Adrian Lawrence Podcast: Recent Episodes
Adrian
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Welcome back to another exciting episode of FD Capital's "Executive Insight," the podcast where we delve into the world of executive leadership and recruitment. I'm your host, and today we have a fascinating topic to explore—London CFO headhunters.
To start off what exactly a CFO headhunter does? A CFO headhunter, also known as an executive recruiter or executive search consultant, specializes in identifying and recruiting top-level financial executives, specifically Chief Financial Officers. They work closely with organisations looking to fill their CFO positions with exceptional talent. CFO headhunters have an extensive network and expertise in the finance industry, allowing them to identify and approach highly qualified candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities.
That sounds intriguing. Now, what makes London such a hub for CFO headhunters? London has long been recognized as a global financial center. It is home to numerous multinational corporations, financial institutions, and investment firms. As a result, the demand for top-tier financial executives, including CFOs, is incredibly high. The competitive nature of the London market has led to the rise of specialized headhunting firms dedicated to identifying and attracting the best CFO talent for their clients.
So, what are some of the key qualities and skills that London CFO headhunters look for in potential candidates? Excellent question. When seeking CFO candidates, headhunters typically focus on a combination of technical expertise, leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and industry knowledge. A strong CFO candidate should possess a deep understanding of financial management, risk assessment, and corporate governance. They should also be effective communicators and have the ability to influence key stakeholders.
I can see why finding the right CFO is so crucial. Could you walk us through the typical process that CFO headhunters follow when working on a search assignment?
The process typically begins with a detailed consultation with the client to gain a deep understanding of their specific needs, organizational culture, and strategic goals. This helps the headhunter develop a comprehensive candidate profile. They then leverage their networks, industry knowledge, and research capabilities to identify potential candidates. Once a shortlist of qualified candidates is compiled, the headhunter engages in discreet conversations to assess their interest and fit. From there, they facilitate the interview and selection process, offering guidance and support to both the client and the candidates until the ideal CFO candidate is chosen.
That sounds like a meticulous process. Now, what advice would you give to CFOs who may be approached by headhunters? For CFOs who are approached by headhunters, it's important to approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to explore new opportunities. Even if you are not actively looking for a new position, it can be beneficial to hear about exciting opportunities that align with your career aspirations. Maintain professionalism and confidentiality throughout the process, and remember to thoroughly evaluate the potential role, company culture, and fit with your long-term career goals before making any decisions.
Now, before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts or insights you'd like to share with our listeners? Absolutely. If you are an organisation in need of a CFO or a CFO considering a new opportunity, working with a specialized headhunter cangreatly enhance your chances of finding the right fit. The London market is dynamic and competitive.
To learn more about FD Capital Recruitment and our Headhunting team visit our website at https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/cfo-headhunters/
In todays episode Adrian Lawrence talks about how Reporting Accounts the popular pay as you go business credit report service is seeing strong growth again. Activity was subdued during the pandemic lockdown, but we are pleased to report impressive growth already in 2022.
Reporting Accounts are in discussion with private equity houses about a fund raise, so if you are an existing customer and would like to invest, then watch this space as they say, as the Reporting Accounts fund raise is likely to be in the news again in the near future.
To learn more about our business and our London based HQ team, visit our website which can be found at Reporting Accounts.
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence talks about how FD Capital Recruitment have added two new locations to their national coverage this week, being Derby and Brighton. The business has been running since 2018 and is based in Great Portland Street, London but following two new opportunities that started this week we now have extended our coverage to include these locations.
If you are a Business based either in Derby or Brighton, reach out to FD Capital today and we can discuss how we can help your business find the perfect Finance Director or Chief Financial Officer.
To learn more about our business please visit our website which can be found at https://www.fdcapital.co.uk
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our resident financial expert talks about the new living wage rate from 1st April 2021 and how it impacts on the economy giving Brexit and the recent pandemic lockdowns. Adrian took part in the 2020 Low pay commission review and is cited in their previous report. He discuses how the new NLW does not apply during Furlough and that some employees those aged 23 and 24 will see an 8.7% increase.
To Learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights into more than 4.9 million UK companies visit our website today at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our resident financial expert talks about Cineworld and their announcement that they will re-open their USA cinemas starting in April and their UK ones in May. They have also agreed a deal with Warner Brothers to show films in cinemas for 45 and 30 days prior to them being streamed online. This is a really positive news story as cinemas have been amongst the worse hit businesses by the Pandemic.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold insights and information covering more than 4.8million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's podcast episode Adrian Lawrence our in-house financial expert talks about the National Grid and how they have announced an asset swap deal, they are selling their UK Gas distribution assets and buying more electricity ones in their place, this increases the proportion of their revenue from Electricity and reduces the proportion from Gas. Given the UK's plans to reach net zero by 2050 this is a positive move, as it moves the company away from involvement with Fossil fuels. Electricity is a regulated area so it also increases the percentage of its revenue which is regulated.
Overall its a positive news story and one that will be welcomed by environmental groups.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we collect information and insights covering more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website which can be found at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode our resident financial expert Adrian Lawrence talks about recruiting finance a finance director or CFO for your business. FD Capital are a specialist FD recruitment business that cover London and the West Midlands areas, they offer a full range of services such as Part-Time Finance Directors, Interims and specialist areas such as Turnarounds and E-Commerce specialist FD's. To learn more about their business visit their website at https://www.fdcapital.co.uk If you need to Recruit an FD reach out to them.
Reporting Accounts holds insights and information covering more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website to find out more.
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our resident Financial expert talks about a new service launched by FD Capital, who are a specialist Finance Director and CFO recruitment business operating in London and the West Midlands. They now offer specialist Private Equity FD's who can help create pitch decks and pitch them to private equity houses.
They now also offer Turnaround FD's who have experience of Business recovery and the turning around of loss making businesses back to profit, if you need either of these skill sets or indeed are interested in finding a new role in these areas then reach out to FD Capital for all of your recruitment needs.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights into more than 4.8 million UK companies please visit our website for more details.
In today's episode from Reporting Accounts Adrian Lawrence our resident financial expert talks further about Part-Time Finance Directors, and how they can be a great resource to access particularly now following the pandemic when businesses need help to raise funds and restructure but are cautious of taking on significant costs.
We can recommend FD Capital who offer Part-Time Finance Directors in London and Part-Time Finance Directors in Birmingham. It's possible to hire an experienced financial professional to work one day per week, and they bring with them a lot of knowledge, experience and contacts which can be invaluable to a business, plus enhanced credibility with banks and private equity houses.
To Learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights intom more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website today.
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our in-house financial expert talks about Rolls Royce who have reported a £4billion loss today compared to £583m profit in the previous year. Their results are brutal but that does reflect that their model is to charge for the hours their engines are running rather than for sales of engines. The impact of the worldwide pandemic has very badly impacted on their model. The company is reducing its workforce by 7,000 people and is in discussions to sell some of its subsidiaries.
The positive news is that with the roll out of vaccines worldwide the worse is behind the company, but it will be later in 2021 before the world of international travel returns closer to normal.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we have information and insights covering more than 4.8 million UK companies please visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode our in-house fianancial professional talks about Clarks Shoes the 195 year old family owned business which announced its sale to a HK based private equity house. They have a chain of 320 high street stores and have had a tough time recently with the Lockdowns and the move to online retail. Whilst restructures have reduced costs, they are not enough for it to remain viable without investment.
Like so many similar companies Clarks just did not embrace change fast enough and now they have fallen into foreign hands. There is however huge international potential for their shoes and of course the potential for online growth, both of which their new owners recognise.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and to find information and insights into Clarks shoes and more then 4.8 million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our in-house financial expert talks about CFO's (Chief Financial Officers) and how they have seen their earnings drop from between 2020 and 2019, which given the lockdowns and Brexit should be no surprise. Our sister company FD Capital have recently entered the CFO Recruitment niche, and if you are a company based in London or the West Midlands and are looking for a Part Time CFO then we can recommend speaking to them as they are a reliable outfit which we have known for the last 3 years, and our CEO Adrian works as a CFO himself with them.
To learn more about FD Capital visit their website at https://www.fdcapital.co.uk and to find out more about Reporting Accounts we hold information and insights covering more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website also.
In today's episode of Reporting Accounts podcast our resident Financial expert Adrian Lawrence talks about our partner company London Equity Release. As their names suggests they are focussed on the London market but do take on work in the home counties and will consider any UK location if the property valuation is high enough. The criteria are that you must be 55 or above and have at least £75,000 of Equity in your property. These schemes have many advantages the biggest being that you remain rent free in your home for the rest of your life but gain access to the equity in the property which can be very significant if you lived your life in London.
To learn more about our service Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights into more than 4.8 million UK companies, please visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com.
In today's episode our in-house Financial expert Adrian Lawrence talks further about becoming a Portfolio FD, he works as the CEO for Reporting Accounts one day per week, but as a Portfolio CFO himself 3 or 4 days per week for a number of different SME clients.
At FD Capital we get regular calls from FD's interested in moving into Portfolio work, common questions include how easy is it to find Portfolio work? You need to build up a network to be fully occupied and that takes time and effort, typically a day per week needs to be set aside for networking and reaching out to build up a network within the Private Equity and corporate finance spaces.
How many days per week can I expect to work? That's another common question and the ideal seems to be 4 days per week as that allows for extra time to support clients with their requirements for year ends, budgets, forecasting and fund raises. It also allows for time for networking.
Are their networks you can join? Yes there are and FD Capital is one of them. We are actively looking for new Opportunities and FD's in London and the West Midlands. So if you are looking to Recruit a part time FD in London then reach out to FD Capital.
To find more Hints and tips to become a Portfolio FD read our blog post here.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights covering more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's podcast Adrian Lawrence our resident financial experts talks about Deliveroo and their plan for an £8billion IPO on the London stock market. Deliveroo are only 8 years old but in that time have already grown to capture around 1/3 of the home food delivery market. Their IPO timing is also shrewd coming shortly after the pandemic lockdowns means their trading will have benefited. It is also a great endorsement of London and the London Stock market as a fund raising centre.
To learn more about Deliveroo and how Reporting Accounts holds information and insights into more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our resident financial professional is talking about Part Time Finance Directors or Portfolio FD's as they are known, these are experienced accountants who work for more than one company at the same time, it's an arrangement that was more or less unheard of 10 years ago, but is now popular in the UK. Companies gain the experience of finance professional but only pay a fraction of the cost. The professionals themselves earn a good day rate and have the variety of work as an added benefit. It's also an arrangement that works well if there is a need for more of a work life balance.
To learn more about Recruiting a Part Time Finance Director or becoming one yourself then visit our partners website at FDCapital.
Reporting Accounts holds insights and information on more than 4.8 million UK companies please visit our website to learn more.
n today's episode Adrian Lawrence our in-house financial experts talks about Trustpilot. They are planning an IPO on the London Stock Market that would raise around $50 and value their business at around £1billion.
The company based in Copenhagen would become the first major EU company to list following Brexit and will re-inforce London's position and reputation as the natural choice for technology IPO's.
The LSE is reviewing its listing rules to see how it can make itself more attractive for technology businesses and the changes potentially include listing fewer shares.
Trustpilot has been in the news in 2020 as users had sued each other over negative reviews.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights into more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our resident in-house financial professional talks about Pets at Home. The retail chain which operates 451 shops across the UK, has reported full years profits of £85m ahead of their last forecast of £77m. It's the fourth time since September that the company has updated its profit forecast and that reflects that it continues to benefit from being classed as an essential retailer and has therefore kept its stores open.
