United Kingdom

UK - Cheshire County Council is on course to finish a review of its pension fund, which could result in changes to its investment arrangements.

UK - Barclays Global Investors (BGI) has launched a new high return market neutral offering, aimed at hedge fund-of-funds investors.

UK - UK fund manager Friends Ivory & Sime remained "cautious" on its forecast for 2002, after posting almost flat full year profits.

UK - The £720m Torfaen County Borough Council Greater Gwent Pension Fund is seeking a global custodian as part of a review of its investment management.

UK - Alan Bartlett has quit Aon Consulting after less than a year to take up a new position at multi-managers Attica Asset Management.

UK - The Government needs to reverse its strategy on pensions by significantly raising the basic state pension and restoring the earnings link, according to new research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

UK - The decision by retailer Marks & Spencer to close its DB scheme has been branded "illogical" by the Trades Union Congress.

UK - One shareholder meeting is of significance in the week beginning March 18, according to corporate governance specialists Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS).

UK - An issues paper published by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) considers the need for insurance companies to have an appointed actuary, suggesting that the responsibilities currently covered by the role might already be adequately addressed...

UK - DLA has made an addition to its pensions and employee benefits team with the appointment of Michael Cowley.