Spike in financial services business predicted

The director of an Island financial consultancy says he believes pensions will be a key theme in today's Manx budget (Tuesday).

The long-term funding of state and public sector pensions is providing government with long-term challenges.

But reform of the rules surrounding private pensions is also on the political agenda.

Alan Blythe of Douglas-based Blythe Financial says there are strong indications savers want more control over their private pension pots - and opinion is split over the impact this could have on tax-take.

Mr Blythe is predicting a spike in business for the Island's financial services sector, as more people become aware of changes that affect them: