Chesterfield pension management company, Brightwell, recently won a contract to take on administration of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS), which has c.120,000 members, from January 2025. They were visited this week by local MP, Toby Perkins, to discuss the news and what it means for the company.

Toby said, “I am delighted that a Chesterfield company has secured this contract. Brightwell tells me they have recruit over 50 new employees over the last 18 months and it fantastic to see a company doing well and bringing jobs to the town.

Brightwell recruits people of all ages and backgrounds, with little or no pensions knowledge who have strong potential, a great attitude and a willingness to learn. It is a blended learning programme combining classroom learning, hands-on experience, and work-based practical training. The programme takes 9-12 months to complete, upon which participants are promoted to the role of Pensions Administrator.

During his visit, Toby met with a number of academy trainees to find out more about the programme.

Dave Tomlins, Head of Pensions Services Delivery, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Toby to our offices. Over the past 12 months we’ve increased the number of employees in Chesterfield by 15% and, with the future growth we have planned, we expect these numbers to continue to rise.

“We are very proud of the Pensions Academy and the trainees enjoyed meeting Toby and sharing their experiences of the programme.”

Toby added: “Strong local employees who are committed to investing in and developing talent are key to the community. I was delighted to see the great work Brightwell are doing with the Pensions Academy providing not just jobs but careers with real potential.”