Healey upheld many of Rachel Reeves’ commitments, including a pledge not to increase taxes on “working people” and a commitment to meeting the Labour Party’s self-imposed fiscal rules.

He also introduced a wide range of new measures, while rowing back on a key policy introduced by the former chancellor: the proposed reduction in the annual Cash ISA (Individual Savings Account) contribution limit from £20,000 to £12,000.

In this update, you’ll learn more about the key announcements that will affect both household and business finances.

Many of Reeves’ tax measures are being upheld

Healey said that Labour was keeping its promise not to increase taxes on working people.
In keeping with the Labour Party manifesto, Healey announced no further increases to the main rates of tax for individuals and businesses.

The taxes staying at their current rates for 2027/28 are:

● Dividend Tax
● Inheritance Tax (IHT)
● Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
● National Insurance
● The standard rate of VAT
● Corporation Tax (except for banks)
● Income Tax (with the exception of some savers and landlords)

In addition, existing “stealth taxes” – where tax-efficient thresholds are frozen instead of rising year-on-year – remain in place until 2031:

● The Personal Allowance of £12,570
● Income Tax thresholds
● The IHT nil-rate bands

The previously announced inclusion of most unused pension funds and pension death benefits within the scope of IHT will proceed from 6 April 2027.

New ISA announcements including a reversal of the Cash ISA limit reduction

A raft of changes and proposals were announced regarding ISAs:

● The decision to cut the amount under-65s could save into Cash ISAs from £20,000 to £12,000 has been reversed.
● A new First-Time Buyer ISA will replace the Lifetime ISA (LISA) from April 2029 for new savers and will allow contributions of up to £4,000 per year with a 25% government bonus. The Budget document says: “The bonus will be paid on the value of the account balance when funds are withdrawn for a qualifying first home purchase, up to the value of £450,000, so avoiding the need for any withdrawal charge. The new product will have no upper age restriction.”
● Savers who already have a LISA will be able to continue contributing to it.
● Healey also pledged to deal with the so-called LISA penalty, reducing the withdrawal charge from 25% to 20% for first home purchases above £450,000 that meet the other qualifying rules. This removes the penalty on savers’ original contributions. Other unauthorised withdrawals will retain the 25% charge.
● The government will investigate introducing a new ISA to reward first-time investors.

Healey announced further Income Tax increases for landlords and savers

Income Tax will rise by a further two percentage points for taxable property income for landlords in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The same increase will potentially apply to savings interest outside of an ISA that surpasses an individual’s Personal Savings Allowance (PSA), which stands at:

● Basic-rate taxpayers: £1,000
● Higher-rate taxpayers: £500
● Additional-rate taxpayers: £0

The Income Tax rate was already set to go up by two percentage points in April 2027 for those who meet the criteria, so this reform brings the total increase to four percentage points.
The ordinary rates for Income Tax in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are:

● Basic rate: 20%
● Higher rate: 40%
● Additional rate: 45%

From 6 April 2027, for taxable property income and on qualifying savings interest, the rates will stand at:

● Basic rate: 24%
● Higher rate: 44%
● Additional rate: 49%

The Budget document states that 84% of Income Tax payers will be unaffected by the property and savings income changes in 2027/28.

Important changes for those starting, growing, and selling their businesses

The chancellor placed a heavy focus on business owners in the Budget.

New business owners and newly self-employed people

● A new Young Entrepreneurs Allowance pilot in England will provide successful applicants with support towards their living costs during their first year in business.
● The existing Trading Allowance will increase from £1,000 to £3,000 from 6 April 2027, allowing individuals to receive up to £3,000 a year in qualifying trading and miscellaneous income tax-free.
● The British Business Bank will double its investment commitments to women-led businesses and funds to £200 million.

Those growing their business

● From April 2029, Self Assessment taxpayers who make payments on account will make smaller, more regular payments towards their tax bill.
● Also from April 2029, eligible self-employed fathers and partners in Great Britain will receive two weeks’ parental pay, currently worth up to £194 a week.
● The government will reform how payments from companies to individual shareholders are taxed, reducing opportunities to extract profits at more favourable tax rates.
● From April 2027, qualifying retail, hospitality, and leisure properties in England with a rateable value of up to £18,000 will qualify for full Small Business Rates Relief, up from £12,000. Tapered relief will extend to £21,000, up from £15,000.

