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Impact of Brexit on policyholders buying Insurance

There is going to be some impact on the insurance market as a result of Brexit that will lead to increased costs for insurers and which, in turn, are likely to be passed on to the policyholder through their insurance and premiums.  The longer term consequences of an exit from the EU for the insurance world may include:There is going to be some impact on the insurance market as a result of Brexit that will lead to increased costs for insurers and which, in turn, are likely to be passed on to the policyholder through their insurance and premiums.  The longer term consequences of an exit from the EU for the insurance world may include:

 

  • future legal and regulatory changes affecting the risks underwritten and/or the conduct of insurance business; and
  • decisions about whether existing business and corporate structures need to be adapted in order to maintain access to relevant markets.

If the right to passport into EU countries is withdrawn, UK insurers may need to consider restructuring their business to facilitate access to EU markets, although the insurance sector as a whole is probably less reliant on EU pass-porting than other financial services. It remains to be seen to what extent this will impact policyholders other than in the form of increased premium.

Claims settlement could ultimately be impacted, although recent legislative changes mean that insurers of English law policies may soon be under an obligation to settle claims within a reasonable time, failing which damages may be payable for any losses suffered as a result.

UK insurers will have to abide by their existing obligations under English law, including those derived from EU legislation, until such time as any changes are made. The position is the same for policyholders with insurance policies governed by English law.

Please contact Jack to discuss any concerns on 966 493 082 or email info@goldenleavesinternational.com

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Investment decisions during market volatility

With many Expats concerned about the effects that “BREXIT” may bring it could be seen as a difficult time to be making long term investment decisions.

I have seen many articles written about how “BREXIT will affect you!” but with the UK Government only having just started negotiating the terms on which the UK wish to leave it. Undoubtedly, means that the average man in the street  at this stage just doesn’t know. However, this doesn’t mean that we have to put off making investment decisions for the next 2 years, in fact from an Investment perspective it may well prove to have been a good period to have held a diversified portfolio benefiting from market volatility as the twists and turns of the negotiations affect the value of the funds.

This is where choosing a qualified highly regulated Financial Advisor who works a long side an equally experienced and highly regulated Discretionary Fund Manager can ensure that your portfolio continues to perform even under the most uncertain of times. Discretionary managers have the ability to move money between different funds, using a wide range of managers, asset classes and currencies all within your predetermined risk profile.

Portfolios can be designed for either Capital Growth or Income and can be held in either Sterling, Euros or US Dollars. They can also be held in tax efficient products from either a UK or Spanish tax prospective and can reduce the amount of time and hassle of reporting on the annual Modelo 720 return here in Spain. With 24/7 online access the portfolios offer complete transparency.

This article was written on behalf of Golden Leaves

For further information on how a Discretionary Portfolio can help you improve your returns on either funds that are held in cash or existing investments that just do not appear to be performing, please call Emma on 966 493 082 for expert advice and a free consultation.

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Brexit negotiations continue into Round Three

The speed of negotiating by the UK Government seems to be frustrating the EU negotiating team. David Davis has asked for “flexibility and imagination”, but the EU are standing firm on clarity on three points: the rights of citizens, the divorce bill and the border with Ireland.The European Union President, Mr Juncker, has said there is no chance of trade talks beginning until financial settlement has been agreed. Theresa May has said “The talks this week are technical, before we move on to more substantive talks in September”. At the moment the two sides are struggling to find anything to agree on.

All of this posturing has created a lot of uncertainty for the British Pound and pushed it to eight year lows against the Euro. There seem to be a lot of negatives built into the current GBPEUR exchange rate, and it would appear that it would take a lot of UK bad news to push the exchange rate substantially lower. Morgan Stanley has mentioned parity of the currency pair for early 2018, and this is looking at inflows into the Euro, more than a concerted selling of GBPEUR. Most analysts seem to think that most bad news has been built into the current low valuation.

