A 'decoupling' that is good news for all of us
Mar 30/03/2016
It may sound a bit geeky to celebrate new data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), but last week’s announcement that global carbon emissions had flat-lined for the second year in a row is a major milestone for anyone who wants to see both rising prosperity and a thriving planet. It is a significant announcement because it is the first time emissions have stalled, while the global economy has continued to grow. Over the last 40 years emissions have only stalled or fallen during economic downturns (see figure 1 below).[1] Because, in times of economic growth, when people have more money, they tend to drive or fly more, while businesses build new facilities and factories – all of which takes energy. Increased energy use has historically meant increased emissions. But things have changed.
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Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 and Shared Interest
Mar 23/03/2016
This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight was 29 February to 13 March, and I always try to arrange something in our Manchester office. This year I arranged a visit from Shared Interest, who came in to talk to the team about the work they do supporting Fairtrade through microfinance. We had Kerry Baker from Shared Interest and Lucy McMahon from the Shared Interest Foundation.
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Salisbury office – A New Era
Mar 22/03/2016
A new era dawned on Monday 14th March as Castlefield Advisory Partners said goodbye to its home of 21 years (Catherine Street, Salisbury) and moved to new, modern offices located at Brewery House, 36 Milford Street, Salisbury.
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A Trip to Kodougou
Mar 07/03/2016
David Elton is in Burkina Faso to visit La Renaissance school and here is his latest update from his trip: Bonjour (embarrassingly this is still about the level of my French!), and greetings again from Burkina Faso. Today (Thursday) is our penultimate day here, so this will be my final update before returning to the UK.
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Tales from Ouagadougou
Mar 07/03/2016
David Elton is in Burkina Faso to visit La Renaissance school and here is his second update from his trip: Having arrived safely in Ouagadougou on Sunday afternoon after meeting up with Tony Burden in Addis Abba "en route", we were greeted at the airport by Mathieu Compaoré and a number of members of the board at La Renaissance. We were then whisked off to our hotel for a quick chance to change before being taken out for a welcome drink and bite to eat with the board. It was amazing to be made to feel so welcome straight from the off.
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All set for La Renaissance
Mar 07/03/2016
As the first in the line of Castlefield employees to be given the chance to visit La Renaissance in Ouagadougou (which is quickly becoming my favourite city name) in order to build on our relationship with those there, I thought I would quickly pen some initial thoughts and share an image of the generously donated items I am taking with me.
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New tax year, new allowances for dividends and cash savings
Feb 10/02/2016
The tax reliefs available on pensions are certainly under threat for higher earners...
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Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon - Leeds, June 12th 2016
Feb 09/02/2016
This year’s Castlefield team fundraising challenge...
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End of tax year pension planning tips
Feb 08/02/2016
Keen to make sure you’re on top of the latest changes and making the most of your pension?
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Stewardship Report
Feb 03/02/2016
Welcome to our inaugural Stewardship Report. In this and future reports, we will set out to you – our clients – and the wider investment world the responsibilities, actions and developments...
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