Bitcoin Verses Gold

March 23, 2023  bitcoin, diversify portfolio, informed decisions., Investments

Bitcoin vs. Gold: Which is the Better Investment in the Next Bull Run?

The debate between Bitcoin and gold as a safe-haven asset has been ongoing for several years, with proponents on both sides touting the benefits of their preferred investment. As we head into the next bull run, it’s worth examining the strengths and weaknesses of each asset and how they could perform in the coming years.

Bitcoin v Gold

Bitcoin: The Digital Gold

Bitcoin is a decentralised, digital currency that operates on a peer-to-peer network. It was created in 2009 by an unknown person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Since then, Bitcoin has grown in popularity and is now widely considered a legitimate asset class.

One of the main benefits of Bitcoin is its decentralisation, meaning that it is not controlled by any government or central authority. This makes it a potentially attractive investment for those who are concerned about inflation or political instability.

In addition, Bitcoin has a limited supply, with only 21 million Bitcoins in existence. This means that it may be a hedge against inflation and potentially appreciate in value over time.

However, Bitcoin is also highly volatile, with sharp price swings and a lack of a track record during periods of economic uncertainty. It is also still relatively unknown to many investors and may be more difficult to access or trade compared to other assets.

Gold: The Time-Tested Store of Value

Gold has been used as a store of value for thousands of years and has a well-established market with high liquidity. It is also considered a safe-haven asset during times of economic uncertainty, as it is not tied to any specific government or currency.

One of the main benefits of gold is its long-term track record as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. It has historically held its value during periods of economic uncertainty and has outperformed other asset classes during some recessions.

However, gold also has its downsides. It can be costly to store and transport, and its price can be impacted by various factors such as changes in production or mining regulations.

Bitcoin vs. Gold: Which is the Better Investment?

Both Bitcoin and gold have their pros and cons, and the decision of which to invest in ultimately depends on each investor’s individual goals and risk tolerance. Some investors may choose to invest in both assets as a way to diversify their portfolio.

In terms of the next bull run, it’s difficult to predict how each asset will perform. Bitcoin may continue its upward trajectory, but it may also experience significant price swings and volatility. Gold may also perform well, particularly if there is continued economic uncertainty.

In summary, both Bitcoin and gold are viable investment options with their own unique properties and benefits. Investors should carefully consider their options and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.

Why JVing with an existing developer is better for UK property development

March 10, 2023  buy to let, inflation proof investments, Investments, joint venture, property development, property investment, property joint venture, uk property development, Uncategorized, what to invest in now, what to invest in this quarter

The UK property market is notoriously difficult to navigate, with high costs, complex regulations, and a shortage of affordable housing. For those looking to enter the market, there are two main options: to start a property development project from scratch or to joint venture (JV) with an existing developer. While both options have their advantages, there are several compelling reasons why JVing with an existing developer is the better choice for UK property development.

JV
JV

Entering the UK property market can be a challenging task for anyone. However, JVing with an existing developer can provide access to valuable expertise. An experienced developer will have a wealth of knowledge regarding the local market, contacts with suppliers and contractors, and a deep understanding of the complex regulatory landscape. Trying to build this expertise from scratch is time-consuming and costly, and mistakes can be costly. A JV partner can provide a valuable shortcut to success.

Another benefit of JVing with an existing developer is the sharing of risk. Property development is a high-risk business, with a significant amount of capital and time invested in each project. By JVing with an existing developer, you can share this risk, minimizing your exposure to financial losses. Sharing risk with a partner also provides an opportunity to leverage each other’s strengths, expertise, and resources to ensure project success.

JVing with an existing developer can also help to reduce costs. An experienced developer will have established relationships with contractors and suppliers, as well as access to financing at favorable rates. They may also have economies of scale that can reduce the costs of materials and labor, which can be particularly beneficial when working on larger projects.

