Member Article

Support for new auto-enrolment portal launch

To help bookkeepers and their clients handle the complexities of pensions auto-enrolment the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) has launched a dedicated Pensions Solutions Portal (ICBPS) in partnership with national IFA firm, LEBC Group (LEBC) and pension provider, Aviva.

During 2016, a staggering circa 600,000 small businesses will need to stage and comply with auto-enrolment. ICBPS is a one-stop shop for auto-enrolment to enable bookkeepers to help smaller businesses, their clients, comply. It provides ICB members with the confidence to talk to their clients about an auto-enrolment solution that is affordable and comes with industry knowledge and advice provided by LEBC.

The new portal is accessible through ICB’s website, streamlines the process for users, and handles the entire auto-enrolment process from start to finish. This includes assisting members to set up the pension schemes, not only for employees within their own businesses, but also for their clients. It also enables members to implement compliance software and ensure both the system and the schemes remain fit for purpose to meet the regulatory standard required.

The ICBPS frees ICB members from the lengthy process of number-crunching as it handles all the necessary calculation processes. It also cuts through the bureaucracy involved with auto-enrolment by directing users to all the relevant paperwork such as Statutory Certificates, annual governance reports and the Declaration of Compliance. And it maintains a complete set of records to provide an audit trail.

LEBC’s Divisional Director Glynn Jones said, “In September 2014, we received accreditation from the ICB for our online auto-enrolment solution, aeComply, which has been very well received in the market. We were naturally delighted to be asked to help with the development of the Institute’s own portal which will be valuable for the huge number of smaller businesses having to stage in 2016.”

By 31 December 2017, employers will have a legal obligation to offer a pension to any eligible employee who is over the age of 22 and earning more than £10,000. With big businesses already adjusting to auto-enrolment, it is time for small and micro enterprises to do the same.

The ICBPS Portal caters to the specific needs of ICB members, their clients, and their collective requirements. ICB members also have the option of subcontracting the process to LEBC through its ‘Managed Service’ proposition.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by LEBC Group Ltd .