Mark J Rees.
A professional approach
Our aim is to plan for your needs and meet your financial objectives, not to arrange lots of policies. Our advice may be to take a course of action which in fact does not involve buying a product. We are financial planners - not product sales people - and we operate in such a way that we do not rely solely upon commissions from such products. Our number one aim is to give the best advice.
Independent Advice
We are truly independent and search for financial solutions that are suitable for you from the entire marketplace. We are not tied to any Bank, Investment, Pension or Insurance Company.
Holistic Planning
We take an “overview” of your entire position to ensure that we are working with consideration to all connected areas. We review the relationship between our clients’ personal and business finances to provide the right retirement, mortgage, investment, tax or insurance advice for you.
We would be pleased to meet with you for a free initial exploratory meeting at which we will talk about your thoughts and aims. We will then write to you with our recommendations providing you with an opportunity to reflect, without obligation.
Retirement Planning
Retirement might be a long way off or just around the corner but it is important to remember that retirement planning involves much more than simply choosing a pension. Proper retirement planning should integrate all areas of financial planning, especially considering other investments and estate planning issues. We therefore give advice on:
Executive Pension Plans
Group Personal Pension Plans
Personal Pensions
Retirement Annuity Contracts – Personal Pensions taken out prior to 1987.
SSAS (Small Self Administered Schemes)
SIPPS (Self Invested Personal Pensions) – A SIPP is a personal pension allowing the individual the power to decide exactly how their pension is invested
Stakeholder Pensions – Personal Pensions introduced by the Government in 2001 to encourage pension provision
State Pensions
Contracting Out – Diverting National Insurance contributions into policies chosen by the individual
Income Drawdown – Delaying the buying of an annuity at retirement and using the fund to withdraw an income each year up to age 75
Wrap accounts - Pulling diverse pensions and investments under one umbrella with simple charges.
Each of the above is designed for a specific purpose and should be considered carefully. Some arrangements are purposefully designed with the business owner in mind, others for the self employed and yet others for employees, so careful consideration of one’s options is paramount.
Our advisers have achieved the industry’s highest level of competency in this complex area, and they support their credentials by maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of legislation, providers and products.
Investment
Investments can take many forms but are generally categorised as either equity or fixed interest, growth or income, short term or long term, domestic or international etc. The types of investment chosen will depend upon its purpose and proposed duration. We understand that all clients have a different attitude to risk depending on their personal circumstances and preferences and also that the tax treatment of each product can be an important consideration. To make the best recommendation for the client we advise on all investment types including:
Enterprise Investment Schemes – Tax saving high risk schemes investing in smaller companies
Ethical Investments
Investment Bonds – Single Premium With Profit Life Policies
Investment Trusts – Buying shares in one company which invests directly into a portfolio of other investments
ISA’s (Individual Savings Accounts) – Tax free savings plans which can be used to invest in equities (either directly or through unit/investment trusts), into deposit accounts or with profits life policies
Offshore Investments
Property investments - For buy to let, or redevelopment.
National Savings
PEP Transfers
Stocks and Shares
Unit Trusts – Buying units in a fund which is invested by professionals into a number of other investments spreading equity risk
Wrap Accounts - Putting all investments and pensions into one account with one low charge making it easier to control investments.
Since we are completely impartial we select products from the entire market place and always take into account factors such as the economic outlook, tax implications, past performance, product charges, the fund managers’ investment style and, most importantly, the clients attitude to risk.
Protection
Nobody knows for sure what’s around the corner and although we always hope for the best, it makes sense to prepare for the worst. By planning ahead and taking out insurance to cover the things we care for most we can ensure we have one less thing to worry about.
The potential areas to think about are many and diverse so we advise on an extensive range of products to develop the right strategy for you. We search the entire marketplace to find the best quote available. We advise on:
Critical Illness Cover – To provide for an individual in the event of a critical illness
Employee/Group Life Cover
Employee/Group Medical Benefits
Income Replacement (Disability) – To provide income in the event of sickness/accident
Keyman Cover – To guard against the damage that can be caused when a key employee passes away
Life Cover – For a variety of reasons from taking care of your family to paying an inheritance tax bill
Long term Care
Mortgage Protection
Partnership Protection – To enable one partner to buy another partner’s share of the business should one of them die prematurely
Private Medical Insurance
Share Protection – To enable the remaining directors to buy the share of the business from a deceased director’s family.
