A lot has been written about how to achieve good outcomes for members of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes. A strong employer covenant, well-managed investments...
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Brightwell, the comprehensive services provider for defined benefit (DB) pension schemes has launched a new run-on toolkit which can be found here.
Morten Nilsson, CEO, Brightwell said: “There’s lots of discussion about the merits of run-on but less discussion about how to achieve it. The ‘Running on with Brightwell’ toolkit outlines key considerations for pension schemes and the tools needed to run-on successfully.
“A decision to run-on need not be permanent, it can be a stepping stone, but it needs to be done actively.”
Brightwell has a long track record managing run-on strategies for its clients and the toolkit leverages this expertise focussing on key the considerations for trustees and sponsors.
How do you build the consensus you need and fully assess the balance of risks against the potential rewards? How do you support stakeholders to achieve the consensus needed?
DB schemes are entering a new phase marked by improved funding levels yet increasingly negative cash flows as they shift from accumulation to decumulation. The focus must shift towards cash flow management, managing illiquid assets, and enhancing operational efficiency.
What are the options for sharing surplus now and how could these evolve in the future?
A successful run-on strategy should take a connected and unified approach across member, scheme, funding and investment services. None should sit in isolation. The run on journey needs to be underpinned by strong, efficient and effective member administration and other scheme services that meet members’ and Trustees evolving needs and integrates member liability data as effectively as possible into the funding and investment strategy.
How do schemes manage their costs effectively when their AUM and member base is shrinking? How can schemes leverage scale to build resilience into their operating model and continue to motivate talent.

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In this edition we celebrate our reaccreditation to PASA for Excellence in Pension Administration, Chris Threadgold explores outsourcing scheme services, and we release a special live edition of Pensions Unpacked, with Ian Mills, Head of DB Endgame Strategy at Barnett Waddingham, Morten Nilsson, CEO at Brightwell, and financial journalist Georgie Frost.
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In this special live edition of Pensions Unpacked, Ian Mills, Head of DB Endgame Strategy at Barnett Waddingham, and Morten Nilsson, CEO at Brightwell, talk to Georgie Frost about the future of the UK’s defined benefit pensions sector.
Find out more about “Pensions Unpacked Live Episode 3: UK DB landscape – where are we now & where are we going?”08/10/2025
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