Issuu

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

mortgages

MAY 2021

UK BEACH GUIDE THE BEST SEASIDE AREAS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER SUMMER SKIN CARE LOOK AFTER YOUR SKIN IN THE WARM SUNSHINE

HOT INTERIOR DESIGN THE LATEST INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS THIS YEAR

SPRING BANK HOLIDAY GREAT DAYS OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

MAY GARDENING GUIDE OUR GUIDE TO WHAT TO PLANT THIS MONTH

CONTENTS LIFESTYLE

COVER STORY

PROPERTY

Best UK beaches We’ve put together a list of the best seaside areas in the country to visit

Hot interior design Now’s the time to think about your home decor, we have the latest trends for this year

News Our latest mortgage news. Plus meet the team!

Summer skin care The sun is out, but what are the best ways to protect ourselves from its harmful rays?

Spring bank holiday Our top ideas to help you get the most out of your long weekend

May gardening guide With our handy guide we have laid it all out for you

Screen Free Week Some ideas to include in your downtime from screen time

World Bee Day It’s vital to raise awareness of the importance of bees

The sun is out, but what are the best ways to protect ourselves from its harmful rays?

hether it’s a long-overdue holiday to a wave-lapped tropical shore or just an afternoon in the garden, there’s nothing quite like lounging in the sun, catching a few rays. A beer, a book, a basting session, it’s what summer’s all about, right? Well, no. Because what you do in the warmer months may well dictate how you look in later years. You may feel like a sun-kissed Greek god for a couple of weeks but, in a few years, there could be wrinkles, skin discolouration and any number of problems which could be a prelude to skin cancer. Short-term gain, long-term misery.

FOOD

Buzzingly good food Celebrate World Bee day with these wonderfully sticky honey recipes

SPORT

The finals countdown the football season heads into its ‘business end’ with trophies on the line

WELCOME TO THE MAY ISSUE!

he UK is slowly awakening from its imposed slumber. BBQs in the back garden with friends and family (following social distancing guidelines) are back on the cards, as are drinks in a beer garden. Non-essential shops are open again as are gyms and swimming pools. This month, with the weather heating up, we have an in-depth article about how to look after your skin in the sunshine and to tie-in we have a fantastic guide to some of the best UK beaches to visit over the summer. With the kids already having spent so much time at home this year, we have a feature full of idea for the Spring Bank Holiday, and if you are

PROPERTY NEWS

planning DIY jobs to take advantage of the long weekend, we have a guide to the hottest summer interior design trends. May is a busy month for your garden, and we have our monthly gardening guide to help you with advice of what to plant and sow now, and we also celebrate World Bee Day with an article about its history and some buzzingly good honey recipes. It is also a busy month for sport, with finals in a whole host of competitions, so we are looking at the potential winners of the cup competitions and we also look into the importance of Screen Free Week. Jonathan Wheatley Editor

Of course, we heed all the warnings: we’re coated in sun cream from head to foot, we feel we’re well covered, and we’re not going to sit out in direct sunlight too long. But what happens? You get comfortable, the book’s too good, and because you’ve moved to a shady spot, there’s no need to cover-up or re-apply the Factor 30. Is there? Come the end of the day, though, you’ve discovered a little tenderness around the neck – it couldn’t have been anything to do with that welcoming breeze which sprang up, could it? – and your ears are burning like someone’s having a good moan about you. And yes, it was a mistake to keep a bracelet on. Experts have been warning us for years that too much exposure to the sun is a danger to the skin, not only in the peak summer months but as outdoor temperatures and daylight hours start to increase. And while sunshine brings many benefits, such as an increase in Vitamin D, too much of a good thing isn’t necessarily ideal. Vitamin D can improve brain function invigorate muscles and bone health, and lower high blood pressure while the levels of serotonin, triggered by sunlight hitting the retina, helps to improve mood, helping a person feel calmer and less stressed. And

COVER-UP JOB the sun’s rays are also good for helping to battle such skin conditions as eczema, acne and jaundice. The disadvantages to over-exposure come in later life with unsightly solar lentigines (often called age spots or liver spots and are similar to freckles), solar elastosis (where the ultraviolet radiation breaks down the skin’s elasticity and causes vertical creases, deep wrinkles and sagging), melasma (a darkening of facial skin), and poikiloderma (reddish-brown pigmentation common on the neck and chest). It sounds scary but there are a number of ways, requiring minimal effort, to help you stay safe in the sun this summer.

and 3pm so limit your exposure time, or even use a higher-factor sunscreen during those hours if you need to be outside or add a thin layer of clothing. A T-shirt provides an extra barrier between the sun and your skin, also protecting sensitive areas such as shoulders, back and chest – areas prone to over-exposure and PRIORITISE LIGHT where the application of sunscreen is habitually hit and miss.

There’s nothing quite like lounging in the sun, catching a few rays

Wide-brimmed hats protect the face, neck and ears, and with sunscreen, provide a good all-round shield, particularly What you do in the if moving about in direct warmer months sunlight, while long-sleeved may well dictate swimming tops are ideal for how you look in children who like to spend a later years lot of time in the sea or pool.

The most obvious is sunscreen. Using a lotion with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) provides an increased level of defence, although with children it is always best to stick with 50-plus as their skin is so much more delicate. It is best applied at least 15 minutes before you go outside, allowing it to soak in, and should be re-applied regularly, particularly if you are sweating or have been swimming – even water-resistant creams need a top-up. Be careful with the time of day. In the UK, the sun is at its strongest between 11am

Shades and shade: Eye protection is all-important as UVA and UVB rays are particularly threatening from light, reflective surfaces. Polarised sunglasses absorb that glare, while seeking shade will not only protect your skin from direct light but also keep you cool. It almost goes without saying that babies and toddlers should be kept under cover as much as possible. And don’t forget to hydrate. Sweating is nature’s way of keeping the skin cool, so you will need to replenish lost fluids with lots of water. Not wine. Or beer.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

t doesn’t feel five-minutes since the kids were on Easter holidays, however, here we are again with some more time away from school. Being only a three-day break, however, time is short, so here are our top ideas to help you get the most out of your extended weekend.

