Long-term investors are being advised to keep their faith in equities, as markets in the US reach an all-time high and UK equities continue to improve.

According to the investment committee at Preston-based financial advisory group, Taylor Patterson, equity markets have continued to strengthen with the US S&P500 index exceeding its 2007 peak on the back of a positive corporate earnings season and improving macroeconomic data.

There is also news from the European Central Bank (ECB) that interest rates have been reduced to a record low of 0.5%.

Jason Street, director at Taylor Patterson, believes the ECB’s decision should encourage investor confidence. He said: “We continue to see central banks adopting loose monetary policy in an effort to kick-start growth and boost confidence in markets.

“However, such action always comes with the risk of higher inflation, which attacks the purchasing power of capital such as cash and government bonds. Governments have a clear incentive to allow inflation to rise, eroding the value of their debts, but this can often be at the expense of price stability.”

“Our advice is to take a long-term view,” adds Jason. “If you are an investor who is not looking to move their money in the next five years, speak to your financial adviser now to ensure you have a well-diversified portfolio and you understand how the asset classes within that portfolio will perform and behave.”

To organise a free portfolio review, contact Jason Street on 01772 555073 or email jason.street@taypat.co.uk.

Thousands of foodies attended the Fantastic Food Show on Sunday 19 May at Ewood Park,Blackburn and left with bags full goodies.

The show not only brought together amazing regional producers but top chefs and local businesses involved in the hospitality industry. The day was jam packed with things to do from making a pledge on The Visionary Tree created by The Cardboard Box Company, to Smoothie Making by Groundwork to Taste Adventures for Children by Tesco to butchery demonstrations by EBLEX and much more.

Nigel Haworth founder of the Fantastic Food Show said, ‘It was a great day and we were extremely lucky with the weather; which always helps. Each year we aim to make the show bigger and better and I think we more than achieved that.”

He continued, “To have the support from the local businesses reiterates what a great event this is for the community and Blackburn to have on our doorstep.”

World renowned pastry chef Claire Clark led baking demonstrations throughout the day in the Baking Mad marquee sponsored by ESSE for foodies off all ages, where visitors got the chance to ask the expert for any top tips.

Local chefs starred in The Electrolux Chef’s Kitchen demonstrating great dishes – Ben Deardon of Benedicts, Whalley; Michael Heathcote of Duke of York, Grindleton; Robert Marshall Salter, Kendal College; John Rudden, Grassington Hosue Hotel, North Yorkshire; Maurizio Bochhi, La Locanda, Gisburn and Leigh Myers, Ribble Valley Inns Executive Chef. Read More »

Northcote, Lancashire has won a Bronze Award in the Small Hotel of the Year category at theprestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013 Ceremony.

The Bronze Award is a great achievement and recognises Excellence in Tourism in England. Northcote was presented with their Bronze Award at a glittering Awards Ceremony which was held on 20 May 2013 at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Old Trafford, Manchester.

Commenting on the Award James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said “The quality of the 320 applications we received this year was extremely high. Against such tough competition winning a Bronze Award is a considerable achievement Northcote is now ranked as one of the top three businesses in their category for excellence in England achieving one of the highest accolades which VisitEngland can bestow. I warmly congratulate them.” Read More »

l-r Jason Street, James Thompson, Gillian Bardin, Keith Pressler

Staff from Preston-based financial advisory group, Taylor Patterson, will be putting on their walking boots and tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on 29 June to raise money for their chosen charity of the year, The Space Centre.

Gillian Bardin, Chris Bardin, Jason Street, James Thompson, Keith Pressler and Rachel Harper will take on three of the highest peaks in Yorkshire, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, aiming to cover almost 25 miles in under 12 hours.

Louise Potter, chairman of the Taylor Patterson charity committee, said: “Training is well underway with two practice walks already completed, preparing our staff for the tough challenge ahead.

“Having conquered Pen-y-ghent in April and then Whernside and Ingleborough in May, I am confident that all participants will make it round the challenging course, and definitely have fun along the way.”

Taylor Patterson director, Keith Pressler, who has completed the training walks, commented: “With plenty of willpower, teamwork and lots of high-energy snacks, it will be a real achievement for everyone to complete the challenge and have a great day raising money for a very important local charity.” Read More »

Yes, you read it correctly pens made of vegetables!

Unfortunately they are not edible, they cannot be counted in your “five a day,” however, they are bio degradable making them a fantastic Eco Friendly promotional product, ideal for personalising with a logo and contact details.

These pens are actually made from plants so the body of the pen is made from a natural plastic derived from corn starch. These push button “Green” pens come in a range of colours to match your brand.

This bio plastic material is pioneering a new generation of “Green” products which have a low impact on the environment. In turn reducing greenhouse gases and eventually becoming fertile compost. No longer landfill.

For further details regarding these pens or any other promotional products please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Promico Ltd.

Tel 01282 877360 :  chris.durham@promico.co.uk :  www.promico.co.uk : Twitter @promicoltd