The Guinness VCT
Fund Overview
The Guinness VCT invests in growth-focused UK businesses, targeting sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, and retail. Managed by Guinness Asset Management, the fund focuses on delivering long-term capital growth alongside tax-free dividends. As of June 2024, its net assets stood at £6.7 million, with investments across 14 companies.
Investment Strategy
Guinness VCT seeks to identify high-growth potential companies, emphasizing scalability and innovation. The investment strategy includes:
- Sector Focus: Prioritizes sectors like software, healthcare, education, and consumer goods.
- Qualifying Investments: Targets companies with strong market traction and scalability.
- Diversification: Builds a portfolio across varied industries to manage risk.
Recent Highlights:
- Investments in companies like Obrizum (adaptive learning tech) and Qureight (AI for clinical data).
- Actively supports portfolio companies to scale through follow-on investments.
Performance Metrics
| Year | NAV Total Return (%) | Dividends Paid (p/share) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5.5 | - |
| 2023 | 6.0 | - |
| 2022 | - | - |
Note: Guinness VCT began distributing dividends from 2026 onwards.
Tax Benefits
Investors benefit from:
- 30% income tax relief: Available for investments up to £200,000 annually.
- Tax-free dividends: Regular income without tax obligations.
- Capital gains tax exemption: No CGT on share disposals.
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change.
Fund Documents
Contact Information
- Phone: 020 7222 3475
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Guinness VCT
Why Consider Access EIS Instead?
Both Guinness VCT and Access EIS offer tax-efficient investment opportunities, but they cater to different investor needs:
| Feature | Guinness VCT | Access EIS |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Focus | Growth-focused UK businesses in diverse sectors | Early-stage, high-growth UK startups |
| Minimum Investment | £5,000 | £5,000 |
| Tax Benefits |
- 30% Income Tax Relief - Tax-Free Dividends - Capital Gains Tax Exemption |
- 30% Income Tax Relief - Capital Gains Tax Deferral |
| Liquidity | Some liquidity via AIM and buyback schemes | Illiquid, with returns realized after ~5–7 years |
| Dividends | Regular, tax-free dividends | No dividends; all profits reinvested |
| Risk Level | Moderate to High | Very High |