plc awards
celebrating growth with purpose
Thursday 14 March 2024, Hotel InterContinental, London W1
winners announced!
click below to view
About
over 30 years of celebrating success
The plc awards was founded in 1987 and is usually held every year in March. These awards are open to all those companies listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange – colloquially known as the “plc club”. The success of the awards has led to it being broadened out to include FTSE100 companies as well as the FTSE250, FTSE Small Cap and Fledgling indices. Our aim is to truly make it ‘the’ City event of the year and to allow all Main Market publicly quoted companies, of whatever size, the chance to be rewarded and recognised for their successes and achievements.
Once again, this year we have widened the criteria for each category to give full emphasis to ESG practices – covering well known environmental issues, along with social issues and governance matters. Due regard will be given to adherence to current ESG Best Practice and any demonstrable ESG policies that have directly impacted decision making.
The event is attended by plc company chairmen, CEOs, CFOs, investment bankers, fund managers, analysts, IR executives, corporate advisers and pre-IPO companies.
testimonials from the 2023 awards
Jo Gilbey, Partner & Head of Public Markets at BDO LLP and Hannah Scarborough, Head of Marketing and BD and Board Adviser, BDO LLP:
“We wanted to send a quick note on behalf of BDO to congratulate you all on another excellent plc Awards evening. Feedback collected from our attendees so far has been really positive (as ever), with lots of good things to say about Bim Afolami and Reverend Richard Coles. It was a terrific evening, so thank you all”.
Chris McVey , Senior Fund Manager, Quoted Companies, Octopus Investments:
“May I express my huge thanks to you all for organising such a fantastic event last week. The event was upbeat and much better attended from an institutional perspective than in recent years. It was great catching up with so many friends and associates and I thought both speakers were excellent. Thanks also once again for involving me in the voting panel – again a great chance to debate views with peers from across the market and a thoroughly enjoyable evening”.
James Wood , Corporate Analyst, Winterflood Securities:
“Many thanks to you all for another terrific evening, with, in my view, the best after dinner speakers yet, including Bim Afolami, who stayed around to present the awards”.
Tom Hinton, Group Director, London Stock Exchange plc:
“Well done on a great event. I thought it went very well and all of our guests thoroughly enjoyed it. Good after dinner speaker as well”.
Samantha Myers, Partner, Public Companies & Capital Markets, Gowling WLG:
“Huge thanks to you guys for last night’s plc Awards, we all had a great time. A few people mentioned how slick it was and they liked the award presentation process this year. Richard Coles was brilliant – very well received all round”.
Fraser Ramzan, Head of Investor Relations, Marks and Spencer (Award winner):
“Thank you so much for organising such a successful and enjoyable event. I know so much organisation goes into these, so I do hope the team are having a well earnt rest today!”
Bianca D’Orsi, Corporate Communications Manager, External Communications, Rolls-Royce plc (Award winner):
“Thanks for a fantastic evening. Honoured to have been awarded Company of the Year!”
Sponsors
We know from experience that publicly listed companies face a distinct set of regulatory and business challenges. As the number one auditor to UK listed companies and having completed 144 capital markets transactions in 5 years, BDO is proud to provide accounting and business advisory services to publicly quoted companies. The businesses we work with are Britain’s economic engine – ambitious, entrepreneurially spirited and high-growth businesses that fuel the economy and the owners and management teams that lead them.
Our partners and staff are specialists in their fields and have a proactive, flexible approach to helping organisations overcome the challenges they face.
BDO LLP is a key member of the BDO global network of public accounting, tax and advisory firms. The BDO global network provides business advisory services in 166 countries, with 115,700 people working out of 1,770 offices worldwide. It has revenues of $14bn. Being a member of the BDO global network allows us to meet the needs of clients who are growing and trading internationally.
Find out more about us at:
mainline sponsor:
We know from experience that publicly listed companies face a distinct set of regulatory and business challenges. As the number one auditor to UK listed companies and having completed 144 capital markets transactions in 5 years, BDO is proud to provide accounting and business advisory services to publicly quoted companies. The businesses we work with are Britain’s economic engine – ambitious, entrepreneurially spirited and high-growth businesses that fuel the economy and the owners and management teams that lead them.
Our partners and staff are specialists in their fields and have a proactive, flexible approach to helping organisations overcome the challenges they face.
BDO LLP is a key member of the BDO global network of public accounting, tax and advisory firms. The BDO global network provides business advisory services in 166 countries, with 115,700 people working out of 1,770 offices worldwide. It has revenues of $14bn. Being a member of the BDO global network allows us to meet the needs of clients who are growing and trading internationally.
Find out more about us at:
London Stock Exchange operates at the heart of where ideas meet capital, connecting companies, countries and investors in the real world to make measurable and positive differences across the globe.
Our best-in-class Issuers Services Platform creates a link between Issuer Investor Relations, Treasury teams, Investors and Advisors. The platform provides data, investor relations communications tools and insights dedicated to serving the needs of public companies, private companies and debt issuers in the UK and internationally.
in association with:
London Stock Exchange operates at the heart of where ideas meet capital, connecting companies, countries and investors in the real world to make measurable and positive differences across the globe.
Our best-in-class Issuers Services Platform creates a link between Issuer Investor Relations, Treasury teams, Investors and Advisors. The platform provides data, investor relations communications tools and insights dedicated to serving the needs of public companies, private companies and debt issuers in the UK and internationally.
BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit:
in association with:
BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit:
Our Global Advisory business offers impartial, expert advice to large and mid-sized corporations, private equity, families and entrepreneurs, and governments. We design and execute strategic M&A and financing solutions for clients and act as trusted partners, taking a long-term and independent view on the challenges they face.
We achieve outstanding results for our clients through our deep understanding of financial markets, the high volume of transactions we advise on, and our unrivalled network of specialists in over 40 countries.
Within Global Advisory, our Investor Advisory business provides clients with strategic equity market advice and investor engagement services to help them compete for capital as effectively as possible. This includes identifying and accessing the most relevant equity capital pools for our clients, helping them to understand how the market perceives their investment case, optimising their equity story, as well as de-risking and executing M&A, bid defence and activist challenges. We have also developed a leading ESG capability.
Our Global Advisory business offers impartial, expert advice to large and mid-sized corporations, private equity, families and entrepreneurs, and governments. We design and execute strategic M&A and financing solutions for clients and act as trusted partners, taking a long-term and independent view on the challenges they face.
We achieve outstanding results for our clients through our deep understanding of financial markets, the high volume of transactions we advise on, and our unrivalled network of specialists in over 40 countries.
Within Global Advisory, our Investor Advisory business provides clients with strategic equity market advice and investor engagement services to help them compete for capital as effectively as possible. This includes identifying and accessing the most relevant equity capital pools for our clients, helping them to understand how the market perceives their investment case, optimising their equity story, as well as de-risking and executing M&A, bid defence and activist challenges. We have also developed a leading ESG capability.
Gowling WLG is a sector focused international law firm with more than 1,500 legal professionals worldwide in cities across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.
The firm is ranked among the top-tier law firms for total number of stock market clients (Main Market and AIM) and have extensive across the full range of corporate advice including capital markets, investment funds, private equity and both public and private mergers and acquisitions.
Gowling WLG is a sector focused international law firm with more than 1,500 legal professionals worldwide in cities across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.
The firm is ranked among the top-tier law firms for total number of stock market clients (Main Market and AIM) and have extensive across the full range of corporate advice including capital markets, investment funds, private equity and both public and private mergers and acquisitions.
Squire Patton Boggs is a full-service global law firm. Our multi-disciplinary team of over 1,500 lawyers in 40+ offices across 4 continents provides access to expertise and invaluable connections on the ground and a seamless service that operates on any scale – locally, nationally or globally. It encompasses virtually every matter, jurisdiction and market. We place our clients at the core of everything we do.
Our Capital Markets team is recognised as a leading adviser on the full range of capital markets and listed company transactions. With more than 100 lawyers strategically positioned across all of the key financial markets worldwide, we give clients access to an international Capital Markets team with unrivalled reach and connections. This collective capability enables us to share the insights and provide the advice our clients need to guide them to market and throughout their listed company life.
Squire Patton Boggs is a full-service global law firm. Our multi-disciplinary team of over 1,500 lawyers in 40+ offices across 4 continents provides access to expertise and invaluable connections on the ground and a seamless service that operates on any scale – locally, nationally or globally. It encompasses virtually every matter, jurisdiction and market. We place our clients at the core of everything we do.
Our Capital Markets team is recognised as a leading adviser on the full range of capital markets and listed company transactions. With more than 100 lawyers strategically positioned across all of the key financial markets worldwide, we give clients access to an international Capital Markets team with unrivalled reach and connections. This collective capability enables us to share the insights and provide the advice our clients need to guide them to market and throughout their listed company life.
Beyond Governance is a multi award-winning full service consultancy that collaborates with the c-suite, chairs, board and investors to unlock value, resulting in increased shareholder and stakeholder confidence, increased share prices and achievement of business objectives.
Our three distinct service offerings, are dedicated to addressing the most critical issues and opportunities facing our clients. Our strength lies in creating value that transcends traditional boundaries and connects the siloed elements within organisations.
Our Boardroom Advisory team specialises in strategy, organisational design, operational efficiency, technology integration, transformation initiatives, digital strategies and analytics, corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions as well as sustainability.
Our CoSec-on-demand group works with governance and secretariat teams to support them on a project basis, working with them on governance frameworks, subsidiary management, software audits, entity rationalisation as well as joining their risk registers to provide emergency cover, all done outside of IR35.
Our Training teams works with institutions big and small to help narrow the gap between theory and day-to-day practice. Industry experts had expressed concerns regarding the future outlook of the governance profession, and we felt we could help address these needs by sharing our experiences. Our training clients include members of the Big 4 and FTSE.
Beyond Governance is a multi award-winning full service consultancy that collaborates with the c-suite, chairs, board and investors to unlock value, resulting in increased shareholder and stakeholder confidence, increased share prices and achievement of business objectives.
Our three distinct service offerings, are dedicated to addressing the most critical issues and opportunities facing our clients. Our strength lies in creating value that transcends traditional boundaries and connects the siloed elements within organisations.
Our Boardroom Advisory team specialises in strategy, organisational design, operational efficiency, technology integration, transformation initiatives, digital strategies and analytics, corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions as well as sustainability.
Our CoSec-on-demand group works with governance and secretariat teams to support them on a project basis, working with them on governance frameworks, subsidiary management, software audits, entity rationalisation as well as joining their risk registers to provide emergency cover, all done outside of IR35.
Our Training teams works with institutions big and small to help narrow the gap between theory and day-to-day practice. Industry experts had expressed concerns regarding the future outlook of the governance profession, and we felt we could help address these needs by sharing our experiences. Our training clients include members of the Big 4 and FTSE.
Odyssean Capital is a Boutique Investment Manager and Portfolio Manager to Odyssean Investment Trust plc.
We aim to make attractive positive returns for our clients over the long term rather than beat a specific index in the short term. We manage a highly focused portfolio and take an active interest in the companies in which we are invested, often engaging with other stakeholders. The specialist investment approach, typically focused on UK smaller quoted companies, has tended to generate differentiated returns from traditional “growth” or “value” strategies.
Odyssean Capital is a Boutique Investment Manager and Portfolio Manager to Odyssean Investment Trust plc.
We aim to make attractive positive returns for our clients over the long term rather than beat a specific index in the short term. We manage a highly focused portfolio and take an active interest in the companies in which we are invested, often engaging with other stakeholders. The specialist investment approach, typically focused on UK smaller quoted companies, has tended to generate differentiated returns from traditional “growth” or “value” strategies.
Investec Bank Plc is the UK banking subsidiary of Investec, the international financial services group. Investec Bank partners with private, institutional and corporate clients, offering corporate and investment banking and investment services in the UK, Europe and certain other countries.
Investec Bank also offers wealth management services through its strategic partnership with Rathbones Group, the UK’s largest discretionary wealth manager. Investec Bank has operated in the UK since 1992.
