About Pengage
The pensions industry has been trying to improve engagement for years. This has often led to a focus on compliance and detail, which has actually disengaged people.
In 2018 we created Pengage to do it differently. And it’s not as hard as it seems. Our focus is to get people to take action, not to sell them anything.
We are successful because we make a difference. This led to our small firm being Highly Commended in the category of Financial Education Provider of the Year at the 2021 Workplace Savings & Benefit Awards.
Making pensions fun and unpacking the mystery
Who we are - Meet the team
Laura Bowler
Director and Lead Consultant
Laura has worked in the pensions industry since 1997, developing extensive expertise in public sector pension schemes and a passion for helping people understand their retirement benefits. In 2018, she founded Pengage with a simple mission: to bridge the gap between complex pension regulations and real-world understanding, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their financial futures.
As Founder and Director of Pengage, Laura leads the company’s technical development and consultancy services. She specialises in complex pension analysis, retirement planning and scenario modelling, supporting clients through issues including the McCloud Remedy, Annual Allowance assessments, pension tax considerations and retirement decision-making.
Known for her ability to translate highly technical pension legislation into clear, practical advice, Laura has built a reputation for combining technical expertise with a genuinely approachable and empathetic style. Her focus is not simply on explaining pension rules but on helping people understand what those rules mean for them personally.
Laura holds the Qualification in Pensions Administration (QPA) and is PRINCE2 certified. She regularly collaborates with pension schemes, advisers and industry professionals to promote knowledge sharing and best practice across the sector. She is also a recognised speaker and educator, delivering webinars, workshops and training sessions to audiences across the UK.
Based in Gateshead, Laura lives with her husband and daughter. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, strength training and exploring the underwater world as a qualified PADI scuba diver. Whether navigating a complex pension case or planning her next adventure, Laura brings the same curiosity, determination and enthusiasm to everything she does.
Rachel became part of the Pengage team in 2022, bringing with her over two decades of experience in financial services. Throughout her career, she has earned a range of professional qualifications, including those from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).
As Business Manager, Rachel oversees the smooth running of day-to-day operations and manages webinar bookings, ensuring everything behind the scenes runs seamlessly for the team and clients alike.
Based in Mid-Sussex, Rachel lives with her husband and children. She enjoys escape rooms and is also a volunteer at her local community pantry.
Gilly joined Pen-gage in 2023, bringing with her over 15 years of experience as a Pensions Technician in the NHS. During her NHS career, she became an expert in navigating intricate service and pay queries, resolving legacy data issues, and safeguarding the accuracy of member records, using her high attention to detail. She also played a key role in education and engagement, delivering presentations on the NHS Pension Scheme to audiences ranging from small team briefings to seminars of over 100 attendees.
Now working as a Pension Consultant, Gilly continues to support scheme members through tailored reports and one-to-one consultations, helping individuals make confident, informed decisions about their retirement. She remains passionate about raising awareness of pensions and empowering people to shape the retirement they deserve.
Based in Lincolnshire, Gilly balances her professional life with family time alongside her husband, children, and two cats.
Helen O'Donnell
Pensions Consultant
Helen joined Pengage in June 2025, bringing with her extensive experience of NHS pension administration and member support within Primary Care. Before joining Pengage, she worked for a GP Federation in Worcestershire, supporting both GP practices and their employees with the day-to-day complexities of the NHS Pension Scheme.
Helen’s focus at Pengage is putting members at the heart of NHS pension support. Through pension modelling, estimates, individual reports and one-to-one meetings, she helps demystify the NHS Pension Scheme, giving members a clearer understanding of their pension, their options and the confidence to make informed decisions about their future.
Outside work, Helen is married to Noel, who recently retired, and is a mum of three. Her two sons have recently graduated and are starting their careers, while her daughter is still at university. Helen, Noel and their Labradoodle Benji now split their time between the UK and France.
Charlotte joined Pengage in 2023, bringing over 12 years of experience in financial services. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals with care and precision. Known for her exceptional organisational skills and keen eye for detail, Charlotte is a go-to team member who’s always ready to lend a hand.
Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys Pilates and exploring the Cornish coastline with her husband and two energetic boys. Weekends often involve coastal walks, sporting events, and chasing waves with her family of keen surfers.
In the last 12 months...
Which of our services would you like to know more about?
I'd like to know more about the MemberZone for NHS Individuals