Latest news with #Sovereigns
Daily Record
04-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Royal Mint says Brits buying gold coins in droves to dodge tax hikes
The Royal Mint saw sales of gold, silver and platinum soar to record levels in the first quarter of the financial year, as Britons rushed to stash their cash in precious metals Gold coin sales have more than doubled as Brits rush to protect their savings from potential tax increases. Data from the Royal Mint shows a dramatic rise in precious metals investment during the first quarter of the financial year, with gold, silver and platinum deals reaching unprecedented levels. Online bullion coin purchases soared by 115% compared to the same period last year, driven by concerns over possible capital gains tax changes. The buying frenzy has been triggered by gold reaching a record £2,500 per ounce in April – creating what the Mint described as "unprecedented engagement" from investors seeking tax-free returns. One buyer allegedly purchased gold coins in October 2024 and sold them in June this year, pocketing a £70,000 profit – completely exempt from Capital Gains Tax thanks to bullion's status as legal tender. Gold is a top choice for those looking to minimise tax bills. Gold can be an appealing investment for UK savers specifically due to its Capital Gains Tax (CGT) treatment - but this only applies to certain types of gold. British gold coins such as Sovereigns and Britannias are exempt from CGT because they are recognised as legal tender in the UK. This means any profit made on their sale is entirely free from Capital Gains Tax, regardless of how much their value has risen. So, if you purchased £10,000 worth of Sovereigns and sold them years later for £80,000, you'd owe no CGT at all - even though your gain is £70,000. This is not the case for gold bars, foreign coins (like Krugerrands or American Eagles), or most forms of silver and platinum. There's no CGT threshold or cap for these exempt coins. Normally, people pay CGT if their total capital gains exceed £3,000 (2025/26 threshold), taxed at 10% or 20%, depending on income. But with Sovereigns and Britannias, there's zero tax, regardless of gain or how wealthy you are. Significantly, there is no need to declare gains to HMRC for exempt coins. Stuart O'Reilly, Market Insights Manager at the Royal Mint, said: "This quarter demonstrated a remarkable evolution in UK precious metals investing." We're seeing strategic behaviour from investors to rebalance portfolios and rotating into silver and platinum. "This quarter demonstrated a remarkable evolution in UK precious metals investing." The fact that silver and platinum activity has surged alongside gold's rally shows UK investors are becoming increasingly aware of the value of other precious metals, with silver and platinum often following gold's lead during major rallies." Overall, investor activity across the Mint's website jumped by 55% compared to the same period last year. Appetite for DigiGold, its VAT-free digital bullion product, soared – with digital silver sales skyrocketing 1,158% and platinum climbing 798% year-on-year. The number of investors selling back to the Mint's vault also reached an all-time high, as customers sought to secure profits. However, gold coin purchases still exceeded sales by six to one – indicating sustained faith in the metal. Silver also experienced a resurgence, rising above £27 an ounce in June – the first time it has hit that level since 2011. Sales of silver coins increased by 51% year-on-year, whilst platinum soared by 188 per cent. The Mint revealed it was compelled to accept enormous quantities of bullion bars – including 400oz gold and 1,000oz silver bars – to satisfy demand and handle record levels of sellbacks. Despite a modest decline in prices since the spring peak, analysts suggest the fundamental factors driving demand remain robust – especially as investors prepare for potential tax increases under the new government.
