Mark Locke
@langcatlocke.bsky.social
MD of Comms at @thelangcat.bsky.social. We do financial services consultancy, content, comms/PR, research & public affairs.
Interested in Personal Finance | Politics and current affairs | stuff that makes me smile.
Hello from sunny Leith in 🏴
Interested in Personal Finance | Politics and current affairs | stuff that makes me smile.
Hello from sunny Leith in 🏴
Reposted by Mark Locke
One thing the pensions industry has a lot of is… conferences. A busy morning yesterday setting out this government’s vision for reforming the UK’s pension landscape. Delighted to speak to the Eversheds Sutherland Annual Pensions Conference, and an event convened by NatWest Cushon at Mansion House.
March 6, 2025 at 10:17 AM
One thing the pensions industry has a lot of is… conferences. A busy morning yesterday setting out this government’s vision for reforming the UK’s pension landscape. Delighted to speak to the Eversheds Sutherland Annual Pensions Conference, and an event convened by NatWest Cushon at Mansion House.
Reposted by Mark Locke
A Trump-Putin pact is emerging – and Europe is its target | Rafael Behr
A Trump-Putin pact is emerging – and Europe is its target | Rafael Behr
US betrayal of Ukraine is the rehearsal for a grander bargain with Moscow and an assault on continental solidarity, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
March 12, 2025 at 10:26 AM
A Trump-Putin pact is emerging – and Europe is its target | Rafael Behr
Reposted by Mark Locke
words I never imagined writing in my lifetime.....
General Sir Richard Shirreff, the former Nato deputy supreme allied commander in Europe, has told Times Radio:
"I think we have to assume, after the events of the last 10 days, that we cannot in any way count on America as an ally"
General Sir Richard Shirreff, the former Nato deputy supreme allied commander in Europe, has told Times Radio:
"I think we have to assume, after the events of the last 10 days, that we cannot in any way count on America as an ally"
March 3, 2025 at 5:55 PM
words I never imagined writing in my lifetime.....
General Sir Richard Shirreff, the former Nato deputy supreme allied commander in Europe, has told Times Radio:
"I think we have to assume, after the events of the last 10 days, that we cannot in any way count on America as an ally"
General Sir Richard Shirreff, the former Nato deputy supreme allied commander in Europe, has told Times Radio:
"I think we have to assume, after the events of the last 10 days, that we cannot in any way count on America as an ally"
Reposted by Mark Locke
Year on year we measure where business owners feel they are headed in the next five years. In Wave 7 of #SOTAN we saw a moderate uptick year on year in consolidation expectations and a dip in succession planning.
#langcatlive
#langcatlive
February 6, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Year on year we measure where business owners feel they are headed in the next five years. In Wave 7 of #SOTAN we saw a moderate uptick year on year in consolidation expectations and a dip in succession planning.
#langcatlive
#langcatlive
Reposted by Mark Locke
Our full #SOTAN report is now live. If you'd like to find out more about the research, there's more information over on our website: https://buff.ly/3SEPgaO
#langcatlive
#langcatlive
February 6, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Our full #SOTAN report is now live. If you'd like to find out more about the research, there's more information over on our website: https://buff.ly/3SEPgaO
#langcatlive
#langcatlive
Reposted by Mark Locke
We couldn't put these events on without the generosity of our sponsors. Thank you to Quilter, abrdn, Fundment, Aegon, Morningstar Wealth and Wesleyan.
#langcatlive
#langcatlive
February 6, 2025 at 1:23 PM
We couldn't put these events on without the generosity of our sponsors. Thank you to Quilter, abrdn, Fundment, Aegon, Morningstar Wealth and Wesleyan.
#langcatlive
#langcatlive
Reposted by Mark Locke
Divide & Conquer is all about exploring the relationships between the advice profession, providers and the regulator. Mark Polson says in a perfect world, they should all work in balance, but in reality, there's always an imbalance. But are we actually holding each other to account?
#langcatlive
#langcatlive
February 6, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Divide & Conquer is all about exploring the relationships between the advice profession, providers and the regulator. Mark Polson says in a perfect world, they should all work in balance, but in reality, there's always an imbalance. But are we actually holding each other to account?
#langcatlive
#langcatlive
Reposted by Mark Locke
February 6, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Reposted by Mark Locke
On tomo's #WakeUpToMoney we will be Tackling The Thorny Issue of Growth. So thorny. Much difficult.
So I want to hear what industry you work in, and what one thing the government could do or change that would encourage growth in that industry. Let me know.