Developing a property from scratch can be a complex process involving numerous stakeholders, including architects, contractors, lenders, and regulatory bodies. With a JV partner, many of these processes will have already been streamlined and optimized, reducing the time and effort required to get a project off the ground.

Lastly, JVing with an existing developer can also provide improved exit options. By partnering with an established developer, you may be able to sell your share of the property development project more quickly and easily, freeing up capital to invest in other projects or diversify your portfolio.

In conclusion, JVing with an existing developer is the better option for UK property development. It provides access to expertise, reduces costs, streamlines processes, shares risk, and offers improved exit options. By working with a JV partner, you can leverage their knowledge, experience, and resources to achieve success in the competitive UK property market.

Is the Cambridge laboratory space a good investment ?

February 6, 2023  biotech, Investments, property investment

The Cambridge laboratory space market is currently experiencing a high level of demand, making it an attractive option for property investors. This demand is driven by a number of factors, including the growing number of technology companies and start-ups in the area, as well as the presence of a number of prestigious universities and research institutions.
Cambridge lab space
Cambridge laboratory space.
One of the key advantages of investing in laboratory space in Cambridge is the quality of the tenant base. Many of the companies and institutions located in the area are leaders in their respective fields, and have a strong track record of success. This can help to ensure that rental income remains stable, even during times of economic uncertainty.
Another factor that makes Cambridge an attractive option for property investors is the relatively low vacancy rate. The demand for laboratory space in the area has been consistently high in recent years, which has helped to keep vacancy rates low. This can help to ensure that properties remain occupied, and that rental income remains steady.
Despite the strong demand for laboratory space in Cambridge, there are still a number of challenges that property investors need to be aware of. One of the main challenges is the high cost of land and construction. This can make it difficult for investors to find properties that offer good value for money.
Another challenge is the competition for properties in the area. Because the Cambridge laboratory space market is so popular, investors may need to be prepared to compete with other buyers in order to secure the properties they are interested in.
Despite these challenges, the Cambridge laboratory space market remains an attractive option for property investors. The high demand for space in the area, coupled with the quality of the tenant base and the relatively low vacancy rate, make it an ideal location for investors looking to invest in laboratory space.
Overall, the Cambridge laboratory space market is a great option for property investors who are looking for a stable and reliable investment opportunity. With the right approach, investors can find properties that offer good value for money, and which are likely to generate a steady stream of rental income.

Which renewables are best for retail investors in the UK

 energystorage, Investments, Solar, what to invest in right now

Which renewables are best for retail investors in the UK?
Which renewables are best for investors
Which renewables are best for investors ?
There are several renewable energy options that are well-suited for retail investors in the United Kingdom. Some of the most popular options include:
  1. Solar energy: Investing in solar energy projects, such as rooftop solar panels, is a popular choice for retail investors in the UK. There are various investment options available, including buying shares in solar energy companies, investing in solar energy funds, or investing in community solar projects.
  2. Wind energy: Wind energy is another popular option for retail investors in the UK. There are several ways to invest in wind energy, such as buying shares in wind energy companies, investing in wind energy funds, or investing in community wind projects.
  3. Biomass energy: Biomass energy, which is generated from organic materials such as wood or agricultural waste, is also a viable option for retail investors in the UK. Investment options include buying shares in biomass energy companies, investing in biomass energy funds, or investing in community biomass projects.
  4. Hydroelectric energy: Retail investors in the UK can also invest in hydroelectric energy by buying shares in hydroelectric companies, investing in hydroelectric funds, or investing in community hydroelectric projects.
It’s important to note that investing in renewable energy projects, like any investment, comes with risk and it’s important to do your own research and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the UK government has implemented a series of policies and initiatives to support the growth of renewable energy in the country, such as the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) and the feed-in tariff (FIT) schemes, which have helped to attract investment into the sector.

