Business News

Rudell celebrates 75 years

Rudell the Jewellers was founded on Valentine’s Day in 1938 by Justin Rudell.  Today Rudell’s is renowned as a jeweller of excellence and with the finest customer care in the West Midlands, boasting the most prestigious selection of jewellery, timepieces and luxury giftware brands.

Rudell the Jewellers was founded on Valentine’s Day in 1938 by Justin Rudell.  Today Rudell’s is renowned as a jeweller of excellence and with the finest customer care in the West Midlands, boasting the most prestigious selection of jewellery, timepieces and luxury giftware brands.

Back in 1938 Rudell’s began as a retailer of leatherware and fancy goods.  At the start of the Second World War Justin was enlisted and served in the Warwickshire Regiment.  During 1940 whilst Justin was recovering from a bout of influenza he met his future wife Etta who later helped develop the business with him.  In  1946 their son Anthony was born and from a very early age was to show a keen interest to follow in his parents footsteps.

Anthony joined the family business in 1966 having worked with other independent Jewellers, seeing the alternative side to the trade.  In 1971 Justin and Etta took their first ever three week holiday, the day after they set sail on their trip Anthony learnt that the adjoining premises had become vacant allowing for the store to expand.  Without the modern communications we have today, Anthony made the decision to go ahead with the purchase and proudly announced the company expansion to his parents on their return.  1981 saw further expansion when the adjoining premises on the other side of the store became vacant.  The showroom from there on featured new, exciting iconic jewellery and watch brands.

2013 Celebrations

Yet again exciting times are ahead for Rudells.  This year is the 75th birthday of Rudell the Jewellers and they are going to mark the occasion in style with a whole host of events throughout the year.

Rudell’s have always been known for their traditional approach to customer service and standards of excellence.  This continues to be part of their success of the past 75 years and long may it continue.

The team who combined have over 600 years experience are always more than happy to pass this experience on through their excellent service at their Wolverhampton and Harborne showrooms.

So.... what plans does Jon Weston, the Managing Director of Rudells have for the future?

Well, plans are in an abundance he says; “for the team at Rudells it has always been about offering an unrivalled service to our clients, when you combine this with fine quality and great prices, this is a winning combination”.

During their 75th year Rudells are embarking upon a programme to update internally the dedicated “branded“ cabinets for Jewellery and Watch houses alike at both of their showrooms. Following on from last year’s facelift at Wolverhampton, this will give an even greater “quality” feel to their showrooms  and continue to strengthen the strong bond they have with their chosen Brand partners.

Whilst the offering in store is tremendously  impressive, they will also be concentrating on improving their website products and features, which already showcases “Rudells fine diamonds by appointment” giving clients the opportunity to request a viewing of any item at a time which is convenient to them.

There are, in addition, plans to increase features on Facebook, Twitter, linked-in and a rather interesting blog has been created to cover an array of interesting Jewellery related aspects. “ This will be coupled with a very active marketing campaign of radio, local glossy magazines and papers, plus Rudells own bespoke lifestyle magazine, preview magazine and sumptuous catalogue” say’s Jon.

Special ranges of “in house” designed exclusive jewellery are also being expanded alongside the “embrace collection”. A design in tribute to their founder Justin Rudell is being launched on 14th February with a special birthday party being staged in both showrooms on that day. The design and development of their own exclusive jewellery ranges is a high priority for Rudells these days

USP’s are very important these days comments Jon ; “ We have the finest watchmakers on site in both Wolverhampton and Harborne, plus  jewellers to size a newly selected ring while you sip a glass of champagne and savour the special moment, it’s all part of the Rudells experience “ we have more exciting unique ideas planned to roll out during 2013”

Rudell the Jeweller, 89 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NR Tel: 0121 427 1904

Rudell the Jeweller, 97 Darlington Street, Wolverhampton WV1 4HB Tel: 01902 423308

www.rudells.com

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Local Coffee Shop voted one of the best in the U.K.

6/8 Temple Row, Central Birmingham

Progressive independent coffee shop Six Eight Kafé took another step forward in its never ending quest to improve the coffee offerings of the second city : by being voted one of the best coffee shops in the U.K. by a national paper.

The artisan coffee shop already has become a leader of the blossoming independent coffee scene in the Midlands, but now has firmly put Birmingham on the national coffee map.

