LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
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JUNE 2021
HERE COMES THE SUMMER IS IT THE SEASON FOR HOT OR COLD? JUNE GARDENING GET YOUR GARDENING BLOOMING THIS SUMMER
HOT HITS THE HOTTEST SUMMER TRACKS FOR THE SUNSHINE
KEEPING COOL KEEP YOURSELF COMFORTABLE AT HOME
FATHER’S DAY A GIFT GUIDE FOR THE PERFECT GIFT FOR DAD’S
CONTENTS COVER STORY
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Here comes the Sun Favourite season of extremes, hold or cold?
PROPERTY
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Cooling your house Top tips to keep comfortable at home during the hotter months
News Our latest mortgage news. Plus meet the team!
FOOD
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BBQ rubs and sauces Elevate your ribs, steaks and burgers on the BBQ this summer
LIFESTYLE
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10 12 13
Gifts for Father’s Day We have hand picked the perfect gifts for Father’s Day
June gardening It’s officially Summer, which means our gardens are in full bloom, but there are still jobs to do…
Summer’s tracks Get summer ready with the hottest tracks to enjoy in the sun
Upcoming films Cinemas reopen: A preview of the delayed films finally being released
SPORTS
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Will England be Euro stars? EURO 2020 finally arrives and we have all the fixtures all in one place.
WELCOME TO THE JUNE ISSUE! It’s an exciting month. On the 21st, if things continue to plan, all social distancing measures will be lifted. And what better month for the UK to get back to normal than the official start of the summer? With this in mind, this month we are going all out for the good times with a feature showcasing some of the best summer facts around. Can’t stand the heat? On pages 8 & 9 we give you some great ideas how to keep your home cool during the warmer months. Father’s Day is on the 20th June and we have put together a guide of some of the hottest present ideas this year alongside two BBQ features; one keeping you up to date of the best kit available and another with some fantastic recipes to try.
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PROPERTY NEWS
The delayed EURO 2020 football competition kicks off this month too, which is why we have created a handy guide of every single fixture so you don’t miss a kick, alongside a preview of the top teams vying to bring the trophy home. And if that wasn’t enough, we explore the delayed films that are finally being released at the cinema; the top summer tracks you’ll all be singing along to this year as well as our usual monthly gardening guide. So, what are you waiting for? Light the BBQ, grab a beer or a vino, get settled in and enjoy… Jonathan Wheatley Editor
It’s the start of our favourite season of extremes “I love to see the summer beaming forth, and white wool sack clouds sailing to the north…” are the opening lines to a sonnet by John Clare, the so-called Northamptonshire Peasant Poet whose romantic visions of the English countryside made him a hot topic with Victorian chattering society. And what we could do with is a “beaming” summer to banish the gloom cast by a world-enveloping pandemic. June traditionally marks the start of the brightest, warmest and most longed-for season of the year. So here are a few facts to amuse, amaze and kill the conversation at your socially-distanced barbecue…
HERE COMES THE SUMMER! BARMY THAN BALMY
THE HEAT IS ON
It has snowed in June. At least a centimetre fell in parts of the country on June 2nd, 1975, forcing the abandonment of several county championship cricket matches. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, the bedding plants took a proper battering on June 19th, 1955 and June 1st and 3rd 1962 in Santon Downham, Norfolk, when temperatures dipped to a bulb-numbing -5.6°C – that’s 21.92°F, chillier than most winter nights.
Although meteorologists say summer officially starts on June 1st, the astronomical summer doesn’t begin until the 21st, when there is a 23.5° tilt of the Earth’s axis in its orbit around the Sun. The summer of 2006 is considered the warmest on record with daytime temperatures averaging 15.8° Centigrade (around 60° Fahrenheit). However, the hottest day was recorded at Cambridge University Botanic Garden on July 25th, 2019 when plants wilted in the sweltering 38.7°C heat (101.66°F).
Figures show that the summer of 2012 was the wettest on record. From June until the end of August, 366.8mm of rain fell across the UK, compared with 384.4mm in 1912.
The Eiffel Tower grows in the summer. Paris’ iron landmark can expand by up to 17cm on a hot day. Theoretically, it is possible to fry an egg on a car bonnet. TV chef James Martin did it in June 2018 in 26°C heat, although experts say you really need a dry heat of 70°C (158°F) to get it done properly. Which means you need to be in Death Valley, California, or the Australian outback to have a decent fry-up on your Merc, although it will make a mess of your paintwork. Droughts are not uncommon in the UK. One of the worst started in the autumn of 1975 when below-average winter rainfall preceded a blistering summer. From June 23rd, the temperatures did not dip below 32°C (90°F) for two weeks, peaking at 35.6°C (96.1°F) with the first significant rain falling on August 27th. You can work out the evening temperature by listening to a cricket. Count the number of chirps over 25 seconds, divide by 3 and add 4 to the Celsius figure. Yes, really. More
THAT’S N-ICE
More than 405million kilogrammes of ice cream were sold in Britain last year. Hardly surprisingly, ice cream manufacturers say the most popular flavour is vanilla, followed by mint choc chip and raspberry ripple.
Folklore says if it rains on St Swithin’s Day, it will rain for 40 days thereafter. Remember the date – July 15th. More thunderstorms occur during the summer than at any time of the year, most occurring over the south-east of England.
There are currently 195 Blue Flag beaches in the British Isles. While most accept it is a recognition of water quality, the flag is also awarded for environmental management, safety and services, plus education and information. So, it is aimed at resort beaches with plenty of facilities as much as smaller, picturesque coves. Even though it does not have a sandy beach, the little village of St Mawes in Cornwall was last year named Britain’s ideal seaside resort in a Which? study. Skegness, Great Yarmouth, Bognor Regis, Blackpool, Morecambe and Cleethorpes didn’t fare as well. Chesil Beach in Dorset is the longest in the UK, at 18 miles long. But it is a shingle spit, so the sandy beaches at Bournemouth and Pendine Beach in Wales, which are more than seven miles long, are officially the longest. In comparison, the largest in the world is at Praia do Cassino in Brazil – a piffling 150 miles long.