News: Asset-Backed Token Raise to Support the Build of Algae Biomass Protein Farms

June 29, 2022  biotech, bitcoin, blockchain, cryptomining, decentraland, energystorage, Ethereum, FinTech, Green Technology, GreenTech, how it invest in the metaverse, How to invest for inflation, How to profit from inflation, how to profit from the metaverse, inflation proof investments, Investments, meditech, meta, metaverse, property development, PropTech, Smart grid, Solar, tech investment, Uncategorized

Globacap announces the offering of Sustainable Impact Token (SIT) to support the construction of algae biomass farms.

SIT is the world’s first blockchain-based algae biomass project offering. The project will be built utilising patented sustainable technology to deliver a pioneering green investment opportunity.

Algae From Solar

Carbon credits generated by biomass projects will be tokenised as Algaecoin.

The world’s first blockchain-based algae biomass project, built on the energy-efficient Tezos blockchain, was today announced by leading capital markets technology firm, Globacap.
Developed and operated by Sustainable Impact Token (SIT), the project will support the development, construction, and operation of algae biomass farms. The initiative will use blockchain technology to bridge the gap between two of the fastest growing investor markets in the world – asset-backed finance and crypto.
Algae Biomass Investment
Algae Biomass Plant
SIT’s algae biomass farms produce high quality, non-animal protein, based on a system powered exclusively using renewable energy. These algae farms are absorbing large amounts of carbon out of the autmosphere and a net producer of renewable energy. The SIT project is currently supporting the development of a “proof of concept” algae biomass farm in Europe using patented, sustainable technology.
Myles Milston, CEO of Globacap says, “Being part of this pioneering project marks an important milestone in our ongoing mission to enable frictionless asset creation and transferability. With Globacap, the capital raising process is completely digital, mostly automated, transparent, secure, and regulatory compliant. Our work with SIT and Tezos is transformational in the way this market can operate.”
The $5 billion algae biomass sector is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% during the next 5 years ( Quince Market Insights) and the success of the project will provide the basis to expand globally. SIT provides investors with tokens issued via smart contracts deployed on the proof-of-stake Tezos blockchain, representing their preferred shares in the project. Carbon credit generated from the algae production will also be tokenized into Algaecoin, a tokenized asset representing tradable carbon credits. “By bringing agri-tech solutions and carbon credit-backed assets into private markets and beyond, we can make significant, impactful steps towards sustaining our planet for future generations,” adds Milston.
The SIT offering was designed to enable frictionless transferability in full compliance with securities regulation through the Tezos FA2 compliant token contracts for holding and settlement. This pioneering offering links the sustainable asset-backed and crypto investment worlds together to create a compelling blockchain-enabled investment vehicle. “As solutions to the macro challenges of food scarcity and sustainable energy production continue to be a global priority, demand for investment vehicles that can also support these objectives are increasing. We are thrilled to see Globacap choose Tezos to power this unique blockchain based, asset-backed offering,” says Mason Edwards, from Tezos Foundation.
Tezos is an energy-efficient open source blockchain network powered by a globally decentralised network of users and validators. Companies and builders around the globe leverage Tezos for projects exploring the potential for blockchain to be a tool for sustainable innovation. Recently, Cambridge University announced the Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C) which is creating a trusted decentralised marketplace on Tezos where purchasers of carbon credits can confidently and directly fund trusted nature-based projects that ties together corporate funders to conservationists via automated and transparent global oracles.
Globacap is committed to driving adoption of tokenization for most asset classes and providing a means for digital securitisation to global capital markets. Blockchain technology enables previously illiquid investment to now be transacted efficiently in seconds instead of weeks, and with minimal overheads. Globacap’s mission is to bring the archaic processes behind capital markets into the digital era by offering private placement, securities issuance, securities registry management, and liquidity products.
Chairman & Founder of Sustainable Impact Token, Peter Henderson, says “Our vision is to play our part in addressing some of the real challenges of our time – how can the growing world population be fed sufficiently, nutritiously and can this ambition be achieved in a way that improves, rather than harms, the environment? We believe our approach helps on all of these fronts and know that the investor community is keen to join us on the journey.”
“We wanted to structure the offering using an innovative, transparent and secure approach. Investors are being offered an attractive return, in a real asset, but through digital technology – and they can make their investments through fiat or crypto currencies.” “Bringing to market the token offering has been amazingly smooth, which is a credit to our partners at Globacap , Tezos and Lumin Capital.”
To learn more about Sustainable Impact Token get in touch for a copy of the white paper by filling in the below contact form.

