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Independent financial advice key to retirement security
A wide-ranging
new survey on Britain’s retirement prospects comes to the remarkable
conclusion that, whatever your circumstances, you will be better off
if you consult an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) – even if you
have no savings. The research commissioned by MGM Advantage, the
retirement income specialist, is an exclusive inter-generational
study of more than 3,000 Britons, surveyed by age, gender, region
and key city, marital status, health status and exposure to
independent financial advice.
MGM’s Retirement Nation survey, carried out by Opinion Matters,
contrasts Britain’s preparation levels for retirement as well as
their hopes and dreams for the golden years. The survey finds a
clear link throughout the research between using an IFA and
increased wellbeing – yet more than 1 in 2 Britons have never used
or sought independent financial advice. A minority of people in
Britain, just 14% of those surveyed, have sought specific
independent financial advice about their retirement. This 14% are
now reaping the benefits financially and in their quality of life.
Retired people are twice as likely to be forced to downsize if they
have never sought independent financial advice, and 4 times more
likely to return to the workforce in order to make ends meet. Just
3% of retired people who have used an IFA expressed ‘painful
regrets’ about their retirement, compared to eight percent who
have not used an IFA. The survey found retirement preparation levels
to be lowest in Wales. While around the nation, Sheffield, Brighton,
Cardiff and Plymouth are all so-called ‘hotspots of low
preparation’, defined as being where more than 50% of the
pre-retired population say they’re not prepared at all.
Chris Evans, Chief Executive of MGM Advantage said:- “Our
nationwide research suggests that in many ways, an IFA is better
than a life coach. It is a startling acknowledgment of the
contribution financial intermediaries have made over the past 25
years to Britain’s quality of life in retirement. We now know for
certain that there’s a direct link between financial security in
retirement and seeking financial advice, even if you don’t have a
substantial nest egg. This is particularly encouraging for people
who are convinced that they have put too little aside or that it’s
too late to start saving.”
Liverpudlians get their sums right
FINANCE can be
daunting, but Liverpudlians seem to have it sussed, emerging
financially savviest in a nationwide survey. Liverpudlians are more
familiar with financial terms, more likely to visit an independent
financial adviser (IFA) and more likely to feel prepared for
retirement, according to latest research from MGM Advantage, the
retirement income specialist.
MGM’s Retirement Nation, an exclusive study of more than 3,000
Britons of all ages, contrasts the nation’s retirement hopes and
fears, and their retirement preparation levels. Liverpudlians beat
the nation in understanding financial terms such as ‘stakeholder
pension’, ‘annuity’ and ‘IFA’. Liverpool is also home to
Britain’s happiest and most confident pensioners, safe in the
knowledge that they have set enough money aside for their golden
years.
As Liverpool undergoes major cosmetic changes to celebrate its
position as Europe’s City of Culture, it seems its residents are
likewise engaged. Liverpool’s female population leads the nation in
signing up for cosmetic surgery to celebrate retirement. It may be
just the thing to give them a ‘boost’ before they book a trip
around the world, since Liverpool’s pensioners are also Britain’s
best globetrotters. It seems Liverpool is living the modern British
retirement dream, having secured independent financial advice when
they needed it. |
Media
apprenticeships on offer again
LIVERPOOL
young people hoping to break into broadcasting are being encouraged
to apply to the UK’s premier apprenticeship programme.
Some of the biggest
names in TV have come together to offer 36, 16 to 22 year olds a unique
opportunity to break into the business, after the phenomenal success
of the first Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production - the only
one of its kind anywhere in the UK. Companies including the
BBC, ITV Granada, Lime Pictures, Channel M and Sumners will again
join forces alongside smaller companies such as Flix Facilities,
Channel K and Mange2Media, to back the Advanced Apprenticeships,
giving young people the chance to work behind the scenes of the
broadcasting industry.
“When we launched the scheme last summer, it was the first
time a production apprenticeship programme had been created
specifically for the media industry, so we were unsure how it would
be received.
The
response to the first Apprenticeships has been phenomenal, and the
feedback we’ve received from everyone concerned has been so
positive, that we’re delighted to be offering the scheme for a
second year.” explains David Longworth, Apprentices Training
Manager for Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the
region’s film, TV, radio and digital content industries.
The Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production is open to
16 to22 year olds, living in the Northwest, and is designed
specifically for people who wouldn’t usually get the chance to break
into broadcasting. Applicants DON’T need to have GCSE Maths or
English, but should be able to work at that level. Anyone who
already has a Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, is NOT eligible
to apply. Graduates are also not eligible to apply.
“The scheme represents the growing belief in the media
industry that talent isn’t about where you live or skin colour,
educational achievements, gender or background,” says David,
who together with the BBC, Skillset and the Learning and Skills
Council, helped devise the apprenticeships, and continues to mentor
the first Apprentices, who will complete their 18 month scheme in
April 2009.
The 2nd 18 month Programme will begin in September 2008 and will run
until March 2010, with each apprentice receiving training and all
the experience needed to kick-start their career in the industry. In
addition, participants will be able to gain a Level 3 qualification
while training. Apprentices will work across a range of
companies such as the BBC, ITV Granada, Sumners, Lime Pictures,
3Sixty Media, Channel M, Flix Facilities, Channel K, Mange2Media,
October Films North, and Red Production Company.
“The apprenticeship will develop skills and abilities in
various production roles, as well as allowing the trainees to learn
about all areas of the media industry.
Apprentices will also develop invaluable contacts and a wealth
of practical experience across a range of different broadcasting
companies.” explained David
At the end of the scheme, it’s hoped the apprentices will be the
next generation of industry talent. “There are no guarantees,
but once the scheme ends the trainees will have acquired all the
skills and experience they need to secure work in their chosen part
of the media industry,” said David.
Full details of how to apply and the criteria for entry onto the
2008/10 Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production are available
now on
www.visionandmedia.co.uk/page/media-apprenticeships-2008/10
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