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Tuesday, December 30, 2025
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John Lamb Hill Oldridge Launches Specialist Team for Insurance Based Investment Products

Renowned financial advisory firm, John Lamb Hill Oldridge, has launched a specialised team to support advisers and clients in navigating the complexities of Insurance Based Investment Products (IBIPs). This initiative responds to recent changes in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rules and proposed reforms to the “non-dom” regime, which have notably impacted high net worth individuals and families.

John Lamb Hill Oldridge, celebrated as the UK’s top broker for high-profile and high net worth clients, has experienced a significant increase in the demand for IBIPs, commonly known as “offshore bonds.” This surge is attributed to the freezes and reductions in Income Tax and CGT thresholds and allowances, along with rising administrative costs associated with asset management.

Ken Maxwell, director at John Lamb Hill Oldridge, spoke about the new service: “While we’ve never stopped advising on offshore bonds, demand in recent years has been low. However, reduced CGT allowances and proposed changes to the non-dom rules have left clients and advisers in an uncertain position over the future taxation of non-doms worldwide.

“Collaborating closely with a network of advisers, we ensure seamless integration, offering support to other professionals and acting as part of an advisory team for the benefit of our clients.”

An offshore IBIP is a strategic tax arrangement designed to improve tax efficiency by allowing the gross roll-up of both Income Tax and CGT. Clients can withdraw up to 5% of the initial investment value annually without immediate Income Tax liability, making the structure effective for up to 20 years at this rate, and up to 40 years at a 2.5% withdrawal rate.

John Lamb Hill Oldridge’s dedicated team will not offer an investment proposition, leaving this to the client’s existing investment managers. Instead, their focus will be on providing highly technical advice and support, tailored to the complex needs of high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients.

Ken Maxwell added: “Our team is composed of highly technical advisers who are adept at handling the complexities associated with high net worth and ultra high net worth clients.

“With a deep understanding of the unique requirements and sophisticated needs of this clientele, we are committed to delivering exceptional service and tailored solutions that align with their financial needs and objectives.”

The dedicated team at John Lamb Hill Oldridge will offer free, no-obligation exploratory consultations with clients and their advisers. They will conduct thorough analyses to identify suitable IBIP providers, evaluating financial protection and regulatory frameworks across various offshore jurisdictions to ensure optimal placement. Comprehensive money laundering checks, including source of wealth and source of funds verifications, will be performed. Additionally, detailed recommendations addressing the suitability of the structure and provider based on the client’s key objectives will be prepared.

The team will schedule annual review meetings to assess performance, address concerns, and make necessary adjustments, ensuring maximum tax efficiency for withdrawals. In addition to direct client services, John Lamb Hill Oldridge offers a training module for professional firms seeking technical support, further solidifying their commitment to providing top-tier advisory services.

For more information, contact the dedicated advice team at John Lamb Hill Oldridge at [email protected] or 020 7633 2222.

Prestige Flowers’ ‘Selfies and Sunflowers’ event brings brightness to Waterloo Station

A UK flower delivery service brought smiles to Londoners’ faces by handing out free sunflowers at Waterloo Station. 

Commuters and passersby were greeted with a burst of sunshine on Friday, courtesy of Prestige Flowers’ ‘Selfies and Sunflowers’ event. 

The company hosted a showstopping pop-up to promote and support local growers by handing out free British-grown sunflowers, each beautifully packaged in stylish boxes.

The pop-up featured a colourful selfie machine, which became an instant hit among commuters eager to capture the moment with their new floral friends.

Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, said: “It was an incredibly fun day! We loved seeing so many happy faces as people received their sunflowers and snapped selfies. 

“Our aim was to celebrate and support British farmers, and it was wonderful to see such a positive response from everyone.”

As one of the most popular flowers in summer, sunflowers are a symbol of warmth, happiness, and positivity. By distributing British-grown sunflowers, Prestige Flowers highlighted the importance of supporting local agriculture and the quality of homegrown produce.

“Sunflowers are a quintessential summer flower, and there’s something truly special about those grown here in the UK,” Elise said. “We are proud to support our British growers and promote the beauty and quality of homegrown flowers.

