Investments with a Twist of Paradise… Copyright Positive Plus Investments www.positive-plus.co.uk/blog.aspx Sun, 11 November 2012 08:41:00 Sun, 11 November 2012 08:41:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2012/november/become-an-agent.aspx An exciting opportunity with a proven business process offering excellent turnover potential (over £50,000 per annum*). Positive Plus have created a successful network of agents and referral partners, predominantly, but not necessarily, from a financial services background. With the primary purpose of helping clients achieve capital growth and income, Positive Plus offers you a WIN WIN opportunity to provide alternative, well-structured investment opportunities to clients, earning substantial income for yourself and securing your financial future. An agency can be taken alongside your current business as we offer two levels of agreement to allow you to select the level of involvement that best suits your needs: Referral Partner  Simply refer clients to our senior advisors or invite them to our regular seminars Agent  Sell direct to your clients supported by Positive Plus Whether you wish to refer clients to us or commit to building your own distribution network through the Positive Plus brand, we will fully support you as you grow your business. Benefits A proven business process producing a minimum turnover of £50,000/yr*. Access to innovative, 5 Star and corporate style investment products that produce high yielding capital gains and meaningful returns. Agency agreements are specific to suit your needs ranging from a Referral Partner to Agent with incentivised financial returns. Full product training. Mentoring workshops. Client investment seminar available to support your network. Support from Positive Plus head office team of dedicated professionals focused on your success. Performance incentives giving you the opportunity to be part of building brighter futures. A Selection the Positive Plus Portfolio Freehold Hotel Room Ownership, Caribbean and Brazil (suitable for SIPP/SSAS) UK Commercial Storage US Property Exit Strategy - US Foreclosure Property BMV US Exclusive Oil Investment Pure Diamond Assets Investment Lancelot Management Limited (Regulated Collective Investment Schemes and Protected Cell Companies) Contact +44 (0)1443 800702 or email agents@ positiveplus.info  for more details...   *  Any earnings or income statements, or earnings or income examples, that may be made on this site are only estimates of what we think you could earn. There is no assurance you'll do as well. If you rely upon our figures, you must accept the risk of not doing as well. Where specific income figures are used, and attributed to an individual or business, those persons or businesses have earned that amount. There is no assurance you'll do as well. If you rely upon our figures; you must accept the risk of not doing as well. /blog/positive-plus/2012/november/become-an-agent.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/november/become-an-agent.aspx Sun, 11 November 2012 08:41:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/may/more-pain-to-come-for-uk-household-debt.aspx PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have recently reported that on average a 'typical' UK household owes £7,900 in personal loans, overdrafts and credit cards. They also report that each Household is repaying just £355 of that debt per year on average. So what does this mean for us? Basically, at that rate it will be at least 22 years before these debts are repaid in full - and that's assuming all repayments are met and the debt is not added to further. At least households, corporations and financial institutions in the UK have begun the debt repayment process, however, whereas the country as a whole has not and is being more than offset by the new debt being taken on by the government. Since 2008 our total debt as a percentage of GDP - which includes all the loans and fixed-income securities of households, corporations, financial institutions, and government - has grown by 20%. Although the government did step in to try to prevent the natural deflation taking place when the credit bubble finally burst about four years ago, it does appear that we have now reached the stage where government spending can no longer replace that of the productive private sector and therefore we find ourselves in double-dip recession. Thankfully the Caribbean, however, is a completely different matter, as it has not experienced a recession for over 40 years. This has seen a steady rise in property prices as the Caribbean becomes a more and more affordable and popular holiday destination, which can guarantee fantastic weather all year round. We have personal investments in Caribbean property developments and that makes us serious about our work. It is encouraging to hear people are becoming more aware of potential financial challenges they could face in the future, particularly as we have a proposition that may be able to help them repay debts and increase their standard of living in retirement. We have built up a vast amount of knowledge and experience and will continue to use this knowledge to good effect ensuring our continued success to source incredible low risk - high reward opportunities through property investments. To date only one such opportunity has sparked our interest - this is it! /blog/positive-plus/2012/may/more-pain-to-come-for-uk-household-debt.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/may/more-pain-to-come-for-uk-household-debt.aspx Mon, 14 May 2012 14:32:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/april/take-the-path-to-a-better-pension.aspx Most people looking to retire this year will receive a fraction of the income previous generations enjoyed. In fact, annuity payouts - the regular income you receive in exchange for your pension lump sum on retirement - fell by 8 per cent in 2011, the fourth year in a row. Various factors are currently conspiring against people who are about to retire. Improvements in mortality, a measure of the number of deaths recorded, is raising life expectancy and putting pressure on annuity prices as the money has to stretch further. Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that the mortality rate dropped by 20,000 in 2011, the third consecutive year in which there have been fewer than 500,000 deaths in the UK. Deaths from circulatory diseases have fallen the most. Currently, pension funds assume a 65-year-old man will live to 88, but if life expectancy continues to increase that will shift to 91. Rising life expectancy has already slashed annuity rates. Twenty years ago a £100,000 pension fund would have bought a 65-year-old man an income of more than £15,000 a year; by 2008 that would have slipped to £7,900 and today the same sum would generate just £5,900. Insurance companies face new strict Solvency II regulations from the EU, which means that they must hold back more in reserve against their obligations. For example, a male aged 65 can expect to live for another 23 years, but under Solvency II regulations the provider will need to earmark sufficient funds for 25 years. To cap it all, annuity rates have also been hit by the Bank of England's quantitative easing (QE) programme, which is pushing down the yields available from UK gilts to levels not seen since the late nineteenth century, and this rate is central to how annuities are priced by insurance companies. In February, the Bank of England boosted QE by another £50 billion, taking the total purchases of gilts to £325 billion, 25 per cent of the entire market. 'If government had announced that, in order to bail out the banks and help those who have borrowed too much, it had decided to raid people's pensions, there would be uproar,' explains Dr Ros Altmann, a former adviser to the government on pensions policy.  'But, by calling it "quantitative easing", somehow it has got away with stealing older people's futures. QE is causing dreadful damage to pensions, pensioners and annuities and the impact is long-lasting.' Retirees can do a lot to help themselves by checking the market for the best annuity deal. Crucially, if you have any medical condition that you think might impair your long-term health you should investigate an ill-health annuity, which might offer significantly more income. Ill-health annuities are not only available if you are already suffering from a disease or condition but also if you have unhealthy habits such as smoking and heavy drinking, or are overweight. Some insurers also take your postcode into consideration, so if your address is not in the most salubrious of areas, this might be worth investigating. In fact it is now crucial to look at the ill-health options, because as the numbers who choose to do so grows, the remainder of the market will be increasingly healthy and the standard annuity rates for these healthier lives will worsen. 'People need to remember to flag up medical and lifestyle conditions as this can give them significantly more income every year,' says Andrew Tully, pensions technical director at MGM Advantage. 'There is roughly a 50 per cent difference between the worst standard rate and the best enhanced rate for someone with "moderate" health conditions, so it can make a huge difference.' There are several other alternatives to standard annuities that should be considered, as we show over the following pages. Income drawdown For those thinking about income drawdown as an alternative to taking an annuity, the outlook is also extremely gloomy. Traditionally, the appeal of income drawdown has been the fact that it does not lock away all your money in a one-off transaction and the amount you could take in income was greater than in an annuity. However, income drawdown has become more complicated and restrictive. Last April the maximum level of income that can be withdrawn each year was cut from 120 per cent of the value of a notional annuity, as determined by the Government Actuary's Department (GAD) rate, to just 100 per cent. The original thinking behind this was to prevent retired people running down their pension pots (on which they had received tax relief) and subsequently turning to the state for support. More recently, the level of income that can be taken from drawdown has been further curtailed by the massive fall in 15-year gilt yields, the benchmark on which GAD's calculation is based. The gilt index is supposed to be a proxy for the long-term prospects for economic growth, but currently it is more influenced by the European sovereign debt crisis than the UK economy. Between March and December 2011, the GAD rate fell from 4.25 per cent to 2.5 per cent. In practice this means a 65-year-old male with £100,000, who in March would have been able to take an income of £8,400, could take only £5,600 if his review fell in December. However, the 15-year gilt rate is not on a straightforward downward trajectory but bounces around. In September the rate was 3.25 per cent, falling to 2.75 per cent in October, rising again to 3 per cent in November before falling back to a record low of 2.25 per cent in January. Therefore GAD limits fluctuate continually and a lot will depend on when your review comes up. It may be worth hanging on for an end to the eurozone crisis and more optimism about the UK economy - which might very possibly be massaged by the government in the run-up to the next election - but no one expects an improvement any time soon. A number of other options also offer increased flexibility for those about to retire in this difficult environment. For example, it is possible to buy a temporary annuity before you make the irrevocable decision to buy a lifetime annuity, which will consume your entire pension pot once and for all. You might choose this, for example, if you are in good health and cannot take advantage of an impaired annuity. Instead, you can take out a fixed-term annuity that will provide a specified income for a set period of time - anything from three to 25 years - and review the situation in the future. At the end of this period, you receive a guaranteed maturity payment that you can invest in another annuity - and by then you might be able to take advantage of a health problem. However, if you remain in fine health, this might simply delay full annuitisation to a point in time when guaranteed annuity rates could be even worse. Investment-linked annuities Inflation can have a vicious effect on retirement income, particularly compounded over several years. Although inflation has fallen recently, the reasons behind that fall have been largely technical such as the government's VAT increases slipping out of year-on-year comparisons. You can buy index-linked annuities that rise in line with inflation but the guarantee is expensive and the amount you receive at the outset could be particularly disappointing. Another solution is asset-backed or investment-linked annuities that are unaffected by gilt yields, and offer the potential for investment growth to protect against rising inflation and falling annuity rates. They incur more risk, but can generate higher rewards. For this reason, they tend to be used by people with larger pension pots, typically over £100,000 and those who can afford to take a bet on the stock market, but firms do offer them to clients with as little as £10,000 to invest. Scheme pension One solution for those looking to retain control over their money in retirement is the oddly named 'scheme pension'. This provides a way for those aged 75 and over to provide continuing income post-death, while liberating the investor from the GAD restrictions and paying out greater levels of income than the typical annuity. If you have your own arrangement, for example a self-invested personal pension, then the maximum income you can take is fixed by the scheme's actuary rather than the GAD tables. This allows higher levels of income in certain circumstances, normally for those with impaired health, but sometimes even for healthy individuals. Furthermore, if the individual develops a serious health condition at any time, the scheme's actuary can review the income levels immediately and increase them accordingly. Another dampener is EU sexual discrimination legislation that from next year will prohibit annuity providers from discriminating between the sexes. In a scheme pension the actuary can take gender factors into account, because such arrangements usually only have one member, and so cannot discriminate against other members. This generally means men in a scheme pension will be able to take a larger income. Be careful, however, as some providers have been pushing the ticket too far. If the limits are unreasonably high then HM Revenue & Customs could seek to retrospectively tax excessive pension payments. Flexible drawdown Another option is flexible drawdown, but this is only available to people age 55 and over who have at least £20,000 a year in secure income from state pensions, pension annuities and pension schemes - the income has to be already in payment and guaranteed for life. Those fortunate enough to meet this threshold can cash in the remainder of their pension fund as and when they like. However, amounts above the normal tax-free lump sum will be taxed as earned income. This solution may not be efficient from a tax perspective, however. Any residue left in the pension on death will be part of the individual's estate when they die and liable to inheritance tax (IHT). The tax charge on any funds left in the pension after age 75 is a whopping 55 per cent. In comparison, withdrawing funds will produce a better result if IHT can be avoided, particularly for those liable to 20 per cent or 40 per cent income tax. However, most people in this position will be 50 per cent taxpayers and it is unlikely to be worth their while to extract cash at the 50 per cent rate even if IHT can be avoided, not least because money remaining in the pension fund grows in a tax-efficient manner. The worst decision is to leave funds in your pension after age 75, because if you then die a tax charge of 55 per cent is levied. This would be a particularly poor outcome for those who pay 20 per cent or 40 per cent income tax. For a top-rate taxpayer, however, whether to take cash out is a more marginal decision. The key issue is whether the withdrawn cash would subsequently fall into the estate for IHT. If it would, then leaving the money in the pension may be a better option from a tax perspective, because high income tax along with IHT can together wipe out 70 per cent of the pension -  ie. the withdrawal is first subject to 50 per cent income tax and then the residue is subject to 40 per cent IHT. For a 40 per cent taxpayer who takes cash out of his pension which subsequently falls into his estate, the withdrawal is first subject to income tax at 40 per cent, and then the residue is subject to the