“For years Birmingham has been known to be a bit of a wilderness in terms of artisan coffee”, said manager Hannah Smith, “but we wanted change the opinion of people towards Birmingham by heavily investing in our core product: Coffee. We use the one of the most advanced espresso machines in the world and one of the best roasters in the country.”

“We are so proud of the way Six Eight Kafé are flying the flag for independents.” added Kim Stephens of Retail Birmingham. “I’ve watched them grow from a new coffee shop to a true leader in their field, all less than two years”

It’s not the first time Six Eight Kafé has come to national prominence as their barista Joe Beaver (pictured), won the regional barista championships with a clean sweep of Best Espresso, Best Cappuccino and Best Signature Drink.

For more information visit  www.sixeightkafe.co.uk

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Traditional or trendy

what will Kate choose?

With a Royal baby due in July, we can’t help but wonder which products the world’s most talked about baby will have showered upon it.

Our young Royals tend to favour British brands so, even if they continue this trend, their baby will still be spoilt for choice.

If the Duchess opts for a British-made pushchair, Kate could follow in the footsteps of showbiz royalty such as Victoria Beckham and Selma Blair and take the new-born prince or princess for a walk in one of the trendy iCandy strollers. Britco. Bugaboo also boasts A-list celebrity clients, with Claudia Schiffer, Ivanka Trump, Gwen Stefani and Beyoncé all being photographed out and about with one of this highly popular range.

If Kate decides to look further afield, how about the perfectly classical-looking Emmaljunga Duo Combi in cream leatherette? This timeless piece would perfectly complement Kate’s elegant style while remaining in-keeping with her fashion conscious side. And, as Princess Mary of Denmark has been seen using an Emmaljunga stroller, could this be inspiration for the Duke and Duchess?

As the little Prince or Princess gets older, the modern Royal parents may opt for a baby carrier. Some of the most popular are the Baby Bjorn range and celebrities such as Tori Spelling, Cate Blanchett and Ashley Simpson have all been “papped” carrying their precious bundles in one.

British luxury nursery furniture designer Bambizi’s nursery range exudes British charm that will undoubtedly enchant the Royal couple.

Whatever Kate and William choose, one thing is for certain; it will set the trend for expectant parents around the globe.

Over the next few issues we will explore the choices available to them, the gossip and the excited speculation that will surround the arrival of a new Royal baby.

Best of all, we will give you the chance to win a whole new collection for your new arrival: pushchair, carrycot, car seat, baby nursery furniture and a whole new wardrobe of clothes – all from the Angiolotty collection. Watch this space!

Visit us at www.angiolotty.co.uk or call in to our boutique at Longbarn Village, Alcester Heath, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5JJ Tel: 01789 777444

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New Midland Luxury Chauffeur Service launched

Family or group visits to London for the Christmas shopping couldn’t be easier or cosier this year thanks to a new top-quality chauffeur service.

Signature VIP Chauffeur Services promises to be at the call of each customer all day with the most spacious, luxurious and reliable vehicles in the business.

Young Solihull entrepreneur David Kaplan has launched the service on the back of a successful London Olympics contract which included ferrying sports stars, officials and others between hotels and Olympic event venues to universal approval.

A former personal trainer who was forced into a career change after developing Crohn’s disease, the 27-year old showed the determination of an Olympian taking an advanced driver course and obtaining an operator’s licence in just six months - enabling him to win the prestigious contract.

He now runs a small fleet that includes the Mercedes Viano, the ultimate luxury MPV that can carry up to six passengers with their luggage. Customers also benefit from leather seating around a central table, on-board iPads and wifi and other luxuries.

David said: “Signature VIP meets the needs of customers that require a bespoke service.  We offer luxury, convenience and flexibility for that special occasion, whether it’s a ladies shopping trip to London, a wedding, or a day at the races, or simply to travel to a business meeting or getting the family to and from the airport on time.”

Offering the ultimate in privacy, discretion and safety, the vehicles have blacked out windows - and the option of added personal security. Driven exclusively by fully-vetted drivers, they also have baby and child safety seats.

Signature VIP Chauffeur Services is offering a special introductory price for this year’s London Christmas shopping experience.  For just £299, up to five guests can be collected from anywhere in the Midlands for a luxurious and stylish day out - taking the hassle out of carrying bags and catching taxis and trains.