As part of the Investec Group, Investec Bank is a purpose-driven organisation, dedicated to its core purpose of creating enduring worth. This means we will always strive to create long-term value for all stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to people, communities and the planet.
It is the principal operating business of Investec Bank plc, a FTSE-250 listed company which holds the Investec Group’s non-Southern African businesses under a dual listed company structure.
Investec Bank Plc is the UK banking subsidiary of Investec, the international financial services group. Investec Bank partners with private, institutional and corporate clients, offering corporate and investment banking and investment services in the UK, Europe and certain other countries.
Investec Bank also offers wealth management services through its strategic partnership with Rathbones Group, the UK’s largest discretionary wealth manager. Investec Bank has operated in the UK since 1992.
As part of the Investec Group, Investec Bank is a purpose-driven organisation, dedicated to its core purpose of creating enduring worth. This means we will always strive to create long-term value for all stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to people, communities and the planet.
It is the principal operating business of Investec Bank plc, a FTSE-250 listed company which holds the Investec Group’s non-Southern African businesses under a dual listed company structure.
RBC Capital Markets is the Global Investment Banking, Advisory and Capital Markets division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC is one of the world’s largest banks by market capitalisation and also one of the best rated with a credit rating of Aa1 (Moody’s) and AA- (S&P).
Recognized as a trusted and innovative partner for clients around the globe. RBC Capital Markets has been in the UK for over 100 years, with 60 offices worldwide. We are present in 16 countries, 7 of which are in Europe including London as our European Headquarters.
RBC Capital Markets Investment Banking division provides advisory and execution services to Corporate, Sponsor and institutional clients across ECM and Corporate Broking, DCM, Leverage Finance and M&A.
Its Equities division provides All Cap sales, research and trading services to institutional clients globally. Embedded within the broader team is a UK focused group of sales, research and trading professionals dedicated to both Mid Cap and Growth UK listed businesses.
RBC Capital Markets is the Global Investment Banking, Advisory and Capital Markets division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC is one of the world’s largest banks by market capitalisation and also one of the best rated with a credit rating of Aa1 (Moody’s) and AA- (S&P).
Recognized as a trusted and innovative partner for clients around the globe. RBC Capital Markets has been in the UK for over 100 years, with 60 offices worldwide. We are present in 16 countries, 7 of which are in Europe including London as our European Headquarters.
RBC Capital Markets Investment Banking division provides advisory and execution services to Corporate, Sponsor and institutional clients across ECM and Corporate Broking, DCM, Leverage Finance and M&A.
Its Equities division provides All Cap sales, research and trading services to institutional clients globally. Embedded within the broader team is a UK focused group of sales, research and trading professionals dedicated to both Mid Cap and Growth UK listed businesses.
Citi Commercial Bank provides global banking solutions to mid-sized companies that are looking to grow rapidly and expand internationally. With our global network, comprehensive solutions, and industry expertise, we help these businesses succeed across a wide variety of industries and at most stages of their growth.
Citi Commercial Bank provides global banking solutions to mid-sized companies that are looking to grow rapidly and expand internationally. With our global network, comprehensive solutions, and industry expertise, we help these businesses succeed across a wide variety of industries and at most stages of their growth.
Edison Group is a leading investor relations business, operating across all major capital markets.
We help create optimal valuations for client stocks, deploying our award-winning combination of intelligent strategic advice, equity research, investor marketing and direct investor engagement. At scale and across the globe.
Edison Group is a leading investor relations business, operating across all major capital markets.
We help create optimal valuations for client stocks, deploying our award-winning combination of intelligent strategic advice, equity research, investor marketing and direct investor engagement. At scale and across the globe.
Berenberg is the fastest growing investment bank in Europe with 100 research analysts covering over 771 stocks globally. We are privately owned, conservatively run and 2024 is our 434th anniversary.
Berenberg is the fastest growing investment bank in Europe with 100 research analysts covering over 771 stocks globally. We are privately owned, conservatively run and 2024 is our 434th anniversary.
Design Portfolio helps forward-thinking companies build trust with their stakeholders through creative storytelling, integrated communications and sustainability strategies. Our team of experts spans strategy, creative and tech, and is powered by industry-leading processes and delivery management. Our services include digital, corporate reporting, sustainability, employee experience, presentations, video and brand.
Also find us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
supported by:
Design Portfolio helps forward-thinking companies build trust with their stakeholders through creative storytelling, integrated communications and sustainability strategies. Our team of experts spans strategy, creative and tech, and is powered by industry-leading processes and delivery management. Our services include digital, corporate reporting, sustainability, employee experience, presentations, video and brand.
Also find us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
Awards
covering the period 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
winners announced!
click on each award below to view more information & photos
best investor communication award
Sponsored by:
best investor communication award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Siobhán Andrews, Interim Head of Investor Relations, Smiths Group plc (winner); Tom Steiner, Head of External Communications, Smiths Group plc (winner); Alice Squires, Partner, Rothschild & Co (award sponsor); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
2023 shortlist
- 4imprint Group plc
- Barratt Developments plc
- Breedon Group plc
- Britvic plc
- discoverIE Group plc
- Next plc
- Severn Trent plc
- Smiths Group plc
criteria
Success in communicating effectively with professional and private investors, current and potential shareholders, and all stakeholders is the main criterion behind this award. The winner of this award will recognise that communication works best when it is two-way. The winner will use a variety of communication tools to its maximum advantage including the annual report; the investor relations website; attendance at specialised investor forums, roadshows and conferences; analyst and shareholder site visits; and Capital Markets Days, etc.
The voting panel will also look for innovation and engagement on the company’s IR website, which should be intuitive to use, and contain all relevant information in one place. The winning company will also make good use of video to help communicate the investment case and have implemented a clear social media strategy.
Due to the ever increasing importance of ESG considerations, companies will now also have their ESG practices scrutinised as part of the nomination process. Due regard will be given to alignment with current ESG Best Practice and any demonstrable ESG policies that have directly impacted decision making.
transaction of the year award
Sponsored by:
transaction of the year award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; James Hopton, Director, HSBC Holdings plc (winner); Samantha Myers, Partner, Public Companies & Capital Markets, Gowling WLG (award sponsor); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
2023 shortlist
- Ascential plc
- Harbour Energy plc
- Hollywood Bowl Group plc
- HSBC Holdings plc
- Melrose Industries plc
- Zegona Communications plc
criteria
The winner of this award will be a company that has been transformed by a significant financial or commercial transaction during the period under review, which could include an IPO, a fundraising, an acquisition, joint venture, demerger etc. etc. This is necessarily a wide-ranging award, given to recognise a considerable achievement by a company in transforming itself, literally at a stroke, thereby creating significant and sustainable shareholder value.
Due regard will have been given to the winner’s stated ESG credentials and how the transaction will effect the status quo. It’s not just about creating short term shareholder value; a credible and sustainable approach to creating long term shareholder value will be a prerequisite.
growth business of the year award
Sponsored by:
growth business of the year award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Tina Southall, Non Executive Director, 4imprint Group plc (winner); Emma Taylor, Company Secretary, 4imprint Group plc (winner); Louise Barber, Corporate Partner, Squire Patton Boggs (award sponsor); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
2023 shortlist
- 3i Group plc
- 4imprint Group plc
- Cranswick plc
- Diploma plc
- London Stock Exchange Group plc
- XPS Pensions Group plc
criteria
The winner of this award will have achieved strong, consistent growth in turnover, profitability and EPS for at least the past three years. This growth story will have been achieved through increased market penetration, possibly market disruption, M&A, and/or clear innovation in product or service backed up by a sustainable growth and ESG focussed strategy, which has been implemented by a high quality management team.
Due to the ever increasing importance of ESG considerations, companies will now also have their ESG practices scrutinised as part of the nomination process. Due regard will be given to alignment with current ESG Best Practice and any demonstrable ESG policies that have directly impacted decision making.
tech business of the year award
Sponsored by:
tech business of the year award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Michael Ord, Group Chief Executive, Chemring Group plc (winner); Briege Leahy, Non Executive Director, Beyond Governance (award sponsor); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
2023 shortlist
- Bytes Technology Group plc
- Chemring Group plc
- Computacenter plc
- Darktrace plc
- Moneysupermarket.com Group plc
- Sage Group plc
- Trainline plc
- Trustpilot Group plc
criteria
The tech business of the year award was introduced to acknowledge the emergence of tech companies driving economic growth and reshaping the way people communicate, consume information, shop, socialise, and work. The winner of this award will have developed, acquired and/or harnessed technology to produce sound commercial and financial success. The company will be a fully accountable, well-managed tech business that has gained recognition from analysts and investors, has outstanding long‑term growth potential and a sound strategy in place to ensure successful delivery of its commercial advantages. The company will also be focused on building shareholder value by embracing sustained, robust ESG practices, which will be scrutinised as part of the nomination process.
Due regard will be given to alignment with current ESG Best Practice and any demonstrable ESG policies that have directly impacted decision making.
transformation of the year award
Sponsored by:
transformation of the year award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Victoria McKenzie-Gould, Corporate Affairs Director, Marks & Spencer Group plc (winner); Fraser Ramzan, Head of Investor Relations, Marks & Spencer Group plc (winner) Stuart Widdowson, Managing Partner, Odyssean Capital LLP (award sponsor); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
2023 shortlist
- Babcock International Group plc
- FirstGroup plc
- Foxtons Group plc
- Kier Group plc
- Marks & Spencer Group plc
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
criteria
This award recognises companies that have transformed their performance and long term prospects for the better, through strategic, operational and/or financial change. It celebrates companies that have embarked on a journey of material “self-help”, where significant progress only becomes visible after a year or more but which has become clear during the period under review.
Typically this transformation will have been initiated by boards placing sustainable long term shareholder returns at the top of their list of priorities and executed by executives who act and think like owners.
The Voting Panel will be looking for companies whose long term prospects have been transformed, with the accent on sustainable improvements in customer satisfaction, profitability, cashflow, return on capital, balance sheet strength/efficiency and organic growth prospects.
fund manager award
Sponsored by:
fund manager award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Alex Savvides/J O Hambro Capital Management
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Alex Savvides, Fund Manager, J O Hambro Capital Management (winner); Adam Bidwell, Equity Sales, Investec (award sponsor); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
2023 shortlist
- Alessandro Dicorrado and Steve Woolley/Ninety One Asset Management
- Mark Niznik and William Tamworth/Artemis Investment Management
- Jean Roche/Schroders
- Eustace Santa Barbara/Marlborough
- Alex Savvides/J O Hambro Capital Management
- Jonathan Winton/Fidelity International
- Team at Liontrust Asset Management
criteria
The award recognises fund managers whose stock picking ability is unparalleled in the period under review, and who also have a demonstrable track record over a longer period. They will have proven their ability to identify new disruptors and also to spot the ‘next big thing’. They will be known for their exceptional analytical skills and understanding of the macro landscape, as well as being capable of taking risks, with proven results. The voting panel will use market-standard performance measures in their decision making process.
breakthrough of the year award
Sponsored by:
breakthrough of the year award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Rick Robson, Group Chief Financial Officer, Capital Limited (winner); Lisa Tugwell, Head of European Equity Sales, RBC Capital Markets (award sponsor); Conor Rowley, Investor Relations & Corporate Development, Capital Limited (winner); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
2023 shortlist
- Capital Limited
- Hilton Food Group plc
- Ondo InsurTech plc
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- Smiths News plc
- Vistry Group plc
criteria
The breakthrough of the year award was launched in response to wider socio-economic factors that have impacted the market. The winner of this award will be the company that has achieved the most significant breakthrough during the period 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.
The Voting Panel will be looking for a breakthrough in the broadest sense of the word. Therefore this could be a new discovery, departure or development in technology, which has added significantly to the company’s long term prosperity.
Due to the ever increasing importance of ESG considerations, companies will now also have their ESG practices scrutinised as part of the nomination process. Due regard will be given to alignment with current ESG Best Practice and any demonstrable ESG policies that have directly impacted decision making.