For those disposing of business assets, the Budget presented a mixed bag

The chancellor announced a new Founders’ Relief, offering a 10% CGT rate on qualifying share disposals from 6 April 2027, subject to a £10 million lifetime limit.

The relief will target founders and significant early investors in high-growth, innovative UK companies. Detailed eligibility rules are being consulted on, including conditions relating to employees, turnover, growth, and research and development.

Healey also announced that the lifetime limit on gains qualifying for Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) will fall from £1 million to £500,000 from 6 April 2027. The Budget document says three in four BADR claimants will still receive relief on their entire gain.

Separately, the government plans to reform non-compete clauses to make it easier for businesses to recruit and for employees to move jobs.

The chancellor reaffirmed previously announced State Pension changes

The triple lock will be reformed from 2030

Honouring a manifesto promise, the chancellor confirmed that the triple lock will remain for the duration of this parliament.

As previously announced at the Labour Party Conference, it will, however, be adjusted from April 2030, when the State Pension will rise by the highest of inflation (as measured by the Consumer Prices Index), 2.5%, or the amount needed to maintain its value relative to earnings. This means it will track earnings growth over time.

The changes are projected to save £15 billion a year by the end of the 2030s, and £50 billion a year by 2050 with the savings used to fund the National Care Service in England, announced by the prime minister in September.

A new Pension Tax Allowance will protect pensioners as the full State Pension rises above £13,000

The full new State Pension will rise by 3.9% in April, bringing full payments above the Personal Allowance. This will bring payments for those eligible for the full amount to approximately £250.70 a week, up from £241.30 in 2026/27.

The increase will see the full new State Pension rise above the Income Tax Personal Allowance of £12,570 a year for the first time. Previously, the government said that pensioners whose total income is no higher than the full new State Pension would not pay Income Tax, and this promise was upheld by the chancellor.

The government will, therefore, introduce the Pension Tax Allowance (PTA), ensuring that pensioners whose total income is up to the value of the full new State Pension will not pay Income Tax. The allowance will apply from 6 April 2027 until April 2030, at which point further arrangements will be considered.

More help for first-time buyers

With many aspiring homeowners struggling to get on the property ladder, Healey announced the Your First Home scheme for eligible first-time buyers purchasing qualifying new-build homes in England.

The scheme will offer a government equity loan worth 20% of the purchase price, with buyers needing a deposit of at least 2.5%. The loan will be interest-free for five years. Household income limits and local property price caps will apply.

Applications are expected to open in February 2027, with the first purchases taking place from April 2027.

Healey announced further support with household energy bills

Continuing his focus on giving families “breathing room”, the chancellor announced several measures to help households with their energy costs.

VAT reduction on energy costs

The temporary reduction in VAT on domestic electricity from 5% to 0% will be extended for three months, until 1 July 2027. The government expects this extension to take around £50 off the annual Ofgem price cap from April 2027.

Household Energy Payments

Households in council tax bands A to D in England will also receive a £100 Household Energy Payment from January 2027. Delivered through local authorities, the payment is expected to support up to 20 million households.

The devolved governments will receive funding to enable them to provide similar support.

Removing the standing charges on gas bills

Healey also announced plans to remove gas standing charges from domestic bills in Great Britain, aiming for delivery by the end of 2027 or as soon as possible afterwards.

Gas standing charges currently average £108 a year. However, these costs will move into gas unit rates, so removing the standing charge will not mean every household saves £108. The impact will depend on gas consumption, with targeted support planned for households adversely affected.

An extension to the fuel duty cut

The 5p cut and freeze on fuel duty will be extended until 1 July 2027.

The government also committed to:

● Reforming electricity standing charges, with details due in 2027
● Scrapping the planned Gas Shipper Obligation, which would have added costs to gas bills to fund hydrogen projects. These projects will instead receive government funding.

An increase to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage

As with the State Pension, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage will rise by 3.9% next April.

