Did you know that wolves don’t actually howl at the moon? Despite countless images and stories linking their howling to the lunar cycle, this enduring myth has no scientific basis.
Wolves howl to communicate – assembling the pack, signaling territory, locating members, or coordinating hunts – and they do this during both day and night, regardlesss of the moon’s phase.
Here’s one I drew recently for a friend’s birthday.
Funnily enough it was the first I’ve that I’d drawn a lobster riding a motorbike…
Seeing as drew this one the other day, I thought it would be the ideal cartoon to start up ‘Motor Monday’ with.
You name it…I can draw it for you!
Cheers,
Rob
Volunteering with PACT offers individuals an opportunity to give back to the community while developing valuable skills. PACT’s charity shops are a cornerstone of the organisation’s fundraising efforts, providing essential income to support animal rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming across Norfolk and beyond. Every sale directly contributes to improving the lives of animals in need.
Why It Matters
Retail volunteers are at the heart of PACT’s operations, ensuring shops run efficiently and customers receive a warm, welcoming experience. Their dedication transforms generous public donations into vital funds that sustain the charity’s animal welfare work. The contribution of volunteers has a direct and lasting impact on hundreds of animals each year.
Hear from our Head of Retail, Gareth Austin Mills,” Volunteers
are the heartbeat of our charity retail operation. They bring energy, commitment, and community spirit into every corner of our shops. Without them, we simply couldn’t function they’re essential to keeping our doors open, our shops full, our standards high, and our mission moving forward.”
Opportunities Available
We have a range of volunteer roles available to suit different interests and skill levels, including:
Interested in Getting Involved?
Take the first step and complete our volunteer application form: Volunteer with us
Industry: Land & Building Surveying
The Challenge
When Tim launched Voller Surveying Services Ltd, he was stepping into self-employment for the first time and with that came a steep learning curve.
“I had no experience of being self-employed as a limited company,” says Tim. “The complexities around self-assessment, taxation, dividends, invoicing, GDPR, and just generally running the financial side were a huge challenge.”
Like many business owners, Tim wanted to spend his time doing what he does best: growing his business and supporting clients, rather than getting bogged down in the admin and tax side of things.
The Solution
“Claire and her team handle all the accounting side of my business,” Tim explains. “Claire, Ruth and Danny are always friendly, professional and offer helpful advice or remind me when I need to do something!”
From managing accounts to providing ongoing guidance, the team’s proactive and approachable support has made it easier for Tim to stay on top of his finances while keeping his focus on the day-to-day running of his business.
The Experience
What stood out most to Tim was the team’s personal touch.
“They’re always approachable. They take the time to reply to all my many questions and respond promptly in a way that makes sense. I feel they genuinely care about my business and its success,” he says.
That genuine care and clear communication have given Tim the reassurance that his finances are in safe hands.
The Results
Since partnering with Jennison Accounting, Tim has seen a real difference:
Greater confidence in his business finances
More time to focus on surveying, quoting, and building client relationships
Tangible improvements in cash flow, time management, and clarity on finances
“All of the above, without question,” he says.
The Recommendation
Tim first came to Jennison Accounting on a friend’s recommendation, and he’s now more than happy to pass that advice on to others.
“I would highly recommend working with Jennison Accounting. They’ve been so valuable in helping my business over the last two years. I have confidence in their ability, which allows me to focus on the areas where I’m skilled to do so.”
At Brancaster House, we believe that financial planning isn’t just about securing your future – it’s also about helping build a stronger, more supportive community today. That’s why we’re so proud to sponsor Hethersett Athletic Juniors Football Team this season.
This one’s extra special for us because it’s close to home: our very own Shane Julian’s nephew plays for the team! Seeing young players grow in confidence, teamwork and resilience reminds us why community support matters so much…both on and off the pitch.
Why We Support Local Sport
Grassroots football is the heartbeat of so many Norfolk communities. It teaches kids teamwork, discipline, and confidence – values that mirror what we believe in as a business. Supporting local clubs helps keep that spirit alive, ensuring young players have the facilities, kits and opportunities they need to thrive.
