Having offered corporate services for well over a decade now, London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk) is accutely aware of the wide range of reasons for company secretarial services, and the situation is no different for AIM-registered companies. First of all, however, it is necessary for the potential users of such services to understand AIM, or the Alternative Investment Market. Continue reading
How London Registrars’ legal support extends far beyond the Bribery Act
Such recent developments such as reports of widespread and unnecessary refusals by many companies to accept offers for Olympics tickets last year for fear of being accused of bribery, and even the new lobbying allegations surrounding Conservative MP Patrick Mercer, have shown that bribery and corruption have remained at the forefront of the public mind-set. It’s one reason why London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk) takes so seriously the assistance that it provides to clients with anti-bribery policies in relation to the Bribery Act. Continue reading
Why companies need to take the Bribery Act 2010 seriously
Since 1st July 2011, a piece of law came into effect which recent statistics have suggested many business owners remain worryingly unaware of. That legislation is the Bribery Act 2010, which individuals and businesses across the UK and elsewhere could potentially be greatly affected by. It is widely accepted that the best corporate governance covers the prevention of bribery, and London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk) is able to assist organisations in this aim. Continue reading
FCA adopts business plan and risk outlook for the year ahead
On Monday April 1, 2013, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) ceased to be, being split into two new regulatory bodies for the financial services industry, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA). In news that will interest many of the clients of the company secretarial services of London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk), the FCA has equipped itself with a business plan and risk outlook for its governing of the industry in the year to come. Continue reading
Financial Reporting Council Advises on Audit Committee Reporting Changes
Organisations using the company secretarial services of London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk) may be interested to read of a recent Audit Quality Forum meeting, at which the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) Melanie McLaren discussed audit committee reporting and the issue of audit rotation. Continue reading
Information Commissioner’s Office Could Regulate Blogs, Social Media
Individuals and corporations exist in an increasingly virtual world, with web presence becoming central to reputation management. As a company secretary and legal support services provider, London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk/) advises on company compliance with the Data Protection Act (DPA). A recent judgement on section 36 of the DPA could mean that the Information Commissionerâs Office (ICO) could regulate blogs, personal websites and social media websites such as Facebook.
70% of FTSE 100 Companies Fail to Facilitate Whistleblowing
Company secretarial services and corporate support provider London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk/) reveals that approximately 70% of FTSE 100 companies are failing to facilitate whistleblowing in the workplace, says a new study from Middlesex University.
SMEs to Benefit from New Growth Package
In a bid to give the UK economy a much-needed boost, small businesses are set to benefit from new Government measures which amount to a growth package. A raft of new incentives and assistance includes alternative financing options and “one-click” registration at Companies House, reports company secretarial services firm London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk/). Continue reading
Will the LSE Tighten Listing Requirements to Improve Corporate Governance?
London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk/) reports on news that the London Stock Exchange (LSE) is consulting on whether to tighten the listing requirements in a bid to meet higher corporate governance standards. Continue reading
Company Secretaries Must Engage with Business Issues According to CBI
According to the Confederation of British Industries (CBI), company secretaries across the UK need to engage more with the issues arising in the day-to-day running of the business, reports provider of company secretarial services London Registrars (https://www.london-registrars.co.uk/).
President of the CBI Sir Roger Carr has publically declared the need for the role of company secretary to include more direct engagement with key issues which arise in the general running of the business â issues such as shareholder engagement, transparency and diversity. âCompany secretaries are key players and have an important part to play in improving the overall perception of business,â he said. âBig business is very often viewed as bad business. Thatâs unhealthy â mostly unwarranted â and fails to recognise the key ingredient business plays in all our lives â as the engine of wealth creation. We have to change the perception of business through good governance and great performance.â
Sir Carr encouraged company secretaries to help facilitate corporate governance in general, along with providing some specific pointers:
- encourage their chairmen to use an external facilitator for their board reviews;
- ensure that annual reports are in a digestible and informative format;
- get involved in government consultations;
- pay heed to the recommendation of the Davies report on gender diversity in boards.
Addressing the need for the company secretary to help the business âto be good and look goodâ, Sir Carr stated that âPerformance and governance must go hand in hand and you (as Company Secretaries) clearly are all key playersâŠ.We all must remember that itâs not rules and regulation that make good business, itâs good people â operational, advisory, executive and non-executive. A diverse board, comprising members with integrity, enthusiasm and independence of mind served by a company secretary up to speed on the rules and willing to stand up for their enforcement. It takes skill, knowledge but most of all, it takes character.â
Businesses can ensure full compliance with corporate governance best practice, including these CBI guidelines, by securing the company secretarial services of London Registrars. Find out more at https://www.london-registrars.co.uk/.