further 40 per cent IHT, so that altogether 64 per cent goes up in smoke. For a 20 per cent taxpayer there is little in it. Example of investment-linked annuity A male aged 65 has a £50,000 pension pot (after taking tax-free cash). He decides to take the 'benchmark' income that is the average of the best three annuity rates on the market for a single life annuity with a 10-year guarantee. The starting income in this example is £2,939 (based on a single life, 10-year guarantee annuity for a male aged 65, invested in a MGM passive balanced fund, with standard commission taken by  the adviser). He can vary the annual income at any time between the minimum of £1,469 (50 per cent) and the maximum of £3,527 (120 per cent), although these are re-assessed every three years. The minimum amount at outset (£1,469, effectively 50 per cent of the standard annuity rate) is guaranteed for his lifetime, whatever happens. In three years, if the funds achieve a return of 7 per cent each year, income will increase to £3,200. If the funds keep achieving 7 per cent, it would then increase to £3,480 from the start of year seven. By year 19 (age 84), income would be £4,970. If funds achieved a 5 per cent return each year, income will grow to £3,000 in year four, £3,070 in year seven and £3,360 by year 19. However, the income will go down if investments don't achieve the required fund performance, so you should only buy a flexible annuity if you are comfortable taking on investment risk. Options to improve your income If you are coming up to retirement this year and have accumulated a pension pot rather than a final salary pension, then your options to improve your income are: To look for an ill-health annuity, which even for minor health issues will pump up your income significantly. Purchase a temporary annuity for a short fixed period with a view to buying an ill-health annuity should your health begin to fail. Income drawdown is now highly restrictive, but you might choose this solution in the hope that the economy bounces back and gilt yields improve. An investment-backed annuity might work if you believe the investment climate will pick up, but it is best if you have other assets to fall back on should the underlying investments disappoint. Flexible drawdown, permitted for those with a secure annual income of £20,000, has advantages, particularly if you are in a lower income tax bracket. Convert to a scheme pension - this is almost always an attractive solution, particularly for men as sexual equality around annuities can be side-stepped, and is not impacted by gilt yield levels and restrictive legislation. /blog/positive-plus/2012/april/take-the-path-to-a-better-pension.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/april/take-the-path-to-a-better-pension.aspx Wed, 04 April 2012 17:52:00 /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/uk-property-prices-are-now-down-25-in-real-terms-since-their-2007-peak.aspx About The Author Ben Mountifield is a successful private investor and publisher of the highly acclaimed Mountain Investor Report. He has been described as a value investor as well as a contrarian, and has a strong Austrian 'free-market' bias. UK Property Prices Are Now Down 25% In Real Terms Since Their 2007 Peak In nominal terms the price of the average UK home has only fallen 10.5% since peaking in Q3 2007 at £184,131. In real terms however, i.e. adjusted for inflation (RPI), the price of the average UK home has fallen 25%. The chart below shows average UK house prices in nominal terms, and adjusted for both the CPI and RPI inflation rates. Average UK House Prices Q1 1992 to Q4 2011 (nominal & inflation adjusted data) Notes: Property price data from Nationwide House Price Index. Inflation data from the ONS. In an environment of high inflation the nominal value of things is much less important than their value adjusted for inflation, i.e. adjusted for the reduced purchasing power of our money. Few things illustrate this better than the relationship between UK property and gold. Since the peak in 2007 the value of an average home in pound terms has fallen from £184,131 to £164,785, a fall of 10.5%. However, when measured in terms of real money, i.e. gold, the average UK home has lost 56.5% of its value. The reality is that the governments policy of financial repression is hear to stay, and as a result I expect the real value of property to continue to fall. In addition to the fact that an investment in UK property is being eroded by inflation, there remains the risk (read certainty) posed by higher interest rates. When the buyers of Britain's debt grasp the true size of our debt burden they will stop turning up to the auctions. This will send bond yields soaring (just as it did in the PIIG countries) and will quickly bring about higher rates for mortgage holders. This event will likely be the pin that finally bursts Britain's property bubble. /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/uk-property-prices-are-now-down-25-in-real-terms-since-their-2007-peak.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/uk-property-prices-are-now-down-25-in-real-terms-since-their-2007-peak.aspx Wed, 07 March 2012 14:14:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/“property-prices-never-go-down”-oh-really-in-the-last-crash-they-fell-37.aspx Ben Mountifield is a successful private investor and publisher of the highly acclaimed Mountain Investor Report. He has been described as a value investor as well as a contrarian, and has a strong Austrian 'free-market' bias. His monthly investor newsletter is designed to be a complete resource providing investors with a big picture view of the financial landscape as well as analysis of individual companies and market sectors. His writing covers Stocks, Currencies, Commodities, Gold, Silver, Rare Earths, Oil, Property Prices, Market Analysis, etc... "Property Prices Never Go Down" Oh Really? In The Last Crash They Fell 37% How many times have you heard someone say "property prices never go down" ? Well here's the truth. Between the second quarter of 1989 and the final quarter of 1995 property prices in the UK fell 18%. But that was in nominal terms, i.e. the average price of a UK home fell from £62,244 to £50,930. In real terms however, i.e. adjusted for inflation (RPI), property prices fell 37%, and anyone who thinks that can't or won't happen again is deluding themselves. In fact, the only reason this hasn't happened already is because the government has implemented unprecedented monetary and fiscal policy in the form of record low interest rates and massive government spending. Not to mention all the money printing. In my opinion, once interest rates begin to rise, property prices in the UK will fall 30% to 50%, and that's in nominal terms. In real terms I expect them to fall a great deal more. More on this tomorrow…       /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/“property-prices-never-go-down”-oh-really-in-the-last-crash-they-fell-37.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/“property-prices-never-go-down”-oh-really-in-the-last-crash-they-fell-37.aspx Wed, 07 March 2012 14:04:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/buccament-bay-resort-cricket-academy-opens-april-2012.aspx Harlequin Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce that the Buccament Bay Resort Cricket Academy is set to open in April 2012. The news follows an agreement with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), which will see Harlequin work in partnership with the Windies for a community initiative in St Vincent & The Grenadines . To reciprocate, the WICB is providing resident and special guest master class coaches for the academy. Dave Ames, CEO of Harlequin, said of the new academy: "I'm delighted to confirm that the WICB will help Harlequin deliver the Buccament Bay Resort Cricket Academy, providing guests with year-round coaching by WICB-trained coaches and a series of master classes taught by cricketing legends. Importantly, it'll also create more opportunities for Harlequin to engage and work with the local community." With yet another of the world's most popular sports now available at Buccament Bay Resort, it must surely be crowned the unofficial champion of 5 star activity destinations, proving that luxury needn't be a guilty indulgence. If you spend a few days enjoying a well-earned rest by sunbathing with a cocktail in hand beside the stunning pools and enjoying all that the all inclusive restaurants provide by night, you can soothe the nagging critic in your mind with these excellent sport activities: Buccament Bay Resort Cricket Academy (of course) in partnership with the West Indies Cricket Board Liverpool Football Club Academy Soccer School Pat Cash Tennis Academy Diving and water sports with Indigo Dive St Vincent Boot Camps with Fitness 4 Volleyball on the wonderful white sand beach Fishing (that counts) in the turquouise Caribbean Sea Golf in the Grenadines The best part is that many of the above are FREE for guests! That's how Harlequin Hotels & Resorts is redefining luxury in the Caribbean. /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/buccament-bay-resort-cricket-academy-opens-april-2012.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/buccament-bay-resort-cricket-academy-opens-april-2012.aspx Wed, 07 March 2012 13:46:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/harlequin-charity-in-the-caribbean-community.aspx Harlequin's mission is to be a responsible and positive presence in the Caribbean. This aspiration is evident from the many jobs and work created for the people of St Vincent by Buccament Bay Resort, typifying Harlequin's commitment to making a positive impact on the local economy and community. There is also Harlequin's environmental impact to consider, so it insists upon implementing an environmentally responsible approach to sourcing the materials and technologies that create and maintain its hotels and resorts. But there are some things that cannot be addressed from the confines of a luxury resort, which is why Harlequin is also involved with a number of charities around the Caribbean. In August of 2011, following the purchase of a hotel in Barbados that will become one of Harlequin's "H" boutique hotels, the company donated 47 rooms' worth of furniture and equipment to the St Philip South Foundation for Education in Barbados. This young charity supports the youth of the St Philip Parish, who may not have access to the basic resources that many take for granted. Numerous items were provided directly to the youths' homes, whilst some items were used for a public sale that raised significant funds for the charity and its work. In St Lucia this February, Harlequin also made an initial donation of 60 rooms' worth of furniture and equipment from a hotel on the island to two local charities, New Beginnings and Ciceron,  that help homeless and abused children. The charities also work with the children's families in the hope of rehabilitating them and facilitating the child or children's return home. The company has also been heavily involved with a number of initiatives in the region, including one that will be announced for St Vincent this week… but that's for another blog! Although Harlequin will always strive to provide paradise escapes for its customers, the company will remember there are always others far less fortunate who also need an escape.   /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/harlequin-charity-in-the-caribbean-community.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/march/harlequin-charity-in-the-caribbean-community.aspx Wed, 07 March 2012 13:36:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2012/february/a-special-interview-on-the-marquis-estate-gary-player-golf-course.aspx   The Marquis Estate Golf Course Grassing Plan   The Communications Team at Harlequin got in touch with Jon O'Donnell, President of Heritage Links, to ask him a few questions about his work with Gary Player to create the golf course for The Marquis Estate. Jon O'Donnell has over 25 years of experience in the golf industry, including golf course construction, development services and golf course maintenance. Heritage Links are experts in the industry: they produce and manage many of today's world-class golf courses, and have completed projects in the United States, Mexico, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, including courses that have won awards and been selected for the US Open. Gary Player, of course, is the legendary golfer with 165 career Championships to his name and one of only five Grand Slam victors, alongside the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Since the early 80's, his company, Gary Player Design, has been a global leader in golf course design, employing a small team of seasoned and dedicated professionals with a combined 210 years in the golf course development industry. Through the years, Gary Player and Gary Player Design have executed a portfolio of over 300 projects in 35 countries on five continents.   A Part of The Marquis Estate Golf Course Contour Plan    Harlequin: What would you say makes a great golf course? Jon O'Donnell: There are a few ways to answer that… As a playing experience, a golf course that challenges the player's skills is always fun and exciting, but it also has to be playable and fair for all levels of golfers and golf shots. Having played on other Gary Player-designed golf courses, I know he always achieves that balance. As an investor or resort owner, breath-taking views are always nice to have sitting adjacent to a resort. In the case of Marquis Estate, the views leading into the golf course and actually on the course while playing will really be something special. There are many great golf courses to play, but I personally feel golf course maintenance also plays a key role in determining a great golf course. For instance, if a golf course is over-watered or too wet due to poor drainage, or has slow greens or bunker sand that is conducive to balls plugging, it is not as fun to play and seems to always linger in the minds of the golfer after the round. Essentially, a golf course that is well maintained, well-groomed and has green speeds that match the playability of the course will be memorable for the best reasons. Harlequin: So what will make the Gary Player course at The Marquis Estate distinct from other top courses? Jon O'Donnell: Gary Player - by far - has seen and probably played more golf anywhere in the world than any other player on the planet. This experience is utilised each day when he is presented projects like The Marquis Estate. There is not a single golf course in the world that is the same and The Marquis Estate course will be very unique. In reviewing the design that Gary and his team have created, I can see he has worked with the naturally gifted land for The Marquis Estate course. Probably the most unique element is the stream feature that impacts almost half of the course and eventually rolls into the Caribbean Sea, and the way that Gary and his team utilised this stream to lay the course in and amongst this feature. Gary and his team also utilised this relatively horizontal floor in the valley to create a challenging layout. Golf courses that are ranked in Top 100 lists have architectural elements that offer design rhythm and a variety of terrain and holes that will tests a player's full arsenal of skills. The Marquis Estate's course has all of these qualities. Harlequin: Lastly, what work goes into developing a golf course like The Marquis Estate project, from start to finish? What kind of timescale is involved? Jon O'Donnell: From the planning, construction, and grow-in side of the golf course, there is a huge amount that goes into it. In these remote parts of the world, such as where Marquis sits, almost all of the materials are being imported into the site to create the course and the infrastructure to support the golf course. Essentially, the entire infrastructure has to be built, for both the golf course and the resort. The entry road, access to the resort, water, sewer, and electricity all has to be planned, designed, and executed. The development teams will work together when building the resort, clubhouse, and other support structures in conjunction with building the golf course. Many items will be grouped together so that they serve a number of functions. As an example, the lake will be used as an impressive visual feature, for storing irrigation water, and as a home to wild life and drainage for some areas of the resort. The irrigation system will be sized properly so that not only will it have the capacity to water the golf course, but it will also facilitate watering of the greens and landscaped areas of the resort. A nursery will be developed at the beginning of the project that will provide resources for the turf grass for the golf course, as well as the landscaping for the resort. The entire construction activity is a process that is eventually covered up with lush turf and landscaped plant material, which allows the maintenance departments to continue to groom these areas to their highest potential. The process of planning can take months because you have to be exactly sure that all designs, use of space, and the orientations of all items are correctly thought through prior to moving into the construction phase. Once you get to that point, hundreds of thousands of meters of material are moved, many hectares of turf are planted, almost a million linear meters of wire is utilised for the irrigation system, and thousands of meters of drain pipe are installed to assist in draining the site. Then when construction is completed, the grow-in of the golf course will start and take over until it is groomed to a level where it is ready for guests, which can take many months to complete. Ultimately, all the time and hard work will result in a spectacular playing experience and a stunning feature for the resort.                                           