We know that behind every match are the parents, coaches and volunteers who give up their weekends to make it happen, and we’re delighted to play a small part in helping those efforts continue.
Giving Back Across Norfolk
Our support doesn’t stop with football. Brancaster House is proud to stand behind other incredible local causes, including:
Old Catton Tigers – another fantastic youth football team we’ve proudly supported.
Priscilla Bacon Hospice – an organisation close to many hearts in our community, providing compassionate end-of-life care and support for Norfolk families.
We see these partnerships as more than just sponsorships. They’re investments in people, purpose and place – the same values that drive everything we do for our clients.
A Message to the Team
To the players, coaches, and families at Hethersett Athletic Juniors – we’re behind you every step of the way! Play hard, have fun, and remember that every pass, tackle and goal helps shape your future far beyond football.
Here’s to a great season ahead and to the power of community spirit in Norfolk!
As the nights draw in and the festive lights begin to twinkle across Norfolk, one thing’s for sure — Christmas is on its way! But if you’re thinking, “It’s already October… have we left it too late to plan our company Christmas party?” — don’t worry. The answer is no!
There’s still plenty of time to create a memorable, morale-boosting event for your team, and with a little help from Huxley Events, your Christmas event can be smooth, stress-free, and one to remember!
Whether you’re envisioning a fun-filled festive lunch with an afternoon of team building (think immersive CSI experiences or high energy Game Show), or an elegant evening party that sparkles with unique performers and vibrant musicians, Norwich and Norfolk has the perfect setting to make your end-of-year celebration one to remember.
? Daytime Festivities: Lunch and Team Building Fun
If your team would love to escape the office for a bit of festive cheer, a Christmas lunch followed by an interactive team activity can be the perfect combination. Picture this: a hearty roast with all the trimmings, followed by a friendly competition that gets everyone laughing and working together.
Huxley Events can help you choose the perfect team-building experience — from crime themed experiences and escape-style challenges to cocktail-making workshops or christmas themed gameshows!
Here are a few fantastic venues in Norfolk that are ideal for this kind of daytime celebration:
We are spoilt for choice with great venues and locations in Norwich, Norfolk and beyond! With Huxley Events managing the logistics — from venue coordination and entertainment to transport and décor — you can simply turn up and enjoy the day with your team.
✨ Evening Magic: Add a Touch of Sparkle to Your Christmas Party
Christmas evening event is the perfect way to celebrate the year’s achievements in style. And with the right theme and entertainment, it can be a truly unforgettable night.
Whether you fancy a Winter Wonderland party, a Vegas style bash, or even a “Greatest Show” style celebration, Huxley Events can bring your ideas to life — complete with festive décor, live entertainment, DJs, magicians, musicians, catering and more.
? Why Choose Huxley Events?
Planning a Christmas event can feel daunting, especially as the year’s end approaches (plus we know how hard it can be to organise alongside your day job!) That’s where Huxley Events steps in. With years of experience curating corporate celebrations across Norfolk and beyond, we take care of everything — from venue sourcing and creative design to catering, entertainment, and on-the-day coordination and team to ensure the smooth running.
Whether you want a relaxed lunch and activity, or an all-out evening extravaganza, we’ll ensure every detail is perfect — so you can focus on enjoying the festivities with your team.
? Don’t Wait — Let’s Make It Happen!
So, if you’ve been putting off planning your company Christmas event, don’t panic — it’s not too late! With venues still available and Huxley Events ready to bring the festive flair, now’s the perfect time to get started.
✨ Get in touch with Huxley Events today to start planning a Christmas celebration that your team will remember!
The rules of financial planning are constantly evolving, and staying ahead of those changes is crucial for protecting your wealth. A significant shift is on the horizon that could dramatically impact how you pass on your assets.
The government’s recent announcement, and a detail that might have slipped under the radar for many, is set to fundamentally alter the relationship between pensions and inheritance tax (IHT).
