Domestic tourism up by 9% as more Brits holiday at home than ever before

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

A recent report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has highlighted that Britain will be more reliant on travel and tourism this year, seeing jobs and economic growth in the industry outstrip the wider economy thanks to highly anticipated global events such as the Queens Jubilee and London Olympic Games.

Indeed, while the report estimates that the travel and tourism sector will grow by 1.3% in 2012 further figures released by VisitEngland, the national tourist board, has revealed that Britain’s domestic numbers were on the up last year, receiving over 104 million domestic overnight trips in England, an increase of 9% compared to 2010 and the highest number of trips since the survey began in 2006.

Nick Spence, Director of established UK holiday home company, Green Parks Holidays Ltd, comments,

“Seeing as this is the third consecutive year that the number of domestic vacation trips has remained above pre-recession stages, it is obvious that the ‘staycation’ trend is still going strong in the UK.

“VisitEngland’s ‘Staycation Tracker’ reveals that that the majority of UK dwellers who had a holiday at home last year had a great experience with 85% stating that they had an excellent holiday while 78% believed that their holiday at home offered excellent value for money. Indeed, if we look towards this year and the myriad of events that will be taking place throughout the UK, domestic tourism will be at its greatest.”

While it appears that Brits are becoming more eager to discover what awaits them on their own doorsteps, it has been suggested that in terms of location the South West stands to gain most from this year’s tourism boost according to Prime Minister David Cameron who explained: “I hope the region will take a lead not just in welcoming the [Olympic] torch, but also in getting behind the Games and making sure 2012 is not just a great year for Britain, but a great year for the South West too.”

Meanwhile, data from VisitEngland (2011) has also identified that the largest number of domestic visitor trips in 2010 took place in south west England, equating to some 19.2 million trips and £3.6 million in spend.

Nick Spence continues,

“It’s not surprising that most domestic visitor trips take place in south west England given the appeal of sunny weather, fishing villages and pretty coastal retreats. The second homes market in the south west of England is one of the strongest with the number of holiday or second homes in the UK reaching, 246,494 in 2011 according to Primelocation.com. And, to tie in with the governments “Holidays at Home are GREAT” campaign, we are offering the 20.12% discount on our wonderful ‘staycations’ in the stunning south west area of Westward Ho!”

For those who are considering a ‘staycation’ this year why not make a luxurious apartment at Westbeach Devon your new holiday home?

Located in the North Devon tourist hotspot of Westward Ho, Westbeach Devon offers luxury apartments with dazzling sea views, close to the new village green and signature restaurants.

Phase I of the luxurious holiday resort, the ideal location for a UK break, is already complete and operational while increasing client demand has led phase II to now been released with 160 two bedroom executive apartments just 50m from one of Devon’s best loved beaches available from just £189,950.

Westbeach Devon offers the perfect lifestyle investment opportunity in an established UK tourist destination, from a developer with a clear track record, offering guaranteed returns plus a secure exit strategy, available with an exceptionally low deposit of10%.

For more information please contact West Beach Devon on 0844 414 2670 or visit www.westbeachsales.com.

City dwellers look west to the home of two literary giants for the perfect country pad

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

In the same way that certain locations along the A3 and M3 corridors have boomed in recent years, towns such as Maidenhead, Marlow and Reading on the M4 are well known for having highly desirable luxury £1m+ homes. Indeed, the M4 corridor, a major hub, stretching all the way from London to South Wales, is fast becoming a ‘corridor’ of wealth.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate Homes, the luxury new home builder comments,

“From our headquarters just outside Reading, Millgate Homes have spent the last 24 years focusing on the M4 corridor area, building luxury family homes up to and in excess of £1 million. The M4 corridor serves as a thriving commercial region and seeing as the motorway runs more or less parallel to the Great Western railway, residents have superb transport options. Throw in easy access to Heathrow Airport along with the planned CrossRail connections, and this region becomes even more appealing.

“Our buyers are increasingly coming from London, seeking the same quality of build as expected in the Capital but with more space. Our next development due to launch shortly, Four Winds at Bourne End, just 3 miles from Beaconsfield and 5 miles from the M4 for example is ideal for city commuters and their families and we shall be heavily targeting our marketing efforts within London for this reason.”

