United Kingdom

UK/ Netherlands - The Netherlands-based Blue Sky Group, managers of the pension assets for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, has appointed Janus Capital Group subsidiary INTECH to a $250m (£143m) US large cap enhanced mandate.

UK - Thomas Day and Ian Davidson have been appointed investment relationship managers for Northern Trust Global Investments.

UK - Mercer Human Resource Consulting has been appointed to provide administration services to the trustees of four pension plans.

UK - Standard Life Investments' funds under management increased more than 15% in the past year. Managed funds increased to £86.5bn from £74.9bn in 2002.

UK - A set of equality regulations covering sexual orientation, religious beliefs and disability discrimination have been laid before parliament.

UK - Lower cost group personal pensions and stakeholder plans are the most popular form of provision for smaller firms, a new survey reveals.

UK - The £13bn Railways Pension Scheme is making its first foray into hedge funds and is expected to tender for managers next year.

UK - Institutional fund managers are increasingly upbeat about the prospects of the global economy, State Street Associates' survey of investor confidence shows.

UK - Schemes have made an 11th hour bid to amend the government's proposed changes to priority order rules.

UK - Most workers believe their employers should offer an ethical investment option within their pensions arrangements, MPs have been told.