For bookings and more information, click on www.signaturevip.co.uk.

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by Simon Hale

Birmingham isn’t all about fast-paced high-rise living. St Paul’s Square, on the southerly edge of the Jewellery Quarter, offers creativity, character and calm within its historic tree-lined confines.

The city’s last remaining Georgian square, short-listed in last year’s Google Street View Awards as one of the most fashionable streets in Britain, is blessed with handsome buildings on a more human scale.

At its core is Grade I-listed St Paul’s Church. Built in 1779, it was where the industrialists Matthew Boulton and James Watt, inventor of the steam engine, worshipped. Among the original boxed pews are Boulton’s at No 23 and Watt’s at No 100.

The church’s fine features include a Francis Eginton-painted window showing the ‘Conversion of St Paul’ and a Millennium Window designed by Rachael Thomas that includes a map of the Jewellery Quarter.

The building is set in grounds so well groomed that in 2008 they were voted one of the top 20 urban picnic areas in the UK by The Independent newspaper.

Stroll across the lawns and you can take in the full panorama of a square that can trace its history to the same decade as the church.

Some of the Georgian town houses that the church attracted survive unaltered while others remain in use following late Victorian restoration.

When the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal arrived in the 1780s, polluting industry moved in, causing the square’s prosperous residents to move out.

By the 1830s there was a heavy concentration of jewellers in the area and the Jewellery Quarter had begun.

The main jewellery activity moved further up the hill in the second half of the 19th century, and after the industry contracted following the First World War and bombing in the Second World War St Paul’s Square became run down.

The area has since enjoyed major investment with its historic buildings now joined by modern buildings designed in keeping with its character.

Together they provide a melting pot of creative agencies, property companies, galleries, tailors, performance spaces, bars and restaurants.

Art lovers can enjoy the inventive range of fine art exhibitions offered at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, beside the square in Brook Street.

Those with a passion for art and music should head to Northwood Street where St Paul’s Gallery is celebrating its tenth anniversary as the world’s leading retailer in signed limited edition album cover art. More than a hundred signed prints are on permanent show.

If live music is to your taste, the Jam House at the heart of the square has a reputation as one of the best entertainment venues in the Midlands.

Here you can dine in a stylish gallery style restaurant overlooking a stage, drink from a choice of two bars, and dance to some of the biggest names in rock, jazz blues and soul from Alexander O’Neal to The Stylists.

St Paul’s Square offers an abundance of fine restaurants, with top quality Italian cuisine available at Cucina Rustica and Locanta Wine Bar & Restaurant in Ludgate Hill and at Pasta di Piazza in Brook Street.

In neighbouring James Street you will find Lasan, a fine dining Indian restaurant whose roll call of awards includes being voted Best Local Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay in 2010.

While in the square itself, Henry’s Restaurant is the place for fine Cantonese cuisine, with the choice of a buffet alongside the a la carte on Sundays.

A relatively recent addition to the dining scene is Anderson’s Bar & Grill. The basement restaurant that has taken over the site of the former Bucklemaker in Mary Ann Street serves up succulent steaks from British produce.

For more bar-oriented hospitality, The Ropewalk and The Rectory are popular spots on the square, while those who simply prefer a cappuccino and a muffin can be sure of a warm welcome at Saint Caffee.

Other retail, professional and educational occupants include men’s clothing and footwear retailer Cross Synnott, the leading law firm DFLP (Divorce & Family Law Practice LLP), recruitment company Discovery Graduates and the independent sixth form college Abbey College.

The square is also home to a thriving residential community, many of whom have taken advantage of an extensive range of luxury apartments that have become available from leading developers such as Chord Homes.

Just a five-minute walk from the new Livery Street access to Snow Hill railway station, a visit to St Paul’s Square is a delight to anyone who enjoys village-style friendliness in a vibrant historic setting.

Rectory Bar - 50-54 St Pauls Sq B3 1QS - Tel: 0121 605 1001

Locanta Italian Restaurant - 31 Ludgate Hill, St Pauls Sq B3 1EH - Tel: 01212367227

Pasta Di Piazza - 11 Brook St, St Pauls Square B3 1EH - Tel: 0121 2365858

Ropewalk - 15-20 St Paul’s Square, Hockley B3 1QU - Tel: 0121 233 2129

Andersons Bar and Grill - 30 Mary Ann Street, St Pauls Sq B3 1RL - Tel: 0121 2002515

The Bucklemaker - 30 Mary Anne Street, St Pauls Square B3 1RL - Tel: 0121 200 2515

Stirlings Bar, Lounge & Eatery - 21 Ludgate Hill, St Pauls Sq B3 1DW - Tel: 0121 236 7562

OLIVER JAMES Hair Salon - Blackthorne House, St. Pauls Square B3 1RL - Tel: 0121 212 1445

Cross and Synnott - 28 Jewellery Quarter, St Pauls Square, B3 1RB - Tel: 0121 200 1702

Lasan - 3-4 Dakota Buildings, James Street B3 1SD - Tel: 01212123664

Henrys Cantonese - 27, St. Pauls Square, B3 1RB - Tel: 0121 200 1136

The Jamhouse - 3-5 St Pauls Square Birmingham, B31QU - Tel: 0121 200 3030

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Keeping life assurance relevant for small businesses

By David Marler, Managing Director, CMS Financial Management Ltd

It’s normal for staff and directors in large companies to receive life assurance as part of their employment package. ‘Death in service’, as the cover is known, provides a means to attract and retain quality people with the benefit often worth up to ten times’ salary.

The schemes are tax efficient: the employer receives relief on the premiums and the employee gets tax-free life cover. In addition, ‘bulk buying’ of premiums through a company plan works out cheaper than purchasing individual plans for each member of staff.

But what can employees of smaller companies do to ensure they get the same protection? And have their employer fund the premiums? In addition how can the small employer attract good quality staff from other firms and still offer equivalent benefits?

Until recently death in service benefit was restricted to employers with five staff members or more. This has changed – and not before time.

A newly introduced policy in the UK insurance market, ‘Relevant Life’, has filled the void by providing death in service-style plans on an individual basis. These are ideal for small businesses that do not need a one-size-fits-all scheme, with directors and employers and staff members each having a level of cover unique to them.

The stumbling block in the past was that if an employee protection plan had its premiums paid by the employer, the proceeds upon death went to the employer, such as in a ‘keyman policy’. The problem created was how to remove the proceeds from the company in the most tax-efficient way. Whichever route was taken, tax was payable.

Relevant Life policies solve this by using an appropriate trust document that each provider issues with their applications.

There are two common situations that we find suit Relevant Life plans:

Employers with fewer than five members of staff can provide an employer-paid protection plan, with the premiums qualifying for tax relief, for each of their staff. No tax liability is placed on the individual as the plan is not classed as a benefit in kind, nor does the plan form part of the deceased estate, so it can be useful in tax planning.

Directors running their own companies or who are high earners compared with their staff can insure themselves for up to 15 times their remuneration in most cases, again with the premium funded by the employer and qualifying for tax relief.

Owner directors with personal life cover paid for out of their taxable pay should also think about starting a plan with the premium paid by the company. The proceeds would be payable to their nominated beneficiary without any tax issues.

As one of Oxfordshire’s largest firms of independent financial advisers, we are ideally placed to advise on all matters relating to Relevant Life plans. We can review your existing benefits at our cost and provide you with our recommendation, often within a matter of weeks.

If you would like more details or would like us to visit you at your home or premises for an informal chat, contact CMS Financial Management Ltd on 01869 345588 or david.carter@cmsfinancialmanagementltd.co.uk

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Knightstone opening reception

Estate agency Knightstone marked the opening of its new offices in Knightlow Road, Harborne, Birmingham, with a launch party.

Experts in sales and lettings, this is the second Knightstone branch to open in the Midlands.

Directors said that being part of a national, independent network - with 126 branches across the UK - means they could offer sellers and landlords a massive interlinked network of registered buyers and applicants.

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Angiolotty

Do you want the very best for your baby or little one? Do you want to find fabulous nursery furniture and gorgeous outfits that you can’t find on the High Street? And do you want to find everything you need and more under one roof? Now you can.

Angiolotty, the luxury, one-stop boutique store, has just opened in Longbarn Village, Alcester, and promises to bring you a wide range of luxury, high-end brands – great news for discerning parents-to-be, demanding mums and dads, and doting grandparents who want to buy the best on their doorstep.

Owners Mark and Charlotte Sprigg launched the store and online shop after having to source the right nursery furniture and accessories in London for their daughter Florence, who was born in 2010.

