Westmorland serves up a new workplace pension scheme

By Mattioli Woods

20 Nov 2013

When it comes to dealing with change, Westmorland has always tried to lead the way, and preparing for the government’s new workplace pensions legislation was no different.

Westmorland was founded in 1972 by the Dunning family, who were unfazed by the arrival of the motorway on their land and seized the opportunity to open Tebay services, the first Motorway service area to receive five stars in the VisitEngland inspection scheme.

Forty years later, the company forged ahead to meet new regulations relating to workplace pensions provision almost two years before their deadline, and with the help of Taylor Patterson financial advisory group, the company is now in the final stages of auto enrolling its workforce.

Preston based Taylor Patterson has handled Westmorland’s pension requirements for many years, and has also helped to ensure that the most recent changes are implemented sooner rather than later.

Jason Street, director at Taylor Patterson, explains: “As a long-standing client of Taylor Patterson’s, Westmorland was in a very good position to begin thinking about auto enrolment at an early stage.

“We began by initially assessing the company’s existing pension scheme to evaluate whether or not it was compliant with the new auto enrolment legislation, and also whether it was aligned with the long-term strategy for the business. “With a significant number of staff on part-time contracts, it was crucial that the scheme could accept contributions from members across all salary bands. As the existing provider could not accommodate this, we began to explore alternative options.”

Taylor Patterson surveyed the market and found a number of suitable schemes for Westmorland, presenting the options to Margaret Carr, Payroll Manager at Westmorland, and her team.

“Choosing a new pension scheme was not difficult,” Margaret says, “as Taylor Patterson’s research was very thorough and the benefits of each provider were highlighted to us clearly so that it was easier to compare them on a like-for-like basis.

“Once we had made our decision, Taylor Patterson arranged meetings with the staff to explain what the new scheme was and how it would benefit them, as well as helping to fill in the necessary paperwork.”

Westmorland eventually opted for a scheme which offered far more competitive charges and administration software free of charge. As with many businesses currently implementing auto enrolment, administration was a particular concern for Westmorland, especially as it employs more than 500 people spread across a portfolio of businesses including the popular and well-regarded Rheged visitor centre, farm shops, a hotel, caravan park and truck stop.

Margaret continues: “Our workforce is very diverse both in terms of the types of people we employ and the businesses they work in, so auto enrolling them all smoothly was always going to be a challenge. But throughout the process, Taylor Patterson liaised with the provider and guided us on the transfer of staff into the new scheme, significantly reducing the administrative burden.

“My advice to businesses would be do not underestimate the amount of time it takes to prepare for auto enrolment. No matter when your staging date is, begin preparing as soon as you can.”

Jason concludes: “Westmorland has made the right decision in ensuring everything is place for auto enrolment now. It has given them time to make considered choices and also to inform staff about the changes and give them the opportunity to have their questions and concerns answered by our expert advisers. “As a result, they now have a competitive employee benefits scheme to attract, motivate and retain their staff.”

Latest news

1

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years St Annes Square footfall

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years

26 Oct 2025

2

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action BAE Systems production

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action

23 Oct 2025

3

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West Nick Miles, National Cyber Force deputy director for Samlesbury

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West

23 Oct 2025

4

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund Foresight announces £90 million first close of its third dedicated North West regional investment fund

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund

23 Oct 2025

5

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win Warehouse Supervisor at Pets Choice Brad Eddleston and McMurrays Sales Manager Rob Spencer. Photo credit: McMurrays Haulage Limited

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win

21 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

The AI Lab: E-commerce
Ai Lab ecommerce (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin