The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA) has developed a self-study diploma that gives a thorough background on the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).
The EIS Tolley Diploma, which is structured and delivered by EISA and Tolley, is already available and aims to provide a new gold standard qualification for advice on the benefits of the EIS.
The diploma, which officially launches on 18 September 2014, will mark a new development in EIS training for financial advisers of all levels, especially independent financial advisors (IFAs) and wealth managers. After completing the diploma, advisors will have a good understanding of the tax allowances and investor benefits of EIS.
Topics covered by the diploma include tax implications and regulation, as well as the wider UK taxation and EIS funds landscape. On average, the course – which can be studied online – is designed to take approximately 10 hours.
The creation of the EIS Tolley Diploma is a reflection of the increased interest in EIS in recent years. With regulatory developments and further government support, awareness of the scheme is growing amongst investors, who are looking to make use of the legitimate tax breaks associated with this small business investment vehicle.
The qualification also aims to highlight the contribution EIS investments make in helping to grow successful small-to-medium-sized companies in the UK.
Sarah Wadham, director-general of the EISA, says: “Up until now there has been no dedicated qualification for EIS advice. As a result financial advisers have felt uncertain about providing advice on this investment scheme which has a reputation for being complex. The EIS Tolley Diploma will provide IFAs and fund managers with the expertise they need to confidently advise and offer EIS investments to their clients.”
Simon Groom, director of exam training and practical guidance, Tolley/LexisNexis, says: “For many the much-noted tax benefits associated with EIS investment still remain tantalisingly out of reach. We hope that by demystifying EIS we can encourage more investors to offer such services – not only will this mean significant tax breaks for investors, but it will also support economic growth by further supporting the British small business market. We’re proud to be partnering with the EIS Association and look forward to working together.”