    To learn more about Globacap, visit https://globacap.com/

    To learn more about Tezos, visit https://tezos.com/

    ###

    About Globacap:

    Globacap is driving the digitisation of all assets by using technology to unlock the true potential of capital markets. It has standardised the securities landscape, enabling frictionless asset creation and transferability. Over $14 billion of private share and debt instruments are digitally administered on the platform, and Globacap has now executed over $180 million of secondary liquidity in private securities with digital, automated settlement. Globacap is regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) as an arranger and custodian and its platform can onboard investors from over 60 countries, in compliance with local regulations. For more information on how Globacap is changing the private capital markets industry, please visit globacap.com.

    About Tezos:

    Tezos is smart money, redefining what it means to hold and exchange value in a digitally connected world. A self-upgradable and energy-efficient Proof of Stake blockchain with a proven track record, Tezos seamlessly adopts tomorrow’s innovations without network disruptions today. For more information, please visit www.tezos.com.

    How To Profit From Inflation.

    May 21, 2021  FinTech, Green Technology, GreenTech, How to invest for inflation, How to profit from inflation, inflation proof investments, Investments, property development, property investment, PropTech, Solar

    How To Profit From Inflation.

     

    Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few weeks, you will have seen that the markets have been spooked by the prospects of higher inflation. This has come about due to the post Covid bounce we predicted back in January, in our Roaring 20s article. https://willowrivers.com/the-roaring-20s-are-back/ This latest article looks at how to profit from inflation.

    Just in case you don’t know what inflation is. I have borrowed a definition from Robbert Kiyosakis website: The simple definition of inflation is when prices rise and the purchasing power of a currency drops. It means that you can buy less with your money than you used to be able to. Simple!

    So we are all getting poorer. Our money goes less far and this is bad news unless our income is linked to inflation.

    Luckily there are ways of beating this. Some assets perform better than others in an inflationary environment and we are lucky enough to have a number of these on our books here at Willow Rivers Wealth Ltd.

    How to profit from inflation
    How to profit from inflation

    Long-term (since 1950) correlation between inflation & various financial/real assets.

    So lets first look at what not to do!

    The worse thing you can do, is hold all your net worth in cash in an inflationary environment. You are effectively making a negative return. With some analyst stating inflation could pass 5% this is a very real threat.

    The boom on the back of the rapid vaccine rollout is starting to take shape and many assets and commodities are getting swept up in the rapid recovery. None more so than in the construction industry:

    https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/supply-chain/construction-materials-shortage-5-key-items-in-short-supply-17-05-2021/

    https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/developers-urged-to-start-now-to-beat-build-inflation

    Inflation in building materials will lead to higher prices for construction and thus higher property prices down the line. Added to this, demand for property is rising as people come out of look down and look to improve their living standards.

    Fuel prices are also rising rapidly as we get back on the roads and start to fly again. Expect $100 oil in the not too distant future. https://financialpost.com/commodities/energy/oil-gas/peak-demand-more-like-a-supply-crisis-propelling-oil-to-us100

    So how do we beat and profit from inflation?