LONDON

London, in essence, is everything and anything you want it to be. No two trips to London can possibly be alike due to its vast scope of diversity, and if you’ve never been before, now’s the time to visit, because right now is when London is gearing up for a fabulous summertime.

A visit to this enchanting archipelago on your extended weekend would be perfect for all the family or even just as a couple, for there is plenty to enjoy

With eight fantastic royal parks, there is ample outdoors space for picnics, walks or just plain-old sightseeing, for you can see many of London’s prime landmarks from a simple park bench, including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. Whether it’s a play, an opera, a tour, a burlesque show, a sporting event, a wine tasting class or anything else which may tickle your fancy, London will have something for you.

BEACH WALKS – THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER AND CORNWALL

Even when the weather isn’t perfect, a walk down the beach – either alone, as a couple or with the family – can be one

PROPERTY NEWS

of the nicest, most relaxing activities to engage in. The water gently crashing up against the shoreline as you stroll alongside the ocean, looking out to the distant horizon. It’s also something the kids will absolutely love whilst they’re off from school, as most children love simple walks down the beach. Whether it’s skimming stones across the sea or looking for rare and weird washedup artefacts on the sand, children will always have a fun experience, and what better place to do this than Dover? The White Cliffs are a spectacular marvel and the best way to see them is to take a walk along the coastal path towards South Foreland Lighthouse. Guided tours are available too to get the most out of these breath-taking views. Moreover, the UK owns some tremendous white-sand beaches, and many of them are just as beautiful as those we travel half way around the world to see. Cornwall is another great destination to visit to take in some magnificent stretches of white sand.

THE LAKE DISTRICT

By far the most popular mountainous region in England and possibly the UK, the Lake District is a much-loved holiday destination for families everywhere, with

SPRING

BANK HOLIDAY IDEAS This spring bank holiday is going to be a special one; it’s going to be one for us all to let our over-grown hair down and have fun in the sunshine and bask in our freedoms!

more than 19 million visitors each year. Largely famous for its lakes, forests and mountains, it is also well-known for its associations with William Wordsworth and other Lake Poets, as well as Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin.

sailing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Alternatively, soar through the national park on your mountain bike before refuelling with a slice of the famous Kendal Mint Cake.

THE ISLES OF SCILLY

All the land in England which is higher The Isles of Scilly are considered by many than 3,000 feet above sea level exclusively to be the most underrated of the British lies within the Lake District National Park, Isles. COVID regulations permitting, a including Scafell Pike visit to this enchanting which is officially the archipelago on your highest mountain in extended weekend Camp in the right England. The deepest would be perfect for all spots, and treat it (Wastwater) and largest the family or even just like an adventure, (Windermere) natural as a couple, for there is lakes in England are plenty to enjoy. and you’ve got here too. With hotels, yourself a truly camping sites, and The Isles of Scilly lie just wonderful time various exhibitions to off the coast of Cornwall, offer, it will be a winner but are a world apart for any family. in every way. They are a natural wonder, like a cluster of precious The Lake District is also a fantastic ocean jewels, where nature thrives and camping spot. Camping is essentially the soul is inspired. huddling up together under tents outside, but this can be so much more COVID-restrictions permitting, it may be than that. Camp in the right spots, and possible to travel abroad on the cusp of treat it like an adventure, and you’ve got this summer. So, for a two or three night yourself a truly wonderful adventure. For stay, we recommend places like Paris, those feeling active, spend an afternoon Brussels, Amsterdam or Copenhagen, in Ullswater, which is England’s second or indeed many other oversea locations largest lake and offers a magnitude nearby, for many of these destinations can of watersport opportunities including be reached in less than an hour by plane.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE BEST

BEACH BREAKS THIS SUMMER As we move towards Summer, heads will inevitably turn to getting away on a much deserved break

A UK beach getaway might be the safest, and most popular way forward

PROPERTY NEWS

owever, with question marks remaining over whether overseas holidays will be possible this year, a UK beach getaway might be the safest, and most popular way forward. So, whether you love fun in the sand, or walks along coastlines, we’ve put together a list of the best seaside areas in the country to visit.

PERRANPORTH, CORNWALL

Situated on Cornwall’s rugged North Coast, this town is perfect for anyone who wants to combine having fun with scenic views. The beach itself stretches for over three miles, and is manned by the RNLI, making it a safe, and clean place to spend your time. This place is about more than just its sandy beach though. Towards the town end of the beach, there are rock pools and caves to explore. But if you’d prefer to truly relax on your getaway, then why not pay a visit to ‘The Watering Hole’ - an all-year-round pub, situated right on the beach, and providing live music performances on its outdoor stage. And only a stone’s throw away, the small high street offers a variety of shops and cafes, meaning that one never has to travel too far in order to find something to do in Perranporth.

BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET

The sun-drenched town of Bournemouth enjoys seven miles of sandy beach, and is the ultimate destination for families. As well as the array of water sport activities on offer, it’s only a short walk to the famous Bournemouth Pier. Complete with an arcade and a variety theatre, Bournemouth, amongst many other seaside towns, does not lack in family entertainment. And that’s not to mention the PierZip at RockReef - the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire. The 250m long wire is also dual-wired, so it’s possible to race others, whilst making the most of the view. And if you’re looking to unwind, then take a stroll towards BH2 Leisure. This modern complex houses a cinema, as well as a selection of restaurants. If you needed any confirmation of how attractive a proposition Bournemouth is, its beach has been named as TripAdvisor’s 20th best beach in the world in 2021.