It is good to hear of a positive news story in these troubled times and Pets for home has a great reputation for service. To what extent the lockdown has encouraged pet ownership is unclear once the UK returns to normal any long term improvement will become apparent, meanwhile it is a positive story.
To learn more about Pets at home and any of the 4.8 million UK companies we hold information and insight into, please visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's podcast Adrian Lawrence the CEO of Reporting Accounts talks about a newly added feature to the Reporting Accounts site, which allows users to performed advanced database searches. Advanced Reporting Accounts search can be find here: https://www.reportingaccounts.com/advanced-search
Using this new feature it is possible for example to query our 4.8 million UK company database by location and by sic code and then review all results that match your criteria. If you are looking for free marketing information or to find new suppliers this is a great way to use our database. There are many other uses for this business intelligence data and we are working on adding a user area where these search results can be saved and downloaded in excel format.
We now have a sister site dedicated just to podcasts check out castovers.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and our exciting range of free and pay as you go features visit our website today.
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our resident financial expert talks about Heathrow airport which has been in news todays as it is struggling under the burden of its £20billion of debts. Passenger numbers are down to 22million in 2020 from 80million 2019, levels not seen since the 1970's.
Heathrow is calling on the chancellor to grant them business rates relief in next week's budget and to extend the furlough scheme, it remains to be seen if the chancellor will be supportive of their rates request, though it appears certain furlough will be extended for longer in some form at least.
The airport group is also threathening the Civil Aviation Authority with legal action if it doesn't agree to it's request to increase landing fees something that will be strongly resisted by airlines.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights covering more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's podcast Adrian Lawrence our resident financial expert talks of a news story in today's press that Pure Gym Ltd are loosing £500K per day as a result of the lockdowns. They are not collecting gym subscriptions and they have staff furloughed, but unlike their competitors they run a lean model with gyms open 24 hours supported by remote monitoring and with limited staff numbers.
It is a very challenging time for the company given their levels of losses, and the news that the UK is gradually returning to normal will be very welcome news indeed for them.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights into more than 4.8 million UK companies including pure gym group Ltd https://www.reportingaccounts.com/uk/06690189/pure-gym-limited/ visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode our resident financial expert Adrian Lawrence talks about the long anticipated news today that the UK will finally begin its exit from it's third lockdown. Schools will re-open on the 8th March and non-essential retail including hairdressers and beauty salons on the 12th April.
The economy is expected to rebound strongly in the second half of the year and may regain all its lost ground by year end. There remains uncertainty around international travel as the UK is ahead of much of the rest of world in terms of vaccinations.
This is a very welcome news story as a large part of the UK economy, leisure, retail and hospitality has been shut down for a considerable part of the last 12 months.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights into more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence talks about John Lewis and their announcement of a further store closure programme. John Lewis is a well respected high street brand in the UK, and unusually it is owned by it's members rather than shareholders. Last year it announced losses of £635m and that means it has won't pay its staff a bonus for the first time since 1953. It is planning to close up to 8 of its remaining 42 store, this will be a significant blow to its loyal customers as John Lewis is often the anchor store in many town centre locations.
It is yet another sign of how damaging the pandemic and the three lockdowns are to the UK economy. There is a positive side to the announcement in that John Lewis expects up to 70% of its sales to be through its digital channel by 2025, this also highlights how retailers are increasingly focussing on their online sales channels.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold insights and information into more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website which can be found at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
companies with warehouses they expanded to cope with the surge of online sales during the UK's three lockdowns are now planning to retain them. This is a long term trend which appears to have been accelerated by the pandemic by between three and five years. If this proves to be the case then it means the traditional retail market will have a tough time when the UK returns from lockdown.
It is likely that niche retailers and those with strong digital offerings will succeed whilst those with neither attribute will struggle.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights covering more than 4.8 million companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
Moonpig group plc the recently listed greetings card online retailer reported its strongest ever week over the valentines day period. The company now expects its revenues for the year to 30th April to be around double the £173m it reported in the previous year. The shares rose 2.5% to £4.45 in early trading on Thursday.