HMRC will receive “new powers” to claim tax from those who do not pay

The chancellor announced measures to close tax loopholes and recover unpaid tax.

These include reforms to how company payments to individual shareholders are taxed, reducing opportunities to extract profits at more favourable tax rates. From April 2029, Self Assessment taxpayers who make payments on account will also make smaller, more regular payments towards their tax bill.

From July 2029, HMRC will gain powers to recover lower-value tax debts through regular instalments directly from the bank accounts of individuals and companies who can afford to pay but repeatedly fail to do so. Safeguards will be developed before the powers are introduced.

Additional Budget measures that could affect you, your family, and your business

● An end to the Carer’s Allowance “cliff edge”. From 2030/31, the government plans to introduce a taper in England and Wales, so unpaid carers will no longer lose their entire Carer’s Allowance simply for earning a penny over the Weekly Earnings Limit.
● The removal of import tariffs on household staples and farming goods. “Family favourites” including baked beans, chocolate, and gherkins will see import tariffs removed. This will extend to some fertiliser and kerosene heating oil, helping households and farmers facing high bills.
● Investment of up to £5 million a year (for three years from 2027/28) in children’s organisations, such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which gives books to children.
● The introduction of a Misogyny Prevention Fund to support the government’s ambition to halve violence against women and girls.
● Welfare reforms. These will include a huge number of changes, to be set out in a white paper in 2027.
● Helping drivers with tax-free mileage rates. The rate for the first 10,000 qualifying business miles in an employee’s or self-employed person’s own car or van will remain at 55p a mile, following the temporary increase in May. For business mileage above 10,000 miles, the rate will rise from 25p to 35p a mile.

A temporary increase to the tax surcharge on banks

Healey announced a temporary increase to the existing Bank Corporation Tax Surcharge, pushing it up from 3% to 6% for 15 months from 1 January 2027 to 31 March 2028.

This increase was lower than some in the banking sector had expected, with reports suggesting a return to 8%.

The government is investing in AI and has increased the defence budget

The chancellor is extending an additional £10 billion of aid to Ukraine, and expects to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035.

As part of its push for national security, the government will also increase its investment in AI.

Commenting that “we are already world leaders in AI safety and security”, Healey announced around £500 million to strengthen AI security and resilience, alongside an additional £140 million for the Sovereign AI Unit.

In practice, the chancellor said this investment will include:

● New data centres, to keep data on British soil, including for the NHS and armed forces
● A Data Centre Covenant to create local jobs and protect the UK’s water supplies.

GDP, national debt, and inflation

As always, the chancellor announced the latest figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

Rising costs, along with the associated higher interest rates, have affected families and businesses, as well as the government.

OBR figures show the UK government will spend an average of £14 billion more a year on debt interest, compared to its March 2026 forecast. Healey explained he aims to reduce government borrowing to cut interest payments.

In the forecast, public sector net financial liabilities compared to GDP is predicted to be:

● 83.2% in 2026/27
● 83.8% in 2027/28 and 2028/29
● 83.1% in 2029/30
● 82.3% in 2030/31
● 81.7% in 2031/32

The previously speculated recession has not materialised. In fact, in the first half of 2026, the UK economy was the joint fastest-growing in the G7, along with the US.

Looking ahead, the OBR expects GDP to increase by:

● 1.2% in 2026
● 1% in 2027
● 1.6% in 2028
● 1.8% in 2029
● 1.7% in 2030
● 1.6% in 2031

While the OBR data indicates there is pressure on the government’s budget, Healey said the headroom established last year to absorb the impact of the Iran war means that taxes will not increase for working people.

Devolution will be a priority for this government

ealey stated that local leaders should not have to come “cap in hand” to Westminster to fund infrastructure projects in their region. With this in mind, the Budget set out a roadmap to fiscal devolution.

The government will introduce a Good Growth Fund, providing £285 million in transitional seed funding to local leaders for 2027/28.

Separately, from April 2028, a £1.5 billion borrowing facility will be available to Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England to support local growth projects. Devolved governments will receive additional funding through the Barnett formula.

Together, it is hoped these measures will promote growth.

Please note

All information is from the Budget documents on this page.

