By Nigel Jones, Head of Broadstone’s Pensions Advisory division
At a time of complexity and change, Broadstone is committed to helping its clients secure the best outcomes for scheme members through its award-winning risk transfer services and Investment Consulting capabilities.
This commitment was most recently recognised at the 2025 European Pensions Awards, where Broadstone was named European Pensions Consultancy of the Year. The judges highlighted our team’s passion for meeting the needs of clients and members, and praised our innovative, forward-thinking consultancy approach.
That external recognition reflects how we work every day. We pride ourselves on helping trustees and sponsors navigate today’s challenging pensions and macroeconomic landscape. Our approach is built on the outstanding support of our team, who deliver bespoke solutions tailored to each scheme – including Trustee Advice and Sponsor Advice to guide both governance and employer stakeholders.
Their approach to support underpins everything we do. It is also why we continue to deliver award-winning outcomes through innovative risk transfer, responsible investment, and a commitment to sustainability.
Innovative risk transfer for complex challenges
Risk transfer transactions often involve scheme-specific issues that demand problem-solving, innovation and independence. This is why Broadstone has become recognised for tackling complex projects where bespoke thinking makes the difference.
It was this combination of independence, problem-solving and innovation that the judges cited as central to our recent award win. It has also led us to gain a particular reputation for supporting small and medium-sized schemes, proving that tailored solutions need not come at disproportionate cost.
Unlocking stronger outcomes despite deficits
This approach was critical when a leading independent school faced a £2.5m funding deficit on a scheme worth under £6m.
The trustees were understandably cautious, which is why they asked us to manage the entire project as a trusted adviser. By resolving historic data uncertainties and engaging insurers directly, we secured a stronger outcome for members, trustees and the school – which could then reinvest in education.
Delivering confidence in complex restructures
The same ability to resolve complex pain points was evident when we were appointed to advise the Debenhams Retirement Scheme.
As part of our position on the PPF panel, we executed just the second ever superfund deal – and the first involving an insolvent employer that had been through PPF assessment. This transaction provided long-term financial confidence to members, and Broadstone was also appointed to administer the Debenhams Section of the Clara Trust on an ongoing basis.
These examples show why industry recognition matters. The award is not only a milestone for Broadstone, but also a validation of the trust our clients place in us when facing highly complex challenges.
Responsible investment with long-term impact
The same philosophy applies to our investment advice. Alongside risk transfer, we help trustees and sponsors align their strategies with responsible, productive objectives.
Our Investment Consulting team is dedicated to providing sustainable advice, supporting schemes to achieve their long-term goals while meeting ESG regulatory requirements. That is why we focus on outcomes-based solutions that protect members and minimise environmental impacts, ensuring large portfolios can be a force for good.
Practising what we preach
We also believe our internal standards must match the advice we give. ESG is embedded throughout Broadstone.
We have set ourselves ambitious targets – and are making strong progress towards them – to be running on 100% renewable energy by the end of the decade and to significantly reduce travel-related emissions. This commitment ensures we practise what we preach and apply the same rigour to our own operations as we do to our clients’ schemes.
As the European Pensions Awards judges noted, it is this combination of client focus, technical innovation and responsible investment that makes Broadstone both distinctive and future-facing. It is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are honoured to see our work recognised on a European stage.
Contact Broadstone today to explore award-winning risk transfer and investment consulting solutions
