Blog

ShareSoc Blog

This blog gives you the latest topical news plus some informal comments on them from ShareSoc’s directors and other contributors. These are the personal comments of the authors and not necessarily the considered views of ShareSoc. The writers may hold shares in the companies mentioned. You can add your own comments on the blog posts, but note that ShareSoc reserves the right to remove or edit comments where they are inappropriate or defamatory.

There is more news given in the News page of our web site and more analysis of news is provided in our monthly newsletter for members – see the Newsletters page.

If you would like to be notified about new posts to our blog you can opt-in to our Weekly Wrap-Up Email service. If you are a member of ShareSoc select the “Weekly Wrap-Up Email” option here. If you are not a member select the “Information and Education Services” option here.


Social Media Etiquette

Ground rules and etiquette on social media ShareSoc is appalled that threats are being made towards Sirius’ senior management and their families on social media and otherwise. The SSSG leadership team (Chris Spencer Phillips, Yashmin Ismail, Mark Jones, Ian Martignetti, Paul De Gruchy and Cliff Weight) wish to make it totally clear that we do not condone such actions. ShareSoc will ensure any such comments are removed from ShareSoc’s website and Forums it operates. Please note that making threats and libel are offences in law. Cliff ...

Sirius Update #5, 9 Feb 2020

CLARIFICATION It has been brought to our attention by Sirius that our original MP Template Letter contained certain inaccuracies. At the time of drafting the template, we had received the impression that Sirius had been negotiating the takeover with Anglo American for a year and a half, including the period covering the 15p open offer and placing. The company confirms, and we accept, that this was not the case. We would also like to clarify that our reference to a protracted marketing campaign by ...

Rio Tinto and Climate Change: Not just an NGO issue

For the AGM of Rio Tinto Ltd in Australia in May, a shareholder resolution has been tabled to: request that the company, in subsequent annual reporting, disclose short, medium...

ShareSoc Campaign has Successful Outcome at Albion

ShareSoc is pleased with the outcome of this consultation with shareholders following the shareholders 30% vote against the fee proposal at the General Meeting in August 2019. This shows:...

Sirius Update #4  5 Feb 2020

Over 700 Sirius shareholders have now joined the ShareSoc Sirius Shareholder Group (SSSG) and more are joining at a rapid rate. Please join ShareSoc and SSSG. The more members of SSSG we have, the more influential we will be. We have successfully lobbied Sirius and they agreed to meet. We have sent them a 5 page letter and they sent a detailed response. The Sirius meeting was with CEO Chris Fraser, Chairman Russell Schrimshaw and others, and happened on 4 Feb. A note ...

Change the Rules/Laws to Make it Easier to Prosecute Fraudsters

I was absolutely delighted to read that the SFO is at long last making the right noises. “End ‘antiquated’ fraud rules to make convictions easier”, says the new SFO...

Brexit and Why Shareholder Votes Matter

Last night Brexit got done. We exited the EU after 47 years. But we will need to resume the conversation to secure a trade deal. That still leaves room...

Miton UK Smaller Companies Fund In Decline

There was an interesting article published a couple of days ago by Citywire on the problems at the LF Miton UK Smaller Companies Fund. The fund is managed by...

Sirius Update #3 30 Jan 2020

586 Sirius shareholders have now joined the ShareSoc Sirius Shareholder Group (SSSG) and more are joining at a rapid rate. Pressure is mounting from the Daily Mail, with our input, for Anglo to consider options that keep shareholders engaged https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/comment/article-7922163/ALEX-BRUMMER-Sirius-Minerals-backers-shares.html and I can now report two more major press stories in the Telegraph and Yorkshire Post: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/01/27/fca-bearing-may-adios-amigo/ - It is the second article on this link and you need to register to see it. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/sirius-shareholders-get-much-needed-investor-forum-ros-snowdon-1-10223498 We have had a terrific response from the Law Commission, ...

Shareholder Rights: Positive noises from Law Commission re nominees and Sirius problems

Our most important campaign is Shareholder Rights which relates to the current problems with nominee accounts. This is so important because it impacts all our other campaigns and work...
join ShareSoc