In this episode of the Money Wise UK podcast, host George Ladds speaks with Henry Rossiter of Belmont Estate about the estate's commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and the challenges of balancing business with environmental values. Henry shares his journey from a family background in agriculture to leading Belmont's transformation into a venue that connects people with nature. The conversation explores the importance of community involvement, the need for a reconnection with nature, and the pressing environmental challenges we face today. Henry emphasises the role of biodiversity and sustainable practices in ensuring a better future for both the estate and the planet.

Takeaways

• Belmont Estate focuses on sustainability, community, and education.
• Henry Rossiter's journey began with a childhood interest in agriculture.
• The estate has evolved from a simple venue to a community hub.
• Financial sustainability is crucial for running Belmont Estate.
• Community engagement is key to nature connection and education.
• Nature connection programs have seen significant volunteer involvement.
• Reconnecting with nature can improve mental and physical well-being.
• Environmental challenges require innovative solutions and community action.
• Biodiversity net gain is essential for future developments.
• The future of Belmont Estate aims for growth through partnerships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Belmont Estate and Its Vision

03:08 Henry Rossiter's Journey to Belmont Estate

05:52 Transforming Belmont: Challenges and Opportunities

09:15 Balancing Business and Environmental Values

12:10 Community Engagement and Volunteering Initiatives

15:15 Reconnecting with Nature: The Importance of Community

20:58 The Impact of Nature on Wellbeing

27:11 Environmental Challenges and Solutions

36:00 Future Aspirations for Belmont Estate

Links:

Belmont Estate

Money Wise UK

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative - Florence Williams

🎧Don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes, leave a review, and share your thoughts.

📢Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide financial advice. Please consult a financial adviser for personalised guidance. Investments can rise and fall, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Any company mentions are for discussion purposes only and do not constitute recommendations.

In this candid episode, George speaks with entrepreneur Hugo Morrissey about his bold leap from a career in finance at Neptune Investment Management to launching Nuisance Drinks in 2020. Hugo opens up about the highs and lows of starting a business during the pandemic, from foraging nettles to hand-labeling 5,500 bottles.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Hugo shares his struggles with mental health while running the business solo—and how therapy and antidepressants helped him find his footing again.

He also reflects on his decision to exit the brand in 2024, touching on sunk cost fallacy and the tough realities of scaling an FMCG startup. Finally, Hugo introduces his new venture, Blackbook Design Collective, a creative agency bridging South African talent with UK clients.

This episode is a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and redefining what success really means.

Blackbook Design Collective: https://www.blackbookdc.com/

Money Wise UK: https://www.money-wise.uk/

🎧Don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes, leave a review, and share your thoughts.

📢 Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide financial advice. Please consult a financial adviser for personalized guidance. Investments can rise and fall, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Any company mentions are for discussion purposes only and do not constitute recommendations.

In this episode of Money Wise UK Podcast, we welcome back Richard Parkin, Head of Retirement at BNY Investments. Following the October Budget and his latest research with NextWealth on Retirement Advice, Richard shares key insights shaping the future of retirement planning.

Key findings from the research include:
🔹 47% of advisers feel compliance with the thematic review limits their ability to meet client demand.
🔹 28% of advisers have no plans to adopt a standardized retirement advice model.
🔹 40% of advisers continue using the same portfolios for decumulation as they do for accumulation.

We dive into these findings, discussing the role of annual reviews, industry trends, and what the future holds for retirement advice. Whether you're an adviser or an individual planning your retirement, this episode offers valuable perspectives from both sides of the conversation.

💡 Resources:

• For retirement insights, visit BNY Investments.
• Advisers can explore the Money Wise UK Centralised Retirement Proposition®.
• If you're seeking retirement advice, check out unbiased.co.uk.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes, leave a review, and share your thoughts. Join us on this journey as we navigate the evolving world of retirement planning.

📢 Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide financial advice. Please consult a financial adviser for personalized guidance. Investments can rise and fall, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Any company mentions are for discussion purposes only and do not constitute recommendations.