“It’s essential for us as a brand to foster these relationships and celebrate the hard work of our local farmers.

“Supporting homegrown sunflowers and local farmers is not only about showcasing their beauty and quality but also about making a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. 

“By sourcing flowers locally, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and contribute to a healthier planet. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Stunning pictures from the event captured the vibrant atmosphere, showcasing sunflowers in their elegant boxes and the joy they brought to those who received them. 

Omega Ingredients Implements BatchMaster ERP to Improve Efficiency and Profitability

Omega Ingredients, a leading producer of award-winning natural flavours for the food and beverage industry, has implemented BatchMaster ERP to streamline its manufacturing operations and enhance efficiency. This strategic move addresses the company’s complex challenges in production, planning, quality control, inventory optimisation, invoicing, and traceability.

For years, Omega Ingredients relied on traditional manual methods for routine operations. However, the growing complexity of their product range—including flavour creation, ingredients, fragrances, unique flavours, and organic extracts—necessitated a more robust and efficient system. Recognising the limitations of their current approach, Omega sought an end-to-end ERP solution to effectively manage these complexities.

Omega had specific functional requirements from the ERP software, such as printing Safety Data Sheets, automatic CLP labelling for shipping and packaging, reviewing shelf life, and implementing FIFO and LIFO inventory methods.

“We required a solution that not only covered basic functionalities but also addressed our unique demands,” said Steve Pearce, CEO of Omega Ingredients. “We were fortunate to discover BatchMaster through their extensive web presence,” he further added.

The company was impressed by the comprehensive functionalities of BatchMaster ERP, including its seamless integration with Sage 200 for finance and accounting, which Omega had been using for years. This compatibility was a significant factor in their decision.

BatchMaster’s Managing Director, Sanjay Panjwani, also expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration. “Our comprehensive set of modules—including Inventory Management, Formula Management, Costing, Order Entry & Sales Management, Purchase Order Management, Bill of Materials, Batch Tickets & Production, Quality Control, Production Planning (MPS/MRP), BatchMaster CRM, and Dashboards—will help Omega overcome their challenges and enhance operational efficiency and productivity.”

Mr Panjwani added: “Moreover, our food vertical add-on will also facilitate performing complex operations such as sample management, stability testing, nutritional labelling, and tracking deviations. We are happy to have another feather in our cap.”

“Our food ERP software suite has helped many leading food players, and we are confident it will provide the same benefits to Omega.”

Outsourcing IT Support: The Benefits for London SME’s

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Outsourcing IT Support has become a popular trend across small and medium sized enterprises in London. This approach involves businesses essentially hiring external IT service providers to manage and support their technical infrastructure. By doing so, businesses can leverage on the expertise of specialised firms without needing to rely on an ‘in house’ IT department. This trend is further driven by the continuous amount of cyber attacks toward businesses every day. Outsourcing provides businesses with a cost effective solution, increasing operational efficiency and security.

Enhancing Security through Outsourcing:

One of the main benefits of outsourcing IT support is that it helps increase cyber security by a significant amount, specialised IT firms have extensive experience and up to date knowledge  of the latest cyber threats. By partnering your business with these experts, you can implement high quality security measures and help prevent cyber attacks. Outsourced IT providers offer services such as consistent network monitoring for any anomalies, threat detection, and incident response. This approach to cyber security helps businesses to avoid any risks, and maintain a secure IT environment. Read more at https://www.mftelecomservices.co.uk/managed-it-services/cyber-essentials/

Benefits of Outsourcing IT Support

Boosting Efficiency and Productivity:

By outsourcing IT support, it can lead to huge improvements in efficiency and productivity. Businesses will be able to free up internal sources and focus on their core jobs. IT support will handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and system updates, ensuring that technology runs smoothly without any disruptions. This will also reduce downtime and allows a business’s employees to work more efficiently.

