A SERIES of free seminars on pensions is being offered in the two counties.

Consulting actuary Hazell Carr will be holding a series of pensions advice seminars during the summer, following a survey which revealed a pensions upheaval was likely to occur in the next year in small and medium-sized companies.

"An astonishing 25 per cent of the UK's smaller businesses with a final salary scheme intend to close or wind up the scheme in the next year, mirroring the high profile decisions by big companies," said a spokesman for Hazell Carr.

"However, only three per cent have decided to wind up their scheme, which may not always be the best course of action.

"Coupled with the finding that nearly a third have not yet received advice from their actuaries on their options, the revelations should be a cause for serious concern amongst the country's small and mid-size enterprises."

He said the free seminars would bring a "fresh and innovative" approach to the subject of final salary schemes by helping companies reach the right decisions on how they should proceed.

Seminars are due to take place in Worcester, on Wednesday, August 7, and Wednesday, September 4, and in Hereford, on Wednesday, August 21.

For more information or to book a place e-mail: seminars@hazellcarr.com or phone 08700 111 644.