    How to profit from inflation

    • Property Investment

    So the first and most obvious place to look when trying to beat inflation in the property market. Inflation is also a good time to use leverage. One can buy a property with a buy-to-let mortgage and buy an appreciating asset with a 25% deposit but see capital appreciation on the full value of the property. If you fix in your mortgage rate for several years you should be able to see steady capital appreciation and rental growth, while your fixed interest costs remain the same. A very crude example of this would be a if a 100,000 pound flat appreciates by 10% and you have invested 25,000 you have made a paper profit of 40%. (10,000/25,000 x100) comfortably beating inflation. There are obviously other costs to take into account but even when these are added you should still be well clear of any inflation.

    • Property development.

    By developing houses and projects now, you can build at the current prices and sell at the new rate of inflation in 6 to 12 months time. We offer a number of property developments around the county all with market beating returns of 15%+. We use a JCT contract https://corporate.jctltd.co.uk/products/about-our-contracts/ which fixes the price of the build at the front end and avoids any uncomfortable surprises for the investor. Get in touch to find out about our latest development opportunities around the county. More details at www.willowrivers.com

     

    • Commodities

    You can trade commodities on all the usual platforms such as Etoro and IG. Oil, Copper and Timber are already showing excessive growth, but just about any commodity used in the building process will see substantial growth over the next couple of years.

     

    • Renewable energy with inflation linked returns.

    We have been developing renewable energy projects for over ten years now. Feed-in-tariffs linked to inflation are a thing of the past now, however we are still building private projects with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The power generated from wind, solar or geothermal is sold back to the business below and the contract is fixed for 20 to 30 years with an inflation linked kicker to the price. We are able to generate 10% to 15% pa returns which will rise in line with inflation. Get in touch to find out what projects we have available for investors. Projects start from 20,000 pounds to 25m. www.willowrivers.com

    • Farmland and Forestry

    UK Farmland will also appreciate again. The combination of the security land ownership offers, zero inheritance tax and yields linked to commodity prices will attract both UK and international investors alike. We work closely with a number of UK land companies and can help with forestry and agricultural land investment.

    Conclusion

    Don’t just take our word for it, hedge fund manager Michael Burry made famous in the the movie Big Short is also investing for inflation. https://moguldom.com/338484/famous-big-short-investor-michael-burry-warns-weimar-like-hyperinflation-is-coming-to-america/

    Now is the time to get your house in order and profit from what is likely to be a bumpy road ahead.

    If you have any questions about building an inflation proof portfolio, do get in touch and we can discuss some strategies.

      Additional resources on inflation:

       

      Institute of International Monetary Research has produced a good video on their inflation expectations over the next couple of years.

       

      Good video here on why we can expect higher inflation of the next couple of years.

      https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/15/the-fear-that-haunts-markets-is-inflation-coming-back

      https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-biggest-inflation-scare-in-40-years-is-coming-what-stock-market-investors-need-to-know-11617846712

      https://www.wsj.com/articles/if-inflation-is-coming-here-is-what-to-do-about-it-11620694235

      The Roaring 20s are back

      January 26, 2021  biotech, bitcoin, blockchain, cryptomining, energystorage, FinTech, Green Technology, GreenTech, Investment Ideas, Investments, meditech, property development, PropTech, Smart grid, Solar

      The Roaring 20s are back

      Whats happening in 2021?

      Three weeks into 2021 and it seems like a good time to take stock and have a look at what’s happening in the world of investments and wealth management this year.

      With Christmas being a very low-key affair and people not being allowed to travel, things seemed to go back to normal much earlier than usual.

      Brexit was finally put to bed without too much disruption and the virus continues to burn like a smouldering peat bog, flaring up each season. But with a vaccine on horizon for most and the worst fears of Brexit out the way, business confidence is definitely on the rise. Are the Roaring 20s are back ?

      Roaring 20s are back
      Roaring 20s are back

      Property

      We have seen an electric start to our property developments in Kent and Cambridge.
      Our first offering, a small 2 bedroom timber framed house was funded in the first week of the year and it looks like we have secured 3 investors for our larger development of 4 terrace houses.