An aerial view of the stunning Marquis Estate site (taken 2008) /blog/positive-plus/2012/february/a-special-interview-on-the-marquis-estate-gary-player-golf-course.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/february/a-special-interview-on-the-marquis-estate-gary-player-golf-course.aspx Wed, 07 March 2012 13:10:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/february/uk-market-gets-a-boost-as-new-tv-series-opens-up.aspx The UK's leading overseas property television series, Channel 4's "A Place in the Sun," is about to screen its first new programmes for four years. The broadcasts start on Monday 6th February, and run daily for 20 days with a further 60 additional episodes going straight into production immediately after the new series ends. A Place in the Sun Live managing director Andy Bridge has welcomed the impetus the new programmes should bring to the market. "It's a huge commission from Channel 4, there are three production teams on the road at the moment in the Caribbean, Florida and Spain to get the new programmes made in time," he told OPP this week. "This is the first post-recession filming that A Place in the Sun has done and presents an opportunity to present bargain stock to viewers and hopefully get them excited in overseas property once again." Speaking exclusively to OPP, Bridge added: "It won't transform the UK market overnight, but it is a huge boost." Established hosts Jonnie and Jasmine are presenting their own programmes, and new presenter Laura Hamilton kicks off the series which will be shown on daytime TV for its first run. Repeat showings in the evening are expected to follow very quickly. OPP link   Buccament Bay Resort hosts Channel 4's A Place in the Sun (photos)       /blog/positive-plus/2012/february/uk-market-gets-a-boost-as-new-tv-series-opens-up.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/february/uk-market-gets-a-boost-as-new-tv-series-opens-up.aspx Wed, 08 February 2012 16:51:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/february/sipps-and-throwing-caution-to-the-wind.aspx There has been a marked increase in consumers choosing to purchase alternative investments with their SIPPs over the last three years. With an average SIPP size of £70,000 to £80,000 and over 800,000 SIPPs out there (and the number is growing at 20 per cent to 30 per cent a year), this represents a significant new and enticing market for advisers. It is not just the growth in SIPPs driving this. The flow of dreadful macro-economic news has shaken consumers' faith in traditional stock market-based investments just at a time when many people are realising that their pension provision may be inadequate. For these reasons investors are increasingly considering putting their wealth into directly held alternative investments, tangible assets that promise uncorrelated and often high returns. In fact in some cases, alternatives are directly responsible for driving the growth in SIPPs as investors become more aware of their benefits. Some pension conversion specialists are witness to a 69 per cent increase in clients transferring their preserved or under-performing personal pensions into a SIPP. As part of the advised process they must establish why clients wish to go down the Sipp route - the desire to get into alternatives is one of the most often cited reasons, alongside under performance and consolidation. However, the market in alternative investments is still immature. There are many 'me too' opportunistic products on offer that range from investments that have been rather naively put together to outright scams. In 2007 there were around 50 directly held alternative investments being distributed that could be held within a SIPP - today there are nearly 300 and a good number of them are poor quality. Many investments offered to specialists are rejected, and some are completely unsuited to the retail SIPP market and should never form part of a robust retirement plan. It would be completely irresponsible of us to assist in bringing them to market. Consequently some advisers still view alternatives with suspicion and view their non-regulated status as a risk for both them and their clients. Steps have been taken to try and improve this situation, for example the FSA has been very publicly clamping down on advisers who have been promoting Ucis investments to the wrong audience and significantly, SIPP providers have now been asked to take more responsibility for product governance. It is now no longer acceptable to just verify if an asset is SIPP acceptable - SIPP providers now have to undertake their own due diligence over an increasingly exotic range of investments. Over the last couple of years the demand placed on SIPP operators has grown immensely and some new products aim to provide in depth analysis on alternative investments on behalf of SIPP operators so that there is at least some form of product governance audit trail. Further security can be built into alternatives through the use of trustee or bond structures. Under these types of structures the product provider submits to having investor monies paid into a trustee client account and only released to the provider upon adherence to strict criteria as laid out in the Investment Prospectus. Similarly, all of the revenues the asset generates are paid directly to the trustee with investor returns extracted before the balance is forwarded onto the provider. The Trustee will also typically take a first charge over the project and its assets so that, in the event of an unresolved default, the project can be liquidated with the investors reimbursed from the proceeds. Finally, alternatives can really resonate with consumers. Clients "get" the concept of alternative investments - it is a much more engaging conversation with clients when you can talk about these concepts instead of "balanced managed funds" or the usual bonds and Isas. The rise of the SIPP is creating liquid investors - or those that can be made liquid when their frozen pensions are consolidated - and with the widely predicted growth in SIPP numbers the demand for 'alternatives' as a hedge against traditional pension investment offerings will no doubt continue. Advisers should take notice and consider if these are something they would like to include in their offering to clients.   /blog/positive-plus/2012/february/sipps-and-throwing-caution-to-the-wind.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/february/sipps-and-throwing-caution-to-the-wind.aspx Thu, 02 February 2012 08:10:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/bucc-bay-appearing-on-channel-5’s-“heaven-on-earth”-travel-show.aspx   British network Channel 5 will feature Buccament Bay Resort in its new travel programme Holiday: Heaven on Earth , which airs at 7pm GMT on Thursday 2 nd February 2012. Channel 5 describe the programme as a new travel show for a new generation, taking viewers across the globe from the comfort of their own homes and showing them how to access the world's best travel experiences without breaking the bank. Here's a link to the episode's web page with info on Bucc Bay: http://www.channel5.com/shows/holiday-heaven-on-earth/holidays/episode-1-st-vincent-and-the-grenadines Don't worry, we promise fame won't change us: as our guests can testify, we're already accustomed to the finer things in life! We'll leave you with a couple of exclusive photos from the shoot:  TV presenter Emma Wilson The cameraman and TV presenter at Bucc Bay     /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/bucc-bay-appearing-on-channel-5’s-“heaven-on-earth”-travel-show.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/bucc-bay-appearing-on-channel-5’s-“heaven-on-earth”-travel-show.aspx Mon, 30 January 2012 22:16:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/buccament-bay-resort-kate-gillespie,-thomas-keyser-and-michael-mccarthy-confirmed-for-the-performing-arts-academy.aspx Kate Gillespie, Thomas Keyser and Michael McCarthy will soon be coaching and performing for guests at Buccament Bay Resort.       Kate Gillespie                      ThomasKeyser                Michael McCarthy   West End and TV star Kate Gillespie and respected Musical Director Thomas Keyser will be the resident stars from 30th January to 13th April 2012, whilst the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy's Executive Producer, not to mention Broadway and West End star, Michael McCarthy, will be back at Buccament Bay Resort from 16th to 21st April. Kate Gillespie's theatre credits include Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and The Lion King Paris; Thomas Keyser has been Musical Director for a wide range of theatre, including most recently Jekyll and Hyde, Rufus Norris' Olivier award-winning Cabaret, and Blood Brothers. Michael McCarthy, of course, is best known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of Inspector Javert in Les Misérables, which took him to the West End, Broadway and beyond. If you're interested in experiencing and learning from the best in musical theatre at the resort offering the best in Caribbean luxury, please click here to learn more .   /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/buccament-bay-resort-kate-gillespie,-thomas-keyser-and-michael-mccarthy-confirmed-for-the-performing-arts-academy.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/buccament-bay-resort-kate-gillespie,-thomas-keyser-and-michael-mccarthy-confirmed-for-the-performing-arts-academy.aspx Tue, 24 January 2012 15:42:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/a-valentine’s-day-gift-you-both-will-cherish-buccament-bay-resort.aspx What will you give your partner this Valentine's Day? A romantic meal in a great restaurant? A stay at a 5 star hotel? A voucher for an activity, like a spa treatment or a special day out? Why not all the above and much, much more? Save yourself from the drudgery of trawling through the "For Him" or "For Her" sections this Valentine's Day; give your partner something you will both cherish forever: an unforgettable romantic getaway at our luxurious, 5 star, all-inclusive Buccament Bay Resort in St Vincent & The Grenadines. You can kill two birds with one stone by making your next holiday a gift to the one you love. Every wonderful thing about the resort aside, it'll still be a bargain compared to what you usually get for your money with Valentine's Day gifts! It'll also be great solution for future arguments. "You've forgotten our anniversary? Again?! Did you at least warm the knife before you plunged it into my heart?!" "Sorry, what was that? I was just thinking about the amazing week at Buccament Bay Resort I bought you last Valentine's. The wait until April was so worth it! Anyway, you were saying?" "… nothing, babe, doesn't matter." OK, maybe not, but the brownie points will definitely be through the roof! Choose to stay at one of our deluxe villas and you will wake up with the beach outside your door and a private plunge pool. Bedrooms are air conditioned and fitted with a 40" LCD TV offering 65 digital TV channels and 12 music channels, not that we imagine you'll be watching too much of that with everything else you could be doing. Once you've ripped yourselves away from the supremely comfortable bed (you may think that's a small detail, but just wait until you're in it), the opportunities for the days ahead are endless, whether it's for him, for her, for couples, or all the family. The Pat Cash Tennis Academy with special guest coaches, the Liverpool FC Soccer School with special guest coaches, the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy with special guest tutors, Diving and water sports, a wide range of excursions by land or sea, The Spa by ESPA, and much more: Buccament Bay Resort is unrivalled in its variety and quality of activities, and the best part is that most are provided free of charge for guests! By the way, if you do have children and fancy some time just for yourselves, babysitting is available, and Little Harlequins Kids Club and the Club 61 lounge will keep the bigger bundles of joy occupied. Little Harlequins has a petting zoo, climbing apparatus, age-appropriate toys and games, fun activities, and more, whilst Club 61 provides the not-so-little ones with video games, board games, a pool table, karaoke, movie nights, and other fun stuff. Now, back to you two. Here are some activity ideas ripe for romance: Sun, sea and pools to infinity Ease into the day with a stroll along our beautiful white sand beach and maybe a swim in the luscious turquoise sea; that's if you can walk past the infinity pools without stopping for a dip and a spot of sunbathing with lunch and cocktails, brought to you by our attentive and friendly staff. Relax at The Spa Indulge yourselves at our haven of tranquillity, The Spa, with products and treatments by ESPA; alternatively, enjoy a massage outdoors in a Thai pavilion, under a gazebo on the beach or beside the main pools. Take the plunge The clear, warm waters surrounding the island of St Vincent are home to an incredible underwater world of pristine coral reefs, teeming with a magnificent abundance of colourful marine life that is second to none in the Caribbean. Diving packages range from gentle to exhilarating, offering a selection of pretty wall diving sites, stunning drift dives and mysterious caves, caverns and wreck dives suitable for all levels of experience. Explore by sea There is more than one way to enjoy the country's aquatic charms. In fact, many more ways! Here are some of the other water-based activities available: sunset cruise; dolphin watching; "Pirates of the Caribbean" film locations tour; catamaran tours to idyllic palm-fringed beaches and sheltered bays to swim and snorkel; yacht, motor boat, kayak or sailing catamaran hire. Explore by land Terra firma offers a number of magnificent experiences, too. Some of the great places you can visit include: The Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, boasting a wealth of tropical plants, flowers and trees La Soufrière, a 4,000ft volcano with an immense mile-wide crater that's reached after a challenging climb through rainforest, and bamboo and cloud forests The Dark View Falls, which cascade from 300ft over step formations of lava rock, set amongst a stunning bamboo forest at the foot of La Soufriére The Vermont Nature Trails that meander through lush rainforest: home to the rare and colourful St Vincent parrot A table for two and a tipple or three? Buccament Bay Resort has a selection of great bars and restaurants that you can enjoy by day and by night. The Bay Beach Club is the perfect place to linger over a sumptuous lunch or sip an exotic cocktail whilst watching a spectacular sunset. After the sun has gone down, a delicious menu of tantalising dishes awaits. Dine by candlelight at Safran, which provides excellent Indian cuisine created using only the freshest of ingredients. Bowls of fragrantly spiced curries are cooked with natural herbs and spice blends, and served with a wonderful selection of accompaniments. Surrounded by palm trees, Bamboo is a barefoot chic restaurant serving a mélange of popular dishes from the Caribbean and Italian stone baked pizzas. At HQ, there is a tempting selection of teas, coffees, ice creams, sorbets, pastries, wraps, freshly-squeezed juices and smoothies blended to order. Expert Sushi Chefs create authentic Japanese Sushi and Sashimi to tempt your taste buds at the Ginger & Co Sushi Bar. The dishes combine simplicity, fresh produce, creativity and unique flavours to provide the perfect light lunch or afternoon snack by the pool. Guests of The Spa can also enjoy delicious and healthy food, juices and smoothies from the wellness menu. So, what are you waiting for? For more information and to book your stay at the 5 star, all inclusive, luxury Buccament Bay Resort in St Vincent & The Grenadines, please click here.   /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/a-valentine’s-day-gift-you-both-will-cherish-buccament-bay-resort.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/a-valentine’s-day-gift-you-both-will-cherish-buccament-bay-resort.aspx Tue, 24 January 2012 15:34:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/buccament-bay-resort-'redefining-luxury-in-the-caribbean'.aspx The mix and dynamics as a property investment couldn't be any better....A luxury destination to just get away from it all! This all inclusive luxury beach hotel is located on the stunning Caribbean island of St Vincent, surrounded by lush green mountains and rainforest with a beautiful white sand beach. Buccament Bay Resort is the perfect holiday destination for all the family, offering a variety of activities to cater for all interests, including the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School, Pat Cash Tennis Academy, the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy, and The Spa with treatments by ESPA. /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/buccament-bay-resort-'redefining-luxury-in-the-caribbean'.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/buccament-bay-resort-'redefining-luxury-in-the-caribbean'.aspx Mon, 16 January 2012 15:35:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/linvoy-primus-confirmed-to-coach-at-bucc-bay-in-july-2012.aspx Retired Premiership defender and Portsmouth legend Linvoy Primus, whose father is from St Vincent & The Grenadines, has been confirmed as a coach at Buccament Bay Resort's Liverpool FC Soccer School from 22nd to 28th July 2012. You can see the updated schedule below: Updated 2012 Schedule Tony Cascarino Christmas '11/New Year Thur 29th Dec - Thur 5th Jan Scored almost 250 goals as a striker for a range of top clubs, including Aston Villa, Celtic, Chelsea and Marseille; now a commentator/pundit Steve Staunton Half Term Sun 13th - Sun 20th Feb Legendary defender for Liverpool - where he won an FA Cup and League title - Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland; currently a talent scout for Sunderland FC David Fairclough Easter Sat 31st Mar - Fri 6th Apr Striker and Kop legend from Liverpool's golden era of the 70s and 80s; won 19 honours, including three European Cups; now an ambassador for Liverpool FC and commentator Ronnie Whelan Easter Sun 8th - Sun 15th Apr Versatile ex-Republic of Ireland international midfielder who won 18 honours with the '80s Liverpool team that dominated England and Europe Alan Curbishley gap Sun 27th May - Mon 4th Jun Highly respected ex-manager of Charlton and West Ham; played for both teams and Birmingham as a midfielder; capped U21 England international Rodolfo Borrell Half Term Sun 3rd - Tues 12th Jun Ex-Barcelona youth coach who worked with all age groups from U11 to U17, including the likes of Messi and Fabregas; currently Liverpool's Reserve Team Head Coach Roy Evans Gap Sun 1st - Sat 7th July Ex-Liverpool player and manager; rose through the ranks at Anfield after being taken under Bill Shankley's wing; credited with stabilising the club and turning them back into an attractive attacking team Phil Babb I Sun 8 th - Sun 15 th Jul Ex-Premiership defender; played for Liverpool for six years after starting his career at Bradford City and Coventry City; won 35 caps for Republic of Ireland Jan Molby I Sun 15th - Sat 21st Jul Legendary midfielder for Liverpool - where he stayed for 12 years - Ajax and Denmark; won nine honours as a player; now a TV and radio pundit after spells in management Linvoy Primus Summer Sun 22nd - Sat 28th Jul Ex-Premiership defender and Portsmouth legend; also played for Charlton and Reading; widely praised as one of the best role models in modern football; father was born in SVG Don Hutchison Summer Sun 29th Jul - Sun 5th Aug Retired midfielder/forward who starred for a host of top clubs, including Liverpool, Everton and West Ham; capped 26 times by Scotland, scoring six goals Gareth Southgate Half Term Sun 28th Oct - Sun 4th Nov Captained England, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough as a defender; managed the latter before becoming the English FA's Head of Elite Development and ITV pundit Andy Townsend Christmas Sat 22nd - Sat 29th Dec Captained Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Middlesbrough from midfield; now Harlequin Hotels & Resorts' Director of Sport and ITV pundit   /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/linvoy-primus-confirmed-to-coach-at-bucc-bay-in-july-2012.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/linvoy-primus-confirmed-to-coach-at-bucc-bay-in-july-2012.aspx Sat, 14 January 2012 15:11:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/millions-hit-as-pensions-shrink-by-£3,000-in-just-four-years-due-to-record-low-annuity-rates.aspx Millions hit as pensions shrink by £3,000 in just four years due to record low annuity rates   Workers who retire this year can expect their pensions to be £3,000 less than they would have been in 2008. Big falls on the stock- market and record low annuity rates - which determine the annual income savers can buy with their  pension pots - have wreaked havoc with the retirement plans of millions. A report from the Prudential said those retiring this year are banking on an average annual pension of £15,500 - £3,000 a year less than those who retired in 2008 and more than £1,000 a year less than last year. Vince Smith-Hughes, Prudential's retirement income expert, said: 'The current economic climate has created the perfect storm for people in the run-up to retirement. 'The impact of the credit crunch, banking crisis, recession, and concerns over the eurozone has been reflected in the fact that expected retirement income levels have hit a five-year-low.' The report comes as strikes over pension cuts threaten to spill over from the public to the private sector. Yesterday the Unite union warned industrial action could be taken in protest at 'attacks' on pensions in private firms, as staff at Unilever prepare for a series of 24-hour strikes over the closure of the firm's final salary scheme. As millions feel the pinch from soaring food and heating bills, one in five pensioners who retire this year will scrape by on less than £10,000. There are already five million pensioners surviving on an income of £10,000 or less. This figure includes the state pension - worth £5,300 a year - as well as private and company schemes. Experts argue that much of the damage to pensions has been caused by the Government's attempt to breathe life back into the economy. The Bank of England's  decision in the autumn to print £75billion in its latest round of quantitative easing prompted insurance firms to slash their annuity rates to record lows. This is because the value of annuities - which provide an income for life from pension pots - are based on government bonds called gilts. The Bank of England uses the money it creates from quantitative easing to buy gilts. This pushes up their price, but reduces the amount of annual income they pay out. Ros Altmann, director general of over-50s group Saga, said: 'This latest report shows the terrible and permanent damage this temporary boost to the economy has done to pensioners. 'Savers retiring today are being locked into a lower pension for life because of the drop in annuity rates.' The report from the Pru also shows how widely incomes vary across the country. Those in Yorkshire and Humberside expect an average pension of £12,800, less than half the average salary for UK workers. This compares with £17,900 in London, £17,100 in Wales and £17,200 in the South-East. Men are more optimistic about their retirement than women, with 45 per cent confident they will be financially comfortable compared with only 31 per cent of women. Neil Duncan-Jordan of the National Pensioners' Convention said: 'It's a terrible time to be retiring. 'When you add in low savings rates, rising bills and a miserable state pension, it's no wonder pensioners are struggling to make ends meet.'       /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/millions-hit-as-pensions-shrink-by-£3,000-in-just-four-years-due-to-record-low-annuity-rates.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/millions-hit-as-pensions-shrink-by-£3,000-in-just-four-years-due-to-record-low-annuity-rates.aspx Wed, 11 January 2012 15:52:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/'weary'-oaps-who'll-be-working-into-their-70s.aspx Many of tomorrow's pensioners could be forced to work into their 70s and beyond due to the looming pensions crisis, experts warn. By 2020 a generation of 'Wearies' - Working, Entrepreneurial and Active Retirees - will simply not be able to afford to retire, they said. Effectively ruled out of the jobs market due to their age,  they will have to take on work as self-employed consultants, online traders or run odd-job businesses to make ends meet,  research found. The pensioners of the future will have a lot to worry about when they reach their 70s, according to a new study   According to the study, for Friends Life financial services by think-tank Future Foundation, 51 per cent of those already retired said they would be prepared to do part-time work to boost their pensions. Among those who are yet to retire, the figure jumped to three-quarters - or 75 per cent. Martin Palmer, of Friends Life, said: 'We're expecting the traditional image of the pensioner with slippers and rocking chair to change completely. Many will not have saved adequately for a secure retirement.' 'Necessity is the mother of invention and "Wearies" will be among the most innovative and entrepreneurial contributors to the UK economy.' A total of 59 per cent said they would run 'a small, one-person business from home' and 21 per cent would consider gardening, and a third said they would rent out a spare room to a lodger. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2084078/Pension-age-increase-Weary-OAPs-wholl-working-70s.html#ixzz1jAIB3dSX       /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/'weary'-oaps-who'll-be-working-into-their-70s.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/'weary'-oaps-who'll-be-working-into-their-70s.aspx Wed, 11 January 2012 15:43:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/roy-evans-jan-molby-confirmed-to-coach-at-bucc-bay-in-july-2012.aspx Liverpool legends Roy Evans and Jan Molby are confirmed to coach at Buccament Bay Resort's Liverpool FC Soccer School in 2012.                                   Jan Molby                                                 Roy Evans   Ex-Liverpool manager Roy Evans will be on resort from 1st to 7th July, and Jan Molby, the retired and revered Danish Liverpool midfielder, will be putting guests through their paces from 15th to 21st July. They join 10 other top names from the footballing world, including the likes of Gareth Southgate, Andy Townsend and Alan Curbishley; each will provide master class coaching sessions for guests at our luxury, all inclusive 5 star Caribbean resort. Oh, and did we mention that it's also FREE for guests to take part in the group training sessions? Below you'll see the updated schedule for 2012, but if you'd like to know more about football coaching at Bucc Bay, please visit our first blog on the Liverpool FC International Football Academy Soccer School at Buccament Bay Resort . To learn more about everything that Buccament Bay Resort has to offer and to make a booking, please visit the official Buccament Bay Resort website   Updated 2012 Schedule Tony Cascarino Christmas '11/New Year Thur 29th Dec - Thur 5th Jan Scored almost 250 goals as a striker for a range of top clubs, including Aston Villa, Celtic, Chelsea and Marseille; now a commentator/pundit Steve Staunton Half Term Sun 13th - Sun 20th Feb Legendary defender for Liverpool - where he won an FA Cup and League title - Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland; currently a talent scout for Sunderland FC David Fairclough Easter Sat 31st Mar - Fri 6th Apr Striker and Kop legend from Liverpool's golden era of the 70s and 80s; won 19 honours, including three European Cups; now an ambassador for Liverpool FC and commentator Ronnie Whelan Easter Sun 8th - Sun 15th Apr Versatile ex-Republic of Ireland international midfielder who won 18 honours with the '80s Liverpool team that dominated England and Europe Alan Curbishley gap Sun 27th May - Mon 4th Jun Highly respected ex-manager of Charlton and West Ham; played for both teams and Birmingham as a midfielder; capped U21 England international Rodolfo Borrell Half Term Sun 3rd - Tues 12th Jun Ex-Barcelona youth coach who worked with all age groups from U11 to U17, including the likes of Messi and Fabregas; currently Liverpool's Reserve Team Head Coach Roy Evans Gap Sun 1st - Sat 7th July Ex-Liverpool player and manager; rose through the ranks at Anfield after being taken under Bill Shankley's wing; credited with stabilising the club and turning them back into an attractive attacking team Phil Babb I Sun 8 th - Sun 15 th Jul Ex-Premiership defender; played for Liverpool for six years after starting his career at Bradford City and Coventry City; won 35 caps for Republic of Ireland Jan Molby I Sun 15th - Sat 21st Jul Legendary midfielder for Liverpool - where he stayed for 12 years - Ajax and Denmark; won nine honours as a player; now a TV and radio pundit after spells in management Don Hutchison Summer Sun 29th Jul - Sun 5th Aug Retired midfielder/forward who starred for a host of top clubs, including Liverpool, Everton and West Ham; capped 26 times by Scotland, scoring six goals Gareth Southgate Half Term Sun 28th Oct - Sun 4th Nov Captained England, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough as a defender; managed the latter before becoming the English FA's Head of Elite Development and ITV pundit Andy Townsend Christmas Sat 22nd - Sat 29th Dec Captained Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Middlesbrough from midfield; now Harlequin Hotels & Resorts' Director of Sport and ITV pundit         /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/roy-evans-jan-molby-confirmed-to-coach-at-bucc-bay-in-july-2012.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/roy-evans-jan-molby-confirmed-to-coach-at-bucc-bay-in-july-2012.aspx Tue, 10 January 2012 13:38:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/pat-cash-to-coach-at-buccament-bay-resort-in-april-2012.aspx Pat Cash will be at Bucc Bay from 2nd to 11th April 2012, giving guests the opportunity to be coached by the former Wimbledon champion for FREE! Whether you're young or old, experienced or a total stranger to a racket,  the Pat Cash Tennis Academy has a fun, challenging and rewarding coaching programme for you. Depending on availability, individual coaching is also available for US$60 per 45 minute session. When Pat Cash isn't around, coaches trained by him, including head coach James Droy, will use the techniques he employs when coaching up-and-coming players. For more information on the Pat Cash Tennis Academy, please click here . To book your stay or talk to someone about our all inclusive, luxury 5 star Buccament Bay Resort in St Vincent & The Grenadines, please visit our Reservations page by clicking here . /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/pat-cash-to-coach-at-buccament-bay-resort-in-april-2012.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/pat-cash-to-coach-at-buccament-bay-resort-in-april-2012.aspx Tue, 10 January 2012 13:35:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/hottest-travel-destinations-of-2012.aspx SVG in World's Top Destinations For 2012 The year 2011 ended on a high note for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, as the destination received prestigious rankings from significant travel and media organizations.  St. Vincent & the Grenadines was ranked as the third 'Hottest Travel Destination of 2012' by Travel + Leisure, and placed fifth in CNN's 'World's Top Destinations for 2012.' At last all their hard work is paying off....onwards and upwards! St. Vincent and the Grenadines A string of 32 islands just south of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has long been an under-the-radar getaway for the jet-setting elite. But recent developments-including a $240 million airport set to open on St. Vincent next year-are making the region accessible to a broader audience. Built on volcanic black sand, the new Buccament Bay Resort (St. Vincent; 877/502-2022; doubles from $1,024, all-inclusive, three-night minimum) has 90 light-filled villas that gaze out on a secluded white-sand beach.   