The content of this Autumn Budget summary is intended for general information purposes only. The content should not be relied upon in its entirety and shall not be deemed to be or constitute advice.

While we believe this interpretation to be correct, it cannot be guaranteed, and we cannot accept any responsibility for any action taken or refrained from being taken as a result of the information contained within this summary. Please obtain professional advice before entering into or altering any new arrangement.

The post Your 2026 Autumn Budget update and what it means for you appeared first on Cowens.

March was largely defined by a single, seismic event: the outbreak of direct military conflict between the United States/Israel and Iran.

Following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on 28th February, markets were engulfed in the most severe geopolitical and energy shock in years.

Oil prices surged by as much as 50% in the space of weeks, global bonds sold off as investors reappraised the inflation outlook, and equities fell across the board. Global equities returned -5.58% for the month, while global bonds returned -1.18%.

The conflict rapidly spread beyond Iran’s borders, disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, triggering a sweeping reassessment of the global economic and interest rate outlook.

Equity & Bond Performance (Last 3 Months) 

Source: Morningstar (Morningstar Global Markets; Bloomberg Global Agg). Data as of 31/03/2026 in GBP terms.

Source: Morningstar (Morningstar Global Markets; Bloomberg Global Agg). Data as of 31/03/2026 in GBP terms.

Source: Morningstar (Morningstar Global Markets; Bloomberg Global Agg). Data as of 31/03/2026 in GBP terms.

Economic Background

War in the Middle East dominates global markets

The month began with a dramatic escalation in geopolitical risk. On the night of 28th February, US and Israeli forces launched air strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders including the head of the Revolutionary Guard.

Iran responded swiftly with waves of missiles and drones targeted at Israel and US allies across the Gulf, plunging the region into its widest war in decades.

The immediate consequence for financial markets was a sharp surge in energy prices. Iran moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, to all but a handful of vessels.

Insurance premiums for ships attempting to transit the strait soared more than twelvefold almost overnight, and several major oil and gas facilities across the Gulf were struck, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, jumped to as high as $119 a barrel in the opening days of the conflict, up nearly 60% from pre-war levels, before fluctuating between $90 and $115 as attempts at diplomacy and reserve releases calmed markets.

The disruption extended well beyond oil; European gas prices surged 24% in a single session, shipping costs on key global routes rose as much as fourfold, and airlines began drawing up contingency plans for potential jet fuel shortages.

Ports in Dubai and Oman were struck by drones, while Iraq closed its oil terminals after tankers off the coast of Basra were hit. The ripple effects reached every corner of the global economy.

Despite some moments of de-escalation, including remarks from President Trump suggesting talks with Iran were progressing, which briefly pushed Brent back below $100, the conflict showed no clear sign of resolution by month-end.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei (son of former Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei), was appointed within days of the strikes and immediately declared the strait “closed”, signalling that hardline policies were likely to continue.

Trump extended his deadline for a peace deal to 6th April, and the US sent a 15-point plan to Tehran via Pakistan, though Iran’s initial response was to describe the terms as “excessive and illogical”.

For investors, the overriding message of March was that a prolonged energy shock remained a very real possibility.

Source: Morningstar Direct. Data as of 31/03/2026 (WTI, Brent, Nasdaq, and S&P in USD. Nikkei in JPY. FTSE in GBP. Stoxx Europe in EUR).

Rising energy prices force a sharp rethink on interest rates

Before the conflict began, the economic backdrop had been broadly supportive of lower interest rates. US consumer price inflation (CPI) had fallen to 2.4%, UK CPI stood at 3%, and eurozone inflation had dipped below the ECB’s 2% target for the first time since 2021. Markets had been pricing in multiple rate cuts across the major economies throughout 2026.

The war in Iran turned that outlook on its head. Surging oil and gas prices are directly inflationary, raising energy costs for households and businesses and feeding through into broader prices. By month-end, market forecasts had shifted dramatically, a sharp reversal from expectations of rate cuts in 2026 just weeks earlier.

Source: Bank of England (BoE), Bank of Japan (BoJ), Bloomberg, European Central Bank (ECB), Federal Reserve (Fed). J.P. Morgan Asset Management (Guide to the Markets). Data as of 27/02/2026.