      We have secured two more projects, another Kent and one in Sussex. Due to the fast nature of these deals they rarely make it to the website. So if you are interest in development opportunities, please get in touch and we will add you to the list. They are all very straight forward. We secure projects with full planning and developer finance in place. All we require is the equity to close the deal. We manage all contractors and you receive 15% pa during the build. Your security is a second charge against the asset after the bank. The average project length is 8-12 months.

      Biomedical

      The Cambridge biomedical sector goes form strength to strength as the AstraZeneca vaccine gets a global roll out. This has really highlighted how important the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is and our Cambridge biomedical fund is perfectly positioned to make the most of this over the next few years, click here to find out more and request a brochure.  The fund has full HMRC approval so can be used for tax planning under the EIS and SEIS schemes.

      Renewable Energy

      We are still seeing lots of interest in our renewable energy opportunities. Our Geothermal project in Hungary continues to perform year after year and generates a genuine 12% net PA for our investors. Click here for more details. We are also working on new solar and gas CHP projects throughout the UK. If you are looking for renewable energy assets do let us know as we can source just about all asset types including energy storage.

      Crypto

      We saw considerable increases in the price of all major crypto assts over the Christmas period as predicted here back in November. Bitcoin got a bit crazy towards the start of the year and some of that froth has since blown off. The price has stabilised around the $30k mark and will likely start to increase again once the new US government makes its stance clear on crypto assets. You can’t stop people investing in crypto but you can certainly make it more difficult. The UK recently banned leveraged investments in crypto for retail investors and its not impossible other countries will follow suit. That doesn’t meant to say demand is falling, just slowing down for a bit. Large corporate entities such as Greyscale continue to accumulate very rapidly and we expect this trend to continue and prices to rise due to the finite supply of bitcoins.

      Now is not a bad time to be buying the dip before the next move higher later this year.

      Along with our FPGA mining rigs we will also be offering GPU mining to profit from the rising price price of Ethereum and the demand for DeFi (Decentralised Finance) https://blog.coinbase.com/a-beginners-guide-to-decentralized-finance-defi-574c68ff43c4 .

      DeFi is set to transform the finance and banking sector over the next few years. I wont go into too much detail here, but expect to hear a lot more about this space in the coming months.

      Artificial Intelligence (AI)

      For those looking for more explosive growth potential in the technology sector, our AI Fund is just the ticket. Achieving 214% over the past 4 years this collection of the 42 most exciting AI stocks globally, is chosen using AI then approved by a panel of AI experts. Click here to find out more and request a brochure.

       

      Predictions

      So to conclude, 2021 is going to be a very busy year, we see exceptional opportunities in the property development sector due to pent up demand form Covid-19. Crypto and DeFi will change the way we do business and finance. The UK will be one of the early winners from it”s advanced biomedical sector and the rapid rollout of the vaccine.

      We see a great many positives in 2021 and we hope you will join Willow Rivers Wealth for the ride during the return of the ‘’Roaring 20s’’.

       

      Ben Jefferis

      Director

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      Roaring 20s are back

      History in the making – Investment ideas for 2021

      November 17, 2020  biotech, bitcoin, blockchain, cryptomining, energystorage, FinTech, Green Technology, GreenTech, Investments, meditech, PropTech

      History in the making – Investment ideas for 2021

      There seems to be a great many historical events unfolding at the same point in time, we look at some investment ideas for 2021

      It’s only when you stop to write a blog or spend some time to reflect that you realise this is history in motion. As I write this, Donald Trump, the president of the United States of America is calling the election rigged and is questioning the validity of the result. This undermines so many things and erodes trust in just about everything.

      Bitcoin price over the last 2 months

      I am sure its no coincidence that we have seen a rally in Bitcoin of over 60% in the last two months. Peoples trust in the state and monetary system is dissolving.

      No matter what your stance on Bitcoin, it’s independent nature has to have some allure as even the president calls into question the system itself. This recent Twitter thread by Raoul Pal explains it’s long term potential very well and why we should all be holding some Bitcoin.

