We became a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021, committing to global responsible investment standards. We incorporate ESG factors into our investment analysis and decision-making across the firm. In our first PRI assessment, we scored above average in 3 out of 4 categories, reflecting strong early progress. We have a follow-up with PRI scheduled to identify ways to enhance our performance further. We treat ESG as a core, evolving framework for investment, not a compliance exercise. We are committed to continuous development and improvement in our sustainability practices.

We specialise in business relief qualifying activities, currently managing over £300 million in assets across these strategies. This scale demonstrates our experience and track record in the space. Our AIM service is designed to deliver both capital growth and inheritance tax efficiency, by investing in companies that qualify for business relief. This provides clients with a valuable planning tool alongside investment returns. Through the AIM market, we provide investors with access to innovative, entrepreneurial businesses that have the potential to deliver long-term growth but may be overlooked by mainstream markets. The service is led by Stephen English, who brings extensive experience in AIM investing, supported by a complementary team of investment professionals. Together, we apply rigorous financial and qualitative analysis. Our approach combines robust investment discipline with the tax advantages of business relief, giving investors the potential for enhanced after-tax outcomes as well as strong portfolio performance.

We hosted a webinar focused on the tangible assets that underpin our inheritance tax (IHT) services, moving beyond equities into physical UK-based holdings. Our portfolio includes real, asset-backed investments that provide stability and diversification within our business relief solutions. By investing in tangible assets, we aim to offer clients greater security, resilience, and transparency in their estate planning strategies. This approach complements our equity-based services, ensuring clients benefit from a balanced and diversified inheritance tax solution. Our investment management team brings deep expertise in identifying and managing these opportunities, ensuring they meet both financial objectives and business relief requirements.

We are probably the best kept secret in the financial services world— our reputation has been built quietly through consistent delivery and long-term partnerships. We have been managing tax-advantaged investments for many years, combining growth opportunities with estate planning benefits. Compliance remains important: our webinars always begin with the required disclaimer slide, reinforcing our commitment to doing things properly. Our offering is designed to give advisers and clients one place for comprehensive IHT planning, simplifying what is often a fragmented process. We emphasise not only performance but also transparency and trust, ensuring our inheritance tax services remain robust, reliable, and client focused.

We emphasised positioning estate planning as a core part of holistic financial advice, not just an end-of-life discussion. Advisers can embed estate planning into client work by: Identifying IHT exposure early through portfolio reviews Using regional insights, such as the impact of property values Creating urgency around tax relief timelines, including changes from April 2026 Segmenting client banks (e.g. high-value homeowners, business owners, larger estates) Keeping messages simple and outcome-focused Encouraging multi-generational conversations to protect family wealth These steps help advisers integrate estate planning into mainstream financial planning and build stronger long-term client relationships.

Diversification is a risk-mitigation strategy that spreads exposure across different assets and opportunities. At Stellar, diversification goes beyond asset class and includes investment size, sector, structure, and project characteristics. This includes diversification within projects, such as forestry investments spread across tree species and property investments across different unit types, to reduce concentration risk. Strategic diversification positions portfolios for market shifts, supported by sector specialists to strengthen expertise and resilience. Outcome This approach enhances portfolio resilience, limits concentration risk, and provides flexibility for advisers and clients, with a focus on protecting capital, transparency on charges, and client satisfaction.