SEVEN SISTERS, SUFFOLK

To completely contrast with the buzz of Bournemouth, The serene Seven Sisters stand between Seaford and Eastbourne on the south coast of England, and is the perfect destination if you want to be at one with nature. It boasts a stretch of white chalk cliffs, and the area takes its name from the seven peaks of these cliffs. This dramatic landscape provides the perfect opportunity for a country walk, and will test even a seasoned hiker’s stamina. The Seven Sisters country park is also a popular area for activities such as bird-watching, canoeing, and wild swimming. So if you’re of this persuasion, this could be the perfect getaway for you.

BROAD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE

Moving into Wales, the town of Broad Haven also falls into the category of ‘having something for everyone’. The water is suitable for swimming, and there are numerous rock pools, so this beach is a hit for children. If staying on the beach isn’t for you, then you’ll be thankful that you’re right in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, offering several exceptional nature walks to choose from. And what’s more, the town of Broad Haven became the object of numerous UFO sightings in the 1970s, and has since been humorously nicknamed the ‘Broad Haven Triangle’. So, if you’re a budding believer of extraterrestrial life, a trip to this town could give you more than you bargained for.

STONEHAVEN, ABERDEENSHIRE

And finally, for those wanting to venture into Scotland, Stonehaven could just be the place for you. The beach itself is very popular among water sports enthusiasts. So if you’re a keen surfer, diver, or sailor, then why not take on the brisk waves of the North Sea? Aside from the beach, the town of Stonehaven boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool, so that the whole family can keep warm during the Scottish summer. And if you’re looking for something more cultural, Stonehaven is steeped in history. Take a trip to the beautiful Dunnottar Castle which sits atop tall cliffs. Although this castle fell into ruins nearly three hundred years ago, it has lost none of its charm, and is well worth a visit to learn about Scottish history.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CORE VALUES

Now’s the time to think about your home’s decor

hey say a change is as good as a rest. And although there will be no respite when it comes to actually getting down to do it, there can be no doubt that, once finished, a home makeover is good for the soul.

Less is more seems to be the key phrase when it comes to furniture, particularly if you are after a vintage look

The dilemma is whether to follow the herd and opt for the latest fashion, knowing next year you’ll be out of date and will need to do it again. Or opt for comfort and personality, with the emphasis on longevity. Therefore, it won’t be a surprise to learn there are wildly differing schools of thought when it comes to this year’s summer trends. The first is all about comfort and nostalgia, and has been dubbed Cottagecore, because we can’t live without labels. This is a romantic interpretation of simplistic rural life

PROPERTY NEWS

with splashes of glamour – granny chic meets rustic vogue, according to the influencers – with muted, pastel tones offset by statement gold accessories and vintage-style wallpaper. As for furnishings, it’s traditional-shaped sofas with the accent on curves, rather than angular edges, and deep cushions, large footstools and statement lighting. Plus full-length curtains on wooden poles, something of a throwback to the Eighties. In the opposite corner is Japandi, a blending of the modern, pared back and functional Japanese and Scandinavian styles with simple shapes, rattan and natural wood dominant. Stoneware and ceramics are particularly important with bold, abstract prints on plain grey or white walls adding splashes of colour. Boucle – a tactile fabric popular in the Fifties and now fashionable again -

adds texture and softness to upholstery while, instead of flowers in vases, replace blooms with elegant grasses. Similarly, tall vivid green houseplants, such as palms, weeping figs or yuccas are also suitably eye-catching.

Less is more seems to be the key phrase when it comes to furniture, particularly if you are after a vintage look. Antique, repurposed or salvaged pieces all have their place, but the key is to provide plenty of contrast and that can only come gradually. Interior designers say it’s a look which needs layering so a few rich fabrics and statement lighting will help retain a modern note until the look is complete.

As for paint, Dulux’s colour of the year is Brave Ground, a warm natural tone which is the perfect backdrop for sage green - which is Boucle – a tactile expected to be particularly popular Some pieces, such as fabric popular in the in kitchens – as well bookcases or cabinets, Fifties and now as pale pinks. Earth are useful for displaying fashionable again colours are said to ornaments and - adds texture and give us courage to sentimental objects, softness to upholstery embrace change, so if but are not as effective you’re having a radical as floating shelves, rethink, at least it will particularly if they are give you confidence tiered. Being at home to carry on! more over the last year has made us look at what we have, and treasure them Industry-standard Pantone, on the other accordingly, while there is something hand, went for two shades: Illuminating therapeutic about choosing favourite – a bright yellow – and The Ultimate Grey items, moving them around into – a soft neutral – which, when combined, different patterns and orders. present a warming and optimistic colour scheme certain to lift spirits, Plus, they will look good as a backdrop and both are equally appealing when to your next Zoom call from the homeused on feature walls or in alcoves. Last working space you have managed to year’s colour, Classic Blue, still remains create behind that little bit of wall that relevant, however, and along with burnt juts out in your not-so-regularly shaped orange, provides a welcoming feel to living room, which you’ve never worked sitting rooms and snugs alike. out what to do with. You can zone the different areas with rugs, artwork lighting Alternatively, muted colours with folksy or plants and even paint the wall a slightly and characterful prints creates a modern darker shade to the rest of the room just vibe to brighten a window wall. to give it the feel of a separate area.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

MAY GARDENING GUIDE

May is a wonderful month for your garden, and with our handy guide we have laid it all out for you

pring is fully underway. There should be no more frosts and the temperature is steadily getting warmer, which is bliss for your garden. With more sunshine, your plants should get stronger and healthier and the colours should start to look really vibrant. However, if you have a new space or a blank space, we are on hand to guide you through the best flowers and plants for your outdoor space.

FLOWERS

The vibrant and bright colour of flowers is what makes a garden. And now is the time to sow seeds directly outdoors.

DILL

Looking to create a wild field look in your garden, then you can’t go wrong with cornflowers. These bright blue annual flowers can grow up to a metre high and give a vibrant wild meadow look to your beds. May is the final month to sow them, to get them to bloom this year.

PROPERTY NEWS

Towering sunflowers are exciting annuals to grow in your garden. Children love them and they are really easy to plant and look after. Also, with so many varieties available with different colours, shapes and sizes, they create a simply gorgeous summery border in your space.

