News that any AIM company secretary should be firmly aware of is the recent release by the London Stock Exchange (LSE) of a notice, to Nominated Advisers and all AIM companies, that it is consulting on proposed alterations to the AIM Rules for Companies. Such changes will apply to both investing companies and AIM companies undertaking a fundamental change of business, with the AIM Note for Investing Companies also being modified as a result. Continue reading
The very real difference that company secretaries can make to board effectiveness
While many organisations are familiar with the basic work that company secretaries do in ensuring compliance with standard financial and legal practice and maintaining the highest corporate governance standards, far fewer businesses realise the potential a company secretarial service has to assist in making their board more effective. Continue reading
Latest version of charity regulator’s guidance document released
Trustees of charities many of whom are already using London Registrars’ risk and compliance services will be interested to hear that a new version of the Charity Commission’s guidance document geared to their needs, The essential trustee, has now been issued. Continue reading
Smaller quoted companies receive FRC help to improve quality of reporting
Many a smaller quoted company currently benefitting from the corporate governance services of London Registrars is likely to take an interest in the Financial Reporting Council (FRC)’s recent launch of a programme of measures intended to assist firms like theirs to compile better quality corporate reports.
The FRC has published a discussion paper, entitled Improving the Quality of Reporting by Reporting by Smaller Listed and AIM Quoted Companies, in which it outlined the results of a review of the standard of reporting for such companies. Feedback on the findings and conclusions was also requested.
Describing smaller quoted companies as “critical to generating future jobs and growth in the economy”, the FRC’s CEO, Stephen Haddrill, said that they nonetheless required “access to capital to invest and grow. We recognise that these businesses have limited resources and face challenges in reporting. Continue reading
Bearer shares abolished by SBEE Act 2015
Important news for many of those organisations using London Registrars’ business consulting service is the abolition, as of 26 May 2015, of bearer shares, which are shares that have been issued but have no registered owner. The change has been brought into law by the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (SBEE)’s implementing of amendments to the Companies Act 2006. Continue reading
Nearly a quarter of FTSE 100 board positions now filled by women
A development of great relevance to corporate governance in the UK over the last four years has been the increasing prominence of female faces in top companies’ boardrooms. Lord Davies of Abersoch’s annual report publishing the current state of gender diversity on FTSE boards, reveals that women now occupy almost a quarter of FTSE 100 board positions. Continue reading
Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act becomes law
Potential clients of company formation agents such as London Registrars will be interested to read the news that on 26 March, Royal Assent was granted to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act. Now law, the Act incorporates a series of measures designed to boost the United Kingdom’s attractiveness as a place to start and grow a business. Continue reading
A quarter of academy school heads leave their posts over the past year
As if the responsibilities of an academy company secretary were not onerous enough, many academy schools are also now facing a looming leadership crisis, because of the difficulties in attracting a new head teacher. 26 per cent of academy heads left their roles over the last academic year, according to research by UHY Hacker Young, leaving schools with limited replacement options. Continue reading
Consultation launched on possible ISDX Growth Market rule changes
Companies with an interest in the CREST share registrar services of London Registrars may also read with interest the news of the launch of a market consultation by the London-based stock exchange, ICAP Securities & Derivatives Exchange (ISDX). It concerns potential changes to the ISDX Growth Market Rules for Issuers and the ISDX Corporate Adviser Handbook. Continue reading
Will the FCA’s move to reduce the clutter of quarterly reports be effective?
While the recent Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Policy Statement – Removing the Transparency Directive’s requirement to publish interim management statements will certainly be welcomed by many of the organisations using London Registrars business consultant services, it will not necessarily have much impact on its aim of reducing the clutter of quarterly reports. Continue reading