Investor Relations
The Board considers communications with shareholders, whether institutional investors or private shareholders, to be extremely important and they are given a high priority. Throughout the year, the Company has maintained regular dialogue with institutional shareholders. The views of shareholders are reported to the Board by the Chief Executive and Finance Director and discussed at Board meetings.
Meetings are also held at the request of the Company’s principal shareholders to discuss the Company’s strategy and performance and to obtain feedback. The Combined Code recognises that primary contacts are likely to be by the Chief Executive and Finance Director but requires the Chairman and Senior Independent Director to maintain contact with major shareholders in order to understand their concerns. Whereas the Chairman does attend some meetings with institutional shareholders, the Board considers that, given its size and established communication routes, it is not necessary for the Non-Executive Directors to attend such meetings. However, both of the Board’s independent Non-Executive Directors would be available to meet with any major shareholder if such a meeting was requested. Whilst these procedures do not strictly comply with the Combined Code, the Board considers them to be appropriate given the Company’s size and established communication route. The annual and interim reports to shareholders are published on the Company’s website, publications, together with the presentations made to institutional shareholders and analysts following the announcement of interim and full year results. Other announcements and developments relating to the Company are posted on the Group’s website immediately following their release. There is also an opportunity for individual shareholders to question the full Board on general business matters at the Company’s Annual General Meeting. Notice of the Company’s Annual General Meeting is circulated to all shareholders at least 20 working days before such meeting. Details of proxy voting are declared by the Chairman after a vote on a show of hands and the results are published on the Company’s website immediately following the Annual General Meeting.