Cranley continues,

“Looking at market trends we predict increasing demand for larger and even more luxurious family homes in this area along the M4 with average property prices from Millgate Homes moving towards the £2 – £3million mark despite the stamp duty rise which I feel will not stop buyers of this caliber purchasing.”

Indeed, the village of Bourne End, Buckinghamshire has become a particularly popular place for commuters to live. As a small country village where Enid Blyton and Edgar Wallace once lived, Bourne End is conveniently location between the M4 and M40 motorways as well as the railway station on the Marlow to Maidenhead branch line joining the mainline for London Paddington. Indeed, Bourne End´s excellent road and rail links to London make it a highly sought after location.

Cranley explains,

“Bourne End is considered by many to be a highly desirable place to live and as a result has pushed up house prices.  Residents here are generally affluent and desire more space and country style living but with easy access to London. As an unspoiled riverside town with the pretty Bourne End Marina and character cottages to feast your eyes on, stunning properties such as our elegant detached 5 bedroom country homes at Four Winds will have you blown away.”

Located in the idyllic semi-rural location of Bourne End, within 3 miles of Beaconsfield, Four Winds offers substantial living space on the ground floor flowing from a grand entrance hall into formal drawing and dining rooms and impressive kitchen/breakfast rooms incorporating family living areas.

Master suites feature balconies, dressing rooms and palatial en-suite bathrooms with 4 further en-suite bedrooms and cinema rooms. This is a unique opportunity to own a classically designed home, combining modern fittings with timeless external materials and beautifully landscaped gardens in an outstanding location.

For more information on Four Winds with a guide price of £3 – 4 million, please contact Millgate Homes on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

You’re only ever 140 characters away from front page news

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

In today’s PR world, it would seem that social media is king with latest research from PR company, Text 100, revealing that a staggering 86% of journalists now use Twitter to source stories and information.

On average it is reported that a journalist will use 2.6 different social media channels every time they research a story with Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn the most popular. No longer simply for keeping in touch with friends or family, over 40% of journalists now use a Facebook account to manage their professional relationships with PRs, companies and spokespeople with LinkedIn frequently being used as a search tool for industry experts.
For companies keen to obtain column inches, be they on or offline, it would seem that those embracing social media hold a distinct advantage. Quite often a 140 character news snippet, sound bite or statistical update can make front page news with today’s journalists constantly competing for the very latest story.
Charlotte Ashton, Director of leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing Ltd, comments,
“Over the last 2 -3 years we have seen the number of journalists using social media, especially Twitter, to communicate with us and source news stories rise significantly. Often now the fastest way to distribute client news, social media has almost made traditional press release distribution techniques such as email and certainly post seem archaic which is why all press material we release is posted in real time on the most popular social media channels.”
Ashton continues,
“PR is push and pull and not only do we use social media to distribute newsworthy content we also use professional channels such as LinkedIn to engage journalists directly. According to the research 84% of journalists are happy to be approached via LinkedIn and we find it a very useful tool in connecting our clients with relevant journalists.”
Going one stage further, the research from Text 100 also highlights the importance to journalists of dedicated blogs when researching companies or products. Of the social media channels surveyed, the most useful, given a ranking of 63% were official company blogs with Wikipedia in second place with 60% and third party blogs at 58%.
Interestingly, the most recently launched mainstream social media channel, Google+, despite its heavyweight funding and promotion did not feature highly with journalists with only 29% maintaining a professional profile, less than half welcoming PR contact via the channel and being ranked the least useful tool when undertaking research for articles.
Charlotte Ashton concludes,
“With nearly half of our journalist database now active on some form of social media, the majority being on Twitter, an increasing proportion of our time is spent communicating with and pitching stories to the media in 140 characters or less. Whilst not a substitute for good old fashioned verbal conversation, social media is becoming ever more important to today’s PR and thus, in line with this, it is essential for clients to have an active presence on as many channels as possible to be heard.”
For more information on online PR and social media contact Charlotte Ashton at AB Property Marketing on 0845 054 7542, via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or at www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk

World Bamboo Congress 2012: From the BBC to biologists – everyone’s bonkers about bamboo!