WALL OF FLAME
One of the world’s largest fixed barbecues has been made in Gloucestershire. The £10,000 monster, commissioned by a wedding venue, can cook seven whole lambs, three pigs or two cows at the same time, as well as
1,000 sausages or 500 burgers, is heatproof to 600°C, weighs two tonnes, measures 5m across, needs 14 bags of coal to ignite and can be worked by three chefs. It is made by the Bespoke BBQ Company and is dubbed… God-grilla.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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e’ve all missed spending precious time with our parents, so this year make it extra special with our unique gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for your dear dad this Father’s Day.
GLAMPING TRIP A glamping break might be the perfect way you and your dad, or your dad and his partner, can escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The beauty of a glamping pod is that you get the advantages of camping, but without the hassle that traditional camping can sometimes bring.
DRINKS CADDY This gift would be perfect for a picnic, and/or for carrying beers in. Even if it’s not a picnic, this would be extremely useful for just about any kind of travelling event. These caddies can sometimes come equipped with various accessories, so make sure you find the right one for your dad.
AFTERNOON TEA There is nothing quite like an afternoon tea, and everyone loves them! You can’t really go wrong with tea, sandwiches, cakes and scones, so why not treat your dad this year and satisfy his sweet tooth?
FIRE PIT The last year or so has understandably seen outdoor spaces being used much more than usual, so your dad might love to light up his very own fire pit once the sun goes down, to extend those evenings outside a little longer than the sun alone permits.
IDEAS FOR SPECIAL FATHER’S DAY GIFTS Celebrate Father’s Day with our hot picks for gifts this year
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PROPERTY NEWS
DRINKS JAR WITH TAP If you dad likes to drink, a large glass jar with a tap would be just perfect for him. This would be ideal to keep a unique mixer for spirits, for example, since it can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated in the jar for weeks, even months.
SPA DAY Spa days might often get primarily associated with women, but this is an unfair generalization because couples very often attend spa days together, and indeed men can attend them alone if they wish – nothing wrong with that. A luxury spa day might be the very thing your dad needs at the moment. From full body massages to jacuzzis and steam rooms, your dad might just love to receive a voucher for something like this for Father’s Day.
You can make it as unique as you like, and it will last him forever.
PERSONALISED ENGRAVED KEYCHAIN If you want to get really sentimental this Father’s Day, an engraved keychain would be ideal to say something special to your dad. You can make it as unique as you like, and it will last him forever.
FRAMED PORTRAIT OF THE COUPLE Never has it been so important to celebrate togetherness, and especially longevity of relationships. This Father’s Day, your dad might well love a framed portrait of him pictured with his beloved, or his family. Social media can surely provide you with varying options to frame, and you can also have it redesigned slightly if you wish, to make it even more bespoke.
PERSONALISED PEN Pens are typically inexpensive. But to have one personalized can add priceless value. And let’s face it, even in this digital age, we still often use them, especially our sometimes old-fashioned fathers!
PERSONALISED MUG The thing about a personalized item is that you have almost complete freedom to say whatever you like to your beloved dad, and what better way to do that than to simultaneously encourage him to relax with a hot beverage of his choosing? A personalized mug is the perfect way to tell your dad how much he means to you, which he can be reminded
of daily whenever he drinks from it. But if you think a picture says a thousand words instead, an imprinted photo on the mug is a fantastic alternative.
PERSONALISED CHARGING DOCKING STATION A charging docking station is an ideal gift for your father. It can hold the likes of his phone, his glasses, his wallet, his keys, and more. In terms of practicality, it’s perfect, for it organizes all of your items into one small unit, making things altogether so much tidier.
MENS BODY SPRAY There’s a big difference between smelling bad, and smelling really quite nice. And usually, especially when you’re out and about, there’s no in between, so it’s important what we men spray ourselves with. You’d be well advised to get your dad an especially nice smelly this Father’s Day. A mild one which will last all day long would generally be the preferred option.
HOT STONE THERAPY PACK Since we all love a good massage, it seems like an ingenious idea to bring that pleasure into your very own home, and without even needing a professional masseuse. These packs can come with everything you need to enjoy a good massage, without having to travel to a massage parlour.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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BBQ BEST KIT Get kitted out ready for BBQ season with our guide to the best tools for the job
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BQ season is upon us. The smell of smoke alongside a glass of wine or a beer is what summer is all about. However, for those of us who see BBQ as more than just burnt sausages and burgers, there is a real science to creating the perfect smoked food. So, we have put together this guide to the best kit you need to get the most from your grill…
MEAT THERMOMETER Maybe not the snazziest or most exciting piece of kit, but an internal meat thermometer is probably the most important tool for all smoking and grilling enthusiasts. You see, when you cook burgers or sausages on a BBQ over direct coals you are actually grilling not barbecuing. A real BBQ is cooked using indirect heat with lots of smoke to get that real BBQ flavour. Barbecuing is tougher than grilling, which is why it is so important to have a meat thermometer to know what is happening inside your meat and when it is safe to eat. We highly recommend this meat thermometer from Weber. £19.74 | bbqworld.co.uk
SMOKING WOODCHIPS Even if you are simply grilling, you’ll still want that smoky flavour to your food. We don’t all have access to chopped oak, applewood or hickory, which is why companies supply flavoured woodchips. These little pieces of roughly 1cm woodchip are usually soaked in beer or wine before being added directly to your charcoal or in a smoker box. When they burn they release thick flavourful smoke, which gives all your food, whether smoked or grilled, that rich BBQ flavour. We love these Whisky Barrel Oak chips that add great flavour to red meat. £5.50 | hotsmoked.co.uk
BEER CAN CHICKEN HOLDER Have you ever fancied cooking a whole chicken on a BBQ but was worried about how much time and effort it would take if you don’t have an electric spit to cook it through on all sides? Beer can chicken originated in the U.S State of Louisiana and is a great way to indirectly cook a whole chicken whilst imbuing it with plenty of taste and moisture. It’s simple, by placing a half-filled beer can inside the chicken’s cavity, when the liquid gets hot enough it steams the chicken from the inside out. Sometimes, it doesn’t seem so hygienic to put an actual beer can inside the chicken, which is why you can buy a handy beer can chicken holder that can be used again and again. We love this simple device from Landmann. £15.99 | landmann.com
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PROPERTY NEWS
BBQ RUBS AND SAUCES
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BQ season. The smell of smoke in the air. Drinks with friends. Sunshine. What more could you ask for? How about the best rubs and sauces to create the most flavourful meat possible in your own back garden.
