Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast

Episode 61: Sarah Webster - How Sustainability Becomes Part of the Investment Case

In this episode of Enquire, Sarah Webster shares her perspective on the evolving role of investor relations at the intersection of strategy, sustainability and financial reporting. Drawing on experience across IR leadership and sustainability roles, Sarah explores how companies can better communicate long-term value while meeting short-term market expectations. The conversation covers ESG integration, board engagement, AI-driven disclosure and the importance of linking non-financial data to financial outcomes. A practical and insightful discussion for IR professionals navigating an increasingly complex reporting landscape. In this Episode: How investor relations connects strategy, finance and storytelling Why quarterly reporting can limit long-term communication How sustainability has evolved within investor dialogue Ways to link non-financial metrics to financial valuation How IR can influence board-level decision-making Why credibility depends on clarity and honesty How AI is changing how disclosures are consumed The importance of data quality in reporting How to build a long-term investment case What defines the next generation of IR leaders Quotes: “IR professionals need the courage to hold up a mirror to the business.” “Sustainability conversations need to move beyond values and connect to commercial reality.” “Boards need clarity on both financial and non-financial risks and how they connect.” “IR now sits at the intersection of strategy, communication and market intelligence.” Resources: Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 60: James Ashton - Advocating for the UK’s Growth Economy

In this episode of Enquire, James Ashton, Chief Executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), joins Clara Melia to discuss the health and future of the UK’s growth company ecosystem. Drawing on his background as a leading financial journalist, James provides a candid look at the challenges facing small and mid-cap boards, from the rising costs of audit and compliance to the pressures of valuation and liquidity. The conversation explores the findings of the 2026 QCA City Debate, the evolution of the QCA Corporate Governance Code, and the critical importance of better (not just more) investor engagement. James also shares his vision for London as the "capital of growth capital" and explains why a level playing field between public and private company reporting is essential for long-term market success. In this episode: How to apply journalistic storytelling to corporate communications. What differentiates "better" engagement from "more" engagement. How to balance the cost and complexity of a public listing against its benefits. Ways to effectively engage with a retail investor base. How to apply the QCA Corporate Governance Code flexibly rather than as a tick-box exercise. The role of pension reform and capital flows in supporting UK growth companies. How to manage relationships with proxy advisors during transition years. What defines a successful hybrid or digital AGM strategy. The traits that differentiate high-performing CEOs and board leaders. Quotes: "The best leaders have the purpose, authenticity, and delivery... they lead people where they've never been before, which is the future." "The absolute takeaway... it probably isn't more [engagement], it is better." "We're the second biggest asset management centre in the world, and our assets are not backing our great prospects. We need to... unite those two sides together." Resources: Connect with James Ashton on LinkedIn

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 59: Bojana Flint - Global IR: Strategy, Culture and Communication in a Changing Market

In this episode of Enquire, Bojana Flint shares her experience working across different sectors and regions, offering a global perspective on modern investor relations. From navigating a US Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) listing and engaging retail investors to adapting to different investor cultures, Bojana explains how IR operates across borders and sectors. The conversation explores AI, data infrastructure, capital markets events and the evolving strategic role of IR. A practical and insightful discussion for anyone working in investor relations in a fast-moving global market. In this episode: How IR skills transfer across countries and sectors Lessons from a US SPAC listing and cross-border communication How to engage retail investors effectively What defines Nordic investor culture What makes a successful Capital Markets Day How AI is transforming IR workflows How to measure success beyond KPIs Why adaptability is key to a successful IR career Quotes: “IR transcends borders and sectors. The fundamentals are the same, but the context changes.” “AI can process information faster, but it cannot replace judgement and context.” “IR has become far more strategic. It sits at the intersection of strategy, communication and market intelligence.” Resources: Connect with Bojana on LinkedIn

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 58: Dami Tanimowo - IR Under Pressure: Building Trust When Markets Wobble

