Intelligent Investing is a one-stop-guide for investment professionals who need to better think though their investment rules, behaviour or procedures before allocating capital. History (and the collapse of several pension funds) has shown us that a high percentage of investments fail, and that more consideration needs to be put into key decisions such as passive vs. active management, dynamic vs. active asset allocation and manager selection and monitoring.
Written by a seasoned finance practitioner, this book will guide readers through everything they need to consider in the investment planning process, from identifying the risk/return profile (i.e. the type of investor you are), to understanding the key concepts - alpha, beta, liquidity and volatility, and rebalancing an investment portfolio. Readers will come away with clear and practical guidance on how to carry out a full strategic review of their investment plans, allowing them to better allocate their resources for maximum investment returns within their own defined risk parameters.

The United Kingdom has long been an island under siege from terrorists who believe they can advance their aims through acts of violence. Protecting the public from the excesses of extremism remains the primary responsibility of government. For over a century Special Branch, MI5 and MI6 have prevented terrorist atrocities and have pursued those who wish to destroy the United Kingdom's free and democratic way of life. Yet, despite developing one of the world's most sophisticated security architectures, successful terrorist attacks have occurred with alarming regularity. For the very first time, this new volume explores the evolution of counter-terrorism practice in the United Kingdom, brought to life with dramatic case studies and personal insider accounts provided by leading policy makers, prosecutors and counter-terrorism practitioners who openly reveal the challenges and operational reality of countering contemporary terrorist threats. From the troubles in Northern Ireland to the al Qa'ida inspired genre of international terrorism, this volume plots the trajectory of counter-terrorism policy and practice exploring the events that have served to change the course of civil protection. This unique title is enriched by leading academic perspectives providing analysis of counter-terrorism responses and identifies lessons to be learned from the past, the present, as well as exploring the terrorist threats of the future to be tackled by the next generation of counter-terrorism practitioners. This accessible and authoritative volume is required reading for all in authority and academia who are concerned with national security, counter-terrorism and the law, as well as those with a vested interest in the preservation of human rights, the protection of civil liberties and democracy itself.

Unfairly reviled, and much misunderstood, private equity differs from all other asset classes in various important respects, not least the way in which its fund mechanisms operate, and the way in which its returns are recorded and analysed. Sadly, high level asset allocation decisions are frequently made on the basis of prejudice and misinformation, rather than a proper appreciation of the facts. Guy Fraser-Sampson draws upon more than twenty years of experience of the private equity industry to provide a practical guide to mastering the intricacies of this highly specialist asset class. Aimed equally at investors, professionals and business school students, it starts with such fundamental questions as what is private equity? and progresses to detailed consideration of different types of private equity activity such as venture capital and buyout. Rapid and significant changes in the environment during the recent financial crisis have prompted the need for a new edition. Separate chapters have been added on growth and development capital, as well as secondary investing. Newly emergent issues are considered, such as lengthening holding periods and the possible threat of declining returns. Particular problems, such as the need to distinguish between private equity and hedge funds, are addressed. The glossary has also been expanded. In short, readers will find that this new edition takes their understanding of the asset class to new heights. Key points include: * A glossary of private equity terms * Venture capital * Buyout * Growth capital * Development capital * Secondary investing * Understanding private equity returns * Analysing funds and returns * How to plan a fund investment programme * Detailed discussion of industry performance figures

Written by bestselling finance author Guy Fraser-Sampson, this is a provocative account of the severe limitations of modern finance, advocating a bold new way forward for the finance industry. The Pillars of Finance is a lively and provocative read, challenging some of the core beliefs of modern finance.

Intelligent Investing is first ever practical guide for investors on how to initiate and conduct a strategic planning exercise. Guy Fraser-Sampson explains the concepts and behavioural factors likely to be encountered, and shows how a clear understanding of an investor's strategic positioning flows naturally into good asset allocation practice.

This is a fully revised fourth edition of the successful Blackstone's Preparing for Police Duty, the invaluable introduction to the police service for new recruits or those considering a policing career. This highly practical guide informs those interested in a career in the police about the general culture of the policing world; the extended police family, dress-code, badges, shift patterns, equipment and basic information on police powers in relation to the most common crimes. The new edition offers an easy-to-understand outline of the criminal justice system and a summary of the criminal law, and has been fully updated to include the latest changes in the recruitment and entry procedures, as well as new content on policing terrorism, public protest, and neighbourhood policing. Written by an experienced serving police officer, Blackstone's Preparing for Police Duty is an accessible, motivational and informative guide for anyone considering a career in the police service, those on foundation and policing degree courses, and anyone who has recently secured a place as a student officer.

The UK's Law National Admissions Test (LNAT) entrance exam is now a requirement at many leading UK universities. This third edition provides a comprehensive and fully up-to-date guide for all those preparing to take the test. It has been thoroughly revised to take account of the recent changes to the test and to reflect the latest advice and guidance relevant for law school candidates. Readers will find all they need to face the exam with confidence, fulfilling their potential and succeeding in their application.

The second in the Hampstead Murders series opens with a sudden death at an iconic local venue, which some of the team believe may be connected with an unsolved murder featuring Cold War betrayals worthy of George Smiley. It soon emerges that none other than Agatha Christie herself may be the key witness who is able to provide the missing link. As with its bestselling predecessor, Death in Profile, the book develops the lives and loves of the team at 'Hampstead Nick'. While the next phase of a complicated love triangle plays itself out, the protagonists, struggling to crack not one but two apparently insoluble murders, face issues of national security in working alongside Special Branch. On one level a classic whodunit, this quirky and intelligent read harks back not only to the world of Agatha Christie, but also to the Cold War thrillers of John Le Carre, making it a worthy successor to Death in Profile which was dubbed 'a love letter to the detective novel'.