The increase in demand saw the "strongest ever trading week in the Group's history" the company said in a brief statement.
It shows that the pandemic has had a positive impact on the groups trading as most high street competitors are closed due to the UK's lockdown. What happens once the country re-opens and life returns more to normal remains to be seen. This is still a very positive result for the company.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and to find information and insights into companies like Moonpig and more than 4.8million others, visit our website which can be found at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our resident financial professional talks about how Barclays bank is putting aside £2.1billion as a provision for bad debts. The UK and US economies have been badly impacted by the pandemic and the bank now expects a proportion of its lending during that time never to be repaid, as a result it is making a provision in its accounts to cover its expected losses.
Provision can sometimes be overly cautious and if that is the case then some of this provision will be released as a future profit, but there is also a good chance that the provision will be needed. Once Government support is withdrawn then businesses in the UK and USA will face a day of reckoning as businesses and individuals become insolvent.
To learn more about our services at Reporting Accounts and how you can use our site to monitor companies for free, visit https://www.reportingaccounts.com where you will find information and insights covering more than 4.8million UK companies.
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our in-house financial expert talks about how Companies House, the UK's Government agency that deals with the filing of company accounts, has suspended its voluntary and compulsory strike off notices. This is part of the wider Government pandemic initiative to help companies during this challenging time.
Often directors rely on postal reminders to keep their company records in order, and with the prolonged third lockdown in the UK, this is an increasing issue. So by giving companies an extra month to catch up with their admin the initiative is helpful.
What companies house is saying it that "We’ll continue to publish first Gazette notices for voluntary strike off applications to minimise the impact on those who have applied to close their company - but we will not be publishing the second Gazette notice and striking companies off during this period. For companies on the compulsory strike off path, we will not be publishing first and second Gazette notices.
Pausing our strike off processes will provide companies with more time to update their records and help them avoid being struck off the register. It’ll also protect creditors and other interested parties who might have had difficulties in receiving notices or registering an objection, or whose objections have not yet been processed."
So some positive news for those managing the company secretarial affairs of UK companies.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we make use of the data from Companies House, visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com where you will find information and insights into more than 4.8 milllion UK companies.
Today Adrian Lawrence our resident financial expert is talking about Virgin Wines, this is a company that was formerly associated with Richard Branson but was subsequently sold to a management team and private equity houses.
The company is joining the London aim market on 2nd March and is likely to be valued at £100m. As with other recent IPO's the company has traded successfully during the pandemic lockdowns as its business model is digitally based.
2021 has already been a postive year for new issues, and Virgin Wines follows on from the successful IPO's of Dr Marten's and Moonpig, both of which have been the subject of Podcasts episodes on this show.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we have insights and information covering more than 4.8 million companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode our financial expert Adrian Lawrence talks about the Pound's foreign exchange rate, which has been rising over recent weeks. There is growing optimism in the UK economy as the vaccination roll out program is on target with more than 15 million people now vaccinated, which means it is now more likely that the lockdown of retail, leisure and hospitality can end.
The other significant factor in the exchange rate was Brexit where the uncertainty was lifted before the end of 2020 when the UK reach a withdrawl agreement with the EU.
The UK looks to be able to recover faster than the EU whose vaccination program is proceeding at a far slower rate.
The exchange rate is now £1 to $1.38 with market expections of a return to the long term average rate of $1.45. The rate against the Euro has also improved to around £1 to Euro1.14.
This is positive news story as it shows there is renewed positivity about the UK economy.
Financial markets price in future events to their current prices, and the exchange rate is rising because the market expects the UK economy to recover and grow faster than others, and there is now less uncertainty around growth prospects that for the EU.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we hold information and insights into more than 4.8million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence talks about how Jaguar Land Rover are moving to an all electric range of vehicles. Their bold plan is to move completely away from Petrol and Diesel engines, and in so doing embrace the enviromentally friendly electric engine.