Elevate your ribs, steaks and burgers on the BBQ this summer
DRY RUB
A dry rub is perfect for ribs, steaks and for adding to your burgers before and during cooking to give a rich smoky and sweet flavour.
MAPLE GLAZE FOR RIBS AND CHICKEN
MEMPHIS RUB
A sweet and smoky marinade that is perfect for pork ribs and chicken.
In Memphis, USA, the rub is considered as important as the meat and smoke. Ingredients: 1/2 cup paprika 1/4 cup garlic powder 1/4 cup mild chilli powder 3 tablespoons salt 3 tablespoons black pepper 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons celery seeds 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon cumin 2 teaspoons dry mustard 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground allspice Method: Simply add all the ingredients into a bowl and mix until well combined. Store in an airtight container for up to six-months. When ready to use, rub the spice mix all over the meat at least an hour before cooking and leave to marinade. Cook the meat over open coals or smoke depending on your preference.
Ingredients: 1 cup apple juice, to be divided about 1/4 teaspoon morton’s kosher salt per pound of ribs another 2 pinches salt for the glaze 2 teaspoons hot sauce 1/4 cup real maple syrup 4 tablespoons of the Memphis rub Method: Sprinkle the salt onto your ribs or chicken and then rub in the Memphis rub. Smoke or roast for an hour or so. Place the chicken or ribs onto aluminium foil and create a boat. Drizzle ½ cup of the apple juice over the meat and then re-wrap tightly before placing back on the grill. After another hour or so (longer for the ribs) remove the meat and drain the apple and meat juice into a saucepan. Add the remaining apple juice and the maple syrup and bring it to a simmer. When the sauce has a shiny glaze, add the salt and hot sauce and stir. Coat the meat in the marinade and put back onto the grill for five-minutes.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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As the hottest months of the year approach, we can look ahead to lots of upcoming warmth.
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ut that’s not to say that the heat doesn’t present some challenges. When it comes to winding down in the evenings, it can be difficult to relax when the temperature doesn’t feel like it’s dropping. So here are some of our best ways to cool your home this Summer.
REPURPOSE APPLIANCES
When it comes to appliances designed for cooling someone down, a fan can prove to be man’s best friend. But often, when the weather becomes too hot, fans can be counter-productive, and end up recycling hot air. To avoid this, try strategically pointing your fan towards open windows, so that hot air can be pushed out of a room. And if you have a ceiling fan, setting it to anti-clockwise can also help to remove the hot air. Another idea is to place a dish with ice in front of a fan. This DIY air-conditioning trick will create a cool mist as the ice evaporates, resulting in lower temperatures, and is ideal for any time of the day. Another inventive DIY trick is to repurpose a hot water bottle. It is widely known that hot water bottles are the perfect way to warm your bed up on a cold winter’s night. So surely the same method can be applied to summer, when the process is reversed? So fill your bottle with cold water, and place it in the freezer before you go to bed. Or if you haven’t got a hot water bottle, you can grab any bottle that can hold a liquid and give this a go. This will give you a homemade ice-pack, which will keep you cool all night long.
ADJUST YOUR BEDDING
If you fancy getting some new bed sheets in the coming months, then summer is the perfect excuse to replace your heavier, winter sheets, with lightweight cotton ones. And opting for cotton sheets which are also of a light colour, results in a more breathable fabric, and will help to give you a better night’s sleep. And if this still isn’t working for you, then try to bring the temperature of the sheets down.
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PROPERTY NEWS
THE COOL-PROOF GUIDE TO BRINGING THE TEMPERATURE DOWN IN YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER
Another inventive DIY trick is to repurpose a hot water bottle. So fill your bottle with cold water, and place it in the freezer before you go to bed.
Many people will recommend lying on a damp towel, or sprinkling water over your sheets, in order to cool your bed down. This may work, but will also result in a long-lasting wetness, which no one wants. Instead, pop your sheets in the freezer for a few minutes before bedtime. As well as giving them an icy freshness before you sleep, it won’t make your bedding as wet as applying water would. Just make sure to put your sheets in a bag first, so that they don’t come out smelling of frozen food!
AVOID STEAM
One thing that few people think about is focussing on avoiding activities which increase the heat around a home. In particular, there are two key areas which you can address in order to reduce heat. Firstly, think about your cooking. One of the biggest sources of heat in any home is from preparing food in a kitchen. So why not try your hand at some dishes that don’t require the oven and hobs to be turned on, like salads. And if you do want to cook, consider utilising barbecues outside, to avoid excess steam hanging around. Secondly, reduce the temperature of your shower. By using warm, rather than hot water, this will not only reduce the amount of steam which is able to travel around your house, but will also leave you feeling much cooler, and therefore more relaxed in the hot weather.
GRAB A GADGET (AIR CON/COLD BLANKET)
If none of these DIY tricks are working for you, then there is always the option of buying some tech, which is guaranteed to keep you cool. If you’re on the hunt for a new air conditioner, then take a look at an air purifier. For example, the Dyson Pure Cool Tower Advanced Technology Air Purifier Fan will help to keep you cool day and night. The great thing about this fan is its quietness, even when on a powerful setting, so this is ideal for anyone who struggles to sleep during hot nights. Or, if you fancy a cheaper option, then get yourself a cooling blanket. These blankets absorb sweat from your body, to keep you cool all night long. They’re also machine washable, meaning that you can use it throughout the summer, and it won’t lose its freshness.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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JUNE
It’s officially Summer, which means our gardens are in full bloom, but there are still jobs to do…
GARDENING
GUIDE
June is the first month where the weather can virtually be guaranteed. No more frosts, warmer evenings and, hopefully, hotter days. The Spring flowers have mostly gone and the summer ones are coming through providing an abundance of colour. However, as nice as it is to sit in your garden and enjoy it, there are still plenty of jobs to do…
WEEDING Weeds. The arch-nemesis of our beautiful gardens. However, with some hard work, these can be removed. All weeds can be controlled without weedkillers, and for our environment, it is best to get your hand’s dirty before resorting to chemicals. One of the best manual ways to control weeds is by hoeing. Simply run a hoe over a bed or between rows to kill most weed seedlings. Ideally, choose a dry day with light wind so that the seedlings will dry out on the surface. Pull up annual weeds by hand before they set seed. Perennial weeds should be dug out with as much root or bulb as possible using a hand or border fork. Hand weeding is easiest on lighter soils and should only be attempted when it won’t disturb the roots of garden plants.