SCABIOUS

If you love butterflies fluttering around your garden, then these gorgeous scabious flowers, which come in shades of purple, pink and blue, Homegrown veg simply are perfect. Some tastes better than shopvarieties are hardy perennials, which bought veg. It’s a fact and means they’ll come if you don’t believe us, back year-after-year cucumber is the perfect while some tender veg to test the fact species are annuals.

Dill is an airy annual that not only looks great but is also used in cooking. If you are looking to attract wildlife, this is a great little plant that hover-flies are particularly attracted to. You can sow it directly into your beds, ready for summer blooms.

CORNFLOWERS

SUNFLOWERS

BISHOP’S FLOWER

Keeping with the wild meadows theme, the bishop’s flower is a very pretty annual plant that grows to roughly 1m in height. Sow these flowers en masse and when they come into bloom, you will have graceful white cloud formations on top. Grown amongst cornflowers, the contrast in colours looks simply stunning.

VEGETABLES

Similar to flowers, with the frosts having passed, many veggie seeds can now be sown directly outdoors.

BEETROOT

Beetroot is a purple root vegetable that is packed with essential nutrients. Even better, they are really easy to grow in your garden. The seeds don’t need much encouragement to germinate, and they require little maintenance once established.

SWEETCORN

Perfect for the BBQ, sweetcorn is another great plant that needs to be planted this month at the latest. Containing lots of fibre, sweetcorn is extremely healthy too. Simply sow the seeds in small pots or modules before planting them into rich, moist soil in a sunny spot.

CUCUMBER

Homegrown veg simply tastes better than shop-bought veg. It’s a fact and if you don’t believe us, cucumber is the perfect veg to test the fact. Sow cucumber seeds in peat-free compost and keep them in a warm spot. Once the seedlings have developed their first ‘true’ leaves, plant them outside with a bamboo stick for support.

SPROUTING BROCCOLI

Extremely robust, sprouting broccoli produces nutrient-packed succulent spears, which are perfect for steaming, boiling and grilling. Simply sow the seeds into small pots. Once the seedlings are coming through, prick them out and put them into larger pots. Then once they are between 7-9cm tall, plant them in rows in your garden.

With more sunshine, your plants should get stronger and healthier

CARROTS

A true garden and cooking staple, the honest carrot is an exceptionally easyto-grow vegetable, which is perfect for a whole host of dishes. Simply sow carrot seeds sparingly in drills in prepared soil before covering with a thin layer of soil and water sparingly. Seeds should germinate in a few weeks.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

TAKE SOME DOWNTIME FROM SCREEN TIME

Making the most of Screen Free Week

od knows we’ve all been indulging in a massive amount of screen time over the last year, including our televisions, computers and phones. What a perfect time, then, to celebrate Screen-Free Week! In 1994, the week was first championed by TV-Free America, which then became the centre for SCREEN-TIME Awareness. Since 2010, the name has officially been Screen Free Week. It is an annual event which campaigns to have screens turned off and life turned on. Reading, daydreaming, exploring, enjoying nature, and spending time with family and friends are all activities encouraged. This year, Screen Free Week runs from the 3rd May until 9th May. The objective of the week is to create as much opportunity as possible to reflect on our relationships with our electronic devices, put them down, and enjoy all things natural and social.

The objective of the week is to create as much opportunity as possible to reflect on our relationships with our electronic devices, put them down, and enjoy all things natural and social

HERE ARE SOME UNIQUE AND THOUGHTFUL IDEAS, PERFECT FOR YOUR SCREEN FREE WEEK

• Write a letter to an elderly family member.

• Go on a picnic, and make all the food yourself from scratch.

• Lay a blanket out in your backyard and stargaze.

• Call a friend who’s going through hard times to let them

• Read aloud to your kids, even if they think they’re

know that you’re thinking of them.

too old for it.

• Go find a local body of water. A river, pond or ocean will

• Recreate your favourite restaurant meal at home.

restore your spirits.

• Make your own postcards and mail them to far

• Write a short story from start to finish.

flung friends.

• Challenge your kids to create their own board games, and

• Make a flower bouquet from your own garden, even if

then be willing to play the games.

it’s mostly greenery.

• Take a nature walk in your own neighbourhood and take

• Go for a long hike.

close up photos of the plants and flowers.

PROPERTY NEWS

WE’RE BUZZING ABOUT WORLD BEE DAY World Bee Day is on the 20th May 2021

s it does every year, World Bee Day will take place on May 20th, to coincide with the birthday of Anton Janša, who pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in the 18th Century. And with the pandemic having negatively impacted the beekeeping industry, it is more vital than ever to raise the awareness of the importance of bees.

WHAT ARE POLLINATORS?

Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen between plants, and they play a huge role in allowing food crops to reproduce. There are different pollinator species in the world, but some of the most common are butterflies, bats, hummingbirds, and of course, bees.

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

The most popular pollinators in the world are bees. In fact, pollinators, like bees, impact 35% of the world’s agricultural land, meaning that over a third of food has been at least partly pollinated by animals. And it’s more than just food that pollinators are useful for. Pollination also contributes to the creation of medicines, biofuels, fibres such as cotton and linen, and construction materials.