Campaign ME
14-07-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Ahmed Seddiqi, Create collab for 75th anniversary campaign, brand refresh
Ahmed Seddiqi has officially launched its refreshed brand and 75th anniversary campaign, unveiling a bold new direction for the luxury retailer, which includes dropping the '& Sons' from its name. This marks the first major project between Ahmed Seddiqi and Create. The agency was selected following a competitive pitch process, which witnessed its team present a concept and tagline that resonated deeply with the client's aspirations. The winning creative platform became the foundation of a full-year integrated campaign. The scope included film production, static and animated digital assets, in-store branding, social media strategy and execution, and quarterly reporting. Sugam Bhasin, Senior Group Marketing and Communications Director at Seddiqi Holding, said, 'Celebrating 75 years of Ahmed Seddiqi presented us with a chance to augment our positioning in a competitive luxury market, while honouring the legacy of our longest-standing brand.' Bhasin added, :'The journey thus far has shaped who we are, and the brand's evolution and reinforced ambition moving forward will no doubt continue to inspire audiences across the region. We look forward to conceptualising impactful moments together with Create. in line with our long-term vision at Ahmed Seddiqi.' With conceptualisation and execution supported by Create, the integrated campaign centred around highlighting 'The Difference Time Makes' serving as the launchpad for its anniversary and an ambitious regional expansion strategy. In collaboration with directing duo Simon Morehead & James Hulbert from Sovereigns, Director of Photography Mark Hobz, and Art Director Maria Fontela, the hero films developed for the anniversary intended to reflect both the timeless values and modern ambitions of the brand. Hobz's visual direction brought depth and elegance to every frame, while Fontela's historically grounded set design — recreating elements such as the founder's desk, cabinet and even a period-specific wall clock — brought authenticity and emotional resonance to the scenes. The content captured the energy of transformation while maintaining reverence for the legacy built since 1950. As Ahmed Seddiqi expands into new avenues and adds new luxury brands to its portfolio, Create. aims to support across integrated touchpoints, from campaign strategy to social media rollouts in the UAE. CREDITS: Client: Ahmed Seddiqi Agency: Create. Direction: Simon Morehead and James Hulbert from Sovereigns Director of Photography: Mark Hobz Art Director: Maria Fontela Production House: Create Production Producer: Muhammad Ashraf Business Lead: Vanessa Miranda Senior Account Manager: Maha Al Refaee
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gogglebox star shocks fans with glam makeover as she looks worlds away from the C4 show
GOGGLEBOX favourite left fans stunned after unveiling a glam new look - looking completely unrecognisable from her Channel 4 sofa days. The star, known for her laid-back telly-watching attire, swapped PJs for full glam in a makeover that's sent social media into meltdown. 6 Izzi Warner looked worlds away from her usual casual look on the Channel 4 show Gogglebox Credit: Instagram 6 Fans were stunned to see the reality star glammed up after sharing pics on Instagram Credit: Instagram Izzi Warner, who's been a staple on Gogglebox since 2015 alongside sister Ellie, ditched the casual loungewear for a sleek outfit and full face of makeup. The mum-of-two looked a far cry from her usual sofa-ready self as she posed with freshly styled hair, flawless glam and a figure-hugging outfit. Taking to Instagram, the 31-year-old gave her followers an insight into her life posting photos with her new boyfriend, two kids, six dogs, famous sister and days out with the family. She captioned the snaps: "Happy days in May". read more gogglebox Izzi showed off her incredible slimming figure and glam makeup looks with laminated brows, full eyelashes and beaming white teeth. Her blonde hair was styled in flattering natural waves, and she oozed luxury with her stylish designer outfits and trendy co-ords. Fans were stunned to see the blonde beauty out of her casual loungewear and off the sofa. They flooded the comment section gushing over the star with one saying: "You look amazing Izzy!" Most read in Reality Another added: "Wow. You look fantastic!" A third penned: "Stunning!" Paddy McGuinness reveals his 'crush' on married TV star just hours after ex Christine's bond with Dan Osborne emerged This comes after Speaking to her sister Ellie, Izzi said: "Wait till you see what Toby got me for Valentine's - a card in a box!" She read: "To Izzi, our first of many. Thank you for being the absolute best. I bloody adore you. Happy Valentine's Day I love you loads and lots more. Toby'." While her Izzi and Grant were together for 10 years and have two children together; Bobby, 10 and Bessie Rose, four. It was revealed that she had split from her long-term partner in October 2024. Izzi has shared pictures with her new boyfriend Toby on social media since January, after posting snaps from the pair's trip to Paris. She then revealed her boyfriend has joined the British Army. Izzi shared a selfie with Toby and appeared to be bursting with pride. Toby looked dapper as he smiled in the snaps at his swearing-in ceremony at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Izzi said: "The sun shone at Sandhurst on the Sovereigns parade. "Congratulations to all the officer cadets commissioning today, in particular 16 platoon. Thank you for all who took part in what was spectacular parade." She finished her sweet post with: "Proud of you @tobyj1." 6 Izzi Warner has shared snaps of her new boyfriend Toby Credit: Instagram 6 The pair posed together for snaps at Toby's swearing-in ceremony at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Credit: Instagram 6 Izzi shocked fans last year when she confirmed she had split from the father of her two children Grant Credit: Instagram 6 Izzi and her sister Ellie soar to fame after appearing on Gogglebox in 2015 Credit: Instagram/ ellie__warner
Business Mayor
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Gold is booming – but how safe is it for investors, really?