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Today sees the 9th World Bamboo Congress take place at Antwerp, Belgium, focusing on bamboo biosciences, bioengineering and Agroforestry potentials which will provide a unique platform for direct networking and the sharing of ideas and information among bamboo enthusiasts.

Between today and 15th April 2012, the 6 day event will comprise bamboo trade shows, cultural performances and lectures. The World Bamboo Congress has grown to attract at least 400 participants from more than 30 worldwide countries including esteemed experts in bamboo design, construction, and architecture.

Marcus Vassiliou, Sales and Marketing Manager of alternative investment experts, Eco Investments, which markets a bamboo plantation opportunity in eastern Nicaragua, comments,
 

“Bamboo has become increasingly popular and everyone is talking about it, even the BBC only last week. Anyone who has any involvement in bamboo, the timber of the 21st Century whether they’re a biologist, architect or investor should definitely attend The World Bamboo Congress. It is an ideal opportunity to discover new ideas and meet and greet the best in the business.

“Indeed, EcoPlanet Bamboo, our partners and the owners and developers of the bamboo plantations in Nicaragua, will be fully sponsoring The World Bamboo Congress Bamboo Pioneers Award winners, acknowledging individuals without whom the bamboo industry would not have reached the high stages of advancement we see today.”

In the sustainable investments sector, bamboo is fast becoming the best alternative to timber; addressing global, social and environmental concerns as well as bringing home high profits in a relatively short timescale for investors.

Bamboo’s popularity has derived from the multitude of benefits it offers from quick growth, durability, strength, and 3,500 plus commercial uses to environmental benefits such as reducing deforestation and sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as well as alleviating the plight of poverty in developing countries such as Nicaragua.

Marcus Vassiliou continues,

“For investors looking for an ethical investment, why not turn your attention to the world’s first 8 year bamboo package in Nicaragua. The great thing about an alternative investment like this is that the plantation which pays the returns on the 8 year investment has created hundreds of jobs in Nicaragua, offering many local people their first ever chance of paid employment while bamboo presents a sustainable source of ethically produced timber, reducing the pressure on unsustainable natural forests.”

Leased land plots already planted with thriving bamboo are available from £22,084 for a half hectare with investors able to enjoy conservative annualized forecast returns of over 18%. To find out how to profit from the timber of the 21st century in Central America’s leading economy please contact Eco Investments today on +44  20 3012 0306 or visit www.ecoinvestments.co.uk.

 

Property Frontiers named Best Large Agent for the third year running at prestigious AIPP Awards

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Last Friday leading international property agency  Property Frontiers was awarded for the third year running the Best Large Agent Multi Country accolade at the esteemed 2012 AIPP Awards held at A Place in the Sun Live, Earls Court, London.

Attended by the best in the industry, the independent awards focus on customer service, reward excellence and professionalism and set new benchmarks for the international property market.

The prestigious award was presented by AIPP Chief Executive Professor Mark Sharp and A Place in the Sun TV presenter, Jonnie Irwin who relayed the judges’ comments on Property Frontiers award entry saying: 

“A very honest entry. Lots of strong detail with a disciplined analysis process should give clients a strong sense of quality and reassurance.  A good aftersales service and an impressive group of business partners.”

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of Property Frontiers remarks,

“I was particularly pleased to see Property Frontiers’ knowledge, professionalism and service recognised once again. Breaking boundaries and embracing new frontiers is at our very core at Property Frontiers and that extends not only to our investment products but the way we do business – acting as responsibly in a largely unregulated market. I feel that this award is a true reflection of this achievement and our dedication to customers service and bringing the best thought through property investments to market. I would like to thank all our staff, partners and of course clients for helping us achieve this great accolade once again.”

Property Frontiers over the past 18 months has launched a number of successful products to market at home and abroad with one of their most successful being the best performing asset class around -student accommodation.

Already on their ninth project, The Paper Mill in Liverpool is set in a superb location between Chinatown and Liverpool One, just minutes from bars, restaurants and the shopping centre. The 19th century former papermill is imposing in its design and will accommodate 104 en-suite student rooms. Impressive for students and investors alike this project affords a 10% NET yield, assured in year 1 with a purchase price of just £48,000.