In this episode of Enquire, Dami Tanimowo, Head of Investor Relations at Robert Walters, shares a candid perspective on building and leading an IR function under pressure. From establishing IR from scratch to navigating activist interest and AI-driven valuation concerns, Dami explains how clarity, consistency and strategic alignment build trust when markets are unsettled. The conversation explores investor psychology, disclosure strategy, board engagement and how IR success is measured when sentiment shifts. A practical and thoughtful guide for IR professionals operating in today’s complex market environment. In This Episode How to transition into investor relations from finance and strategy What it takes to build an IR function from scratch Why human psychology plays a central role in market behaviour How IR adds the most value during moments of stress How to adapt IR strategy across very different sectors What AI means for sentiment and disclosure in recruitment How to think about analyst coverage in a constrained environment Ways to gather and interpret investor feedback effectively How to engage boards with clear, relevant IR insights Why clarity and consistency matter more than ever in IR Quotes “A strong IR function comes into its own in moments of stress.” “Challenge yourself to explain why the company exists in as few words as possible.” “We are still in the foothills of understanding how AI will reshape the labour market.” “IR credibility comes from connecting market signals to strategic decisions.” Resources Connect with Dami on LinkedIn

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 57: Peter Russell - What Really Matters in Investor Storytelling? Lessons from Peter Russell

In this episode of Enquire, we're joined by Peter Russell, an experienced FTSE 100 IRO at Rentokil Initial and Avast. Peter shares what he's learned throughout his career in IR, and why the role is far more human than people expect. We hear about his experience managing some of IR's toughest challenges, such as dealing with activist investors, maintaining investor confidence through leadership changes and communicating effectively during periods of share price pressure. Peter explains why staying calm matters more than shouting louder, and how IR becomes a steady point of connection when businesses need it the most. You'll also hear Peter's thoughts on measuring success in IR, including why you need hard metrics and soft sentiment, and practical advice on everything from getting feedback from investors to presenting to the board effectively. In This Episode Why Peter describes IR as "psychology with a calculator" The human side of investor relations that often gets overlooked How IR can maintain continuity and credibility during leadership transitions Understanding what information investors actually find useful versus treating everything as key Measuring success in IR: balancing quantitative metrics with qualitative sentiment Why the numbers tell you how much you're doing but sentiment tells you how well you are doing it Board communication and the power of one-pagers The role of AI in IR and why it remains a human business Career advice for anyone moving into investor relations Quotes: "IR is far more human than people expect. One banker put it to me that it’s psychology with a calculator. Markets don’t move on mass; they move on belief. It’s your job as IR to keep that belief grounded, but alive enough to keep people interested.” "If you spend enough time inside the business with people who make it work, you can learn to tell the story, whatever the sector. I made a point of going out and talking to anyone who could explain why the company created value. Then you start to see the rhythms of the business.” "AI will probably give us some more capacity by taking on a lot of the heavy lifting and processing analytics. But it’s still way off from matching the judgement and nuance that comes from real conversations.” Resources Connect with Peter on LinkedIn

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 56: Andrew Foster - The Future of Corporate Broking; And Why IR Must Lead the Story

In this episode of Enquire, Clara is joined by Andrew Foster, Chairman of Corporate Broking at Morgan Stanley, to unpack how the UK’s uniquely British corporate broking model has evolved, and what that evolution means for boards, IR teams and listed companies today. Drawing on a career that spans regulation, investment banking and decades advising FTSE 100 companies, Andrew offers a clear-eyed view of what corporate brokers can and crucially cannot do in modern equity markets. What you'll learn in this episode: How corporate broking has changed since the “Big Bang” and MiFID Why sales force size and research coverage matter less than they used to What brokers can realistically deliver and what they can’t Why IR teams must own the equity story How to think about investor targeting and time allocation When and how to engage with hedge funds and short sellers How activism and takeover risk really develop What makes an effective broker and advisory line-up Why IR must sit at the centre of strategy How to align shareholders with long-term corporate objectives Quotes: “The question companies should ask is not what their broker promises, but what they can actually control.” “IR should be absolutely front and centre in the strategic direction of the business.” “You want critical friends, not people who just tell you what you want to hear.” “Every interaction with the market should reinforce the long-term story.” Resources: Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 55: Ross Hawley - Building Credibility When It Matters: Crisis, CMDs and the Craft of IR

