Expat Focus

Interview with Oliver Heslop, UK Tax Specialist

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:00:53 GMT

Oliver Heslop is a highly experienced UK tax specialist dealing with expatriate cross border issues and is also the official Expat Focus UK Taxation partner. In this interview we learn more about Oliver's background and experience and the services he offers to British expats abroad and foreign nationals in the UK. Read the interview here

UK Expatriate Taxation Partner, Oliver Heslop - Ready to Help!

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:28:30 GMT

Expat Focus is delighted to introduce Oliver Heslop of Shipleys LLP as our new UK taxation partner providing advice on all aspects of UK expatriate tax matters for both individuals and companies. Oliver worked in Arthur Andersen’s expat teams for over 10 years before taking an expatriate advisory position with Ernst & Young in 2007. He joined Shipleys as a principal in 2010. He is a highly experienced UK tax specialist dealing with cross border issues arising from the movement of people between different countries and businesses. To contact Oliver without obligation please use the enquiry form at http://www.expatfocus.com/expat-uk-tax-advice

Vuvuzelas here to stay as French pension reform causes strikes

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:10:26 GMT

by Expat Focus columnist, Sharon Revol "As an English girl in France, I always remark and admire the ability of the French to stand up and defend themselves. There’s no cowering in the corner with them, no polite mumblings of discontentment. Only the roar of their anger can be heard in the way of manifestations and strikes, regardless of who tries to stand in their way. Take for example the recently proposed reform of the pension age in France which will see retirement moved from 60 to 62 years. France boasts one of the lowest retirement ages in Europe, and yet, people don’t know how lucky they are (or am I just being British about this?)..." Read more

Villa to swap in Central Portugal for similar priced UK property

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:45:51 GMT

"Modern spacious (268 m²) 3-bed/four bathrooms villa with outstanding views situated on the outskirts of the town of Lousa, which is 25 mins from the university city of Coimbra, and midway between the airports of Porto and Lisbon . It is within walking distance to the town centre which contains all the usual amenities of a small town, banks, churches, schools, restaurants, swimming pools, cinema, cafes, bars, shops and supermarkets, we are within 40 mins drive to the coast, with nice promenade walks, clean sands and two hours from a ski resort in the Serra da Estrela mountains. Looking to swap for a similar priced property, or cash either way, preferably in Lincolnshire or East Anglia but will consider anywhere in the UK. Ill health forces my return to the UK and due to the present economic climate, the possibility of selling my villa in the short term is unlikely." Read more

Expat Experiences: Canada - Lyn Worrell

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:46:00 GMT

"My name is Lyn Worrell. My husband Richard had been married before when I met him in Saudi Arabia and we got married in Jeddah at the British Consulate. I "inherited" 2 daughters and now have 5 wonderful grandchildren, ages ranging from 9 years to 18 months. I moved to Canada in August 2004 and came with my husband as part of the "truck driver invasion" into Saskatchewan to improve the immigration figures. My husband was recruited by Siemens Transportation in Saskatoon and was sponsored through them with a temporary work permit to work in Saskatoon. We both decided that life in the UK did not hold much excitement for us and felt Canada would provide a better lifestyle..." Read more

Expat Experiences: Costa Rica - Andy and Fran Browne

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:44:37 GMT

"Hello, we are Andy and Fran Browne, two hard working yet forcibly retired gringos now living in Playa Hermosa Guanacaste Costa Rica. Fran and I grew up in South Florida, attending many of the same schools and lived only blocks apart, but somehow we never met. One day while at party at a friend's house, we finally did meet. At the time, Fran was dating a friend of mine but it seemed that things between us just clicked. Within three weeks we were sharing an apartment and just 6 months later we wound up married. What can I say... it was the 70's and we all did impulsive things. So here it is, 38 years later, we're still married, unemployed and loving life in Costa Rica..." Read more

Expat Focus Recommended Website Award: Cyprus Living

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:40:07 GMT

Cyprus Living http://www.cyprusliving.org A Paphos based information site for people living or holidaying in Cyprus, or for people considering relocating or retiring to Cyprus.

Expat Focus Recommended Website award: My Marrakesh

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:01:47 GMT

Tales of an American family's quest to build a guest house in Marrakesh http://www.moroccanmaryam.typepad.com

Expat Experiences: Bali, Indonesia - Mike Henry

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:16:38 GMT

"My name is Mike Henry and I am currently living on the island of Bali in Indonesia. I am originally from Melbourne, Australia. I have actually been living overseas for most of my life, including 10 years in Japan, two years in China and now about one year in Bali. I moved to Bali because I wanted a change in lifestyle. Ever since the first time I visited Bali, I knew I wanted to go back again for a longer period of time. There are so many great things about Bali including the culture, the people, the tropical weather and the many different places to visit in Bali..." Read more

Expat Experiences: Bulgaria - George St Clare

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:11:17 GMT

"My name is George St Clare and I currently live in Balchik on the Northern Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria. Prior to Bulgaria, I have worked in the computer field in the UK and Qatar, computers and real estate in Russia and real estate in Malta. In Bulgaria, I run three companies - GPS systems, real estate and specialised British Food. My move to Bulgaria took place at the end of 2004 from Malta. The real estate market was not really moving there at that time and there appeared to be good opportunities in that area in Bulgaria..." Read more