Another Stellar Year

2016 has been turbulent and for much of the year we have witnessed the horrific images of war in the Middle East, the refugee crisis in Europe and numerous terror attacks frighteningly close to home.

The global political landscape is set for a huge shake-up next year following our unexpected vote for Brexit and the election of Donald Trump in America. In addition, France and Germany have elections which may also lead to radical change.

Here at Stellar we are prepared for the events that 2017 may bring and ready to build on the huge success we have experienced this year.

During 2016 we have continued to spearhead the development of the inheritance tax planning industry and by far the largest development is the introduction of AiM portfolios for IHT planning on wrap platforms.

We have been a catalyst to make it easier for you and your clients to achieve IHT efficiency without moving any assets off platform.

Our Inheritance Tax planning services are available on these platforms:

  • Standard Life;
  • Transact; and
  • Platform One.

We expect our platform penetration to continue and we will be announcing two new partners in the early part of next year.

We have also concluded joint venture agreements with some of the largest financial service firms in the UK and we will be modifying our investment offering to provide a better service to your clients – so watch this space!

Our strategy of investing solely into UK asset-backed businesses that qualify for Business Relief (BR) continues apace, with further forestry and farm acquisitions alongside bridging and other financing deals.

New acquisitions for ESP Growth:

  • Greenness Forestry Plantation in Aberdeenshire;
  • Forestry Plantation in Pembrokeshire;
  • Forestry Plantation near Corwen, Wales;
  • Keysoe Farm in Bedfordshire; and
  • Murrayshall Hotel and Golf Resort, Perthshire.

New acquisition for ESP Income:

  • The Marine Hotel in Troon, Scotland – home of the 2016 UK Open Golf Championship.

In addition, we have provided development funding to residential developments, hotel owners and many SMEs.

You will also have seen that we sold our Leeds Hotel generating over £2 for every £1 invested.

In uncertain market conditions we continue to deliver a highly diversified and securitised portfolio to clients and next year we will be introducing another asset-backed trade in which new and existing investors will be able to participate.

We know that compliance obligations and due diligence are a mandatory part of financial planning to ensure the suitability of your recommendations. We understand this and have developed a new area on our website dedicated to help you with research and suitability reports.

Our new website launches next year with a support area with independent research, due diligence packs and suitability letter templates in addition to one-on-one support and training.

May we take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.