CEO of the year award
Sponsored by:
CEO of the year award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Mike Norris/Computacenter plc
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Mike Norris, Group Chief Executive Officer, Computacenter plc (winner); Vineet Vetts, Director, UK Head of Industrials, Citi (award sponsor); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
2023 shortlist
- Luke Ellis/Man Group plc
- Alan Giddins/Hill & Smith plc
- Bill Hocking/Galliford Try Holdings plc
- David Lockwood/Babcock International Group plc
- Stuart Machin/Marks & Spencer Group plc
- Mike Norris/Computacenter plc
criteria
The winner of this award will have a clear vision for the company and will have demonstrated strong and successful leadership of the business. He or she will have regard to the needs of customers, employees, investors, the law, and communities. The winner will have helped shape the strategy and ensured that, through the senior management team, it has been successfully enacted and is “owned” throughout the company from top to bottom.
The succession planning the CEO has put in place for key roles within the business, including his or her own, always with long-term, sustainable financial and societal success at its core will be taken into account.
Due to the ever increasing importance of ESG considerations, companies will now also have their ESG practices scrutinised as part of the nomination process. Due regard will be given to alignment with current ESG Best Practice and any demonstrable ESG policies that have directly impacted decision making.
new company of the year award
Sponsored by:
new company of the year award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Roberto Fioroni, Chief Financial Officer, Dowlais Group plc (winner); Neil Shah, Managing Director, Content & Strategy, Edison Group (award sponsor); Liam Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer, Dowlais Group plc (winner); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
criteria
The winner will have gone public in 2023, yet will already have demonstrated to the wider investment community that it possesses exceptional growth and management qualities and that it is a formidable growth company in the making, with the accent on long-term sustainable growth and development, and fully aware of its societal responsibilities.
Due to the ever increasing importance of ESG considerations, companies will now also have their ESG practices scrutinised as part of the nomination process. Due regard will be given to alignment with current ESG Best Practice and any demonstrable ESG policies that have directly impacted decision making.
company of the year award
Sponsored by:
company of the year award
Sponsored by
2023 winner
Picture shows, left to right: Jo Gilbey, Head of Public Markets, BDO LLP; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; James Burt, Head of UK Equity Sales, Berenberg (award sponsor); Mark Gregory, General Counsel, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (winner); Isabel Green, Head of Investor Relations, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (winner); Charlie Walker, Deputy CEO, London Stock Exchange plc.
2023 shortlist
- Computacenter plc
- Galliford Try Holdings plc
- Marks & Spencer Group plc
- RELX plc
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- XPS Pensions Group plc
criteria
The winner of this award will be a company that has clearly demonstrated that success is not just a short-term phenomenon. The winning company will undoubtedly be successful in share price terms, but with full realisation that share price is but one method of measurement. Improved, sustainable profitability is a given.
The winner will be cognisant of its stakeholders and supply chain and will have championed diversity and inclusion throughout the workplace. The company’s development to date will have been soundly financed in a way which supports the longevity, sustainability and resilience of the business, including effective succession planning.
Due to the ever increasing importance of ESG considerations, companies will now also have their ESG practices scrutinised as part of the nomination process. Due regard will be given to alignment with current ESG Best Practice and any demonstrable ESG policies that have directly impacted decision making.
Voting panel
Meeting: Thursday 25 January 2024
Ian Restall
Ford Sinclair Ltd
(Voting panel Chairman)
Roland Arnold
BlackRock Investment Management
Louise Barber
Squire Patton Boggs
Adam Bidwell
Investec
Oliver Brown
RC Brown
James Burt
Berenberg
Guido Dacie-Lombardo
Montanaro Asset Management
Victoria Darbyshire
JP Morgan Asset Management
David Farrell
Jefferies
Jo Gilbey
BDO LLP
Abby Glennie
abrdn
Ben Griffiths
Investec
Alex Hardwicke
Singer Capital Markets
Tom Hinton
London Stock Exchange
Robert Hughes-Penney
Rathbones
Chris McVey
Octopus Investments
Samantha Myers
Gowling WLG
George O’Connor
Jean Roche
Schroders
Alex Savvides
J O Hambro Capital Management
Neil Shah
Edison Group
Neil Shah
London Stock Exchange
Alice Squires
Rothschild & Co
Richard Staveley
Harwood Capital Management Ltd
Lisa Tugwell
RBC Capital Markets
Vineet Vetts
Citi
Stuart Widdowson
Odyssean Capital
Gervais Williams
Premier Miton Group plc
James Wood
Winterflood Securities
Ian Restall
Ford Sinclair Ltd (Voting panel Chairman)
Roland Arnold
BlackRock Investment Management
Louise Barber
Squire Patton Boggs
Adam Bidwell
Investec
Oliver Brown
RC Brown
James Burt
Berenberg
Guido Dacie-Lombardo
Montanaro Asset Management
Victoria Darbyshire
JP Morgan Asset Management
David Farrell
Jefferies
Jo Gilbey
BDO LLP
Abby Glennie
abrdn
Ben Griffiths
Investec
Alex Hardwicke
Singer Capital Markets
Tom Hinton
London Stock Exchange
Robert Hughes-Penney
Rathbones
Chris McVey
Octopus Investments
Samantha Myers
Gowling WLG
George O’Connor
Jean Roche
Schroders
Alex Savvides
J O Hambro Capital Management
Neil Shah
Edison Group
Neil Shah
London Stock Exchange
Alice Squires
Rothschild & Co
Richard Staveley
Harwood Capital Management Ltd
Lisa Tugwell
RBC Capital Markets
Vineet Vetts
Citi
Stuart Widdowson
Odyssean Capital
Gervais Williams
Premier Miton Group plc
James Wood
Winterflood Securities
Ian Restall
Ford Sinclair Ltd (Voting panel Chairman)
Roland Arnold
BlackRock Investment Management
Louise Barber
Squire Patton Boggs
Adam Bidwell
Investec
Oliver Brown
RC Brown
James Burt
Berenberg
Guido Dacie-Lombardo
Montanaro Asset Management
Victoria Darbyshire
JP Morgan Asset Management
David Farrell
Jefferies
Jo Gilbey
BDO LLP
Abby Glennie
abrdn
Ben Griffiths
Investec
Alex Hardwicke
Singer Capital Markets
Tom Hinton
London Stock Exchange
Robert Hughes-Penney
Rathbones
Chris McVey
Octopus Investments
Samantha Myers
Gowling WLG
George O’Connor
Jean Roche
Schroders
Alex Savvides
J O Hambro Capital Management
Neil Shah
Edison Group
Neil Shah
London Stock Exchange
Alice Squires
Rothschild & Co
Richard Staveley
Harwood Capital Management Ltd
Lisa Tugwell
RBC Capital Markets
Vineet Vetts
Citi
Stuart Widdowson
Odyssean Capital
Gervais Williams
Premier Miton Group plc
James Wood
Winterflood Securities
Ian Restall
Ford Sinclair Ltd
(Voting panel Chairman)
Ian is non-voting Chairman of the Voting Panel.
Ian is the founder of the plc awards, (way back in 1987), and it has been held annually, in March, every year since.
He is a Director of Ford Sinclair Ltd., Chairman of Design Portfolio Marketing Services Ltd. and a member of the Investor Relations Society.
Throughout his career, Ian has been involved in the quoted growth companies sector. His early career was as a stockbroker, analyst, broadcaster and financial journalist in this area and, since founding Design Portfolio in 1991, he has been active in helping many many companies with their investor communication and corporate reporting requirements.
Roland Arnold
BlackRock Investment Management
Roland Arnold, CFA, Director and Portfolio Manager, is a member of the Emerging Companies within the Fundamental Equity Division of BlackRock's Active Equity Group. He has been manager of the BlackRock UK Special Situations Fund since August 2012, Blackrock UK Smaller Companies fund since March 2015, and the Blackrock Smaller Companies Investment Trust since April 2018. Roland has been managing Small & Mid Cap UK Equity Portfolios since 2006. His service with the firm dates back to 2000, including his years with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM), which merged with BlackRock in 2006.
Louise Barber
Squire Patton Boggs
Louise is a partner in the Equity Capital Markets team at Squire Patton Boggs. She has a wide range of experience advising public companies on initial public offerings, secondary fundraising transactions, mergers and acquisitions, takeovers, reorganisations and corporate governance.
Her work varies between the UK and cross border and she works closely with executives, in-house legal teams and general counsel both in the UK and globally. She has previously held the position of Group Legal Director at a FTSE 250 company. Louise is a member of the Regional Advisory Group of the London Stock Exchange plc for the North-West.
Adam Bidwell
Investec
Adam has worked on the Investec sales desk for 23 years selling UK equities into long only and hedge fund clients mainly based in London. Adam covers all sectors and companies of all sizes.
Oliver Brown
RC Brown
Oliver manages the institutional clients of the business and also leads our research into UK ‘primary’ market opportunities and he is lead manager of the IFSL RC Brown UK Primary Opportunities Fund whilst also heading up RCBIM’s AIM IHT Service. He graduated from Birmingham University with a degree in Money, Banking and Finance, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Grant Thornton, where he worked with listed clients in a variety of sectors, specialising in the construction, leisure and IT industries. He joined RCBIM in 2006 and is a former President of The Bristol Junior Chamber of Commerce.
James Burt
Berenberg
James joined Berenberg in Jan 2018 as Head of UK Sales. He has over 18 years of Equity Sales experience, previously heading UK Mid & Small Cap Sales at Barclays and JPMorgan Cazenove. His institutional clients are a mixture of UK/Pan Euro long only and hedge funds across all market cap ranges. He has a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Exeter.
Guido Dacie-Lombardo
Montanaro Asset Management
Guido is a fund manager at Montanaro Asset Management, which he joined in 2015. Focusing on small and midcap companies, he is the lead manager of the Montanaro UK Income Fund and co-manager of the Montanaro Global Innovation Fund. He also has research responsibilities for the Technology sector. Prior to joining Montanaro, Guido spent six years at Rothschild & Co, where he advised UK and European clients on mergers and acquisitions, as well as a range of general corporate finance issues. He graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2008 with an MSci in Experimental and Theoretical Physics.
Victoria Darbyshire
JP Morgan Asset Management
Victoria joined J.P. Morgan Asset Management in the European Research team covering the healthcare sector over fifteen years ago. She also contributes to the J.P. Morgan Global Healthcare Fund. She became a CFA Charterholder in 2009 and has a BSc in Chemistry from Durham University.
David Farrell
Jefferies
David has over 15 years of experience covering small and mid cap UK equities. He joined Jefferies in 2021 to help expand its UK Industrials franchise and prior to that he covered Oil Service and E&Ps at both Credit Suisse and Macquarie. He started off his career on Evolution's Travel & Leisure team having graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Economics and Spanish.
Jo Gilbey
BDO LLP
Jo is a Senior Partner at BDO LLP. She acts as Relationship Partner for many of BDO’s largest FTSE, AIM and other listed clients, bringing together all non-audit services including tax, corporate finance, digital and risk advisory services, valuations and restructuring services. For those companies with a significant international footprint, Jo coordinates the work of BDO’s strong international network covering 164 countries. Jo believes a trusted adviser relationship is key in the provision of services to Public Interest Entities and Other Entities of Public Interest, based on a strong understanding of clients’ business objectives and a key focus on regulation, governance and reputation. Together, Jo and her colleagues leverage the power of BDO’s UK specialist teams and strong international network of 95,000 people across 164 countries. Jo is a member of BDO’s Partnership Council, the principal governance body for the firm, and BDO’s Business Interest Oversight Board, focused on key strategic matters affecting the business.
Abby Glennie
abrdn
Abby is Deputy Head of Smaller Companies at abrdn, having joined the Smaller Companies team in January 2016. Abby is responsible for managing the UK Smaller Companies and UK Mid Cap funds, including one investment trust. She also has extensive research responsibilities across the UK Small and Mid cap universes. Abby has been at Standard Life Investments (now abrdn) since February 2013, on the UK Larger Companies team, where she ran UK Equity mandates and was an analyst across a range of sectors. She has 15 years industry experience, all of which has been spent covering UK Equities. Previously she worked on the UK Equities team at Kames Capital, which she joined as a graduate in 2007. Abby has a First Class Joint Honours degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Aberdeen.
