5G – The Next Generation

How would you like to be able to download a full HD movie instantly to you mobile device?  According to scientists in South Korea experimenting with 5G this could become a possibility because they are saying that 5G is 1000 times faster than 4G.

Whilst most UK users are in awe of what can be delivered by 4G it is interesting to know that development is being done on the next generation.  The South Korean Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) development is being carried out on a 5G network.  £900m is being invested into the project with a projected launch in 2020. 

Last year Samsung carried out 5G tests and these have shown that it is possible to achieve 1Gbps mobile signal.

The intention is to be able to have Ultra-HD streaming and hologram transmission.

Beta Telecoms

www.betatelecoms.co.uk

Make the right ISA choice

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) remain an important building block in helping create capital and income for the future and since their launch in 1999, when they replaced Personal Equity Plans (PEPs) and Tax-Exempt Special Savings Accounts (TESSAs), the popular personal finance vehicle has gone some way to address the shortcomings in the UK’s savings culture.

And without doubt, ISAs have proved a success story, with more than £443 billion invested over the last 15 years, of which a record £57 billion was subscribed in the last tax year (source: HMRC, September 2013). The opportunity to invest in a tax-efficient way has made ISAs the cornerstone of many investment strategies; both savers and investors are understandably enticed by the ability to achieve tax-free interest and no further tax on income or capital gains.

There are two types of ISA: Cash ISAs are savings accounts where the interest is paid tax-free, and Stocks & Shares ISAs which, as the name suggests, allow investment into a wider range of stock market and other financial instruments. However, there are restrictions on how much can be invested in each type. The full annual allowance of £11,520 (2013/14) can be invested in a Stocks & Shares ISA, but only half - £5,760 - can be saved in a Cash ISA (although the balance of the allowance can still be invested in a Stocks & Shares version). An inflation-linked increase will see the allowance rise to £11,880 in the new tax year.

An individual or couple who invested the full ISA allowance each year could by now have sheltered funds of £124,080 and £248,160 respectively from any further tax liability, according to HMRC.

But there is a sting in the tail. The squeeze on savers from record-low interest rates is also being felt by those with Cash ISAs. Figures from the Bank of England in December showed that the average Cash ISA deposit rate is just 0.67%.

The reality is that the tax benefits provided by ISAs are best maximised by investing for the long term in assets capable of achieving capital growth and rising income. The likelihood is that interest rates will remain low for a number of years to come and, regrettably, savers cannot even be sure that their Cash ISA account is achieving a better rate than a standard deposit account. Against that backdrop, whilst cash is certainly the right home for money that might be needed in the short term, ISA allowances might be better utilised by investing in a diversified portfolio of assets that have the scope to deliver higher levels of income and long-term capital gains and, in doing so, make the most of the tax freedom on returns. Of course, investors need to bear in mind that the value of a Stocks & Shares ISA may fall as well as rise and it does not provide the security of capital associated with a Cash ISA.

As well as considering the best use of this and future years’ ISA allowances, those who have already built up significant ISA funds might be able to improve the income and capital returns on offer. All too often, people do not review their ISA portfolio strategy frequently enough. How are the investment managers performing? Is the asset mix, geographic spread or fund choice still right for them? Can they improve the income-generating potential of their ISA portfolio? Are they happy with the service they’re receiving?

A thorough review of an ISA portfolio by an experienced wealth manager can ensure that it is appropriately structured and diversified to help achieve immediate or future financial goals. ISAs should be a fundamental element of financial planning, but it is also important to consider them in the context of an overall investment strategy and to ensure that an ISA portfolio can be adjusted easily to cater for changing needs.

As a final thought, parents, grandparents, and indeed anyone who might want to help a child build capital for his or her future, should not overlook Junior ISAs, which were introduced in November 2011 to give under-18s a similar tax-efficient savings opportunity. The limit for investment in this tax year is £3,600; but given the future financial challenges faced by the children of today, any help will provide them with a valued head start.

Remember that the favourable tax treatment given to ISAs is subject to changes in legislation and may not necessarily be maintained in future.

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Charlotte Poole-Graham of St. James’s Place Wealth Management on 07415855071 or email [email protected]

100Gbps Wi-Fi

This may sound optimistic but scientists in Germany have experimenting with 100Gbps Wi-Fi which could be utilised to patch holes in the infrastructure.  The previous field test speed record was 40Gbps which copied a Blu-ray disc in two seconds.

The demonstration took place at Karisruhe Institute of Technology where the scientists sent data over a distance of 20m, however, they think that the range could exceed 1km.

The idea behind the technology is that it could be used in areas where it is impracticable to lay fibre optic cables i.e. over nature reserves, motorways and rivers.  Also the scientists believe that the application could be useful in rural areas where it is uneconomical to lay fibre optic cables.

The development of this technology is progressing apace with the scientists at KIT Institute of Phontronics and Quantum Electronics considering that similar radio links offering up to 1Tbps “appear to be feasible” provided that Wi-Fi systems can simultaneously transmit multiple data systems.

This technology leads me to ask the question – “how long will it be before fibre optic cables are out of date”.

Beta Telecoms

01291 620189

http://www.betatelecoms.co.uk

It’s fine – no need to change anything..

This is a response that I often hear from both prospective and long-standing clients – they frequently consider that what protection they have in place is “fine”. This is frequently not the case as the following examples will illustrate:-

Case Study  - Homeworkers

A professional couple had operated a successful business from their comfortable home for a number of years.  Upon contacting them to discuss in greater detail, it transpired that their “Homeworkers” policy was barely worth more than the paper on which it was printed! Although their premium was quote substantial, there were alarming gaps in their cover :-

·         They did not in fact have cover for Employer’s Liability, meaning they were in breach of the Employer’s Liability  (Compulsory Insurance) Act.

·         Although they had extensive business equipment including tablets, laptops and mobile phones, none of these were specified and not covered at all away from their home.

·         The “Homeworker” policy wording excluded any business activity which generated an income in excess of £25,000 per annum – this business was generating 10 times this amount.

·         The client’s home was a 200 year old stone building, whereas the insurer statement showed it was built after 1980. This in itself would have a dramatic effect on the acceptance and the premium rating with any insurer.

By taking a little time to get to understand the client and their business, I was able to offer an insurance programme which included a separate policy for their home and business – ensuring that all the gaps highlighted were closed, giving them complete peace of mind. The overall result was a delighted client.

Caste Study – Property Owner

A local charitable trust owned a substantial property for which they are responsible for the management and letting to a small number of tenants. I visited them and took the time to understand how they operated and what was important to them.

Upon studying their existing insurance schedule it was clear that there was a very obvious element of cover missing. As a landlord, their primary source of income was the rent received from each of their tenants. In the event that the building sustained an insured event (fire or flood e.g) which rendered the building uninhabitable, they would potentially lose income until any repairs were completed. Given that the building was Grade 2 Listed, this could involve months of negotiations with English Heritage and the local planning authority – during which time their tenants may have relocated and perhaps not even return. The potential loss of income would have proved catastrophic to my client, so I recommended that they insure against the risk of this for a period of up to 3 years. The cost to them was a few hundred pounds, which they were happy to pay to avoid the consequences.

Next time you have a few minutes; take a look at what cover you have for your business, your property or your vehicles. Better still – talk to an expert in the field who can give you advice on the best way to protect what matters to you.

Board of your Commute!? Your body may not like it much either!  

 Driving 

Driving can be a key trigger of back pain. Sitting down can put twice as much pressure on the spine as standing up. This is due the way the natural curve of the spine is altered when sitting.  

Many people will share a car and often this means that the seat, mirrors and height of the steering wheel are altered regularly.  Make sure you adjust to meet your individual requirements. This will not only improve your comfort in the car but also your safety. Below are some tips on making your commute a little less uncomfortable.  

Lower Back Support - A good amount of support here will ensure that the spine is supported in an optimum position, reducing the pressure. If your car doesn’t offer enough you enough you can buy lumbar supports to attach.  

Head Support - This should always be behind the head, NOT the neck. The proper position can be vital if an accident were to occur.  

Mirrors - Its important that you can see them adequately with minimum neck movement.  

Steering Wheel - It can be adjusted in most cars and can help take tension off the shoulders and mid back. Keep your elbows slightly bent and try and keep both hands in the same place to ensure symmetry.  

Seat Position - elbows and knees should have a slight bend and the knees should be at the same height or lower then the hips. 

Public Transport 

- If you mainly stand on your commute, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold onto a rail comfortably, avoid over stretching. 

- If you do get a seat, relax when sitting into your chair. Avoid keeping looking out of the window for the whole journey as it will put strain on your neck, alternate its position.  

 - If using a laptop, don’t sit in the same position for long periods, as you are looking down onto the screen with your head unsupported. Rest the laptop on a table, not on your lap, arms should be flat and your elbows level with the desk or table you are using. 

Muscles and joints are designed for movement so, where possible, walk as it will help improve muscle tone, improve circulation and posture. 

If your require any further Information or would like to book in for a Chiropractic Assessment please contact us: T: 01600 890 282 M: 07726 297813          E:[email protected] W:www.shireschiropracticclinic.co.uk