What the judges said: “We were particularly impressed by the clarity of LPFA’s submission and by the fact that their investment strategy has not been set in light of recent trends but was established a number of years ago pre “Myners”.
Amanda Walker, head of finance and investment says the LPFA’s delight in receiving the IPE award is a welcome recognition that the pensions market is receptive to diversity in investment strategy and practice. “This awards initiative means that there can be more open discussion on comparative differences in strategy set in a Europe-wide networking context.
“Pension funds have in the past tended to flock together but the common herd now faces extinction. In recent times huddling with the herd might have eliminated the need to justify deviations from accepted norms. For trustees running with the pack there was comfort that if the herd proved wrong – then it would be conventionally wrong. But, LPFA has not run, or sheltered with, the herd for a very long time.
“Winning this high-profile award provides support when it comes to converting non-believers as to the suitability of our strategy.”
The plus points of winning an award also include the ongoing mileage that can be obtained. Pension funds communicate with many different groups over the course of the year and informing these, whether they be members or others, the message of winning can only be beneficial.
Walker says the awards victory will feature in the fund’s annual report, newsletters and related literature.
“It provides added support when we seek to demonstrate to members that a sustained commitment to asset allocation can reap benefits. A big fillip for staff also comes with this credit too!”

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