But the 25,000 to 30,000 species of bee are under threat. Due to human impacts, current extinction rates are 100 to 1000 times higher than normal. If this trend were to continue, many crops such as fruit and nuts would become less readily available, meaning imbalances to the human diet, and a lack of biodiversity.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Protecting bees can start at home, and it’s really easy to get involved! Planting bee-friendly plants like daisies and heather can help to attract them to your garden, and once they’re present, do your bit by helping them to flourish. You can achieve this by leaving a dish filled with water and pebbles, in case they get thirsty. Furthermore, by leaving a section of your garden to grow wild, this will provide the bees with much-needed shade when the weather heats up. It’s also critical to not use pesticides, fungicides or herbicides anywhere in your garden, as these can prove extremely harmful to bees. And, if you know one, choose to buy your honey from a beekeeper, and help local businesses! If you want to go even further, you can visit ‘worldbeeday.org’, and take part in one of their annual meetings, which will be held virtually this year.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE FINALS

COUNTDOWN It’s showdown time for football’s major prizes

n what seems a faster time than it takes VAR to sort out an offside decision, the football season heads into its ‘business end’ with trophies and relegation issues on the line. The compressed season has had more than its share of twists and turns, although there is an air of inevitability about where the honours are heading. Take the major domestic knockout trophies, the Emirates FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, for example. Neither has been won by a side outside the Premier League’s Big Six since 2013, when Wigan Athletic and Swansea City respectively had the audacity to buck the trend that suggested football was becoming a playground for the rich and mega-rich. Normal service has, sadly, been resumed, to the extent that since Wigan’s intervention, the FA Cup has become the property of just four clubs – Arsenal, who have won it four times, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City. And it will take a brave man to bet against that stranglehold being broken at Wembley on May 15th. (To further deflate the romantic notions of anyone hoping for an upset, since Wimbledon’s mind-boggling triumph in 1988, only three other teams – Everton in 1995, Portsmouth in 2008 and Wigan – have prevented the Cup from falling into the clutches of a Big Six which also embraces Liverpool and Tottenham).

PROPERTY NEWS

The Carabao Cup is, of course, an even cosier clique: Since Swansea, it has been won by either City or a side managed by Jose Mourinho. Such is the Premier League’s clout and perceived strength, it is tempting to think that dominance has spread across the English Channel into the European competitions. Indeed, the same names keep occurring… only they are Spanish. In the last 10 years, there have been just two English winners of the Champions League, Europe’s premier club competition - Liverpool in 2019 and Chelsea in 2012 – although Tottenham, in the all-Premier League final two years ago, Manchester United and Liverpool have reached the ultimate showdown. In that time, Real Madrid have won it four times, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich scoring two triumphs apiece, although this year’s final on May 29th is at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, a venue etched deep into the Merseysiders’ folklore. It was there, in 2005, that the Reds overturned a 3-0 deficit to beat AC Milan on penalties to complete one of the great sporting comebacks. Of all the competitions, the marathon slog that is the Europa League could be the one to be wearing seldom-applied colours after the final in Poland’s stunning Gdansk Stadium on May 26th. Sevilla (four-time champions) and Atletico Madrid (twice) were notable absentees from the latter rounds, leaving the stage clear for unheralded champions.

BUZZINGLY GOOD FOOD Celebrate World Bee day with these wonderfully sticky honey recipes

1kg carrots 25g butter 2 tbsp clear honey 5 lemon thyme sprigs, leaves picked, plus extra to serve (use ordinary thyme if you can’t find lemon)

3 thyme sprigs , leaves roughly chopped 2-3 rosemary sprigs, leaves roughly chopped 2 fat garlic cloves , lightly bashed ½ tsp black peppercorns 4 duck leg (about 800g) 750g duck fat 2 bay leaves sunflower oil., for covering the duck, if needed 4 tbsp clear honey

HONEY & THYME CARROTS Keep this succulent recipe for when your homegrown carrots have started to produce. Tip the carrots into a wide shallow pan so they are no more than a double layer. Add the butter, honey and about 500ml or 2cm of water, the leaves from the thyme and a pinch of salt. Partly cover with a lid, turn the heat up high and boil everything down until the carrots are tender, cooked through and sticky with honey. If they aren’t tender enough by the time the water has evaporated, add a splash more. Once glazed, turn them over in the sticky juices and serve, with extra thyme on top.

HONEY-ROAST CONFIT OF DUCK Serve your carrots with this wonderful French classic with meltingly tender meat with crispy skin. Mix together the thyme, rosemary, garlic and peppercorns with 2 tbsp flaky sea salt. Tip half into a large baking dish, top with the duck legs, then sprinkle over the remaining salt and massage well into the duck. Cover with cling film and chill for 24 hrs. Heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Take the duck legs out of the dish, wipe off the salt mixture with kitchen paper, then set aside. Melt the duck fat in a flameproof casserole dish until just bubbling. Add the bay leaves and duck legs, and bring to a gentle simmer. The legs should be completely covered, so top up with olive oil if needed. Transfer the dish to the oven and cook for 2 hrs 30 mins. To check whether the duck is cooked, insert a skewer into the thickest part of a leg – it should go in easily. Leave the duck to cool in the fat. Can now be chilled for up to 2 weeks. While the duck cools, make the Puy lentils & pancetta (see Goes well with, right). Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Lift the duck legs from the dish, scrape off the fat and place, skin-side up, in a shallow roasting tin.

All recipes from the BBC Goodfood website Images for illustrative purposes only

Spoon 1 tbsp honey over each duck leg and roast for 25-30 mins until the skin is browned and sticky. Serve with the Puy lentils & pancetta.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Spring 2021

Mortgage & Protection news

mortgages

The newsletter from Xact Mortgages Limited

The easing of restrictions and the roll-out of vaccines, means there’s more to feel positive about, and that extends to the Property sector.

Understandably, the last year or so has been particularly difficult, yet throughout this period both the property and mortgage sectors have been open for business.

And the ongoing environment of low interest rates* means that there continues to be a desire by many to buy that first property, buy more properties, or to look at remortgaging the existing deal. This desire may have been fuelled by many of us reassessing how (and where) we live, in light of our changing working patterns and lifestyle choices. However, the impact of the pandemic has meant that it will be more problematic for some to raise the mortgage funds they need. If you have a sound income stream, decent credit rating, and want to borrow a lower percentage against the value of the property, then there may be fewer hoops to jump through. Although, even here, it’s still important that you take advice. Others may benefit from, or fall into areas, such as:

Xact Mortgages Limited 6 The Square, First Floor Solihull B91 3RB Tel: 0121 712 6230 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk Web: www.xactmortgages.co.uk

95% Mortgage return s via the M ...