Ben Griffiths
Investec
Ben is a Director of ECM & Corporate Broking at Investec. He joined in 2019 and focuses on providing strategic and transactional advice to UK listed companies across the market cap spectrum. He has a wide range of experience advising companies on IPOs, secondary capital raisings, and M&A. Prior to Investec he was a senior member of the UK ECM team at Canaccord Genuity. Ben graduated with a BA Hons in History from Durham University.
Alex Hardwicke
Singer Capital Markets
Alex is Head of Sales at Singer Capital Markets, having joined the firm in 2012. He has spent his 23 years in the City supporting and advising growth companies and their interactions with institutional investors including the completion of many successful IPOs and secondary fundraisings.
Tom Hinton
London Stock Exchange
Tom joined the London Stock Exchange in March 2017 and is Head of Issuer Services. Since he joined he has been responsible for delivering the Issuer Services platform for all listed and quoted issuers. The Platform is focused on connecting issuers with data, services, content and investors. Through the platform, issuers can now broadcast financial results live and on demand through their London Stock Exchange profile pages.
Tom has over 12 years' experience working in capital markets both in the ECM team at Citi and as a solicitor at Ashurst. Tom also spent some time working at a fintech start up helping them understand public capital markets transactions. During this time Tom pioneered a new approach to offering equity to retail investors.
Robert Hughes-Penney
Rathbones
Robert is an Investment Director at Rathbones Group plc. He has over 30 years’ experience managing equity oriented global multi-asset portfolios for wealthy private clients, trusts, pensions and charities.
After University, RMA Sandhurst and serving as an Army Officer for four years, he joined the City stockbrokers Laurence Keen that was acquired by Rathbones in 1995. He has held a number of senior roles within Rathbones, including sitting on the Board, Executive and Management Committees of the main operating company. He now serves on the Boards of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and the Impact Investing Institute.
In 2018 Robert was elected as Alderman of the City of London having previously spent eight years as a Common Councillor, during which he chaired the City of London Corporation’s Investment Committee and the Financial Investment Board. He is also a Past Master Guild of Investment Managers (2019-20) and is on the Court of the Haberdashers’ Company and chairs the Company’s Securities Committee.
Chris McVey
Octopus Investments
Chris is a Senior Fund Manager within the Octopus Investments Quoted Companies Team. He works across all desk portfolios and is lead manager on the FP Octopus UK Multi Cap Income Fund, and a co-manager on the FP Octopus UK Micro Cap Growth & FP Octopus UK Future Generation Funds. He has been a specialist within the quoted UK Smaller Company market for over 20 years. In 2016, he joined Octopus from Citigroup where he led the UK Small and Mid-Cap Equity research team focusing across a variety of sectors. Prior to this he spent almost seven years on the Smaller Companies team at Gartmore Investment Management as an analyst and investment manager. He graduated from the University of Aberdeen.
Samantha Myers
Gowling WLG
Samantha is a partner in the corporate group, sitting in the firm's Public Companies and Capital Markets Team, specialising in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets.
Samantha has extensive experience of acting for companies, or their advisers, on IPOs and secondary transactions both on AIM and on the main market of the London Stock Exchange plc, and on transactions involving the Toronto and Australian exchanges. She regularly advises on a range of domestic and cross border M&A transactions, including joint-ventures, private M&A and public takeovers. Samantha has experience in a range of sectors including retail and consumer, gaming, life sciences, healthcare, cannabis and mining.
Samantha leads the firm's UK Cannabis Group and is a member of the World Law Group's Cannabis Group and a member of the Cannabis Industry Council. She is consistently ranked as a Top 200 Cannabis Lawyer.
George O’Connor
George is a contributing analyst at Progressive Research covering UK technology plcs for UK, mainland European and US investors. A City technology analyst since the late 1990s and working at investment banks such as Panmure Gordon, Albert E Sharp and Stifel, George has been Reuters and Starmine rated and was twice voted Analyst of the Year. Prior to his City career, George spent a decade as an IT industry analyst working for public and private sector organisations and technology companies in the UK, Europe and the US. George is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists.
Jean Roche
Schroders
Jean is a UK/European small and mid-cap fund manager at Schroders since 2016.
She joined the City on the Morgan Stanley graduate programme in 1999, earned the CFA designation and became an award-winning sell-side equity analyst. She has also worked for the UK Government, including HM Treasury. Jean is a mathematician by training and speaks fluent French.
Alex Savvides
J O Hambro Capital Management
Alex is Senior Fund Manager of the JOHCM UK Dynamic Strategy. He joined JOHCM in March 2003 as Assistant Fund Manager of the JOHCM UK Growth Strategy, working together with Mark Costar (Lead Fund Manager). Alex developed and launched UK Dynamic in June 2008, in doing so becoming the first internally developed Fund Manager to launch a new and 'home grown' investment process at JOHCM, as well as the first to be backed by seed capital solely from JOHCM's own balance sheet. Prior to joining JOHCM, Alex spent his early investment career at three independent UK stockbroking firms, starting his career as a Research Associate at Astaire & Partners before moving into corporate and non-corporate sales roles at Teather & Greenwood and Numis Securities. Alex is a Fellow of the Securities Institute and holds the Securities Institute Diploma. He also holds a BA (Hons) in Politics from the University of Nottingham.
Neil Shah
Edison Group
Neil has been at Edison for the last 20 years leading the analyst teams as Director of Content & Strategy and establishing the firm as the leading issuer sponsored research firm. He has also led the firm’s thought leadership on the equity research market.
Neil is a qualified accountant (PwC) with nine years’ experience as an equities analyst at Goldman Sachs. As Goldman’s building and materials analyst in London, he was ranked second by both Institutional Investor and Reuters. He left Goldman Sachs to help set up the specialist trading hedge fund, Tusker Capital.
Neil Shah
London Stock Exchange
Neil (not to be confused with the legendary Neil Shah at Edison) joined the London Stock Exchange in July 2020 to lead business development for the Tech sector. He was previously an investment banker focused on the tech sector for 15+ years. He started his career in the global technology investment banking team at Dresdner Kleinwort in London before joining US-boutique firm, Thomas Weisel Partners where he co-founded TWP’s European Technology practice with Simon Russell. Following TWP’s acquisition by Stifel, Neil helped build out Stifel’s offering beyond global M&A into Equities with Arno Goboyan and built a tech broking franchise with Fred Walsh, Alex Price, George O’Connor, Lee Simpson and Luke Holbrook.
In July 2020, Marcus Stuttard gave Neil an offer he could not refuse, to join the London Stock Exchange and help more entrepreneurs access and succeed in public markets.
Neil studied Economics at The London School of Economics and lives in East London with his wife and two boys.
Alice Squires
Rothschild & Co
Alice has over 25 years’ experience advising companies and engaging with investors. She heads up Rothschild & Co’s Investor Advisory team which is focused on all aspects of investor engagement including activism, defense, governance and remuneration, transaction support for M&A situations, perception studies, equity messaging, ongoing equity marketing and shareholder targeting.
In the last 3 years, she has advised on some of the most high profile public and private European listed activism situations, successfully helping Companies to prepare for and respond to challenges providing integrated unconflicted support in an increasingly challenging environment.
Alice was previously number one ranked Head of UK and European Mid Cap Sales at Deutsche Bank and started her career in corporate broking at NatWest Markets/BT Alex Brown. She joined Scott Harris, an independent equity marketing boutique in 2013, which was acquired by Rothschild & Co, 4 years ago to create the Investor Advisory business. She is also a Trustee for the NMR Pension Fund.
Richard Staveley
Harwood Capital Management Ltd
Richard Staveley is the fund manager of Rockwood Strategic Plc, managed by Harwood Capital LLP, where is a Partner. Both a qualified Chartered Accountant (PwC) and Chartered Financial Analyst, Richard has over 22 years of active lead fund manager responsibility in UK small cap equities. He was a co-Founder of River & Mercantile Plc and Head of Small Companies at both Société Générale Asset Management and Majedie Asset Management. Richard is a NED at Centaur Media Plc and Pressure Technologies Plc.
Lisa Tugwell
RBC Capital Markets
Lisa Tugwell, IIMR, has lead RBC’s Pan European Equities Small & Mid Cap Sales Team since 2019. An Engineer by training, Lisa has worked in the Smaller companies sector for over 25 years. She started on the buy side at M&G as a portfolio manager in the smaller companies and recovery teams, then transferred to the sell side where she has worked at boutique brokers, including Numis, Liberum and MainFirst as well as heading the Pan European SMID Distribution at Credit Suisse and Natixis, before joining RBC to build out the Small & Mid cap product & distribution. Her Institutional clients span all market cap ranges. Lisa has a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Cambridge University. Proud parent to two lively tweens, her outside interests also include wine production, house restoration and animal rescues!
Vineet Vetts
Citi
Vineet is a commercial banking leader at Citi’s UK commercial bank (CCB). CCB was set-up in 2017 and offer Citi’s global commercial and investment banking coverage in 100 countries to UK head-quartered and globally oriented mid-size corporates (company revenue upto $4bn). He had been actively involved in setting-up the business from inception and ongoing strategy execution. He now runs UK Industrials banking coverage business and is responsible for the articulation and execution of the growth strategy for the Industrials sector in the UK, and to build and lead a team of bankers focussing on the UK mid-corporate space.
Vineet has over 17 years of banking experience, and throughout his career, he has advised his clients on cross-border financing, M&A financing, syndications, capital market issuances and global cash, working capital and treasury risk management. In his early career, he also worked in the industry as downstream Oil & Gas refinery engineer. Vineet has an Honors Chemical Engineering Degree and MBA in Finance.
Stuart Widdowson
Odyssean Capital
Stuart is the Managing Partner of Odyssean Capital, which he founded in 2017. He has been investing in public and private UK small and mid-size corporates for 22 years, spending a further two years providing investment advice in the same field. He has managed investment trusts focused on investing in UK smaller companies for some 13 years. In 2009, he became lead fund manager of Strategic Equity Capital plc and oversaw a significant turnaround in its performance and narrowing of discount. In 2018 he led the IPO of Odyssean Investment Trust plc.
Stuart began his career as a strategy consultant undertaking commercial due diligence and strategy projects for private equity and corporate clients. He subsequently spent five years at HgCapital executing small and mid-cap leveraged buyouts including working on a number of public to private transactions of UK quoted companies.
Gervais Williams
Premier Miton Group plc
Gervais Williams is Head of Equities at Premier Miton Investors and manages a number of funds and trusts that aggregate to over £1.5bn, he joined the group in 2011. His fund management career extends over 30 years including 17 years at Gartmore Group Ltd, where he was Head of UK Small Companies investing in UK smaller companies and Irish equities. Gervais is a member of the AIM Advisory Council, and a board member of the Quoted Companies Alliance. He was a member of the Patient Capital Review panel with the Chancellor of the Exchequer two years ago where the recommendations were put into legislation in the subsequent budget. Gervais Williams has published three books, 'Slow Finance' in the autumn of 2011 (Bloomsbury), 'The Future is Small' published in November 2014 (Harriman House) and 'The Retreat of Globalisation' published in December 2016 (Harriman House).
James Wood
Winterflood Securities
James has 38 years’ experience in the City, initially joining the Asset Management department of Montagu Loebl Stanley (part of the Robert Fleming Group) in 1986 before going on to work at Greig Middleton, Seymour Pierce Butterfield and Henry Cooke Lumsden, followed by 16 years in corporate broking and institutional sales (latterly as Director of Equities at Charles Stanley Securities). He is also a member of the AiM Awards Judging Panel as well as the LSE AIM Advisory Group. He joined Winterflood Securities in November 2015.
