IR Masterclass: Investor Targeting
In an increasingly global investment market it is important for Investor Relations teams to consider a wide range of geographies and investment styles when planning their annual outreach programme. Engaging with different pools of capital can help to maintain liquidity and enhance the shareholder register.
This in-person IR Masterclass will cover a selection of traditional investor bases as well as additional ones that have emerged as important considerations for UK plcs. Experts will share their insights on: US investor sentiment towards UK stocks given the perceived valuation gap, and trends post-Trump inauguration; Retail investors and the increasing importance of engaging with this stakeholder group; The evolving Middle East investor landscape and recent trend for hedge funds openings; The French investor base and how best to engage given its strong ESG focus.
The roundtable discussion format will also provide you with lots of opportunities to share thoughts and network with your peers.
More facilitators to be confirmed.
Agenda
08:30 - Registration, networking and breakfast
09:00 - Welcome and introductions
09:10 - Roundtable discussions
10:45 - Thank you and close
Networking until 11:00
Moderator: Sarah Bellamy
Investor Relations, Harbour Energy
Sarah Bellamy has worked in the IR profession for two decades. She joined the IR team at Harbour Energy in 2024 to manage their investor outreach programme, having previously spent 15 years in a similar role at NatWest Group. Before moving in-house, Sarah gained her experience on the service side of IR. In her first role she gained extensive knowledge of the City and roadshow coordination working with clients on their private client broker access. During this time Sarah gained the Certificate of IR qualification. She then spent time in corporate finance working in JPMorgan Cazenove’s IR team and project management at IR consultancy Imagination Investor Communications. Sarah has a degree in Engineering from Durham University and a Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy from University College London.
Moderator: Jane Henderson
Investor Relations Manager, BAT
Jane is an experienced IRO with both an in-house and advisory background. Jane joined the Investor Relations team at BAT in 2023, after working in the Investor Relations team at Tesco. Originally on the sell-side, Jane worked in the City for 20 years – at Citigroup (Equity Research and Corporate Access, working in both New York and London) and then Exane BNP Paribas, providing Corporate Access and IR advisory services to their corporate clients. Jane has a PhD in Animal Behaviour from Bristol University.
Guest speaker: Benoit Chastel
Director, Citi
Photo & bio to follow.
Guest speaker: Ed McDonnell
International ICM Specialist, Barclays
Ed Joined the Corporate Access and Corporate Broking teams at Barclays in 2021 to manage international product into the US and Canada. Prior to this, he was with RBC Capital Markets and Makinson Cowell Investor Relations, where he helped develop proprietary investor targeting methodologies. Ed has over 20 years of experience helping UK IR programmes in their engagement with the North American capital markets. He is a devoted father and husband and aspires to remain an avid skier.
Guest speaker: Fraser Thorne
Founder and Chief Executive - Edison Investment Research
Fraser founded Edison in 2003, building it into a leading content-led investor relations business operating across major capital markets. Prior to this, he managed Newton Investment Management’s UK Smaller Companies Fund, achieving top-decile performance. With extensive experience in equity markets, Fraser works closely with Edison’s operations across the Asia-Pacific, Germany, and the UK, bringing a global perspective to investor engagement. He holds an MBA, is a member of the CFA Institute, and serves on the board of the Investor Relations Society.
Dates
- 8.30am to 11.00am Tuesday 1 April, 2025
Location
- BAT, Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG
Open to all Members and Non-members
- Free to Members
£0 - Affiliate Members - £50 + VAT
£60 - Non-members - £100 + VAT
£120