We firmly believe that pensions are a business issue. There is virtually no area of corporate activity where pensions does not have an impact. As a business issue it needs to be planned, managed and implemented the same as any other business issue. So if you want to:-

•  Protect and build the value of your company
•  Protect and build the wealth and returns
•  Reduce costs now and manage future costs
•  Manage your cash flow better
•  Sell your business in due course
•  Plan your exit and succession strategy
•  Retain, reward and recruit key staff

The chances are you need to look at your pension arrangements.

Summary of Services to Corporate Advisers & Businesses

If you had a company worth, say, £25 million, would you be happy to have it run by people who are not qualified to run it properly?

This can be the situation with many pension schemes, where the trustees are faced with issues of solvency, investment strategy, actuarial reports, etc. They have to make decisions, often involving many million of pounds, having a profound impact on the scheme members, and the employer. Their responsibilities are onerous.

This is where an independent trustee can help. Advising trustees and employers on issues and advising on solutions - independently - with no vested interests.

Where there is a major funding issue, the independent trustee can help bring a problem under control and aid in the transition to a new arrangement if necessary This may involve closing/winding-up existing arrangements.

The Pensions Act 2005 underlines the need for independent trustees.

We recognise that Final Salary schemes may be under pressure for a number of reasons these days. Because of this we have put together a joint venture with other professional firms to offer a comprehensive package of essential services for Final Salary schemes, at realistic and transparent fee levels ie. No Small Print, No Surprises.

This package includes;-

• Full Actuarial services
• Full administration services
• Services of an Independent Trustee
• Essential legal services

Approaching a pension as a business issue, we can provide consultancy and support where:-

•  There are FRS17 issues
•  You are grooming a business for sale
•  You are thinking of alternative pension arrangements
•  There are property issues or opportunities
•  There are insolvency situations
•  You need actuarial advice

Where you are looking to buy or sell a business, pensions can be a "deal-killer". This can be even more crucial where the business is in effect the owner's pension.

This service can help in any of the following scenarios:-

•  Any merger and acquisition activity
•  Exit / succession planning
•  Company turnaround
•  Business recovery
•  Tax planning and management
•  Management buy out

We can provide business owners, advisers and trustees with:-

•  Technical support and advice
•  Technical updates
•  Attendance at clients meetings
•  Training

Often, pension schemes are not getting a fair service for a fair fee. The fee structures are far from transparent, and bills arrive at undefined intervals for amounts that are unexpected - usually unexpectedly high.

We can help pension schemes source more appropriate advisers, at fee levels more in keeping with what they should be. If necessary, we can facilitate and manage "Beauty Parades".