Shortlist review
Read more about this year’s shortlisted companies by selecting an award below.
best investor communication award
sponsored by Rothschild & Co. Global Advisory
The 2023 shortlist:
4imprint Group plc
London-based 4imprint is a direct marketer of promotional products with operations in North America, the UK and Ireland. The group produces an extensive range of merchandise that is custom printed with the logo or name of an organisation to promote a brand, service, product or event.
4imprint are excellent communicators that maintain a regular dialogue with stakeholders. The group’s Annual Report is well-presented and concise, and the corporate website is easy to navigate and well sign-posted, in addition to containing a wealth of content.
ESG: 4imprint achieved CarbonNeutral® status in 2021 and have maintained this in addition to enhancing it with further decarbonisation initiatives, such as the installation of a $2m solar array at the group’s Oshkosh Distribution Center.
4imprint has an ESG combined score* of B-
Barratt Developments plc
Based in Leicestershire, Barratt Developments is the nation’s leading housebuilder. The group’s business involves acquiring land, obtaining planning consents and building high quality homes – all of which is supported by expertise in land, design, construction and sales and marketing.
Barratt developments scored highly in the bench marking exercise that was conducted, particularly for its Annual Report, which contained many best practice features. The group recently launched an Investor Relations app, a unique feature, that helps differentiate the company from its peers.
ESG: In Barratt’s industry’s specific ESG 2023 annual benchmarking, conducted by NextGeneration, the group was ranked as the “leading national sustainable housebuilder”, achieving the Gold Award, which it has now secured for the eighth consecutive year.
Barratt Developments has an ESG combined score* of A-
Breedon Group plc
Breedon is a leading vertically-integrated construction materials group based in Derby. The group uses its core assets to produce valued-added downstream products, pulling through its aggregates and cement to deliver asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and surfacing solutions to the whole construction supply chain.
Breedon’s Investor Relations team were notably consistent, transparent communicators, thanks to regular informative Capital Markets Days. Despite being a Small cap, the Voting Panel agreed the group punched well above its weight in terms of its investor relations approach and output.
ESG: Breedon played a pivotal role in the launch of the Peak Cluster project in May 2023, a world-first initiative with key partners working together to create a net zero future for the cement and lime industries in the Peak District.
Breedon Group has an ESG combined score* of C+
Britvic plc
Britvic is an international business rich in history and heritage, based in Hemel Hempstead. The group was founded in the 1930s and has since grown into a global organisation with 39 much-loved drinks brands sold in over 100 countries.
Britvic has consistently demonstrated its investment in corporate communications and, as such, is a regular nominee on the Best Investor Communication shortlist. The group displayed strong cross channel reporting, resulting in Britvic being one of the top performers in the benchmarking exercise for both its Annual Report and the Investor section of its website.
ESG: Britvic hosted its first sustainable supplier summit at its head office, inviting key European suppliers to update contracts to align to sustainability targets and significantly cut carbon emissions. The group also welcomed its second cohort of students with disabilities and diverse abilities to its supported internship scheme.
Britvic has an ESG combined score* of B+
discoverIE Group plc
Surrey-based discoverIE is an international group of businesses that designs and manufactures customised electronic components for industrial applications. The group consists of over 20 businesses that create innovative electronics to make a difference to the planet and people’s lives.
The Voting Panel observed that discoverIE’s IR team were always approachable and transparent in their communication. The group’s Annual Report contained some excellent sustainability content and its website provided context around the business and end markets.
ESG: discoverIE has an ESG combined score* of C+
Next plc
Leicester-based Next plc is one of the UK’s leading clothing retailers through both traditional stores and online. The group has around 500 stores in the UK and Eire and an online presence in over 70 countries selling the NEXT brand in addition to over 700 other fashion, home and beauty brands.
Next plc was considered by the Voting Panel to set a high bar in the UK for guidance and investor communication. The group’s KPIs are well set out and the IR team maintains a consistent style and dialogue.
ESG: Next plc has an ESG combined score* of B+
Severn Trent plc
Based in Coventry, Severn Trent is one of Britain’s largest water companies. The group impacts on the lives of millions of people across the Midlands, from the outskirts of Sheffield, down to Bristol, and into north and mid-Wales.
Severn Trent was commended by the Voting Panel for its strong communication during what was a challenging year for water companies. The group held a recent Capital Markets Day to set out its 2025-30 business plan, which outlined its largest ever investment plan. This included video streaming for those unable to attend. Severn Trent was one of the highest scoring companies in the benchmarking exercise for both it’s Annual Report and Investor website.
ESG: As part of a £1bn equity raise in September, Severn Trent launched a five-year business plan putting ESG front and centre. Key themes of the plan including its route to operational Net Zero by 2030 and a £550m affordability package helping vulnerable customers to continue to afford their water bill.
Severn Trent has an ESG combined score* of C+
Smiths Group plc
London-based Smiths Group designs, manufactures and delivers smarter engineering solutions for mission-critical applications. The group has four businesses and has built leading positions in many key segments based on its technology and service differentiation.
Smith’s Group was highly commended in the benchmarking exercise due to the group’s strong corporate website, which does an excellent job of communicating its four businesses, in addition to the overall group strategy. Smith’s strong investor tools are supplemented with annual Capital Market Days, which include unique features such as product demos and a detailed facility tour.
ESG: Smiths achieved three important ESG milestones in the year. Completion and publication of an ESG double materiality assessment. Completion and launch of Smiths roadmap to Net Zero and SBTi approval of Scopes 1-3 SBT submission.
Smiths has an ESG combined score* of B-
*All ESG combined scores are based on data supplied by Refinitiv
transaction of the year award
sponsored by Gowling WLG
The 2023 shortlist:
Ascential plc
Ascential takes the world’s leading brands to the heart of what’s next for their industries, through a combination of events, intelligence products and advisory services. 700 people serve a global customer base from more than 100 countries in the large and growing Marketing and Financial Technology sectors.
In October 2023, Ascential entered into an agreement to sell both its digital commerce and product design business for a combined enterprise value of £1.4bn and cash proceeds of £1.2bn. Following completion of the transactions, Ascential distributed £850m to shareholders and saw an immediate increase in its share price approaching 30%. In addition, the transaction has enabled the more focused group to outline increased potential for further significant growth.
ESG: In 2023, Ascential measured its complete (scopes 1-3) carbon footprint across its entire events portfolio for the first time, and implemented a new carbon measurement tool and methodology for Ascential carbon emissions.
Ascential has an ESG combined score* of C+
Harbour Energy plc
Harbour Energy is the largest London-listed independent oil and gas company with a leading position in the UK, as well as interests in Indonesia, Vietnam, Mexico and Norway. The group is headquartered in London and has around 1,800 employees worldwide.
In December 2023, Harbour Energy announced its transformational acquisition of the Wintershall Dea asset portfolio. The transaction will add material gas-weighted portfolios in Norway and Argentina and complementary growth projects in Mexico, and is expected to transform Harbour into one of the world’s largest and most geographically diverse independent oil and gas companies. The group will also benefit from an increased reserve life and improved margins with lower operating costs and greenhouse gas ("GHG") intensity.
ESG: Harbour Energy has an ESG combined score* of C+
Hollywood Bowl Group plc
Based in Hemel Hempstead, Hollywood Bowl Group is a leading international operator of ten-pin bowling and mini-golf centres. The group is the UK’s market leader with 71 centres across the UK and 11 centres in Canada.
Hollywood Bowl made its first acquisition in the Canadian market in 2022 with the purchase of the Splitsville brand. Since then, the group has identified a pipeline of acquisitions as well as new site opportunities in the Canadian market and has acquired three bowling centres in Calgary, a strategically important location between its current centres in British Columbia and Ontario. The transactions have delivered significant growth for Hollywood Bowl in addition to providing opportunity for further expansion.
ESG: Hollywood Bowl has again been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 25 Big Companies to Work For (rank number 12), which is testament to the work implemented in the areas of training and development, team wellbeing, and D&I.
Hollywood Bowl has an ESG combined score* of C
HSBC Holdings plc
Headquartered in London, HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world. The group’s global businesses serve around 39 million customers worldwide through a network that covers 62 countries and territories.
In March last year, HSBC UK Bank, the British-based ring-fenced subsidiary of HSBC, purchased SVB UK for £1. HSBC acted quickly to secure the transaction after US regulators shut down Silicon Valley Bank, with the creation of HSBC Innovation Banking, which has continued to operate independently, with the vast majority of former SVB UK staff remaining within the business. The transaction strengthened HSBC’s commercial banking franchise and provided the opportunity to serve innovative and fast-growing firms in the dynamic technology and life science sectors, generating significant goodwill from the tech and VC community.
ESG: HSBC launched a Sustainable Finance Ambassadors Influencers network to further deepen its employees’ understanding of the opportunities and risks faced by clients and to play a key role in driving greater adoption of Sustainable Finance.
HSBC has an ESG combined score* of C+
Melrose Industries plc
Birmingham-based Melrose is a world class, industry-leading global Aerospace business. The group is focused on acquiring manufacturing businesses operating in a number of different geographical regions and sectors. It operates through two divisions: Engines and Structures.
In April this year, Melrose completed the demerger of the GKN Automotive, GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Hydrogen businesses to form Dowlais Group. The resulting spin out company created a standalone leading UK engineering business that entered immediately into the FTSE 250. The innovative transaction paved way for a further capital return of £500m to Melrose shareholders via buyback.
ESG: Melrose has an ESG combined score* of B
Zegona Communications plc
London-based Zegona was established in 2015 with the objective of investing in businesses in the European Telecommunications, Media and Technology sector and improving their performance. The group is led by former Virgin Media executives Eamonn O’Hare and Robert Samuelson.
In October 2023, Zegona Communications announced it was entering into an agreement to acquire Vodaphone’s Spanish telecom assets in a deal with an enterprise value of €5bn. The group is funding the acquisition through a combination of new debt, Vodafone Financing and a new equity raise, and although the transaction is not yet proven, it has been hailed as an ambitious and interesting deal that will create significant value for shareholders.
ESG: combined score N/A
*All ESG combined scores are based on data supplied by Refinitiv
growth business of the year award
sponsored by Squire Patton Boggs
The 2023 shortlist:
3i Group plc
London-based 3i Group is a UK investment company with two core businesses - Private Equity, focused on key sectors in Europe and North America, and Infrastructure, investing across economic infrastructure assets and projects in those regions.
The net asset value of the 3I Group portfolio has grown considerably over the past few years, largely driven by the strong performance of Action, one of its portfolio companies, in addition to solid organic growth coming from a number of portfolio companies operating in the valuefor-money, private label and healthcare sectors. In October 2023, Action successfully completed its debut US dollar term loan issuance in the US leveraged loan market, raising $1.5bn and completed a capital restructuring with a pro-rata redemption of shares.
ESG: 3i Group recruits and develops a diverse pool of talent and has an open and non-hierarchical culture, providing an inclusive and supportive working environment for employees.
3i has an ESG combined score* of B+
4imprint Group plc
London-based 4imprint Group is a UK direct marketer of promotional products operating in North America, the UK, and Ireland. The group uses data-driven marketing techniques to capture market share in promotional product markets under its own brands like Crossland, reFresh, and TaskRight.
4imprint has been described as the “very definition of a growth company”. The group has been successful in delivering significant organic revenue growth by increasing market share in large, fragmented markets. Last year the group reported customer demand was at record levels and net operating profit margin had increased to 10.0% (2022: 8.5%), driven principally by improvement in gross profit percentage and favourable returns on marketing spend.
ESG: The group’s ‘better choices’ programme addresses demand for products with verified sustainability credentials, resulting in an expansion of the range of products offered.
4imprint has an ESG combined score* of B-
Cranswick plc
Yorkshire-based Cranswick is a food manufacturer and supplier of fresh pork, chicken, sausage, bacon, pastries, cooked meats, charcuterie, Mediterranean products, dips, and pet food to UK grocery retailers, food service, and food producers. The group’s brands include Bodega, Cypressa, and Ramona.
Cranswick has a strong track record of organic growth, combined with targeted acquisitions, which has established the group as an innovative British supplier of premium, fresh and value-added food products. Cranswick has delivered reliable growth through its sound strategy and execution, combined with sustainability leadership in a tough industry.