In this episode of Enquire, Ross Hawley reflects on a 34-year career spanning banking, hedge funds, sustainability and senior IR roles across multiple FTSE companies. Now leading IR at Zigup plc, Ross discusses how credibility is built through judgment, clarity and a deep understanding of the business. He shares practical insights on crisis communication, capital markets days, narrative development, and why the IRO must balance facilitation with authoritative communication. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping investor behaviour, what companies must do to make disclosures machine-readable, and why authenticity and long-term thinking remain central to effective IR. What you'll learn in this episode: How a diverse career across banking, hedge funds and sustainability shaped Ross’s approach to IR What the “dual role” of the IRO really means in practice Why authenticity and structure define successful capital markets events How to communicate effectively in times of crisis What it takes to explain a complex business model clearly and consistently Practical tools for simplifying disclosure and enhancing accessibility How the buy side is adopting AI and what that means for corporate communication Why companies should avoid drafting with AI but embrace it for thinking and workflow Lessons from Zigup’s IR programme, rebrand and website transformation Advice for aspiring IR professionals and those moving from the sell side Quotes: “When your CEO or CFO is in the room, you’re the quiet facilitator. When they leave, you are the representative of the company.” “Answer the phone. How you sound really matters.” “AI will help you think, but it shouldn’t write your CEO statement.” Resources: Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 54: Rae Maile - Beyond the Numbers: Rae on Investor Psychology, Regulation and Effective IR

In this episode of Enquire, Rae shares insights from 36 years as an analyst covering both financial and tobacco stocks. He discusses how regulation, ESG pressures and shifting investor psychology have reshaped the market, and why clarity of messaging remains critical for listed companies. Rae explains what fund managers truly value, how AI is changing research, and why the UK market needs a re-rating to stay competitive. From pre-IPO preparation to effective results-day communication, this conversation offers practical guidance for IR teams and candid reflections on the future of equity research. In this Episode: How years in fund management and broking shaped Rae’s perspective on markets The real impact of MiFID II and why UK equities continue to lag • What needs to happen for the UK market to achieve a meaningful re-rating Why tobacco remains a compelling investment case despite ESG pressures How investor psychology drives valuations more than quarterly numbers The three financial metrics analysts focus on first every time What makes IR communication stand out on results day The limits of AI-generated research and where human judgement still wins Common pre-IPO pitfalls and how to prepare a story investors will buy Why site visits and candid conversations still matter in a digital world Quotes: "AI can summarise numbers, but it can’t have a view. It can’t take a CEO to lunch." “Clarity, consistency and communication. That’s what supports a higher multiple.” Resources: Connect with Rae on LinkedIn

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 53: FCA and Daniel Holmes - How the FCA balances innovation, speed, and investor protection

UK capital markets are undergoing their biggest regulatory transformation in a decade, and the FCA joins Clara Melia to break down exactly what’s changing, why, and what it means for issuers, sponsors, and IR teams. Sarah Hone, Daniel Holmes, and James Hunt explain the FCA’s shift toward a more disclosure-based regime designed to improve competitiveness, speed up transactions, and maintain high standards of market integrity. They discuss the new single commercial company listing category, the removal of certain shareholder approval requirements, aggregated short selling disclosures, and the sweeping prospectus reforms arriving in January 2026. The conversation also tackles day-to-day disclosure challenges, from leaks to late results to complex M&A situations, as well as the regulator’s increasing focus on ESG, greenwashing, and technological change; including the safe use of AI in reporting and capital markets activity. Packed with practical guidance, real-world examples, and forward-looking insight, this episode is essential listening for anyone shaping or operating within the UK’s listed company ecosystem. In This Episode: How the FCA monitors live market disclosures and coordinates across UK regulators The four pillars of the 2025–2030 FCA strategy: support growth, fight crime, help consumers, be a smarter regulator New short selling transparency rules and their impact Common disclosure pitfalls and how IR teams can avoid them The new listing regime: simplification, flexibility, and investor-focused disclosure PS25/9: What changes for issuers in the 2026 prospectus regime MAR hot spots: leaks, M&A, guidance misses, CEO transitions ESG disclosures, sustainability labels and greenwashing risks AI in capital markets: benefits, risks and FCA expectations Three practical checks every issuer should prioritise now Quotes: “Disclosure is the foundation of investor trust, and the new regime puts even greater responsibility on issuers to get it right.” “Inside information must be announced as soon as possible. You cannot offset bad news with hoped-for future good news.” “AI brings huge potential but uploading inside information into open systems is almost certainly an unlawful disclosure.” Resources: Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn Connect with James on LinkedIn FCA changes to the UK Short Selling Regime: consultation materials