What the April 2027 Pension Changes Mean for Your Inheritance
At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we believe in proactive, not reactive, advice. That’s why we’re here to break down the upcoming changes and help you understand what they mean for your financial future and, more importantly, for the legacy you intend to leave. Here’s what the April 2027 pension changes mean for Your Inheritance
The Old Rules: Pensions as an IHT Shield
For years, a pension has been one of the most powerful and tax-efficient tools in the financial planner’s arsenal. Beyond simply providing for your retirement, a key benefit of a pension has been its status as an asset that is generally exempt from inheritance tax.
Under the current system, your pension pot does not count towards the total value of your estate for IHT purposes.
This means that if you have a pension and pass away, the value of that pension can be paid to your named beneficiaries, or a lump sum can be chosen at a trustee’s discretion, without being subject to the standard 40% IHT rate.
It’s a key reason why many people have seen their pension as the ideal vehicle for passing on wealth to their children or grandchildren.
This tax efficiency has allowed individuals to build a substantial nest egg for both retirement and legacy planning, knowing that their hard-earned money would not be significantly eroded by tax.
The Big Change: A Shift in the Sands of Inheritance
All of this is set to change on 6th April 2027.
As confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Autumn 2024 Budget, the rules are being rewritten. From this date onwards, any unused pension funds and certain death benefits will be included in your estate and could be liable for inheritance tax.
Let’s unpack what this means:
Pensions Become Part of Your Estate: The majority of unused pension pots will now be counted as part of your estate for IHT calculations. If the total value of your estate (including this pension value) exceeds the current nil-rate band of £325,000, your beneficiaries could face a 40% IHT bill on the excess.
The Double Tax Hit: Beneficiaries inheriting a pension from someone who dies after 75 now face both income tax at their marginal rate and inheritance tax (IHT), potentially raising the total tax rate to 67% for higher-rate taxpayers. Previously, only income tax applied in these cases, and inheriting the pension pot from those who died before 75 were usually tax-free.
A New Responsibility: The responsibility for reporting and paying the inheritance tax on these funds will fall on the Executors of the Estate, or, where someone has died without a Will, this will be the Administrators of the Estate.
This change is designed to close a perceived loophole and bring pensions more in line with other financial assets for inheritance purposes. However, it requires an immediate re-evaluation of your existing financial plans.
Who is Exempt? A Few Silver Linings
While the new rules are broad, a few key exemptions will apply. These provide some clarity for those planning their estates:
Spouses and Civil Partners: Death benefits paid to a UK-domiciled spouse or civil partner will continue to remain exempt from IHT.
Dependants: Dependants’ scheme pensions will also continue to be exempt.
Charitable Giving: Lump sum death benefits paid to a charity are exempt from both IHT and income tax.
These exemptions mean that strategic planning around who you name as your beneficiary will become more important than ever.
Navigating the Future: Your Next Steps
The April 2027 deadline may seem far away, but for financial planning, it’s a ticking clock. Waiting until the last minute could expose your loved ones to an unnecessary tax burden.
So, what should you do now?
Review Your Existing Pension and Estate Plan: If your current financial strategy relies on your pension as an IHT-exempt asset, it’s time to review it. The plan you put in place years ago may no longer be fit for purpose.
Spend More in Retirement? For some, this change may encourage a different spending pattern in retirement. Rather than leaving a large, tax-exposed pension pot, it may be more sensible to use these funds to enjoy your retirement years to the fullest.
Consider Alternative Strategies: There are still other effective ways to plan your estate.
We can discuss options such as:
Equity Release: Releasing wealth from your property to use or give away tax-efficiently.
Strategic Gifting: Making lifetime gifts to reduce the size of your estate over time.
Life Insurance: Using a life insurance policy written in trust to cover any potential IHT liability.
How We Can Help
Don’t let these changes catch you by surprise. A proactive approach today can make a world of difference tomorrow.
At Brancaster House Financial Planning, our team of independent advisers is here to help you navigate these complex changes. We’ll provide you with a full, holistic review of your current financial situation, helping you understand how these new rules will impact your legacy.
We’ll then work with you to develop a robust, forward-thinking strategy that protects your wealth and ensures your loved ones are financially secure.
Looking for financial advice?
Chat to one of our independent financial advisors for an initial free chat. Book your free session here >
Never miss an !
Enjoyed this post?
Stay inspired and informed by subscribing to our monthly newsletter, the Brancaster Bulletin!
Get market insights, expert financial tips, and the latest updates and event info delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign up here: https://www.brancasterhouse.co.uk/brancaster-bulletin
A recent health and safety case involved 17-year old Aaron Maguire having fingers amputated on a circular saw, whilst studying at Reaseheath College, in Nantwich. One of the root causes was a lack or training on the machine.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czr8d0rexevo.amp
The picture behind the blog title is of a cross-saw somewhere in Norwich, that also removed two fingers from an employee’s left hand, for which we helped support the employer in their difficult interactions with the HSE.
The lessons? Well, the regulations* require “adequate training”. “Competence” however goes beyond training, and is the demonstration of the skill in using the machine safely, the attitude towards this and also medical fitness. An assessment of competence is a far better approach that training record.
Also, the Regulations** do quite clearly require that people using dangerous work equipment are duly authorised to do so, which can tie in quite well with the assessment of competence.
The Norwich incident, and another recent case elsewhere, both highlight the need for adequate training records. One of these cases revolved around the record not being signed by the trainee. More lessons; for work equipment, the record should include a comprehensive review of the machine’s risks,
As always, if you need some help with a system of competence assessment, our contact details are below!
Richard
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, *Reg 9, “Training” and ** Reg 7, “Specific Risks”
Mrs J and her partner wanted to buy their council property under the Right to Buy scheme.
The adviser they went to last year realised that the second applicant had a couple of CCJs (County Court Judgements) so approached a specialist lender.
Their application was declined due to perceived rent arrears.
Fast forward to this year where our Mortgage and Protection Specialist, Jayne came in.
Jayne explained our approach: “Due to the low amount they wanted to borrow in relation to the property value, and their income, and the fact the rent was up-to-date along with all CCJs being satisfied, I researched options with mainstream lenders.
“I submitted a decision in principle with a lender, which although declined, I appealed as it was only just outside their advertised lending criteria. The appeal was successful!
“Getting their mortgage with a mainstream lender has meant an interest rate of 4.30% fixed for 2 years. When they were originally looking it was 7.14% fixed for 2 years!
Let’s just say the client are very happy with the outcome.”
Download our mortgage guide
The world of mortgages can feel overwhelming, full of confusing jargon and complicated processes. Our free, comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the journey, giving you a clear, easy-to-understand roadmap. It’s packed with essential information on everything from understanding your credit score to the documents you’ll need, helping you feel prepared and confident before you even speak to an advisor.
Start your mortgage journey on the right foot with all the knowledge you need in one place.
Download our mortgages guide here >
Looking for mortgage advice? Chat to one of our independent mortgage advisors for an initial free chat by calling 01603 633344 or email us on [email protected].
Imagine you’re building a retirement house. The foundation? That’s your pension pot. The rooms you’ll live in – the lifestyle you’ll enjoy – depend entirely on how solid your base is.
But how big does that base need to be? What size pension pot do I need?
It’s a question almost everyone asks, at some point. And the truth is: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with a few guiding principles and a bit of number crunching, you can get a ballpark and, more importantly, a plan.
Let’s walk through what you should think about, some rough benchmarks, and how our Retirement & Lifestyle Planner helps you turn all that abstract “pot size” talk into something meaningful for you.
1. Who are you? (And why that matters)
Before we drop numbers, let’s pin down three common types of people who ask this question. Your stage of life changes the maths.
Life stage
What matters most now
Big worries / goals
How pension planning differs
Mid-career professionals (30s to 40s or early 50s)
Growth phase: you probably have more years ahead to save and more capacity to take risk
“Am I saving enough? Will I be able to retire earlier? What if I change jobs or career?”
You have time on your side. Focus on compounding, diversification, employer contributions, catching up where needed.
People 50+ approaching retirement
Consolidation and clarity: you want to know what your income will look like
“Is my current pot enough? Should I change how I invest? How do I avoid running out of money?”
Less time to recover from mistakes. Focus shifts to risk control, income sustainability, tax efficiency, and lifestyle matching.
