Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast

In this episode of Enquire, James Ashton, Chief Executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), joins Clara Melia to discuss the health and future of the UK’s growth company ecosystem. Drawing on his background as a leading financial journalist, James provides a candid look at the challenges facing small and mid-cap boards, from the rising costs of audit and compliance to the pressures of valuation and liquidity. The conversation explores the findings of the 2026 QCA City Debate, the evolution of the QCA Corporate Governance Code, and the critical importance of better (not just more) investor engagement. James also shares his vision for London as the "capital of growth capital" and explains why a level playing field between public and private company reporting is essential for long-term market success. In this episode: Quotes: Resources: Connect with James Ashton on LinkedIn

In this episode of Enquire, Bojana Flint shares her experience working across different sectors and regions, offering a global perspective on modern investor relations. From navigating a US Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) listing and engaging retail investors to adapting to different investor cultures, Bojana explains how IR operates across borders and sectors. The conversation explores AI, data infrastructure, capital markets events and the evolving strategic role of IR. A practical and insightful discussion for anyone working in investor relations in a fast-moving global market. In this episode: Quotes: Resources: Connect with Bojana on LinkedIn

In this episode of Enquire, Dami Tanimowo, Head of Investor Relations at Robert Walters, shares a candid perspective on building and leading an IR function under pressure. From establishing IR from scratch to navigating activist interest and AI-driven valuation concerns, Dami explains how clarity, consistency and strategic alignment build trust when markets are unsettled. The conversation explores investor psychology, disclosure strategy, board engagement and how IR success is measured when sentiment shifts. A practical and thoughtful guide for IR professionals operating in today’s complex market environment. In This Episode Quotes Resources Connect with Dami on LinkedIn

In this episode of Enquire, we're joined by Peter Russell, an experienced FTSE 100 IRO at Rentokil Initial and Avast. Peter shares what he's learned throughout his career in IR, and why the role is far more human than people expect. We hear about his experience managing some of IR's toughest challenges, such as dealing with activist investors, maintaining investor confidence through leadership changes and communicating effectively during periods of share price pressure. Peter explains why staying calm matters more than shouting louder, and how IR becomes a steady point of connection when businesses need it the most. You'll also hear Peter's thoughts on measuring success in IR, including why you need hard metrics and soft sentiment, and practical advice on everything from getting feedback from investors to presenting to the board effectively. In This Episode Quotes: Resources Connect with Peter on LinkedIn

In this episode of Enquire, Clara is joined by Andrew Foster, Chairman of Corporate Broking at Morgan Stanley, to unpack how the UK’s uniquely British corporate broking model has evolved, and what that evolution means for boards, IR teams and listed companies today. Drawing on a career that spans regulation, investment banking and decades advising FTSE 100 companies, Andrew offers a clear-eyed view of what corporate brokers can and crucially cannot do in modern equity markets. What you'll learn in this episode: Quotes: Resources: Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

In this episode of Enquire, Ross Hawley reflects on a 34-year career spanning banking, hedge funds, sustainability and senior IR roles across multiple FTSE companies. Now leading IR at Zigup plc, Ross discusses how credibility is built through judgment, clarity and a deep understanding of the business. He shares practical insights on crisis communication, capital markets days, narrative development, and why the IRO must balance facilitation with authoritative communication. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping investor behaviour, what companies must do to make disclosures machine-readable, and why authenticity and long-term thinking remain central to effective IR. What you'll learn in this episode: Quotes: Resources: Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

In this episode of Enquire, Rae shares insights from 36 years as an analyst covering both financial and tobacco stocks. He discusses how regulation, ESG pressures and shifting investor psychology have reshaped the market, and why clarity of messaging remains critical for listed companies. Rae explains what fund managers truly value, how AI is changing research, and why the UK market needs a re-rating to stay competitive. From pre-IPO preparation to effective results-day communication, this conversation offers practical guidance for IR teams and candid reflections on the future of equity research. In this Episode: Quotes: Resources: Connect with Rae on LinkedIn