ESG: As part of its Second Nature journey, Cranswick worked closely with FareShare, the UK’s largest food redistribution charity. Over 3m servings of meat have been donated so far in this financial year, supporting FareShare as well as the group’s own staff sales and other local charities.
Cranswick has an ESG combined score* of B+
Diploma plc
London-based Diploma is a supplier of specialised products and services across three segments: Life Sciences, Seals and Controls. The group’s key offerings include medical devices, seals for machinery, and wiring and connectors for technical applications.
Diploma has solidified its reputation as a high-quality and rapidly growing company. The group drives revenue diversification in three areas: end markets, geographic penetration and product extension to enable organic growth, scale and resilience. Its organic growth strategy is complemented by bolt-on acquisitions to further accelerate the group’s growth.
ESG: Diploma has an ESG combined score* of C
London Stock Exchange Group plc
London Stock Exchange Group is one of the world’s leading providers of financial markets infrastructure, delivering financial data, analytics, news and index products to more than 40,000 customers in 190 countries.
LSEG has a compelling growth story, with growth rates of its Refinitiv Data & Analytics businesses tripling in under three years. In December 2022, LSEG and Microsoft launched a 10-year strategic partnership for next-generation data and analytics and cloud infrastructure solutions, enabling LSEG to provide customers with new AI-driven insights, based on trusted and validated data, combined with straight-through execution and risk management. The group’s Capital Markets revenues accelerated in the third quarter of 2023 and its Post Trade businesses also enjoyed significant growth.
ESG: LSEG is uniquely positioned to be a strategic enabler of sustainable growth, accelerating the transition to net zero, growing the green economy, and creating inclusive economic opportunity.
LSEG has an ESG combined score* of B-
XPS Pensions Group plc
Based in Reading, XPS Pensions is a leading independent pensions consulting and administration business fully focused on UK pension schemes. The group provides a wide range of advisory services to trustees and sponsors of pension schemes.
Last year was an exceptional year for XPS Pensions, with the group delivering strong growth ahead of expectations and recording the highest operating result since its listing in 2017. 2023 was XPS Pensions sixth consecutive year of growth, in addition to the group achieving record dividends, a strategic bolt-on acquisition and multiple award wins.
ESG: In June 2023, XPS became signatory to the Women in Finance Charter, setting a target of 37% of females in senior management by 2028. The group was named as one of the Best Places to Work 2023 by The Sunday Times and gained Menopause Friendly Accreditation.
XPS Pensions has an ESG combined score* of C
*All ESG combined scores are based on data supplied by Refinitiv
tech business of the year award
sponsored by Beyond Governance
The 2023 shortlist:
Bytes Technology Group plc
Surrey-based Bytes is one of the UK’s leading providers of software, security and cloud services. The group enables effective and cost-efficient technology sourcing, adoption and management across software, security, hardware and cloud services.
Bytes delivered an excellent operational performance in 2023, despite ongoing macro challenges. The group attributes its success to the continued strong demand from its corporate and public sector customers for security, cloud adoption, digital transformation, hybrid datacentres and remote working solutions, allowing Bytes to invest in the business. The group is well placed to capitalise on AI products, which are one of the defining trends in the IT services sectors.
ESG: Bytes encourages openness about mental health and offers help for those in need. The value of its 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) became clear during the pandemic.
Bytes has an ESG combined score* of C-
Chemring Group plc
Hampshire-based Chemring has been supplying the world’s most demanding customers – in aerospace, defence and security – with innovative solutions for over 100 years. Following the incorporation of Roke, the group provides technology, engineering and advisory services to Government and high-value engineering companies.
Last year was another year of strong performance for Chemring as demand grew for its mission-critical products and services. This was achieved through continued investment at every stage of the value chain, from R&D through to design, manufacture and in-service support for its sensors and detection systems, countermeasures, precision engineering and products. Chemring reported a record order intake in 2023 and enjoyed its highest order book in over a decade, making it well placed for future growth.
ESG: Chemring has an ESG combined score* of B-
Computacenter plc
Hatfield-based Computacenter is a leading independent technology and services provider. The groups help its customers to Source, Transform and Manage their technology infrastructure to deliver digital transformation, enabling people and their business.
Computacenter has an integrated offering, providing three complementary entry points for its customers, which have helped the group achieved its long-term growth. The increasing pace of technological change and the diversity of the technology landscape has made Computacenter’s technology vendor independence even more critical to its customer. Last year was the group’s eighteenth consecutive year of adjusted EPS growth.
ESG: Computacenter achieved carbon neutral status for Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2022, making it one of the first companies in its industry to reach this milestone.
Computacenter has an ESG combined score* of B
Darktrace plc
Cambridge-based Darktrace is a global leader in cyber security AI and its core mission is to free the world of cyber disruption. The group’s technology continuously learns and updates its knowledge of business data and applies that understanding to optimise the state of optimal cyber security.
Darktrace's cyber AI technology provides a full lifecycle approach to cyber resilience across the entire organisation that can autonomously spot and respond to novel in-progress threats within seconds. The group continues to innovate its products, recently launching a New Darktrace/Cloud™ solution that provides a real-time, architecture-based view of cloud environments so businesses can easily and quickly act against evolving threats and misconfigurations, and strengthen compliance. The group reported a solid start to the new trading year amid an uplift in new business activity.
ESG: Darktrace has partnered with Loughborough University to fund 5 AI Research PhD students over the next five years. Darktrace has also joined forces with ‘Year Up’ in the United States and ‘Code First Girls’ in the UK to close the opportunity gap in the industry and diversify its talent pipeline.
Darktrace has a combined ESG score* of C-
Moneysupermarket.com Group plc
Chester-based Moneysupermarket.com operates a tech-led savings platform and leading UK brands including price comparison sites, cashback and a consumer finance content-led brand. The group covers a broad range of verticals including Insurance, Money, Home Services and Travel, amongst others.
In 2022, Moneysupermarket.com helped its users to save an estimated £1.8bn on their household bills. The group is made up of several brands including MoneySavingExpert, Quidco, TravelSupermarket and Decision Tech and it is these strong brands that have helped the group capitalise on its performance. Interim results report a good trading performance and market share gains, in addition to signficant revenue growth in its Insurance and Travel markets.
ESG: In tandem with its commitment to the UN Global Compact, Moneysupermarket.com has achieved the significant milestone of obtaining Science-Based Targets accredited by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Moneysupermarket.com has a combined ESG score* of B-
Sage Group plc
Based in Newcastle, Sage is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll, and payment systems. The group helps drive today’s business builders with a new generation of solutions to manage everything from money to people.
Sage’s social and mobile technology provides live information so its clients make fast, informed decisions anytime, anywhere in the world. The group has recently reinvigorated its business by selling non-core assets, reinvesting in products, strengthening accountant relationships, and shifting to the cloud. The group’s products are gaining traction, with 10% organic revenue growth this year and in particular, the Sage Intacct cloud product is seeing significant growth, which validates the quality of its technology. Through R&D investment, Sage is expanding its platform approach and introducing AI tools.
ESG: Sage published a new suite of corporate sustainability reports in early December 2023, including its third Sustainability and Society Report, its UK Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap Reports, its first Climate Report and its first ESG Databook.
Sage has a combined ESG score* of B-
Trainline plc
London-based Trainline operates an independent global rail and coach travel platform, enabling trip planning, booking, and management through its website, app, and B2B partners. The group runs UK and international consumer sites, along with technology solutions for travel companies and train operators.
Trainline is now Europe’s #1 most downloaded rail travel app. The group is driving this shift to e-tickets, with industry penetration in UK increasing to 46%, due to its relentless focus on continually innovating and improving the customer experience of purchasing digital rail tickets. Trainline’s interim results reported significant market share in key European countries including Italy and Spain, in addition to a 23% year on year increase in group net ticket sales.
ESG: Trainline has a combined ESG score* of C
Trustpilot Group plc
Trustpilot is headquartered in Copenhagen. The group brings businesses and consumers together, to foster trust and inspire collaboration. Trustpilot has disrupted the service review industry by empowering customers to honestly rate companies.
Over 213m consumer reviews of businesses and products have been posted on Trustpilot and these numbers are growing by more than one review per second. In addition to its free service, Trustpilot provides paid software modules for businesses, providing increasing levels of functionality and offered on a SaaS basis. The group has a proven track record of delivering growth over many years, demonstrated by its compound annual growth of 40% in total cumulative reviews.
ESG: Trustpilot has an ESG combined score* of B
*All ESG combined scores are based on data supplied by Refinitiv
transformation of the year award
sponsored by Odyssean Capital
The 2023 shortlist:
Babcock International Group plc
London-based Babcock plays a critical role in international defence, from submarines beneath the waves, to secure communications in space. The group provides through-life technical and engineering support for its customers’ assets, delivering improvements in performance, availability and programme cost.
Last year was Babcock’s second full year of turnaround, which was implemented in order to address the group’s historic underperformance. Following completion of Babcock’s portfolio alignment programme, this transformation is now delivering results, with over two-thirds of the group’s revenue now concentrated on defence. As a result, Babcock delivered double-digit organic growth, in addition to a strong cash performance during the period, enabling the group to focus on further significant growth in its core markets.
ESG: Babcock has a combined ESG score* of B-
FirstGroup plc
FirstGroup is a leading private sector provider of public transport. The group’s First Bus division is the second largest regional bus operator in the UK with a fleet of c.5,000 buses and its First Rail division is the UK’s largest rail operator.
First Group has undergone a complete transformation of the business in recent years, starting with the sale of its North American assets during 2021-2022. This disposal facilitated increased investment in its UK bus and rail divisions, resulting in First Group’s highest level of group operating profits in a decade. The revised positioning has allowed FirstGroup to play a leading part in the electrification of the UK Bus division and, more recently, in its strategic partnership with Hitachi, in addition to generating £190m of shareholder returns.
ESG: FirstGroup received the Green Economy Mark on the London Stock Exchange in recognition of its contribution to the global green economy earlier this year. In the second half of its financial year, the group was ranked as the top performing bus and rail operator in the FTSE4Good Index.
FirstGroup has an ESG combined score* of C+
Foxtons Group plc
Foxtons is London’s leading estate agency and largest lettings agency brand, with a portfolio of over 28,000 tenancies. The group operates from a network of over 60 interconnected branches, offering a range of residential property services across three business segments: Lettings, Sales and Financial Services.
Last year was transformational for Foxtons, following an operational turnaround plan and refreshed strategy. The group strategically prioritized non-cyclical revenue growth, in addition to investing heavily in workforce training, data architecture overhaul and operational upgrades, resulting in a significant increase in revenue and profits. Foxtons ended 2023 as the UK’s fastest growing large lettings and sales agency brand, delivering a 66% share price increase.
ESG: In January 2024, Foxtons began a new partnership with the Single Homeless Project (SHP), a London-based charity dedicated to combatting homelessness by providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change.
Foxtons has a combined ESG score* of C+
Kier Group plc
Salford-based Kier Group is a leading infrastructure services and construction company. The group is a strategic supplier to the UK Government with key strengths in education, healthcare, custodial, transport and defence.
Over the past two years, Kier has achieved considerable operational and financial progress. After facing an uncertain future, Kier developed and implemented a strategic review under new management to re-establish itself as a leading UK contractor. By focusing on operational delivery and supply chain strategies, the group executed a remarkable turnaround, which also enabled the completion of some strategic acquisitions. As a result of Kier’s successful transformation, its share price has doubled, leaving the group well-positioned for further sustainable growth.
ESG: Kier Group’s net-zero targets have been validated by the SBTi, demonstrating the group’s clear commitment to achieving net-zero carbon across operations by 2045 and its clear pathway to achieving that.
Kier Group has a combined ESG score* of B
Marks & Spencer Group plc
Headquartered in London, Marks and Spencer Group needs little introduction as a retailer focused on own label businesses, including food, clothing, and home, in addition to bank services in the UK and internationally.
