INTO A SUMMER OF SPORT LEAP
Leap into a summer full of sport at Touchwood. From the electrifying excitement of the Euros and Wimbledon to the thrilling grand stage of the Olympic Games, pull up a deck chair and join us for fun-filled days at the beach soaking up all the sporting moments on our big screen. REDISCOVER TOUCHWOOD
CONNECT WITH US TOUCHWOODSOLIHULL.CO.UK
Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of InSolihull.
How we’ve missed the sunshine! It’s good to have it back along with the array of summer shimmering shopping ideas to energise the season.
In this edition, we explore the fabulous ‘homestyle’ offer from the home zone quarter in Mell Square. Mill Lane houses new arrivals sofa experts Arlo & Jacob alongside the iconic Loaf, Tom Howley designer kitchens, exquisite home accessories and furniture from beautiful Liv’s and of course the paint specialists Farrow & Ball.
The award-winning Touchwood shopping centre remains full to capacity and one of its new tenants is causing a stir, Oliver Bonas has arrived! I adore the range from this brand combining clothing and homestyle all in one spot. Our independent fashion specialists featured on pages four and five have also made their designer stamp on this season’s must wears.
The all-new Solihull Music Festival and Family Festival programmes mean you can plan your weekend out mixing shopping, dining, and festival vibes all together in one perfect place. Welcome to Solihull!
If you would like to know more about events and have the magazine emailed out to you, subscribe now by visiting www.solihullbid.co.uk
For more information on shopping, entertainment and what’s on in Solihull visit: www.solihullbid.co.uk or call: 0121 285 1370
Melanie Palmer Chief Executive melanie@solihullbid.co.uk
Editor in Chief
Steven Coney steven@solihullbid.co.uk
Design
Red Banana Design sales@redbananadesign.co.uk
Newshound
Misty
Independent FASHION
Drury Lane in Mell Square is the home of independent womenswear in Solihull town centre.
Pop into our fabulous quartet but be sure to put a day aside, you’ll be here for a while!
LE SCARPE
20 Drury Lane - 0121 704 2218 www.lescarpe.co.uk
LESLEY ASHWORTH
23 Drury Lane - 0121 705 6925 www.lesleyashworth.co.uk
KATHERINE DRAISEY
10-12 Drury Lane - 0121 704 2233 www.katherinedraisey.com
SOPHIE BEA
14 Drury Lane - 07939 096598 www.sophiebea.co.uk
Katherine Draisey and Sophie Bea all provide that special bespoke shopping experience that only true JBees JB24/25
Reiss Kids’ Ania Floral Print Dress
OLIVER BONAS
Ula Ceramic Jug
One of the most commonly requested additions to Solihull town centre, the brilliant Oliver Bonas are here!
Oliver Bonas is an independent British lifestyle store, designing their own take on fashion and homeware.
Already a firm favourite with Silhillians, we’ve no doubt that the company’s newest store will be a huge hit! Welcome to Solihull!
Ariel Tassel Stone Statement Drop Earrings
Green Glass Storage Pot
Oliver Bonas Unit 35, Touchwood, Mill Lane
Solihull, B91 3GS
Nestled within Mell Square lies a treasure trove of homeware shops waiting to be explored. This vibrant selection of stores offer an eclectic mix of styles and tastes to suit every home decor enthusiast.
Join us on a journey through the heart of Solihull as we uncover the delights of its homeware havens!
Music Festival
Welcome to a completely new look and feel for our landmark music festival in Solihull town centre.
Being held from 20th – 23rd June, there will be music of all genres to enjoy at our free family event with the main stage in Mell Square and plenty of venues around the town centre hosting the action.
The Continental Street Market, organised by RR Events, will be in town from Thursday 20th –Sunday 23rd June with live music accompanying the delicious market delights on Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd.
Catch some fantastic artists on our Mell Square stage or enjoy more intimate performances in some of Solihull town centre’s best hospitality venues. All performances are free to enjoy! We’ll see you in June!
MELL SQUARE main stage Line-Up
Saturday 22nd June
22nd June
Saturday 22nd June Saturday 22nd June Sunday 23rd June
23rd June
23rd June
23rd June
SOLIHULL TOWN CENTRE
The vibrant and thriving hospitality scene in Solihull town centre is one of the biggest reasons why people visit our town centre.
Whether you’re planning a friend’s birthday party, going for a quick bite to eat after work or want to nip in for a drink, there are dozens of venues for you to enjoy.