So is this hidden good news for Sterling? Certainly a bit of temporary relief looks on the cards, and if some better than expected data comes from the UK, GBPEUR could go back to levels seen before the summer. The problem is, with Brexit and all the unknowns associated with the process and the ultimate settlement Sterling will always be susceptible to bouts of selling.The speed of negotiating by the UK Government seems to be frustrating the EU negotiating team. David Davis has asked for “flexibility and imagination”, but the EU are standing firm on clarity on three points: the rights of citizens, the divorce bill and the border with Ireland.The European Union President, Mr Juncker, has said there is no chance of trade talks beginning until financial settlement has been agreed. Theresa May has said “The talks this week are technical, before we move on to more substantive talks in September”. At the moment the two sides are struggling to find anything to agree on.

All of this posturing has created a lot of uncertainty for the British Pound and pushed it to eight year lows against the Euro. There seem to be a lot of negatives built into the current GBPEUR exchange rate, and it would appear that it would take a lot of UK bad news to push the exchange rate substantially lower. Morgan Stanley has mentioned parity of the currency pair for early 2018, and this is looking at inflows into the Euro, more than a concerted selling of GBPEUR. Most analysts seem to think that most bad news has been built into the current low valuation.

So is this hidden good news for Sterling? Certainly a bit of temporary relief looks on the cards, and if some better than expected data comes from the UK, GBPEUR could go back to levels seen before the summer. The problem is, with Brexit and all the unknowns associated with the process and the ultimate settlement Sterling will always be susceptible to bouts of selling.

 

This article was written on behalf of Golden Leaves

 

Please contact Haylee for currency advice on 966 493 082 or email info@goldenleavesinternational.com

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Work due to start on Estepona hospital

Work is due to start on a €17 million state-of-the-art hospital in Estepona following a 10 year campaign by residents who are forced to make a 30 kilometre trek to Marbella to go to the nearest hospital.

Work is due to start on a €17 million state-of-the-art hospital in Estepona following a 10 year campaign by residents who are forced to make a 30 kilometre trek to Marbella to go to the nearest hospital.

A hospital for the 70,000 residents and thousands of tourists who head to Estepona each year was first brought up in 2008 but was put on the back burner three years later. Now Estepona mayor José María García Urbano says the council will work to get the hospital built as quickly as possible which means it could open its doors within 22 months. Once up and running, the new hospital is expected to cope with 85,000 consultations, 4,000 operations or other treatments, and 91,000 emergencies a year. If you would like information about private health care and a competitive quote, please contact Golden Leaves.A hospital for the 70,000 residents and thousands of tourists who head to Estepona each year was first brought up in 2008 but was put on the back burner three years later. Now Estepona mayor José María García Urbano says the council will work to get the hospital built as quickly as possible which means it could open its doors within 22 months. Once up and running, the new hospital is expected to cope with 85,000 consultations, 4,000 operations or other treatments, and 91,000 emergencies a year. If you would like information about private health care and a competitive quote, please contact Golden Leaves.

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If you would like more detailed information about all of your options, use the contact form on this page. Alternatively, phone us on the following numbers:

Call us FREE on 0800 85 44 48 (UK) 8000 98 309 (SPAIN) or +44 208 684 34 64 if calling from anywhere else outside the UK

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The Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion (RBL) is a British charity which was founded in 1921; originally it was set up to assist those who had fought for their country during the First World War.

Since that time there have been many major conflicts where British troops have been, and still are, being called upon to protect those in dangerous troubled areas. The RBL supports all service men, women and their families, past and present.

The Mojacar Branch of The RBL in Spain was founded in January 1998 and is one of the oldest branches in Spain. The branch meets twice a month, and holds many events during the year to help raise money for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. At the moment we are making plans to celebrate our 20th Anniversary next year. All money raised by The RBL in Spain Poppy Appeal is used for those Beneficiaries resident in Spain. Their aim is to provide Welfare to those who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces in times of need. They also support many other charities who give aid and assistance to ex service personnel and their families.