Theo Leggett International business correspondent BBC Listen to Theo read this article 'What you have there is about £250,000 worth of gold,' Emma Siebenborn says as she shows me a faded plastic tub filled with old, shabby jewellery – rings, charm bracelets, necklaces and orphaned earrings. Emma is the strategies director of Hatton Garden Metals, a family-run gold dealership in London's Hatton Garden jewellery district, and this unprepossessing tub of bric-a-brac is a small sample of what they buy over the counter each day. It is, in effect, gold scrap, which will be melted down and recycled. Also on the table, rather more elegantly presented in a suede-lined tray, is a selection of gold coins and bars. The largest bar is about the size and thickness of a mobile phone. It weighs a hefty 1kg, and it's worth about £80,000. The coins include biscuit-sized Britannias, each containing precisely one ounce of 24 carat bullion, as well as smaller Sovereigns. These are all available to buy – and the recent surge in gold prices has led to a surge in demand. Zoe Lyons, who is Emma's sister and the managing director, has never seen anything like it – often she finds would-be sellers queuing in the street. 'There's excitement and buzz in the market but also nervousness and trepidation,' she tells me. 'There's anxiety about which way the market is going to go next, and when you get those emotions, ultimately it creates quite big trades.' At MNR jewellers a couple of streets away, a salesman agrees: 'Demand for gold has increased, definitely,' he says. Gold is certainly on a roll. Its price has increased by more than 40% over the past year. In late April it rose above $3,500 (£2,630) per troy ounce (a measurement for precious metals). This marked an all-time record, even allowing for inflation, exceeding the previous peak reached in January 1980. Back then the dollar price was $850, or $3,493 in today's money. Economists have attributed this to a variety of factors. Principal among them has been the unpredictable changes in US trade policy, introduced by the Trump administration, the effects of which have shaken the markets. Gold, by contrast, is seen by many as a solid investment. Fears about geopolitical uncertainty have only added to its allure. Many investors have come to appreciate the relative stability offered by a commodity once dismissed by the billionaire Warren Buffett as 'lifeless' and 'neither of much use nor procreative'. 'It's the kind of conditions that we consider a bit of a perfect storm for gold,' explains Louise Street, senior markets analyst at the World Gold Council, a trade association funded by the mining industry. 'It's the focus on potential inflationary pressures. Recessionary risks are rising, you've seen the IMF [International Monetary Fund] downgrading economic forecasts very recently…' But what goes up can also come down. While gold has a reputation as a stable asset, it is not immune to price fluctuations. In fact, in the past, major surges in the price have been followed by significant falls. So what is the risk this could happen again, leaving many of today's eager investors nursing big losses? What really triggered the goldrush Helped by its relative rarity, gold has been seen as an intrinsic store of value for centuries. The global supply is limited. Only around 216,265 tonnes have ever been mined, according to the World Gold Council, (the total is currently increasing by about 3,500 tonnes per year). This means that it is widely perceived as a 'safe haven' asset that will retain its value. As an investment, however, it has both advantages and disadvantages. Unlike shares, it will never pay a dividend. Unlike bonds, it will not provide a steady, predictable income, and its industrial applications are relatively limited. Getty Images 'There's anxiety about which way the market is going to go next,' says the director of a gold dealership in London's jewellery district The draw, however, is that it is a physical product that exists outside of the banking system. It is also used as an insurance policy against inflation: while currencies tend to lose value over time, gold does not. 'Gold can't be printed by central banks, and it can't be conjured out of thin air,' says Russ Mould, investment director at stockbroker AJ Bell. 'In recent times, a big policy response from authorities when there's been a crisis has been: slash interest rates, boost money supply, quantitative easing, print money. Gold is seen as a haven from that, and therefore a store of value.' There has recently been a significant rise in demand for gold from so-called Exchange Traded Funds, investment vehicles that hold an asset such as gold themselves, while investors can buy and sell shares in the fund. They are popular with large institutional investors – and their actions have helped to push up the price. When gold hit its previous record in January 1980, the Soviet Union had just invaded Afghanistan. Oil prices were surging, driving up inflation in developed economies, and investors were looking to protect their wealth. The price also rose sharply in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, leading to another peak in 2011. The recent increases appear to owe a great deal to the way markets have responded to the confusion triggered by the Trump administration. AFP/Getty Images President Trump described Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell as a 'major loser' The most recent surge came after US President Donald Trump launched an online attack on Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve. Calling for immediate interest rate cuts, he described Mr Powell as a 'major loser' for failing to reduce the cost of borrowing quickly enough. His comments were interpreted by some as an attack on the independence of the US central bank. Share markets fell, as did the value of the dollar compared to other major currencies – and gold hit its most recent record. But gold's recent strength is not wholly explained by the Trump factor. Fears of weaponisation of the dollar system The price has been on a steep upward curve since late 2022, partly, according to Louise Street, because of central banks. '[They] have been net buyers of gold, to add to their official reserves, for the past 15 years,' she explains. 'But we saw that really accelerate in the past three years.' Central banks have collectively bought more than 1,000 tonnes of gold each year since 2022, up from an average of 481 tonnes a year between 2010 and 2021. Poland, Turkey, India, Azerbaijan and China were among the leading buyers last year. Analysts say central banks may themselves have been trying to build up buffers at a time of growing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Getty Images Some gold-buying operations have been reporting brisk trade According to Daan Struyven, co-head of global commodities research at Goldman Sachs: 'In 2022 the reserves of the Russian Central Bank got frozen in the context of the invasion of Ukraine, and reserve managers of global central banks around the world realised, 'Maybe my reserves aren't safe either, what if I buy gold and hold it in my own vaults?' 'And so we have seen this big structural fivefold increase in demand for gold from central banks'. Simon French, chief economist and head of research at investment firm Panmure Liberum also believes that independence from dollar-based banking systems has been a major driver for central banks. 'I would look at China, but also Russia, their central bank is a big buyer of gold, also Turkey. Getty Images The value of gold has increased by more than 40% over the past year 'There are a number of countries who fear weaponisation of the dollar system and potentially the Euro system,' he says. 'If they are not aligning themselves with the US or the Western view, on diplomatic grounds, on military grounds… having an asset in their central bank that is not controlled by their military or political foes is quite an attractive feature.' Another factor may now be helping to drive the gold market upwards: FOMO, or fear of missing out. With new all-time records being set, it has filtered through into everyday conversation in some quarters. Zoe Lyons believes that this is the case in Hatton Garden. '[People] want a piece of the golden pie,' she says, 'and they're willing to do that through buying physical gold.' Safe, but for how long? The big question, though, is what happens next. Some experts believe the upward trend will continue, fuelled by unpredictable US policy, inflationary pressures and central bank buying. Indeed Goldman Sachs has forecast gold will reach $3,700/oz (£2,800/oz) by the end of 2025 and $4,000 (£3,000) by mid 2026. But it adds that in the event of a recession in the US or an escalation of the trade war it could even hit $4,500 (£3,400) later this year. 'The US stock market is 200 times bigger than the gold market, so even a small move out of the big stock market or the big bond market would mean a big percent increase in the much smaller gold market,' explains Daan Struyven. In other words, it wouldn't take a huge amount of turbulence in major investment markets to drive gold upwards. Yet others are concerned that the price of gold has risen so far, so fast that a market bubble is forming – and bubbles can burst. AFP via Getty Images While gold has a reputation as a stable asset, it is not immune to price fluctuations Back in 1980, for example, the dramatic spike in the gold price was followed by an equally remarkable correction, dropping from $850 (£640) in late January to just $485 (£365) in early April. By mid-June the following year, it stood at just $297 (£224) – a decline of 65% from its peak. Read More 1win Official Online Bets Site In Indian 202 The peak in 2011, meanwhile, was followed by a sharp dip, then a period of volatility. Within four months it had dropped by 18%. After plateauing for a while, it continued to fall, reaching a low point in mid-2013 that was 35% down from its highest. The question that remains is, could something similar happen now? Could the bubble burst? Some analysts do think prices will ultimately fall significantly. Jon Mills, an industry expert at Morningstar, made headlines in March when he suggested the cost of an ounce of gold could drop to just $1,820 over the next few years. His view was that as mining firms increased their production and more recycled gold entered the market, the supply would increase. At the same time central banks would ease off their buying spree, while other short-term pressures stimulating demand would subside, bringing prices down. Those forecasts have since been revised upwards slightly, largely because of increased mining costs. Bloomberg via Getty Images Gold's current strength is not wholly explained by the Trump factor Daan Stryven disagrees. He believes there could be a short-term dip, but prices will generally continue to rise. 