Cost-Effective IT Solutions:

Cost savings are a major advantage of outsourcing IT support, as maintaining an ‘in house’ IT department requires a lot of investment, with salaries, training, equipment, and software having to be paid for. By outsourcing, businesses can direct these costs into paying only for the services that they need, eliminating the other expenses entirely. This also allows smaller businesses to access high quality IT support for a fraction of the cost, allowing them to also invest in other areas and increase their overall growth.

Access to the Latest Technology and Expertise:

Outsourced IT support also brings with it a wealth of knowledge and expertise for businesses. IT businesses stay up to date with the latest technological advancements and best practices ensuring that their clients can benefit also from it. This access to advanced technology and specialised skills can give SME’s a competitive edge, enabling them to innovate and improve their operations.

Compliance and Risk Management:

IT Support Services also play a crucial role in helping to ensure that businesses stay compliant with industry regulations such as GDPR and IT related risks. Compliance with data protection laws and cyber security standards is essential for avoiding any potential legal implications and penalties such as fines. Outsourced IT support ensure that businesses implement the correct security measures and maintain detailed records. IT providers will also do periodic checks to make sure that security is up to date. This helps businesses become compliant and resistant against any potential cyber attacks that may occur.

To summarise, outsourcing IT support offers SME’s in London numerous benefits, including better security, improved efficiency, and savings on costs. By partnering with specialised firms, businesses will be able to get access to the latest technology and expertise ensuring that their business is compliant and secure against cyber threats. It is encouraged that SME’s consider outsourcing their IT support so that they can stay competitive and secure. For more information please visit https://www.mftelecomservices.co.uk/it-support-london/

Is my spouse entitled to my pension on divorce?

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During divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, the court can redistribute pension benefits between the involved parties.

Pensions, are often the second largest asset after the family home and it is vital to understand the options available.

Sarah Whitelegge, senior associate in the Family Law Team at Myerson Solicitors, explains more:

Importance of pensions in divorce

Pension schemes vary widely in type, benefits, and contribution methods. Both parties must disclose their pension benefits fully as part of the financial disclosure process. This includes obtaining the cash equivalent value for all pensions involved.

Entitlement to pension assets

The question of whether a spouse is entitled to half of the pension upon divorce is frequently raised. In divorce or dissolution proceedings, achieving fairness is paramount. The total value of both parties’ pensions can be considered if required to meet needs regardless of the origin or timing of the pension assets. The court can
consider all available assets to ensure equitable outcomes for both parties.

The Pensions Advisory Group (PAG) aims to improves the practice of dealing with pensions on divorce and upgrade the fairness and consistency of outcomes. The second edition of A Guide to the Treatment of Pensions on Divorce was published in January 2024. The report provides guidance for family professionals to encourage
better understanding of the treatment of pensions on divorce.

How are pensions divided?
Dividing pensions solely based on their cash equivalent value may not provide a fair outcome due to the parties’ needs, ages, and the duration of the marriage. A percentage split is often considered more appropriate to ensure equal pension benefits upon retirement.

Methods of dividing pensions:

  • Offsetting:
    Offsetting involves balancing the value of pension assets against other assets held by the parties. This method allows one spouse to retain their pension rights while adjusting the distribution of non-pension assets, such as the family home. It is essential to seek early and appropriate advice in offsetting scenarios.
  • Pension Sharing:
    Pension sharing involves a court order to divide an existing pension arrangement between the parties. Each party has a separate pension fund post-divorce, ensuring independent financial security.
  • Pension Attachment:
    A pension attachment order directs a portion of pension income, lump sum, or death benefits to be paid to the other party when the pension becomes available. Pension attachment orders are less commonly used than pension sharing orders or offsetting.

In conclusion, pension sharing in divorce proceedings requires a nuanced approach that considers each case’s unique circumstances. By understanding and considering the various option available—offsetting, pension sharing, and attachment,—separating couples can work towards achieving a fair divorce financial settlement that meets both parties’ long-term needs.

Contact the Divorce Lawyers at Myerson Solicitors for more information regarding pensions and divorce.

    HSAT Revolutionises Crop Disease Detection with Cutting-Edge AI Technology

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    A pioneering technology is now available to utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) and significantly enhance disease detection and crop prediction.