You do not have to be a member of The RBL to qualify for Assistance, but you must have received at least 7 days’ pay as a Regular, Reserve or Auxiliary member of the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force and be aged 16 or over. This includes families of the beneficiary. If you need any help please contact Pam Twissel Cross on assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com

This has been written on behalf of Golden Leaves International.

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If you would like more detailed information about all of your options, use the contact form on this page. Alternatively, phone us on the following numbers:

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Keep healthy by knocking back the olive oil

Although a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down according to Mary Poppins, four tablespoons of virgin olive oil help to boost a healthy heart.

According to a study carried out in Spain, the Mediterranean diet increases the function of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or ‘good’ cholesterol needed for a healthy heart. Adding four tablespoons of virgin olive oil to the diet boosts the improvements even further.

It works because HDL absorbs cholesterol, transporting it to the liver where it is removed from the body. As reported by senior study author Montserrat Fitó, small-scale trials show that eating foods rich in antioxidants such as olive oil, tomatoes and berries improve HDL function. “Following a Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil could protect our cardiovascular health in several ways, including making our ‘good cholesterol’ work in a more complete way,” concluded Fito. This study was carried out on 296 people with an average age of 66 at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Blood tests show those eating a Med diet with extra olive oil had the best results. So, while the benefits of eating the Mediterranean way are well-known, it could pay to add an extra glug of olive oil.

To follow the Med diet, you will need to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes and seeds; limit red meat to a few times a month; eat fish and poultry twice a week at least; and replace butter with olive oil. You can even enjoy a glass or two of red wine with your meal if you wish!Although a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down according to Mary Poppins, four tablespoons of virgin olive oil help to boost a healthy heart. According to a study carried out in Spain, the Mediterranean diet increases the function of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or ‘good’ cholesterol needed for a healthy heart. Adding four tablespoons of virgin olive oil to the diet boosts the improvements even further. It works because HDL absorbs cholesterol, transporting it to the liver where it is removed from the body. As reported by senior study author Montserrat Fitó, small-scale trials show that eating foods rich in antioxidants such as olive oil, tomatoes and berries improve HDL function. “Following a Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil could protect our cardiovascular health in several ways, including making our ‘good cholesterol’ work in a more complete way,” concluded Fito.

This study was carried out on 296 people with an average age of 66 at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Blood tests show those eating a Med diet with extra olive oil had the best results. So, while the benefits of eating the Mediterranean way are well-known, it could pay to add an extra glug of olive oil. To follow the Med diet, you will need to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes and seeds; limit red meat to a few times a month; eat fish and poultry twice a week at least; and replace butter with olive oil. You can even enjoy a glass or two of red wine with your meal if you wish!

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Top cycling race returns to Alicante

The beautiful coastline and mountains of the Alicante region will be providing a stunning backdrop for one of the most prestigious cycle races in the world, La Vuelta de España.

Millions of television viewers along with thousands of spectators are expected to watch the race start on August 19 from the French city of Nimes. As usual the finale will be in Madrid but will also take in Andorra and Tarragona as well as the provinces of Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León, Cantabria and Asturias. It’s a chance to see the top teams including Team Sky, Astana, BMC and Movistar involving cyclists like Alberto Contador and Chris Froome who have competed in the past. Alicante will star in the ninth stage on Sunday August 27 with a mainly flat ride followed by an uphill finale. It is expected the departure will be a fast one and a breakaway is on the cards. Starting in Orihuela, the route takes in Torrevieja, Guardamar del Segura, El Altet, Alicante, San Juan del Alicante, El Campello, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Benitachell and Javea before the climb to the finish at the Cumbre del Sol.

Whilst the spectacular Spanish scenery is a talking point for many spectators, La Vuelta always excites cycling fans who have experienced amazing Vuelta finales over the years. The duel between Froome and Contador in 2014 and the clash of the titans between Froome and Quintana in 2016 are just two of the many historic moments to savour.

 

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Spain exports hit record high

As the economic crisis gripped Spain, enterprising business people looked overseas as the answer to keep on trading. Their forward-thinking has paid off as Spanish exports hit a record high of € 255 billion in 2016, according to Economy Ministry figures.