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 52: Oskar Yasar - Compensation, Trends and How to Stand Out in Investor Relations

In this Enquire episode, Clara sits down with Oskar Yasar, Managing Partner at Broome Yasar Partnership and author of The Global IR Revolution. With three decades in capital markets and more than 580 senior IR and corporate affairs appointments, Oskar is an influential voice in investor relations talent and leadership. Oskar shares how IR has transformed from a back-office function into a strategic, board-level career path and why today’s IROs are increasingly moving into financial planning and analysis, strategy, corporate affairs, and CFO and CEO roles. He discusses the perfect storm of talent shifts, why boards now treat IR as mission critical, and how personal branding can make or break a candidate’s chances in a competitive landscape. From compensation trends and career pathways to interview techniques and the impact of AI on the profession, this conversation offers an inside look into what great IR really looks like and what ambitious professionals should do next. Whether you’re early in your IR journey, a senior director evaluating your next move, or a business leader shaping your company’s IR strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights and future-facing perspective. In This Episode: Oskar’s career journey from financial communications to global IR headhunter, and how IR has evolved into a strategic, board-level discipline What defines a top-tier IRO today, from rising expectations of leadership to a deeper, more competitive talent pool shaped by bankers, analysts and high-EQ communicators How the IR function has transformed over the past decade amid activism, globalisation and greater CEO/board involvement in hiring Compensation trends post-COVID, including salary inflation, negotiation tips, and why companies often underestimate the cost of securing elite IR talent The power of personal branding in senior IR roles and the common pitfalls Oskar uncovers through his interview “trap" Emerging career paths for IR professionals, including increasing movement into strategy, financial planning and analysis, corporate affairs, CFO and even CEO positions Practical advice for candidates to stand out, from networking and professional development, to using headhunters as strategic partners in long-term career planning Quotes: “What makes great IR isn’t just company messaging. It’s personal brand, presence, and ambition.” “We are in the middle of a perfect storm: boards suddenly recognise the importance of IR just as a newer breed of ambitious, sophisticated candidates are entering the profession. “If you want to move into IR, you have to do the work: read the book, join the IR Association, go to events, meet people.” Resources Connect with Oskar on LinkedIn The Global Investors Relation Revolution by Oskar Yasar Broome Yasar Partnership Insights

• Transcript
• Chapters

Episode 51: A Live Panel Discussion - Attracting Capital in Changing Equity Markets

Enquire recorded live in front of an audience of IR professionals and listed company leaders. Clara Melia hosted the panel discussion, where they discussed how companies can attract capital in today’s changing equity market. Meeting the Panel The discussion brought together Natalie Bell from Liontrust Asset Management, Thomas Moore from Aberdeen, and Rae Maile from Panmure Liberum. Each offered their perspective on UK equity markets, from the shift away from quantitative easing to the current valuation opportunities emerging from sustained outflows. The panel explored what's working in UK capital markets today, despite the well-documented challenges. They discussed where international investor interest is strongest, how market reforms are impacting transactions, and what gives them optimism for the future. The conversation also touched on practical concerns for IR teams, such as how to manage investor expectations, the role of AI in investment analysis, and early signs of IPO market recovery. Throughout the discussion, the panellists shared advice on how companies should communicate with investors, including Rae Maile's "three numbers" concept for simplifying complex results announcements and Thomas Moore's views on why in-person meetings still matter. In This Episode: How the changing economic backdrop is affecting UK companies Where the panel sees opportunities in today's market International investor interest and regional differences How to manage investor expectations in challenging times The impact of AI on fund managers and investment decisions Signs of recovery in the IPO market Each panellist's key advice for companies seeking capital Quotes: “It’s quite interesting to see some more international interest. People are starting to think about their allocation decisions and concentration in the U.S. and feeling a bit more uncomfortable about that. That’s a great opportunity for the UK market.” – Natalie Bell “There are three numbers that people care about. They want to know what’s going to happen to forecast on the day, whether it’s good enough that there’s an upgrade or whether it’s bad enough for a downgrade. That’s what the market cares about and the most value I can offer to fund managers in a busy results season.” – Rae Maile “Since AI took off, we’ve seen a dramatic derating in companies that were supposedly bulletproof. As fund managers, we’ve got to learn that technology can be very powerful if we embrace it, but it can also disrupt industries, and we’ve got to be very careful of what we pay for those.” – Thomas Moore Resources: Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-bell-2830a733/ Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-moore-68bb1313/ Connect with Rae on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rae-maile-74569a14/