HANGING BASKETS Hanging baskets provide valuable colour at eye level in your garden. Choose vibrant bedding plants for a short-term show, or herbs, shrubs and evergreens for a longer-lasting display. The great thing about hanging baskets is that you can plant them in situ straight away. The basic principles for creating a hanging basket are very simple. First of all, if you are using a standard wire basket, it will need to be lined. You can buy readymade cardboard liners and fibrous materials sold for the purpose.
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PROPERTY NEWS
Then add a good quality, peat-free multipurpose compost and give it a good water before starting to add your bedding plants or herbs, shrubs and
You should prune deciduous shrubs (losing their leaves in winter) after they have flowered.
evergreens. Once the basket has been planted, check every day in summer, watering always unless the compost is wet.
PRUNE EARLY-FLOWERING SHRUBS Deciduous shrubs that flower in late winter, spring and early summer need annual pruning to encourage strong, healthy shoots and improve flowering. Annual pruning also prolongs the life of these early-flowering shrubs. You should prune deciduous shrubs (losing their leaves in winter) after they have flowered. As they usually flower on the previous year’s growth, pruning immediately after flowering allows maximum time for the development of young growth. To prune, you will need a good pair
of secateurs and start by cutting out any damaged or dead shoots back to their point of origin. Where there are many stems, remove some to ground level to keep the bush open and avoid congestion.
PLANT SUMMER BEDS Bedding plants provide a temporary decorative seasonal display for planters, borders, containers and hanging baskets. And now is the perfect time to create them. Bedding plants can be grown from seed, bought as plug plants (young seedlings) or purchased as pot-grown specimens.
sunshine you will have more luck with Mediterranean plants, flowers and herbs than if you tried to plant something more suitable for shady conditions. Once you know your borders and beds, you can go online to find the most suitable plants or ask at your local garden centre.
WATERING Watering is key to growing healthy, beautiful plants, however, water is a precious resource and supplies in the UK are under pressure, so you want to be water-smart to help the environment and preserve water.
The best time to water plants is in the Many public gardens change the morning, as this is when the sun comes bedding up and plants start to use displays the water. The foliage and twice a year, soil surface is also likely To prune, you will replanting in to stay drier for longer need a good pair of late spring and than evening watering, secateurs and start early autumn. discouraging slugs and by cutting out any This is called snails from ruining damaged or dead successional your plants. shoots back to their planting. point of origin. However, In regards to how much before you water, there is no simple rule even think of thumb. Each plant has about planting summer beds, you will different watering needs, however, want to know what type of soil you have. you can look for the signs that a plant needs more or less water such as a lack For example, if you have a dry border of growth, dull leaves, wilting and a with free-draining soil and lots of change in position of leaves.
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Perfect to kick-off the summer with, this hot tune by Selena Gomez
THIS SUMMER’S
HOTLY
ANTICIPATED TRACKS
Get summer ready with the hottest tracks to enjoy in the sun
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his summer will be one of freedom and new beginnings for many, and music is one of the best ways to channel that inner sensitivity and soulfulness into something to be shared with others. These inspirational-entitled tracks for this summer will surely do just that. So, let’s crack ourselves wide open this summer and enjoy the tunes! “Rare” by Selena Gomez Perfect to kick-off the summer with, this hot tune by Selena Gomez blends themes of breakup and self-affirmation, and features a killer baseline accompanied with Selena’s typically delicate vocals. “On My Own” by Shamir More of a declaration of independence rather than a moan of loneliness, this sizzling beat from Shamir rather sounds like a homage to the 90’s with its old-schools sounds. It’s crunchy guitar and textured percussion providing the song with a somewhat lo-fi charm, Shamir has described the song as “an accidental quarantine anthem.” “Hard To Forget” by Sam Hunt Typically creating earnest, bittersweet estrangement anthems, Sam Hunt makes no
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PROPERTY NEWS
exception with this country pop hit which invites us to reflect on how hard it can be to let certain things or people go. “Do It” by Chloe x Halle Typically known for their icy cool R&B sounds, “Do It” features a more angelic intertwining of both their vocals. This track was produced by Scott Storch, who was perhaps the biggest producer in pop and hip-hop during the 2000s, and he shows he still has the touch with an airy beat that bring out the best of Chloe and Halle’s harmonies. “Play Play” by J Hus ft. Burna Boy A refreshing blast of tropical breeze, “Play Play” rises and falls like a cresting wave with the vocals contrasting from one another masterfully. This is British rapper J Hus’ and Nigerian Afro-pop superstar Burna Boy’s third collaboration, the track altogether boasting their smooth baritone harmonies. “Physical” by Dua Lipa Dua Lipa was a big hit last year, and with her new song, “Physical”, she is sure dominate this year too. It has a neo-80’s feel to it, and offers chuggingsounding synthesisers with high powered vocals.
THE LATEST FILMS
TO GET YOU
FIRED UP A
s cinemas reopened May 17th, we can look forward to indulging in all the latest releases. And after repeated setbacks, we take a look at some of the films that have been put on hold, but are now ready to explode onto UK screens.
BLACK WIDOW
The much anticipated Marvel superhero movie will hit screens in early July, having been pushed back on three separate occasions due to the forced closure of cinemas. The film is a sequel to the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016), and will focus on the lead character Natasha Romanoff, as she deals with issues in her past, long before she became an Avenger. As well as Scarlett Johansson, who will reprise her role as Romanoff, Black Widow will feature a star-studded cast which includes Florence Pugh, Ray Winstone, and Rachel Weisz. The film will also be made available on Disney+.
PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY
This 3D live action/computer-animated comedy is a sequel to Peter Rabbit, and will include many of the bignames who starred in the first film. In particular, James Corden will voice the title character once more, and Rose Byrne and Dominic Gleeson will also return. This instalment will see Peter with his makeshift family, but forced to confront his mischievous behaviour. After being originally postponed, the release of this family favourite will be of interest to all ages, come May 21st.
TOP GUN: MAVERICK
The long-awaited sequel to the 80s classic Top Gun, will be on our screens towards the end of the year. Filming was completed by Summer 2019, but due to post-production details, eand ensuing lockdowns, this action movie will finally hit cinemas. The film sees Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer reprise their 80s roles, in a cast which will also boast Jon Hamm. Tom Cruise’s other new release, Mission Impossible 7, has been moved to 2022, in order to make way for Top Gun: Maverick.
