Loose Change

LAZARD ASSET Management is launching an Active Transfer PEP, allowing investors the chance to consolidate their PEP holdings under one portfolio. Investors can choose between Lazard's Income or Growth Portfolio Trusts. Call 0800 374810.

STROUD & SWINDON Building Society is sending a bouquet of flowers to all customers who arrange a mortgage from the society. The bouquets will be sent by Guernsey-based St saviours Nursery, which will donate 15 per cent of the value of each sale to The Children's Society. Call 01453 757011.

CHESHIRE BUILDING Society is launching a re-mortgage package with a fixed rate of 6.99 per cent, pegged until October 2002. The deal includes no redemption penalties beyond the fixed period, no application or arrangement fees, the offer of another fixed loan when this one ends, plus the society will pay for all legal fees in connection with the re-mortgage. Call 01625 613612.

NORWICH AND Peterborough Building Society is launching a Quantum step- up four-year account which pays 5.5 per cent gross at the outset, rising to 8 per cent gross in the final year ending 30 September 2002. Minimum investment is pounds 5,000, with a maximum of pounds 15,000. Interest is paid annually in January. Penalty-free withdrawals are available on seven days' notice. Call 01733 372222.

COVENTRY BUILDING Society is launching a one-year fixed rate bond paying 7.1 per cent gross on deposits of pounds 1,000 or more, rising in stages to 7.75 per cent gross on sums over pounds 25,000. Details from branches, or write for an application form to: Coventry Building Society, Oakfield House, PO Box 600, Binley Business Park, Coventry, CV3 2TQ.