After a period of change, we’re excited to share the next chapter for Western Pension Solutions (WPS).
WPS is now part of Collective Pensions, a joint venture between Vestey Holdings and Timpson Group. The name reflects what we believe: that collective pension schemes, and CDC in particular, have a big part to play in the future of UK pension provision. WPS is working with our colleagues at Arboreum Pensions to lead the development of collective pensions, for the family-owned businesses that have always been at the heart of what we do.
WPS continues to offer an extended range of strategic solutions for family businesses with defined benefit pension arrangements.
We’re also delighted to announce that Julian Lyons FIA, CERA has returned to WPS as a member of our Advisory Board. Julian brings a wealth of strategic pensions experience, commercial insight and independent challenge to our leadership team.
At the same time, Greg Morris FIA will be stepping back from day-to-day client consulting and taking up a position on the Advisory Board. Greg’s experience, extensive industry relationships and ability to bring people together have been instrumental in shaping WPS, and we are thrilled that he will continue to play an important role in our future direction.
Ben Vickers FIA, Esmé Goulton FIA (née Johnson) and Spencer Thomas FIA will lead the next phase of our actuarial consulting practice. Ben and Esme will continue to work closely with clients on strategic consulting, governance and endgame planning, while Spencer leads our specialist technical and modelling capability.
We’re also pleased to welcome Colin Haines FIA and Iain Clarke to the team, who will lead on CDC employer engagement. Colin joins as Senior Client Relationship Manager, bringing over 30 years in pensions including a spell as Senior Advisor at The Pensions Regulator, and will lead our client-facing work in the CDC space as the team grows. Iain joins in a senior business development role. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the asset management industry, having built his career on securing retained mandates for strategic M&A – experience he’ll now bring to growing CDC employer engagement across the market.
We’ve refreshed our website to showcase an expanded range of services for family-owned businesses and their pension schemes, including:
- Strategic pensions consulting
- Endgame planning
- Company-side project management throughout buy-in, buyout and wind-up
- Surplus management
- New collective pension (CDC) solutions being developed alongside our colleagues at Arboreum Pensions
We believe CDC schemes offer a different way of providing retirement income — pooling investment and longevity risk across the whole membership rather than leaving each saver to bear it alone — and that this collective approach has real potential to improve outcomes for many savers over the long term. It’s an area we’re proud to be helping shape.
Whilst much has changed, our purpose remains the same: helping family-owned businesses navigate their pension scheme strategy.
We’re excited about what comes next.
