Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast
Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast, is hosted by Equitory founder and CEO, Clara Melia. The purpose of Enquire is to bring together Investor Relations and Capital Markets professionals to share their experiences, best practice and offer listeners insights and ideas in the dynamic world of Investor Relations. Clara and occasional guest hosts from the Equitory team have the pleasure of having fascinating and informative conversations with some of the most experienced and well-respected people in the world of Investor Relations.
Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast
Episode 41: James Lowen - IR Predictions & Best Practices for the UK Market in 2025
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
- James’ career history and how fund management has changed over time
- UK equity market performance and what changes are needed
- How James engages with company management to help unlock value
- IPO market challenges and the valuation gap
- How James manages their fund
- Red flags in financial disclosure
- What makes an effective IR director?
- Best practices for companies presenting information to shareholders
- Examples of a good company meeting
- ESG trends, the impact of current geopolitics and Board interaction
- Four reasons for optimism in 2025
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.”
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