Founded in 1831, Scottish Equitable has grown steadily in size and expertise to become one of the most experienced and dependable companies in the financial sector. With over 170 years' experience in the financial services industry, including 40 years' specifically in the group pensions market, we have the staff, structure, product range, technology and expertise to meet our customers' needs and to remain a leading player in today's pensions market.

In 1994, we became part of the AEGON Group, one of the largest listed insurance companies in the world. The strength that this gives us, as well as our excellent working relationships with other professionals, including financial advisors, makes us one of the leading providers of investments, pensions and protection products in the UK. Our strength is widely acknowledged by independent analysts, and our commitment to the future is reflected in a continual programme of innovation and investment in our technology, our systems and our services.

Operating primarily through financial advisors, we strongly believe in the benefits of our customers receiving independent financial advice. The support this gives is essential to help you make informed decisions and invest in products that best suit your needs and personal circumstances.

Our strength and stability is built on more than experience. In a changing world, it's good to have the kind of security that comes from being part of the AEGON Group, which has assets under management of around ?200bn and operates in many markets around the world.

Independent industry analysts, Standard & Poor's, awarded us one of the highest ratings of financial strength and has noted the ability of our management to 'steer a steady path through the volatile markets'. In addition, they paid tribute to our disciplined financial management (source: Standard & Poor's,1 April 2003).

This gives Scottish Equitable a competitive edge in the marketplace. Size, a strong track record and significant financial resources are vital to help us keep pace with major changes in the marketplace.

We aim to provide understandable financial products that meet our customers' real needs. And we constantly look at ways to improve both the level of service we offer and the range of products we provide.

We listen carefully to feedback, from individual customers as well as financial advisors, and develop innovative, forward-thinking ways of meeting their demands.

Investment in service
We've recently invested over £120mn in new systems and will continue to invest in this area to make our service faster, easier to use and more accurate. However, we recognise the important role people play in delivering good service and our staff are always on hand to deal with enquiries. Whether you approach us direct or through your financial advisor, we want you to get the best possible service.


Flexibility
Service also demands flexibility. When you ask a question, we won't give you an off-the-shelf answer. This flexibility is reflected in our products, which are designed to adapt and change with the changing needs of our customers.


Raising Standards
As a founder member of the Raising Standards scheme, we invite independent assessors to ensure that our communications are written in plain language, our service levels meet their demanding criteria and our complaints procedures are efficient and easy to understand.


Recognition
We've always believed that success comes from offering people the products they want, backed up with the highest levels of personal service and exceptional investment expertise.

We're proud that our performance over the years has been recognised by many organisations, companies and professional bodies:
.  For three consecutive years, Scottish Equitable has been awarded Raising Standards accreditation by the Pensions Protection Investments Accreditation Board
.  The leading rating agency Standard & Poor's has awarded Scottish Equitable one of the highest possible ratings of financial strength - April 2003.


Our awards 2004
We received gold awards in the following categories at the Financial Adviser Life and Pensions Awards:
.  Protection company of the year
.  Individual pensions company of the year
.  Group pensions provider of the year
.  Life assurance company of the year
.  Pensions company of the year
.  SIPP provider of the year
.  Online life and pensions company of the year
.  Term assurance company of the year
.  Critical illness company of the year
.  Income replacement company of the year

Please direct any queries to Scottish Equitable on 0131 339 9191