Paying attention (TT JulAug06 p32-33)

Board and senior management, staff, and shareholders/analysts are attaching more importance to pension funding and investment strategies. A majority of participants had made special contributions during the period under review. A very low percentage of participants used interest rate and inflation hedging instruments. Most disagreed with the Pensions Regulator’s statement that the Pensions Act 2004 has had little impact on mergers and acquisitions. A greater focus on mortality assumptions is noticeable, supported by companies making voluntary disclosures in their reports and accounts.