Road to Recovery

Guarantee ortgage Scheme (Source: Bu dget Sta 3 March 20 tement, 21)

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

With a launch in April , this UK-wide scheme (largely relevant for first-time buyers, but also for homemovers) was announced in the March 2021 Budget. It’s applicable for all properties under £600,000, and will open up 5% deposit mortgages for those wanting to get their first, or next, residential property. Additionally, there has been a return of 90% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgages.* However, the overall lending criteria remains fairly strict, and interest rates are creeping up. (Source: *Moneyfacts, 8 March 2021)

Self-Employed The key point to remember here is that about 4.4 million people are self-employed, representing almost one in six of the total

BUDGET NEWS Stamp Duty holiday extended

The current reduction in Stamp Duty has been extended to 30 June 2021. ■ This means, for example, that no Stamp Duty is paid on purchases up to £500,000 in England & N. Ireland. ■ The standard rates will return in October, and to smooth the transition, a tapered amount of up to £250,000 will run between July-September. First-Time Buyers have a separate normal threshold set at £300,000, which would come back into play from July. ■ For those buying an ‘additional’ property, the normal 3% surcharge is added to the appropriate rate.

Furlough Scheme extended

You may have to pay an early repayment

Currently, 4.7m are benefiting from this scheme - where 80% of workers’ salaries are being paid (for those hours not worked) - and this has been extended to September 2021. ■ Employers will contribute 10% in July and 20% in both August & September.

charge to your existing lender if you

(Source: GOV.UK, Budget Statement, 3 March 2021)

Continued on the next page

remortgage.

■ 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. ■ This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. ■ Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up

repayments on your mortgage.

Road to Recovery (contd) Continued from the previous page

workforce of around 28 million (of which 72% are in the private sector). (Source: Office for National Statistics, Labour Force Survey, February 2021)

Ultimately, lenders will not want to neglect (or penalise long-term) one-sixth of all earning workers, but this group has undoubtedly suffered over the last year or so. The issue for lenders is that the income stream of the self-employed is less clear cut, and even more so in COVID times, meaning lenders want to: ■ see if they are currently trading, or if there was any reduction in their selfemployed income due to COVID-19. ■ hear if they’re in receipt of the SelfEmployment Income Support Scheme, or a Bounce Back Loan. ■ be told if any staff have been furloughed.

see more recent bank statements, as the latest accounts aren’t now deemed enough. In short, mortgage providers are looking for proof that the business is viable, and to understand how the pandemic has affected the work and income of the applicant. ■

Furloughed workers The Furlough Scheme has topped up the wages of over 11m workers since its launch in March last year, and there are still around 4.7m receiving help. This scheme will now run until the end of September. Whilst this has delivered a vital income stream for many, different lenders have their own criteria with regard to assessing income and affordability for furloughed workers. Some lenders, for example, won’t accept

furlough income for their affordability assessment, or restrict the LTV offered, whilst others require that the applicant has either returned to work or has a fixed date to return. Furloughed applicants may also need to provide a letter from their employer confirming their basic salary, return to work date and any other terms of return.

Where we can Help The problems faced in the marketplace have not been brought about by an economic crash, as in 2007/8, but by the initiatives undertaken to tackle the pandemic. Basically, lenders want to lend, but it’s more problematic to navigate a way through the lending criteria that’s been set. This is not insurmountable, in most cases, and our professional advice can hopefully find a way through for you. Do get in touch to hear more. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. ■ Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Get PROTECTED NOW... 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)

It’ll never happen to ME!

Life Cover

Many of us think we’re invincible and will live a long life with few health problems. That, hopefully, will be the case, but COVID has sadly shown us that many families have experienced personal loss, or know of people who have died. And, beyond that, are aware of some that have suffered badly and been off work long-term due to the effects of the virus. Whilst restrictions will now be in place to factor COVID into insurance companies Protection products, it’s not just COVID that you need to consider. In a normal year in 2019, 605,000 people still died from a multitude of ailments, such as cancer, heart diseases and dementia & Alzheimer’s.

If you don’t already have this in place, or want to revisit your policy, it’s essential that you consider life cover to deliver the financial security for those you may leave behind. If nothing else, you should look at having in place enough life cover to help pay off your mortgage to ensure your family doesn’t also lose the roof over their head. In most cases, it also makes sense to have your policy ‘written in Trust’, which should ensure a swifter payout to your beneficiaries.

Other Protection insurances Imagine that you didn’t die, but suffered a

serious illness, injury, or mental health issue which meant you were unable to work (and earn an income) for a long period. Whilst you may initially receive good financial support from your employer (and less so from the state), it’s sensible to check if that’s the case, and for how long. It’s for this reason that there are also Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover policies on offer. The wide range of product options, and value-added support are improving all the time, so it’s vital that you take advice. As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Stamp Duty

Always there Despite 2020 being a year where, at times, it seemed like the UK was closed for business, 676,500 mortgage deals were still taken up for property purchases, and 1,681,600 remortgages (or product transfers) were processed. (Source: *UK Finance, Household Finance Review, March 2021)

The pandemic also threw up different ways of doing business, and for some clients, Zoom and Teams video meetings may be their preferred way forward. Whilst there are still numerous bottlenecks in the mortgage application process for us to navigate, some of those processes have been improved by better use of technology across the board, which again should pay dividends in the future. Although many have suffered financially, a sizeable number would have become unwitting savers (through no work travel, no restaurants, no overseas holidays, etc), which could be used for a deposit or to help reduce the amount of loan borrowed.

Don’t sit on an SVR One key piece of advice - unless there are mitigating circumstances - is not to remain

on your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR) once you come to the end of your deal period. As the following shows, your monthly payments could be substantially more! Yet, despite those larger payments, at least 1.2m residential mortgage borrowers, and possibly as many as 2m, are still on an SVR. (Source: UK Finance, June 2020 statistics)

Currently, with no stamp duty being paid on residential purchases up to £500,000, that means there’s a potential maximum saving of £15,000. In Q4 2020, 92% of all first-time buyers didn’t pay any stamp duty, nor did 76% of homemovers.* With the extension to June 2021 for the £500,000 threshold, and then up to £250,000 until September, it might be something to consider.

