In April, Border to Coast formally expanded to a partnership of 19 – the pool and its 18 partner funds. Its purpose remains the same – to make a difference for the LGPS.
Now the largest pensions asset owner in the UK, its increased scale will help it to capture high quality investment opportunities, further drive down costs and build on technological capabilities and governance standards. This helps partner funds reduce the cost of delivering pensions for 5,000 local government employers, delivering sustainable returns on behalf of two million members.
Progress perspectives from the LGPS Pooling Symposium
The Symposium, which took place at the Belfry in May, facilitated reflections on the LGPS’s new chapter and where further progress is needed to continue to deliver long-term value.
Joe McDonnell, Chief Investment Officer at Border to Coast, joined a panel discussion on the different approaches to strategic investment advice, sharing how the pool is building an independent advisory model that leverages in-house expertise and is focused on the exact strategic needs of its partner funds. Peter Gent, Head of Advisory, spoke further about supporting partner funds as Border to Coast develops its service proposition.
Fiona Miller, Deputy CEO, contributed insights from day to day engagements with partner funds and partners, including the importance of clear roles and constructive challenge while making progress in strategically implementing the Fit for the Future changes.
The symposium reinforced the value of open dialogue across the LGPS and the importance of continued collaboration as the sector moves into its next phase.
Making a difference, one kilometre at a time
This August, the partnership will come together to celebrate its next chapter as an expanded organisation, all while fundraising to support local communities.
Ewan McCulloch, Chief Stakeholder Officer at Border to Coast, will take on an extraordinary challenge, cycling almost 1,300km in 10 days – from Cumbria and Tyne and Wear to Kent and Sussex stopping at every partner fund along the way.
But the Tour de Partnership isn’t about distance for distance’s sake.
Every kilometre ridden helps to raise vital funds for local children’s charities in both Leeds and throughout the partner fund regions, to support children, families and communities at some of life’s most critical moments.
Ewan shared: “I may be the one on the bike, but this is not an individual challenge. The Tour de Partnership is about coming together – supporting children and their families across our regions. The LGPS invests for the future, and this year we’re focused on fundraising for our communities now
and for generations to come.”
To support Ewan in the saddle, visit his Just Giving page by clicking the link below:
Help Ewan McCulloch raise money to support Leeds Hospitals Chairty.
Expanding our partnership, expanding our Board
Border to Coast has strengthened its Board with the appointment of two new non executive directors, reflecting the continued evolution of its governance as the partnership grows.
David Kiddie joins as Independent Non Executive Director, bringing extensive experience across asset management and investment oversight, while Julie Hopes has joined as Senior Independent Director.
Julie will succeed Kate Guthrie, who retires after six years on the Board. John Lister, Chair of Border to Coast said: “Both David and Julie bring with them a tremendous amount of experience, all of which I am confident will help support the expanded partnership as it enters a new era making a difference for the LGPS.”
Further reading
Border to Coast launches industry first “just transition overlay”
Border to Coast appoints manager for global equity fund sleeve
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