Business owners / self-employed
Income variability and control: you may not have an employer pension, so your savings are more discretionary and flexible
“How much should I set aside in good times? How do I manage both business and retirement funding?”
Need to balance reinvestment in business vs long-term savings. Tax planning, cash flow smoothing and consistency matter a lot.
If you see yourself in any of those – or a mix – keep reading. The principles overlap, but the emphasis shifts.
2. What goes into “how much you need”?
When someone asks, “What size pension pot do I need?” what they’re really asking is “How much annual income can I get in retirement, and how big must my savings be to support it?”
So these are the levers you need to consider:
A. Your desired annual retirement spending
What lifestyle do you want? Will you travel in later years? Downsize the home? Help children or grandchildren? Your required income drives the pot size.
B. Other income sources
State pension, rental income, part-time work, inherited assets; anything that contributes to your income reduces how much needs to come from your pot.
C. Withdrawal rate and safe drawdown assumptions
A common rule of thumb, though not one to treat as gospel, is the “4% rule”: draw 4% of your pot in year one, then adjust for inflation in subsequent years. But that assumes certain returns, expenses, longevity and no large shocks. Some prefer more conservative rates (3–3.5%) in uncertain markets.
D. Lifespan and longevity risk
You might live 20, 25, maybe 30+ years in retirement. That means your pot has to last, ideally without major cuts midway.
E. Investment returns, inflation, fees, taxes
All those erode real value over time. You need realistic assumptions, not skyrocketing returns or zero inflation.
F. Sequence of returns risk and flexibility
If your early years in retirement see market downturns, your withdrawals become more damaging. So flexibility (adjusting spending, having buffer cash) matters.
3. Benchmarks and example calculations
To bring this to life, let’s go through a few illustrative (not guaranteed) figures:
· Suppose you want £30,000 per year (after tax/income from state pension etc.)
· You have no other income (for simplicity)
· You adopt a 4% withdrawal rate
You’d need a pot of £30,000 ÷ 0.04 = £750,000.
But if you’re more cautious – maybe a 3.5% rate – the same £30,000 would demand £857,000.
If you expect to receive £8,000/year from state pension or other sources, you only need to fund £22,000 from your pot:
· At 4% → £550,000
· At 3.5% → £628,000
You see how assumptions change the pot size significantly.
For someone younger, you might build up gradually and benefit from growth. Someone closer to retirement may aim to hit a threshold pot by age 60 or 65, then tweak investments to preserve capital.
4. Key strategies by life stage
Let’s tie the general ideas back to our three life stages and what each should focus on.
Mid-career professionals
· Use time to your advantage. Even if you start later, regular contributions compound.
· Make sure you’re getting full employer match (if relevant).
· Revisit your pot’s investment mix: more equities when you have time, gradually shift toward safer allocations.
· Review this, ideally every year, to check if you’re on target.
People 50+ approaching retirement
· Run scenario tests: if markets drop 10-20% near your retirement, what happens?
· Consider more guaranteed or lower-volatility investments for part of your pot (bonds, gilts, cash, etc.).
· Plan the first 5–10 years of liquidity carefully – don’t force investment sales at bad times.
· Use investment products smartly (ISAs, drawdown allowances) to manage withdrawals as well as tax.
Business owners / self-employed
· Treat pension contributions as a non-negotiable expense (just like any vital cost).
· In strong years, make additional lump contributions or “catch-up” payments.
· Separate business cash flow risk from retirement funding – don’t cannibalise one for the other.
· Seek flexibility in pension schemes (especially if you expect variety in income).
5. Using the Brancaster House Retirement & Lifestyle Planner as your personal compass
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to do all these calculations alone or in your head.
Our Retirement & Lifestyle Planner (you can try it here: brancasterhouse.co.uk/retirement-lifestyle-planner) is designed to help you:
· Map out what your retirement income might realistically look like, based on your own pensions, savings and goals
· Explore “what if” scenarios – retire earlier, travel more, cut back, increase savings – and see how each choice affects your outcomes
· Give you clarity, control and confidence by turning numbers into visuals, charts and comparisons, making the abstract “how big a pot” question far more concrete
In short: it’s the bridge between “What should I aim for?” and “How do I get there?”.
