Retirement specialist Hornbuckle Mitchell has frozen 2012 admin charges on its Sipp and SSAS schemes at 2011 levels.

The Sipp, SSAS and income drawdown company said that it was in a position to maintain its pricing structure while still improving its service to advisers and clients.

"We are pleased to confirm that we will not be raising any of our charges next year," said Hornbuckle Mitchell director Mary Stewart. "This move will benefit all our clients and demonstrates to advisers that we are committed to providing cost-effective and powerful pension solutions."

She said that, following several years of keeping its main fees unchanged, the company's investment in new administration technology has been a big factor in allowing it to impose a fee freeze for 2012.

"This investment in new technology is the single biggest outlay in our 29 year history," said Mary Stewart. "It will make it easier for advisers to do business with us."

The first stage of integrating the new system was completed earlier this year with the launch of a new online illustration system. Internal administration is now moving onto the new system with advisers set to be given direct access early next year.

Among the key benefits for advisers will be automatic bank reconciliation of cash flows such as contributions, reclaims and rental payments; faster payments of benefits and fees to advisers; automated tax reclaims on personal contributions, online access to valuations and client details; and 'straight through' processing from illustration to application.

"This has been a huge undertaking for us in terms of training staff, switching to the new system and training but the functionality it delivers is a huge step forward, delivering tangible benefits to advisers and their clients," said Mary Stewart.

"This strengthens our position as the leading independent provider of self-invested pension solutions. As the market continues to grow we believe we have the size to generate economies of scale while retaining the expertise and client service ethic to deliver excellent solutions."