Next Generation Partners

Pensions in North

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP offers a specialist pensions law service, providing comprehensive advice to trustees, providers, insurers and sponsoring employers of UK pension schemes. The team is particularly noted for its strength in the public and voluntary sectors and its expertise in advising US-based companies on UK pensions issues. Headed by the highly experienced Martin Poore, the practice covers the full range of pensions work including complex scheme restructurings and liability management. Suzanne Duff is well-regarded for both contentious and non-contentious matters, while Gavin Ellison is praised for his work on benefit restructuring and transition management projects with trustees and employers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin Poore


Autres avocats clés:

Suzanne Duff; Gavin Ellison; Paul Rosenzweig; Naomi Jacques


Les références

‘I work with Suzanne Duff primarily who is exceptionally knowledgeable on pension matters, is well connected in the sector and has long and extensive experience in the sector which is invaluable. Suzanne is always extremely prompt in responding and very thorough in all the advice she gives.’

‘Very pro-active with new legislation and new events within the pensions world.’

‘They are always available and the advice is clear and concise.’

Principaux clients

IBM United Kingdom Limited


Northern Powergrid (North East) plc


Trustee of the VA Tech UK Pension Scheme


Trustees of the House of Hardy Pension Scheme


Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)


Trustees of the Raleigh Pension Scheme


Dogs Trust


Trustees of the Perivale Gütermann Pension and Life Assurance Scheme


Trustees of the Newcastle Building Society Pension & Assurance Scheme


Royal Masonic Benevolent Institute


Somerset Wildlife Trust


Pocklington School


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the Trustees of the British Red Cross Pension Fund (UK Fund) and the Scottish Branch, British Red Cross Society Retirement Benefits Scheme (Scottish Scheme) on the buy-out and wind-up of both schemes.
  • Advising the Trustee of the VA Tech UK Pension Scheme on complex aspects of its buy-out and wind-up, including reinsurance arrangements with an overseas group company and facilitating DC pot transfers to a PIC master trust to help members maximise cash commutation at retirement.
  • Advising the Trustees of the Newcastle Building Society Pension & Assurance Scheme on all aspects of pensions law and the increasing governance requirements, including the Pensions Regulator’s general code of practice, and strategically planning and implementing the equalisation of guaranteed minimum pensions for the scheme.

Neon Legal

Neon Legal is a boutique pensions specialist practice known for advising a diverse client base, including trustees and sponsoring employers of large and complex UK pension schemes. The firm’s expertise covers the full range of pensions law, from scheme restructuring and regulatory matters to dispute resolution and public sector advice. Founder Tushar Bhate leads the team with a reputation for handling complex issues across both public and private sectors. His practice spans SIPPs, SSASs, and large occupational schemes, offering tailored support to SMEs and niche pension arrangements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tushar Bhate


Autres avocats clés:

Loren Ward


Les références

‘The team are there when you need them and they have been thorough and understanding.’

‘All members have been quick, effective and very understanding with what we ask from them.’

‘Tushar Bhate is a friendly and approachable contact. He has an excellent manner with clients and can break down complex topics into an understandable position. The overall approach taken by Tushar and his firm is one of real practicality and pragmatism.’

Principaux clients

Barratt Developments PLC


Trustees of the Lowman Pension Scheme


Trustees of the Hoval Limited Pension Plan


Trustees of the Kilfrost Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme


Trustee of the Biochrom Pension Scheme


px Limited


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


Biscuit International UK Ltd


Connect Health Group Limited


Gateshead Council


Northumberland County Council


Trustees of the British Electrical & Manufacturing Company Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme


Clumber Consultancy Pension Trustees Limited


Courts Trustees Limited


Trustees of the Wednesbury Pension Scheme


InvestAcc Pension Administration Limited


Eric Wright Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the trustees of the Kilfrost Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme which involved recreating 80% of lost scheme documentation and placing the scheme in a position for buy-in.
  • Advised InvestAcc Pensions Administration Limited on all legal aspects of operating SSAS/SIPPs.
  • Advised Northumberland County Council in respect of its obligations under the LGPS.