In March, central banks held firm but sounded the alarm. The Bank of England kept rates at 3.75% but warned a prolonged energy shock could force it to act. UK 10-year gilt yields also surged to 5%, their highest since 2008. The ECB held at 2%, while revising its 2026 eurozone CPI forecast up sharply to 2.6% from 1.9%. The message was clear: the window for rate cuts had closed, and further tightening could not be ruled out.

The UK also faced vulnerabilities, with natural gas accounting for around 35% of total energy supply and significant jet fuel imports from the Middle East. The OBR warned the government was poorly placed to cushion the blow to households, consumer confidence fell to its lowest since last April, and the OECD forecast the UK would have the weakest G7 growth this year, behind only Italy.

Disclaimer

We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of reading any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk.

Our publications do not offer investment advice and nothing in them should be construed as investment advice. Our publications provide information only.

The information we publish has been obtained from or is based on sources that we believe to be accurate and complete. Where the information consists of pricing or performance data, the data contained therein has been obtained from company reports, financial reporting services, periodicals, and other sources believed reliable. Although reasonable care has been taken, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information we publish. Any opinions that we publish may be wrong and may change at any time. You should always carry out your own independent verification of facts and data before making any investment decisions.

The price of shares and investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up, and investors may not get back the amount they invested.

Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

The post March 2026 Market Review  appeared first on Cowens.

They don’t need to be particularly expensive or over the top. But things that will enhance your life, boost your wellbeing, and add a sense of fulfilment to your retirement can all make a big difference.

While luxuries will be very individual to you, here are five small steps you could take to elevate your retirement lifestyle.

1. Support your sleep with high-quality bedding

Getting a good night’s rest is vital for your overall health, as it allows your brain and body to carry out restorative processes that help you function at your best the next day.

Some people find that their sleep becomes less deep as they get older, or they wake more often during the night.

According to Age UK, sleep is vital for cognitive function, and sleeping an average of seven to eight hours a night is related to better brain health, as well as better physical health in older people.

All good reasons to make sure your bed and bedding are as comfortable as possible.

Investing in a quality mattress can make all the difference. The right mattress is one that supports your spine, promotes comfort, and keeps you at a comfortable temperature, meaning what’s “right” varies across individuals.

According to Healthline, research suggests that a medium-firm mattress can promote comfort, correct spinal alignment, and quality sleep.

If you struggle with aches and pains, a memory foam mattress could help. But if you find the “sinking” feeling associated with these uncomfortable, then try a latex foam version, as this puts less pressure on your body.

Choosing some high-quality bedding can also make a big difference and improve the quality of your sleep.

Egyptian cotton is a big favourite and for good reason. Its long fibres and strong durability make it a long-term investment, while its breathability and luxurious feel make it a good all-rounder.

Bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking and has antibacterial and hypoallergenic qualities, so it is ideal if you struggle with sensitive skin. Plus, it helps to regulate your body’s temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.

Good-quality linen is also an excellent choice for temperature regulation and has a clean, cool feel.
 
2. Take out a gym membership to keep active and boost your wellness

A little daily exercise can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and help keep you active and mobile.

The NHS suggests adults over 65 should have 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or a combination of both. It also recommends activities that improve strength, balance, and flexibility at least two days a week.

Taking out a gym membership can help you get in your exercise quota, as most offer a full range of equipment and classes.

You can ask the staff to tailor a workout for your fitness levels; many also offer off-peak memberships, meaning you can go during quieter times.

Choose a gym with a pool, and you can enjoy an invigorating swim, too. Plus, many facilities now have an inclusive spa for an extra boost of wellness, as you can relax in the saunas and steam rooms.

3. Join a club or take up a new hobby to meet new people

Expanding your social horizons can also help you stay busy and active during retirement. Plus, according to Age UK, research suggests that participating in meaningful activities and having close ties to friends and family could also slow cognitive decline.

This could be in the shape of something you already enjoy, such as painting or cookery. Retirement is also a great opportunity to try something new, perhaps something you’ve always wished you could master, like learning to dance or taking golf lessons.