Twenty miles south, tiny Mustique remains a playground for the likes of Mick Jagger and Tommy Hilfiger (and was a runner-up honeymoon pick for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). A handful of new villas are now available to rent from the Mustique Company (villas from $7,000 per week), including the four-bedroom Mimosa, a contemporary affair with a pebbled infinity pool, private chef, and dedicated utility vehicle for exploring the isle.   A more affordable option is the four-bedroom Liselund, on a hillside overlooking the sea. Nearby, the 44-year-old private-island resort of Petit St. Vincent (doubles from $1,050, all-inclusive) has reopened after a top-to-bottom makeover: 22 stone-walled, thatched-roof cottages are done up in earthy tones and driftwood palapas now line the beach. There's also a waterside restaurant and a tree-house-style spa, where an open-air hot-stone massage is the perfect end to the day.   http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/hottest-travel-destinations-of-2012/4   /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/hottest-travel-destinations-of-2012.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/hottest-travel-destinations-of-2012.aspx Tue, 10 January 2012 13:10:00 /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/st-vincent-and-the-grenadines-ranked-in-top-world-destinations-by-cnn.aspx KINGSTOWN, St Vincent St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been ranked number five in the "World's Top Destinations for 2012" by Cable News Network (CNN). SVG is the only Caribbean destination to make the CNN rankings and is described as "a tropical paradise". "What's not to like about a tropical paradise that bills itself as 'one destination, 32 gorgeous Caribbean islands'?" CNN said. "Located between St Lucia and Grenada, this island chain has long drawn stars and vacationers with deep pockets, but it will become more accessible to a wider range of travelers thanks to a $240 million airport scheduled to open on St Vincent," Travel + Leisure reports. The nine destinations to have made the rankings came from the recommendations of four travel experts: Robert Reid, US travel editor for Lonely Planet; Martin Rapp, senior vice president of Leisure Sales at Altour; Anne Banas, executive editor at Smarter Travel; and Jeanenne Tornatore, senior editor for Orbitz.com. Other suggestions came from Travel + Leisure and Budget Travel.   http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-St-Vincent   /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/st-vincent-and-the-grenadines-ranked-in-top-world-destinations-by-cnn.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/st-vincent-and-the-grenadines-ranked-in-top-world-destinations-by-cnn.aspx Tue, 03 January 2012 16:30:00 /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/jeff-brazier's-crazy-christmas-at-buccament-bay.aspx   Well, the big day may have passed now, but I still don't know how the boys got on with their present-buying task. As we're lucky enough to be spending the holidays sunning ourselves at Buccament ­Bay in St Vincent in the Caribbean, ­I could only bring out a few little gifts that were able to fit in my suitcase. Our main presents are waiting at home under the tree and when we get back me and the boys will enjoy a second Christmas Day. Will I get the yoga mat I asked for ­in my letter to Santa? ­I can't wait to find out! Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/kids-and-family/2011/12/29/jeff-brazier-s-crazy-christmas-115875-23664777/#ixzz1iOvDfu5j /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/jeff-brazier's-crazy-christmas-at-buccament-bay.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/jeff-brazier's-crazy-christmas-at-buccament-bay.aspx Tue, 03 January 2012 13:18:00 /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/daily-mail-wonders-of-the-world-from-alaska-to-africa,-where-to-find-the-trip-of-a-lifetime.aspx Caribbean dream: St Vincent and the Grenadines looks to be making a splash in the new year Caribbean corker Buccament Bay Resort is a highly rated new five-star resort on St Vincent and the Grenadines - the first to open here. St Vincent is made up of a string of dozens of impossibly fertile islands, which mix lush green with mountainous stretches and the occasional live volcano. There are luxury villas, gleaming white sands and cobalt-blue seas accommodating every watersport you can imagine. There's also a Pat Cash Tennis Academy, a Liverpool FC academy, and Harlequin Performing Arts Academy (with a variety of performing masterclasses hosted by Broadway stars). St Vincent has barely featured on the mainstream tourism map because getting there currently requires a transfer flight from Barbados, but the island's new Argyle International Airport is projected to be completed by spring 2012. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2080400/Best-holidays-2012-From-Alaska-Africa-trip-lifetime.html#ixzz1iOhOQbYv   /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/daily-mail-wonders-of-the-world-from-alaska-to-africa,-where-to-find-the-trip-of-a-lifetime.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2012/january/daily-mail-wonders-of-the-world-from-alaska-to-africa,-where-to-find-the-trip-of-a-lifetime.aspx Tue, 03 January 2012 12:24:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-air-video-fly-by-over-buccament-bay-resort.aspx 'candid camera' at its best! video /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-air-video-fly-by-over-buccament-bay-resort.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-air-video-fly-by-over-buccament-bay-resort.aspx Thu, 22 December 2011 15:28:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/exclusive-photos-of-father-christmas-in-the-caribbean!.aspx Harlequin Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to reveal that Father Christmas luxuriated at Buccament Bay Resort recently as a present to himself before the mad rush of Christmas arrives. Saint Nick took a break from reviewing the "Naughty or Nice" list and reading the millions of children's letters he receives to sip punch from a coconut by the beautiful pools, frolic in the sea with Indigo Dive, and sing a few carols at the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy. One eye witness said, "Santa looks fabulous. Red is s o in right now and he's really working the six pack. A lot of mothers will definitely be waiting up for him this Christmas!" Widely known for his portly frame, Santa's new chiselled features and athletic physique have caused quite a stir in the media, with numerous websites speculating that he may have gone under the knife in the summer. Speaking to representatives at the resort, Father Christmas denied the claims: "No, no, no! I merely look after myself between Christmases. One must when one has spread magic and joy for as many centuries as I have. I promise I will be back to my old self by Christmas. "Even if I wanted to stay this lean, after experiencing the all inclusive luxury of Bucc Bay, where I've eaten great food at Safran, Bamboo,  The Bay and HQ for free all week, I'm not sure I have any choice in the matter!"   To give yourself and others the gift of the luxury 5 star all inclusive Buccament Bay Resort, please head over to their website .     /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/exclusive-photos-of-father-christmas-in-the-caribbean!.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/exclusive-photos-of-father-christmas-in-the-caribbean!.aspx Wed, 21 December 2011 21:32:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-air-flies-over-buccament-bay-resort-aka-harlequin-turns-the-air-blue!.aspx Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the Harlequin planes! The first two members of the Harlequin Air fleet flew over the resort last weekend, and here's the proof:   Redefining luxury in the Caribbean... /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-air-flies-over-buccament-bay-resort-aka-harlequin-turns-the-air-blue!.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-air-flies-over-buccament-bay-resort-aka-harlequin-turns-the-air-blue!.aspx Tue, 20 December 2011 17:32:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/pat-cash-is-at-buccament-bay-resort.aspx Pat Cash coaching guests at Bucc Bay Tennis legend Pat Cash is at Buccament Bay Resort this week coaching guests with the resident Head Coach of the Pat Cash Tennis Academy, James Droy. For more information on the Pat Cash Tennis Academy, please click here . If tennis isn't your thing, Bucc Bay has an unrivalled range of activities for all tastes and ages, like the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School , the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy and The Spa with treatments by ESPA , and much more. You can learn more about everything on offer by clicking here .   /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/pat-cash-is-at-buccament-bay-resort.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/pat-cash-is-at-buccament-bay-resort.aspx Tue, 20 December 2011 17:28:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-air-update-second-plane-arrives.aspx   The second plane (pictured right) of the Harlequin Air fleet arrived in the Caribbean last week. They expect two to become three soon, so stay tuned! /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-air-update-second-plane-arrives.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-air-update-second-plane-arrives.aspx Tue, 20 December 2011 17:26:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/bucc-bay’s-liverpool-fc-soccer-school-legends-top-coaches-confirmed-for-2012.aspx Buccament Bay Resort guests being coached by Steve Staunton (left) Harlequin Sports Academy and Liverpool FC International Football Academy Soccer Schools will deliver a dream team of footballing legends and elite coaches to teach masterclasses at Buccament Bay Resort throughout 2012. They will join a great team of local coaches who have been trained at the Liverpool Academy in England to coach "the Liverpool way". More big names will be confirmed soon, completing a list that will cover all the major holidays in the calendar, but in the meantime, here is the current schedule for 2012 :   Buccament Bay Resort is the first of Harlequin's resorts to feature a Liverpool FC Soccer School. The Soccer School provides training and coaching programmes for both adults and children aged 5 and above; sessions are interactive, challenging and fun in an encouraging environment where everyone can develop the skills necessary to enjoy the game at whatever level they wish to play. The programmes teach not just ball skills but all the fundamental techniques, including the technical, tactical, physical, mental and social elements of the game. Whilst developing players as individuals, the coaching also encourages players to work as a team, both in defensive and attacking situations, including positional sense, communication, handling, footwork, distribution, crosses, organisational skills, kicking, agility and flexibility. As part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, Harlequin Sports Academy also allows children from local schools and football associations to use the Soccer School to improve the standard of football and give opportunities to talented youngsters with Liverpool Football Club. Who knows, maybe the next Steven Gerrard will be discovered in St Vincent! The artificial pitch is available for fun-filled friendly games for both adults and children, all supervised by the Liverpool Football Club International Football Academy Soccer Schools coaches at scheduled times each day when not being used for coaching.     /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/bucc-bay’s-liverpool-fc-soccer-school-legends-top-coaches-confirmed-for-2012.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/bucc-bay’s-liverpool-fc-soccer-school-legends-top-coaches-confirmed-for-2012.aspx Tue, 20 December 2011 17:21:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/new-harlequin-air-photos!.aspx Here are some new photos of the first plane in the Harlequin Air fleet, which were taken in its new home of St Lucia! Keep an eye out for her neighbours… To read more about Harlequin Air, please take a look at our past three blog posts here and here . To read them in chronological order, go through the links from left-to-right. /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/new-harlequin-air-photos!.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/new-harlequin-air-photos!.aspx Tue, 20 December 2011 17:07:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-exhibiting-at-the-luxury-travel-expo,-las-vegas.aspx Harlequin Hotels & Resorts is currently exhibiting at Luxury Travel Expo 2011 in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. Above you will see candid photos of their stall before opening time. With the American market steadily growing for Buccament Bay Resort, Harlequin popped over to see their transatlantic cousins in one of the most famous cities in the world to network and get the message out there. What happens in Vegas will not stay in Vegas! Produced by Luxury Travel Advisor and Travel Agent Magazine, Luxury Travel Expo claims to be the industry's largest gathering of luxury travel professionals. It kicked off on Tuesday 6th December and finishes today, Thursday 8th December. In addition to exhibitions, there are a range of events available, including seminars, workshops, training/educational sessions, and a party, which is purely a platform for net working, of course (there's nothing like a few drinks to lubricate communication). /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-exhibiting-at-the-luxury-travel-expo,-las-vegas.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/harlequin-exhibiting-at-the-luxury-travel-expo,-las-vegas.aspx Tue, 20 December 2011 17:00:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/why-aren't-pensions-a-priority.aspx At last here is an article which reiterates and confirms my thinking has been on track for the 6 years. Nic Cicutti, former personal finance editor at The Independent and editor of FTyourmoney, the Financial Times website has definitely highlighted several points for us to think about. Most people are too busy living for today and dealing with something that's 25-30 years off is not really a consideration. It's sad, when the writing is on the wall...plenty of doom and gloom and still do nothing to change their destiny...insanity is thinking things will get better...for things to change we have to change. We all know most people resist change and are creatures of habit, but with the UK being in a pretty bad shape, tough decisions have to be made…I do see people paying more attention to those unloved, frozen and even under-performing pension arrangements, so being able to think outside of the box is becoming easier. This in turn, means people are paying attention and therefore learning to plan and think ahead. Why aren't pensions a priority? One of the things I have learned in the past two decades as a personal finance writer is that very few people really care about the one thing that ought to matter most - pensions. If you ask someone if they are worried about their potential lack of retirement income, they will agree with you and the white-hot anger when the Government announced that pensioners would receive a pension increase of just 75p a week was something to behold.  