Pensions Walk and Talk 2026

Now in its fourth year, Pensions Walk and Talk 2026 once again showed the value of stepping away from the usual conference halls and meeting rooms to connect with industry peers in a different way.

This year's event, held on Friday 10 July, came with one particularly welcome surprise: sunshine. This marked a notable change from previous years where wet-weather contingency plans have often featured heavily in preparations. 

The event began on the Thursday evening with an informal BBQ at Chesford Grange in Kenilworth. Against a backdrop of warm weather and good food, attendees reconnected with familiar faces and met new industry contacts ahead of the walk. 

The following morning, more than 60 pensions professionals gathered bright and early to make the most of the cooler temperatures before setting off on a 10km route through the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. 

The walk took us through woodland, across rivers, along quiet country paths and – somewhat unexpectedly – past a herd of llamas, who seemed only mildly interested in the pensions industry's latest thinking. 

As with previous years, the walk itself provided the setting for a wide range of conversations. In true British fashion, the weather was the opening topic for many. Though, given the temperatures, it would have been difficult not to mention it. 

The future of defined benefit schemes featured heavily throughout the day, particularly discussions around the benefits and trade-offs of run-on strategies and surplus-sharing. Collective defined contribution was another recurring theme, with conversations ranging from legal considerations to some of the practical questions around benefit design. 

On the defined contribution side, key topics included the push to improve adequacy in retirement and the importance of value over cost, with innovations in investment strategies and retirement options together with member engagement around decisions critical to this. 

Rather than structured discussions, these were thoughtful exchanges between peers, shaped by different experiences and a willingness to openly explore complex topics.

The walk also provided an opportunity to discuss our move to Howden and what that means for clients. Conversations touched on the broader capabilities available through the group and the opportunities that creates - from global alignment of benefit strategies to wider insurances. 

While pensions were never far from the conversation, walking side by side created space to connect on a more personal level. Conversations ranged well beyond work, touching on everything from summer holidays to the perennial question of which nation will be lifting the World Cup trophy this year.

A well-earned coffee stop offered the chance to recharge before heading back out for the second half of the route and the event concluded with lunch back at Chesford Grange. After several hours walking in the July heat, it's fair to assume the air conditioning on the journey back was appreciated by all. 

Photo gallery

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year's event such an enjoyable and memorable one. We hope the photos below bring back some great memories.