
Pension led funding is a type of funding arrangement that allows companies to pay their pension liabilities over time, rather than all at once.
This approach can be particularly beneficial for companies with large pension deficits, as it allows them to spread the cost over a longer period.
By using pension led funding, companies can reduce their upfront costs and avoid the need for a large upfront payment.
Pension led funding can also provide a more predictable cash flow for companies, as the payments are made over a set period.
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What Is Pension Led Funding?
Pension-led funding is a type of financing where a business uses its pension plan to secure a loan. This can be a complex process, but it's worth considering for small business owners.
The benefits of pension-led funding make it an appealing option for many entrepreneurs. It allows them to access funds without having to take on more debt, which can be a significant advantage.
Pension-led funding is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be suitable for everyone.
What Is
Pension-led funding is a type of funding arrangement that allows developers to use pension fund money to finance property development projects.
This approach provides a significant advantage over traditional funding methods, as it allows developers to access large sums of money at a lower cost.
Pension funds have a long-term investment horizon, which means they can take on more risk and invest in projects that may not be suitable for traditional lenders.
Pension-led funding is often used for large-scale projects, such as residential developments or office buildings.
The key benefit of pension-led funding is that it allows developers to access a large pool of money at a lower cost, which can help to reduce the financial risk of the project.
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What is
Pension led funding is a type of financing method that allows developers to access funds for property development, typically through a pension scheme.
This method is often used for large-scale developments, where the pension scheme provides the necessary funding in exchange for a share of the rental income.
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Pension led funding is a popular choice among developers due to its flexibility and ability to provide a steady income stream.
It allows developers to access funds without having to take on debt, which can be a significant burden for many projects.
The pension scheme invests in the property, providing the necessary capital for development in exchange for a share of the rental income.
This approach can be beneficial for both parties, as the pension scheme receives a steady income stream, while the developer can access the necessary funds to complete the project.
Pension led funding is often used for residential developments, where the pension scheme can benefit from the rental income generated by the property.
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Why Is Pension Led Funding Different?
Pension-led funding is a game-changer for business owners because it's the only form of UK business funding where the interest paid on the finance provided is paid back to the pension.
This means that part of the proceeds from the interest is going back into your own pension scheme, which can make a big difference when you compare the cost of the finance with other options.
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When to Use Pension Led Funding

Pension-led funding is ideal for UK SMEs seeking working capital for growth or enhanced cashflow. It's not sector specific and keeps owners in direct control of their business finances.
This form of funding is not suitable for rescuing an ailing business. If things go wrong, your pension could be one of the losers.
You can use pension-led funding for genuine commercial reasons, such as buying property. The main restriction is that a pension can only borrow up to 50% of its existing value, making it a viable option for property purchases.
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When Would It Be Used?
Pension-led funding is ideal for UK SMEs that need working capital for growth or enhanced cashflow. This form of funding is not sector specific, which means it can be used by businesses in various industries.
It keeps owners in direct control of their business finances, reducing the risks associated with traditional business financing methods like debentures and personal guarantees. This is a major advantage for many business owners who value independence and control.
Using pension-led funding to rescue an ailing business is not advisable, as it can put your pension at risk if things go wrong.
Initial Due Diligence & Financial Advice

Initial due diligence is a crucial step in the pension-led funding process. It helps determine whether the proposed loan is feasible.
A completed fact-find is required to initiate the due diligence process. This involves gathering essential information about the business and its financial situation.
An initial due diligence process will take place once the fact-find is received. This process will assess whether the proposed loan can be made to the Sponsoring Employer.
A feasibility calculation will be undertaken to determine the viability of the loan. For example, if a loan of £50k is proposed, but the Company is worth only £10k, the planning will not proceed.
If the planning is deemed feasible, the case will be passed to a regulated financial adviser. They will compile a suitability report to ensure the loan is suitable for the business.
Benefits and Features
Pension-led funding is a completely legal way to raise capital for your business.
This approach is overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, which provides a level of reassurance for those considering this option.
Pension-led funding offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for small business owners.
It's a viable alternative to traditional funding methods, allowing you to tap into your own pension funds to invest in your business.
Providers and Regulation

Pension-led funding providers are regulated to ensure they operate within the law.
Pensionledfunding.com is one of the largest providers of alternative funding in the UK, helping more than 2,500 UK SMEs finance their own businesses to the tune of more than £250 million.
To facilitate pension-led funding schemes, HMRC registered pension schemes are used.
FCA authorised and regulated firms provide advice and pension administration for these schemes.
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Using Pension Led Funding for Business
Pension-led funding can be used for genuine commercial reasons. This means you can use it to fund your business for legitimate purposes, such as expanding your operations or investing in new equipment.
It's crucial to conduct due diligence before deciding to proceed with pension-led funding. This will help you understand the potential risks involved and determine if it's the right fit for your business.
Pension-led funding is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so it's essential to carefully consider your options before making a decision.
Seek Expert Advice

