Sheps wins award for company pension scheme

Shepherd Neame has won an award recognising the successful way it communicates with members of its pension scheme.

The Kent brewer scooped the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) best smaller scheme communications award, after being nominated by brewery employee John Gilbert.

"A newsletter came with my last pay slip explaining the changes to pension regulation from next month," said John. "I was impressed with the detailed information and the fact that it was clearly laid out and in plain English."

John is one of 300 employees at the Faversham brewery, wherepension scheme take-up is almost 100 per cent. Employees approaching retirement have free access to a financial adviser, while a newsletter and website provide updates on the fund's performance.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: "We have developed a communications programme that ensures members are fully and clearly informed of all developments affecting the company pension scheme. Winning the award is proof that this is working, and at a time when pensions are in crisis it's good that exemplary practices relating to pensions are being recognised."

Pictured: Shepherd Neame company secretary assistant Jacqui Baldwin accepts NAPF award from pensions minister David Blunkett.​