Alioli
25 Jubilee Walk, Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull, B91 3HT 0121 704 4466
Discover a delicious start to your day with the Alioli breakfast menu! From hearty bites to lighter options, they’ve got something for everyone. Don’t miss out –come savour the flavours! Don’t miss out on the perfect start to your day, breakfast is available daily between 9.30am and 12pm.
And we’ve got cuisines from across the globe right here on your doorstep for you to indulge in with your nearest and dearest.
The next few pages cover some of your options, from delicious food and drink to those venues that offer a kick for spice lovers and then a focus on what to look out for at The Core Theatre and Cineworld. Enjoy!
O’Neill’s
Poplar Road
Solihull, B91 3AB 0121 711 3761
The brand-new O’Neill’s food menu is here and gives you even more choice. Whether you’re in the mood for something tasty with mates for lunch, catching up over small plates after work, or craving a weekend food fest, they’ve got you covered. Great food, good company, and a hearty serving of the craic you know and love – only at O’Neill’s Solihull.
Sabai Sabai
52-54 Station Road , Solihull, B91 3RX 0121 448 1818
Sabai Sabai’s two course bottomless lunch menu is carefully crafted to offer you a true taste of Thailand, capturing the essence of its rich culinary heritage. With their Thai Two Course Bottomless Lunch Menu, your drink is on them too! Choose from a wide range of refreshing beverages, including Mocktails, Prosecco, Mimosas and even traditional Thai-inspired
The class will last around two hours and include: welcome drinks soft drinks | asahi beer | glass of wine
selection of starters edamame | chicken gyoza | tempura prawns
the class
You will learn about the history of sushi, the delicious ingredients, knife cutting skills and how to get the best cut of salmon. You will have full instructions from a Yakinori sushi master, who will guide you every step of the way.
Book in store or scan QR code to book via designmynight.com
cucumber maki | california roll | salmon & avocado hand roll | salmon nigiri | salmon sashimi vegan options available finish sake for adults | bubble tea for ninjas
adults £35, ninjas ( under16 ) £20
Corporate or private sushi school group bookings also available.
Solihull town centre offers a culinary journey that tantalizes taste buds with its diverse range of flavours. Among its culinary treasures, the spicy food scene stands out, boasting an array of restaurants that cater to spice enthusiasts! Here are a selection of our tastiest venues and some of the delicious food they have on offer!
Jamaya
Jamaya’s Sunday Roast combines your classic Sunday roast favourites with their awardwinning Jamaican Jerk for a new twist on an old favourite.
Choose from their tender jerk chicken or beautifully grilled Jerk breadfruit, accompanied by delicious sides such as crispy roast potatoes, rice & peas, steamed veg and a fluffy Yorkshire pudding, drizzled with Jamaya’s homemade jerk gravy.
The perfect way to bring your friends and family together on Sundays!
Jamaya Solihull
45b Mill Lane Arcade, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3QW 0121 716 1944
your life in Solihull Spice Up
FIREAWAY GRILL @ TASTE COLLECTIVE
Enjoy chicken and lamb cooked over chargrill flames and slow cooked chicken and lamb shawarma at Taste Collective’s newest addition.
Served in freshly baked and toasted sesame bread with crunchy salad topped with a homemade sauce of your choice including hot chilli sauce and hot cayenne pepper sauce for a real spice kick!
Taste Collective is open Wednesday to Sunday from midday.
Taste Collective Mell Square, Solihull, B91 3AY 0121 725 8809
KIBOU
KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar brings a new take on “bottomless” to Solihull, with the introduction of its Bottomless Sushi menu. Available from 12pm to 3pm every Sunday, the new Bottomless Sushi menu features a selection of Japanese hot small plates to share.
Priced at just £34 per person, the menu can also be enjoyed with an unlimited drinks package that includes a selection of Japanese-inspired mimosa (Yuzu or Cherry & Elderflower), Kirin Ichiban lager, prosecco, or house wine for an additional £21 per person. For a non-alcoholic alternative, you can opt for KIBOU’s favourite Rhubarb & Jasmine Fizz along with house sodas for just £15 per person.
KIBOU Solihull
134 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SX 0121 387 2400
TURTLE BAY
Turtle Bay have launched their Brand New Sundowners and Small Plates!
Inspired by beach-side sunset sessions, Turtle Bay have just launched 4 new Sundowners and 2 delicious small plates...
The Sundowners are refreshing classics with an island twist, carefully crafted with premium spirits and tropical flavours. They’re designed for slow sipping alongside a few small plates!
