New to shares and the stock market

AnotherJoe

Yes it is there are various investment trusts, ETFs and funds that invest in numerous specific areas. I do recall looking at this in particular last year (batteries/electric) there were a couple though i cant recall the details.

I ended up taking a punt and investing in a specific battery manufacturer instead. Currently down 33% just so you have an idea of my expertise . This is a ten year hold though.
Are you a high rate taxpayer? Because if you are the trade off for the money being locked away is you could get £20k in a SIPP for £12k of your own money. Thats a hard deal to turn down.

dunstonh

I want to be in control of what I invest it and be able to buy and sell as i please.

Why do you think a pension prevents that?

Pensions, ISA and unwrapped all share the same mainstream investment options. The tax wrapper rarely makes any diference.

What's the difference between putting 20k tax free in a s&s ISA than in a sipp?

As far as investment choice goes, virtually no difference.
As far as tax goes, a £20k gross contriubtion would cost you £16,000. Or a £20k net contriubtion would mean £25k going in the pension. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, even better still.
As far as maturity process goes, pensions are for retirement. That tax relief at the start is in return for you putting money aside to the retirement years (10 years earlier than state pension age).

Great advice that's another reason I've never put into a pension due to being locked away. I forgot to say that.

Investing is a long term thing. Even if you use an ISA, you should still have the intention of long term.

If your objective with this money is not long term then how long is it for?

Why does it have to be one or the other? Why not both?