The Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), the representative body for the UK’s small and mid-cap quoted companies, is very pleased to announce the release of its updated Share Schemes Guidance. Nicholas Stretch, Chairman of the Share Schemes Committee at the QCA observed “these booklets are useful tools for any company secretary or chairman of a remuneration committee".
"Complying with evolving best practice and understanding the range of employee share schemes available can be a challenge for many smaller quoted companies. These companies are eager not to spend large sums on consultancy fees and cannot afford to employ a specialised share scheme manager".
The updated QCA's two related booklets, Guidance on Institutional Investor Guidelines for Share Incentive Schemes and Rewarding Enterprise: Guidance for Companies on Employee Share Schemes, aim to demystify employee share schemes for these companies. They give clear guidance on the current opportunities open to them to maximise their use of share schemes in accordance with prevailing practice. While no substitute for effective communication, liquidity in the shares, and a subsequent increase in share price and strong underlying performance, these booklets will enable companies to approach the issues in this area with confidence.
I am also grateful for David Baxter of Hewitt New Bridge Street and Robert Postlethwaite of Postlethwaite & Co for updating these booklets for the QCA, and to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) for endorsing them for our members."
Members of the QCA receive a complimentary copy of the guide. To order a copy of the guide please contact the QCA on 020 7600 3745 or visit www.quotedcompaniesalliance.co.uk.
Nicholas Stretch is a partner and head of enterprise incentives at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, a leading City law firm and a member of the QCA.