The new small plates are Ackee Saltfish Rolls and Pepper Roti – the perfect sharers with a few Sundowners!
Turtle Bay Solihull 36-38 Station Road, Solihull, B91 3SB 0121 711 3311
Exceptional Cakes for The Best Celebrations
It’s no surprise that they are celebrating their ten-year anniversary in Solihull town centre, so we sat down with Dan to discuss his business, the last decade and his excitement for the future of The Cake Artists as well as Mell Square and Solihull town centre as a whole.
For people who may not be aware of TCA, what makes your business unique?
These days everybody seems to know someone who ‘makes cakes’, so whilst we may not be unique, there are certainly things that set us apart.
Experience - collectively we have over 100 years of practice, creating all sorts of weird and wonderful things.
Speed - whilst we generally require 5 days’ notice, we can often manage with less. Even offering a range of Quick Cakes, available in as little as a single hour. Accuracy - we know that when it comes to recreating your brand’s logo or your child’s favourite character it needs to be just so. We’ve developed and refined techniques so that we meet the high expectations of our customers day in, day out. Still, all of our cakes are created by hand and eye, giving them that finishing touch only an artist can achieve.
You’re celebrating your tenth anniversary this year – how much have you enjoyed the past decade?
When I was much younger, people were forever telling me how life goes by in the blink of an eye. I didn’t understand what they were talking about. Now, I’m the one bouncing from Saturday to Saturday, scratching my head with wonder; “where did that week go?”. More so, where did that last 10 years go? They say ‘time flies when you’re having fun’, is that it? Have I been having so much fun that time has just run away with me? Perhaps. I am blessed to have a great job; making cakes is something some do just for fun. I quite literally get paid to play with food all day. Then I’m praised for playing well with said food. Making it look beautiful, “too good to eat!”. It’s a lovely feeling knowing that I’ve been a part of somebody’s special celebration.
Whether that be a Christening, Wedding or Grandma’s 90th Birthday, our food art is photographed, remembered and fondly cherished. We’re fortunate to have so many loyal customers returning for each occasion, many of whom have been with us since our doors first opened here in 2014.
Those relationships alone are a big part of why it’s been so enjoyable. We mustn’t forget that dreaded COVID. I feel we were very lucky; we were pretty well supported by the government, and I’m personally fortunate to not know anyone that came to any related harm. For the most part, I worked alone, creating smaller cakes for a few that were having very small celebrations in their own little ‘bubbles’. I very much appreciated those customers for their support during that really rather uncertain period. It gave me a lot of time to reflect on life.
To be grateful and reflective. My little IVF miracle joined us in the spring of 2021. I’m sure that the much slower pace of 2020 helped her here. As we came through the COVID lockdowns, I realised that we must cherish that family time as much as we can. Consequently, I have changed our opening hours. Closing on Saturday afternoons and for 3 weeks throughout the year.
What was the inspiration behind starting the business?
My father started selling celebration cakes 40 years ago, when I was a mere six weeks old. At the time, there was really no one else doing the novelty-style cakes that are now so popular. Sixteen years later, I wanted some pocket money and joined him and his team for a Saturday job. I started off making little stamped out flowers, simple models of children’s booties, cartoon heads, that sort of thing. It turned out I quite enjoyed it and wasn’t too bad.
School summer holidays rolled around, and I spent weeks working with them. I learned how to fill and coat the sponge cakes, pipe royal icing, cover cakes with sugar paste, and practised more models. Then it was back to school, studying for
my AS levels in Art, Technology, Physics and Media Studies. I thought I wanted to be an architect. Turned out, 17-year-old me didn’t have quite the focus I do now, so decided education wasn’t the right fit. I joined my Dad for a hands-on practical lesson and learned everything I could. Some days I’d go out with the delivery drivers to understand the logistical side of the business.
Other days I’d learn from colleagues who had become very experienced cake decorators. My father, Jonathan and Sid being two of those colleagues. Fast forward 12 years and it’s my turn to take the helm. We opened our store on Mill Lane in 2014.
Your business is clearly a successhave you got any exciting plans for the future?
I’m really looking forward to seeing what the next few years bring. Solihull is poised to undergo some quite dramatic renovations. It’ll be interesting to see how it evolves. As for The Cake Artists, we’ve endured some tough years and have had to make changes to adapt and evolve. In doing so, things are much more streamlined.
We’ve implemented a lot of automations to make our whole operation more efficient. I’ve learned to code and have designed the website from the ground up. Our customers can browse through literally thousands of previously made cakes, many available to order right away. Or with a click of a button and the tap of their phone numbers, they can request a quote, receiving a link moments later to complete their order, adding their specific personalisation.
