My Investments

Purchasing my commercial premises through a self-invested pension, with my business as the tenant

What was your worst investment?

A flat in London; I bought this just before the 1990s housing crash and sold it with negative equity.

Which sectors are most likely to offer handsome returns for business investors?

Personally I am making monthly contributions into a Fast East fund, to benefit from pound cost averaging. However I will review this every quarter.

Are there any sectors you feel should be avoided?

At the moment I would not be investing in emerging markets high income and the lower end of the high yield markets.

Are wise investors born or made?

I believe they are made; the environment you are placed into and the experience you gain makes the individual.

Do you believe it’s become harder for entrepreneurs to make prudent investments since the crash of 2008?

This position has just encouraged investors to take greater risk in search of returns.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are looking to make a major investment?

Invest in the planning, and only when the plan is robust, put money into the project.

What lessons did you learn from your worst investment?

Don’t get seduced by sales patter and let your heart make the judgements.

What was the best piece of investment advice you’ve received?

When an investment doubles in value, sell half of it and the investment has cost you nothing.