And after repeated setbacks, we take a look at some of the films that have been put on hold
SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW
This new horror film, starring Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson was scheduled to be released in May last year. But it is now confirmed that this spine-chilling new movie will be available from May 21st. Centred around a brash detective and his rookie partner, the pair investigate a set of gruesome murders. And for all the horror fans who can’t get enough, the latest instalment of The Conjuring series, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, will be released just one week later.
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WILL ENGLAND BE EURO STARS? Southgate’s men looking to end 55 years of hurt
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the World Cup. All their Group D games are in London and they would only be required to travel for a quarter-final tie.
t’s coming home … in a manner of speaking. The 16th edition of football’s European Championships, postponed from last year, kicks off on June 11th and, for the first time, games are spread across the continent rather than one host nation, although the business end will be held at Wembley Stadium. Which will be handy for England should they again get to the semi-finals of a competition which is notoriously more difficult to win than its big brother,
It is, without doubt, one of the reasons why Gareth Southgate’s squad will be regarded among the favourites for only the third major tournament held in the birthplace of the game – the others being the World Cup in 1966, which they won, and Euro 96, where they lost on penalties in the semi-finals. But with England, getting out of the group is always something of an achievement, let alone one that is strewn with banana skins.
GROUP A
Friday June 11th Turkey Saturday June 12th Wales Wednesday June 16th Turkey
Italy Baku, 2pm Switzerland Baku, 5pm Wales
Saturday June 12th Denmark Saturday June 12th Belgium
Certainly, the fact they will not have to stray too far from home is a massive plus, but England were extremely underwhelming in their recent World Cup qualifiers. And the fear is the deeper they progress into the tournament, the more leg-weary they will become as the intensity of a punishing domestic season takes its toll. So, it may be worth siding with a squad which does not rely on England-based players. North Macedonia it is then!
Turkey Rome, 5pm Wales
Copenhagen, 5pm Finland St Petersburg, 8pm Russia
Sunday June 13th
Bucharest, 5pm
Austria
North Macedonia
Sunday June 13th Netherlands
Amsterdam, 8pm Ukraine
Finland
Ukraine
North Macedonia
Denmark
Baku, 5pm
GROUP C
Bucharest, 2pm
Switzerland
PROPERTY NEWS
So, will suburban England once again be awash in a sea of St George’s flags and will we all be wearing Gareth Southgate waistcoats come July 11th?
Thursday June 17th
Italy
Italy
As for Wales, their Group A campaign is marginally less daunting, although the games against Italy, Turkey and Switzerland are divided between Baku and Rome.
It may be worth siding with a squad which does not rely on Englandbased players.
Wednesday June 16th St Petersburg, 2pm
Thursday June 17th
Sunday June 20th
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Rome, 8pm
Rome, 8pm
Switzerland
If they win the group, England face the runners-up from Group F – that’s either Germany, France, defending champions Portugal or Hungary. Finish runners-up and its either Spain, Poland, Sweden or Slovakia. Who said there were easy games in international knockout football?
Top the group, though, and the last-16 tie is at Wembley, while it’s a short hop to Amsterdam if they are second.
GROUP B
Wednesday June 16th
Sunday June 20th
They open their campaign on June 13th against Croatia, their conquerors in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, before the showdown with Auld Enemy Scotland on June 18th and the conclusion against the Czech Republic four days later. Southgate will not need reminding you cannot underestimate the Croatians or the Czechs; as for the Scots, what they may lack in technical ability they will make up in heart and workrate, and the England manager will be grateful for a repeat of the win against the Tartan Terrors in the group stages of Euro 96.
Monday June 21st Russia Monday June 21st Finland
Russia Copenhagen, 5pm Belgium Copenhagen, 8pm Denmark St Petersburg, 8pm Belgium
Thursday June 17th Netherlands Monday June 21st North Macedonia Monday June 21st Ukraine
Amsterdam, 8pm Austria Amsterdam, 5pm Netherlands Bucharest, 5pm Austria
GROUP D
GROUP E
Wembley, 2pm
Sunday June 13th England
Monday June 14th
Croatia
Scotland
Slovakia
Spain
Glasgow, 5pm
Sweden
Friday June 18th
Croatia
Czech Republic
Sweden
Friday June 18th
Wembley 8pm
Saturday June 19th
England
Scotland
Tuesday June 22nd
Scotland Wembley, 8pm
Tuesday June 22nd Czech Republic
St Petersburg, 2pm Slovakia Seville, 8pm
Spain
Glasgow, 9pm
Croatia
Seville, 8pm
Monday June 14th
Czech Republic
Friday June 18th
St Petersburg, 5pm
Poland
Glasgow, 2pm
Monday June 14th
GROUP F
Poland
Hungary Tuesday June 15th France Saturday June 19th Hungary Saturday June 19th Portugal
Spain
Saturday June 26th
M 40
Sunday June 27th
M 41
Monday June 28th
M 43
Tuesday June 29th
Runner up
Winner
Group A
Runner up
Group B
Budapest, 5pm
Group C
Runner up
Winner
Amsterdam, 5pm
Third
Group D/E/F
Copenhagen, 5pm
Group D
Runner up
Group E
Glasgow, 8pm
Group E
Third
Group A/B/C/D
M 37
Saturday June 26th
M 39
Sunday June 27th
M 42
Monday June 28th
M 44
Tuesday June 29th
Winner
Wednesday June 23rd Germany
Winner
Winner
Winner
Group A
Group B
Group F
Group D
Friday July 2nd
M 47
Saturday July 3rd
Winner
Winner
St Petersburg, 5pm
Match 41
Winner
Match 42
Baku, 5pm
Match 40
Winner
Match 38
M 46
Friday July 2nd
M 48
Saturday July 3rd
Winner
Winner
Match 39
Match 43
Wembley, 8pm Runner up
Group C
Seville, 8pm Third
Group A/D/E/F
Bucharest, 8pm Third
Group A/B/C
Wembley, 5pm Runner up
Group F
Munich, 8pm Winner
Match 37
Rome, 8pm Winner
Match 44
SEMI-FINALS M 49
Wembley, 8pm
Tuesday July 6th Winner
Match 46
Winner
Match 45
M 50
Wednesday July 7th Winner
Match 48
FINAL M 51
Sunday July 11th Winner
Match 49
Wembley, 8pm Winner
Match 50
Munich, 8pm Hungary
QUARTER-FINALS M 45
Budapest, 8pm France
ROUND OF 16 M 38
Munich, 5pm Germany
Portugal
Slovakia
Budapest, 2pm France
Sweden
Seville, 5pm
Munich, 8pm Germany
Wednesday June 23rd
Poland
Budapest, 5pm Portugal
Wednesday June 23rd St Petersburg, 5pm
Wednesday June 23rd
England
Tuesday June 15th
Wembley, 8pm Winner
Match 47
P
rotection
BULLETIN
mortgages
The newsletter from Xact Mortgages Limited
Summer 2021
Ways to protect you, your income, and family This is about things that you may prefer not to pay for, but you (or your family) would be mightily relieved should there need to be a claim down the line
Life Cover
Lump sum payout on the death of the insured
Critical Illness Lump sum payout if you suffer an illness such as heart attack, cancer or stroke (if specified in the policy) ll 98% of a n o Protecti re e w Claims 2020 in paid out ion of British Associat lease) (Source: ay 2021 re Insurers, M
Income Protection
Pays out a monthly income if you’re unable to work through illness or injury
Xact Mortgages Limited 6 The Square, First Floor, Solihull B91 3RB Tel: 0800 014 9962 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk
Web: www.xactmortgages.co.uk
■ Xact Mortgages Limited is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network (PRIMIS), a trading name of First Complete Limited which
is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. PRIMIS is only responsible for the service and quality of advice provided to you in relation to mortgages, protection insurance and general insurance products. Any other product or service offered by Xact Mortgages Limited may not be the responsibility of PRIMIS and may also not be subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority.
