Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) Investing
Background to the Growing Popularity of Tax Planning Schemes As you will remember, Rachel Reeves’s budget of October 2024 felt like an earthquake! In particular: With effect 6th April 2025, Employers’ NIC increased from 13.8% to 15% With effect 6th April 2026, the 100% relief from Inheritance Tax (IHT) for farmers and shareholders in qualifying […]
Venture Capital Trust (VCT) Investing
Background to the Growing Popularity of Tax Planning Schemes This article should be of interest to anyone who pays income tax, and particularly to higher and additional-rate taxpayers with a more adventurous investment risk profile. Following on from my article on EIS and before looking at the benefits, and risks, of Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), […]
Top Tax-Saving Investments for High Earners in Scotland
High earners in Scotland can save more of their income with the right tax-efficient strategy. From ISAs and SIPPs to EIS and VCT options, Hamilton Financial explains how to build high-income investments that balance growth with tax savings. Managing wealth effectively is about more than growth, it’s about keeping more of what you earn. For […]
EIS, VCT & Business Relief: Backing Growth, Saving Tax
At Hamilton, we believe that tax planning and investment strategy should work hand in hand. For experienced investors, Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS), Venture Capital Trusts (VCT), and Business Relief (BR) offer a powerful way to support the UK economy while accessing attractive tax advantages. These specialist vehicles aren’t for everyone, but in the right circumstances, […]
Understanding Collective Investment Vehicles
At Hamilton we primarily investment in collective investment vehicles. These allow investors to pool money together and access a diversified portfolio of assets. While they all share this core idea, their structures, mechanics, and histories differ in important ways. 1. OEICs (Open-Ended Investment Companies) Structure & Mechanics A UK-registered company with a fund manager appointed […]
Pensions: Building a Sustainable Retirement
At Hamilton, we believe in long-term thinking. One of the most powerful ways to secure financial independence in later life is through a well-structured pension Despite their importance, pensions remain one of the most misunderstood financial tools. This guide explains what pensions are, how they work, and why they should be a key part of […]
ISAs, JISAs, and LISAs: Tax-Efficient Building Blocks for Lifelong Saving
At Hamilton, we believe that understanding the structure behind your savings is just as important as choosing what to invest in. ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts), JISAs (Junior ISAs), and LISAs (Lifetime ISAs) are three powerful, tax-efficient vehicles designed to support financial planning throughout your life—from childhood to first home to retirement. Each offers distinct benefits […]
Financial Planning: Clarity, Control, and Confidence
At Hamilton, financial planning is the foundation of every client relationship. It’s not just about picking investments or minimising tax. It’s about helping you understand where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there securely, efficiently, and with purpose. This guide explores the core components of holistic financial planning: scenario planning, […]