UK capital markets are undergoing their biggest regulatory transformation in a decade, and the FCA joins Clara Melia to break down exactly what’s changing, why, and what it means for issuers, sponsors, and IR teams. Sarah Hone, Daniel Holmes, and James Hunt explain the FCA’s shift toward a more disclosure-based regime designed to improve competitiveness, speed up transactions, and maintain high standards of market integrity. They discuss the new single commercial company listing category, the removal of certain shareholder approval requirements, aggregated short selling disclosures, and the sweeping prospectus reforms arriving in January 2026. The conversation also tackles day-to-day disclosure challenges, from leaks to late results to complex M&A situations, as well as the regulator’s increasing focus on ESG, greenwashing, and technological change; including the safe use of AI in reporting and capital markets activity. Packed with practical guidance, real-world examples, and forward-looking insight, this episode is essential listening for anyone shaping or operating within the UK’s listed company ecosystem. In This Episode: Quotes: Resources: Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn Connect with James on LinkedIn FCA changes to the UK Short Selling Regime: consultation materials

In this Enquire episode, Clara sits down with Oskar Yasar, Managing Partner at Broome Yasar Partnership and author of The Global IR Revolution. With three decades in capital markets and more than 580 senior IR and corporate affairs appointments, Oskar is an influential voice in investor relations talent and leadership. Oskar shares how IR has transformed from a back-office function into a strategic, board-level career path and why today’s IROs are increasingly moving into financial planning and analysis, strategy, corporate affairs, and CFO and CEO roles. He discusses the perfect storm of talent shifts, why boards now treat IR as mission critical, and how personal branding can make or break a candidate’s chances in a competitive landscape. From compensation trends and career pathways to interview techniques and the impact of AI on the profession, this conversation offers an inside look into what great IR really looks like and what ambitious professionals should do next. Whether you’re early in your IR journey, a senior director evaluating your next move, or a business leader shaping your company’s IR strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights and future-facing perspective. In This Episode: Quotes: “What makes great IR isn’t just company messaging. It’s personal brand, presence, and ambition.”“We are in the middle of a perfect storm: boards suddenly recognise the importance of IR just as a newer breed of ambitious, sophisticated candidates are entering the profession.“If you want to move into IR, you have to do the work: read the book, join the IR Association, go to events, meet people.”Resources Connect with Oskar on LinkedIn The Global Investors Relation Revolution by Oskar Yasar Broome Yasar Partnership Insights

Enquire recorded live in front of an audience of IR professionals and listed company leaders. Clara Melia hosted the panel discussion and sat down with three seasoned fund managers to discuss how companies can attract capital in today’s changing equity market. Meeting the Panel The discussion brought together Natalie Bell from Liontrust Asset Management, Thomas Moore from Aberdeen, and Rae Maile from Panmure Liberum. Each offered their perspective on UK equity markets, from the shift away from quantitative easing to the current valuation opportunities emerging from sustained outflows. The panel explored what's working in UK capital markets today, despite the well-documented challenges. They discussed where international investor interest is strongest, how market reforms are impacting transactions, and what gives them optimism for the future. The conversation also touched on practical concerns for IR teams, such as how to manage investor expectations, the role of AI in investment analysis, and early signs of IPO market recovery. Throughout the discussion, the panellists shared advice on how companies should communicate with investors, including Rae Maile's "three numbers" concept for simplifying complex results announcements and Thomas Moore's views on why in-person meetings still matter. In This Episode: Quotes: “It’s quite interesting to see some more international interest. People are starting to think about their allocation decisions and concentration in the U.S. and feeling a bit more uncomfortable about that. That’s a great opportunity for the UK market.” – Natalie Bell“There are three numbers that people care about. They want to know what’s going to happen to forecast on the day, whether it’s good enough that there’s an upgrade or whether it’s bad enough for a downgrade. That’s what the market cares about and the most value I can offer to fund managers in a busy results season.” – Rae Maile “Since AI took off, we’ve seen a dramatic derating in companies that were supposedly bulletproof. As fund managers, we’ve got to learn that technology can be very powerful if we embrace it, but it can also disrupt industries, and we’ve got to be very careful of what we pay for those.” – Thomas Moore Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-bell-2830a733/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-moore-68bb1313/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rae-maile-74569a14/

