United Kingdom

UK - The "remarkable pace of change" witnessed as corporate pensions schemes switch from DB to DC is set to continue, found the Towers Perrin "UK Corporate Pensions Survey 2006".

UK - The £499m Highland Council Pension Fund is tendering for investment advisory and consultancy services.

UK - Charlie Metcalfe has been appointed CEO to First State Investments (UK), the international operation of Colonial First State Global Asset Management.

UK - The contributions made by FTSE 100 schemes to their pension funds have increased more than 10% in the last two years, found consultants Watson Wyatt in a recent survey.

UK - Alternative investments such as hedge funds, private equity and commodities are set to become mainstream asset classes for pension funds over the next three years, according to a survey by Investment Solutions.

UK - Only five out of the UK's 20 largest occupational pension schemes have disclosed policies on engaging with companies on environmental and social responsibility, research by FairPensions has revealed.

UK - Doubt has been cast over whether a reduction in regulation would have any effect in discouraging employers from "levelling down" contributions under the NPSS.

UK - Interest in continental European real estate investment has increased by 30% over the last year, a survey by ING Real Estate Investment Management has shown.

UK - Research showing one in four employers would "level down" their pension contributions once personal accounts are introduced has given weight to fears that the National Pension Savings Scheme (NPSS) will eat into sound pension schemes.

UK - The three ITV unions have threatened to call a strike following the unveiling of plans to close the television station's final salary scheme to existing members.