A number of new film finance investment schemes are expected to be launched before the end of the tax year. AIB is preparing to produce a scheme in the coming weeks and may have at least one other before April.

These Section 23 schemes have proved popular with investors in the past, although the opportunities to get involved in them have been relatively scarce. The AIB venture will operate similar to a BES scheme, although the tax relief on the sum invested is smaller. The new scheme will allow investors to put up to £25,000 into a film finance project. They will be then entitled to claim 80 per cent tax relief on this sum at the top rate after one year.

Further details will be available through the bank's branch network.