Mortgages
For many of us moving house is the most important financial decision we will ever make and it is also said to be one of the most stressful. The wealth of options available is vast and comparisons of cost can be difficult due to the numerous options available. There are over 100 lenders offering mortgages that can be repayment or interest only, variable or fixed, tracker, flexible, discounted, capped etc, and within each category more decisions have to be made. However, with independent trustworthy advice and up-to-date expert research, it doesn’t have to be confusing. We offer advice on:
Buy to Let Mortgages – An increasingly popular mortgage for investment purposes
Commercial Mortgages
Equity Release Schemes – Unlocking the value in a property
Remortgages
Residential Mortgages
SIPP/SSAS Mortgages – Allowing a pension to borrow the money to buy a property
Our independence ensures that we find the best mortgage available - at the lowest rate.
ESTATE PLANNINg
What is Inheritance Tax?
Inheritance Tax is based on the value of your home and its contents, your savings and investments, and any other assets that you own in your name or jointly with others when you die. Assets passing to your spouse or to charity will be excluded. Qualifying business and agricultural property can also attract relief of up to 100%. Certain gifts that you may have made in the last seven years may be taken into account. Debts outstanding at the time of death will normally be deductible in determining the value of your taxable estate.
Inheritance Tax Planning & Advice
Without Inheritance Tax planning, many people can end up leaving a substantial tax liability on their death so that bequests can have a much lower value than anticipated. In some cases, the tax burden left on beneficiaries, particularly in respect of property, can result in the beneficiaries having to sell rather than retain the asset in order to meet the inheritance tax liability. Although transfers between husband and wife are tax free, such transfers really only postpone the tax liability because tax is payable on the estate of the surviving spouse.
Inheritance Tax is currently charged at 40% on the value of estates above £255,000. This figure can easily be reached when taking into account the value of property, life policies and savings. It is also worth bearing in mind that the value of some assets, particularly property, may have increased significantly since they were purchased.
Estate planning advice is given by our in-house Chartered Accountant David Richardson FCA ATII - a specialist in taxation.
MJR Financial Management specialises in providing solutions to minimise your Inheritance Tax liability.
ABOUT US
MJR Financial Management has its roots in Mark J Rees, a reputable Chartered Accountancy Practice founded in Leicester in 1938, which today provides a comprehensive range of business services to clients all over the world. The two sides of the business, along with MJR Computer Solutions, work closely together to bring our clients a greater range of expertise and the convenience of having all of their professional needs catered for by one dedicated team.
We realise that the relationship with our clients is our greatest asset and to cement that relationship we provide professional advice which is completely impartial and focused on what’s right for you – not a sales target. This refreshing approach is what separates us from the competition and we believe that with MJR Financial Management you will notice the difference. Many of our clients first came to Mark J Rees over thirty years ago and have never looked back. We think that you won’t either.
The Financial Management team includes,
Richard Meek MLIA (dip)
Richard is an Independent Financial Adviser and heads up MJR Financial Management, the financial services arm of Mark J Rees. He joined the firm in May 2001 having previously followed a career with two of the leading insurance companies. He is qualified in FPC (1, 2 and 3) and CEMAP (mortgage exams) and specialises in Pensions and Investments.
Richard acts for a variety of clients. Many are in fact Directors of existing Mark J Rees clients who require assistance with their pensions and pre/post retirement planning.
He is married and is a keen sportsman with a special interest in golf and football.
John Bloxham Dip FSM
John joined MJR Financial Management in 2003 after 5 years with HSBC working as a Technical Adviser and in a Projects role. He is CEFA qualified (1, 2, and 3) and has also achieved the Diploma in Financial Services Management from the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
John is enthusiastic about travel and left the country for 10 months in 2001 to travel the globe. Highlights of his trip included camping in the Amazon Rainforest, hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, losing all of his belongings in New Zealand, New Years Eve in Sydney and getting lost (everywhere and often).
He is a keen but terrible golfer, plays Badminton regularly and will happily do a Bungee Jump or Skydive if given half a chance.
A professional approach
Our aim is to plan for your needs and meet your financial objectives, not to arrange lots of policies. Our advice may be to take a course of action which in fact does not involve buying a product. We are financial planners - not product sales people - and we operate in such a way that we do not rely solely upon commissions from such products. Our number one aim is to give the best advice.
Independent Advice
We are truly independent and search for financial solutions that are suitable for you from the entire marketplace. We are not tied to any Bank, Investment, Pension or Insurance Company.
Holistic Planning
We take an “overview” of your entire position to ensure that we are working with consideration to all connected areas. We review the relationship between our clients’ personal and business finances to provide the right retirement, mortgage, investment, tax or insurance advice for you.
We would be pleased to meet with you for a free initial exploratory meeting at which we will talk about your thoughts and aims. We will then write to you with our recommendations providing you with an opportunity to reflect, without obligation.
Retirement Planning
Retirement might be a long way off or just around the corner but it is important to remember that retirement planning involves much more than simply choosing a pension. Proper retirement planning should integrate all areas of financial planning, especially considering other investments and estate planning issues. We therefore give advice on:
Executive Pension Plans
Group Personal Pension Plans
Personal Pensions
Retirement Annuity Contracts – Personal Pensions taken out prior to 1987.
SSAS (Small Self Administered Schemes)
SIPPS (Self Invested Personal Pensions) – A SIPP is a personal pension allowing the individual the power to decide exactly how their pension is invested
Stakeholder Pensions – Personal Pensions introduced by the Government in 2001 to encourage pension provision
State Pensions
Contracting Out – Diverting National Insurance contributions into policies chosen by the individual
Income Drawdown – Delaying the buying of an annuity at retirement and using the fund to withdraw an income each year up to age 75
Wrap accounts - Pulling diverse pensions and investments under one umbrella with simple charges.
Each of the above is designed for a specific purpose and should be considered carefully. Some arrangements are purposefully designed with the business owner in mind, others for the self employed and yet others for employees, so careful consideration of one’s options is paramount.
Our advisers have achieved the industry’s highest level of competency in this complex area, and they support their credentials by maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of legislation, providers and products.
Investment
Investments can take many forms but are generally categorised as either equity or fixed interest, growth or income, short term or long term, domestic or international etc. The types of investment chosen will depend upon its purpose and proposed duration. We understand that all clients have a different attitude to risk depending on their personal circumstances and preferences and also that the tax treatment of each product can be an important consideration. To make the best recommendation for the client we advise on all investment types including:
Enterprise Investment Schemes – Tax saving high risk schemes investing in smaller companies
Ethical Investments
Investment Bonds – Single Premium With Profit Life Policies
Investment Trusts – Buying shares in one company which invests directly into a portfolio of other investments
ISA’s (Individual Savings Accounts) – Tax free savings plans which can be used to invest in equities (either directly or through unit/investment trusts), into deposit accounts or with profits life policies
Offshore Investments
Property investments - For buy to let, or redevelopment.
National Savings
PEP Transfers
Stocks and Shares
Unit Trusts – Buying units in a fund which is invested by professionals into a number of other investments spreading equity risk
Wrap Accounts - Putting all investments and pensions into one account with one low charge making it easier to control investments.
Since we are completely impartial we select products from the entire market place and always take into account factors such as the economic outlook, tax implications, past performance, product charges, the fund managers’ investment style and, most importantly, the clients attitude to risk.
Protection
Nobody knows for sure what’s around the corner and although we always hope for the best, it makes sense to prepare for the worst. By planning ahead and taking out insurance to cover the things we care for most we can ensure we have one less thing to worry about.
The potential areas to think about are many and diverse so we advise on an extensive range of products to develop the right strategy for you. We search the entire marketplace to find the best quote available. We advise on:
Critical Illness Cover – To provide for an individual in the event of a critical illness
Employee/Group Life Cover
Employee/Group Medical Benefits
Income Replacement (Disability) – To provide income in the event of sickness/accident
Keyman Cover – To guard against the damage that can be caused when a key employee passes away
Life Cover – For a variety of reasons from taking care of your family to paying an inheritance tax bill
Long term Care
Mortgage Protection
Partnership Protection – To enable one partner to buy another partner’s share of the business should one of them die prematurely
Private Medical Insurance
Share Protection – To enable the remaining directors to buy the share of the business from a deceased director’s family.
