Bath & West Wealth Management

How pension changes could affect your inheritance tax plans

For many people, a pension is one of their biggest assets. From April 2027, unused pension funds will generally be included in an estate for inheritance tax purposes, which could increase the tax due for some families and reduce the wealth passed on to loved ones. In this article, we explain what’s changing, who may be affected and some practical steps to consider

How pension changes could affect your inheritance tax plans For many people, a pension is one of their biggest assets. From April 2027, it could also become an important inheritance tax (IHT) consideration. From this date, most unused pension funds will be included when the value of someone's estate is calculated for IHT purposes.

Five trends defining the UK SME market in 2026

For UK businesses, the challenge remains consistent: how do we create sustainable growth in an environment that continues to test confidence and resilience? For SME leaders, this question is more important than ever. Here we discuss the trends we’re seeing in the SME market this year.

Five trends defining the UK SME market in 2026 Martin Brown, CEO of business advisory firm Elephants Child, discusses the trends they are seeing in the SME market this year.

WeekWatch - S&P hits double digit returns since start of Iran war

Increasing hopes that a deal between the US and Iran might finally be reached and continued AI optimism helped push US markets to new highs last week.

The S&P 500 has now risen for nine consecutive weeks; its longest streak since 2023. In fact, the S&P 500 is now trading at more than 10% above levels seen before the war with Iran.

WeekWatch - 01/06/2026 S&P registers double digit returns Increasing hopes that a deal between the US and Iran might finally be reached and continued AI optimism helped push US markets to new highs last week.

Business owners – from optimism to uncertainty in a volatile world

Optimism has dipped as global events increase uncertainty, and the landscape feels tougher for business owners. But many SMEs have become resilient, adapting to this constant change. Understanding what the business needs to deliver to be where you want to be is key.

Business owners – from optimism to uncertainty in a volatile world Business owners have felt the mood shift in recent weeks. Optimism has dipped as global events increase uncertainty, and many say the landscape simply feels tougher. Yet years of shocks have made many UK SMEs more resilient and determined to focus on their ultimate aims according to business consult...

Five allowances to use before tax year end

With the rise in inflation and the freeze on income tax thresholds until at least 2031, the tax burden has increased considerably for many of us. Here we explore five allowances you can use before the end of the tax year on 5 April.

Five allowances to use before tax year end With the rise in inflation and the freeze on income tax thresholds until at least 2031, the tax burden has increased considerably for many of us. This is especially true for those who have benefited from rising wages but who have moved into higher income tax bands as a result. This is why it is more...

WeekWatch – Trump’s Plan B increases investor uncertainty

It was a twin speed US market last week, relatively subdued until the news on Friday that the US Supreme Court had ruled President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs illegal. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended the week more than 1% higher, with the latter delivering its first positive weekly returns since early January.

WeekWatch - 23/02/2026 It was a twin speed US market last week, relatively subdued until the news on Friday that the US Supreme Court had ruled President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs illegal. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended the week more than 1% higher, with the latter delivering its first positive weekly retu...

WeekWatch - Days into the new year but investors are already navigating numerous market moving events

WeekWatch - 12/01/2026 The surgical intervention in Venezuela by the US, just days into the new year, sparked numerous responses across financial markets. This weekend’s news that Fed chair Powell is under criminal investigation is no less shocking. It is a reminder that surprise events and market volatility are almost ...

Here’s a weekly round-up of key events in markets and personal finance news...

WeekWatch - 01/12/2025 Of the four key groupings the Chancellor had to satisfy in the Autumn Budget (party, electorate, business and the market), only the market’s response can be precisely measured. On that basis she appears to have passed the test. Closing out November, important domestic financial indicators such as ...

Living abroad – and what it could mean for taking your pension

Many people dream of retiring abroad, especially to a country that enjoys more sunshine, and maybe lower tax rates too. Over the past few years, there has been a huge increase in the number of Britons migrating to Dubai, lured by the warm climate and tax-free income.

But how does living overseas affect your pension when you come to take money out of it? We look at three popular expat locations and what it means for drawing a UK pension.

Taking your pension while living abroad There is no personal income tax to pay in the UAE, which is a big attraction for many foreigners moving to the gulf state. But what does it mean if you’re a British expat living in Dubai and you’re accessing a UK pension?

WeekWatch - 27/10/2025 Inflation came in below expectations on both sides of the Atlantic last week, much to the relief of central bankers and investors everywhere.