      Brexit negotiations are nearing the end game, with neither party willing to budge and a no deal Brexit is looking increasingly likely. The EU is also threatening our energy security as part of the deal.

      We have not even mentioned the virus and its ”cure” announced last week. The timing of which also occurred right after the election. The markets took the news with great gusto. Pfizer was up almost 16% on the day at one point.

      So what does all this mean for investors??

      The Pfizer cure is only 90% effective and has only had a limited trial, however as I write this Moderna (MRNA) has just announced a vaccine with a 95% success rate, which ironically was fast-tracked by the Trump administrations funding.

      This has also seen another stock market move higher, along with oil prices and Bitcoin.

      So should we be out on the streets throwing a party and celebrating the end of perhaps the worse year in many peoples lives? Possibly!

      However things are going to get worse before they get better, the time lag in producing the vaccine and the onset of winter flu seasons means many more will sadly die and our health systems will be stretched. We will have to endure a miserable winter and a lockdown Christmas before we can get out on the streets.

      Green Shoots

      Spring 2021 will be a time of great prosperity as months of pent up demand are released in an investment boom not seen for some time.

      And although now may not seem like the time, now is when you should be planning for this. We have compiled a quick to do list ready for 2021.

      Your to-do list investment ideas for 2021

      • Buy Bitcoin or invest in crypto mining

      • Invest in property development now to meet the needs of 2021

      • Invest in Biotech R&D

      • Avoid the stock market as this was over brought during the pandemic

      • Avoid Brexit affected sectors

      • Invest in energy and energy storage to negate the effects of Brexit

      • Stay healthy during the winter

      It will be interesting to see how the treasury manages this post investment boom. They have obviously run up massive debts during the pandemic and as such will be keen to recoup this. One such suggestion has been to tax drivers on a pay per mile tax, which seems rather unfair, another will be to raid business. What ever they choose lets hope its done in such a way as not to strangle growth.

      So keep your head down for a few more months, get your house in order and prepare for the good times again in the spring. If you have any questions or would like any suggestions on how best to play the above please get in touch and we will gladly give you a free consultation.

      Cambridge Biomedical EIS Fund

      October 14, 2020  biotech, FinTech, Green Technology, GreenTech, Investments, meditech, PropTech

      Cambridge Biomedical EIS Fund

      We have been very bullish about the prospects of the Cambridges property market and our latest development here is nearly fully funded.

      We selected the development due to it’s close proximity to the Biomedical Campus and the AstraZeneca building.

      Money continues to flow into the Biomedical Campus, the government has just committed another £120 million for a new cancer research hospital right next to the AstraZeneca building and a short walk from our development. This will create more jobs and demand for accommodation in the area.

      Cambridge Biomedical Campus

      New Cancer Research Centre Cambridge
      New Cancer Research Centre Cambridge

       

      Off the back of our time spent in Cambridge we have been introduced to a Biomedical Enterprise Investment Scheme Fund. The fund has been designed to find and invest in early stage biotech companies, with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence in Cambridge.

      The Cambridge based office has a wealth of experience in angel investing and Cambridge Biomedical start ups and they already have a good track record of picking winners.

      We are very pleased to be working with them and hope our clients will too.

      EIS Relief available

      The fund will invest in SEIS and EIS qualified companies. EIS/SEIS is a tax relief scheme created by the UK Government to encourage investment in seed-stage startups and businesses.

      If eligible, you can claim back up to 50% of the value of your investment in the form of income tax relief. Therefore, if you make an investment of £100,000, you can save £50,000 in income tax.

      The combination of tax relief and arguably the worlds most important industry in the wake of Covid-19 makes this a very compelling investment.

      Cambridge lab space

      Investing In The New Normal & Cambridge

      September 18, 2020  biotech, Green Technology, GreenTech, Investments, meditech, PropTech

      Investing In The New Normal & Cambridge

      Its been a while since I last wrote a blog back in March about the pain and suffering the COVID-19 was about to inflict on both individuals and markets.

      I will be honest and say I did not see the stock market bouncing back anywhere near as quickly as it has. However my call on Gold has been justified with a price rise from $1660 to $1951 as I write this. Thats a 17% return during a global pandemic in less than 6 months… not bad, I know quite a few clients have heeded this advice and even leveraged their position for even greater gains.

      Anyway, I am not here to talk about Gold, I do see some more upside but its probably time to take profits and look for the next double digit opportunity.

      Locked down

      So back to the virus. I was the first to call for a lockdown of sorts, or at least ban unnecessary large gatherings such as Cheltenham, I was not however promoting a total paralysis of the UK and most other global economies.

      There is a great article in the FT this week about Swedens approach, a lesson in common sense. They looked at the bigger picture, i.e the economy, mental health and other indirect effects of a total lockdown. This pandemic is not going away anytime soon, we have to look at ways of managing it rather than thinking it will be destroyed any time soon. The Sweden model is a pretty good template.

      I was lucky enough to spend my lockdown in The Netherlands. They also took a simple, sensible approach, keeping business open wherever possible with social distancing and encouraging outdoor activities.

      The result was a 7% decline in the economy compared to the Uk’s 20%. Both are now thankfully on the mend due to government stimulus and the virus not being as bad as previously anticipated, but the debt will be around a lot longer.

      The world has however changed as we know it. Much of London is still a ghost town as people refuse to go back to the office and get comfortable with home working.

      I think the majority of people are shunning the commute rather than the office itself. As someone who spent 5 years crammed on the London Tube at rush hour, I wouldn’t be rushing back if I had an excuse like Covid-19.

      So businesses are embracing the new normal, people are moving out to the burbs to have a garden and more space and companies look for smaller offices in more pleasant locations with shorter commutes.

      Which brings me nicely on to Cambridge.

      Having lived in Oxford for many years, I never spent a great deal of time in Cambridge as it seem to offer much the same experience. Having recently visited the city to view a couple of developments we have funded there, I was surprised by the buzz the city had, even in the middle of a pandemic. Offices were being filled by companies fleeing London, lab space was in short supply due to the demands of COVID-19 research and property prices are being pushed to even higher levels than before the pandemic.

      However it was the biomedical campus that really surprised me the most. Has there ever been a better time to boast Europes biggest medical research and health centre? At its heart is the new AstraZeneca HQ, at a cost of one billion pounds its a serious piece of real-estate, just what you need to start a tsunami of followers to a science park.

      Cambridge Biomedical Campus Investment
      Cambridge Biomedical Campus Investment

      So Cambridge has become something of a global sweat spot. I spent many of my early years sourcing emerging market property based on similar fundamentals. Its not often you find such compelling drivers on your door step. The other nice aspect of R&D is that it wont be effected by Brexit.

      AsttraZeneca Building
      AstraZeneca Building

      Knowledge still passes freely between boarders as far as I am aware.
      I haven’t even touched on what a stunningly beautiful location it it. Picture postcard architecture , weeping Willow trees over the many rivers and wonderful pubs and restaurants, not to mention excellent train connections with London and only half an hour away from Stansted Airport. They are also building a new train station at the science park, which always massively boost property prices.

      So to conclude, I think COVID-19 is going to be major boom for this historical city. More and more people will want to work here, pushing up both rents and property prices. Demand for office space which is already undersupplied will see yields on commercial jump very quickly.

      We have already completed two development opportunities in the city and we are expecting more. We are also going to be working with a biomedical EIS fund. Investors will be able to invest in a basket of local startups and receive tax breaks for doing it. So to find out more about any of these unique ways to play the Cambridge growth story, please get in touch. There has never been a better time to invest in Cambridge.

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