Pensions UK has launched a student initiative in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) aimed at inspiring future finance talent.

The Pensions UK: Future Leaders programme will see up to 40 final-year finance and accountancy students attend conference sessions, network with delegates and gain insight into the pensions industry. The initiative, supported by Manchester Central and Marketing Manchester, forms part of Pensions UK’s wider commitment to giving back to the community. Pensions UK CEO, Julian Mund, said: “Partnering with MMU allows us to speak directly to those who will shape the future of our industry. By engaging with students early in their careers, we can broaden diversity and ensure the industry remains vibrant and forward-looking.” MMU lecturer, Melanie McHale, added: “This collaboration offers our students invaluable real-world insight into pensions and investments, helping them explore meaningful career opportunities.” Echoing this, Marketing Manchester tourism sustainability manager, Richard Walker, said the initiative “shows how the city can collaborate with event organisers to create lasting social impact,” while Manchester Central head of sustainability and impact, Laure Hudson, emphasised that it helps “develop future talent and ensure events leave a meaningful legacy.”

Ediston and Strathclyde Pension Fund have acquired a Glasgow office for £22m.

Clydebuilt II Limited Partnership (CLP II), a joint venture between Ediston and Strathclyde Pension Fund, has completed the acquisition of Central Exchange, a multi-let office at 20 Waterloo Street in Glasgow. The nine-storey, 95,000 sq ft building - featuring tenants such as Hymans Robertson, Ashurst and Associated Newspapers - sits in the heart of the city’s central business district. The deal follows CLP II’s recent purchase of Sentinel, another major Glasgow office. CLP II fund manager, Calum Bruce, said: “Central Exchange provides both a robust income stream and an excellent repositioning opportunity in a supply-constrained market. The acquisition complements our purchase of Sentinel and underscores our confidence in Glasgow’s office sector.” Ryden investment partner, Stuart Low, added that the transaction “aligns seamlessly with CLP II’s strategy of well-located, value-add investments” and reflects the strong outlook for Glasgow’s commercial property market.

Australian superannuation leaders will head to the UK for the 'Super Summit' later this month.

The summit, held in London and Birmingham from 20 - 21 October, will explore long-term investment opportunities across infrastructure, energy and housing. It aims to bring together executives from Australian funds, UK pension investors, and government representatives to strengthen investment ties and stimulate cross-border capital flows. IFM Investors head of global external relations, David Whiteley, commented: “Industry super funds and IFM Investors are scouring the world for the best opportunities to grow members’ savings - and as both countries work together on infrastructure and sustainability, this summit reflects the growing global influence of Australia’s super system.” Super Members Council CEO, Misha Schubert, added: “Australia’s super system is the envy of the world, and millions of working Australians are benefitting from investments that deliver stronger retirement savings.”

Schroders has achieved its target of sourcing 100 per cent renewable electricity for its global operations, verified by RE100, a year ahead of schedule.

The electricity covers more than 70 of the firm’s owned and leased offices, which account for around 80 per cent of its operational emissions. The achievement follows the installation of over 2,600 solar panels at its Horsham Campus, meeting nearly a quarter of the site’s annual power needs. Schroders global head of corporate sustainability, Madeleine Cobb, said: “We’re proud to have met our renewable electricity target early. This will have a meaningful impact on our carbon emissions and supports our corporate net zero goals.” As part of its wider sustainability efforts, Schroders has also launched a £3m global partnership with conservation charity Fauna & Flora to fund biodiversity projects across five countries. Fauna & Flora CEO, Kristian Teleki, commented on the news: “Partnership is core to our mission, and Schroders’ support will bring vital investment to protect threatened species and habitats worldwide.”

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