But by and large, the majority of people get more angry about their washing machine or television breaking down just outside the warranty period than they do about the possibility of living in penury for several decades after they finally stop work. Indeed, just to return for a second to the 75p a week "mistake" by the last Labour Government, at least that is what Gordon Brown admitted it was several years afterwards, the angriest people by far were the pensioners themselves. Deep down, the rest of us felt a sort of resigned disgust, a sense that this was, after all, no more than we might expect of a Government with a track record for saying one thing and doing another. Whenever I hear people talk about pensions, I generally get a sense of fatalism, as if nothing they do will ever generate the kind of money they might need in retirement - and if they ever do bother to save, someone will come along and take that money off them anyhow. In recent months, two things have further confirmed that view and that feeling of passivity. First was the announcement by the Government last year that pensions and benefit payments will be uprated in line with the consumer price index rather than the retail price index. This means much smaller pensions for millions of workers when they retire. Saga director general Ros Altmann said: "The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that RPI will be around 1.5 per cent higher than CPI each year. It is a big cost saving for the Government." Yet the response to this sleight of hand by George Osborne was muted. A few hundred words in most newspapers about the trade unions' failed legal challenge in the High Court last week and that's it. Then there was the announcement in the autumn statement last week that the Government is to delay auto-enrolment. This was portrayed as an attempt to avoid imposing punishing extra costs on small businesses - effectively, an admission by the Government that it knows we are still likely to be in the economic mire three years from now. But as the Telegraph's Ian Cowie pointed out, the delay will affect millions of young people, for whom the effect of compounding means a 12-month deferral will lead to a much reduced pension in retirement. He gives the example of a 22-year-old earning £25,000 a year, where the one-year delay will cut his fund value at 67 by £43,000. Even a 50-year-old will see the value of his fund cut by 10 per cent. Finally, there is the response to the Government's decision to massively cut pensions for state and local government employees. The argument here seems to be this is a vitally necessary move. Why should public sector workers get decent pensions when those in the private sector don't and why should taxpayers have to fund these unaffordable gold-plated pensions anyway? In other words, having decimated the pension entitlements of private employees and given themselves vast pay increases over the past decade, our Government and employers tell us it is now essential for the public sector to join the race to the bottom. Never mind that several public sector pension schemes have built-in agreements that any extra costs in coming years will be met by increased employee contributions. I should declare an interest. I worked for many years as a nurse and still know many health and public sector workers. This Government is, in effect, telling this group of people, many of whom perform vital services for the community, that they will have to work several years longer, pay £60 more a month - for a typical band five nurse taking home £1,400 a month - and receive a far smaller pension when they retire. And, like performing seals, the near universal view among commentators is to applaud the Government. Never mind that MPs who make these decisions have some of the most generous pensions in the UK or that if people find that their occupational scheme entitlements are removed they will simply stop paying and leave taxpayers to pick up the tab 15 or 20 years down the line. The issue of pensions has never been one of simple affordability but of priorities. Sadly, it is not a priority for anyone - the state, or the rest of us. Sometime soon, I fear a dreadful reckoning.   Original link: click here Nic Cicutti can be contacted at nic@inspiredmoney.co.uk /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/why-aren't-pensions-a-priority.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/why-aren't-pensions-a-priority.aspx Sun, 11 December 2011 22:21:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/bucc-bay-hosts-west-indies-and-bangladesh-cricket-teams,-plus-cricket-academy-info.aspx Buccament Bay Resort had some special guests in November when the West Indies and Bangladesh A cricket teams stayed to prepare for a series of One Day Internationals on the island of St Vincent. The Bangladesh A team on the Buccament Bay beach The West Indies A team on the Buccament Bay beach   The matches, which took place from 23rd to 25th November 2011, were held at the Arnos Vale ground in Kingstown, with the Windies winning the first two matches before the third match (due to be played on 27th November) was cancelled due to rain. Stuart Barnes, a head coach of the Bangladesh A team during their visit, spoke glowingly of their experience of the resort in an email to Matt Baker, Director of Guest Services & Entertainment at Bucc Bay: "The accommodation, food, service, facilities and entertainment were all brilliant and clearly a reflection of how you and your colleagues go about your business. "I would love to come back and stay properly at Buccament Bay for a proper holiday one day, and I certainly plan to do so!" Also, coming in February 2012 , the luxury 5 star all-inclusive Buccament Bay Resort will host its first Harlequin Sports Cricket Academy , which will provide a week of coaching for children aged 5 to 12 years by two of the world's greatest cricket legends, Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard . More details can be found by clicking here . /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/bucc-bay-hosts-west-indies-and-bangladesh-cricket-teams,-plus-cricket-academy-info.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/bucc-bay-hosts-west-indies-and-bangladesh-cricket-teams,-plus-cricket-academy-info.aspx Wed, 07 December 2011 22:57:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/buccament-bay-resort-hosts-channel-4’s-a-place-in-the-sun-(photos).aspx Presenter Jasmine Harman being filmed on the Bucc Bay beach   Buccament Bay will soon be a TV star after Channel 4′s A Place in the Sun paid a visit yesterday, Tuesday 22nd November 2011, to film at the luxury resort (as you can see above). For those who don't know, A Place in the Sun is a lifestyle programme that helps people to find their dream holiday home with the help of international property experts. Harlequin can't say just yet when it will be televised, but as soon as we know, we'll pass it on. In the meantime, here are a couple more photos. To find out more about the resort and book your stay to experience the real thing for yourself, please visit the Buccament Bay Resort website .   The filming crew at Bucc Bay The beautiful Jasmine Harman meets beautiful Bucc Bay /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/buccament-bay-resort-hosts-channel-4’s-a-place-in-the-sun-(photos).aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/buccament-bay-resort-hosts-channel-4’s-a-place-in-the-sun-(photos).aspx Wed, 07 December 2011 22:47:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/november/dive-in-style-bucc-bay-becomes-a-padi-5-star-resort.aspx Harlequin have some great news for people who love a lot of sea with their sun: Buccament Bay Resort is honoured to be designated a PADI 5 Star Resort - the first on the St Vincent mainland. PADI, or Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is the world's leading scuba diving instruction organisation with over 6,000 certified dive shops and resorts worldwide. Indigo Dive & Watersports at Buccament Bay Resort provides guests with a range of activities, including diving for all abilities, snorkelling and thrill rides, but the award was earned due to the excellent standards of their PADI tuition courses: the world standard for dive training. Here are the criteria for the award, as stated on the official PADI website : "PADI Five Star Dive Center Membership is awarded to progressive PADI Dive Shops that excel in providing scuba divers with a full range of scuba certification programs, scuba gear selection, and scuba experience opportunities. To qualify as PADI Five Star Dive Center, a dive shop must meet elevated service and business standards and both promote and offer only PADI scuba diving lessons as their recreational scuba diver training. These dive shops also actively promote underwater environmental awareness and embrace the PADI System of diver education, with a commitment to providing quality training, products, services and experiences." St Vincent & The Grenadines is also recognised as one of the best diving locations in the Caribbean, offering an enchanting and engrossing selection of reefs and sea life to explore and enjoy. Whether you're in a serious long-term relationship with the sea, just starting out or only interested in a bit of fun, SVG delivers.   /blog/positive-plus/2011/november/dive-in-style-bucc-bay-becomes-a-padi-5-star-resort.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/november/dive-in-style-bucc-bay-becomes-a-padi-5-star-resort.aspx Wed, 07 December 2011 22:37:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/“there-ain’t-nothing-like-the-real-thing”-a-bucc-bay-before-and-after.aspx Before a resort or hotel is constructed for Harlequin Hotels & Resorts, we are shown computer generated images (CGIs) of how the resort will look when finished - at least according to the plans at that time. This part of the development process is important for a number of reasons, not least because it makes the intangible feel that little bit more real to anyone with a vested interest, such as the owners, operators and investors. When Buccament Bay Resort was just a twinkle in our eye, we received the CGI below that shows the pool complex and The Bay Beach Bar (the building on the right):   Jaws dropped, smiles beamed (not at the same time, of course - in fact, that sounds quite scary), but how would it compare to the real thing? Could the real Bucc Bay ever look the same? To be honest, no… because it looks even better! And here is The Bay Beach Club: Harlequin would not and cannot take all the credit for these wonderful sights, of course, because the location does more than its fair share! Bucc Bay is the precious pearl complimenting the exquisite natural beauty of St Vincent & The Grenadines, and proud to be so. Seeing is believing, and as great as the photos look, you can't beat seeing it all with your own eyes, so for more information and to book your stay at the 5 star all inclusive luxury Buccament Bay Resort, please click here to be taken to the Bucc Bay website.   /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/“there-ain’t-nothing-like-the-real-thing”-a-bucc-bay-before-and-after.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/“there-ain’t-nothing-like-the-real-thing”-a-bucc-bay-before-and-after.aspx Wed, 07 December 2011 22:21:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/top-10-property-safe-havens-abroad.aspx The euro is in crisis. Stock markets are in freefall. Two prime ministers have been sacked. Italian debt is at record levels, and Spain faces an early election tomorrow. Across the pond, America's annual budget deficit is measured in trillions. One by one the traditional destinations for British house-hunters are becoming badlands. Rather than stay in the quagmire, it's time for buyers to seek new pastures. There are always safe havens if you look hard enough. Even when buying outside the eurozone and the United States, the best tactic is still to purchase more expensive homes in prime locations. This means you will see the best the country has to offer, and your investment stands a better chance of securing good returns. Even at the top end, though, you have to be selective. Here is our guide to where, what and why to buy overseas to minimise your risk.   1 Canada The US housing market is in intensive care. One-in-four homes is in negative equity and mortgage foreclosures are rising. But across the border in Canada, the story is very different. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation predicts sales and prices will rise by up to five per cent next year. Brits tend to prefer Eastern Canada, because it is only five to seven hours' flight from the UK, and has plentiful leisure and ski resorts around Newfoundland and Quebec. The country has a French-style buying process. A notary carries out conveyancing, and transaction costs are often 15 per cent of the price. You pay 25 per cent capital gains tax when you sell but, unlike the rest of North America, Canada is still seeing capital gains. Because space is plentiful, the choice is vast. There are ski chalets in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, for as little as £200,000, while timber lodges in parts of the Rockies can be even less. Websites such as sportfishcanada.ca list private sales of cabins at modest prices. More flamboyant buyers may prefer Nova Scotia's spectacular coastline. Insider tip Offers are normally made in writing, accompanied by a deposit, so can be hard to withdraw.   2 Hong Kong Crowded, flooded by neon lights over street markets and overlooked by sumptuous tower blocks for expats in the hills. The local housing market is booming, because it is no longer reliant just on foreign buyers. Chinese mainland purchasers now account for a third of all deals. One-bedroom flats go from £200,000 upwards but even so, demand for homes outstrips supply by 20 per cent, according to the Hong Kong Housing Authority. Similarly, Savills says house prices have risen 11 per cent in the past year and about 80 per cent since mid-2005. Yet experts insist this is sustainable. "Given the continual support from mainland buyers and the limited supply of homes - especially high-end ones - we expect prices and rents to grow steadily," says Knight Frank's HK representative, Colin Fitzgerland. Insider tip Best-value areas are Southside, The Peak, Discovery Bay and Kowloon.   3 Switzerland Knight Frank says 12 per cent of buyers here are from the UK, with Russia, Germany, France and Asia close behind. They come for three reasons: to improve their skiing, for their tax status and for stable house prices. Though there were falls of 15 per cent in French-speaking parts of Switzerland in 2008, prices have been stable since. But only some locations, such as Vaud and Valais, permit overseas purchasers and prices can be high. "Montreux, on Lake Geneva in Vaud canton, continues to defy the market conditions of its neighbours," says Alexander Koch de Gooreynd of Knight Frank. "It's one of the few lakeside locations in Switzerland with permission for foreigners to buy as a secondary residence." It also hosts a world-famous annual jazz festival. Insider tip Each canton has different rules regarding maximum sizes of homes foreign purchasers can buy, so do your research.   4 Mauritius Long a favourite with holidaymakers, this island is now open to foreign buyers for the first time thanks to a new scheme to encourage investment. Most people would be happy enjoying the watersports, unspoilt beaches and charming villages that dot this Indian Ocean idyll, but now there are financial perks too. If you pay £310,000 or more for a villa or apartment in a designated coastal zone, you will also have the right to become a Mauritian resident, and enjoy low levels of personal and business tax. "The political situation is strong," says Maribeth Davies of Hamptons International. "And the economy has grown at an average of 4 per cent a year for the past eight years." One new designated scheme is Azuri, a beachfront complex with 169 homes for foreigners and 100 for wealthy locals. Properties come with parking, boat moorings, golf membership and access to swimming pools. For sale Prices start at £311,000 for a three-bedroom apartment and go up to £497,500 for a four-bedroom apartment at the Azuri development. Hamptons International (020 7558 8577 or info@positiveplus.info).  Insider tip Island transport is slow, so buy near Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius.   5 Gibraltar Little wonder Spain wants to govern Gibraltar. This tiny British colony, still reminiscent of a sunny Sixties Saturday in Surrey, is a haven of stability compared to its mainland neighbour. Better yet, the Rock has no VAT, no capital gains or inheritance tax and relatively low income tax. As well as financial services, shipping and tourism, its economy is geared to telecoms and internet gaming. The latter is a growing sector, that now accounts for 11 per cent of gross domestic product. Buying in Gibraltar is easy, but there are eccentricities. You pay a 2 per cent deposit when you exchange contracts. Many homes are flats, so you should budget for service charges too. Some older houses are freehold, but most homes are leasehold. Do not expect open space. Gibraltar's tiny size and 30,000 permanent residents put it among the world's most crowded locations. Insider tip Gibraltar has complicated stamp duty rules, varying from zero to 5.5 per cent of the purchase price.   6 South Africa This is a country like no other. Beyond its cities lies endless countryside with vast open plains, unspoilt villages and a burgeoning wine culture. All in the glow of a wonderful year-round climate. The country is also a natural destination for Britons. Cape Town is only two hours ahead of London, and everyone speaks English. To make it even more attractive, house prices are low by global standards. One-bedroom apartments in Cape Town can cost just £60,000 and a three-bedroom house is £200,000. What's more, local agents say South Africa's economy has avoided European and North American volatility. "It's seen as a safe haven due to exchange control regulations. Cape Town and its environs are the most popular areas for Britons," explains Lanice Steward of South African estate agency Anne Porter Associates. Insider tip Crime remains high, but most Britons buy in gated estates with private security systems.   