They will become a luxury competitor to Tesla.
Their move does make sense, as electric car sales will in time overtake Petrol and diesel and so investing now positions the company for the shape of the industry.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com where you can find information and insights into more than 4.8million UK companies.
In todays' episode our financial professional Adrian Lawrence, a former auditor himself talks about the challenges the accounting profession has faced during the three UK pandemic lockdowns.
In normal times the auditors attend on site to check accounting records and ledgers, but with the lockdown that has often not been possible, due to closure of offices, home working and staff self isolating.
The profession has risen to the challenge and has been making good use of technology to overcome the issues. For example drones have been used to remotely attend stocktakes or staff have used mobile devices to live stream from warehouses so remote auditors can take part virtually.
Companies with a stock market listing have been doing their best to stick to filing deadlines as delays cause investors to get concerned.
The professional has done a good job in the circumstances.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we have information and insights into more than 4.8 million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence talks about how digital nomads are deciding to stay long term overseas and are setting themselves up as techpats. These are long term digital nomads who decide on a country for residence and base themselves there.
Cyprus is proving popular as such a destination as it has a great climate, its part of the EU, residency can be obtained by staying 90 days per year and its corporation tax rate is very competitive at 12.5%.
When you compare that to the corporation tax rates of 40% in Germany and elsewhere you can see the attraction. Also the lifestyle in Cyprus is very relaxed and the climate good.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts visit our website to find information and insights covering more than 4.8million UK Companies.
Spotify the Swedish streaming company have been in the news today, as they are announcing their staff can work from home or an office and also have the flexibility to work from international locations.
The Spotify announcement follows similar moves by Microsoft, Twitter and Facebook. It does have implications for the broader economy as more and more companies move away from the traditional city centre office location it brings into question the viable of many businesses which otherwise rely on footfall.
Long term this is a very positive move as it allows for substantial savings in terms of office and commuting costs, it also means a different working pattern with implications for many aspects of life.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts, visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com where you can find information and insights covering more than 4.8 million UK companies.
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence talks about the team at Reporting Accounts's experience of podcasting.
We were new to podcasting in January 2021 and were uncertain of what to expect, but we have found the whole experience really enjoyable and its been straightforward to find good places to submit and publish our episodes.
Notable places discussed in this podcast include Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
Adrian also has been impressed by the services of Podchaser, Podomatic and Podcasts to name a few.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we list business intelligence information and insights into more than 4.8million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode our resident financial expert Adrian Lawrence talks about the impact Brexit is having on exporters. Export volumes are down and the EU is application of their rules is proving problematic.
Previously importers bringing goods into the UK from outside of the EU paid duty, on entry to the UK and thereafter it was duty free. However know we are outside of the EU, there is duty to pay on arrival to the UK, then again on arrival into the EU. For that reason companies are increasingly looking into direct shipping arrangements, or the formation of subsidiaries within an EU state to overcome these issues.
The uncertainty and short notice are both problems, and when combined with the disruption as a result of the pandemic lockdowns, its proving to be a real headache for UK exporters.
To learn more about our service and how we keep information on, and insights into more than 4.8million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian Lawrence our in-house financial professional talks about the announcement French Connection Group Plc (LSE:FCCN) made on Friday 5th February 2021 that they have received two approaches.
The company made a regulartory announcement that The Board of French Connection Group Plc notes the recent share price movement and confirms that it has received separate approaches from each of Spotlight Brands in conjunction with Gordon Brothers International LLC ("Spotlight") and Go Global Retail in conjunction with HMJ International Services Ltd ("Go Global") as potential offerors for French Connection Group Plc, each of which may or may not result in an offer for the Company.
The company received an approach in January 2020 but at that time rejected it as being too low, since then their share price has slumped due to the three pandemic related lockdowns which have impacted heavily on the UK retail, leisure and hospitality sectors. The company has previously stated that it is interested in takeover approaches.