How is IR changing? The truth is that IR varies so much across different countries, industries, and companies, there’s no short answer. To get a broader overview of the trends in IR, we welcomed an experienced IR journalist to this episode. An Outside Perspective of IR Today Laurie Havelock, Editor of IR Impact (formerly IR Magazine), shares his unique journalistic perspective on covering IR stories and industry insights for over 12 years. We begin by taking a walk through Laurie’s career and the biggest changes he’s noticed in IR since he first began. He’s seen shifting markets, the rise of digitisation and AI, regulatory changes, and regional differences impact IR over the past few years and explains how IROs have adapted. Laurie also breaks down some of the most interesting points from IR Impact’s recent research on international IR, including the biggest differences between Asian, North American, and European markets. You’ll also hear about research into IR skills, preferences for capital markets days, and why face-to-face events and roadshows are still a big focus, even in the age of virtual communication. In This Episode: Quotes: "IROs are treated with much more status and significance these days... there's much more widespread recognition that IROs are becoming leaders in their organisation in their own right.""I think having AI skills is just going to set you apart... But the top skills that IROs themselves identified as crucial are still the soft skills. It's a relationships business at the end of the day.""86% of companies that we surveyed in 2024 did a roadshow of some kind... and only 4% of those did a virtual-only event. So clearly, seeing people face to face is still a big focus."Resources: Connect with Laurie on LinkedInLearn more about IR Impact

What are fund managers really looking for when they sit down for a management meeting? Financial metrics may seem like an obvious choice, but in this episode, we hear why companies need to think beyond the numbers and present a broader view for fund managers to assess. Financial Metrics Aren’t All that Fund Managers Are Interested In Joining this episode is Gervais Williams, Head of Equities at Premier Miton Group, and fund manager for several small to mid-cap funds based in the UK. Gervais takes us through his career history, his views on UK equities today, and why he’s optimistic about the future. We hear his thoughts on why IR teams are likely to become more important than ever, what makes a perfect meeting, how he researches new companies before investing, and his predictions for the next 12 months. In This Episode Quotes: “I'm very interested in how the company tells its own story. How does it tell its own story to its staff? How does it tell its own story to its customers and the shareholders?”“Presentations are loaded with financials. I think they're more suitable in many cases for analysts who are writing notes, and not very well targeted for managers. I'm interested in some of the financial metrics, but that's only a small part of what we're looking for.”“I would love IR and management teams specifically to be very happy to articulate differences and say, “a lot of people are going in this direction, we think that's less important. We think these things are more important” instead.”Resources: Connect with Gervais on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gervaiswilliams

The small-cap market across Asia is seeing strong growth, with healthy company profits and an active IPO space in emerging markets like India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. To learn more about the equity scene in Asia and how to engage with global investors, we spoke with Gabriel Sacks, Investment Director at Aberdeen. Gabriel brings 17 years of emerging markets expertise and offers advice for all IR professionals working with global investors. Challenges and opportunities in the growing Asian market Gabriel started his career with Aberdeen back in 2008 as a research analyst and portfolio manager on a range of Emerging Markets equity funds, including a Frontier Markets strategy. Today, his primary responsibility is as lead manager on the Aberdeen Asia Focus investment trust, which aims to give investors exposure to a portfolio of high-quality smaller companies across Asia that are otherwise very difficult to access. We talk about the differences between many of the countries that Gabriel works with and the four primary variations that anyone working across Asian markets needs to know. Gabriel talks about how the markets are looking in today’s turbulent geopolitical climate, and why he’s optimistic about growth. We hear his advice on how to communicate with company boards and investors, why face-to-face meetings are still the best meeting option, and how he’s using AI as a productivity tool. In This Episode Gabriel explains the primary focus of the fund he manages The three things he looks for when selecting stocks Why Asia’s IPO market is particularly active The resources he turns to when researching companies How he interacts with companies and private investors The four variations across Asian markets that IROs need to know about Advice for management teams and IR on narratives and providing feedback Quotes: "Sometimes you don't need access to management if you have a very strong IR... they're often better at communicating than the management team." "Create a nice long-term narrative, but in the short term, maybe be a little bit more conservative on the guidance or at least very transparent and clear about what you're communicating." "Some of the best meetings are sometimes when you've never met a company... the management or IR just relay the business strategy and narrative in a very clear manner."Resources: Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn

Is debt IR really that different from working in equity investor relations? While there are some key differences that make up a debt IROs typical role, there are more similarities than you might expect. Debt and Equity IROs Are On the Same Team (With Different Audiences) In this episode, we welcomed Angela Catlin, previously the Head of Investor Relations, Corporate Affairs and Brand at The Co-operative Bank and currently Chair of the Debt IR Steering Group of the Investor Relations Society. Joining her is Equitory’s Matt Lee, our Director of Investor Relations, to give his perspective on debt IR. Both have experience in equity and debt IR and share their thoughts on the key differences, how to manage relationships with rating agencies, and why an always-on approach is the best IR strategy. You’ll also hear about what an equity IRO would need to do to adapt to debt IR, and how measuring success on the debt side is typically easier. In This Episode Quotes: Resources: Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

