Chris Parlour: Corporate client options for DB scheme consolidation

Advising business owners

clock • 4 min read

Chris Parlour explores smaller DB pension schemes and the associated headaches faced by business owner clients. Here he outlines everything advisers need to know about consolidating bijou final salary schemes

Running a smaller defined benefit (DB) pension scheme can be expensive. Moreover, cost pressures often limit the help and support members receive. That's why the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced measures to support the consolidation of DB pension schemes, giving the green light to superfunds and other innovations. There are significant diseconomies of scale involved in running a DB scheme. Many tasks that need to be performed, like undertaking triennial actuarial valuations, or preparing annual accounts, give rise to a significant amount of ‘fixed cost'. This affects ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Mind the (widening) gender pensions gap

Mind the (widening) gender pensions gap

‘A terrifying outcome for women in retirement’

Caitlin Southall
clock 14 January 2026 • 4 min read
Pensions body warns MPs on salary sacrifice change impact

Pensions body warns MPs on salary sacrifice change impact

Employers and employees will ‘face higher costs’ from salary sacrifice changes

Jasmine Urquhart
clock 14 January 2026 • 2 min read
Many savers fear smaller pension pots after salary sacrifice reforms

Many savers fear smaller pension pots after salary sacrifice reforms

Two-thirds think changes will mean paying more National Insurance

Jasmine Urquhart
clock 08 January 2026 • 2 min read