Welcome to our latest edition of Smart Money for September/October 2023. In this issue, we look at investment bonds and explain how they offer several benefits that some investors may be missing out on, which have become even more beneficial due to recent [..]
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has developed at a startling rate over the past few years. Since conversational models like ChatGPT became available to the general public in late 2022, it has increasingly become part of our everyday lives. People across [..]
Rising interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis have brought attention to the issue of financial wellbeing within organisations. A recent discussion involving employee benefit consultants, employers and providers explored collaborative strategies to assist [..]
If you’ve used a mortgage to purchase property, switching your mortgage to a new lender – called a “remortgage” – is likely to be a task you’ll do several times. Often mortgage deals will last for a fixed period. So, over a full mortgage term that may [..]
If you live with your partner but aren’t married to them, you’re one of a growing number of cohabiting couples in the UK. Cohabiting is the fastest growing type of family unit, but despite this, there are still a number of misconceptions about your legal rights [..]
For many people in the UK, money is a taboo subject to discuss in the workplace. Poor financial wellbeing can pose a significant challenge for employees, but it can also be a problem for employers too. Research from Champion Health indicates financial health is [..]
Health is wealth, or so the saying goes. As Neal Shepherd, Partner at Secondsight, explains, organisations should take care to ensure that health is as much of a priority as wealth for their employees. You may be used to discussing the range of financial benefits [..]
On 22 June 2023, the Bank of England (BoE) raised the base interest rate by half a point, bringing the benchmark rate to 5%. Ian Bird, Partner at Secondsight, explores the effect of further rate hikes for mortgage holders, with a particular focus on what the [..]
Ahead of an HR conference he will be attending this week, Secondsight Partner, Mark Bingham, shares his thoughts on the importance of employer communication when it comes to workplace benefits and rewards. I’m going to a conference with more than 100 HR [..]
Over the last year, inflation has been high. It’s likely to have affected your day-to-day costs, and it could harm your long-term wealth too. In November 2021, the BoE’s base interest rate was just 0.1%. Following a series of rises, it stood at 4.5% as of May [..]
Looking after your employees’ wellbeing is an important step towards helping them achieve a happy and healthy life. However, there are many aspects to achieving good wellbeing, and reducing stress is one of them. One area which causes people high levels of stress, [..]
You may feel that you provide a comprehensive benefits package to your employees. However, if you haven't considered adding critical illness cover to your roster of benefits, you may be missing a trick. Neal Shepherd, Partner at Secondsight emphasises the importance [..]
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We've thoroughly enjoyed our introduction to Secondsight. The whole team is exemplary in their commitment to providing excellent and efficient service and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to other law firms or professional services firms seeking a refreshing approach to managing their employee benefits. We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with the business over the coming years.
Caroline Stevens, Director, Crowell & Moring
The ideas and connections Secondsight have brought to Epson, and our local HR team, have been invaluable and meant we have set new financial benefits and wellbeing solutions in place that we would simply not have done before.
Stuart Chalmers, HR Manager UK, Ireland and Nordics, Epson Europe
The world of pensions can be quite grey but you always bring a huge amount of colour to it. I have never been so engaged with pensions and neither have our employees. I would highly recommend you and your team.
Alison Field, Group HR Director, Briggs Equipment
Communication and employee word of mouth have been key to its success to date. We truly believe that the financial education programme is an excellent investment - both in terms of time and money.
Rick Hewitt, Finance Director and Board member at Ricoh
A* customer service and assistance. Nothing is too much trouble.
Jane Howard, Payroll and Rewards Officer, Yazaki Europe
Over the last three years, this team has been proactive and efficient, highly knowledgeable plus friendly and easy to deal with.
David Barry, HR Manager, Manufacturing Technology Centre
Secondsight were very knowledgeable and supportive for staff throughout the process of discussions around the TPS, providing clear information and one to one support for staff that required further detail.
The team at Secondsight also helped set up an alternate solution, enabling an easy and effective transition to the new provider. They were very much instrumental in the success of the whole process.
Director of Finance and Operations/Clerk to the Governors, Shrewsbury House School Trust Limited
Secondsight has been working with us for more than a decade. We greatly value the consultancy support provided, in that it serves to guide us through the oft complex nature of pensions.
Throughout our relationship, Secondsight has proven reassuring, comprehensive and professional. This has enabled us to take prompt and effective action where required.
We have also welcomed their support in ensuring that our member communication is clear and informative. We commend them for service they offer.
Bursar, Lord Wandsworth College
