In the past, many financial advisers have set store by the technical, legislative and taxation aspects of the different types of pension arrangement rather than the portfolio investment strategy of the pension fund.

Certainly, tax relief on contributions and the tax-advantageous treatment of the accumulating pension fund are important attractions of investing in pension schemes. However, especially over the longer term, it is arguably the investment strategy and performance within the pension scheme portfolio which could be of even greater importance in determining the eventual level of pension benefits for members.

Every recommendation from Pensions Office includes a portfolio which is structured to meet the circumstances and requirements of each individual investor. We take a number of considerations into account in formulating this recommended portfolio, including:

• The term of years up to the age at which the client considers he or she will want to start to draw benefits from the scheme;
• The client’s attitude to risk, as regards this part of his investment portfolio;
• The importance of the value of this pension fund in the client’s overall financial wealth;
• The client’s immediate or imminent need or desire to take part of the fund as a tax free lump sum (if appropriate);
• The client’s future income needs.

When we have assessed the clients needs and circumstances we then formulate an investment portfolio recommendation using a number of strategies and following some tried and tested principles, including:

• allocation of investment between the major asset classes: equities, fixed interest, index-linked, property and cash;
• diversification between different sectors within these asset classes;
• selection of investment funds with solid investment performance and competitive charges

We are justifiably proud of our knowledge and experience of pensions and of investment strategy. We combine both of these areas of particular expertise to the long term benefit of our clients. So, if you want to ensure that your pension scheme and the fund’s investments work together for your individual circumstances and requirements……