This record-breaking boost for 2016 to the economy marks the seventh year of expansion and has narrowed Spain’s trade deficit to its lowest for three years. Fellow EU countries are the main allies accounting for 66.4% of exports while sales to Latin America and the Middle East went down. Those countries from outside Europe importing more Spanish goods are Canada, China, Hong Kong and Morocco.

In all, the main exports are capital goods such as machinery and tools, and the automotive industry as well as food, drink and tobacco. These automotive exports and home trade have made Spain the second largest vehicle manufacturer in the EU and the eighth in the world.

As the economic crisis gripped Spain, enterprising business people looked overseas as the answer to keep on trading. Their forward-thinking has paid off as Spanish exports hit a record high of € 255 billion in 2016, according to Economy Ministry figures.

This record-breaking boost for 2016 to the economy marks the seventh year of expansion and has narrowed Spain’s trade deficit to its lowest for three years. Fellow EU countries are the main allies accounting for 66.4% of exports while sales to Latin America and the Middle East went down. Those countries from outside Europe importing more Spanish goods are Canada, China, Hong Kong and Morocco.

In all, the main exports are capital goods such as machinery and tools, and the automotive industry as well as food, drink and tobacco. These automotive exports and home trade have made Spain the second largest vehicle manufacturer in the EU and the eighth in the world.

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Almeria to be tops for shops

The largest shopping centre in Andalucia is set to open in Almeria this autumn.

The Torrecardenas Shopping and Entertainment Centre will have cinemas, 150 shops, the first food court in Andalusia and a children’s multi-adventure area.

Top shops including Primark, Leroy Merlin, Media Markt, Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka and Stradivarius have already signed up for space in the complex, just five minutes from Almeria city centre via the Avenida del Mediterraneo. Surprisingly, Almeria has the top-spending consumers but the fewest shopping areas with 275 square metres of commercial space for every 1,000 residents compared to an average of 698 in Spain. Now that is being rectified by the Torrecardenas complex.

When you get the chance to walk through the commercial centre, you will see it pays homage to Almeria’s rich film-making history complete with a floor simulating a red carpet along with the interplay of lights creating a theatrical feel. The name Torrecardenas itself has a star above the first A as a metaphor for the stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and also a sheriff’s badge indicating that the region has provided a natural setting for many Western movies. Also this €125-million shopping centre planned by Seville-based Bogaris Retail brings together large specialist retailers, who will attract the bulk of consumers, as well as smaller fashion and leisure brands. Unlike many other covered shopping centres it will have fashion and leisure at the forefront instead of being based around a hypermarket.
Please get in touch if you would like further information and a competitive quote for home contents’ insurance.

The largest shopping centre in Andalucia is set to open in Almeria this autumn.

The Torrecardenas Shopping and Entertainment Centre will have cinemas, 150 shops, the first food court in Andalusia and a children’s multi-adventure area.

Top shops including Primark, Leroy Merlin, Media Markt, Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka and Stradivarius have already signed up for space in the complex, just five minutes from Almeria city centre via the Avenida del Mediterraneo. Surprisingly, Almeria has the top-spending consumers but the fewest shopping areas with 275 square metres of commercial space for every 1,000 residents compared to an average of 698 in Spain. Now that is being rectified by the Torrecardenas complex.

When you get the chance to walk through the commercial centre, you will see it pays homage to Almeria’s rich film-making history complete with a floor simulating a red carpet along with the interplay of lights creating a theatrical feel. The name Torrecardenas itself has a star above the first A as a metaphor for the stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and also a sheriff’s badge indicating that the region has provided a natural setting for many Western movies. Also this €125-million shopping centre planned by Seville-based Bogaris Retail brings together large specialist retailers, who will attract the bulk of consumers, as well as smaller fashion and leisure brands. Unlike many other covered shopping centres it will have fashion and leisure at the forefront instead of being based around a hypermarket.

Please get in touch if you would like further information and a competitive quote for home contents’ insurance.

