Since its inception in 1994, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) investing has long been positioned as a powerful tax planning tool for high earners and entrepreneurs. Yet, in practice, many advisers and investors still treat EIS as a once-a-year, lump-sum decision; often driven by tax deadlines rather than portfolio construction. This mindset is worth challenging.

If building a portfolio is like picking a football team, it can be tempting to try to grind out a nil‑nil. The portfolio could have a packed defence with gilts and blue‑chip funds, add a couple of cautious midfielders, and then wonder why they’re not scoring against rising tax bills.