7 Barbados Barbados retains an aura of prestige and a reputation as a safe haven. This is because its legal and political systems are similar to Britain's. There are daily international flights from the UK, Canada and the US, so tourism and rental rates are high for holiday homeowners wanting to earn a living from their investment. Overseas buyers are welcome, and there is no capital gains tax. Mortgage availability, even for foreigners, remains good. John Morphet owns the Royal Westmoreland resort, where British sports stars including Wayne Rooney, Joe Calzaghe and Rio Ferdinand have villas. He says: "There's been some discounting of property, up to 25 per cent, but on the west coast this hasn't really been the case. The market for individual beachfront villas and constructed properties on gated communities has remained strong. Purchasers are more risk-averse, so prefer to buy somewhere built rather than off-plan." Prices are not cheap. Two-bedroom homes can cost £400,000 or more on the west coast, but properties are truly spectacular. For sale The Merricks Resort operated by Harlequin Hotels & Resorts have commenced construction of two luxury show homes and plan to start main works early 2012. A two-bed apartment starts from £350,000 to a two-bed plantation villa starting from £880,000. Prices are up to 50% BMV and offer an attractive rental income return.  The brand new H boutique hotel opening 2012 is said to probably be one of the best hotels on the west coast. The hotel will comprise of superior suites (starting from £250,000) to luxury penthouse suites (£600,000) (020 7558 8577 or info@positiveplus.info for an investment pack). Insider tip Some homes take years to sell. If you hear that a property has been on the market for a while, bargain hard. 8 St Lucia This Caribbean island has long been popular with Britons, even though its roads are poor and some areas can be crowded with owners and cruise ship visitors. There are rugged mountains, rainforests and coral reefs. Barbados, but with lower prices. Many Britons buy by setting up a company (an estate agent will help you), which eases tax payments. Most popular is the north-west area of the island, especially close to Rodney Bay, where more than 20 developments are underway. It's hectic, but it means the infrastructure is improving thanks to the arrival of swish hotels and better transport links. In any case, there are plenty of quieter areas too. For sale Luxury property investments ransing from well-appointed studio suites to six-bed villas in the spaceous Marquis Estate (starting from £165,000). Also available within the first ever Gary Player six star Golf hotel; Superior Suite starting from £425,000 to Gary Player Golf Hotel Hillside two-bed Villas (from £675,000) (020 7558 8577, info@positiveplus.info). Insider tip Castries, the capital, is the most popular location for cruise-ship tourists and is therefore the most crowded part of the island.   9 Kenya Emerging holiday home locations are few and far between, but Kenya is seeing "consistent growth," according to Bob Woodhams of Knight Frank, despite the financial crisis and fears of terrorism. There is a 40-plus week tourist season in parts of the country, making this an attractive buy for those wanting rental income. Most land is government-owned, so foreigners buy on pre-built resorts, many of which have a mix of beachfront and interior wildlife. Respected British estate agency brands such as Aylesford (aylesford.com) are becoming more common and will guide you through the buying process. Insider tip Most homes in resorts have small gardens, but owners have use of vast, private and secure estates.   10 The Cayman Islands The Caymans are home to more than 200 banks and expats from 100 countries. They also boast the world's 14th highest GDP per capita, and the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. The country has the confidence of many from around the globe. Little Cayman (10 miles by one mile, population 150) and Cayman Brac (11 miles by two miles, population 1,800) are relatively untouched. Grand Cayman is bigger and blingier, attracting tax haven lovers as well as those who want sandy beaches and sun. Flights are plentiful, and it's easy to hop over to neighbouring Jamaica and Cuba. For sale Positive Plus is selling some of the most luxerous property investments some of which have more than doubled in value (BuccamentBay.com) front-line villas were priced at £245,000 four years ago and are now valued at over one million (020 7558 8577; info@positiveplus.info for you free investment pack). Insider tip Many foreigners buy land and build their own homes, but imported construction materials attract up to 22 per cent tax. /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/top-10-property-safe-havens-abroad.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/december/top-10-property-safe-havens-abroad.aspx Tue, 06 December 2011 11:13:00 Positive Plus /blog/positive-plus/2011/november/harlequin-air-news-first-plane-finished-second-plane-lands-in-us.aspx Recent post from Harlequin Hotels and Resorts   The first plane in the Harlequin Air fleet has now been fully decorated and modified, with the second plane delivered for the same treatment. Interior and exterior modifications to the first plane were inspected on Monday in Arkansas, US, and given the thumbs up. It's expected to start the journey to its new home in the Caribbean in the coming days; meanwhile, the second plane was delivered to the US on Monday for the same beautification: Harlequin colours and logos; "Harlequin blue" carpets; and cream leather seats with the Harlequin logo. Here are candid photos of the first finished plane!               As we stated in our previous post  about Harlequin Air, it will exclusively serve guests at our Caribbean hotels and resorts, providing island-hopping transport for transfers to and from transatlantic flights, excursions, and visits to our other hotels and resorts. Although that last feature can only become available when one of Buccament Bay Resort's sister luxury destinations  is completed, it's still arguably the most exciting. One day soon, it could allow a guest at Bucc Bay to also be a visitor or guest at any of our Caribbean hotels and resorts currently under development, and any we are yet to conceive! The best part is this is just the beginning: the Harlequin Air fleet will continue to grow over the coming months as we endeavour to meet the increasing demand for bookings in 2012 and beyond. Initially, the service will carry as many of our guests as possible; however, we intend to eventually make it available to all . Excited? We are! /blog/positive-plus/2011/november/harlequin-air-news-first-plane-finished-second-plane-lands-in-us.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/november/harlequin-air-news-first-plane-finished-second-plane-lands-in-us.aspx Thu, 10 November 2011 10:27:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/november/harlequin-air-to-make-waiting-times-a-thing-of-the-past.aspx This is a recent post from Harlequin Hotels and Resorts   Harlequin has had a truly amazing year. The company's first luxury Caribbean destination, Buccament Bay Resort in St Vincent and The Grenadines, has enjoyed great feedback, reviews and press coverage, culminating in what travel operators say are record levels of bookings in the region for 2012. Several of Bucc Bay's sister hotels and resorts are currently being developed by Harlequin Developments; meanwhile, the company continues to grow in every way, always chasing its Chairman's indefatigable ambition. Growth, however, is meaningless if it doesn't contribute to improvement (and there is always room for improvement). As successful as Buccament Bay Resort has been in its first year, we at Harlequin have listened and identified a key area for investment: transport. Connecting flights to St Vincent are short but the waiting times can be disproportionately long if left to commercial airlines. Consequently, Harlequin has taken the initiative and will soon be literally flying high via its own airline, Harlequin Air , which is expected to be operating by early 2012. Based in St Lucia, Harlequin Air will provide an exclusive service for guests at Harlequin's Caribbean hotels and resorts; but the service won't stop at delivering swift and seamless transfers between islands for transatlantic flights. Guests will also be able to utilise the fleet for excursions and visits to other hotels and resorts. Additionally, there are plans to establish a scheduled service between St Lucia and Puerto Rico for Harlequin's growing number of US-based guests. Here are the flight times guests can expect: St Vincent to Barbados:        45 minutes St Vincent to St Lucia:          20 minutes St Vincent to Puerto Rico:    160 minutes Barbados to St Lucia:            45 minutes Puerto Rico to Barbados     170 minutes Puerto Rico to St Lucia:       145 minutes         The first plane is currently having the "Harlequin treatment", which involves being: liveried with full Harlequin colours; decorated with "Harlequin blue" carpet; and fitted with cream leather seats with the Harlequin logo emblazoned in the headrests. Official photos are on the way, but in the meantime, here are some candid ones taken mid-decoration:                          /blog/positive-plus/2011/november/harlequin-air-to-make-waiting-times-a-thing-of-the-past.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/november/harlequin-air-to-make-waiting-times-a-thing-of-the-past.aspx Thu, 10 November 2011 10:07:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/september/pension-education-should-start-at-school,-axa-wealth.aspx In an interview with FTAdviser , Andy Zanelli, head of technical sales at Axa Wealth, claimed that when it comes to pension savings, "too many people don't understand the value of what they are giving up". He highlighted that many people simply see the fact that they will lose three per cent of their salary in pension saving whereas those that are educated in pensions would see it as gaining five per cent "for nothing" from their employer. Mr Zanelli said: "It's a fundamental education piece. Youngsters opt out because their net take-home pay will go up by a few pounds. It's really frustrating that they haven't been engaged properly about the benefits of a pension scheme." Mr Zanelli highlighted that it's not just saving that is an issue but people should look at their investment risk. He said: "If people were educated, they would step up that risk staircase and maybe move their pension money into something a bit more balanced/cautious balanced areas. People simply don't understand it [investment risk]. "Education should absolutely start at school. We have citizenship and PSHE [personal social health & economic] and still children come home with no financial kind of education. "People need life skills at an early age as well as facts and education." Mr Zanelli also highlighted that many women still rely on their husbands for their pension pot, warning that around 50 per cent of marriages end in divorce. He said: "It the divorce is sorted out properly, the woman will get half of their husband's pension pot but do they understand the implications of this? Do they satisfy a short-term need for a roof over their head or take some of the husband's pension fund which has all that other valuable additional benefits. Choices are often based on short-term gratification. "It sounds an impossible task but we have to start somewhere or we will never get there and we need to start with schools." /blog/positive-plus/2011/september/pension-education-should-start-at-school,-axa-wealth.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/september/pension-education-should-start-at-school,-axa-wealth.aspx Wed, 21 September 2011 11:44:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/september/pension-values-to-fall-by.aspx Express on 31st August 2011   SOARING inflation could plunge millions of pensioners into poverty as it cuts the real value of their funds by 60 per cent, worrying new figures reveal. A typical pensioner on a fixed income will lose nearly £10,000 a year in spending power during the average 20-year retirement. At least nine in 10 people with a private pension opt for a fixed-rate income in retirement - which means around 15 million people are facing a savings crisis. Older people approaching retirement need to see their pension funds more than double over the 20 years after they finish work if they are to beat inflation, pensions giant Prudential has warned. Analysts said pensioners are the victims of what is known as the "Silver" rate of inflation, because they spend a higher proportion of their income than the rest of the population on price- busting food and fuel. Prudential's figures show that the average person retiring this year expects an annual income of £16,600. If that income remains fixed, it will be worth a mere £6,700 in 20 years - effectively a £10,000 pay cut. Assuming that inflation remains at its current level of 4.4 per cent, pensioners will need an annual income of just over £40,000 if they expect to maintain their standard of living for 20 years. ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR RETIREMENT?    Ros Altmann, former government pensions adviser and director- general of the over-50s group Saga, said: "Older people are suffering higher levels of inflation than the country as a whole. "Since 2007, pensioner inflation has been nearly 20 per cent. Pensioners' annuity income has lost around a fifth of its buying power in just four years.   "Saga has been begging the Bank of England to take the plight of pensioners and savers into account. But our pleas have been ignored, as policy focuses on protecting borrowers and banks instead.  "The result is that millions of pensioners are becoming poorer and poorer each month as prices soar.  "Those not yet retired can keep working perhaps to try to protect themselves but those already retired on fixed annuities are in trouble." When workers retire they use their retirement pots to buy an annunity, which guarantees a regular income.  But pension experts say 90 per cent of annuities sold are "level" schemes because the types which rise with inflation are too expensive. Tim Gosden, head of product development for Legal & General's annuity business, said: "The average UK pension pot is only around £32,000 which secures an annual income of £1,950 for a 65-year-old man based on current rates if the payments are not increasing. "However, if they were to opt for a pension that increases by three per cent a year, then the starting income drops to £1,410, a 28 per cent fall. "If full index linking is required the starting income drops to £1,173, a 40 per cent decrease. When faced with these figures, it comes as no surprise that many choose to have their cake now."   Research by Age UK recently found that Silver - or pensioner - inflation has averaged 4.6 per cent a year since January 2008 - while the average annual inflation recorded by the Retail Prices Index (RPI) over the same period is 3.1 per cent. Vince Smith Hughes, head of business development at Prudential, said: "Pensioners on a fixed income are particularly vulnerable when it comes to rising living costs. Our figures demonstrate the extent to which Silver RPI impacts on the spending power of those in retirement." Joanne Segars, chief executive of the National Association of Pension Funds, said: "While getting an inflation-proofed annuity will be more expensive than a 'no frills' approach, it's a decision that demands serious consideration.   "The UK simply isn't saving enough for its old age. Fourteen million people are set to retire on an income which they find inadequate." /blog/positive-plus/2011/september/pension-values-to-fall-by.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/september/pension-values-to-fall-by.aspx Sat, 03 September 2011 15:22:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/the-pru-report-shock-pensions-cash-shortfall.aspx   UK pensioners are living on an average of £6200 a year less than the £22,000 they say they need to live  comfortably, with two in five (38%) finding living on their re UK pensioners are living on an average of £6200 a year less than the £22,000 they say they need to live  comfortably, with two in five (38%) finding living on their retirement income harder than they originally expected. New research for Prudential exploring attitudes to retirement reveals that pensioners would ideally like an income of £22,000 a year in order to live comfortably. But in reality, the average income they receive is just £15,800. Those pensioners who find it more difficult to make ends meet use a range of ways to boost their disposable income. Some 17% of pensioners continue to work part-time, 12% have downsized their property, 6% released equity from their homes, and 5% sell other assets to raise funds. Despite all of this, most retired Britons maintain a positive outlook - 70% say they enjoy retirement and one in four (25%) say they are keen to spend their money while they still can. Almost half (48%) have already spent some of their pension pot on home and garden improvements and a third (33%) have spent it on regular holidays and travel. In addition, 13% have already given a substantial amount of their retirement income to their families. Vince Smith-Hughes, Head of Business Development at Prudential, said: "While some pensioners can draw on a range of assets and savings to boost their income and help them enjoy life in retirement, others simply get by on less than they would like. "Recent returns on property and equity investments have been uncertain and we therefore strongly encourage people who are currently saving for retirement to seek financial advice to ensure they have an appropriate range of savings in place. "As people are living longer and need to fund more years in retirement, it is increasingly important to seek advice from professionals and put by as much as possible, as early as possible." /blog/positive-plus/2011/the-pru-report-shock-pensions-cash-shortfall.