Loose change

Bristol-based adviser Hargreaves Lansdown has produced an up-to- date guide to building society accounts still available which would be eligible for a cash or share bonus if the society is taken over or converts to a bank. Readers can get a free copy by calling 0800-850661.

Specialist traders Beale Dobie who buy and sell second-hand endowment policies are tipping policies with Friends Provident, Scottish Amicable, Scottish Widows and Standard Life as possible beneficiaries from bonuses if the companies convert to public companies. Policies with Scottish Provident, NPI and Scottish Life could benefit from takeover bids.

Portfolio Fund Management plans to market a specialist PEP investing in European funds next month. Call 0800-404418 to register for an initial discount.

Skipton Building Society and General Accident Life have launched an investment account with 40 per cent on instant access paying up to 7.5 per cent gross and 60 per cent in a unit-linked investment bond to generate capital growth. Minimum investment is pounds 10,000.

Nationwide Building Society has raised rates for savers by up to 1.1 per cent. An Instant Access account now earns 3 per cent gross, 90-day notice accounts get 4 per cent, and regular savings and Tessas 6.5 per cent, all on pounds 2,000.