Many people, often without realising it, will come into contact at some point of their lives with a trust in one form or another. Yet trusts are widely misunderstood and often seen as something just the rich need be concerned with.
The site will help to outline the use and types of trusts available within the Stratford Collins trust portfolio as well as their significant Asset Protection Qualities. Our bespoke planning service therefore gives you the peace of mind that the design and implementation of your new Family Trust Structure is in the best possible hands.
Our site aims to give a quick overview of how trusts work, what they are most commonly used for and to correct some of the widespread misconceptions held about trusts. Trusts are becoming a more widespread tool in the search to protect and preserve family assets. The exact technical details of trusts, how they are set up and taxed vary from client to client, so this site focuses only on some of the broader principles.
Trusts have been used by families for centuries and are steeped in British history, from Richard Whittington (the real-life inspiration for the pantomime character Dick Whittington), who bequeathed his fortune to trust which, nearly 600 years later, continues today. To the founder and mastermind of the Virgin business enterprise, the charismatic Richard Branson who’s private wealth and resources comprise of an intricate web of trusts which span the Atlantic Ocean into the British Virgin Isles.
Trusts are also common place in everyday life in the UK, for example, most company pension schemes are structured as trusts as well as many charitable organisations. The core aim through the use of trusts is to preserve, protect and provide longevity to the estates of individuals. Trusts help to achieve this through two main features; the effectiveness of trusts to assist reducing tax liabilities and the ability to reduce exposure of assets to social and domestic risks of the beneficiaries such as divorce.