BBC Radio 4 – The Bottom Line, ‘Who Owns British Companies?’, 22 February 2018

Fidelio has a track record in building Boards and leadership teams for public companies. We do this through Search, Development and Evaluation and shareholders matter deeply in this process.

As such, Fidelio’s Founding Partner, Gillian Karran-Cumberlege, was delighted to participate in BBC Radio 4’s The Bottom Line, hosted by Evan Davis. Alongside her fellow guests, John Dawson and Gervais Williams, Gillian addressed the critical question ‘Who owns British Companies?’ and what are the implications.

Over the last decade there has been a significant increase in the number of foreign shareholders owning shares in British companies. According to recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures figures, foreign investors hold over 50% of the value of the UK stock market.

Gillian brought extensive experience of engaging with shareholders globally to this discussion.  She argued that attracting capital – and in particular long-term, patient capital – is a key role for any quoted company Board. Not all international investment is short term and not all UK investors are strategic! Gillian noted that Boards resident in a given country are likely to be more sensitive to the local discussion about jobs and investment.

To listen to the debate about ownership of British companies, including Fidelio’s perspective on the implications of ownership for Board composition, please click on the following link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09rznjb.