Episode 50: Laurie Havelock - Roadshows, Regional Differences and AI Trends

How is IR changing? The truth is that IR varies so much across different countries, industries, and companies, there’s no short answer. To get a broader overview of the trends in IR, we welcomed an experienced IR journalist to this episode. An Outside Perspective of IR Today Laurie Havelock, Editor of IR Impact (formerly IR Magazine), shares his unique journalistic perspective on covering IR stories and industry insights for over 12 years. We begin by taking a walk through Laurie’s career and the biggest changes he’s noticed in IR since he first began. He’s seen shifting markets, the rise of digitisation and AI, regulatory changes, and regional differences impact IR over the past few years and explains how IROs have adapted. Laurie also breaks down some of the most interesting points from IR Impact’s recent research on international IR, including the biggest differences between Asian, North American, and European markets. You’ll also hear about research into IR skills, preferences for capital markets days, and why face-to-face events and roadshows are still a big focus, even in the age of virtual communication. In This Episode: An overview of Laurie’s journalism career in IR The biggest changes Laurie’s noticed over his career Why IR Magazine rebranded to IR Impact, moving from publication to platform Why IROs still prioritise in-person roadshows and events Regional differences in how IR is delivered Trends in AI adoption What investors really want from capital markets days Laurie’s advice for anyone thinking of a career in IR Quotes: "IROs are treated with much more status and significance these days... there's much more widespread recognition that IROs are becoming leaders in their organisation in their own right." "I think having AI skills is just going to set you apart... But the top skills that IROs themselves identified as crucial are still the soft skills. It's a relationships business at the end of the day." "86% of companies that we surveyed in 2024 did a roadshow of some kind... and only 4% of those did a virtual-only event. So clearly, seeing people face to face is still a big focus." Resources: Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn Learn more about IR Impact

Episode 49: Gervais Williams - What Fund Managers Really Want from Management Teams and IR

What are fund managers really looking for when they sit down for a management meeting? Financial metrics may seem like an obvious choice, but in this episode, we hear why companies need to think beyond the numbers and present a broader view for fund managers to assess. Financial Metrics Aren’t All that Fund Managers Are Interested In Joining this episode is Gervais Williams, Head of Equities at Premier Miton Group, and fund manager for several small to mid-cap funds based in the UK. Gervais takes us through his career history, his views on UK equities today, and why he’s optimistic about the future. We hear his thoughts on why IR teams are likely to become more important than ever, what makes a perfect meeting, how he researches new companies before investing, and his predictions for the next 12 months. In This Episode Gervais shares his career history and opinion on UK equities today How he identifies companies that will outperform Why IR teams will become more important in the future Gervais explains his approach to managing his fund and the type of companies he looks for Why financials aren’t the only important metrics to discuss in meetings How Gervais researches companies What the perfect company meeting looks like Gervais’ outlook for the next 12 months and his advice for IR teams Quotes: “I'm very interested in how the company tells its own story. How does it tell its own story to its staff? How does it tell its own story to its customers and the shareholders?” “Presentations are loaded with financials. I think they're more suitable in many cases for analysts who are writing notes, and not very well targeted for managers. I'm interested in some of the financial metrics, but that's only a small part of what we're looking for.” “I would love IR and management teams specifically to be very happy to articulate differences and say, “a lot of people are going in this direction, we think that's less important. We think these things are more important” instead.” Resources: Connect with Gervais on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gervaiswilliams

Episode 48: Gabriel Sacks - From Storytelling to Strategy: How to Engage Global Investors

