Our Case Studies
From Business Exit to Financial Freedom
The Situation —
A Business Owner Ready for the Next Chapter
When this client came to us, he had just done something most entrepreneurs only dream about. He sold his technology and media business for a multi-million pound sum. He was 52, ready to slow down, and looking forward to spending more time travelling with his family and getting out on the golf course.
He had spent his entire career pouring money back into his business. Managing personal wealth on this scale was new territory for him, and he wanted to feel genuinely confident that his money was working hard, structured sensibly, and set up to look after his family for the long term. His goal was straightforward. Around £50,000 a year in net income, with room for the portfolio to keep growing.
The Solutions —
Making Smart Retirement Decisions With Newly Released Wealth
We built a strategy around his life, not just his finances.
First, we set up a joint investment account to make the most of both his and his partner’s Capital Gains Tax allowances, with a plan to gradually move assets into ISAs each year. The long-term aim is a fully ISA-held portfolio, meaning investment growth and income completely sheltered from tax.
For income, we put an onshore investment bond in place. This lets him draw up to 5% a year for 20 years without triggering an immediate income tax bill, a clean and flexible way to support his lifestyle without unnecessary tax exposure.
We also took a close look at his existing pensions. They were scattered across older arrangements with higher costs and limited investment options, so we consolidated everything into a modern SIPP. As part of that process, we made a significant pension contribution using unused allowances that were about to lapse, something that would have been costly to miss.
The pension is now focused on growth, with a plan to start drawing pension income around age 60, adding another income stream when he needs it.
The investment portfolio blends low cost index funds with selected active managers, giving broad global exposure while generating some natural income along the way. Everything sits on a single platform, so reporting is clean, costs are lower, and nothing gets lost in the noise.
The Results —
A Legacy Built to Last
We set out to deliver £50,000 a year in net income. The structure we put in place can comfortably support around £70,000, while still keeping the portfolio on a strong long-term growth trajectory.
He now has tax efficient income drawn from his ISA and investment bond, a pension continuing to grow ahead of age 60, and a structure that is already thinking about the next generation, including the option to place part of the investment bond into trust for his children in the years ahead.
More than anything, he told us he simply felt reassured. For the first time, his wealth was not tied up in one asset. It was diversified, professionally managed, and built around what actually matters to him. That peace of mind, knowing his financial future and his family’s legacy are in good hands, is exactly what we are here to provide.
Disclaimer: These case studies are provided for illustrative purposes only. They are based on typical financial planning scenarios and modelling undertaken as part of our advice process. While inspired by real client situations, details have been anonymised and, where appropriate, adapted or combined to protect confidentiality. They should not be regarded as actual client outcomes or as a guarantee of future results. Individual circumstances, tax treatment and investment performance will vary.
