Institutional Investors in AIM Breakfast 2011

On Thursday 20^th October Julian, Jo, Quincy and Oliver attended the Institutional Investors in AIM 2011 breakfast, organised by Vitesse media.

Whilst the equity markets have continued to be incredibly volatile, the fact that Vitesse’s report revealed that institutional investors still have some £37.3 billion invested in AIM, up from £32.7 billion last year, should give all those involved within AIM some much needed confidence leading into next year.

With the continued malaise within the eurozone, it should not come as much of a surprise that institutions such as Blackrock and Henderson Global Investors are focusing their investments on emerging markets. Africa in particular, with its wealth of natural resources and minerals, has attracted a lot of investor interest, similarly, Asia and South America.

Following the presentation of the report, the breakfast provided all the attending advisers with an opportunity to network and it was great to see lots of familiar faces. The concluding remark of the report, that 54% of AIM is still owned by institutions, reiterated to all that even in tougher markets, there remains an active investor interest in growth companies with strong investment stories and quality management teams.

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LSE Chief advocates for SMEs

“There are 21.7 million people unemployed in Europe, and 23 million SMEs. If each SME were able to take on one more person…?This is why governments across Europe must look at all they can do to assist SME growth; these businesses are the essence of our future prosperity,” said Xavier Rolet, CEO of the London Stock Exchange last night at the AIM annual awards ceremony.

This year, the old Billingsgate Fish Market (built in 1874) hosted the event, which has arguably the best views of Tower Bridge in the city. Over 1,300 guests attended the dinner, comprising  AIM quoted companies, NOMADS, brokers, accountants, lawyers and public and investor relations firms, making it the largest AIM gathering in the City. Sponsors of the event ranged from Argus to Zeus. And the overall winner of evening, taking the Company of the Year Award was May Gurney.

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IPREX EMEA Fall Meeting, Stockholm

I have just returned from IPREX’s EMEA Fall Meeting in the beautiful city of Stockholm. Based on the topical theme of Digital PR and The New Web, the meeting provided thought provoking insights into future developments and ways of practice.

The opening evening provided an idyllic combination of great food, wine and engaging conversations, a trend that lasted throughout. Peter Ericsson, a former IPREX partner, gave a talk on the rise and fall of PR, a subject of great relevance in light of the current economic climate. He took the group back to past events that led to the unfortunate closing of his firm in one week. Peter advocated the need for internal crisis plans as a form of security.

Highlights included a talk by Jim Walsh of Walsh PR via Skype. Jim discussed how a small PR firm can tackle the challenge of managing digital and online programs for clients. His independent research revealed that agencies are split on their approach: half hire a ‘guru’ on either a full or part-time basis, while the rest upgrade current staff skills to meet new demands.

Nicolas Merigeau of New Cap shared details of how his firm handled recent challenges regarding digital PR and crisis communication, emphasising the importance of online interaction. Nicholas used the example of Air France’s neglecting of online comments from customers regarding the price rise on flights from France to
Japan.

The full group in Mariatorget Square on Saturday afternoon

Beata Wickbom suggested that companies should see social media as an experiment, and that those who do are the most successful in the space. She believes that companies should focus on appealing to users’ emotions when operating in such a social environment.

A big thanks to Johan Wetterqvist of Spotlight PR and the EMEA team for hosting a highly beneficial event, with much to take away from.

It is well advocated that the communications landscape is becoming increasingly digitalised, as companies seek to offer multi-layered services. Every aspect of how we exchange information is feeling the impact of the technological revolution. Therefore, we as PR professionals must follow suit, and adapt to meet our client requirements.

With Facebook Inc., projected to float at US$100bn, it really does put the prominence of new media into context.

Henry Harrison-Topham, Managing Director

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