In the wake of the global banking crisis, governance has taken on increasing importance amid claims that a lack of governance was a key contributor to the crisis. In the years since, regulatory bodies across the world have been anxious to show that good governance is among their highest priorities.
What part should boards play in crisis situations?
Among the most important factors to consider for companies contemplating board meeting management services are how well-prepared their board is to tackle a crisis scenario, and what exact role the board should play in its resolution. While corporate settings sometimes see dramatic events, these turn into crises when they begin to pose a significant threat to the financial performance, reputation or key shareholder relations of a company.
Gender discrimination or bias ‘witnessed by 4 in 5 managers’
Companies taking advantage of the meeting management service provided by London Registrars may find the findings of a recent survey by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to be of relevance to their own business’s operations.
Overstated Tesco profits lead to £129m fine
Many of those who have made use of a corporate secretary provided by London Registrars, are sure to take an interest in the news of Tesco agreeing to pay a £129m fine in relation to overstating its profits in 2014.
Does your organisation’s board have a catalysing or constraining influence?
When the time comes for your organisation’s annual meeting, as a shareholder, it is likely that you will be asking yourself whether each member of your board is still qualified for their position.
It is certainly a question that should be carefully considered by prospective and current users of board secretary services like those that London Registrars can provide, but it is not the only one that is important.
That’s because it is also vital to think about your firm’s board as a whole, and whether its mix of people is the right one for the company.
UK corporate governance ‘at a crossroads’ as Brexit looms
All manner of organisations with an interest in a company secretary service will have also had reason to take note of the recent comments on the UK Corporate Governance Code by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC)’s Head of Communications, Peter Timberlake.
What the 2017 Spring Budget means for EIS and R&D tax credits
As the 2016 Autumn Statement promised, this week saw the presentation of the final Spring Budget, which – given plans for an annual budget presentation providing a longer-term outlook – focused on areas of potential change since the Autumn Statement, such as the deficit. The Budget also sought to reaffirm the new government’s vision of how it would achieve a “stronger, better, fairer Britain”.
Firms using corporate secretary services like those of London Registrars are therefore likely to be particularly heartened by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond’s reiteration of the government’s commitment to preserving Britain’s status as a premier global business destination.
Disciplinary action highlights importance of AIM companies liaising with their nominated advisers
Of interest to many an AIM company secretary wishing to ensure compliance within their organisation will be disciplinary action recently taken by the AIM Disciplinary Committee (ADC) in relation to an AIM company breaching rules by failing to provide its nominated adviser (nomad) with “information reasonably required to carry out the nomad’s responsibilities”. Continue reading
Steps are being taken to guard against modern slavery in UK supply chains
Modern slavery, in its various forms, affects around 21 million people worldwide and is a multi-billion pound industry. It is surprising that slavery even exists in the 21st century, but it does. In 2015, then-Home Secretary Theresa May introduced the Modern Slavery Act to try to prevent UK businesses from becoming part of the problem.
The ‘Brexit’ vote and the unforeseen consequence for corporate governance
The UK electorate’s decision to leave the European Union has triggered a period of uncertainty for the nation until Article 50 is triggered at some point next year. Jobs, economic growth and freedom of movement are sure to be big issues for the public, but perhaps one area that is likely to see especially great, albeit largely unforeseen change as a result of the vote is corporate governance. Continue reading