Professional Pensions UK Pensions Awards 2006

Pension Scheme Administrator of the Year

Winner: The Pensions Trust

A diamond anniversary befits a sparkling, dynamic service offered by The Pensions Trust. Board-directed rather than share-holder-driven, The Pensions Trust is proud to be known in the industry as a "one-stop-shop" for all occupational pension needs.

Despite demanding deadlines and processes in preparation for A-Day tax simplification, The Pensions Trust last year increased both client and scheme membership by and reduced costs by £4.23 per member (totalling £552,000), while continuing to develop and enhance its range of services and products. It also initiated a new five-year mission to become the "lowest cost provider of a comprehensive pension service".

In 2005, a relaunch of its corporate website increased "hits" by 92% and its first client-centric interactive website was also launched and is now provided as a core service to larger clients.

The firm's half-yearly in-house magazine was also revitalised and relaunched to clients and members, securing a number of commendations as a result.

The tide of change is challenging enough for pension professionals but to clients it can be overwhelming without clear and accessible communication. The Pensions Trust champions a tailored approach, and satisfied a renewed hunger for information by performing 334 client visits last year, offering stewardship presentations, pension clinics and member presentations. It has also introduced quarterly transaction statements, produced a six-monthly magazine with summarised annual report, and stewardship reports including investment performance, admin issues, legislation updates and breaking pensions news.