6. Putting it into practice – your action plan
Here’s what to do next:
1. Use the Planner now
Head to Brancaster House’s Retirement & Lifestyle Planner (link above) and enter your current savings, pension projections, desired retirement age and lifestyle goals.
2. Review your assumptions
Play around with withdrawal rates, other income sources, lifestyle options and “what ifs” (e.g. “What if I retire at 60 instead of 65?”).
3. Check how assumptions affect your target pot
You’ll see different pot sizes depending on your risk comfort, age, income goals.
4. Close any gaps with a plan
If you’re off track, you can either increase contributions, delay retirement, lower spending goals, or accept some flexibility. A combination often works best.
5. Review periodically
Life, markets, health, priorities all change. Re-visit your planner annually (or every few years) and adjust.
6. Talk to a professional
Use the insight from the planner as a base. Then get in touch with us for a deeper review, tax efficiency checks, investment allocation, and behavioural support (because managing money isn’t just maths – emotions matter).
7. Final thoughts
So…what size pension pot do you need?
The short answer: as big as the income your ideal retirement demands, adjusted for what other income you’ll have, and tempered with sensible withdrawal rules and flexibility.
But the better answer – especially for you – comes from:
· Working through realistic assumptions
· Stress-testing for “what ifs”
· Giving yourself margin and adaptability
· Revisiting over time
The Brancaster House Retirement & Lifestyle Planner isn’t a magical crystal ball, but it’s your roadmap. It takes all that financial complexity and turns it into something you can actually act on with confidence.
So go ahead – give it a try, see where you land, and let’s talk through the tweaks that make your retirement plan yours, not a generic “rule of thumb.”
At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we believe that true prosperity is built on strong foundations – not just financially, but within the communities we serve. That’s why we are incredibly proud of our diverse and ongoing commitment to local initiatives and organisations across Norfolk.
Nurturing Local Talent: Our Partnership with Old Catton FC Under 14s Tigers
One of our most recent and rewarding partnerships is with Old Catton FC, specifically the spirited Under 14s Tigers team. We are delighted to announce our sponsorship, providing vital support to help these young athletes train, compete, and develop.
This connection is particularly special to us as our very own Director, Scott Swift, is not just a sponsor but also a dedicated coach (and football dad) for the Tigers. Scott’s hands-on involvement reflects our belief in nurturing local talent and providing positive, structured environments for young people to thrive, learn teamwork, and build resilience – qualities that are invaluable both on and off the pitch.
“Being involved with the Old Catton FC Under 14s Tigers is incredibly rewarding,” says Scott. “Seeing these young players develop their skills and confidence, not just as footballers but as individuals, is truly inspiring. It’s a privilege to contribute to their journey and to the wider community that supports them.”
A Broader Commitment: Supporting Norfolk’s Vital Services and Business Growth
Our support for Old Catton FC is just one example of how Brancaster House Financial Planning aims to make a tangible difference. Our community engagement stretches across several key areas:
Supporting Health and Well-being: Priscilla Bacon Hospice: We are consistent and passionate supporters of the Priscilla Bacon Hospice. Our team regularly participates in their challenging and enjoyable fun runs, helping to raise crucial funds for their outstanding palliative care services. Furthermore, understanding the financial anxieties that can accompany serious illness, we offer a free financial advice service twice a month right within the Hospice building. This provides a discreet and accessible way for patients and their families to receive expert guidance during challenging times.
Empowering Local Business: FSB and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce: As a firm deeply embedded in Norfolk’s economic landscape, we are keen advocates for local business growth. We regularly deliver informative talks and workshops for organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. These sessions cover critical financial planning topics, empowering business owners and entrepreneurs with the knowledge to secure their own futures and the future of their enterprises.
More Than Just Financial Advice
At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we believe that being an integral part of the community means actively contributing to its strength and vitality. Whether it’s fostering young sporting talent, supporting essential healthcare services, or empowering local businesses, our commitment runs deep.
When you choose Brancaster House Financial Planning, you’re partnering with a firm that genuinely cares about the well-being and success of the entire Norfolk community.