Mortgages
For many of us moving house is the most important financial decision we will ever make and it is also said to be one of the most stressful. The wealth of options available is vast and comparisons of cost can be difficult due to the numerous options available. There are over 100 lenders offering mortgages that can be repayment or interest only, variable or fixed, tracker, flexible, discounted, capped etc, and within each category more decisions have to be made. However, with independent trustworthy advice and up-to-date expert research, it doesn’t have to be confusing. We offer advice on:
Buy to Let Mortgages – An increasingly popular mortgage for investment purposes
Commercial Mortgages
Equity Release Schemes – Unlocking the value in a property
Remortgages
Residential Mortgages
SIPP/SSAS Mortgages – Allowing a pension to borrow the money to buy a property
Our independence ensures that we find the best mortgage available - at the lowest rate.
ESTATE PLANNINg
What is Inheritance Tax?
Inheritance Tax is based on the value of your home and its contents, your savings and investments, and any other assets that you own in your name or jointly with others when you die. Assets passing to your spouse or to charity will be excluded. Qualifying business and agricultural property can also attract relief of up to 100%. Certain gifts that you may have made in the last seven years may be taken into account. Debts outstanding at the time of death will normally be deductible in determining the value of your taxable estate.
Inheritance Tax Planning & Advice
Without Inheritance Tax planning, many people can end up leaving a substantial tax liability on their death so that bequests can have a much lower value than anticipated. In some cases, the tax burden left on beneficiaries, particularly in respect of property, can result in the beneficiaries having to sell rather than retain the asset in order to meet the inheritance tax liability. Although transfers between husband and wife are tax free, such transfers really only postpone the tax liability because tax is payable on the estate of the surviving spouse.
Inheritance Tax is currently charged at 40% on the value of estates above £255,000. This figure can easily be reached when taking into account the value of property, life policies and savings. It is also worth bearing in mind that the value of some assets, particularly property, may have increased significantly since they were purchased.
Estate planning advice is given by our in-house Chartered Accountant David Richardson FCA ATII - a specialist in taxation.
MJR Financial Management specialises in providing solutions to minimise your Inheritance Tax liability.
ABOUT US
MJR Financial Management has its roots in Mark J Rees, a reputable Chartered Accountancy Practice founded in Leicester in 1938, which today provides a comprehensive range of business services to clients all over the world. The two sides of the business, along with MJR Computer Solutions, work closely together to bring our clients a greater range of expertise and the convenience of having all of their professional needs catered for by one dedicated team.
We realise that the relationship with our clients is our greatest asset and to cement that relationship we provide professional advice which is completely impartial and focused on what’s right for you – not a sales target. This refreshing approach is what separates us from the competition and we believe that with MJR Financial Management you will notice the difference. Many of our clients first came to Mark J Rees over thirty years ago and have never looked back. We think that you won’t either.
The Financial Management team includes,
Richard Meek MLIA (dip)
Richard is an Independent Financial Adviser and heads up MJR Financial Management, the financial services arm of Mark J Rees. He joined the firm in May 2001 having previously followed a career with two of the leading insurance companies. He is qualified in FPC (1, 2 and 3) and CEMAP (mortgage exams) and specialises in Pensions and Investments.
Richard acts for a variety of clients. Many are in fact Directors of existing Mark J Rees clients who require assistance with their pensions and pre/post retirement planning.
He is married and is a keen sportsman with a special interest in golf and football.
John Bloxham Dip FSM
John joined MJR Financial Management in 2003 after 5 years with HSBC working as a Technical Adviser and in a Projects role. He is CEFA qualified (1, 2, and 3) and has also achieved the Diploma in Financial Services Management from the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
John is enthusiastic about travel and left the country for 10 months in 2001 to travel the globe. Highlights of his trip included camping in the Amazon Rainforest, hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, losing all of his belongings in New Zealand, New Years Eve in Sydney and getting lost (everywhere and often).
He is a keen but terrible golfer, plays Badminton regularly and will happily do a Bungee Jump or Skydive if given half a chance.
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