The Pensions Regulator publishes findings of record-keeping review

Clients of London Registrars’ business consultancy service may be interested to read the Pensions Regulator’s recent publication of a report detailing its findings from a review into pension scheme record-keeping. Seven case investigations into the matter have now been opened as the regulator seeks to improve standards of record-keeping.

The regulator has said that various types and sizes of schemes exhibited good practice, but it also expressed concern about certain areas, where both the schemes themselves and the payment of member benefits were put at risk. It cited some generally smaller schemes as having lower levels of engagement with their advisers, therefore finding it more difficult to demonstrate that record-keeping challenges had been effectively tackled. Continue reading

Third annual progress report into Women on Boards published

In February 2011, Lord Davies’ landmark review into Women on Boards was published, aimed at identifying the barriers preventing the greater presence of women in the boardroom, in addition to making recommendations to government and business on what actions could be taken to increase the proportion of women on corporate boards. Now, more than three years on, the third annual progress report on the matter has been published. Continue reading

Will the Co-op’s governance review be enough to save its reputation?

Many organisations across the capital taking advantage of business support solutions are likely to have followed with interest the recent scandal surrounding the Co-op and the drug use and incompetency of former bank boss Paul Flowers. In so doing, some will have wondered whether the Group’s appointment of a non-executive director to chair a Governance Review will do much to restore its reputation. Continue reading

Directors borrowing from their company subject to new rules

Companies wishing to ensure the highest standards of corporate governance are advised to pay close attention to new rules relating to company loans to directors. Previously, directors repaying such money within nine months of the end of their firm’s accounting period could avoid a tax charge. But in this year’s Budget came the announcement of new rules designed to combat what HMRC calls “bed and breakfasting” – the abuse of company loan rules. Continue reading