The small-cap market across Asia is seeing strong growth, with healthy company profits and an active IPO space in emerging markets like India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. To learn more about the equity scene in Asia and how to engage with global investors, we spoke with Gabriel Sacks, Investment Director at Aberdeen. Gabriel brings 17 years of emerging markets expertise and offers advice for all IR professionals working with global investors. Challenges and opportunities in the growing Asian market Gabriel started his career with Aberdeen back in 2008 as a research analyst and portfolio manager on a range of Emerging Markets equity funds, including a Frontier Markets strategy. Today, his primary responsibility is as lead manager on the Aberdeen Asia Focus investment trust, which aims to give investors exposure to a portfolio of high-quality smaller companies across Asia that are otherwise very difficult to access. We talk about the differences between many of the countries that Gabriel works with and the four primary variations that anyone working across Asian markets needs to know. Gabriel talks about how the markets are looking in today’s turbulent geopolitical climate, and why he’s optimistic about growth. We hear his advice on how to communicate with company boards and investors, why face-to-face meetings are still the best meeting option, and how he’s using AI as a productivity tool. In This Episode Gabriel explains the primary focus of the fund he manages The three things he looks for when selecting stocks Why Asia’s IPO market is particularly active The resources he turns to when researching companies How he interacts with companies and private investors The four variations across Asian markets that IROs need to know about Advice for management teams and IR on narratives and providing feedback Quotes: "Sometimes you don't need access to management if you have a very strong IR... they're often better at communicating than the management team." "Create a nice long-term narrative, but in the short term, maybe be a little bit more conservative on the guidance or at least very transparent and clear about what you're communicating." "Some of the best meetings are sometimes when you've never met a company... the management or IR just relay the business strategy and narrative in a very clear manner." Resources: Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn

Episode 47: Angela Catlin & Matt Lee - Debt IR vs. Equity IR: Are They Really So Different?

Is debt IR really that different from working in equity investor relations? While there are some key differences that make up a debt IROs typical role, there are more similarities than you might expect. Debt and Equity IROs Are On the Same Team (With Different Audiences) In this episode, we welcomed Angela Catlin, previously the Head of Investor Relations, Corporate Affairs and Brand at The Co-operative Bank and currently Chair of the Debt IR Steering Group of the Investor Relations Society. Joining her is Equitory’s Matt Lee, our Director of Investor Relations, to give his perspective on debt IR. Both have experience in equity and debt IR and share their thoughts on the key differences, how to manage relationships with rating agencies, and why an always-on approach is the best IR strategy. You’ll also hear about what an equity IRO would need to do to adapt to debt IR, and how measuring success on the debt side is typically easier. In This Episode How Angela and Matt chose IR as a career plus background on previous roles How IR has changed when supporting debt investors The goals of a debt IR programme and how this compares to equity IR The benefits of having dedicated IR capacity and consistent investor communication Best practices for communication with bond holders Tips for managing a crisis as an IRO Why equity and debt IR need to be on the same team How Equitory supports clients with debt IR What it’s like working with rating agencies Measuring success in debt IR Advice for anyone thinking of a career in debt IR Quotes: "I think this is one of the real benefits of debt IR in many ways is the measurability of your efforts because working on the equity side can sometimes be pretty tough to quantify.” Matt “Be always on, always engaging, keeping that communication going. And I think that's where having the dedicated IR professional can be really helpful.” Angela “IR does need to be well aware of everything that's happening in the business so that they can manage what they can and can't say to the market and the right way of saying things.” - Angela Resources: Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

Episode 46: Paul Measday - Why IR is Still a “Contact Sport” in the Digital Age

Can you really build meaningful investor relationships through a screen? Zoom and Teams calls have been an invaluable tool in the past few years, but is there an overreliance on remote communication in IR today? Paul Measday, Head of Investor Relations, Ashmore Group plc, joins the podcast to talk about his career and thoughts on IR as a whole. In his view, IR is still a “contact sport,” and traditional relationship-building is critical to successful IR. IR in the digital age In this episode, Paul shares his perspective on IR as a team of one in his role at Ashmore Group plc. Previously working as an equity analyst with Cazenove/JP Morgan Cazenove, he qualified as a chartered accountant with Ernst & Young and has an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from Exeter University and the University of Liège. With experience across multiple areas of finance and capital markets, he brings knowledge and experience of equity research, covering banks through multiple market cycles. We hear his thoughts on the practical challenges of managing roadshows and proxy voting, and why he believes traditional relationship-building is critical, especially when building new relationships with investors. He discusses Ashmore Group’s strategic approach to investor targeting, their approach to conferences, analyst relations, and the importance of understanding your company’s investment story. His biggest tip for those thinking about a career in IR is to gain experience in different areas of capital markets and finance to bring something unique to the role and gain credibility across your company. In This Episode: Paul shares details of his career background and the lessons he applies to his role in IR What surprised him about the transition into in-house IR Paul’s strategic approach to investor targeting How a committee-based investment process reduces risks for Ashmore Group The biggest challenges in his career and how COVID changed IR Ashmore Group’s approach to roadshows and conferences Paul’s thoughts on AI and IR tools The challenges of liaising with governance teams and proxy voting Paul’s biggest tip for people thinking of a career in IR Quotes: "Asset management, the capital markets, it's a contact sport, right? You need to meet people." "You can have a Zoom call or some other sort of virtual interaction with a fund manager. If they're a shareholder, it is a good tool because you've already built that relationship. But if you're trying to establish a relationship, everyone will be very polite on the video call, but I'm not sure it leads to anything meaningful." "In order to gain credibility, bringing some relevant experience and industry knowledge lets you carve out a slightly different role for yourself under the IR banner so that if you're in the meeting with the finance director and you've only been in IR for a year, you have a role to play in that meeting.” Resources: Connect with Paul on LinkedIn

