Mike Birch

Oct 18, 2024 | pensionsage.com | Mike Birch

Ofwat’s July 2024 draft determination increased the expectations on water companies whilst halving the price increases they sought in order to deliver those improvements. Intense negotiations are expected before Ofwat’s final determination in December. However, the difficulties this creates for water companies may impact their pension schemes.

Aug 15, 2024 | vidett.com | Mike Birch

In July this year, Client director Mike Birch joined the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) for their Annual Conference 2024, as he chaired one of their breakout sessions entitled ‘Regulatory challenges and opportunities in pension innovation’. The panel saw Mike joined by:Susie Daykin (Head of Pensions, Travers Smith)James Longster (Partner, Technology & Commercial Transactions, Travers Smith), andDavid Craddock (Senior Counsel, The Pensions Ombudsman).

Apr 4, 2024 | vidett.com | Mike Birch

For most defined benefit (DB) pension schemes, funding positions have never been better. This is a reason for action rather than complacency as the environment could change, certainly over the timeframes of DB schemes. Pension trustees should have a clear plan to take advantage of current positions. Setting and delivering a strategic plan is in everybody’s interests – trustees, members and sponsoring employers.

Apr 2, 2024 | professionalpensions.com | Mike Birch

For most defined benefit (DB) pension schemes, funding positions have never been better. This is a reason for action rather than complacency as the environment could change, certainly over the timeframes of DB schemes. Pension trustees should have a clear plan to take advantage of current positions. Setting and delivering a strategic plan is in everybody's interests – trustees, members and sponsoring employers. Removing volatility in what has traditionally been a key corporate liability involv...

Nov 27, 2023 | blog.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk | Mike Birch

Protecting savers and supporting innovation are central to our work. In line with this, we are working closely with providers in the market to explore alternative defined benefit (DB) scheme funding arrangements that are emerging. One area where we are seeing significant activity is around capital backed journey plans (CBJPs), also known as capital backed arrangements. Arrangements such as CBJPs vary significantly in nature.