'If we were to get a Ukraine peace deal, or a rapid trade de-escalation, I think hedge funds would be willing to take some of their money out of gold and put it into risky assets, such as the stock market… 'So you could see temporary dips. But we are quite confident that in this highly uncertain geopolitical setup, where central banks want safer reserve holdings, that they will continue to push demand higher over the medium term.' Russ Mould believes there will, at the very least, be a lull in the upwards trend. 'Given that it has had such a stunning run, it would be logical to expect it to have a pause for breath at some stage,' he says. But he believes that if there is a sharp economic slowdown and interest rates are slashed, the gold price could go higher in the long run. One problem for investors is working out whether the recent record price for gold was simply a staging point in a continued upward climb – to more than $4,000 for example – or the peak. Simon French at Panmure Liberum believes the peak may now be very close, and people piling into the market now in the hope of making big money are likely to be disappointed. Others have warned that those recently lured into buying gold by hype and headlines could lose out if the market goes into reverse. 'Short-term speculating can backfire, even though there will be a temptation to hang on to the coat-tails of the record run upwards,' is how Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, has put it. 'Investors considering investing in gold should do so as part of a diversified portfolio – they shouldn't put all their eggs in a golden basket.' Top picture credit: Getty Images BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below. READ SOURCE businessmayor May 13, 2025
Campaign ME
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Campaign ME
Ford champions strength and adventure in latest F-150 campaign
Ford Middle East partnered with creative agency VML and global production house Crater to bring the newest variation of its F-150 campaign to life. Building Make Way for the Beast' platform, first launched in 2021, the 'Here Comes the Beast' campaign focuses on the brand's ongoing narrative of strength and resilience. To bring this vision to life, global production company Crater collaborated with VML Agency and Ford Middle East on a high-impact content series that highlights the truck's capabilities. Directed by Sovereigns, the production aimed to create a dynamic, visually arresting campaign that resonated with Ford's regional audience. The project demanded an ambitious multi-location shoot, capturing a range of extreme environments to showcase the versatility of the Ford F-150. From rocky desert landscapes to urban streets, every setting was chosen to reinforce the truck's power, endurance, and ability to tackle any challenge. 'Finding physically demanding locations were key for us to ensure the outstanding all-terrain capability of the F-150 was loyally represented on screen,' says Sovereigns Director, James Hulbert. 'I knew from the outset this was about getting the F-150 to walk-the-walk whilst also capturing our shots in such a way to immerse the audience in the sheer thrill of driving.' Cinematography played a crucial role in translating this energy to screen. 'James and I agreed from the outset that we wanted to shoot it with some grit,' adds DOP Toby Plummer. 'We kept exposure on the lower end and shot largely handheld to translate the energy and adrenaline to screen.' The campaign video draws a parallel between human endurance and machine capability – showcasing the F-150 as a vehicle engineered for strength and resilience. Whether powering through an intense gym session or navigating rugged landscapes, the visuals reinforce the idea that the truck is built to keep up with an active, demanding lifestyle. Through high-impact cinematography and dynamic storytelling, the production captures the raw energy and durability that define both the driver and the machine. Beyond aesthetics, cultural relevance was a priority. The production incorporated the landscapes of the Arabian Desert alongside regional motifs such as traditional attire and a falcon, ensuring the campaign resonated with Middle Eastern audiences. Product features were subtly integrated, maintaining focus on the overall narrative rather than overt branding. The commercial aims to generate an immersive experience that embodies the spirit of the F-150, bringing both the vehicle and its capabilities to life. Credits: Brand Ford Middle East Agency Creative Director Senior Producer Account Manager VML Emad Salman Sally Mourad Dima Kobrosli Creative Studio & Production House Crater Exec Producer Camille Laborde Director James Hulbert DOP Toby Plummer 1st AD Vanessa Mghames / Ali Al Saaby Producer Adonis Bdaywi Production Manager Alwiya Kahtan Production Assistant Karim Salem Production Assistant Nana Saqr Gaffer Walid Hamia Grip Robert Babikian Wardrobe Stylist Lauren Neve Hair & Makeup Stylist Eman Salah Photographer Sami Sasso Photographer Assistant Anna Shtraus Precision Driver Ben Menzies Gear & Camera Crew Koko Films Drone Team Choppershoot Location Team At Your Service Production Location (For Horse Film Only) Stables Art Department The Prop Shack VFX Juice