Episode 45: Dan Homan - Why Honest Two-Way Conversations Should Be Every IRO’s Priority

Every IR team wants to hear good feedback from investors. But it’s the negative feedback that has the most value. In this episode, you’ll hear Dan Homan, Investor Relations Director at Currys plc, explain why honesty and genuine two-way conversations between IR and investors are a must to achieve continuous improvement in IR efforts. Investors value honesty above all else Prior to joining Currys, Dan was a Director at Citi Investment Research where he was a lead analyst on top-ranked teams covering the European Retail sector. Alongside Investor Relations, Dan has responsibility for UK strategy, property and the Group's defined benefit pension scheme. He joins Enquire, the Investor Relations Podcast to shed light on Currys’ approach to investor relations, communication with the board, and hosting capital market events. We hear about the challenges that his team and Currys has faced over the past few years, including a takeover bid from Elliot Advisors and company restructures. Coming from the sell-side and now working alongside other departments such as property, Dan brings a lot of additional insight into different areas of the business that he says make him better at IR. Dan shares his approach to shareholder management, working with brokers and analysts, and why he actively seeks negative feedback from investors. He also explains his thoughts on what makes someone good at IR and advice for anyone considering it as a career. In This Episode: Dan shares an overview of his career story before coming to Currys Why companies shouldn’t forget to tell their equity story The top things that surprised Dan about his transition to IR Dan’s advice on preparing for a bid defence How the IR team interact with other communication functions Currys approach to ESG How Dan hosts site visits and capital market events How Dan receives feedback from investors The best way to strengthen credibility with investors Why Dan believes KPIs are too difficult to set for IR What makes someone good at IR Quotes: “A number of listed companies forget to tell their equity story regularly enough. At full year updates and interims, they’d just be giving an update on results and assuming everyone knew what they were trying to do as a company.” “I’m very interested in the negative feedback. It can sometimes be difficult to hear, but it’s the most important stuff that we can action.” "You need a ruthless focus on simplicity. The simpler you can make the message for the market, the more that investors are going to appreciate you." Resources: Connect with Dan Homan

Episode 44: Ciarån Donnelly - Investor Relations in the TMT Sector: What Analysts Want from IROs

When done right, the collaboration between analysts and investor relations professionals can transform how a company's story is told, understood, and valued by investors. In this episode, we speak with Ciarán Donnelly, Technology & Media Equity Research Analyst at Berenberg to hear his insights of the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector. Consistency, Availability, and Proactivity: An Analyst’s IR Wish List Ciarán shares stories from his decade-long career in investment banking. You’ll hear what a typical day looks like for him, from dissecting results day announcements to communicating with IR to running global roadshows. We hear what Ciarán would most like to see from IROs when it comes to assessing his modelling approach and why he thinks that IR should be involved far earlier in the process when it comes to an IPO. While there’s been some negativity about the UK market, Ciarán is confident that things are looking up and explains why many analysts like him have an optimistic view of UK equities. As a topic that affects Ciarán’s sector a great deal, we discuss how AI is impacting both his role internally and the companies he researches. We hear his take on AI in the wider TNT market and why it can be a productivity enhancer. In This Episode The typical day of a sell-side analyst Why IR should be involved earlier in an IPO process How AI is impacting IR What makes meetings with IR, companies, and investors more productive The key attributes of great IROs when communicating with analysts Why now is the time for optimism in the UK market Quotes: "We are starting to see practical examples of where [AI] is either benefitting or changing business models." “The equity story is hugely important to whether or not an IPO gets done. If an IR professional can be in situ in a private company even 12 months in advance, I think that is a really good opportunity.” "There's always going to be demand for quality assets and there is a lot of quality assets in the UK. So we think you're likely to see that trend continue in 2025 and beyond." Resources: Connect with Ciarán Donnelly

