Pensions UK has launched a new initiative in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University called Pensions UK: Future Leaders, designed to introduce university students to the opportunities and impact of a career in pensions.

The student activities, debuting at this year’s conference, will see up to 40 final-year finance and accountancy students attend special sessions covering both the theory and practice of pensions and investments. Students will then join delegates at the main conference to experience the industry first-hand by attending talks, networking with professionals, and visiting the exhibition hall.

This programme forms part of Pensions UK’s ongoing commitment to give back to the Manchester community and to shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent entering the pensions industry.

Developed with the support of Manchester Central and Marketing Manchester, the initiative highlights Pensions UK’s commitment to foster collaboration between the industry, academia, and the wider community.

Julian Mund, CEO at Pensions UK, said; “We’re thrilled to launch Pensions UK: Future Leaders here at our annual conference in the city that has welcomed us for so many years. Partnering with Manchester Metropolitan University allows us to speak directly to those who will shape the future of our industry. The pensions sector continues to grow and evolve, and it’s vital that we keep enhancing and expanding our collective knowledge. By engaging with students early in their careers, we can gain fresh perspectives, broaden diversity and ensure the industry remains vibrant and forward-looking. This initiative is about working in collaboration with the next generation, inspiring tomorrow’s pensions professionals today.”

Melanie McHale, Lecturer and Banking & Finance Employability Lead at Manchester Metropolitan University, said; “We’re delighted to be partnering with Pensions UK and Marketing Manchester on the Future Leaders initiative. This is a fantastic opportunity for our final-year Banking & Finance and Accountancy students to gain real-world insight into the pensions industry, connect with professionals, and explore the impact they can have in shaping its future. We’re really pleased to offer our students the chance to discover a sector they may not be familiar with, but where they can potentially forge a meaningful career. At Manchester Metropolitan University, we’re committed to preparing our students for successful careers, and this collaboration reflects our shared values of innovation, inclusion, and community engagement. We’re grateful to Pensions UK and Marketing Manchester for working with us on this inaugural conference, and we look forward to seeing many future success stories emerge as a result.”

Lauren Hudson, Head of Sustainability and Impact at Manchester Central, said; “At Manchester Central, we see first-hand the power events have to bring people together and create lasting impact. By supporting and facilitating initiatives like the Pensions UK: Future Leaders Student Initiative, we can play a part in helping to develop future talent and ensure events leave a meaningful social legacy.”

Richard Walker, Tourism Sustainability Manager at Marketing Manchester, said, “Pensions UK and Manchester Metropolitan University’s student initiative demonstrates how the city-region can collaborate with event organisers to create lasting social impact. This partnership has shown students new possibilities and will help young people build meaningful careers in the sector. It also aligns with Greater Manchester’s goal to foster a thriving city-region where everyone has access to quality jobs and opportunities.”

This programme marks the first step in Pensions UK’s ongoing efforts to engage with and support the next generation of pensions professionals, and we look forward to sharing future developments as they progress.