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Any more Questions?
We’re here to help

If you would like more detailed information about all of your options, use the contact form on this page. Alternatively, phone us on the following numbers:

Call us FREE on 0800 85 44 48 (UK) 8000 98 309 (SPAIN) or +44 208 684 34 64 if calling from anywhere else outside the UK

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Promoting health tourism on the Costa Blanca

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante Sur hotel association have joined forces to promote health tourism in the region. The private health centre will offer discounts on its services to clients of Alicante Sur.

They will be swapping information and promotional material so clients and patients of both organisations will receive news about each other’s services as well as Alicante Sur clients receiving a 10% discount at the private hospital and other special health packages. Similarly Quirónsalud’s patients will be offered discount prices and promotions from the 20 hotels, holiday apartments and campsites which are members of Alicante Sur.

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, widely regarded as a first-class private health clinic, also owns the Quirónsalud Medical Centre Santa Pola and Medical Centre Quirónsalud Orihuela in the South Costa Blanca region. These hospitals work with the main national and international insurance companies so you may want to check if you can attend them.

Please get in touch if you would like further information and a competitive quote for private health insurance.

You can call in to the Javea or Almeria office, phone 966 493 082 (Javea landline) or +44 20 8684 3464 (UK). For Almeria, you can phone the landline 950 049 431.

You can also contact us via our website goldenleavesinternational.com where you can read more about all our services or email info@goldenleavesinternational.com.

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante Sur hotel association have joined forces to promote health tourism in the region. The private health centre will offer discounts on its services to clients of Alicante Sur.

They will be swapping information and promotional material so clients and patients of both organisations will receive news about each other’s services as well as Alicante Sur clients receiving a 10% discount at the private hospital and other special health packages. Similarly Quirónsalud’s patients will be offered discount prices and promotions from the 20 hotels, holiday apartments and campsites which are members of Alicante Sur.

 

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Any more Questions?
We’re here to help

Please get in touch if you would like further information and a competitive quote for private health insurance.

You can call in to the Javea or Almeria office, phone 966 493 082 (Javea landline) or +44 20 8684 3464 (UK). For Almeria, you can phone the landline 950 049 431.

You can also contact us via email info@goldenleavesinternational.com or click on the following link where you can read more about private health insurance.

Call us FREE on 0800 85 44 48 (UK) 8000 98 309 (SPAIN) or +44 208 684 34 64 if calling from anywhere else outside the UK

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Local Masons donate to local Spanish school

At their Christmas celebration, at El Cid restaurant, local Freemasons Lodge, Javea No 40, raised 430€ in memory of their recently deceased colleague Worshipful Brother Keith Hart from Benigembla, near Jalon.

On 8th February, the current Worshipful Master of the Javea 40 Lodge, W Bro Matthew James, accompanied by his Charity Steward Bro Malcolm March, presented a cheque for this sum to the Headmistress of Benigembla’s local school, Remei Climent Monzo. Keith’s widow, Jenny Hart, and local Mayor, Rogelio Taverner Sendra, were also present.

Benigembla is a small town with less than 500 inhabitants and the school, which caters for children aged between six and eleven, has only eleven pupils. The Headmistress and pupils were very appreciative of the donation which will be used to purchase much needed books and material for the school library. W. Bro Matthew James and Jenny Hart said that the presentation had been a fitting tribute to Keith’s memory.

Mayor Taverner and Headmistress Remei Climent said that Keith and Jenny were both well respected members of the local community in Benigembla and that they had done a lot to help the school over the years. They added that Keith Hart was sorely missed by all.

This has been written on behalf of Golden Leaves International

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Contact Us on:
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Golden Leaves Limited, trading as Golden Leaves International, is a funeral plan provider and credit broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  Firm Reference Number 960923.  You can check this on the Financial Services Register. Golden Leaves SL provides wealth management, legal services and insurance services acting as an insurance distributor for service providers.  Registered with the Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DGSFP), reference number C0448B98627813.  You can check this on the DGSFP Register at http://rrpp.dgsfp.mineco.es/Mediador.

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