United Kingdom

UK - Neptune Investment Management's UK equity fund has returned 17% since its launch at the end of March, 2000.

UK - Barclays Private Equity has won the Fund of the Year Award at the Real Deals/BVCA Private Equity Awards 2003.

UK/GLOBAL - A radical new code of stewardship for pension funds backed by some of the world's biggest investors has already caused outrage among fund managers.

UK - Pooled pension schemes have plummeted by nearly 25% in the past year with a net loss of £60bn across the Russell/Mellon CAPS Index.

UK - Scottish Life is revamping its fee structure to help IFAs move from commission to fees and boost the take-up of pensions.

UK - Micro-electronics firm Zetex has been forced to rethink plans to increase staff contributions to its final salary scheme following angry responses from workers.

UK - Transport giant First Group has set up a career average final salary scheme in a bid to boost staff retention.

UK - Scheme managers and consultants are warning ministers not to tamper with the Local Government Pension Scheme following a "stocktaking" exercise.

UK - Hewitt Bacon & Woodrow has been appointed investment consultant to Woolworth, Newsquest and Channel 4's pension schemes.

UK - A UK law firm is looking for pension schemes to front a class action against US companies which have been hit by corporate scandals.