Read more about French Connection Group PLC
The whole retail sector has been under pressure for a long time as the internet has gradually increased its share of retail sales. Retailers who have embraced this change and invested in their digital offerings have done very well, increasing their sales even during the pandemic whilst the companies that have neglected their online sales channels have suffered.
The pandemic has hastened the move online and many observers of the retail sector indicate that the lockdowns have accelerated the move of business online by between 3 and 5 years.
Shareholders in FCCN have seen the price of their shares fall to around 10-11p pre the end of 2020 but now are seeing a jump, On Friday the price of FCCN shares climbed to 26p and there is speculation that if either of the bids completes it may be in the range of 40-45p per share, which would be a great recovery story.
Other potential investors are believed to be considering making bids which would lead to a bidding battle.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and to find some of the information and insights we have covering more than 4.8million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's episode Adrian discusses how HMRC are waiving their usual £100 filing penalty provided tax returns are filed before the end of February 2021.
There is also the option to pay over 12 months at 2.9% APR using the time to pay scheme. It is helpful that this is available.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
Moonping the online greeting card business is celebrating today as their IPO soared above its launch price of £3.50 in early trading it reached £4.40 a rise of more than 30%, its price drifted off those highs.
This is a great news story the company was sold by its founder in 2011 for £110m and has now risen in value to be worth more than £1.2billion. It is likely to join the FTSE 250 index as a result.
There are challenges ahead as the lockdown has driven more and more high street retailers to turn up their internet marketing strategies.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
Hargreaves Lansdown the stockbroker business has been attracting younger investors its average of customer has fallen considerably, this reflects many factors including the recent buzz about investing and the success of Redit investors in the USA, but also that due to the lockdown there is less travelling and less spending of all kinds as the shops are shut and people are working from home.
Its a positive sign that younger people are active engaging with the economy as the stock market is a key funding source for growing companies.
To learn more about Reporting Accounts and how we provide insights into more than 4.8million UK companies visit our website at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's podcast Adrian Lawrence talks about Lookers plc the UK motor dealership which was suspended for 6 months following an accounting fraud scandal. This resulted in the departure of the companies chairman and CFO and their replacement with a new team of experienced industry professionals. Their auditors have also been replaced.
Their return trading accompanied by a positive RNS led to the share price jumping 83% as the market reacted positively to their cost reduction and restructuring efforts. Also trading has been ahead of expectations which is very positive considering the dealerships network has been closed for long periods during the UK lockdowns.
You can learn more about Reporting Accounts from our website which can be found at https://www.reportingaccounts.com
Dr Martens the UK bootmaker saw a successful first day of trading on Friday when it's IPO closed at £4.50, the shares were priced at £3.70 and quickly moved up to £4.25 at the opening. It's the largest IPO on the London Stock Market since September 2020 and is very welcome as it signals a return of confidence in the IPO market. The shares now trade using the LSE code DOCS
There are a number of IPO's preparing to join the market including Moonpig.
What is positive about the Dr Martins IPO is that a few years ago the company was close to insolvency before it was purchased by a private equity house who turned it around, it has a long standing reputation and almost a cult status amongst some.
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In todays podcast our resident financial expert Adrian Lawrence talks about Reddit and how a subgroup on the popular social media platform have combined together to drive up the share price of a company called Gamestop.
There is an element of revenge investing at play as some members of the group are talking openly about the losses they suffered at the hands of hedge funds during the 2008 Financial crisis and not see this as an opportunity to get their own back. Hedge funds have been short selliing Gamestop shares, which means borrowing shares they don't have, selling them, then buying them back at a lower price so they can be returned. Of course not the share price has risen hugely from around a few dollars to over $300 those short sellers face huge losses.
It is a great story but not without a downsize the share prices of the stocks concerned are now very hight compared to the financial fundamentals of the companies concerned, which likely means small investors are going to end up loosing their money.