Seeking expert advice is crucial when considering pension-led funding for your business. It's a complex financing method that may not be suitable for everyone.
Pension-led funding is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so it's essential to conduct due diligence before proceeding. This means carefully weighing the potential risks and benefits.
Consulting with a financial advisor who is knowledgeable about pension-led funding can provide you with the guidance needed to determine whether this financing method is suitable for your specific circumstances. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits in detail.
At Crownhouse Management, they specialise in providing bespoke financial advice, including guidance on pension-led funding. They understand the intricacies of pension-led funding and can help you navigate this financing method.
Securing capital for your small business doesn't have to be a daunting task. With alternative methods like pension-led funding, it's possible to find solutions that meet your financial needs while aligning with your long-term business goals.
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What Can Be Funded
Pension-led funding can be used for buying property, but there's a restriction - you can only borrow up to 50% of your pension's existing value.
This means if your pension has a value of £100k, you can borrow a maximum of £50k, giving you a total buying power of £150k.
Pension-led funding can also be used for genuine commercial reasons, making it a valuable tool for businesses.
Owning a property within your pension can have advantages, but we'll save that discussion for another time.
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The Risks of
Pension-led funding can be a complex process, involving various legal and financial considerations.
You need to carefully consider whether you're comfortable taking the risk of using your retirement savings to finance your business.
If your business doesn't perform as expected, you could potentially lose your retirement savings.
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Pension Led Funding for Property
You can use pension-led funding for buying property, and it's a great way to get into the property market. The main restriction is that a pension can only borrow up to 50% of its existing value.
For example, if your pension has a value of £100k, you would be able to borrow a maximum of £50k to give you a total buying power of £150k.
There are often advantages of owning a property within your pension, and we'd be happy to talk more about this.
Getting Started

To get started with pension-led funding, you'll need to have a personal pension and be the director of a limited company. This is a key requirement for using this form of finance.
The process involves securing financial advice from a regulated individual to determine if pension-led funding is suitable for your business. They'll help you decide if it's the right course of action.
To set up a Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS), you'll need to establish it with the assistance of a Pensions Administrator. The Administrator will also help you apply for the scheme to be registered with HMRC, which can take anywhere from one week to three months.
Once the SSAS is registered, you'll be able to set up its bank account in the name of the Trustee. You'll likely be both a Member and the sole Trustee of the scheme.
Here are the key steps to follow:
- Secure financial advice from a regulated individual
- Establish a Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) with a Pensions Administrator
- Apply for the scheme to be registered with HMRC
- Set up the SSAS's bank account in the name of the Trustee
- Transfer funds from your existing pension scheme to the new SSAS scheme
Case Studies
Pension led funding can be a game-changer for businesses, allowing them to access much-needed capital while also making the most of tax-efficient pension arrangements.
In some cases, businesses may struggle to secure funding from traditional lenders due to the size of the loan required. For example, Mr S in case study one needed £50-60k to improve his workforce and was refused by the banks, but was able to secure a loan from his SSAS.
A SSAS (Small Self-Administered Scheme) can be used to make loans to a business, providing much-needed working capital. In case study one, the loan was secured on a commercial property and repaid over 5 years.
Alternatively, businesses may have existing pension arrangements that can be used to secure funding. For instance, CD in case study two had £200k in a SIPP sitting in cash and was able to transfer it to a SSAS, which then made a loan facility available to his trading company.
The loan from the SSAS can be used to clear an overdraft and provide additional working capital, as seen in case study two. This can be particularly useful for businesses with valuable intellectual property that can be used as security for the loan.
In some cases, the loan from the SSAS can even be used to invest in research and development, as seen in case study three. This can be a win-win for the business and the pension scheme, providing much-needed funding for growth while also making the most of tax-efficient pension arrangements.
Here are some key facts to consider when it comes to pension led funding:
- A SSAS can be used to make loans to a business, providing much-needed working capital.
- The loan from the SSAS can be secured on a commercial property or other assets.
- The loan can be repaid over a set period, such as 5 years.
- The loan can be used to clear an overdraft and provide additional working capital.
- The loan can even be used to invest in research and development, providing a tax-efficient way to fund growth.
Introduction and Overview
Pension led funding is an innovative approach to financing infrastructure projects. It allows private investors to provide upfront funding in exchange for future pension payments.
In this model, pension funds invest in infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation. This approach has been gaining traction in recent years.
Pension led funding offers several benefits, including reduced upfront costs for governments and increased revenue for pension funds. This can be a win-win for both parties involved.
Private investors can expect a steady stream of income from the infrastructure projects they fund. This can be a more attractive option than traditional investments, which may be more volatile.
The pension led funding model has been successfully implemented in several countries, including the UK and Australia. These countries have seen significant benefits from this approach.

Infrastructure projects funded through pension led funding can have a positive impact on the local economy. This can lead to job creation and increased economic activity.
The pension led funding model is designed to provide a stable source of income for pension funds. This can help to ensure the long-term sustainability of pension plans.
Pension led funding can be used to finance a wide range of infrastructure projects. This can include transportation systems, energy projects, and social infrastructure.
Loan Details
To secure a loan through pension led funding, a director's existing pension is combined into a new company pension scheme. This new scheme can then be used as collateral for a loan or can purchase an asset and lease it back to the company.
A loan can be secured against an unencumbered asset, providing the business with the necessary funds. Regular payments of capital and interest at a commercial rate must be made from the business back into the new pension scheme.
The interest rate on these loans is commercial, meaning it's the same rate you'd get from a bank or other lender. As the funds are repaid to the new pension scheme, it's possible to do repeat funding back to the business.
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Sources
- https://www.alternativebusinessfunding.co.uk/funding-types/other-types-of-funding/pension-led-funding-use-your-pension-to-finance-your-business/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-pension-led-funding-can-help-small-business-owners-tim-wright
- https://businessloanservices.co.uk/types-of-finance/pension-led-funding/
- https://etctax.co.uk/knowledge_centre/pension-led-funding-plf-part-three-the-terms-of-the-loan/
- https://etctax.co.uk/knowledge_centre/pension-led-funding-plf-part-one-an-introduction-to-plf/
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