I have left my job and at the moment have stopped contributing to my PRSA. At this point my fund is worth approx 30k. What types of options have I open to me ?
Ideally I'd like to look at taking control of these funds and invest in either property, shares or other business ventures. Are there any schemes available to me ?
Small Self Administered Scheme perhaps? But I suspect that you'd need a lot more that 30K to justify one of these. Why not switch your PRSA (if necessary) to a provider that offers funds that match your investment criteria above as closely as possible?
BTW - the website linked in your signature is generating errors.
A Self-Admin Scheme is really only available if you are a company director.
Standard Life have a really good range of new options for personal pensions - including property, direct shares, Rabobank etc...might be useful to you.
I would say that an Executive Pension might be suitable - if you wanted to go direct property - but if you do not have much by way of income from your position as director of a small business, then your contributions may be fairly limited.
Basically what you are looking at is an Executive Pension with Standard Life, or else a Small Self-Administered Scheme...either way you will be able to invest in direct property, shares in companies etc, if you have an email address I could send you on some more details.