Additional hand-holding Whatever your situation is, we’ll take a view of the wider marketplace rather than just what’s on offer from one high street lender. We will also endeavour to reduce the hassle of filling out forms and applications. Plus, we can discuss the type of Insurance Protection that would be affordable and a suitable choice for your needs and circumstances. Ideally, to protect both your mortgage debt and your income stream(s). Irrespective of whether you are new to property buying and protection insurance cover, or an old hand, do get in touch to see how we can help.

2-year Average Fixed Rate

= 2.57%

5-year Average Fixed Rate

= 2.75%

You may have to pay an early repay-

Standard Variable Rate (SVR) = 4.41%

ment charge to your existing lender if

And, whilst rates are creeping up, do consider that these are the average rates. You might be able to secure deals that are around 1%-1.5% less. However, the best rates are for those that, for example, require a Loan-to-Value of 60% of less, and are remortgaging. (Source: Moneyfacts, 26 February 2021)

you remortgage.

Check your Credit

Rating

n Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

BUDGET NEWS Self-Employment Income Support Scheme extended

n Experian - Tel: 0800 013 88 88

you might get a more favourable response

This scheme will now run until September 2021, and encompass a fourth and fifth Grant payout. n So far, it has supported 2.7m people, and due to the timing of filing 2019-20 Self-Assessment tax returns, an additional 600,000 self-employed may now be eligible for support. n The fourth Grant payout will cover the February to April period, and will be worth 80% of three months’ average trading profits. It would be paid in a single instalment and capped at £7,500 in total. n The fifth Grant would cover the May to September period, with the payout being determined by a turnover test.

www.experian.co.uk

for credit.

(Source: GOV.UK, Budget Statement, 3 March 2021)

Not being on the Electoral Register, or missing paying a monthly mobile phone bill can work against you, so do check and resolve any issues. A credit score is designed to try to predict

n Equifax - Tel: 0800 014 2955

your future behaviour. So, those with a

www.equifax.co.uk

poor score may suffer, as can others who

n TransUnion - Tel: 0330 024 7574

have no credit history at all!

www.transunion.co.uk

Make sure you check your rating at one

As every lender has its own ‘perfect

(or some) of the following:

customer’ profile, a rejection from one isn’t

n Checkmyfile - Tel: 0800 086 9360

necessarily a rejection from all. By talking

(it brings together rating agency results)

to us we’ll have a better feel for items

www.checkmyfile.com

which may score you down and where

Return of the

95% MORTGAGE... In the March 2021 Budget, the Chancellor announced the re-introduction of a Mortgage Guarantee Scheme to help buyers who only have a small deposit.

This initiative should deliver reassurance to lenders, as the Government will compensate the mortgage lender for a portion of any net losses suffered in the event of repossession. The guarantee will apply down to 80% of the purchase value of the property (with the lender taking a small share of this overall risk, above the 80% level). The benefit of this governmental support is that it’ll give confidence to lenders to offer mortgage deals to those with a small deposit. This enables the return of 95% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgages, which virtually disappeared in the early stages of the pandemic, and will help to move more from Generation Rent to Generation Buy. Additionally, this UK-wide scheme (with a £600,000 property price limit) is not just restricted to First-Time Buyers or new-build homes, markedly increasing the number of people for whom the scheme may be of interest. Particularly, when you consider that, according to Rightmove, around 86% of current properties up for sale fall under the £600,000 threshold. (Source: Rightmove, March 2021) The scheme will launch across the UK in April (and is planned

THE KEY RULES ■ The property must be purchased for £600,000 or less, and must be your primary residence (ie not a second home or buy-to-let property). ■ Have a Loan-to-Value of between 91-95%. ■ Be a repayment mortgage and not interest-only. ■ Be taken out by an individual, or individuals, rather

than an incorporated company. ■ As with normal mortgage lending, you will still need to meet certain criteria, such as income verification, credit worthiness and affordability.

to run until December 2022). It’s similar to the previous Help-toBuy mortgage guarantee scheme, which closed to new loans at the end of 2016, a policy the Treasury said ‘reinvigorated the market for lending at up to 95% LTV’.

What it means for the borrower From the borrower’s perspective it won’t be that different to getting a normal mortgage. For example, you might put down a 5% deposit and then borrow the remaining 95% in the form of a mortgage loan from the chosen lender. For lenders, they’ll see that providing funds to borrowers with small deposits carries less risk. However, the lender will have to ‘buy’ the guarantee and the Government has given lenders the freedom to set their own interest rates, so there are no guarantees that you’ll get an attractive rate.

Plus - it’s not the only route forward... The scheme may have a positive effect on property prices (or, at least, lessen any price falls), which means it should deliver greater confidence throughout the housing sector. Albeit any property price rise may adversely affect the very group it’s largely designed to support - the First-Time Buyer. However, increased confidence in the marketplace should result in greater enthusiasm from lenders to offer more regular mortgage deals that only require a 5-10% deposit. For some, there’s also the possibility of support from the Bank of Mum & Dad (plus Grandparents), which could enable some borrowers to gain access to the better rates on offer, by providing a larger deposit. As we are working with these issues day-in/day-out, we fully understand the options on offer, and how to best navigate them, so please get in touch. ■ Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

House rules

Even though it’s a difficult economic environment, with ongoing tenant payment concerns, there is still much out there for Landlords to be positive about.

