PENSIONS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS & LEADERS

Helping business owners, directors, and the self-employed to build smarter, more rewarding pensions, without the stress.

We know that lots of the executives and leaders we work with have put blood, sweat and tears into their businesses.

60, 70-hour weeks. Late nights, a lot of stress along the way, for maybe 30 years or more.

We help you to get the pay-off for all of this, with the right pension for your retirement.

How 20:20 can help

Planning for your future doesn’t need to be a headache.

At 20:20 Financial Planning, we take the load off, helping business owners, directors, and the self-employed to build smarter, more rewarding pensions, without the stress.

With expert investment guidance and our strategic approach, you’ll typically end up with more in your pension than if you go it alone. It’s that simple.

We make sure your retirement savings align with your lifestyle goals, balancing tax efficiency, personal allowances, and income planning to maximise every opportunity. Whether you want to retire early, travel the world, or simply enjoy financial security, we’ll give you the clarity and confidence to put it all in place.

The future you want starts with the right plan - build it with 20:20.

3 Simple Steps

Quick Online Form

Fill out our quick and easy contact form below

FREE Consultation

We will call you to discuss your current pension, your business and your advice needs

Regulated Expert Advice

We will provide you with the no-obligation advice discussed in your consultation

At 20:20 Financial Planning, we understand that no two business owners, directors, or self-employed professionals have the same financial goals.

With experience working across large corporations, SMEs, and high-level executives, we tailor pension strategies to suit your unique needs.

Whether you're looking to maximise tax efficiency, secure your future lifestyle, or create a retirement plan that truly works for you, we provide expert guidance to ensure your pension is as ambitious as your business.

Let’s build a future that gives you the freedom you deserve.

Book a free consultation

Your business is your passion, but your financial future matters too. Let’s put a plan in place that works for both. We start with a 15 minute phone call, and then a FREE 90 minute consultation to kick start your financial clarity.

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Increase your retirement income

According to a Royal London study, those who sought professional guidance ended up with a retirement income that was, on average, 47% higher than people who went it alone.

Just imagine what that could mean for you:

Greater freedom. More options. Enhanced peace of mind.

Here's the truth: navigating the complexities of pensions, investments, and tax efficiency isn't just challenging-it can be risky if you get it wrong .

... And while you could tackle it on your own, why put your hard-earned money at stake when a professional pension adviser can lead you towards the future you've always hoped for?

By working with a specialist, you'll receive a personalised plan shaped around your unique situation and ambitions-helping you maximise your wealth, minimise tax liabilities, and sidestep expensive blunders.

This is not simply about safeguarding your tomorrow; it's also about improving your life today, secure in the knowledge that you're on a solid path.

Don't leave your retirement to chance.

Self-employed pension FAQs

There is no one-size-fits-all amount, as it depends on your personal circumstances, income, and retirement goals. However, financial experts often recommend contributing as much as you can realistically afford, aiming for a minimum of around 10% to 15% of your annual income if possible. This recommendation can vary depending on your age and other factors such as existing savings, debts, and how close you are to retirement. Ultimately, it may be wise to speak with a qualified pension adviser who can help you determine a contribution level that aligns with your long-term targets.

Self-employed individuals can typically claim tax relief on pension contributions in a similar way to employed workers. Currently, basic-rate tax relief (20%) is automatically applied to your pension contributions, and if you pay higher or additional rate tax, you can claim further relief through your Self-assessment tax return. You can contribute up to 100% of your annual earnings (subject to the annual allowance) and still benefit from tax relief. Keep in mind that the annual allowance may change from one tax year to another, so it’s a good idea to stay up to date on HMRC guidelines or seek professional advice.

Yes - provided you have paid enough National Insurance contributions (NICs). Self-employed individuals usually pay Class 2 NICs, which count towards your State Pension. To qualify for the full new State Pension, you generally need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. If you have fewer than that, you’ll receive a proportionate amount. It’s worth regularly checking your State Pension forecast on the official government website to see if you have any gaps in your NIC record and to understand how much you might receive.

One of the key advantages of a personal pension plan is flexibility. If your income fluctuates throughout the year, you could opt to set up variable monthly contributions or make lump-sum contributions whenever you have spare funds. Some pension providers allow you to pause or reduce payments without incurring penalties. This flexibility ensures that you can continue saving for retirement even if your cash flow changes from month to month. A pension adviser or your pension provider can offer guidance on the best approach for your situation.

Popular choices include a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) and a Stakeholder Pension. SIPPs provide a wider range of investment options but often come with higher fees or require more investment knowledge. A Stakeholder Pension typically has capped fees and more straightforward options, making it suitable for those who prefer simplicity. The “best” pension depends on your comfort with managing investments, your budget for fees, and your long-term strategy.

In many cases, you can transfer old workplace or personal pensions into a single pension pot. This can simplify your retirement planning and potentially lower fees. Before transferring, it’s important to check if there are any exit fees or loss of benefits (like guaranteed annuity rates) associated with your current pensions. A professional adviser can help you assess whether consolidating is the right move, based on your personal circumstances and the terms of your existing pensions.

Generally, you can start accessing your pension from the minimum pension age set by the government (currently 55, rising to 57 in 2028). You do not have to stop working to withdraw pension funds. Upon reaching this age, you can usually take up to 25% of your pension pot as a tax-free lump sum, with the remainder subject to income tax when withdrawn. However, early withdrawal prior to the minimum pension age is typically not permitted except in certain situations (e.g., severe ill health).