North Harbour Business Association (NHBA) held its annual expo in September, and GBPensions was one of the companies which took the opportunity to be showcased. Wendy Cresswell, Tony Chamberlain and Allan Lloyd enjoyed meeting many of our business neighbours for the first time and reconnecting with some familiar faces too.
As well as chatting about the potential benefits of a UK to NZ pension transfer, visitors to GBPensions stand were invited to enter a prize daw for a hamper of goodies from The London Lolly Shop. The lucky name to be pulled from the hat was… drum roll please… Kerry Saberton from Bright*Star corporate training in Apollo Drive. Congratulations Kerry!
How the UK’s exit from the EU could affect pension transfers to New Zealand is still something of an open book. The UK is now in a transition period (potentially lasting until 30th December 2020) to negotiate European trade deals. BBC News’ senior elections and political analyst, Peter Barnes, details the timeline in Brexit: What happens now?
Therefore, GBPensions’ view remains the same: the perception of Brexit may be worse than the reality. The British pound ended the week of 31st January close to a three-year high against the Euro following the Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates on hold, but other global issues (such as concerns about coronavirus) which have nothing to do with Brexit can still affect currency rates.
Although we do not offer advice about foreign exchange, clients may be reassured to know that the NZ QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes) used by GBPensions can hold investments in Sterling. So, a transfer does not necessarily mean an immediate currency conversion. And, of course, if you choose to move your UK pension to a SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) this requires no currency conversion, since it is a UK-registered product.
Reflecting on what’s occurred already and looking ahead to what may be next, GBPensions’ director Tony Chamberlain says, “Over the past three-and-a-half years we’ve had a steady stream of enquiries from people who are – quite reasonably – concerned about all the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. None of us can predict exactly what’s around the corner, but we know the world isn’t going to stop turning! Therefore, my advice is consistent: if you’re trying to decide on the most appropriate course of action for your UK pension, don’t sit and fret. Have a chat with a qualified specialist.”
“The GBPensions team can investigate and retrieve your UK pension information at no cost to you, and you’re under no obligation to proceed with us once we have,” he adds. “Only when you have all the facts at your fingertips, can you make a truly informed decision about what to do next.”
Our thanks go the NHBA team for organising such a worthwhile event. GBPensions will certainly look at being back at the NHBA Business Expo 2016.
The NHBA has more than 4,000 members from across commercially zoned properties and businesses located on Auckland’s North Shore, within the Albany Highway, Rosedale Road, East Coast Road and Constellation Drive /Upper Harbour Highway area. GBPensions would certainly recommend membership of this proactive and member-orientated organisation.