We’ve made collection easy too, as simple as pulling the car to the back door, ringing the bell, and having their cake popped right into their boot. We’re always thinking about how we can make things simpler, more efficient, and more enjoyable. So, while we now sort of wait for the economic tides to shift a little, we’re always edging forward.
What are some of the best things about owning a business in Solihull town centre?
It’s a pleasure arriving at work on a fresh spring morning, heading through town into Mell Square with the sun just shining through.
It’s always clean and tidy. Strolling down Mill Lane taking time to notice which new shops are springing up so soon after a recent closure. It’s always a little... disconcerting when a retailer, especially when it’s a big people puller, closes. The nice thing about Solihull though, it’s never too long before something pops up in its place.
I love that there are so many smaller, even independent businesses, like ourselves, despite it being a relatively major shopping centre. Being a larger shopping centre, I pretty much have everything I need all in one place. If I had time in the day, I could pop out to get my trousers dry cleaned on the way to buy a new shirt. Meeting a friend for lunch before catching a film in the cinema whilst I waited for my photos to be processed. With a little extra time, I could have my watch battery replaced on the way to pick out a new paint colour to match my new kitchen. I’ve already sorted the tiles for the floors and walls, but I do need a new sofa come to think of it. And with a new sofa, I’d better get a new painting to hang over the back. After that, I’d probably need to look for a coffee shop.
There must be one around here somewhere. Whilst I may jest, I really do like the diversity we have here. Not just in terms of businesses, but people too. I love taking the time to learn a little bit about the cultures of our customers and given the chance, so many speak with such pride and passion.
What advice would you give to anybody thinking about starting their own business?
It’s hard, make sure whatever it is you do, you like it. You don’t have to like every minute of every day. We all have days that we wish we could just bury and forget.
But when you look back on the last week, the last month, the last year, make sure you like what you’ve been doing. Keep learning, keep improving and keep going.
The Cake Artists 53 Mill Lane, Mell Square, Solihull, B91 3AT 0121 711 7044 www.thecakeartists.com
Situated in the heart of Solihull, The Core is your local arts and culture venue with something for everyone - from music, comedy and theatre shows, to creative courses, fitness classes and exciting exhibitions.
There is a wide range of activities on offer for children and young people, ranging from drop-in dance sessions for babies and toddlers, to courses in acting, art, singing and more! Adults can choose from longer courses in creative writing and acting or regular drop-in sessions in art, dance, theatre and singing. You can also join health and fitness classes in Pilates, Paracise, Yoga and Tai Chi.
Visitors to the The Core can also view and enjoy regular free exhibitions. On display in the
upstairs Heritage Gallery until 31 May is A Century of Solihull - a fascinating exhibition looking at key moments in Solihull’s history over the last 100 years. It uses a range of photos, objects and timelines to show Solihull’s transition from a rural district to a thriving metropolitan borough. Meanwhile, the Courtyard Gallery is hosting a series of exhibitions of works by local artists over the coming months, including Mark Tilley (until 20 May) and Vicky Arts and Crafts (21 May to 10 June).
There are lots of fun and thrilling shows coming up in the Studio theatre space. The Muslims are Coming on Sunday 12 May is a comedy night with a whole heap of halal-hilarity to celebrate Ramadan & Eid. Get ready for belly laughs big enough to burn
off an entire Biryani! On Thursday 30 May, singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid takes to the stage, performing a set with ‘shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey. Solihull’s favourite vintage vocal harmony group, the Boogaloo Babes will be commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with matinee and evening performances in the Studio on Saturday 8 June.
Lots to look forward
Inside Out 2
14th June
Cineworld Solihull
The little voices inside Riley’s head know her inside and out—but next summer, everything changes when Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” introduces a new Emotion: Anxiety. According to director Kelsey Mann, the new character promises to stir things up within headquarters. “Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, might be new to the crew, but she’s not really the type to take a back seat,” said Mann. “That makes a lot of sense if you think about it in terms of what goes on inside all our minds.” A trailer, poster and film stills are now available for what promises to be the feel-good (or feeleverything) film of Summer 2024. Deadpool & Wolverine
25th July
Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth, Deadpool. They team up to defeat a common enemy.
The Fall Guy
3rd May
He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job.
