For me, as and when I travel through London, I hear music…

I can’t help but hear The Kinks when I find myself close to London’s busiest railway station.

Jamie T’s “Shelia” often pops up when I’m wandering down the river (probably in part because of the brilliant Bob Hoskins appearance in the video)

and

That’s not to mention the hundreds of songs which typify London beautifully but each in their own unique way.

Lily Allens LDN, Squeeze’s “Up the Junction”. Going Underground by the Jam.

Half of Chas and Dave’s back catalog.

Eddie Grant’s Electric Avenue, Nick Drake’s Mayfair, and the always haunting Ralph McTell’s Streets of London.

We haven’t even touched on “Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner”, Itchycoo park or two of the songs which talk about the specific part of the east end I,Electric Fringe’s “Any Old Iron” (if you haven’t heard it you can listen to it here) or even Missing Andy’s “Dave”

However there’s one song which pop’s into my head every time I pass a certain tube stop.

When I’m heading west on the Jubilee line I just can’t help hearing the Saxophone kick in….

For those who don’t know what I’m talking about (and you’re probably not alone!) I’m talking about Gerry Rafferty’s late 70’s classic…

Baker Street.

However whilst Baker Street might be a classic, my favourite Gerry Rafferty tune (recorded when he was part of Stealers Wheel) is one which entered my consciousness mainly due to it’s inclusion in Tarantino’s first film, Reservoir dogs.

Stuck in the middle with you.

“Stuck in the middle with you” is another classic track. However as opposed to thinking about London when I hear it I can’t help but thinking about another particular obsession of mine at the moment…

Automatic Enrolment.

Now I’m sure you understand the connection why right?

No you say! Ok, Let me explain!

Many of the accountants, professionals and (especially) employers I get to speak to are confused about auto enrolment.

This confusion seems to be in a number of different areas.

There is still some knowledge gaps in relation to the regulation.

There is befuddlement about what software (many of whom tell you that their piece of kit ‘does’ auto enrolment) can help based on an employers individual circumstances

and

There still remains a decent amount of bewilderment about what pension might work for the purposes of an employer complying with the regulation.

In addition to this auto enrolment continues to change.

Whilst it looks like the actual regulation is going to remain relatively static until 2017, case law has the potential to clarify certain parts as the courts clarify how auto enrolment is dealt with.

The software market continues to change, develop and grow with payroll based software increasingly becoming the default choice of many employers and when payroll based systems don’t cut the mustard or aren’t available there are new software options for employers which are increasingly entering the market.

and

As traditional pension providers decide on an appropriate approach to what service to provide to SME and micro employers and the master trust providers continues to change, develop and grow.

These changes (and the upcoming changes) are enough to make anyone’s head spin!

Therefore, and like the famous line from “Stuck in the Middle” we’re in a strange position…

“Pensions to the left of me, Software to the right (and erm, regulation to the bottom)…..and here I am, stuck in the middle with you.”

Ok, so the original was better….I get that! But my point remains…

Complying with auto enrolment is confusing with employers “stuck in the middle” of an ever changing regulatory, software and pensions market.

It’s confusing.

However complying with auto enrolment is a necessity  for each and every business, and one they need to deal with.

The first option is to take a DIY approach and learn all about the relevant regulation, software and pension options….as well as a decent amount on Payroll, Employment Law and a bunch of other stuff (including project management) and ‘do’ auto enrolment.

The second option is to consult with a professional who specialises in this market. This approach is an effective, but potentially too expensive for many smaller businesses.

The third option is to use a specific service designed to help professionals and the employers they work with comply. The market for these type of services are still in their relative infancy with only a couple of key services currently available (full disclosure – I own a part of and am helping develop a system of this type – www.aeinabox.co.uk )

So, whilst auto enrolment might be changing the solutions are clear, DIY, a consultancy face to face service or a lower cost commodity based auto enrolment service.
Regardless of what one you pick, and regardless of whether you’re a professional trying to find the right solution or an employer dealing with this stuff….

Picking the right service will hopefully make you feel less of a “Stealers Wheel”.