Can you really build meaningful investor relationships through a screen? Zoom and Teams calls have been an invaluable tool in the past few years, but is there an overreliance on remote communication in IR today? Paul Measday, Head of Investor Relations, Ashmore Group plc, joins the podcast to talk about his career and thoughts on IR as a whole. In his view, IR is still a “contact sport,” and traditional relationship-building is critical to successful IR. IR in the digital age In this episode, Paul shares his perspective on IR as a team of one in his role at Ashmore Group plc. Previously working as an equity analyst with Cazenove/JP Morgan Cazenove, he qualified as a chartered accountant with Ernst & Young and has an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from Exeter University and the University of Liège. With experience across multiple areas of finance and capital markets, he brings knowledge and experience of equity research, covering banks through multiple market cycles. We hear his thoughts on the practical challenges of managing roadshows and proxy voting, and why he believes traditional relationship-building is critical, especially when building new relationships with investors. He discusses Ashmore Group’s strategic approach to investor targeting, their approach to conferences, analyst relations, and the importance of understanding your company’s investment story. His biggest tip for those thinking about a career in IR is to gain experience in different areas of capital markets and finance to bring something unique to the role and gain credibility across your company. In This Episode: Quotes: "Asset management, the capital markets, it's a contact sport, right? You need to meet people.""You can have a Zoom call or some other sort of virtual interaction with a fund manager. If they're a shareholder, it is a good tool because you've already built that relationship. But if you're trying to establish a relationship, everyone will be very polite on the video call, but I'm not sure it leads to anything meaningful.""In order to gain credibility, bringing some relevant experience and industry knowledge lets you carve out a slightly different role for yourself under the IR banner so that if you're in the meeting with the finance director and you've only been in IR for a year, you have a role to play in that meeting.”Resources: Connect with Paul on LinkedIn

Every IR team wants to hear good feedback from investors. But it’s the negative feedback that has the most value. In this episode, you’ll hear Dan Homan, Investor Relations Director at Currys plc, explain why honesty and genuine two-way conversations between IR and investors are a must to achieve continuous improvement in IR efforts. Investors value honesty above all else Prior to joining Currys, Dan was a Director at Citi Investment Research where he was a lead analyst on top-ranked teams covering the European Retail sector. Alongside Investor Relations, Dan has responsibility for UK strategy, property and the Group's defined benefit pension scheme. He joins Enquire, the Investor Relations Podcast to shed light on Currys’ approach to investor relations, communication with the board, and hosting capital market events. We hear about the challenges that his team and Currys has faced over the past few years, including a takeover bid from Elliot Advisors and company restructures. Coming from the sell-side and now working alongside other departments such as property, Dan brings a lot of additional insight into different areas of the business that he says make him better at IR. Dan shares his approach to shareholder management, working with brokers and analysts, and why he actively seeks negative feedback from investors. He also explains his thoughts on what makes someone good at IR and advice for anyone considering it as a career. In This Episode: Quotes: “A number of listed companies forget to tell their equity story regularly enough. At full year updates and interims, they’d just be giving an update on results and assuming everyone knew what they were trying to do as a company.” “I’m very interested in the negative feedback. It can sometimes be difficult to hear, but it’s the most important stuff that we can action.” "You need a ruthless focus on simplicity. The simpler you can make the message for the market, the more that investors are going to appreciate you."Resources: Connect with Dan Homan

When done right, the collaboration between analysts and investor relations professionals can transform how a company's story is told, understood, and valued by investors. In this episode, we speak with Ciarán Donnelly, Technology & Media Equity Research Analyst at Berenberg to hear his insights of the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector. Consistency, Availability, and Proactivity: An Analyst’s IR Wish List Ciarán shares stories from his decade-long career in investment banking. You’ll hear what a typical day looks like for him, from dissecting results day announcements to communicating with IR to running global roadshows. We hear what Ciarán would most like to see from IROs when it comes to assessing his modelling approach and why he thinks that IR should be involved far earlier in the process when it comes to an IPO. While there’s been some negativity about the UK market, Ciarán is confident that things are looking up and explains why many analysts like him have an optimistic view of UK equities. As a topic that affects Ciarán’s sector a great deal, we discuss how AI is impacting both his role internally and the companies he researches. We hear his take on AI in the wider TNT market and why it can be a productivity enhancer. In This Episode Quotes: "We are starting to see practical examples of where [AI] is either benefitting or changing business models." “The equity story is hugely important to whether or not an IPO gets done. If an IR professional can be in situ in a private company even 12 months in advance, I think that is a really good opportunity.” "There's always going to be demand for quality assets and there is a lot of quality assets in the UK. So we think you're likely to see that trend continue in 2025 and beyond." Resources: Connect with Ciarán Donnelly

