United Kingdom

UK - Scottish Widows Investment Partnership is launching five pooled funds for pension funds, all with scheme-specific benchmarks.

UK - Money purchase schemes are urging the NAPF to ensure its newly-created DC forum does not become merely a "talking shop".

UK - Sirius Financial Systems has appointed Ian Bullen to the newly-created role of chief executive, solutions business unit.

UK - Premier Oil has released its first ever sustainability report but failed to mention its withdrawal from Burma following human rights calls by pension funds.

UK - Ashtenne and Morley Fund Management have attracted £29m of new investment into their limited partnership - the Ashtenne Industrial Fund.

UK - Higham Group has opened offices in Telford and Glasgow in response to increasing demand for its wind-up and pension review capabilities.

UK - Mercer has set up a global practice to focus on human resource technology and operations consulting.

UK - Telecom giant Vodafone faced a revolt from shareholders after board members gave themselves pay rises of up to 11%.

UK - The London Borough of Hackney Superannuation Fund has gone out to tender for an actuary following Watson Wyatt's decision to exit the local authority market.

UK - Pensions Investment Research Consultants is recommending opposition to Carpetright's remuneration report at its annual general meeting on August 12.