Reading: Jelf acquires Berkshire’s Laterlife

Leading independent consultancy Jelf, which has offices in Reading, has acquired a controlling stake in Berkshire-based Laterlife to support its at-retirement proposition. 

The acquisition of the Swallowfield firm will significantly extend the employee-benefits offering Jelf can provide those approaching, at, and going through retirement. Jelf’s employee benefits division is already well established in the pensions market, and this acquisition completes its ability to offer a whole-of-life retirement-planning service to companies and individuals.

Laterlife specialises in retirement-planning workshops, offering expertise to improve the life-after-work experience. This is backed up by complementary newsletters, guides and a website. Key areas of support include addressing retirement hopes and concerns, managing relationships, managing time, developing new interests, building social networks, fitness, wellbeing, travel and employment; all within an approach which develops fulfilling and enjoyable retirement plans.

This innovative partnership means Jelf can support employees throughout their career and beyond - from financial education and enrolment services in early career, to reviewing choices mid-career, to whole-of-market annuity broking, at-retirement advice, and expert financial and lifestyle workshops.

Alan Millward, director of corporate benefits for Jelf employee benefits, said: "This is a really exciting development for both our companies. Retirement isn’t just about stopping work; it’s about embarking on a completely new life. There are a lot of decisions that people need to consider, from their pension, to budgeting, to how they want to live their lives. We now offer expertise to our clients through a truly cradle-to-grave range of services."

Tony Clack, managing director of Laterlife, said: "We have developed our proposition over time to help people make the most of their retirement. We’re delighted to be able to give our mutual clients services which can help employees make better choices from when they first join a company to when they retire. Jelf’s strong financial planning pedigree also made it an attractive partner to enable us together to offer a balanced financial and lifestyle approach as part of career-long services.”