Marks and Spencer has been undergoing a transformation for a number of years, however within the last year, the group’s strategy to reshape the business for growth has had significant impact. With a new leadership team in place, M&S made substantial investments in a refreshed positioning, instore improvements and increased marketing efforts, all of which resulted in the shares returning to the FTSE 100. The group’s new strategy has led to a strong share price performance, consistent like for-like sales growth, and several forecast upgrades.
ESG: In August, M&S launched ‘Say Pants to the Tax’, its first ever customer-facing public affairs led campaign to make period pants VAT free. The group secured over 970 pieces of media coverage and in the 2023 Autumn statement, it was announced that period underwear would be zero-rated for VAT from 1 Jan 2024.
Marks and Spencer have a combined ESG rating* of B
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land. The groups products and service packages meet the growing need for power generation across multiple industries while also enabling governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens.
Rolls-Royce has embarked on a multi year transformation, the results of which are evident this year, however the group is committed to further transforming into a high performing, competitive and growing business. Rolls-Royce has benefitted from key contract wins this year which will generate future value and profitable growth, and it has invested in its strong portfolio of products and technologies. As a result, Rolls-Royce has maintained its global leadership to emerge as a top FTSE 100 performer with a remarkable 220% return in calendar 2023.
ESG: In 2020 Rolls-Royce committed to have proven, through testing, that all its in-production commercial aero engines are compatible with sustainable aviation fuels at 100% concentration (not a blend with jet fuel) by 2023.
Rolls-Royce has a combined ESG score* of B-
*All ESG combined scores are based on data supplied by Refinitiv
fund manager award
sponsored by Investec
The 2023 shortlist:
Alessandro Dicorrado and Steve Woolley/
Ninety One Asset Management
Ninety One Asset Management is reportedly one of the best performing UK funds of last year, with a return of 19%.
Alessandro is a portfolio manager within the Value team at Ninety One. He co-manages the UK Value Equity and Global Value Equity strategies. Alessandro initially joined the firm as an analyst in the Value team, having previously worked at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co as a fixed income derivatives salesperson in London.
Steve is a portfolio manager within the Value team at Ninety One. He co-manages the UK Value Equity and Global Value Equity strategies. Previously, Steve was an analyst in the Value team, having joined the firm in 2008 from the Financial Services Authority where he supervised asset managers and financial advisors.
Mark Niznik and William Tamworth/
Artemis Investment Management
Artemis was nominated this year for the fund’s strong performance over the longer term.
Mark has managed Artemis‘ UK smaller companies strategy since joining the firm in 2007. His investment career began in 1985 with Legal & General, which was followed by a stint as a private client fund manager at Greig Middleton & Co. In 1992, he joined Perpetual covering the UK part of its Global Smaller Companies Fund; the UK Smaller Companies Core Fund and the Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust. Mark then moved to Standard Life Investments as a small/mid-cap fund manager, running its UK Opportunity Fund from launch in November 2002 and its in-house small-cap pension funds.
William works with Mark managing Artemis’ UK smaller companies strategy. He graduated from Oxford in 2006 with a degree in economics and management and joined Citigroup as an equity research analyst in the UK small and mid-cap team. William moved to Liberum in 2009, where he continued to work in small and mid-cap equity research, specialising in support services. A CFA charterholder, William joined Artemis in 2015.
Jean Roche/Schroders
Jean is a consistent champion performer that is well known and well respected in the industry. More recently Jean has been using social media to educate the wider investor community and engage with companies on a more informal basis, which the Voting Panel observed to be a “superb illustration of the 'democraticisation' of capital markets”.
Jean joined Schroders in 2016 and became Fund Manager of Schroder UK Mid Cap Fund plc in February 2021, having been Co-Fund Manager since September 2016. Jean’s investment career started in 1999 after graduating with a BA in Mathematics and French and an MSc in Financial and Industrial Mathematics. Previously, she worked at Morgan Stanley and Panmure Gordon, before moving to Hargreave Hale in 2013 as a fund manager. Jean is a CFA Charterholder.
Eustace Santa Barbara/Marlborough
Eustace has maintained a positive attitude in UK equities, throughout the ongoing economic challenges. He played an important part in the recovery plays of key stocks, including Deliveroo.
Eustace is a graduate of Harvard University and joined the investment team from Close Brothers in 2013. He has worked as both an analyst and fund manager and has 16 years’ experience on the buy-side. Eustace is the Co-Manager of the Marlborough Special Situations Fund, Marlborough Nano-Cap Growth Fund and the Marlborough UK Micro-Cap Growth Fund.
Alex Savvides/J O Hambro Capital Management
Alex delivered a strong performance in 2023. His strategy is to seek investments with a more positive view of medium to long-term future revenues and cash flows than the prevailing market opinion.
Alex is Senior Fund Manager of the JOHCM UK Dynamic Fund. He joined J O Hambro Capital Management (JOHCM) in March 2003 as Assistant Fund Manager of the JOHCM UK Growth Fund, working in partnership with lead Fund Manager, Mark Costar. Alex developed and launched UK Dynamic in June 2008, and in doing so becoming the first internally developed Fund Manager to launch a new and 'home grown' investment process at JOHCM, as well as the first to be backed by seed capital solely from JOHCM's own balance sheet.
Prior to joining JOHCM, Alex spent his early investment career at three independent UK stockbroking firms.
Jonathan Winton/Fidelity International
Jonathan joined Fidelity as an analyst in 2005, and has covered pan European Support Services, Small Cap Technology and Beverages & Tobacco stocks. He was promoted to manage the FIF UK Smaller Companies fund in February 2013. He was appointed co-portfolio manager of the FIF Special Situations/Fidelity Special Values PLC portfolios, managed by Alexander Wright, in February 2020.
The Team/Liontrust Asset Management
The award-winning Economic Advantage team have an average industry experience of 21 years. Anthony Cross joined Liontrust from Schroders in 1997 and was joined by Julian Fosh in 2008. Julian had previously managed funds at Scottish Amicable Investment Managers, Britannic Investment Managers, Scottish Friendly Assurance Society and Saracen Fund Managers.
In 2015, Victoria Stevens and Matt Tonge joined the team. Victoria was previously Deputy Head of Corporate Broking at FinnCap, while Matt had spent nine years on the Liontrust dealing desk, latterly winning an industry award for his work in mid and small cap stocks.
Alex Wedge joined the team in March 2020 from N+1 Singer, where he had spent over seven years, latterly as a senior member of the equity sales team. Natalie Bell joined the team in August 2022, having previously been a member of the Liontrust Responsible Capitalism team where she led engagement with investee companies.
breakthrough of the year award
sponsored by RBC Capital Markets
The 2023 shortlist:
Capital Limited
London-based Capital Limited provides full-service mining, drilling, maintenance and geochemical analysis solutions to customers within the minerals industry. The group’s services extend across the mining value chain, from initial exploration drilling to load and haul, providing a fully integrated mining services solution.
Last year, Capital achieved a number of milestones to help secure the group’s future growth plans. Capital took a further strategic step into North America, with the award of its comprehensive drilling and laboratory services contracts with Nevada Gold Mines (USA), adding to its existing and growing operations in Canada with MSALABS. This breakthrough in operations was complemented with the group securing its second material mining contract at Ivindo, Gabon, which diversifies Capital’s revenue stream through an expanded service offering.
ESG: combined score N/A
Hilton Food Group plc
Hilton Foods is a leading specialist international food packing business based in Cambridgeshire. The group manufactures high quality multi-protein products utilising industry leading technology in its highly automated facilities, including advanced robotics.
Hilton Foods’ breakthrough came in September last year with the announcement of a long-term supply agreement with Walmart Canada. As part of the deal, Hilton will open a new manufacturing facility in Eastern Canada, which will provide robotised store order picking into Walmart’s distribution centres, in addition to supplying Walmart with a broad range of proteins. The agreement is significant because it further extends Hilton’s global footprint and is the group’s first manufacturing facility in North America.
ESG: This year Hilton will be publishing its first stand-alone sustainability report. The group’s continued ambition and commitment to improve the efficiency of its state-of-the-art facilities is a key area of focus within this plan.
Hilton Foods has an ESG combined score* of C+
Ondo InsurTech plc
London-based Ondo is the first InsurTech to IPO in the UK. The group has proven it’s possible to use advanced technologies, such as LeakBot, to protect properties and actually prevent bad things from happening in the first place, giving homeowners peace of mind in a much more sustainable way than the traditional risk transfer model of insurance.
During the period, Ondo took notable steps to enter the US market, which holds considerable growth potential for the group. In June 2023, Ondo announced that premium US insurer, Mutual of Enumclaw, had signed a contract to distribute its LeakBot system to homeowner insurance customers in Washington State. This was shortly followed by a transformative contract signed in November with Nationwide. As a Top 10 US homeowner insurer and Fortune 100 company, the Nationwide contract is a breakthrough opportunity for Ondo in the US.
ESG: combined score N/A
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
Rolls-Royce is a British multinational aerospace and defence company. The group develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land.
Over the past few years, Rolls-Royce has embarked on a journey to become a high performing, competitive and growing brand. The group has heavily invested in its strong portfolio of products and technologies, such as its green mini nuclear power reactors and its new Trent XWD aero engines. The Trent XWB is the world's most efficient large aero engine in service, thanks to its game changing efficiency, coupled with industry leading versatility and reliability. Rolls-Royce’s product investments and transformation strategy have enabled the group to emerge as a top FTSE 100 performer in calendar 2023.
ESG: All the group’s major engine platforms have now been released to run on sustainable fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil. Rolls-Royce is also developing methanol-based engines for the marine market and hydrogen-based engines.
Rolls-Royce has an ESG combined score* of B-
Smiths News plc
Swindon-based Smiths News is the UK’s leading newspaper and magazine wholesaler. Working on behalf of all major national and regional publishers, the group distributes a huge range of print media to 24,000 customers – from large general retailers to smaller independent newsagent.
Smiths News returned good results during the period, exceeding market expectations, while making progress against key financial and strategic targets, despite the ongoing economic challenges. One of the group’s key strategic milestones was securing a critical mass of its publisher contracts through to 2029, facilitating the long-term planning of investment, and allowing Smiths News to pursue appropriately sized new ventures to add value to the business. In February last year, the group launched ‘Smiths News Recycle’, which is designed to help retailers manage soft plastics and bulky cardboard left over from stock deliveries and trips to the cash-and-carry.
ESG: Smith News has an ESG combined score* of C+
Vistry Group plc
Kent-based Vistry Group is the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed tenure homes. The group delivers thousands of homes every year for the affordable and open market places and has an unmatched portfolio of brands including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Countryside Homes.
In November last year, Vistry completed one of the most significant new-build residential transactions seen in recent years with a landmark partnership agreement with PRS provider, Leaf Living, and affordable housing provider, Sage Homes, for almost 3,000 new homes. The unique scale of this £819m agreement is a milestone moment in Vistry’s strategic shift to a Partnerships-focused model, which was announced in September, and completed at the end of year. The breakthrough transaction reinforces Vistry’s position as the UK’s leading developer of affordable and mixed tenure homes.
ESG: Vistry submitted updated science-based targets for approval, including a corporate net zero target of 2040 and has linked the scope 1 and 2 targets to its sustainability-linked loan. The development of Vistry’s carbon action plan is linked to Group’s manager and executive bonus.
Vistry Group has an ESG combined score* of B
*All ESG combined scores are based on data supplied by Refinitiv
CEO of the year award
sponsored by Citi Commercial Bank
The 2023 shortlist:
Luke Ellis/Man Group plc
Luke joined Man Group in 2010 and became the group CEO in 2016. Luke announced his retirement in May last year and officially stepped down from the role in September. Prior to this, Luke was Head and CIO of Man Group’s Multi-Manager Business. He was Managing Director of FRM and ran the business from 1998 to 2008. Before joining FRM, Luke was a Managing Director at JPMorgan and Global Head of Equity Derivatives and Equity Proprietary Trading.