So I want to hear what industry you work in, and what one thing the government could do or change that would encourage growth in that industry. Let me know.
January 30, 2025 at 7:20 PM
On tomo's #WakeUpToMoney we will be Tackling The Thorny Issue of Growth. So thorny. Much difficult.
So I want to hear what industry you work in, and what one thing the government could do or change that would encourage growth in that industry. Let me know.
So I want to hear what industry you work in, and what one thing the government could do or change that would encourage growth in that industry. Let me know.
Reposted by Mark Locke
Good pensions stuff here.
I struggle as an adviser, and as someone who has studied financial economics, to convince myself that the government view on DB surpluses has any legs at all.
Will remain open-minded to debate though.
I struggle as an adviser, and as someone who has studied financial economics, to convince myself that the government view on DB surpluses has any legs at all.
Will remain open-minded to debate though.
Pensions in 10 with me and @pensionssimon.bsky.social keeping up with the world of pensions.
youtu.be/lZ5Qx8_WdFE?...
youtu.be/lZ5Qx8_WdFE?...
DB Surplus, Triple lock & Auto-enrolment | Pensions in 10
YouTube video by Broadstone Corporate Benefits Ltd
youtu.be
January 29, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Good pensions stuff here.
I struggle as an adviser, and as someone who has studied financial economics, to convince myself that the government view on DB surpluses has any legs at all.
Will remain open-minded to debate though.
I struggle as an adviser, and as someone who has studied financial economics, to convince myself that the government view on DB surpluses has any legs at all.
Will remain open-minded to debate though.
Context does not matter. Sorry.
You’ve EITHER got to be really stupid and not realise what this action means to everyone around the world
OR
be smart enough to know exactly what you’re doing and be happy to be seen doing it.
You can’t be both of these things.
You’ve EITHER got to be really stupid and not realise what this action means to everyone around the world
OR
be smart enough to know exactly what you’re doing and be happy to be seen doing it.
You can’t be both of these things.
January 20, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Context does not matter. Sorry.
You’ve EITHER got to be really stupid and not realise what this action means to everyone around the world
OR
be smart enough to know exactly what you’re doing and be happy to be seen doing it.
You can’t be both of these things.
You’ve EITHER got to be really stupid and not realise what this action means to everyone around the world
OR
be smart enough to know exactly what you’re doing and be happy to be seen doing it.
You can’t be both of these things.
Lovely crisp morning for a walk with the dog.
January 11, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Lovely crisp morning for a walk with the dog.
Bloody good thread, this. Thanks Felicity. HNY!
HEY who would like some unsolicited advice as we go into the new year? Don’t worry, I’ll stay in my lane - here are some super easy things you can do to get your finances into a stronger state in 2025:
December 31, 2024 at 2:15 PM
Bloody good thread, this. Thanks Felicity. HNY!
My three Nicholas Cage phases of AI learning during 2024 as a Comms person:
1. Nope. Take it away. It’s the Devil’s work.
2. What? It can do that? Hmm, that sounds quite helpful. Tell me more.
3. Whoa. Hold the bus. That’s f#*$€¥g awesome.
Looking forward to more fearless AI learning in 2025.
1. Nope. Take it away. It’s the Devil’s work.
2. What? It can do that? Hmm, that sounds quite helpful. Tell me more.
3. Whoa. Hold the bus. That’s f#*$€¥g awesome.
Looking forward to more fearless AI learning in 2025.
December 29, 2024 at 6:45 PM
My three Nicholas Cage phases of AI learning during 2024 as a Comms person:
1. Nope. Take it away. It’s the Devil’s work.
2. What? It can do that? Hmm, that sounds quite helpful. Tell me more.
3. Whoa. Hold the bus. That’s f#*$€¥g awesome.
Looking forward to more fearless AI learning in 2025.
1. Nope. Take it away. It’s the Devil’s work.
2. What? It can do that? Hmm, that sounds quite helpful. Tell me more.
3. Whoa. Hold the bus. That’s f#*$€¥g awesome.
Looking forward to more fearless AI learning in 2025.
Here’s what’s left of the office Heroes. I mean…. Does ANYONE actually like double deckers?
December 27, 2024 at 9:22 AM
Here’s what’s left of the office Heroes. I mean…. Does ANYONE actually like double deckers?