PROTECTING YOU COVID-19 has had a massive impact on all of us and highlighted, for many, the importance having, taking up, or just simply reviewing the types of Protection Insurance we have in place.
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There are various types of protection cover on offer, meeting differing needs such as paying out on loss of life, or loss of income due to a serious illness or injury. Going back to pre-pandemic times, many people would have entered 2020 in robust physical, mental and financial health, but could now find themselves in a totally different place. Mental and physical health concerns are very much front of mind. And with the recession, furlough, and the impact on entire market sectors, people’s financial resilience may have taken a battering too. In fact, recent research shows that around one in four are now deemed to be financially vulnerable. (Source: Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Lives 2020 survey, February 2021)
What can be done...
4%
male
3%
chance of dying in their working life
female
13% 11% male
female
chance of a critical illness in their working life
26% 37% male
female
chance of being off work for two months or more
Risks faced by both male and female In this issue we look at of working age Both aged 30, non-smokers and plan to retire at 65 some of the key areas where (Source: Royal London, State of the Protection Nation, different types of insurance June 2019, referencing Pacific Life Re research) may deliver the protection you consider taking up a protection product. need. Of course, we understand that some will (Source: Drewberry, Q1 2021 survey) still view protection insurance as something As for it’s ‘not for them’, surely it’s better that is simply ‘not for them’, or it is ‘too to have something in place (and possibly expensive’, or they ‘don’t believe the insurer would never need it), than suddenly need somepay out in the event of a claim.’ thing (and not have it)? Life Cover is a key piece of insurance to To counter this, we show that the overall have in place, but as the chart above shows, payout of claims is actually 98%. As far as the cost of it goes, you may be you’re possibly at greater risk of being pleasantly surprised once we look at what’s off work for two months or more, or on offer for you. And the pandemic has suffering a critical illness across your generated more interest, with around 1 in 6 working life. And can you be sure your people now saying they’re more likely to income stream won’t be affected?
Are YOU the major financial asset? People may think that their home is their biggest financial asset. Yet, in most cases, it’s actually the wage earner(s) in the household. This is where an INCOME PROTECTION policy could deliver some peace of mind.
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The average annual income is
people cope when, on average, they are
about £30,000. Across a working
just 24 days from the breadline if their
period, then you could defer payouts
income stream is diminished.**
from the Income Protection policy for
equate to about £1.4m, which is almost
(Sources: *Office for National Statistics, Labour market over-
that timeframe, and see lower premiums
six times the current average value of
view, May 2021;**L&G, Deadline to Breadline, Nov. 2020)
as a result.
Support that may be on offer
up to around 60-65% of your gross
stream (and perhaps the same also for
The upside (unless you’re a contractor or
income, and dependent on the type of
your partner, if relevant).
self-employed) is that you may, initially,
product you opt for, it could be a tax-free
lifetime (discounting inflation), this could
a UK home - circa £243,000. So, surely it makes sense to protect this income
from employer support for a limited
Income Protection will generally cover
(Sources: Office for National Statistics, Weekly Earnings,
benefit from ongoing financial support
monthly payout until you’re well enough
April 2021; Nationwide, House Prices, May 2021)
from your employer. This is if you were
to return to work, retired or died,
off work due to an illness, or injury -
whichever occurs first.
Could it happen to me?
although it’s likely to be there for just a
Alternatively, if a lower monthly
Many of us will feel that we’ll never be off
defined period. Plus there’s limited state
premium is better for your pocket, then
work for a long period due to a ill health,
support to try to access too.
you could opt for a scheme that only
or injury. But it does happen; and to many.
In which case you need to look at how
For example, around 2m people in the
you might cover any income shortfall,
UK are off work at any one time due to
and this is where you could take out an
long-term sickness.* How would these
Income Protection policy. If you benefit
pays out for a specific period of time.
As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply.
0m Over £20paid n e e b s ha urers out by inasths e d for le attributab-19 to COVID itish
of Br sociation (Source: As release) arch 2021 Insurers, M
In 2019, in pre-COVID times, as many as 604,707 people died in the UK (that’s more than 1 a minute). If this is not bad enough, in 2020 (as we encountered the pandemic) 690,439 died - an 85,732 increase! (Source: Office for National Statistics, National Records Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency, actual 2019 figures & provisional 2020 data)
Looking after others »
Hopefully, most of us will live a long life, but COVID has sadly shown that many families have experienced unexpected personal loss, or know of people who have died. Plus, it’s not just the pandemic that you need to consider. In a normal year, such as 2019, 605,000 people still died from a multitude of ailments, such as cancer, heart diseases and dementia & Alzheimer’s. That’s more than one person a minute. If you have people who are financially dependent on you, then you really should consider having an element of life insurance in place. This is often set up to ensure that the mortgage can be paid off. Ideally, you may want to exceed that amount to provide additional funds for those left behind, enabling them to get through a difficult emotional and financial period, as painlessly as possible. Also, it’s not just homeowners that should consider taking out a life plan, the benefits would be equally applicable to those renting. Of course, you will need to balance any ‘personal’ life cover with any ‘death in service’ benefit that may be in place through your employer.
Different types of cover There are different options, such as: Level term - you choose the tax-free amount you want to be insured for, and the period for which you require cover. If you die within
the term, the policy pays out. Decreasing term - the actual amount paid out on a successful claim reduces over time. This may be relevant if you have a repayment mortgage, where it could reflect the reducing loan amount owed. For all term assurance plans, should you not die within the policy period, then it doesn’t pay out, and the premiums you’ve paid are not returned to you.
Add Critical Illness Cover Whilst you may feel death is a long way off, suffering a critical illness such as a heart attack, stroke or cancer, might be a greater cause for concern. Once we’ve gone through your needs and budget, then it may make sense to add this element to your life cover. In the event of a successful critical illness claim, your life cover element should still continue to insure you.
Consider setting up a Trust Writing life insurance in trust is one of the best ways to protect your family’s future in the event of your death. n Trusts are a straightforward legal arrangement that’s a sensible option in most cases. n You decide on who benefits – this is important if you’re not married or in a civil partnership, as the life cover payout may not transfer to the intended recipient. n Faster access to the tax-free payout. If a trust is not in place when you die, your
beneficiaries would need to obtain probate, which can cause delays. With a trust arrangement, your beneficiaries could receive their inheritance shortly after the death certificate was issued, with possible tax benefits too. We can assess your particular needs and identify a suitable route forward. As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate trust advice.
2020 CLAIMS PAYOUTS 98% of all claims were paid out in 2020, equating to £17m a day!
Life Cover
n 99.5% of all claims were paid out. n Average payout of £79,304 (term),
£4,026 (whole of life).
Critical Illness
n 91.3% of all claims were paid out. n Average payout of £67,011.
Income Protection
n 86.5% of all claims were paid out. n Average payout of £22,170. n Average length of claim could be
around 6 years.* (Sources: Association of British Insurers, 2020 data, May 2021 release; *2020 claims data from LV and Aviva)
Critical Illness Cover
A F I NA N CI A L C O M F O RT B L A N K E T Did you know that the current survival rate in the UK for a Heart Attack is 7 out of 10. (Source: British Heart Foundation Factsheet, March 2021)
»
Similar improvements have also occurred with cancer treatment. Forty years ago just 1 in 4 people survived their cancer disease for 10 years or more, today it’s 2 in 4. (Source: Cancer Research UK website, May 2021)
This means that these days, it’s more likely that you could survive a serious illness, such as heart attack, cancer or stroke. Although, whilst you may survive, it’s highly unlikely that you’d make a swift
Added value across Protection products n The insurance industry recognised over recent
years that there’s a real benefit - for both the insured and insurer - if a relationship is maintained
return to work, which could create concerns regarding your finances. Particularly if you have additional healthcare costs, or home renovation needs to reflect your changing circumstances. Fortunately, there is a specific product - Critical Illness Cover - that could pay out a tax-free lump sum if your serious illness was specified in the policy and you survive (generally for around 14-28 days from the date of diagnosis). This payout would hopefully enable you to focus all your energies on recovery by easing a lot of the immediate (plus ongoing) financial worries. Additionally, if you’re employed, you may also have the buffer of a period of disability cover as an employee benefit. After that, you may then have to fall back on state benefits of limited value. Also, don’t just think that this should only be a concern if you are much older, as the average age of critical illness claimants across many insurers is around 40s to early 50s!
throughout the term of the policy by providing
What do you need?
value-added products and support.
You can decide the level of cover you require at the outset, should you need to claim. Perhaps you may want to have enough to pay off the mortgage, or alternatively you may opt for less cover (meaning a lower premium too), but still have enough to see you through the initial couple of years as you recover. Critical illness cover can be taken as a stand-alone policy, or as a bolt-on to a life insurance plan. The policies will vary with regard to the illnesses covered, and in some cases it could also include cover for your children up to age 18 (if applicable), within a specified payout limit.
n The pandemic has merely reinforced the
importance of this offering. Specialist support such as GP/nurse helplines, and virtual screenings, online mental health, and physiotherapy support have all come to the fore at a time when it’s been difficult to secure assistance through your normal channels, such as your local doctor’s surgery. n Additionally, the pandemic has delivered an
increase in the adoption of electronic GP reports (to help speed up the underwriting process for protection
Please get in touch to hear more...
products), a positive innovation that will continue to develop, and is likely to stay with us.
As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply.
Managing your Costs Whilst you may recognise the benefits that Protection insurance cover could deliver for you and your family, there are likely to be many demands on your income stream. If cost is an issue, then do consider these two products that may better suit your pocket. FAMILY INCOME BENEFIT General life cover that pays out a lump sum (if a valid claim is made) is often in place to help settle the outstanding mortgage. That’s a great help, but for the partner left behind and their children, what about ongoing everyday items such as food, clothes, utility bills, childcare, or other expenses like holidays and university costs? This is where a Family Income Benefit plan could deliver much-needed support. In the event of death, it would provide a
How to find those extra £s (if lockdowns haven’t already made those savings for you!) Putting aside the money to fund a Protection plan may be easier than you think when you consider all those little items we may take for granted, like the odd drink or a magazine. We don’t expect you to give up all of life’s little luxuries, but if you cut out just one unit each week of the items below, then you could save around £150 across a month. In many cases, that’ll be more than you need to cover the cost of a protection policy.
Treats £ Cost/unit Soft drink 1.00 Snack 1.00 Magazine 1.50 Coffee (takeaway) 2.50 Pint of beer or lager 3.50 Glass of wine (175ml) 3.50 Taxi 5.00 Cigarettes (pack of 20) 10.00 Takeaway meal 7.00 Total = £35.00
(est.)
regular tax-free income for your loved ones from the time of the claim to the end of the plan term. It’s often taken out over a 10 to 20-year term, or whatever may be appropriate in your circumstances. The idea is that should you have a valid claim, then it’s in place to pay out until the children have grown up.