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In today's podcast the Reporting Accounts team is talking about Rolls Royce and its Aero Engines division which has been in the news again today.
Rolls Royce's income is based on the number of hours its aero engines are in service, so with the lockdown restrictions in the UK and USA, international aviation is very limited and therefore there is a significant impact on their earnings.
The latest Covid Mutation has meant longer lockdowns and a delay to the return of normality to global aviation. Rolls Royce is indicating that this delay will likely cost it in the region of £2billion in additional lost income.
Not surprisingly the companies share price dipped on this announcement. In the longer term the price will recover but that depends on pandemic being brought under control and for the moment this now seems further in the future that anticipated last year.
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In today's podcast Adrian talks about the legal case that Dyson has brought against the EU. They are seeking £200m in compensation for loss of sales. The case resolves around energy efficiency tests which favoured convential cleaners over the bagless Dyson versions.
The case is being presented as a victory for consumers as the regulations concerned were annuled by the EU court.
Its a positive story and a victory for the innovating Dyson company.
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In today's podcast our resident financial professional Adrian Lawrence talks about the concept of a living pension, this is a new proposal from the Rowntree foundation and follows the example of the real living wage foundation, but for pensions rather than wages.
In the UK pensions are made up of the state pension which is capped at £155 per week based on 35 years of contributions and a compulsory private pension known as auto enrolment which is currently set at 8% of a band of earnings, being 4% employee 1% Government and 3% employer.
The issue is that for a 25 year old to get a decent pension the contributions need to be at least 12.5% and higher for someone older and that is based on all earnings. There is therefore a significant shortfall between the current levels of contributions and what is actually required to eliminate pension poverty.
The concept of the living pension is for employers to lead by example and encourage employees to contribute together with their employers the required 12%.
Reporting Accounts supports this approach and believe the Government is moving in this direction albeit slowly already.
You can learn more about Reporting Accounts and access our free data covering more than 4.8 million companies via our website https://www.reportingaccounts.com
In today's podcast Adrian Lawrence our in house financial expert talks about Covid news and how the new mutant variant of Covid is not only more infectious but potentially has a higher mortality rate. There is also news about the South African version of the virus which appears to be more resistant to the current vaccination versions, new versions are already being developed to combat this development.
Adrian talks about how the market has reacted to this news, and that markets being forward looking always attempt to price in the impact of any news that will impact on earnings. Clearly if retail, travel and leisure businesses are forced to remain closed for longer, or the summer holiday season is dispruted again, the this will have implications for future earnings and short term the price of stocks and shares.
The London stock market was weighted down by this news, but in the longer term pandemics pass and normality will return, it is just a question of when and to what extent the economy is damaged by this.
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In this podcast our resident Financial professional Adrian Lawrence talks about the forthcoming IPO of Deliveroo. They are expected to come to market in April 2021 in what will be something of a blockbuster stock exchange listing.
Deliveroo has benefitted from the pandemic related shift of consumer spending away from the traditional highstreet and towards the internet based home delivery businesses.
They recently appointed Lord Simon Wolfson as chief executive and who joins Claudia Arney their chairman who herself joined from Ocado towards the end of last year.
So the team has significantly been beefed up with Directors who have a proven track records, all in all this points towards a successful float. Roofoods Ltd trades as Deliveroo, presumably they will rebrand as part of the IPO.
In todays podcast our resident financial expert Adrian Lawrence FCA, talks about an interesting news story in today's financial press. Pimlico plumbers a company floated on the London stock market are requiring all new and existing staff to agree to have a covid vaccine to be able to continue to be employed or for new employees to join them.
This raises a number of interesting legal and HR issues as in the UK you can dismiss someone with less than two years service but after that they have legal grounds to object to an unfair dismissal and could refuse a vaccine if for example the have medical grounds such as being pregnant or have religious objections.
Its an interesting policy and one that many other companies may follow and indeed we might find its only possible to travel to some countries if we can prove we have been vaccinated.
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