Reposted by Mark Locke
Value pensions by what you get! (thx Tom and Joe)
Average LGPS pension is about 5k p.a - wouldn’t say that is particularly gold plated. If the Government were to move to DC it’d be reasonable to expect it would match larger employers - which often are 15% plus…. — Joe Dabrowski (@JoeDabrowski1)…
Average LGPS pension is about 5k p.a - wouldn’t say that is particularly gold plated. If the Government were to move to DC it’d be reasonable to expect it would match larger employers - which often are 15% plus…. — Joe Dabrowski (@JoeDabrowski1)…
Value pensions by what you get! (thx Tom and Joe)
Average LGPS pension is about 5k p.a - wouldn’t say that is particularly gold plated. If the Government were to move to DC it’d be reasonable to expect it would match larger employers - which often are 15% plus…. — Joe Dabrowski (@JoeDabrowski1) December 26, 2024 Many people will be at work today, I am off work and sick but I am fascinated by my 2025 challenge.
henrytapper.com
December 27, 2024 at 7:23 AM
Value pensions by what you get! (thx Tom and Joe)
Average LGPS pension is about 5k p.a - wouldn’t say that is particularly gold plated. If the Government were to move to DC it’d be reasonable to expect it would match larger employers - which often are 15% plus…. — Joe Dabrowski (@JoeDabrowski1)…
Average LGPS pension is about 5k p.a - wouldn’t say that is particularly gold plated. If the Government were to move to DC it’d be reasonable to expect it would match larger employers - which often are 15% plus…. — Joe Dabrowski (@JoeDabrowski1)…
Pretty Christmas Eve sunset in the Scottish Borders.
December 24, 2024 at 4:14 PM
Pretty Christmas Eve sunset in the Scottish Borders.
Rachel Reeves puts pensions review on hold to avoid extra burden on UK business www.ft.com/content/d102... @financialtimes.com
Rachel Reeves puts pensions review on hold to avoid extra burden on UK business
Some experts argue current savings rates will leave people without adequate retirement pots
www.ft.com
December 15, 2024 at 4:26 PM
Rachel Reeves puts pensions review on hold to avoid extra burden on UK business www.ft.com/content/d102... @financialtimes.com
Many advisers feel Consumer Duty products and services outcome has made ‘no progress’
www.moneymarketing.co.uk/news/many-ad...
www.moneymarketing.co.uk/news/many-ad...
Many advisers feel Consumer Duty products and services outcome has made ‘no progress’ | Money Marketing
Over a third of advice firms believe there has been “no progress” towards the Consumer Duty’s products and services outcome, early analysis of the Lang Cat’s State of the Advice Nation (SOTAN) report ...
www.moneymarketing.co.uk
December 6, 2024 at 8:01 PM
Many advisers feel Consumer Duty products and services outcome has made ‘no progress’
www.moneymarketing.co.uk/news/many-ad...
www.moneymarketing.co.uk/news/many-ad...
Reposted by Mark Locke
If you have a question about giving to charity or running one, please get in touch. They can be short and simple q if you have one or longer experiences - we’ll answer as many as we can in Money Box Live next Wednesday. Email me - [email protected] and thanks
I’m looking to speak to anyone who has given to what they thought was a charity and then been conned. For a very useful radio thing - please share!
December 6, 2024 at 1:30 PM
If you have a question about giving to charity or running one, please get in touch. They can be short and simple q if you have one or longer experiences - we’ll answer as many as we can in Money Box Live next Wednesday. Email me - [email protected] and thanks
Reposted by Mark Locke
@rayvay9.bsky.social welcome to Blue Sky! @higheredactuary.bsky.social - another pensions person for your starter pack!
December 5, 2024 at 9:53 AM
@rayvay9.bsky.social welcome to Blue Sky! @higheredactuary.bsky.social - another pensions person for your starter pack!
Reposted by Mark Locke
In this week’s #Update, @theactualpolson.bsky.social reflects on the pitfalls of being a sleb’s PR person and, more importantly, our new report with the lovely folk at @parmenionuk.bsky.social on platform service.
Read the full #Update here: thelangcat.co.uk/the-top-clas...
Read the full #Update here: thelangcat.co.uk/the-top-clas...
The Top Class Wednesday Update serves all ages and classes - The Lang Cat
In this week's #Update Mark reflects on the pitfalls of being a sleb's PR person and, more importantly, our new report with the lovely folk at Parmenion on platform service.
thelangcat.co.uk
December 4, 2024 at 12:12 PM
In this week’s #Update, @theactualpolson.bsky.social reflects on the pitfalls of being a sleb’s PR person and, more importantly, our new report with the lovely folk at @parmenionuk.bsky.social on platform service.
Read the full #Update here: thelangcat.co.uk/the-top-clas...
Read the full #Update here: thelangcat.co.uk/the-top-clas...