Alternatively, you could opt for studying, maybe learning a new language or trying a subject that’s always taken your fancy.

These are all good ways to add meaning and fulfilment to your days, keeping you motivated and interested, and expanding your social circle in the process.

4. Treat yourself to experiences that you love

An experience you enjoy creates a valuable, lasting memory. Now could be the right time to treat yourself to a season ticket for your football team or follow your favourite band if they’re on a live tour.

Retirement also means you can enjoy a matinee at the theatre, which can often be both cheaper and less busy, or indulge yourself with regular cinema trips.

While it’s nice to do things you know you’ll enjoy, there are also significant benefits associated with trying something new. According to Psychology Today, it can help build flexible thinking, improve your mental wellbeing, and trigger your brain to release dopamine, which improves your mood.

5. Use technology to add extra comfort to your home

Think about what you could introduce into your home to make life a little more comfortable and convenient. For example, an Amazon Echo device, which pairs with the virtual assistant Alexa, can perform all kinds of activities, from switching on your lights to answering questions and playing music.

You could also invest in an e-reader to enjoy a range of books, often discounted or on special offer. If you don’t already own one, a tablet can also be a great technological addition to your home. Watch your favourite media, read the news, check social media, and search the web, much like you may do on your phone, but in a more user-friendly way.

The post 5 little indulgences that could make your retirement lifestyle more luxurious appeared first on Cowens.

Indeed, 2026 brings the opportunity to reflect on what you hope to achieve over the coming months.

You may wish to become more active, better manage your finances, or simply dedicate more time to your hobbies. Whatever you want to achieve in 2026, setting yourself goals is an admirable way to start the year.

However, setting goals for yourself is only half the battle. Sticking to them as the year progresses can be just as challenging, if not more so.

Thankfully, there are practical ways to stay on track and ensure your goals become a reality. Continue reading to discover seven motivational tips to help you achieve your ambitions in 2026.

1. Be realistic about your goals

One of the most effective ways to maintain motivation is to ensure your goals are attainable from the start.

While it can be tempting to set life-changing targets, expectations that are too high could quickly lead to frustration.

Instead, you may want to consider your current lifestyle before deciding on goals. This could help you set realistic milestones you can steadily progress towards without feeling overwhelmed, giving you a better chance of sticking to your goals through the end of the year.

2. Start small and work your way up

If your attainable goals feel daunting, consider breaking them into smaller, more manageable steps.

For instance, if you aim to be more active, you don’t need to commit to an intense workout every day.
Instead, you could start with a short walk or a brief exercise session to help you build a consistent habit without excessive pressure.

As these smaller actions become part of your daily routine, you can gradually increase your efforts, bolstering your confidence over time.

3. Measure your progress

When you’re working towards a long-term goal, it’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve already come.
Measuring your progress can provide a helpful perspective and remind you that your hard work is already paying off.

You could keep a journal or use a dedicated app to track your achievements. Simply seeing a physical record of your consistency can be incredibly rewarding, especially when your motivation starts to fade.

4. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small

It’s vital to recognise your successes as you move through 2026, rather than waiting until the end of the year.

Acknowledging even small milestones can provide positive reinforcement that keeps you moving forward.

For example, you might have reached a savings milestone or completed a month of healthy eating. Taking the time to reward yourself can make your journey more enjoyable and remind you that your efforts are worthwhile.

5. Be kind to yourself if you falter

Despite your best intentions, there may be times throughout the year when your plans don’t go perfectly.

However, it’s vital to note that temporary setbacks don’t mean you’ve failed. Think of it this way: if you are managing to achieve your goals more than 70% of the time, you would still be doing enough to get a first in university.

You shouldn’t be overly critical if you do drift from your goals from time to time. Instead, be kind to yourself, as this could help you preserve your energy for future progress, rather than dwelling on the past.

6. Ask yourself “why?”

Thinking carefully about the underlying reasons for your goals can offer a powerful boost to your motivation.

When you feel you’re drifting from your goals somewhat, reminding yourself of the positive impacts they’ll have on your life could help you stay disciplined.

For instance, if you’re looking to manage your finances better, your “why” might be the peace of mind that typically comes with financial security.