And they have spent months carefully selecting every single item in store to ensure quality and enduring style.

“We were struck by the lack of an all-encompassing boutique in the Midlands area,” explains Mark. “Going to London once or twice is OK, but we didn’t want to do that all the time. It was then that we realised there was a gap in the market here for a luxury store that offered everything you need for a baby or young child.”

Unashamedly high end, Angiolotty is for people who do not compromise when it comes to quality. As a family-run boutique, it promises the same high level of attentive, personal service as any discerning designer store – regardless of whether you want to buy a small gift or indulge in an entire nursery.

The UK baby and nursery market is already huge and was worth £639 million in 2011. It is believed that this growth will continue, despite the recession, and will reach about £753 million by next year.

But parents are demanding more quality than ever, says Mark.

“There is a huge gap between supermarket offerings and aspirational products, so we created Angiolotty just for those parents and grandparents and gift buyers who demand high quality goods and excellent customer service,” he explains.

Mark hopes to recreate what he calls the “happy spend” feeling.

“I feel really positive when spending money on my children – I call this feeling ‘happy spend’,” says Mark. “And I hope by creating Angiolotty our customers will also have those emotions.”

With handmade furniture and accessories from exclusive Midland nursery company Bambizi, slider chairs from Olli Ella and gorgeous co-ordinating cots and furniture from Australian company Boori, customers are guaranteed high scores on the happiness spend meter.

The hottest pushchairs, strollers and travel systems, including car seats, have been sourced from Bébécar, Emmaljunga, and iCandy, while trendy mums who want a changing bag that is as elegant and stylish as they are can pack away nappies, creams and bottles in an exclusive soft leather Il Tutto bag, loved by celebrity mums such as Denise Van Outen, Cate Blanchett and Dannii Minogue, or an ultra-trendy Storksak bag.

You will also find beautiful clothes for girls aged up to 12 and boys up to six from designers such as Sarah Louise, No Added Sugar, Kenzo, Emile et Rose, and Nature’s Purest naturally coloured cotton collection, and Catimini.

For special gifts and keepsakes look no further than BAMBAM, the Dutch company that makes adorable picture frames, gift sets, soft toys and accessories; Beauty and the Bib, for its fun and colourful bibs and bandanas; Nature’s Purest, and French iconic brand Sophie La Girafe. Or for the ultimate gift, what about a magnificent handmade playhouse from Norfolk-based Flights of Fantasy?

Whatever your needs or your desires, come to Angiolotty today -  or visit online at  www.angiolotty.co.uk

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Wanted women business achievers

The region’s top businesswomen are being invited to join two new exclusive organisations that are being launched by a Midland-based company this month, writes Jayne Howarth.

Jo Cameron, founder of Achievers’ Academy for Women, is hoping that business owners and those high up the corporate ladder will join the new Birmingham Central and Coventry groups.

The aim of AAW, previously called the Network for Aspiring Women, is to encourage women to propel themselves to high levels of business success and to find like-minded people in their areas.

Groups have been launched across the country and now Jo, who is group leader for Tamworth, is looking forward to the first meetings in Birmingham and Coventry.

In Coventry, the inaugural meeting takes place at 9am on Wednesday, October 3, at PSA Peugeot Citroen, Pinley House, Sunbeam Way, and will be led by Sandra Garlick, principal at De Marco Solicitors, while the Birmingham group will be headed up by Kate Edwards, managing director of J8 Precision Ltd. Its first meeting is at thestudio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, on Wednesday, October 10, at 9am.

The Academy has also teamed up with Aston Business School to promote women’s entrepreneurship at its annual awards and conference that will take place at Aston University on Friday, November 9, from 9.30am to 4pm.

The event, which will bring in speakers from all over the UK, will inspire more women to set up their own enterprises and to grow existing businesses, said Jo.

“It is widely known that women entrepreneurs have the skills that are needed to run businesses and can help steer the economy out of its current difficulties, although the numbers of women owned business is woefully low,” she says. “Aston Business School and ourselves want to inspire more women to set up their own businesses.”

Speakers and panellists include Amanda Mackenzie, chief marketing officer, Aviva; Elizabeth White – director of filming for BBC Frozen Planet; Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, author, journalist and regular columnist for The Independent; Dr Judith Baxter, Head of English, Aston University; and Mark Hart, professor of small business & entrepreneurship economics & strategy, Aston Business School.