What could possibly go right? From real life stunt man and director David Leitch, the blockbuster director of Bullet Train, Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw and the producer of John Wick, Nobody and Violent Night, comes his most personal film yet. A new hilarious, hard-driving, all-star apex-action thriller and love letter to action movies and the hard-working and under-appreciated crew of people who make them: The Fall Guy.
Solihull Family Festival
AUGUST 2ND – 4TH
Our brand-new Solihull Family Festival will be a weekend full of FREE fun activities for the whole family!
Step into a world of wonder adventure as we turn Solihull town centre into a vibrant playground!
If you were lucky enough to meet Moby the 18-metre-long inflatable whale at last year’s ‘A Whale’s Tale’ you will know how amazing the interactive theatre sessions were.
Due to popular demand, we are thrilled to confirm that Moby will be back on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August. Sessions are free but will need to be booked. Scan the QR code to head to our website to find out more.
There’s plenty of other FREE activities to get involved with as well!
Children’s Disco – Mermaids & Pirates theme
Friday 2nd August
Glitter Tattoos
Friday 2nd August
Interactive story time sessions inside Moby the inflatable whale
Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August
Wild Earth Movement Crafts
Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August
Air Brush Tattoos
Saturday 3rd August
Face Painting
Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August
Bubbleologist
Sunday 4th August
Street Food Traders
Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August all Activities are free
So gather the family and join us for a weekend filled with laughter, joy, and endless fun at the Solihull Family Festival! And don’t forget to complete our fun sticker trail and join our VIP Kid’s Club while you’re here!
eading full-service law firm
Shakespeare Martineau, which has 11 office hubs across the UK including Solihull, is changing the world of business for good.
Committed to unlocking potential for its clients, people, communities and the planet, the firm achieved B-Corporation status in 2023 as a result of its responsible business initiatives.
Making more than 30 pledges, the firm has committed to increasing diversity at a senior level, reducing its carbon footprint and offering career development opportunities to under-represented groups.
Locally, Shakespeare Martineau’s Solihull hub has been serving clients for nearly 40 years. It is committed to supporting a host of charities and causes, including its hub-nominated charity, the Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull, raising money through regular bake sales, family events and challenges.
With its trainee conveyancing executive Philip Mulcahy part of the squad, the firm has also sponsored the Solihull Barons Ice Hockey Club for its 2023/24 season, and is an active member of Solihull Chamber of Commerce as well as Solihull BID.
Andrew Smith, head of the firm’s Solihull hub, said: “As a certified B-Corporation, we’re committed to using business as a force for good for our people, clients, planet and communities. It’s important for us to support local causes that make real differences to the lives of others and investing in the local community is part and parcel of what we do. “We also strongly believe that you can be both purposeful and profitable, and this is led by our incredible team of trusted advisors, who provide the best service to our clients.”
SOLIHULL’S SHAKESPEARE MARTINEAU: CHANGING BUSINESS FOR GOOD Smith Andrew
With a full-service offering and access to more than 1,200 experts up and down the country, Shakespeare Martineau has had a significant year of growth, including expanding into new locations in the South West, East Midlands and Scotland, as well as reporting a 16% revenue increase and achieving multiple award wins.
Andrew continued: “We have a local service offering and knowledge, backed by the strength of a national firm with wide-ranging expertise. This means we can seamlessly access teams that cover our breadth of service offerings and all areas of market expertise. We take a holistic approach to our clients’ problems, ambitions and needs, helping them unlock their potential by acting as an extension of their team.”
Shakespeare Martineau is a top tier law firm in Legal 500 and Chambers, with more than 40 legal experts recognised in the hall of fame as rising stars, next generation partners or leading individuals.
Working with organisations of all sizes and sectors including SMEs, government, charity and public sector, the firm delivers a broad range of specialist legal services and has expertise across multiple areas including family business, agriculture, real estate, social housing, later living, healthcare, energy, education, banking, finance and investment funds.
Shakespeare Martineau also provides services for families and private clients, from wills, estate planning and residential conveyancing, to divorce and child arrangements.
For more information visit shma.co.uk
We strongly believe that you can be both purposeful and profitable, and this is led by our incredible team of trusted advisors, who provide the best service to our clients.
Let’s support inclusion in Solihull
Did you know that 1 in 50 people in the UK have unique learning challenges and disabilities? Everyone can play a part in making our community more inclusive. It is all about the willingness to learn with an open mind.
With only 6% of adults with a learning disability in paid employment, employers can play their part by offering placements or roles to individuals with further needs. A great example of this is Crowne Plaza Solihull. They have been offering Supported Internship placements. Designed for individuals aged 16-24 with Education, Health and Care plans, Supported Internships provide an invaluable opportunity for motivated young people to get ready for paid work. It is an unpaid structured learning programme up to 12 months with the aim of securing a paid role upon completion.
