LGPS Central has invested in a portfolio of major UK regional airports.

LGPS Central Limited, backed by the West Midlands and Cheshire Pension Funds, has partnered with Macquarie Asset Management on a co-investment that includes airports such as Birmingham, Bristol, and London City. The assets, previously held by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, represent a key part of the UK’s transport and infrastructure network. The investment aims to strengthen regional connectivity, create jobs, and support sustainable economic growth across the UK. LGPS Central chief executive, Richard Law-Deeks, said the deal “demonstrates the power of collaboration between UK LGPS pension funds and global infrastructure partners to deliver long-term value and positive regional outcomes”. West Midlands Pension Fund investment director, Paul Nevin, described it as “a commitment to long-term, responsible investment that delivers for our members and the wider economy”.

Aptia has launched consulting and actuarial services following its acquisition of Atkin Pensions.

The move marks a key step toward delivering a fully integrated suite of services for pension schemes, combining administration, actuarial and consulting expertise under one roof. The expansion is designed to meet growing demand from clients for a single, streamlined provider capable of managing complex scheme needs. Stuart Heatley, former global practice leader at Capita Pensions Solutions, has joined Aptia as managing director to lead the new consultancy arm. Aptia founder and CEO, Bala Viswanathan, said the integration “directly addresses our clients’ requests for a comprehensive and integrated offering”, adding that investment in technology and talent will be central to enhancing service quality. Echoing this, Atkin Pensions founder, Chris Atkin, claimed the acquisition would enable the firm “to help Aptia’s clients manage their schemes more effectively and efficiently in the future”, combining both firms’ expertise to deliver better outcomes for trustees and members.

The Bank of England (BoE) has held the interest rate at 4 per cent.

The BoE's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a narrow 5-4 majority to maintain the base rate, holding steady after five rate cuts since August last year. BoE governor, Andrew Bailey, said inflation had “come down a long way from its peak three years ago”, but remained too high, prompting a cautious approach to further reductions. Four committee members voted to lower the rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75 per cent, highlighting ongoing debate over how quickly policy should be eased. However, the MPC noted that progress on disinflation continued, supported by subdued economic growth, easing pay pressures, and building slack in the labour market. While the risk of persistent inflation has lessened, the committee warned that more evidence was needed before resuming cuts. The Bank reiterated that monetary policy would continue to balance the risks of both higher inflation and weaker demand, with Bailey suggesting that, if current trends persisted, “rates are likely to continue on a gradual downward path” over the coming months.

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