The Buy-to-Let sector saw its highest purchase activity in Q4 2020, since Q1 2016, with 22,500 loans taken out. Whilst much of this would have been driven by the reduction in Stamp Duty, there is some anecdotal evidence that Buy-to-Let house purchases may remain robust, with landlords expecting a return to ‘normal’ as the vaccine programme rolls out. Additionally, the extension of both the Stamp Duty reduction and Furlough scheme can only help matters. With the latter possibly allaying some fears over facing missed rental payments. (Sources: UK Finance, Household Finance Review & Paragon comment, March 2021)

Regional trends Tenant demand reached a 5-year high during the final quarter of 2020, with nearly a third reporting increased levels. Although there were strong regional differences, such as 10% of landlords saying there was increased demand in London, and 58% said the same for the South West. (Source: Paragon, February 2021) As for the average monthly rental income, this is still holding up across the UK, at £984 (up 3% year-on-year). Ten of the 12 regions showed an increase, with the exception of Northern Ireland and Greater London - albeit the average rental value for the latter was still £1,572 vs. an average of £840 for the rest of the UK (exc. London). But for Greater London that figure was down 4.7% year-on-year - partly a reflection of how people currently want to live within a different property setting, and with many people not going into the workplace. (Source: HomeLet Rental Index, February 2021)

Consider your Remortgaging options... As set out above, we’ve seen a recent surge to purchase new properties ahead of the end of the Stamp Duty reduction, initially planned for 31 March (now extended), despite the fact that Landlords still have to pay the 3% surcharge. Ironically, it was this same surcharge that resulted in a higher volume of purchases ahead of its introduction back in April 2016,

with a 5-year fixed rate being a preferred route for many. Five years on, lots of those deals have now been remortgaged (or will be). Whilst interest rates are edging up, the average 5-year fixed rate Buy-to-Let deal in March 2021 was still 3.41%, against 4.04% back in March 2016. So, if your deal period has come to an end, or if you simply want to see what’s on offer, do get in touch. (Source: Moneyfacts, March 2021)

Alternatively, you may be looking at other rental options, such as different regions, or looking at holiday lets. Although, as ever, there remains the fairly strict lending criteria, made even more so by the impact of COVID. For example, some lenders will now want to know if you’ve utilised support schemes such as the SelfEmployment scheme, Bounce Back loans, or furloughed any staff. So, do talk to us to see if we can identify (and hopefully secure) the most suitable deal for your needs. There is no guarantee that it will be possible to arrange continuous letting of the property, nor that the rental income will be sufficient to meet the costs of the mortgage. The value of your Buy-to-Let property and income from it can go down as well as up. You may also require advice on the legal and tax issues. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate legal and taxation advice, and most Buy-to-Let mortgages. HM Revenue & Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. ■ Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Reassurance for YOU... The extension of both the Furlough and SelfEmployment Schemes will give us some extra months to weather the storm, ahead of the vaccines hopefully starting to have a positive impact, and confidence returning to the economy. Currently, it’s just a very expensive balancing act.

There have been massive lifestyle and financial changes over the last year or so, some of which could even be quite positive.

£250 billion in Savings According Andy Haldane, Chief Economist at the Bank of England, a consequence of household spending plummeting across three lockdowns means that we will have amassed around £250bn in savings by June this year! This equates to 20% of the amount households spend each year. On top of this, he also feels that a significant number of companies may well have a war chest of cash, amounting to around £100bn. When all of this is coupled with the rapid roll-out of the vaccination programme, the economy could be about to turn a corner, with enormous amounts of pent-up financial energy waiting to be released.

Increased Vulnerability For many people though, 2021 will be a challenging year as they struggle to deal with bills coming in, insufficient savings and low, or non-existent earnings. Plus, just take a walk along the High Street to see the number of shops that have shut down. According to the Financial Conduct Authority there are now 27.7m adults in the UK with characteristics of vulnerability,

such as poor health, recent negative life events, or low financial resilience. With regard to the latter, this is directly affecting around 1 in 4 adults (14.2m). (Source: Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Lives 2020 survey, February 2021)

Our offering We’ve been working throughout the pandemic and understandably have had to change the way we work, and how we interact with clients. On the property front, it could be helping to deliver the mortgage funds for a move to a home that delivers more space, a home office, outside space; or a complete lifestyle change, resulting in a move out of the city to a quieter area. In fact, this, hopefully, once-in-a-lifetime event is likely to have a long-term impact on where and how many of us live and work.

Protection insurance cover Additionally, we are also conscious of the need to ensure you’re protected with the most suitable insurance cover to meet your needs, and those of your family. Protection insurance is there for those life events you generally don’t expect to happen, or at least not just now! But sadly, they do occur. COVID, of course, has had a severe impact on our lives, but the chance of facing a serious illness, being off work long-term, and early death have always been a possibility. As we said earlier, even before COVID, over 600,000 people died in 2019. And issues such as being off work long-term can also have a serious impact on your financial well-being. The Oct-Dec 2020 figure showed that 2.2 million people in the UK were off work due to long-term sickness. This is the highest figure in the last five years, albeit the rolling 3-month average since 2010 was always above 1.9 million. (Source: Office for National Statistics, Labour Force Survey, February 2021) So, surely it’s better to; ‘have something and hopefully not need it, than to need something and unfortunately not have it’.

And ironically, it’s often said that to help afford vital protection insurance cover; all you may need to do is simply cut back on the odd restaurant meal, a drink at the pub, a day trip, and so on, as it all adds up. Well, as these savings are likely to be happening, maybe now is the time to act!! As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply. ■ Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. ■ The contents of this newsletter are believed to be correct at the date of publication (March 2021). ■ Every care is taken that the information in the Mortgage & Protection News publication 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. ■ 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. ■ We do hope that the newsletter is of interest to you, however, please inform us if you no longer wish to receive it.

■ We cover mortgages, insurance and protection products along with a number of other financial areas, so do contact us if you’d like to discuss your financial needs: Tel: 0121 712 6230 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).

Market movers

Take advantage of the busiest property market in a decade! Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation valuation.

KNOWLE

SOLIHULL

T: 01564 777284 E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk

T: 0121 712 6222 E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk

SHIRLEY

BALSALL COMMON

T: 0121 712 6222 E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk

T: 01676 534411 E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk