by Brian Downton | J, Nov, 2024 | Charity Blog
This year my annual charity bike challenge takes me to Sri Lanka. It will be a hard challenge with 457km of riding and numerous climbs over 6 days. I am raising funds for The Openwork Partnership Foundation, who give grants to small local charities supported by the...
by Brian Downton | J, Nov, 2024 | Budget
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves outlined the Government’s financial plans for the next five years. The measures, which will raise up to £40 billion for public finances, aim to “restore economic stability” and put “more pounds in people’s pockets”. On 30...
by Brian Downton | J, Oct, 2024 | blog, mortgages
Do you feel like you have to jump through more hoops when applying for a mortgage just because you’re self-employed? And not sure which way to turn? We’re here to help. We are mortgage advisers and we can help you navigate the self-employed mortgage market and any of...
by Brian Downton | J, Oct, 2024 | blog, general
Knowing what to do if you’ve been scammed and where to get help is crucial. Here are five key steps to recover from a financial scam. 1. Act quickly Time is crucial when dealing with financial scams. Take immediate action if you think you’ve been scammed to minimise...
by Brian Downton | J, Oct, 2024 | blog, general
Cybercriminals use a wide range of tactics to con people out of their money. Stay one step ahead with these five crucial tips to avoid financial scams. 1. Stay informed Knowing how to spot a financial scam is your first line of defence. Fraudsters are constantly...
by Brian Downton | J, Sep, 2024 | blog, mortgages
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the conventional mould when it comes to securing a mortgage, you’re not alone. In fact, more and more people are in the same boat, challenging the standard lending rules. If you’re self-employed, had a...
by Brian Downton | J, Sep, 2024 | blog, general
Financial scams are more sophisticated than ever before, but a few telltale signs can give them away. Here are four ways to spot a financial scam and what to do if you think someone’s trying to scam you. We’d like to think we wouldn’t fall for a financial scam, but...
by Brian Downton | J, Aug, 2024 | blog, general
Fraudsters use a variety of approaches to convince you to part with your money. Here are 8 financial scams you should be aware of. 1. Impersonation fraud Scammers often pretend to be a familiar organisation like your bank, a utility provider or HMRC. They might inform...
