Successful Pension Investments

Finding sound advice on effective investments for small pension schemes can be a challenge. That is why at Barker Tatham we focus specifically on helping trustees and companies sponsoring small UK pension schemes for their employees.

Meet The Barker Tatham Team

With over 50 years combined experience in investments and pensions, our team are well equipped to support your pension investment requirements.

Steve Barker

Managing Director

I have 30 years’ experience in investments and pensions. I am a qualified actuary and an ex-fund manager. I managed bond and derivative portfolios, first for Commercial Union and then for GE Capital. I then found my vocation on the other side as an investment consultant. After what was effectively an apprenticeship with PricewaterhouseCoopers, I built and ran three investment consultancy practices – at Gissings, SBJ Benefit Consultants and JLT Benefit Solutions – before deciding to set up my own with my friend and ex-colleague, Charles.

Charles Tatham

Chairman

I have 38 years’ pensions and investment experience gained at asset managers and consultancies. I specialise in the design and implementation of risk management solutions. Before joining Steve at JLT Benefit Solutions to help him set up the investment practice there, I advised on and implemented client strategies at Investment Solutions, Legal & General Investment Management and Ernst & Young. Like Steve, I am a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries and hold the Investment Management Certificate.

Warren Coehlo

Investment Consultant

I have over 10 years’ experience in investment consulting, all of which has been with Barker Tatham. I am a Chartered Actuary and hold both the CERA qualification and the IMC. I advise a range of defined benefit pension schemes, with additional experience in defined contribution arrangements. My work covers investment strategy, risk management, asset transitions, and ongoing monitoring, with a focus on providing pragmatic and proportionate solutions for smaller schemes.

Ensuring Big Returns for Small Pension Schemes

If you want to reduce you risk we can help you.

If you want to increase your expected returns we can help you.

If you want to do both at the same time we can help you do this too.

How do we do this?

By identifying and removing those risks that your scheme is not paid to take, and keeping or increasing those risks that lead to high rewards. We have a passion for working with small schemes and have developed our approach specifically to suit their needs.

What Our Customers Say

Our clients trust our expertise and advice. Here’s what they have to say…

I work with Barker Tatham as investment advisers on two pension schemes on which I am a Trustee. They were recommended to me by a colleague, and I am very happy that I made the decision to appoint them.
Key attributes are
Their advice is clear, well-presented and understandable to the 'lay trustees' on the Boards of Trustees as well as being sufficiently sophisticated to match the demands expected of our investments.
Their analysis is thorough, but their solutions are not overly complicated and especially appropriate for small/medium sized pension schemes.
Their training is excellent, engaging, informative and fun.
They offer a cost-effective solution, again appropriate for small/medium sized schemes.
Overall, an excellent business, offering good quality, independent advice.

Barker Tatham has been an invaluable partner to our Scheme for over a decade. When they first began working with us in 2012, the Scheme was significantly underfunded, at around 75% on an ongoing basis. Through their expert guidance, strategic advice, strong support and diligent investment monitoring, they helped us steadily improve our funding position over the years.
Most recently, Barker Tatham supported us in securing a successful buy-in of our liabilities with an insurer. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to delivering the best results for the Scheme have been evident throughout our longstanding relationship.
I would recommend Barker Tatham to any Trustee looking for trusted investment consultancy services.

Clark & Butcher have been very pleased with the performance of our investments over the last 4 years, which ultimately has allowed the Pension Scheme to complete a Buy-in transaction in December 2024. When the Buy-in / Buy-out became a possibility and the Company decided to agree with the Trustees and pursue this, a hedging arrangement was put in place for over 6 months. This worked very well and maintained the scheme's surplus allowing the transaction to proceed.
Over the years, clear reports about markets and investment performance were provided together with attendance at Trustee meetings to explain these reports.
I would recommend Barker Tatham as ultimately the steady investment performance allowed the Trustees to reach the possibility of achieving a full Buy-out within the next 12 months.”

Awards & Recognition

Professional Pensions: Investment Consultancy of the Year

Finalist ten out of eleven years from 2014 to 2024.
Highly commended 2015.

Pension Age: Pensions Consultant of the Year

Finalist nine out of ten years from 2016 to 2025.

Workplace Saving and Benefits

Pensions Consultant of the Year - Finalist all eight years from 2018 to 2025.
10 Years of Excellence in Employee Benefits Award - Finalist.

European Pensions Award: European Pensions Consultant of the Year

Finalist in all eight years from 2018 to 2025.