Matthew Wykes Financial Services

08/10/2026

With the Budget fast approaching, there’s no shortage of speculation about what could be announced, from potential changes to pensions through to support for first-time buyers.

Explore some of the proposals currently making the news and why staying focused on your long-term financial goals is often the most effective approach.

🔗 https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/autumn-budget-2026-with-a-month-to-go-what-lies-ahead

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 06/10/2026

With less than four weeks before the chancellor John Healey stands up to give his first Budget, leaks about what might be announced have been few and far between.

24/09/2026

Could a capital gains tax bill catch you by surprise?

With the annual CGT exemption now significantly lower than it was just a few years ago, more people are finding themselves facing unexpected tax liabilities when selling or gifting assets.

Read on to learn more about:

✔ Why surprise CGT bills are becoming more common
✔ What to do if you get a bill unexpectedly
✔ Simple steps to help avoid unexpected costs in future

🔗 https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/the-capital-gains-tax-surprises-that-catch-people-out.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 14/09/26

The run-up to a Budget often prompts people to think about tax and their finances. While future tax policy remains uncertain, understanding the rules that apply today can help avoid costly surprises. Capital gains tax (CGT) is one area where unexpected bills can arise, particularly as allowances hav...

17/09/2026

From April 2027, most unused pension funds will be included in an estate for inheritance tax purposes. For many families, this could reshape how they think about drawing an income in retirement and passing wealth to future generations.

This article explores the implications of the new rules and why some retirees may face a new dilemma: preserve their pension or spend it?

🔗 https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/the-new-retirement-dilemma-preserve-or-spend-your-pension.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 01/09/2026

For years, many people viewed their pension as more than just a source of retirement income. It was also a tax-efficient way to pass wealth on to future generations. But changes coming into force in April 2027 could prompt many families to reconsider their retirement and estate planning.

04/09/2026

Beating the deadlines: tax dates for business owners

From self-assessment tax returns to Making Tax Digital, business owners face a growing number of tax deadlines and reporting requirements.

This article takes a look at what is coming up:

https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/beating-the-deadlines-tax-dates-for-business-owners.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 28/08/2026

Tax deadlines can be easy to overlook when you're focused on running a business. But missing one can result in penalties, added costs and unnecessary admin. Being proactive and staying ahead of tax dates can help you stay in control, avoid penalties and focus on running your business.

27/08/2026

Will the April 2027 pensions and inheritance tax changes affect you?

Under the new rules taking effect on 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds will be included when calculating the value of an estate for inheritance tax purposes.

📩 If you’re unsure how the new rules affect you and how much of your wealth you can pass on, get in touch to talk it through, or read more here:

https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/how-pension-changes-could-affect-your-inheritance-tax-plans.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 20/08/2026

25/08/2026

or many business owners, a large proportion of family wealth is tied up in their business.

That makes succession planning one of the more important financial and strategic decisions they’ll have to make.

Read more about the importance of planning and getting advice:
https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/keeping-it-in-the-family-planning-ahead-for-business-succession.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 20/08/2026

Achieving a successful handover of your business to a family member typically comes down to three aspects: early planning (ideally five to 10 years in advance), having a full understanding of the value of the business, plus open communication with all involved parties to ensure fairness.

19/08/2026

What happens if you die without a Will in the UK?

If you die without a Will, the rules of intestacy determine who inherits your estate. For unmarried couples, stepfamilies and cohabiting partners, the outcome may not be what you expected.

This article explains the risks of dying without a Will:
https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/where-theres-a-will-theres-a-say.html

Will writing involves the referral to a service which is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James's Place. Wills are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 17/08/2026

11/08/2026

Selling your business can be stressful, but knowing the value beforehand is one way to ensure you are setting yourself up for success.

This article explains why finding out the value of your business is important and the different ways this can be calculated.

🔗 https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/the-price-is-right-how-much-could-you-sell-your-business-for.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 21/07/2026

04/08/2026

Only 44% of women say they would feel confident investing an inheritance or financial windfall*. When life changes unexpectedly, financial decisions can feel overwhelming.

Read more on how you can manage your finances during major life changes:

https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/when-finances-change-overnight-inheritance-divorce-and-new-responsibilities.html

*Financial Health Report 2026: Women and Wealth. On behalf of St. James's Place, Opinium surveyed 6,000 UK adults nationwide between 17 March and 9 April 2026. Quotas and post-weighting were applied to the sample to make the dataset representative of the UK adult population.

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 28/07/2026

Losing a partner, a parent, or going through a divorce, are among the most difficult life experiences you can face. It can happen quickly too, without much warning. Not only will there be strong and complex emotions to deal with, but for many women it means a sudden and significant change to their f...

28/07/2026

Creating long-term value is a priority for many business owners, regardless of whether an exit is imminent or still some way off.

This article explores five trends influencing UK SMEs in 2026, including succession planning, growth funding and the importance of preparing early for future opportunities.

Read more here:
https://www.matthewwykes.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/five-trends-defining-the-uk-sme-market-in-2026.html

Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 20/07/2026

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