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Video Utmost Life and Pensions Completes First External Pension Scheme Buyout, Powered by Mantle
[Belfast, 17th April 2026] — Mantle Services (“Mantle”), the global pensions software provider and part of the 3173 Group of companies, today congratulates client Utmost Life and Pensions (“Utmost”) on a landmark moment in its bulk purchase annuity (BPA) journey – the successful completion of its first external pension scheme buyout.
The transaction involved the Noble Foods Limited Pension Scheme, with whom Utmost completed a full scheme buy-in in April 2025. In the months that followed, Utmost worked swiftly to issue 455 individual buyout policies to scheme members and dependants – achieving full buyout in under a year. This rapid progression from buy-in to buyout underlines the operational capability and efficiency that Utmost has developed since entering the BPA market.
Mantle was appointed by Utmost in Q3 2024 following a competitive procurement process, selected for the flexibility and advanced functionality of its pensions software platform. Mantle’s technology supports Utmost across the full risk transfer lifecycle – including actuarial valuations, benefits calculations, quotations, and administration through to the issue of individual member policies – all delivered within a single integrated platform. The result is a faster, more efficient journey for both trustees and scheme members.
Chris Tucker, Chief Client Success Officer at Mantle Services, said: “Completing a buyout of this scale in under a year is a real demonstration of what’s possible when the right technology underpins the process. We built our Mantle platform to remove the friction from risk transfer administration, and this transaction is proof of that in action. We’re delighted for the Utmost team and look forward to supporting them as their BPA business continues to grow.””
Gary Needham, Head of BPA Business Development, Utmost Life and Pensions, said: “This is an important milestone for Utmost which was been underpinned by our partnership with Mantle and their innovative platform, [Mantle Administrator]. I’d like to thank the Mantle team for the support, dedication and hard work which has helped us deliver a smooth transition and, importantly, a good experience for the Trustees and their scheme members.“
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Media Enquiries: For media enquiries and further information, please contact Susan O’Neill at Susan_Oneill@mantleservices.com or on 02895 210 225
About Mantle Services
Mantle is a cloud-hosted pensions platform that unifies administration, payroll, treasury, accounts, and actuarial services in one system. Mantle licences its software to in-house pension schemes, third party administrators, actuarial firms and buy-out providers. Used by thousands of schemes and administrators, it automates 100% of benefit calculations, improving accuracy and efficiency. With over 1.7 million member records hosted and £1 billion in payments processed annually, Mantle delivers real-time insight, secure digital access for members, and a streamlined experience for pension providers.
About Utmost Life and Pensions
Utmost Life and Pensions operates both a closed UK life and pensions business and a bulk purchase annuity business. Utmost Life and Pensions manages £5.6bn of primarily unit-linked policyholder assets on behalf of over 290,000 policyholders. Utmost Life and Pensions is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA.