Seismic shifts in the markets and the wider geopolitical environment have become top discussion points for IR, fund managers, and investment companies. But are these shifts the norm or simply blips? Mitesh Sheth, CIO of Multi-Asset at Newton Investment Management Group (“Newton”), discusses his take on the current markets in this episode. Expect the Unexpected in the Market Mitesh’s varied career has given him unique insight across different areas of investment management. Beginning as an actuary, he later moved into roles including Head of Fixed Income and Director of Business Innovation at Henderson Global Investors and then Director of Strategy and CEO at Redington. As the Chief Investment Officer of Multi-Asset at Newton, Mitesh has oversight of Newton’s multi-asset and fixed-income teams based in London, as well as Newton’s quantitative multi-asset solutions team in San Francisco. Mitesh shares his perspective on what he describes as the new macro regime and explains that while volatility has brought big changes to markets, change has always been inevitable. His warning for anyone in investment management is to not become complacent with what the “norm” is, because it’s changing all the time. Mitesh also shares advice for IR professionals on how to communicate better with investors and fund managers and how to protect against volatility expected through the rest of 2025. In This Episode Quotes: "You're not trying to predict the future. You're trying to prepare for different future scenarios and ensure that clients' assets are protected, and their goals are met somewhat regardless of different scenarios." "The best IR professionals are meaningfully additive to the share price." “Trust is more important than ever before... And ultimately trust comes down to not over-promising.” Resources: Connect with Mitesh Sheth

Are we overlooking the UK equity market? It hasn’t incited the same level of excitement as the growth in the US market, but that doesn’t mean investors should disregard it. As Wes McCoy explains in this episode, even long market cycles come to an end, so are you prepared for what’s next? Is UK Equity Due for a Comeback? Wes is the Senior Investment Director at abrdn and has over 20 years’ experience in various roles within UK equity. He sits down with us to talk about why he thinks the UK market is overlooked but also why this could pose a great opportunity for investors planning for the long term. We hear a bit of Wes’ backstory as he takes us through the highlights of his career journey to where he is today and how he came to build his fund that oversees 35 stocks. Wes explains the realities of market cycles and tells us the best and worst investments he’s made over the years; plus the biggest lessons each experience taught him. Wes also shares some important advice for IR professionals on how to communicate better with investors and why trying to be everything for everyone is the wrong move. In This Episode Quotes: “I’m a believer in value versus expensive.” “Look out for a manager who owns their mistakes and attributes some of their success to luck. That's usually the right blend, not the other way around.” “If companies can explain [their value] to you exceedingly well, it usually means they explain it well to customers and employees. The people that nail that are the people that have authenticity and don't put on different faces and masks for different audiences.” Resources: Connect with Wes McCoy

What can we expect in 2025 when it comes to the UK equity market? While there have been challenges and volatility over the past few years, 2025 seems to be a promising start for companies, investors and IR professionals alike. Are Things Looking Up in UK Equity? Joining this episode is James Lowen, a Senior Fund Manager with 30 years’ industry experience at J O Hambro Capital Management, where he co-manages the J O Hambro Capital Management UK Equity Income Fund. James offers a broad perspective on the UK equity market in its current state and shares four key reasons why we should be optimistic this year. We discuss the various geopolitical issues impacting the market and his advice for IR professionals and companies trying to navigate the changes. We hear James’ view of what makes a perfect shareholder meeting, his advice for companies presenting to current and potential investors, and what IR managers can do to form greater relationships with investors. In This Episode Quotes: “I think companies have to be audacious in this world of low valuation.” “I think this is the most interesting time, probably in the 20 years we've been operating, and that's why we're quite fired up at the moment.” “More communication is good. We don't like where companies just pop out their results meeting twice a year. We'd like them to do things in the middle.” Resources: Connect with James LowenThe Long & The Low of it