On the other side of the pond, Property Frontiers welcome to the stage a structured US property bond which allows investors to enjoy fixed returns of up to 17% by investing $50,000 as well as a completely hassle free investment as experts on the ground continuously assess the best properties to invest in across all 50 states. These properties are then acquired, refurbished and subsequently tenanted allowing investors to sit back and enjoy double digit rental yields. This US Property Bond sold out in record time but due to client demand another is due to launch shortly.

I you are thinking of investing in property either in the UK or Overseas why not contact the award winning team at Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com
 

CURRENCY WATCH: The best bets for April

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Currency Index look back at exchange rates in March, and the headlines likely to be affecting rates in April for buyers of overseas property.

In contrast to the first 3 months of the year, March saw the Pound finish higher against all major currencies,  good news for buyers of overseas property. Some tentative signs of recovery in the UK have helped sterling, while new fears over government debt in Europe (Spain specifically) and structural problems in the US, have kept other currencies weaker.

In March, the most improved exchange rate was GBP-AUD, with the Australian Dollar over 4% cheaper at the end of the month. The Aussie has remained very strong over recent history, so this will come as some respite for Brits looking to emigrate to Australia.

The South African Rand and New Zealand Dollar rates also posted impressive improvements.

For the mainstream US Dollar and Euro, we have seen modest improvements in rates, and a relatively stable month with the Euro rate only varying (from high to low) 1.53% in March, compared with 2.75% in February.

Exchange Rate Movement against sterling, March 2012

Overseas property buyers should be aware of key events coming up in April which are likely to affect exchange rates and therefore their overseas property prices:

• Ongoing: stability or not for the Eurozone – is Spain the next Greece?
• Thursday 5th: Bank of England monthly policy announcement
• Thursday 12th: Trade balance
• Tuesday 17th: CPI inflation
• Wednesday 18th: Bank of England minutes
• Friday 20th: Retail sales
• Wednesday 25th: GDP

For comment and analysis on any of the above, please contact Currency Index or see our blog which is updated throughout the month: www.currencyindex.co.uk/blog/
Applying the exchange rate change to recent changes in local property markets around the world reveals the real change in cost to British buyers of property around the world.

The cost of overseas property for British buyers has again fallen in real terms in many overseas markets. A property in Portugal is now nearly 4% cheaper for example, due to recent falling local prices combined with a better exchange rate.

The recently-reported plummet in Spanish property prices will likely filter through to next month’s Currency Watch and we would expect to see the overall cost for UK buyers, particularly in Europe, to become even more attractive just as the traditional season for Brits buying in the sun picks up pace. Happy bargain hunting!

Data: Currency Index Mar  ’12 /  Global Property Guide Q4 2011

Untapped opportunities await in Nicaragua, the fastest growing economy in Latin America

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Nicaragua is expected to grow 5.8% over the next five years, ahead of the 4.9% GDP average for Latin America according to a recent report from Pyramid Research.

With this positive economic forecast in mind and Nicaraguan exports in 2012 predicted to grow 10-15% according to the Inter-American Development Bank, investor confidence in the nation is on the up with the Nicaraguan government recently revealing that Nicaragua received US$967.9 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2011, a 91% increase over 2010, as well as a new record for the Latin American country.

Steered primarily by the energy, telecommunications and free zones sectors, which together accounted for 52% of total FDI last year, Nicaragua attracted around 284 foreign investment projects in 2011, an increase of 57% compared to 2010.

Marcus Vassiliou, Sales and Marketing Manager of alternative investment experts, Eco Investments, which markets a bamboo plantation opportunity in eastern Nicaragua, comments,

“FDI is considered the new driving force of the Nicaraguan economy. While the energy sector accounts for about 70% of investment projects in Nicaragua reducing the country´s dependency on fuel, free zones sector and agricultural products have also been embraced by investors.

“Indeed, savvy investors are continuing to make the most of untapped opportunities in the alternative investments sector such as bamboo and with the government’s plan to become a leader in sustainable development, helping protect Nicaragua’s natural resources as well as improve the lives of its citizens, it is important to ensure that an investment supports this plan.”