Keeping this purpose at the forefront of your mind could make the journey more meaningful.

7. Picture the end result

As the months pass, you might find it helpful to visualise what your success could look like at the end of the year.

This can be especially beneficial when you start to feel distracted.

Picturing the confidence, health, or security you hope to achieve could help reset your thoughts and restore your motivation.

The post 7 motivational tips to help keep your 2026 goals on track appeared first on Cowens.

According to a survey carried out by think tank the Social Market Foundation (12 August 2025), just 20% of self-employed workers save into a pension, compared to 78% of employees. While not all self-employed workers will be business owners, the data points to a wider trend of underestimating the importance of retirement savings.

Why relying solely on your business as a retirement plan could be risky

Your business might be one of the largest assets you hold, and your focus may be on increasing its value. As a result, planning to sell your business to release funds to support you throughout retirement can seem like a straightforward option.

However, some risks could harm your retirement plans if you haven’t taken other steps to create a retirement income, such as contributing to a pension.

Whether you plan to sell your business to a family member or a third party, you’ll need the sale to go through to access the money you’ve earmarked for retirement. This presents a degree of uncertainty – what if the sale takes longer than you expect, or it’s difficult to find a buyer?

You could find yourself in a position where you’re ready to give up work, but are unable to until you find a buyer.

In some circumstances, delaying your retirement might be manageable. However, in some situations, delaying retirement could be harmful. For example, you might need to retire earlier than expected due to ill health, and a delay could place unnecessary pressure on you.

In addition to the challenge of finding a buyer, it’s worth considering how the value of your business could change. Factors outside of your control could mean your business doesn’t sell for the price you hoped, which could have a knock-on effect on your retirement income.

These challenges don’t mean your business exit strategy shouldn’t form part of your overall retirement plan. However, if your retirement plan only includes your business, it might be beneficial to carry out a financial review that considers pensions and other options alongside it.

3 practical reasons pensions can be valuable for business owners

1. Pensions are a tax-efficient way to invest

A pension provides a tax-efficient way to invest for your retirement for two key reasons.

First, you’ll benefit from tax relief when you contribute to your pension. Assuming your contributions don’t exceed the Annual Allowance, which, in 2025/26 for most people, is £60,000 or 100% of your annual earnings, whichever is lower, you’ll receive tax relief at your marginal rate of Income Tax, providing an instant boost to your pot.

Second, the money held in your pension can be invested in a range of assets with the aim of generating long-term returns. Returns on pension investments aren’t liable for Capital Gains Tax, so all the returns can be reinvested to benefit from the compounding effect. 

2. Contributing to your pension could be tax-efficient for your business

Pension contributions may also be tax-efficient for your business.

Pension contributions are an allowable business expense. As a result, you can deduct your pension contributions from your business’s profits before Corporation Tax is calculated, which may directly lower your firm’s tax bill.

In addition, employer pension contributions are not subject to National Insurance contributions for either the employer or employee.

3. You may use your pension to purchase business property

If you have a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) or a Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS), you can use your pension to buy commercial property.

In effect, this could mean your pension owns your business premises and receives rent from your business. So, rather than paying a third-party landlord, your business’s rental costs will boost your pension.

The rules and tax relief around commercial property and pensions can be complex. Seeking tailored financial advice can help you assess if this is an option that might be right for you.

We can help business owners plan their retirement

As a business owner, your retirement finances might be more complex. We can help you create a retirement plan and exit strategy that complement one another. Please get in touch to talk to one of our team about your needs.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances.

Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.

The post Why business owners may want to consider a pension alongside their exit strategy appeared first on Cowens.

Upcoming changes will also see unused pensions included in an estate for IHT purposes for the first time from April 2027.

These measures could see estates facing a larger IHT liability, or coming into the scope of IHT when they may previously have been exempt.

Research has suggested that families concerned about being caught in the IHT net are taking steps to mitigate their bills. According to MoneyAge (6 October 2025), 23% of people are planning to give away money to reduce their IHT bill, with 8% saying they would even give away their home.

While gifting can help to lower your IHT liability, it’s not always a simple or straightforward solution.
Read on to discover five things you need to know before you consider gifting as part of your financial strategy.

