Pensions - Articles - The Secondary Auto Enrolment Market

 That process ended in early 2018 as all existing businesses had been through the process. Now, any new company setting up has up to six weeks from when they take on their first employee to get their AE scheme in place.

 Many SMEs have now had their schemes for a number of years, providing them with time to assess if it is delivering what they require. This has led to a ‘secondary market’ where businesses are looking to potentially change their AE pension provider. This secondary market is being fuelled by those companies and their advisers who are now looking around to see what else is available.

 Malcolm Goodwin, Head of Workplace Savings & Retirement at Aviva, said: “When AE was first introduced some businesses will have viewed it as a hassle - something to just get done and out of the way. But since then, some of those businesses will have seen major expansion or may have changed their view on the importance of workplace benefits.

 “Whatever the reason, we are seeing a major increase in the number of enquiries from businesses and their advisers who are realising they have the freedom to switch if they aren’t happy with their current provider.

 “So far we have seen enquiries rise by 80% compared with last year. We expect that figure to continue to grow.”