Marcus Vassiliou continues,

“We are encouraging investors to look no further than the world’s first 8 year bamboo package in Nicaragua, Central America’s largest producer of the sustainable timber substitute. The great thing about an alternative investment like this is that the plantation which pays the returns on the 8 year investment has created hundreds of jobs in Nicaragua, offering many local people their first ever chance of paid employment while bamboo presents a sustainable source of ethically produced timber, reducing the pressure on unsustainable natural forests.”

Located in Rama, close to the Rama port which offers excellent sea access to the key export market of the United States, this investment not only provides employment and social returns in an area of need as well as environmental benefits such as reforestation but impressive financial rewards.

Leased land plots already planted with thriving bamboo are available from £22,084 for a half hectare with investors able to enjoy annualized forecast returns of over 18%. To find out how to profit from the timber of the 21st century in Central America’s leading economy please contact Eco Investments today on +44  20 3012 0306 or visit www.ecoinvestments.co.uk.
 

WiFi, a safe and guest reviews are key to renting out your Spanish holiday home

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

Spain has become a land of opportunity for property investors, according to representatives at the recent MIPIM property conference in Cannes, France which comes as good news for those who already own a holiday rental in Spain. For those who want more bookings for their property, we find out what features are key to renting out a Spanish holiday home.

España Breaks, a boutique website advertising holiday rentals all over Spain compiled data from across their portfolio in January 2012 and discovered some stand out features that help raise interest among potential guests.

In the gadget stakes, España Breaks data identified that while devices such as satellite television and games consoles increase rental interest, WiFi and internet access led the way with 19% of guests in January 2012 enquiring for properties that offered these essential features.

Meanwhile, when it comes to property size, 37% of enquires were made for properties with only one bedroom while 23% desired two. With this in mind, España Breaks identified that the majority of holidaymakers travel in groups of four people or less, and along with not wanting to pay the higher rental rates a large property can require, accounts for the lack of interest in larger properties.

Further research shows that properties with reviews from past guests gain more enquiries. Indeed, reviewed properties generated 36% more renter enquiries in January 2012. España Breaks also examined the effect on enquiries levels for un-reviewed property, revealing 40% less enquiries than average.

Finally, when it comes to creature comforts, properties with a secure safe where renters can shelter their valuables was of great importance in January’s enquiries, with 21% requesting this key feature. Taking second spot was the humble hair dryer which increased enquiry levels by 17%.

Robin Haynes, MD of award-winning foreign exchange specialists, Currency Index comments,

“Those who currently rent their Spanish property should take note of these top tips. WiFi and internet access for example are key features within a property nowadays as renters want to use their smartphones for accessing social networking sites, uploading photos or indeed checking the latest exchange rates while guest reviews make all the difference to securing future renters.

“Those who are considering buying rental property will be pleased to know that prices in the traditional favourite location of Spain have reduced significantly for British buyers in the last 6 months, due to the combined effect of a cheaper Euro, and lower local prices.”

For more information about exchange rates and buying currency, contact Robin at Currency Index on 0800 043 2623 or visit www.currencyindex.co.uk.

 

Property Inspector: How to Spot a Scammer

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

TheMoveChannel.com´s Property Inspector: Taking a closer look at global real estate each month.

This month, TheMoveChannel.com´s Property Inspector investigates property scams. Scams have evolved in recent years thanks to the internet. As tourists are tricked into renting houses that aren´t on the market and unfinished resorts fail to deliver on fraudulent promises, how can you spot the unlucky developers from the dodgy dealers?

TheMoveChannel.com’s Property Inspector interrogates Neil Heaney, CEO of investment recovery specialists Judicare Group, about how buyers lose money overseas.

Does the internet mean that people are more open to scammers abroad?

“The internet has a big part to play. Many investors don’t visit the property – it’s just a numbers game for them. Most clients in the UK would never countenance buying a property in the UK without doing research in advance.”

With the number of projects left unfinished because of the economic climate, is hard to tell the difference between an unlucky development and a dodgy developer?

“The difference centres on the intention of the developer at the time of purchase. Certainly the criminal ones involve the developers at the time not owning the land or not having sufficient funding in place when taking deposits, but with an intention from the beginning to defraud the client out of their money.”

Is there a particular country that’s more susceptible to scams?

“Regrettably, no. We currently have cases in about 15 different territories. It’s wherever clients have been looking to invest that these fraudsters can occur. There’s no particular jurisdiction.”

What can people do to avoid being taken in by a scam?

“Part of the problem with people who find themselves in these situations is that they didn’t seek independent legal advice and relied upon the lawyers given to them by the selling agent. The lawyers are not acting in the client’s best interests.”

“The most important thing is that people need to step back and do what they do in the UK and make sure that everything is in order. Then, the next day, if everything appears in order, they should go ahead and purchase.”

Listen to the full investigation here:

w.soundcloud.com/player/

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.TheMoveChannel.com and the office address is 45 Lafone Street, Shad Thames, London, SE1 2LX.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

David vs Goliath? Is biggest always best when it comes to sending money abroad?

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

As timeless as the Biblical tale of David and Goliath, many people still believe that larger foreign exchange companies will be better placed to provide competitive exchange rates than smaller competitors – but is that really true?

Robin Haynes, MD of Currency Index founded in 2008, examines whether biggest is always best when it comes to sending money abroad and highlights other differences in the marketplace that clients should watch out for:

1. Getting the best exchange rates

The foreign exchange market is extremely competitive, and has high ‘liquidity’ – meaning it is possible for currency companies to source rates from the market at very small margins. In practice, this means that any company trading in excess of a couple of million pounds per month, is effectively able to buy currency at very similar rates to one trading tens of millions or more per month.

For an individual or a business using a broker, that means, perhaps surprisingly, that often the rates offered by a seemingly smaller company will be just as good as those available from one of the market leaders. In fact, due to lower overheads, you can often obtain a better rate from a more boutique company, so it is always worth checking.

2. Customer Service

Smaller companies in any industry, by and large, will be more attentive to individual clients; as an example try calling your bank or mobile phone company and see whether you can get any level of decent personal service. The same can be said of a smaller currency company, with perhaps tens of employees instead of hundreds, as an individual account manager will take the time to get to know you as a client and work with your exact requirements.

This in turn can save you money, because you are more likely to be kept informed of market movement and the different options available for buying your currency. In addition, you may find your payment is sent more quickly, particularly if it is urgent, because a smaller company could me more flexible and able to accommodate your requirements.

3. Security

Any currency company which is FSA Authorised is obliged to operate safeguarded client accounts and hold a minimum amount of capital in the business. Therefore, there should be no difference in security of funds, whichever company you use for your international transfers. A quick check on the FSA website will tell you if a company you are using is Authorised (note – if a company is Registered but not Authorised then these safeguards are not obligatory).

 

The Acid Test

Putting the theory that biggest isn’t always best to test, a mystery shopper contacted three of the largest FX companies as well as Currency Index looking to purchase €150,000 to fund a home purchase in Spain. Below reveals the indicative rate she was offered at midday on 14th March 2012:
 

Commenting on the results, Haynes says:

“When considering buying currency, clients should research which currency company to use by speaking to a couple of reputable brokers, big or small, and ensure they are comfortable dealing with a particular individual and firm. Our Acid Test results show that it can also pay to make sure you don’t assume that bigger is necessarily better and to watch out for any additional fees or transaction charges.”

For more information about exchange rates and buying currency, contact Robin at Currency Index on 0800 043 2623 or visit www.currencyindex.co.uk.

Currency Index: Fast Facts

• OPP award-winning foreign exchange and currency service provider.
• Formed in 2008 by industry experts, Currency Index prides itself on providing individuals and businesses with a superior foreign exchange service and competitive exchange rates.
• Currency Index handles around £75m per year in client transactions making it a medium sized FX company
• Trust, transparency and professionalism are at the core of Currency Index with the company becoming one of the first currency brokers to become an Authorised Payment Institution under FSA regulations in 2009.
• Currency Index only employs the most experienced and knowledgeable staff to assist clients be they overseas property buyers, importers, exporters and any other company or individual looking to obtain money-saving exchange rates.