UK: Getting Yorkshire ready for auto-enrolment

15 Sep 2016

Aviva has announced that it will be lending a hand to small businesses in Yorkshire who are still preparing for auto-enrolment (AE).

AE was launched in 2012 and since then it has been a legal requirement that all employers, no matter what their size, must offer a workplace pension to their employees. 700,000 small businesses are still due to go through the process of setting up a pension for their staff during 2016 and 2017.

To help businesses in Yorkshire get to grips with what they have to do, Aviva is hosting a free seminar in September for employers to attend so they can find out more about auto-enrolment. A range of industry experts will be at the event including representatives from The Pensions Regulator and business software firm Sage.

Andy Beswick, Managing Director of Business Solutions at Aviva, said:

'We have a strong presence in Yorkshire and we very much feel part of the community. There are a large number of SMEs in this area that offer great products and services and we want to be able to support them in providing access to a pension for their employees.

'Auto-enrolment can be daunting and seen as just another cost to an SME owner. But a workplace pension is actually a very valuable benefit that can enhance a business and it is now a legal requirement. We have expertise in workplace pensions and we want to share that with the business community in Yorkshire.

'The seminar will be chance for business owners to hear from experts in workplace pensions, ask questions and network with their peers to find out what others are doing when it comes to auto-enrolment. I hope plenty of businesses take advantage of this event as it could help answer many of the questions they have around AE.

'Aviva has also now started its pre-review into auto-enrolment, ahead of the Government's own review next year so it will be useful to hear the experiences of small business in Yorkshire.'

The seminar is open to any business in the Yorkshire area which hasn't yet set up its workplace pension. To reserve a place, please contact Chris Smart or Luke Mallinson at Aviva (contact details below).

Details of the seminar:

Date:
Mon 26th September

Time:
5pm - 8pm

Location:
Aviva, Wellington Row, York, YO90 1WR

Timetable:
5pm-6pm Drinks and light refreshments
6pm - 8pm Guest speakers and Q&A
8pm onwards Networking

Speakers:
Malcolm Goodwin, Aviva
Stephen Rowntree, The Pensions Regulator
Mike Rohan, Business Development Manager, Sage

Contact:
Chris Smart, Aviva e: christopher.smart@aviva.com m: 07800 695 006
Luke Mallinson, Aviva e: luke.mallinson@aviva.com m: 07800 693 158

- Ends -

If you are a journalist and would like further information, please contact:

Ben Moss in the Aviva Press Office
Landline: 0117 928 5843
Mobile: 07827 832 395
Email: ben.moss@aviva.com

Broadcast interviews with an Aviva spokesperson will be available over the phone on Thursday 15th September.

Notes to editors:

• Aviva provides life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and asset management to 33 million customers, across 16 markets worldwide
• In the UK we are the leading insurer serving one in every four households and have strong businesses in selected markets in Europe, Asia and Canada. Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and we are a member of the FTSE100 index.
• Aviva's asset management business, Aviva Investors, provides asset management services to both Aviva and external clients, and currently manages over £289 billion in assets.
• Aviva helps people save for the future and manage the risks of everyday life; we paid out £30.7 billion in benefits and claims in 2015.
• By serving our customers well, we are building a business which is strong and sustainable, which our people are proud to work for, and which makes a positive contribution to society.
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