During his tenure, Luke was responsible for managing Man Group’s four investment units, Man AHL, Man GLG, Man Numeric and Man FRM. Luke has been described as a “visionary leader”, who worked closely with his leadership team to drive Man Group’s phenomenal growth. Luke played a significant role in developing the inspiring culture evident within the group, whilst maintaining a relentless focus on shareholder value. Luke’s excellent succession planning make him a worthy candidate for this award.
ESG: Man Group has an ESG combined score* of B+
Alan Giddins/Hill & Smith plc
Alan joined Hill & Smith as Executive Chair in 2017. He transitioned from Chair to Exec CEO whilst the group was searching for a permanent CEO. Prior to Hill & Smith, Alan was a Managing Partner and Global Head of Private Equity at 3i Group plc and before this he spent 13 years in investment banking advising a broad range of quoted companies. Alan is Chair of Watkin Jones plc and a Non-executive Director of Big Society Capital, a leading social impact-led investor.
Since Alan's appointment as Executive Chair, he has helped the group deliver record profits. This has been achieved through successfully executing an organic growth strategy, whilst making significant progress on portfolio management, including a major disposal and a series of high quality acquisitions. Alan’s proactive leadership has resulted in notable share price returns.
ESG: Hill & Smith has an ESG combined score* of C+
Bill Hocking/Galliford Try Holdings plc
Bill was appointed to Galliford Try’s Board as CEO in 2020, following the sale of the group’s housing businesses. Prior to that, Bill was CEO of Construction & Investments from 2016, having joined Galliford Try as Managing Director of Construction in September 2015. He joined the group from Skanska UK plc, where he held the position of Executive Vice President, having joined that company in 1990.
Bill has a strong commitment to leading a values-driven, people-orientated, progressive business. During his tenure, he has demonstrated a strong and successful leadership of Galliford Try, placing particular emphasis on the needs of customers, employees, investors and communities. Bill has implemented a shaping strategy for the business and built a strong senior management team with a clear vision for the company, which has resulted in a strong balance sheet and an excellent order book.
ESG: Galliford Try has an ESG combined score* of B
David Lockwood/Babcock International Group plc
David was appointed CEO of Babcock in 2020. Prior to this role, David was CEO of Cobham plc and prior to that, he was CEO of Laird PLC. His career includes senior management roles at BT Global Services, BAE Systems and Thales Corporation. David received an OBE for services to industry in Scotland in 2011.
During his relatively short time as CEO of Babcock, David has executed a remarkable turnaround of the business. Having inherited a distressed business, David immediately put Babcock on the path to recovery through a strategic restructuring and the implantation of collaborative partnerships, in addition to selling non-core assets and re-building client trust. With the group’s second full year of turnaround now complete, Babcock has been able to deliver double-digit organic growth in addition to a strong cash performance.
ESG: Babcock has an ESG combined score* of B-
Stuart Machin/Marks & Spencer Group plc
Stuart took over as CEO of Marks and Spencer in 2022, having joined M&S as Food Managing Director in 2018. Prior to this Stuart was joint COO, in addition to being a director of Ocado Retail Limited. Prior to M&S, Stuart held senior operations and commercial roles across the UK and internationally, starting his career in Sainsbury’s and British Home stores, Tesco and then Asda.
Stuart has been credited with the hugely successful turnaround of M&S, thanks to the strategies he put in place to kick start the group’s recovery. Stuart has steered the group through a period of transformation, resulting in increased customer numbers and market share in both Food, Clothing & Home. This has been executed alongside store rotation and cost reduction programmes. Under Stuart’s guidance, M&S returned to the FTSE 100 in September last year and reinstated dividends for the first time in four years.
ESG: M&S has an ESG combined score* of B
Mike Norris/Computacenter plc
Mike joined Computacenter in 1984 as a salesman in the City office. Following appointments in senior roles, he became CEO in December 1994, with responsibility for all day-to-day activities and reporting channels across Computacenter. Mike was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Hertfordshire in 2010.
Mike claims the title of the longest serving CEO on the FTSE 250. He also holds the enviable record of delivering 19 years of unbroken EPS growth for Computacenter. This was achieved thanks to pivoting Computacenter’s strategy to dramatically grow its Services business, resulting in a steady growth in EPS since 2005. Mike has continued to relentlessly drive the business forward by expanding into adjacencies both geographically and functionally, which have established Computacenter as the largest services business of any value-added reseller, as well as the largest value-added reseller capability of any services business worldwide.
ESG: Computacenter has an ESG combined score* of B
*All ESG combined scores are based on data supplied by Refinitiv
company of the year award
sponsored by Berenberg
The 2023 shortlist:
Computacenter plc
Hertfordshire-based Computacenter is a leading independent technology and services provider. The group helps its customers to Source, Transform and Manage their technology infrastructure to deliver digital transformation, enabling people and their business.
Computacenter is one of the tech sectors most consistent out-performers in terms of total share return. During the period the group grew significantly faster than the market, in addition to its major competitors, transforming Computacenter from a local to global champion. The group has refused to let challenging market conditions affect its investment plan, with spend on strategic corporate initiatives increasing by more than double to £11.9m in the first half of 2023 alone. Computacenter’s consistently strong trading performance was assisted by its strategic BITS acquisition, which, combined with the group’s expanded global reach, has resulted in twenty years of unbroken EPS growth for the group.
ESG: Computacenter is stated by Glassdoor as one of the 50 best companies to work for in the UK. The group has a special recognition award for wellbeing Inspiring Workplaces EMEA 2022.
Computacenter has an ESG combined score* of B
Galliford Try Holdings plc
Headquartered in Uxbridge, Galliford Try is a major construction group, operating in England, Wales and Scotland. The group operates predominantly across the education, health, defence, custodial and commercial sectors.
Last year was another year of growth for Galliford Try, with progression in both revenues and margins under the steady tenure of the management team. The group made significant headway within its core markets, with ongoing project wins underpinning a very strong forward order book. Galliford Try executed a number of strategic bolt-on acquisitions, which propelled the business into complementary markets and helped the group achieve a substantial increase in revenue and profit across all its operations.
ESG: Galliford Try launched a ‘One in a Million challenge’, tasking teams to play their part in meeting its carbon reduction targets. The challenge was for every part of the business to seek opportunities to save a minimum of one tonne of carbon (tCO2e) per £1m spent in 2024.
Galliford Try has an ESG combined score* of B
Marks & Spencer Group plc
Headquartered in London, Marks and Spencer is a renowned retailer that needs little introduction. The group has been nominated for three awards at this year’s plc awards.
M&S has been undergoing a transformation for a number of years, however last year, the group’s ‘re-shaping M&S’ strategy had significant impact. The Clothing and Home businesses both out-performed the market and the group’s sales growth was supported by investment in store rotation. M&S put a cost reduction programme in place which delivered over £100m savings and its investment in supply chain modernisation delivered volume growth to improved margin and profitability. As a result of the group’s growth strategy M&S returned to the FTSE 100 in September last year and reinstated dividends for the first time in four years.
ESG: The group’s extensive ‘Say Pants to the Tax’, campaign resulted in an announcement in the 2023 Autumn statement that period underwear would be zero-rated for VAT from 1 Jan 2024.
Marks and Spencer have a combined ESG rating* of B
RELX plc
Lodon-based RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools. The group’s products help researchers advance scientific knowledge, doctors and nurses improve the lives of patients and businesses and governments to prevent fraud.
RELX, formerly known as Reed International and Reed Elsevier, reported a very strong trading performance once again, delivering consistent solid growth for its 35th year. RELX has employed AI technologies for well over a decade to develop and deploy its analytics and decision tools, and its long-term growth trajectory continues to be driven by the shift in the business towards these. As a result of group’s strong growth and increased cash flow, RELX was able to increase its interim dividend by 8%.
ESG: RELX held the thirteenth Environmental Challenge in 2023 to provide improved and sustainable access to water and sanitation where it is presently at risk. The first prize winner was Lombrifiltro by CPlantae, a sanitary engineering firm and social enterprise based in Mexico that has developed and commercialized prefabricated vermifilters for onsite wastewater treatment.
RELX has an ESG combined score* of A-
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land. The group has been nominated for three awards at this year’s plc awards.
Rolls-Royce has been on a transformative journey over the past few years to emerge in 2023 as a high performing, competitive and growing brand. The group has heavily invested in its strong portfolio of products and technologies to enable game changing efficiency, coupled with industry leading versatility and reliability. Rolls-Royce benefitted from key contract wins this year which will generate future value and profitable growth. The group’s transformation strategy resulted in shares surging over 200%, driving Rolls-Royce's market valuation to £25bn.
ESG: Rolls-Royce is developing methanol-based engines for the marine market and hydrogen-based engines for power generation.
Rolls-Royce has an ESG combined score* of B-
XPS Pensions Group plc
Reading-based XPS Pensions Group specialises in pensions consulting. The company offers services such as Pensions Actuarial, Consulting, Investment, and Administration for optimal retirement outcomes.
Last year was an exceptional year for XPS Pensions, with the group delivering strong growth ahead of expectations and recording the highest operating result since listing in 2017. XPS Pensions was driven by its purpose of delivering better pension outcomes, building enduring client relationships and sustaining a thriving, diverse culture, all of which assisted with the group’s 70% increase in share price. XPS Pensions saw a boost in productivity, thanks to new administration technology and in-house academies, resulting in both cash conversion and balance sheet strength.
ESG: Since March 2023, XPS has strengthened its Sustainability Framework by updating its materiality matrix, reflecting what is important to Stakeholders. The group has strengthened its governance by the appointment of 2 new Non-executive directors.
XPS Pensions has an ESG combined score* of C
*All ESG combined scores are based on data supplied by Refinitiv
The event
Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities sometimes become available, including sponsorship of an individual award, sponsorship of the official drinks reception or sponsorship of the menu. Sponsorship opportunities are, by their very nature, limited. Costs and availability on request.
Hosting a table
Reservations are available for tables of ten people. Numbers are strictly limited and reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis.
Advertising
Advertising in the digital brochure is welcomed and enables your key messages to reach a highly targeted audience. The digital event brochure is available to download on the night and contains details of the all nominees, the programme for the night and the menu. Uniquely, it also contains the names of all attendees, in alphabetical and table order. Thus it is widely used as a reference post event for up to a year afterwards.
Bespoke sponsorship opportunities
We offer a range of bespoke sponsorship packages, tailor made to suit your marketing objectives and budget. Further information on request.
Key details for guests
Date:
Thursday 14 March 2024
Venue:
Ballroom, Hotel InterContinental
One Hamilton Place
Park Lane
London W1J 7QY
Start time:
6.00 p.m. – drinks reception
7.15 p.m. – dinner
12.00 midnight – carriages
Dress code:
Black tie
Charity collection:
A charity collection will be taken up during the course of the evening and the plc awards team will be available throughout to accept contactless donations. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Accomodation:
Hotel InterContinental
A special rate of £330 per room per night inclusive of VAT and English breakfast has been secured for the night of the 14 March 2024, but is subject to availability. If you do wish to book a bedroom for the evening of the plc awards, please contact Laura Olewnik:
laura.olewnik@ihg.com
Location:
Latest media
Charity
Since formation in 1987, the plc awards has held a charity collection principally for the benefit of child-focused charities. The total amount of money raised to date by attendees at plc awards dinners is over £600,000. Thank you so much for your generosity – the charities concerned are all extremely grateful.
A charity collection was held at the plc awards 2023 and split equally between our two supported charities, BCCS and The Children's Society. The total amount raised was
£13,847
One in every ten children has a diagnosable mental health disorder – that’s roughly three in every classroom. A recent survey conducted also found 22% of girls and 9% of boys were self-harming. These alarming statistics demonstrate just how important it is to look after children’s mental health.
BCCS is a children’s charity covering East London and Essex, with the primary focus of providing counselling for children and young adults whose wellbeing, mental or emotional health is at risk.
The Children’s Society is a national charity working to transform the hopes and happiness of young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. We support them through their most serious life challenges and we campaign tirelessly for the big social changes that will improve the lives of those who need hope most. We've been doing this for 140 years and we won't stop until we've built a society where hope is alive in every child.