Understanding the current Inheritance Tax landscape can help you clarify whether your estate is likely to incur any liability

There are a number of rules surrounding IHT, and having a grasp of them can help you decide whether gifting could be a beneficial option.

The current nil-rate band, the amount you can pass on free from IHT, is set at £325,000 (now frozen until 2031). This means that anything above £325,000 will be taxed at 40%.

However, the residence nil-rate band offers an extra allowance of £175,000 if you leave your main residence to your children or grandchildren (this can include those you’ve adopted or fostered, or stepchildren).

Together, these two thresholds mean that you could have an estate worth £500,000 free from IHT.
In most cases, anything you leave to your spouse or civil partner, even above the threshold, is free from IHT.

You can also transfer your allowances to your spouse or civil partner when you die, or they can do the same for you. This means that, in some cases, a couple could have a £1 million estate they can leave without generating an IHT bill.

Gifting is a popular way to reduce the value of an estate to bring it below these thresholds.

However, it’s not as simple as just giving your money away, and the government has introduced rules to prevent people from simply offloading their wealth to avoid IHT.

1. Gifts aren’t automatically exempt from Inheritance Tax

You can gift up to £3,000 annually free from IHT, and you can also make smaller one-off gifts of up to £250 per person. Gifts of any amount to your spouse or civil partner are also IHT-free.

Gifts above £3,000 are usually known as potentially exempt transfers (PETs), which means they only become fully exempt from IHT after seven years.

In some cases, PETs can be eligible for taper relief over the seven years, with the level of IHT applied dropping incrementally until it reaches 0%.

Another option is to make regular gifts, as opposed to lump sums, out of your everyday income. These can be tax-free if they meet three specific criteria.

They are regular, forming part of your normal expenditure.

Gifts are made from your income, such as pension, rental, or dividend income.

You can still maintain your usual standard of living after making the gift.

Talk to us to find out if making any of these gifts could help to lower your IHT liability.

2. Gifting could potentially affect your long-term finances

You need to give careful consideration to how much you’re gifting, so that your generosity doesn’t leave you short in later years.

The rising cost of living means you may need to factor in an increased income to cover your everyday expenditure and household bills.

Health and care costs are another significant later-life consideration. It’s impossible to know if you’ll need care, or to what extent, but care costs in particular can really whittle away your wealth.

According to the UK Care Guide (1 October 2025), the average cost of a live-in home carer ranges from £650 to £1,500 per week, while average care home fees range from £27,000 to £39,000 per year, with costs rising further if you need nursing care.

It’s always a good idea to talk to your financial planner before gifting, to ensure your strategy is robust enough to withstand inflation and potential care costs.

3. There could be challenges associated with gifting certain assets

While gifting your home may seem both extremely generous and a logical way to mitigate IHT, there can be some complications you need to navigate.

If you plan to continue living in your home, this will be considered a “gift with reservation of benefit” and will still count as part of your estate for IHT purposes.

However, if you pay full market rent (not just a nominal amount), this can remove the property from your estate, but you need to be willing and able to make rental payments.

4. Is the gift right for your loved ones?

While gifting is a generous gesture, it’s always worth checking that it won’t backfire. For example, if you make large gifts to your adult children, they could potentially push them into a higher tax bracket or make them no longer eligible for benefits.

If you gift them your property, as well as the issues outlined earlier, they could face a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) bill if it isn’t their main residence and they sell it.

Doing some due diligence before making any gifts can ensure they’re beneficial for the intended recipient.

5. Could there be a more tax-efficient way to pass on your wealth?

Gifting isn’t always the most tax-efficient way to pass on your wealth, either. In some cases, putting some of your wealth into a trust can be an option to remove it from your estate.

You could also take out a life insurance policy, which is then written in trust. The policy would then pay directly to the trustees, rather than your estate, and can be used to pay an IHT bill.

Trusts can be extremely complex, and we’d always urge you to take financial advice before proceeding.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, tax planning, or trusts.

The post Gifting to reduce an Inheritance Tax bill? Here are 5 things to check first appeared first on Cowens.