Next Generation Partners

Pensions in North

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP acts for leading regional and national companies, trustees, and scheme sponsors across a diverse array of sectors, including infrastructure providers, tech corporations, and local authorities, on the full range of contentious and non-contentious pensions matters. The dedicated practice works closely with regulatory bodies to advise on the buy-out and winding-up of pension schemes, litigation related to alternative procedures for claims (Part 8 claims), and scheme administration issues. Martin Poore heads up the team and has extensive experience advising on compliance issues, corporate sponsor restructuring, and liability management projects. Suzanne Duff is a key contact for contentious matters, while Gavin Ellison handles benefit restructuring and defined benefit and contribution schemes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin Poore


Autres avocats clés:

Gavin Ellison; Suzanne Duff


Principaux clients

IBM United Kingdom Limited


Northern Powergrid (North East) plc


Trustee of the VA Tech UK Pension Scheme


Broadacres Housing Association


Trustees of the House of Hardy Pension Scheme


Aysgarth School


West Lancashire Borough Council


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Northern Powergrid on the application of pension increases under the Electricity Supply Penson Scheme and assisting the Company in agreeing an appropriate cap on such increases with the Independent Trustee of the ESPS.
  • Advising the Trustee of the VA Tech UK Pension Scheme on the buy-out and winding up of the scheme.
  • Advised on the exit of Broadacres Housing Association from the London Pension Fund Authority in the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Neon Legal

Specialist pensions boutique Neon Legal excels across all aspects of non-contentious employment work, handling buy-ins and buy-outs, scheme restructurings, as well as regulatory matters. Notably, the firm has significant expertise in public sector pensions issues, and frequently acts for local governments, NHS entities, and education sector clients. The ‘outstanding’ Tushar Bhate leads the practice and is a key contact for pensions and legal professionals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tushar Bhate


Les références

‘Neon Legal is an excellent practice in respect of its responsiveness and prompt attention to requests and questions.’

‘Neon Legal are our go-to pension lawyers, they have been assisting us for 12 years now and have never let us down. We like the way the firm operates, its pragmatic style and the quality of the advice provided. They understand our issues and provide a response, which is always clear and considered. ’

‘All individuals at the firm provide an exceptional service, they are knowledgeable, friendly and professional. ’

Principaux clients

Kaefer Limited


Newcastle University Students’ Union


The Lowman Pension Scheme


Trustee of the Fishing Co-Operatives (UK) Ltd Retirement & Death Benefits Scheme


Trustees of the Andrews Sykes Group Pension Scheme


px Group


Kilfrost Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme


The Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme


Trustee of the Biochrom Pension Scheme


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Kaefer Limited on the process of integrating its pension arrangements, including drafting all consultation documents, issues of salary sacrifice, and moving from qualifying earnings to basic pay.
  • Advised on a multi-employer scheme in relation to individual sections.
  • Advised the trustees of the Andrew Sykes Group Pension Scheme on buying in the scheme’s liabilities with an insurance company, including drafting a benefit specification, advising on all aspects of the project including trustee liability, and reviewing insurer contracts.