Company News

Employee Directors at Sports Direct

It seems that controversial company Sports Direct (SPD) are likely to become the first UK public company to have a worker on their board. They plan to appoint an elected "Worker's Representative" who will attend and speak at board meetings although they would not formally be appointed as a director. A spokesman for Sports Direct said: "Having explored all options we believe this is the best way to ensure the Workers' Representative is free to champion the interests of all staff. ...

NCC Group – Rob Cotton Departing

In a previous blog post I commented that bearing in mind past events, I doubted that many investors would continue to believe that the long-standing CEO Rob Cotton should continue to lead the company. It would appear the directors agree with me because this morning (1/3/2017) it was announced he was stepping down with immediate effect. Brian Tenner, CFO, will take over as interim CEO and will lead the previously announced strategic review. The share price rose slightly in early trading on ...

Alliance Trust Vote – A Victory for Private Investors and ShareSoc

Today Alliance Trust shareholders voted to support the Board’s proposals to change the investment management arrangements and to buy out Elliot. This is surely a major win for private...

The Future Value of Money

The future value of money was a question highlighted by a Government decision yesterday. The discount rate to be applied to awards to road accident victims and others, to ensure they always have enough to support their future needs, is to be changed to -0.75% (that's minus 0.75%). Previously, and for many years, it has been assumed that they could invest a cash lump sum at a rate of plus 2.5%. That was on the assumption that they could invest in ...

FRC to Investigate Redcentric Audit

Further to ShareSoc's campaign regarding accounting irregularities and related matters at Redcentric (AIM:RCN), I am delighted to see that the FRC has launched an investigation into the audit of Redcentric's accounts by PWC: https://www.frc.org.uk/News-and-Events/FRC-Press/Press/2017/February/Investigation-in-respect-of-PricewaterhouseCoopers.aspx The FT also reports on this investigation today, coming hot on the heels of PWC's embarrassment at the Oscars ceremony: https://www.ft.com/content/4e710e1e-fcfc-11e6-8d8e-a5e3738f9ae4 This article highlights that PWC is also under investigation in relation to audits of BHS; Barclays compliance; Connaught and RSM Tenon. It has already been sanctioned in respect of ...

NCC Group – All Credibility Gone?

NCC Group is a FTSE-250 company operating in the “cyber security”and “risk mitigation” areas primarily, and the former is surely one of the “hottest” sectors of the market at...

United Cacao – the Perils of AIM, and Fyffes

The Daily Telegraph ran a lengthy article yesterday covering the story of AIM listed United Cacao Ltd SEZC (CHOC) under the headline – “a bitter warning of the perils...

Foresight VCT Incentive Fee

In addition to my recent comments on Foresight 4, it’s worth covering the latest news from the original Foresight VCT (FTV). They have announced a General Meeting on the...

Alliance Trust Press Release

ShareSoc has issued the following press release: Alliance Trust have convened a General Meeting on the 28th February. It includes 4 resolutions covering the change in investment approach and the proposed share buy back of shares held by Elliott. Our recommendation is that shareholders vote "FOR" all the resolutions. ShareSoc is issuing this press release because we understand that some institutional investor advisory services have expressed some concerns about the proposals. The Alliance Trust Shareholder Action Group which has been supported by ShareSoc is satisfied ...

VCT News – Baronsmead, Northern VCTs and Foresight 4

I attended the Annual General Meeting of Baronsmead Venture Trust this week (on 14/2/2017). It was not particularly well attended perhaps because of the early start time of 10.00...