It’s generally viewed as a good value plan, because the potential ‘total’ payout over time decreases the further through the policy you get, which is reflected in a lower premium cost.
How it works If you took out a 20-year term, which was set up to pay out £20,000/year and it was claimed against after one year, then the family would receive £20,000/year for the next 19 years, equating to a total payout of £380,000 (if there was no index-linking). However, if for the same plan, there wasn’t a claim until 18 years into the policy term, the total payout would be just £40,000. If, fortunately, there was no claim at all within the 20-year period, then the policy simply runs the whole term without any payout.
SHORT-TERM INCOME PROTECTION Income Protection is designed to pay out a tax-free monthly sum in the event that you can’t work due to illness or injury. If you like the idea of having this type of cover, but want to minimise your outlay, a short-term version is also available. This could still deliver important financial support (if still off work) for generally one to two years - and even up to five, in some instances. You may think you can’t afford protection cover at the moment, but can you afford not to have any at all? As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply.
REL AX:
Workplace Life Cover
A Relevant Life Plan enables businesses to offer Life Cover to its employees (including salaried directors), and may bring with it a number of advantages...
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Relevant Life Plans are life cover plans set up by employers for employees. They are designed to pay out a lump sum to the family of the person covered, should they die (or possibly be diagnosed with a terminal illness) across the period of the cover. The plan could be in addition to any other ‘personally funded’ life cover that might be in place. It’s largely designed for small and medium-sized businesses, although it’s not generally available to sole traders, equity partners of a partnership, or members of an LLP set-up.
Tax-efficiency A Relevant Life Plan can be a tax-efficient way to secure some all-important life cover. In this respect, do take advice from an accountant if you want further clarification. Even though the company makes the payments (a saving for the employee on premiums against paying personally for life cover), it’s not typically treated as a ‘benefit in kind’, and would therefore not be included in the employee’s income tax assessments. Also, those with a substantial pension pot may benefit, as the plan will not form part of the lifetime pension allowance. And, as the plans are generally written into trust, any payout should not form part of the deceased’s estate, with possible Inheritance Tax benefits, plus it could be paid out quite swiftly. Additionally, the payments may also be an allowable expense for the company when calculating its own tax liability.
It’s transportable Writing the plan under trust, also provides flexibility when it comes
IT’S MOST SUITABLE FOR: n High-earning directors and employees who don’t
want their death-in-service benefits to count towards their lifetime pension allowance. n Small companies, with too few members for a group
life scheme, that want to provide employees and directors with tax-efficient death-in-service benefits.
n Please
to stopping or changing employment, as the plan can be converted into a ‘personal policy’ should the person leave employment. Although if the ‘life covered’ starts to pay the premiums, then some tax advantages may no longer apply. Alternatively, if there’s a move to a new employer, and that employer is willing to take on the Relevant Life Plan, and any required change to the trustees, then it can simply move across.
To Re-cap n The Company takes out a Relevant Life Plan. n The Employee’s life is insured at the agreed multiple level.
The Relevant Life Plan is put in Trust with the Beneficiary(ies) chosen by the Employee. n If the Employee dies during the term period of the plan, a claim is made by the Trustee(s). n The plan pays out to the Trustee(s), who would then make arrangements to pass on this payment to the Beneficiary(ies). n
Whatever your status, do talk to us to find out if a Relevant Life Plan could be a suitable option for you. As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply. HM Revenue & Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate trust and taxation advice. n The contents of this newsletter are believed to be correct at the date of publication (June 2021). n Every care is taken that the information in the Protection Bulletin is accurate at the time of going to press. However, all information and figures are subject to change and you should always make enquiries and check details and, where necessary, seek legal advice before entering into any transaction. n HM Revenue & Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen. n The information in this newsletter is of a general nature. You should seek professional advice tailored to your needs and circumstances before making any decisions.
contact us if you’d like to discuss your protection needs: Tel: 0800 014 9962 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk Web: www.xactmortgages.co.uk
mortgages Tel: 0800 014 9962 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk
Steve Froggatt HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Been with Xact for 5 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Helping people find the best deal in as simple a way as possible SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I met Nelson Mandela on an Aston Villa club tour in 1994 FAVOURITE FOOD? Italian FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Whale watching and shark cage diving in South Africa
Conor Brown HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 18 Months WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Helping people get the best deal for their mortgage but also love making sure that everyone is fully protected SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I lived in America for 18 months FAVOURITE FOOD? Sunday Roast – so many flavours on one plate FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Disney Land as it is a real family holiday. I can’t wait to take my family there. However, I have always dreamt of going to Bora Bora
Colin Jones HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 5 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Speaking to clients on a daily basis and giving them the peace of mind that should the worst happen they will be financially secure. SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I am a qualified Golf Instructor FAVOURITE FOOD? Italian FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Hawaii
www.xactmortgages.co.uk
Meet our Advisors Lee Heycock HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Since December 2017 WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Solving problems for people who are looking to move but don’t think its achievable SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Prior to Xact I served in the Infantry as a LCpl in the Royal Anglian Regiment where we toured Afghanistan, Nigeria and Kenya FAVOURITE FOOD? Sushi, looking forward to the new Japanese restaurant opening in Solihull! FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? A cruise around Italy and the Greek Islands
Mike Hodgkinson HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 19 September 2001…Day one WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love putting smiles on our customers faces SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I have a gold medal for ballroom dancing watch out strictly here I come FAVOURITE FOOD? Sunday Roast FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Cornwall, have been lucky enough to travel most of the world, Cornwall is still the best
Alan Dalby HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? I have been back since August 2020, having worked for the firm for 5 years previously WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Love helping our clients achieve their goals and ambitions of home ownership and constantly offering the best customer experience possible SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I’m scared of heights, yet have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower FAVOURITE FOOD? Can’t beat my Nan & Grandad’s Sunday Lunches FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Give me a nice Pool in a hot country and I’m happy
The information contained herein is of a general nature and should not be relied upon as legal or financial advice and is not intended as a substitute for the same. You should seek professional advice tailored to your needs and circumstances before making any decisions. The contents of this newsletter are believed to be correct at the date of publication (April 2021).
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