December 2024

It has been a tough year for UK markets, looking ahead into 2025 - will it be the year that it all changes for the better?

I hope so. The UK offers the political stability that many other European economies don’t and we need to capture the opportunity with more pro-growth actions to get our markets moving. Among our membership, there are public companies developing exciting cancer vaccines, biofuels, battery technology and more. They deserve to succeed and if they do, others will follow.

What are the most significant challenges faced by directors of quoted companies in today’s market? How is the QCA supporting them through these challenges?

A lack of liquidity is top of the list. That’s why we are campaigning for pension reforms that commit to backing small and midcaps, Mansion House Compact signatories that fulfil their pledge to support AIM and Aquis stocks, the British Business Bank finally turning its attention to public companies and a retail investment strategy that lets consumers pick up company shares as easily as crypto.

What do you believe should be the New Year resolutions for our Management teams?

Join the QCA! We collectively elevate policy concerns to the desks of senior regulators and ministers and offer board training and advice. Through our events we also connect company directors with their peers to swap ideas and develop their business.

What is the most interesting thing you've watched or read recently? (We ask this to everyone)

The thinktank New Financial is a go-to source of wise thinking on capital markets reform – that’s why we partnered with them in autumn on a report focusing on smaller companies. I also made good on my resolution to read more fiction in 2024. Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting and Blue Ruin by Hari Kunzru were top picks. Plus Black Doves on Netflix.

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Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the individual financial professional(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Alma Strategic. These insights are provided for informational purposes only and may not be relevant at the time of reading, as market conditions can change rapidly. The information provided should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial product or security. Individuals should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Alma Strategic disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this interview.