After the conference, the Women Leaders Dinner will take place at Villa Park.

For more details about the business networking groups, visit www.schieversacademyforwomen.co.uk

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An interview with Amanda Lamb by Jayne Howarth

How to find your Place in the Sun

September 28th - 30th 2012

Do your homework and don’t rush any decision-making if you are planning to buy a property abroad, Amanda Lamb advises Jayne Howarth

Areas of the Euro zone might be in crisis, but now could be a great time to snap up a bargain property overseas, says Amanda Lamb, former estate agent, model and now television presenter.

The face of Channel 4’s hit series A Place In The Sun, Amanda knows her stuff when it comes to buying property abroad and will be part of the presenting team when the annual A Place In The Sun Live is staged at the NEC in September.

The event attracts thousands of would-be buyers and investors every year and 2012 will be particularly interesting because of the impact of the Euro crisis on purchasers and sellers.

It’s not all bad news, though explains 39-year-old Amanda, who first fronted the television show that follows would-be overseas property buyers in 2000.

A combination of lower property prices and a strong pound against the Euro means buyers can pick up a fantastic bargain if they play their cards right.

“Whilst buying activity is down across the board as many Europeans have been hit by austerity measures in their own countries, the fact is that reduced prices, also across the board, mean it is a great time to buy if you have cash,” says the former model from the famous Scottish Widows advert.

“Add in the fact that the pound is currently at a three and a half year high against the euro, and it means there are some great deals available to British buyers.  Some are a little wary of Greece, but Spain, despite its economic woes, is still in demand.”

Spain and France are still the two main property hotspots for British buyers, but there is also plenty of activity in Florida and Turkey as we seek sun-soaked getaways further afield. Italy, the Caribbean, Albania and Montenegro are four other regions that are of increasing interest to UK buyers, she said.

It doesn’t matter where - or why - you plan to buy, the basic rules will always apply. And doing your research is top of the list. Surprisingly, it’s something that many buyers fail to do.

“Do your research and don’t rush into anything,” urges Amanda, who bought her own hideaway in the medieval town of Nardò in Apulia, Italy in 2007. “Don’t be swayed by price alone; remember a cheap price doesn’t mean a great deal.”

One mistake that many would-be buyers make, explains Amanda, is banking on being able to borrow 70-80 per cent of a property’s price and not actually having finances in place before putting in an offer.

Lack of homework might also result in buyers making costly errors: “Not realising the full extent of the costs involved in maintaining a second home; over-estimating the level of rental income they might make or not realising there can be restrictions on this in certain developments; and not taking sufficient legal advice,” she goes on.

“Also, make sure you are aware of all the purchase taxes and legal costs you will be liable for, as well as the costs for translators.”

Add to that purchase costs, which are steep in countries such as France and Spain, management fees of about 15 per cent if you want to rent out your property, as well as general upkeep costs and income tax on rental income.

It’s a lot to think about, says Amanda, which is why events such as A Place In The Sun Live can help potential purchasers to consolidate their thoughts and get a lot of free advice from the experts on the exhibition stands and on stage.

And also the criteria is different if you are buying abroad to enjoy lazy summers and catch some winter sun yourself, or purely for the investment potential.

“Investment should not be confused with lifestyle, although some properties can fulfil both,” says Amanda, adding that South America and the Far East are attracting buyers wanting to maximise their cash for investment purposes.

“With investment you need to consider locations and properties with the highest rental income yields, combined with the best possibility of capital appreciation. Personal taste or personal usage of a property have to be discounted for the best pure investments.”

Amanda, who has a three-year-old daughter called Willow Rose, said she is looking forward to the live event.

“It’s fantastic to meet people that are planning to, or already have, bought a property abroad. I love hearing about all their plans and find out why different people choose different destinations as there’s such a huge amount of choice out there.

“When we first broadcast the TV show in 2000, it clearly struck a chord with a nation of Brits looking to escape to warmer climes.

“Since then we’ve had to cope with the worst recession in recent times, but it hasn’t put people off and the exhibition still attracts thousands of visitors serious about buying a holiday home abroad.”

Amanda will be appearing at A Place in  the Sun Live which takes place at the  NEC Birmingham on September 28-30.

Touch Base readers can get free tickets at www.aplaceinthesun.com/touchbase

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