    Known as Inference, and developed by HSAT, this platform integrates multiple established AI technologies, including Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Large Language Models, into a single solution. Inference is a breakthrough due to its high accuracy: typically 95% for crop prediction and over 90% for disease detection.

    This AI-powered solution is already deployed on a large scale, having been used on tens of thousands of real-world locations. Inference has been implemented for clients in six countries across four continents, assessing tens of thousands of farms.

    Its success stems from its predictive accuracy and user-friendliness, offering farmers and food producers unparalleled insights into their crops’ health and the ability to quickly identify and combat diseases. This capability is highly effective in helping farmers tackle the rising tide of crop diseases exacerbated by increasing temperatures.

    Rob Weston, founder of HSAT, said: “The benefits of the Inference technology for the agriculture industry are broad and deep. By leveraging AI for crop prediction and disease detection, farmers, producers and traders can gain a global view of crop health, identify areas of poor irrigation, and create regional and national risk maps.

    “The capability is in use by several global food producers and processors. Inference requires no expertise or previous experience, so it is also accessible to any farming operation.

    “The demand for reliable disease detection is increasing exponentially. Inference meets this demand head-on, providing farmers the tools they need to make informed decisions and protect their crops against potential threats. Additionally, with daily trading volumes of over $1 trillion in soft commodities, reliable disease detection is a critical requirement for creating accurate crop price predictions.”

    HSAT can orchestrate the capture of thousands of crop images taken with mobile devices by locals, known as “ground truth”. HSAT analyses these images to detect disease risk.

    Using geolocation data, each image is mapped and associated with corresponding satellite and weather data. With this information, HSAT can identify which crops are affected by disease, create heat maps across entire countries, and build large-scale predictive models of national risks. HSAT can extend its analysis from individual plants to fields, farms, counties, and, where useful for larger companies, to national and global levels.

    The accuracy of this analysis relies on the thoughtful use of ground truth data and automated analysis. For example, in creating a predictive model for Cocoa plants in Ecuador, Inference processed hundreds of thousands of images to identify pod discolouration indicative of disease, distinguished these from healthy pods, and assigned a risk ranking to any affected zones.

    The collection of ground truth data is integral to HSAT’s operations. HSAT has over 2,000 people worldwide continually visiting fields and farms. The images are taken with HSAT’s proprietary Tessa phone app, which validates the images and transfers them to HSAT’s systems automatically for mapping and processing. The app makes the task so simple that the data collection team can be rapidly scaled in any part of the world.

    Rob added: “This efficient process yields thousands of pictures of crops in a matter of days, which allows us to rapidly build highly detailed risk maps. This data is then aggregated into HSAT’s proprietary CropGPT platform, which provides clients access to market updates, dashboards, alerts and data feeds.”

    For more information on HSAT, visit hsat.space.

    Rhythmic Disorder Music Event Coming to o2 Academy2 Islington

    ANXY, the renowned music industry expert and entrepreneur, is set to host another unforgettable event at the esteemed o2 Academy2 Islington.

    The highly anticipated event is set for 26th July and promises an evening of outstanding musical talent and entertainment.

    Joining ANXY at this exclusive event will be Sandi and Sandra from the popular Gogglebox TV show, alongside Bekka Whitney from the renowned Acapella music group. The event will also feature London’s own “beat genius,” showcasing a line-up of top artists in their fields.

    Hosted at the o2 Academy2 Islington, guests can expect a night of thrilling performances, exceptional talent, and a celebration of music.

    ANXY said: “I am delighted to be back at o2 Academy2 Islington and am very excited about the line-up we have been able to put together.

    “Don’t miss this opportunity to witness some of the industry’s finest artists in action in what is set to be a night to remember.”

    Join ANXY, Sandi, Sandra, Bekkah Whitney, and London’s “beat genius” at the o2 Academy2 Islington on 26th July.

    Tickets are available to purchase via Ticketmaster.

    Euro Credit Holdings Limited Plans Expansion Following Triumph Over Unfounded Claims

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    Euro Credit Holdings Limited and Executive Director Rhys Aldous are delighted to announce a significant victory in addressing recent unfounded claims. This achievement highlights the company’s dedication to integrity and ethical business practices.

    Rhys Aldous expressed his relief and optimism after the resolution, stating, “This success feels like a new day for us. Now that these claims have been addressed, we are able to fully focus on our clients, continue to expand our services and move forward.”

    Euro Credit Holdings Limited has consistently prioritised transparency, legality, and integrity in all its operations. The company’s commitment to these principles is evident in its ongoing efforts to deliver top-tier financial services and enhance client offerings.

    In addition to resolving these claims, Euro Credit Holdings Limited is launching a range of new financial products tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clients. The company is also investing in advanced technologies and comprehensive training programmes for its team members to optimise operations and ensure agility in response to market changes.

    This year, Euro Credit Holdings Limited has seen substantial growth, with strong performance in the first half and promising projections for a robust third quarter. The firm’s innovative approach and client-centric strategies have positioned it well for continued success.

    “Our clients, partners, and team members can continue to have full confidence in our commitment to excellence,” added Rhys Aldous. “These enhancements are a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled financial services.”

    Euro Credit Holdings Limited remains devoted to fostering trust and reliability in all client interactions. The company is committed to maintaining open and honest relationships with all stakeholders, reinforcing its reputation for ethical business practices.

    For more information, visit eurocreditcorp.com.

    Rishi Sunak to step down as Conservative leader

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    Following the landslide Labour victory in the general election, outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak has visited the King to hand in his resignation.

    Sunak said outside Downing Street this morning, that he would step down as Conservative leader as soon as arrangements were in place to select a successor.

    But he will continue to serve as an MP for Richmond and North Allerton in Yorkshire, where he did retain his seat.

    He said: “To the country, I would like to say I am sorry.  I have given this job by all but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the UK must change and yours is the only judgement that matters.

    “I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss.

    “It pains me to think how many good colleagues who contributed so much to their communities and their country will no longer sit in the House of Commons. I thank them for their hard work and their service.”

    He said he had called Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory, adding: “Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner with good will on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.”

    Canugo Unveils Rebrand and New Features for Driver Recruitment

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    Canugo Ltd is delighted to announce the launch of its rebrand along with a range of exciting new features designed to revolutionise the recruitment process for drivers and workers alike. The updated platform now boasts a fresh and modern look, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing a seamless and efficient experience for all users.

    Focusing on simplifying the hiring process, Canugo.co.uk now offers a suite of essential features to benefit both drivers and workers. Employers can easily book temporary drivers or gig workers at short notice with just a few clicks. The platform matches users with local, fully vetted drivers available 24/7, offering a reliable and convenient solution for businesses of all sizes.

    Canugo.co.uk provides a flexible and empowering way for temporary van drivers and workers to join the platform and work on their terms. Whether you are a driver seeking a temporary job or a worker looking for employment opportunities, Canugo.co.uk offers a fast and efficient way to connect with potential employers.

    Some of the key features of the app include:

    • Fast and reliable workforce: Access to thousands of vetted drivers and helpers available around the clock.
    • Straightforward booking process: Requesting a worker or driver takes less than a minute, streamlining the hiring process.
    • Pre-vetted and checked: All workers and drivers undergo a rigorous background-checking process for added peace of mind.
    • Trusted and rated by clients: Canugo.co.uk has earned the trust and positive ratings of numerous satisfied clients.
    • Flexible working options: Drivers and workers can enjoy the freedom to work on their own schedule with upfront pricing and no haggling.

    “The new rebrand and enhanced features mark an exciting chapter for Canugo.co.uk as we continue to innovate and improve our platform to better serve our users,” said Adam Thomsett, Canugo’s Founder and CEO. “We believe that these updates will provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for drivers, workers, and businesses looking to streamline their recruitment processes.”

    Get started with Canugo.co.uk today to experience the future of temporary job recruitment. For more information, visit www.canugo.co.uk.