After completed his Supported Internship at Crowne Plaza Solihull, Devender Koyya joined the team as a Food and Beverage Assistant. Having a paid job has had such a positive impact on him as well as his team.
His manager, Gary Richardson comments: “Dev is a very positive person and that’s what our team is all about! He is willing to learn and excited to be challenged. He is always dressed smartly and that is the image we want to present. I know that Dev will go far!”
General Manager, John Rothwell, comments: “I’m a massive advocate for training and getting people involved in the industry. We are devoted to nurturing and teaching those who wish to explore this line of work. We continue to take part in the scheme and currently we have 3 Supported Interns. It is always a pleasure to train young people who are aspired to work in the industry.”
Supported Internships are offered by Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills Team which are delivered in partnership with Solihull College & University Centre. Throughout the internship, a dedicated Job Coach will support the intern and the employer for quality work experience for 2-4 days a week.
Whether you are an employer looking for a new team member or a resident looking for a job, you can get in touch with Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills team and find out more about the support on offer.
Contact the team with 0121 704 6869 or employmentteam@solihull.gov.uk.
Devender is delighted to have secured a paid role after completing the Supported Internship.
Enough is as good as a feast!
Figures released in 2023 by the office of national statistics show that Solihull has the 6 wealthiest neighbourhoods in the West Midlands and is economically comparable to the South East.
But do you feel rich? Being wealthy is a feeling rather than a fact. If you’re reading this article as a resident of Solihull, then it’s likely your household income is about twice that of the national average! There’s the quantum.
The feeling - still not there, right?
We don’t feel rich compared to our neighbours, but the fact is we are. What we are poor in, is time. If you’re anything like the people we regularly meet, you’re beavering away at work, knackered most of the time and trying to fit life around the edges. Hold the phone! That’s not how it’s supposed to be. Our time on earth is limited and ‘life’ should not be about work.
Enough is as good as a feast - my nan said.
Obviously, she isn’t the only person that said it! But it’s a great maxim to live by, yet most people we meet have no idea if they have enough money or not. They automatically feel they haven’t got enough. Why? Because they started out not having enough, as we all do when we leave school. So, we work. We work to pay the bills, get on the housing ladder, have some fun times on nights out, holidays etc.
Then, we get in a habit. We assume we haven’t enough money and carry on. We stop doing the things we loved accidentally as there is less time. We drift from friends. We stop hobbies, blaming our knees, or lack of time.
I bet you have lost someone you wish you could spend more time with now?
You may have suffered an illness and promised yourself you would live differently if you got over it. Have you kept that promise to yourself? Or slipped into old habits? If this resonates, it’s because you are not alone!
I know you have things you really want to do.
Places you really want to see.
People you really want to share this with.
People you love that need help and you want to help them.
I am pretty sure you could come up with a list of things you really want and we can help you convert that to a figure you need to live that great life for the rest of your life.
This is what we show people:
You have enough to meet your needs for the rest of your life.
You have more than enough to meet your needs for the rest of your life - here’s how much you can give away to those you love.
Currently, you don’t have enough for what you want from lifehere’s what you need to do.
A client of ours first came with meticulously prepared folders of all money / financial assets that he had. He was financially literate, understood how things worked and had been doing things himself for years. 2 weeks later he came back, and we showed him what it really meant. For all the good admin and investment experience he had, he needed someone to say “hey, what are you working for? You could have retired years ago”. So that’s what we did, and he retired immediately.
Similarly, someone last year didn’t know they had enough, thought they were not old enough to retire as their pensions said: ‘Retirement age 65’. They too said, ‘is this correct’ and a month later they had retired. He literally would have worked another 10 years when he didn’t have to.
Others have started new careers, given massive gifts to family to help them and make life a bit more peacefully, all because they understood their money better.
To top it all off, we run a walking club for our clients, free access to a psychologist if they are struggling with anything life has thrown at them, seminars on positive psychology, celebrity guess evening and a massive summer party. All because in our one life, we should be as happy as possible, and Lucent Financial Planning can help you achieve that “Happiness’’.
Head to our website
www.lucentfinancialplanning.co.uk to get a free copy of a book called Enough where you can also read more client stories.
If you would like to get in touch directly, please feel free to call us on 0121 705 1000, or via email at info@lucentfinancialplanning.co.uk
