It was a packed day filled with insightful sessions and standout speakers – kicked off in the best way possible with a mindfulness session led by David Butcher (every conference should start like this!). I enjoyed the panel session on key questions with Priti Ruparelia, and the session on the international perspective shared by Diane Maxwell and John Mitchem was a real highlight, offering fascinating insight into the UK’s direction of travel.
And also… I made my pensions speaking début! 🎤
I won’t lie – I was pretty nervous in the lead up to it. The thought of appearing on the same agenda as not just one, but two, former pensions ministers was pretty daunting. But Louise Farrand was absolutely amazing in making me feel at ease and guiding me through the session. I spoke about why First Bus run our own DC scheme and the engagement benefits that brings us, and I was genuinely touched by the kind comments from attendees (and Henry Tapper) afterwards. Thank you!
A huge well done to Louise for curating such a strong agenda and doing a brilliant job chairing a busy day – I hope you get some well-earned rest this bank holiday weekend!
Thanks to DG Publishing for the opportunity to speak, and to Angus Chapman for planting the seed that got this started.
Finally, a big shoutout to my longeviest (not oldest) friend in pensions, Nic Jones, for the support throughout the day, and to the inspirational Claudia Ziebart (who made her own debut just last week – watch out pensions world, we’re taking over!) – thank you for the pep talk and the photos.
A really valuable day of discussion, challenge, and fresh thinking in the DC pensions sector.
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