Episode 43: Mitesh Sheth - How to Navigate the New Macro Regime and Connect with Investors

Seismic shifts in the markets and the wider geopolitical environment have become top discussion points for IR, fund managers, and investment companies. But are these shifts the norm or simply blips? Mitesh Sheth, CIO of Multi-Asset at Newton Investment Management Group (“Newton”), discusses his take on the current markets in this episode. Expect the Unexpected in the Market Mitesh’s varied career has given him unique insight across different areas of investment management. Beginning as an actuary, he later moved into roles including Head of Fixed Income and Director of Business Innovation at Henderson Global Investors and then Director of Strategy and CEO at Redington. As the Chief Investment Officer of Multi-Asset at Newton, Mitesh has oversight of Newton’s multi-asset and fixed-income teams based in London, as well as Newton’s quantitative multi-asset solutions team in San Francisco. Mitesh shares his perspective on what he describes as the new macro regime and explains that while volatility has brought big changes to markets, change has always been inevitable. His warning for anyone in investment management is to not become complacent with what the “norm” is, because it’s changing all the time. Mitesh also shares advice for IR professionals on how to communicate better with investors and fund managers and how to protect against volatility expected through the rest of 2025. In This Episode How Mitesh began his career as an actuary How being an actuary gave him longer-term perspective of markets Why learning from others has been his career north star Mitesh’s perspectives on the shifts in the “macro regime” and why change is inevitable Newton’s approach to market fluctuations Consolidation in the fund management industry How AI is changing investment management Navigating the trend of fund outflows in the UK market Predictions for 2025 Advice for communicating with investors today Quotes: "You're not trying to predict the future. You're trying to prepare for different future scenarios and ensure that clients' assets are protected, and their goals are met somewhat regardless of different scenarios." "The best IR professionals are meaningfully additive to the share price." “Trust is more important than ever before... And ultimately trust comes down to not over-promising.” Resources: Connect with Mitesh Sheth

Episode 42: Wes McCoy - What IR Should Know About Market Cycles & the Overlooked UK Equity Market

Are we overlooking the UK equity market? It hasn’t incited the same level of excitement as the growth in the US market, but that doesn’t mean investors should disregard it. As Wes McCoy explains in this episode, even long market cycles come to an end, so are you prepared for what’s next? Is UK Equity Due for a Comeback? Wes is the Senior Investment Director at abrdn and has over 20 years’ experience in various roles within UK equity. He sits down with us to talk about why he thinks the UK market is overlooked but also why this could pose a great opportunity for investors planning for the long term. We hear a bit of Wes’ backstory as he takes us through the highlights of his career journey to where he is today and how he came to build his fund that oversees 35 stocks. Wes explains the realities of market cycles and tells us the best and worst investments he’s made over the years; plus the biggest lessons each experience taught him. Wes also shares some important advice for IR professionals on how to communicate better with investors and why trying to be everything for everyone is the wrong move. In This Episode Wes talks about the challenge of fund outflows in the UK How we could reignite the London Stock Exchange The realities of market cycles Three priorities that Wes considers before investing Wes’ take on IPOs and advice for companies Red flags that would put Wes off from investing Wes shares some details of his own fund The best and worst investments Wes has made and what he’s learned What to look for in a fund manager What an ideal investor meeting looks like Advice for communicating with investors Quotes:  “I’m a believer in value versus expensive.” “Look out for a manager who owns their mistakes and attributes some of their success to luck. That's usually the right blend, not the other way around.” “If companies can explain [their value] to you exceedingly well, it usually means they explain it well to customers and employees. The people that nail that are the people that have authenticity and don't put on different faces and masks for different audiences.” Resources: Connect with Wes McCoy