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/the-pru-report-shock-pensions-cash-shortfall.aspx Thu, 30 June 2011 15:46:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/report-shows-£90m-gap-in-rok-employees’-pension-fund.aspx Thousands of workers are facing a shortfall in their pensions following the rapid collapse of building group Rok. A new report from Rok's administrators reveals the company has a £90m deficit in its defined benefit pension schemes. Rok shocked the City last November when it collapsed with 3,800 employees and debts of roughly £360m. The company, which carried out building repairs for insurers and councils, blamed public spending cuts for its sudden slide from being a £450m stock market darling into administration. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was called in as the administrator just six weeks after Rok said it was confident of meeting market expectations for the year. During a tumultuous summer, half of Rok's share price was wiped out when chief executive Garvis Snook suspended his finance director for "serious failings" in the accounting of the plumbing division. But in an embarrassing U-turn, Rok cleared the director of wrongdoing and admitted the problems were operational. Only 380 of the Rok jobs were saved in a deal with Balfour Beatty and the workforce now faces the added blow of a pensions shortfall. As a creditor, the pension schemes "rank behind the claim of the bank and on that basis would not receive any distribution", according to the administrators. Consequently, scheme members may end up in the Pension Protection Fund, under which the best they would get is 90pc of their entitlement. PwC has already warned the secured creditors - Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC and Clydesdale - that they face a "significant shortfall" from their £73m of debts. The unsecured trade creditors are unlikely to receive any payout. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Rok pensioners because The Pensions Regulator could issue a financial support direction which would make paying the pension shortfall an expense of the administration and give it priority over all other creditors, including the banks. FSDs are currently the subject of a legal dispute between the regulator and the administrators to Lehman Brothers and Nortel. An appeal by the administrators is expected to be ruled upon in October and a defeat for the regulator could downgrade the standing of pension deficits in administrations. However, even if an FSD is successfully issued, Rok's administrators are unlikely to have the funds to fill much of the deficit. PwC says the company's "principal" asset is a legal claim against Harrison, a Yorkshire construction company from whom Rok bought contracts for £4.8m in 2007. /blog/positive-plus/2011/report-shows-£90m-gap-in-rok-employees’-pension-fund.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/report-shows-£90m-gap-in-rok-employees’-pension-fund.aspx Thu, 30 June 2011 11:43:00 /blog/positive-plus/2011/“doesn’t-get-much-better-than-this!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.aspx Reviewed 26 June 2011 - NEW Firstly let me say that I am not an investor (unfortunately,) and although I work within the travel industry I am not involved in sales. 22 of us have just the most amazing 2 weeks at Buccament Bay, ok its not finished but whats there is simply stunning. The villas & service are quite simply exceptional and the food very good. We were all there for a big family birthday and they could not have done more to make things very special. Jannine their events manager & Matt Baker, arranged a private cocktail party in the piazza, followed by dinner at the Bay restaurant which was spectacular. ALL their staff are superb and I have to mention Desrick, Calvert, Alma, Michelle, Joyce our maid, David our PA, Bruno on the Catamaran & the legend that is Murphy!! The best singing & dancing chef you'll ever see, and if anyone from Harlequin happens to read this, get Murphy out of the kitchen & back infront of the guests, we didn't see enough of him!! However, all this started with a guy called Vinnie Stenning at Harlequin's office in the UK, who gave us so much help & advice when booking for such a large party, thanks Vinnie, you're a star!! Unfortunately I can't remember all their names but be assured ALL staff are fantastic. They have just started a new programme of evening entertainment which again the quality was first class, particulary "Fire & Ice." All in all I can recommend this resort very highly & can't wait to go back. If you've already booked sit back & enjoy, you cant go wrong! /blog/positive-plus/2011/“doesn’t-get-much-better-than-this!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/“doesn’t-get-much-better-than-this!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.aspx Wed, 29 June 2011 11:42:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/st-vincent-and-grenadines-holidays-says-best@travel.aspx About St Vincent and Grenadines These islands are located a little to the north of the better known and larger Trinidad and Tobago. However, these smaller and more personal islands offer a completely different holiday experience, which makes them extremely popular with the more discerning traveller. In years gone by the only income for the local residents of these small islands was agriculture, mainly banana groves and other fruit plantations, but tourism has been on the increase for the last few decades and is now one of the leading sources of income for the country. Hence, you can find an eclectic variety of hotels and small guest houses dotted around the islands. As with most of the Caribbean islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines have an extremely relaxed and laid back feel to them, and it is this that attracts so many tourists each year. Much of the accommodation here has rather a colonial style to it due to the large European influence that has been left over the years. As people looking for a St Vincent and the Grenadines holiday vary quite substantially in taste and of course budget, there is a demand for accommodation of varying styles and cost. Fortunately, this is well catered for and you should have absolutely no problem finding a property to suit both your desires and your budget.   Obviously, most people who are visiting the Caribbean are looking to relax and get away from it all. However, if you are looking for a little fun and adventure there are some St Vincent and the Grenadines tours that you can enjoy. The entire Caribbean is fantastic for scuba diving and snorkelling and these islands are no exception. There are numerous boating trips and over night trips that you can take that will guide you to the prime diving locations. The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary may not be the most adventurous day out but it is certainly exciting in its own way. The sanctuary was set up by a local fisherman and seeing the turtles up close and personal is a truly delightful experience. As St Vincent and the Grenadines is not a huge location, but a rather popular one, it is very important that you make your flight and hotel reservations as early as you possibly can. Most of the Caribbean endures the same climate: there is a high season and a low season. The best time to travel to St Vincent and the Grenadines is between December and May; this is when you will see the least rain and the most hours of sunshine, perfect for whatever activities you may decide to do during your stay, be they above or below water! It is best to try and avoid late August to October if you can as this is the time when hurricanes and heavy rain can hit the islands. If you time your trip well and travel between high and low season towards the end of May and early July you can often find some special offers on flights and hotels. As there are not so many visitors coming during these dates you will often find the hotels are extremely quiet and therefore your vacation will be all the more relaxing. http://www.bestattravel.co.uk/Buccament-Bay-Resort.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/st-vincent-and-grenadines-holidays-says-best@travel.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/st-vincent-and-grenadines-holidays-says-best@travel.aspx Wed, 15 June 2011 11:39:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/february/over-one-hundred-schools-in-st-vincent-to-receive-internet-connectivity.aspx KINGSTOWN, St Vincent - Officials from St Vincent and the Grenadines' National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC), the Telecommunications Department, Ministry of Education and regional telecoms provider LIME (formerly Cable and Wireless) signed the Universal Service Fund (USF) Contract Document on Tuesday. NTRC Chairman, Sehon Marshall, said that he was proud to be a part of the document signing which signaled the provision of Internet access to educational institutions. According to Marshall, Internet access in these institutions is in context with the "one laptop per child" initiative. He also said that the Internet is a tool that must be recognized for its importance in the world. The installation and maintenance of hardware software and internet connectivity at 107 educational institutions throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines is the culmination of two years of planning by the NTRC, stated USF administrator, Kyron Duncan. He said that two bids were received from local Internet serve providers and that LIME was awarded a five-year contract to provide the 107 educational institutions with internet connectivity at a cost of $5,230,623. Duncan also said that LIME is responsible for the maintenance of the network. LIME country manager, Angus Steele, said that this will contribute to make the nation an information communications technologies (ICTs) centre of excellence. Steele also said that LIME supports the "one laptop per child" initiative and that it will create highly skilled and employable young adults, locally and regionally. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Nicole Bonadie-Baker, said that training will continue for teachers for them to become familiar with using the technology. She said that by June 10 all netbooks will be delivered to pupils of grades 2-5 in all schools. Bonadie-Baker acknowledged that with the use of the Internet there is the need to protect the children from accessing undesirable material; therefore a content management committee will be established. Director of Telecommunications, Science and Technology, Dr Jerrol Thompson, reiterated the concern of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education pertaining to filtering violent and pornographic content. He said that LIME will need to filter such content. Thompson also said when parents are trained to use technology they will have better oversight in managing their children's usage of the netbooks. source link: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/svg.php?news_id=6602&start=0&category_id=15 /blog/positive-plus/2011/february/over-one-hundred-schools-in-st-vincent-to-receive-internet-connectivity.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/february/over-one-hundred-schools-in-st-vincent-to-receive-internet-connectivity.aspx Tue, 14 June 2011 09:00:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2010/dream-vacationalready-looking-to-travel-back!.aspx If you were to look up the perfect Caribbean Getaway in the dictionary, the location can not be beat. Amazing views of the mountains and surrounding rain forest with the beautiful white sand beaches is unmatched in the Caribbean. Don't stay at this hotel first if you are staying at another hotel during your stay. You will be disappointed no matter how great the other place is. My wife and I stayed here in May and the weather was perfect. The staff is beyond exceptional; from the reservations staff who did advise me that the hotel still had some minor construction going on (but is really un-noticeable) and which services would be open during my stay (resort is currently working on phase 2 of 3 phases of opening) to the courteous wait staff, like Jade who never let my glass go dry during dinner. The food is not your typical Caribbean all-inclusive fare, I had a steak at bamboo that was at least an inch thick. None of the mystery meats/meal here. In case I didn't make myself clear, let me say again, the staff are the kindest people you will find. It was my birthday and they made me feel like the most special person on earth. I don't want to tell you what they did because it may spoil it for someone. Enjoy the beaches.; they actually turned the black sand beach into a beautiful white sand beach (even the ocean floor). There is good snorkeling at the beach. The massages are wonderful and I suggest you give the Performing Art Academy and the Liverpool Football Academy a try for something a little different. Room Tip: 1BR Beachfront Villa, steps from paradise Stayed May 2011, travelled as a couple /blog/positive-plus/2010/dream-vacationalready-looking-to-travel-back!.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2010/dream-vacationalready-looking-to-travel-back!.aspx Sun, 12 June 2011 12:49:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2011/january/luxury-caribbean-investment-property-developers-branch-out.aspx Harlequin Hotels & Resorts are branching out with a new project, Quin Hotels, which is a new hotel concept which will comprise of a range of five star, chic boutique hotels in some of the world's most breathtaking locations. This is a step away from Harlequin's traditional raison d'être which focused on the development of luxurious Caribbean investment property The aim of Quin Hotels is not to build new hotels from scratch but to purchase distressed hotels which have become run down due to lack of investment, and completely overhaul their existing state transforming them into luxurious five star accommodation. The renovation project will involve new plumbing, electricity, air conditioning, furniture and complete redecoration. The new hotels will be managed by the Harlequin Hotels & Resorts hotel management team who will ensure the same excellence in service delivered at the Buccament Bay Resort. Harlequin are quick to reassure those individuals who have already purchased a Caribbean investment property that this new project will not in no way delay the completion of the developments already underway. As with the Caribbean investment property Harlequin is currently developing, turnaround time is key. The team aim to have completed the renovation within nine months of buying a hotel, delivering to purchasers a rental income at the earliest opportunity, paving the way for a hasty return on investment, although the capital appreciation will be less than on a current Caribbean investment property which has been built off plan. The first two Quin Hotels will be located on the stunning island of Barbados, occupying beautiful seafront locations. Barbados is set to become a hub for Harlequin with The Merricks Beach Resort, due to be home to 5 star Caribbean investment property, still under development.     /blog/positive-plus/2011/january/luxury-caribbean-investment-property-developers-branch-out.aspx /blog/positive-plus/2011/january/luxury-caribbean-investment-property-developers-branch-out.aspx Sun, 12 June 2011 00:00:00 Chris Jones /blog/positive-plus/2010/luxurypensionscom-meets-sir-bob….aspx This was probably one of the most inspiring talks that I have ever listened too and better still I got to meet the man himself… What an inspiring guy.....powerful to say the least.. /blog/positive-plus/2010/luxurypensionscom-meets-sir-bob….aspx /blog/positive-plus/2010/luxurypensionscom-meets-sir-bob….aspx Tue, 27 July 2010 12:48:00