BUSINESS FORUM

The Importance of Learning a Foreign Language

According to a recent report by the British Council, 80% of teachers in state schools say that their pupils are less likely to learn a language as they have been put off by Britain leaving the EU and the difficulty of GCSE and A level exams.

However, foreign languages are actually even more in demand, and it is increasingly important for jobs that candidates brush up their language skills. British companies want to prove to European customers that they still want to do business with them and a multilingual staff is essential in securing overseas contracts.

As a local provider of French lessons, Malika Goodwin of 'You Speak French' (see advert page 7) is bridging this gap and helping young people or adults achieve fluency in French. She says that learning a language is fun if you are prepared to leave your comfort zone.

Britain lags behind the rest of Europe. Over half of Europeans speak a second language, but it is estimated that only 25% of British adults speak a second language. The age-old excuse that “everyone speaks English” is no longer true. In fact, it is estimated that 70% of the world’s population does not speak English. Having a second language will give British companies the edge. Even a little effort in speaking a foreign language will go a long way to thawing those post Brexit chills.

Planning for Later Life

A frequent concern of clients is what steps can be taken to provide for their, and their family`s welfare and protection during later years.

Planning for later life involves a variety of advice and I work closely with other professionals, including financial advisors and accountants, with the aim of providing clients “peace of mind”.

Central to planning is a carefully prepared bespoke Will. This may be relatively straightforward, or more detailed, such as protecting assets (especially the home) from care fees.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), financial and health, are also crucial for later life planning, where clients appoint the people they trust to manage their affairs for them, should that become necessary.

Later life planning is not, however, just about Willsand LPAs. It can include other planning, such as for inheritance tax and funding for later years and possible care, which often involves acombination of specialist professional advisors.

IainWanstall, Consultant at Wanstall Consulting, Wills and Estate Planning