Informed 127 – Summer 2025

The main feature in this issue of Informed reports on the 2025 annual conference, 'Alive and Kicking: Staying relevant in IR' – and includes write-ups of each keynote, plenary and sponsored breakout session, plus photographs from the event.

Informed 127 - cover

Alive and Kicking: Staying relevant in IR 
The 22-page report on the IR Society's 2025 annual conference, which was held at the IET: Savoy Place in June, and attended by more than 350 IR professionals, contains the following:

Keynotes

  • Jerry Buhlmann 
  • Marc Maley
  • Helen Gordon 

Plenary sessions

  • The future of UK capital markets: Implications for IR
  • Buy-side perspectives
  • Advancing your career: The future of IR

Sponsored breakouts

  • Pitchcraft Advisory: The power of emotional storytelling in investor presentations
  • Q4: Harnessing secure AI ir IR: A strategic imperative 
  • Rose & Company: Attracting U.S. investors: A strategic approach for UK issuers
  • QuantiFire: Insights that matter: Uncovering investor intent & opportunities in today's market
  • Broadridge: Leveraging technology for enhanced governance, sustainability and shareholder engagement

Plus a two-page spread of networking photos and a reflection on the conference feedback survey by QuantiFire's Christian Kerrigan. 

IR Society News
In her personal view, Laura Hayter announces that after 14 years at the IR Society, she is moving on, while staying in IR – and reviews an active year and the promising agenda that lies ahead; Robert Dann considers the Society's purpose, vision and values – and discusses the forthcoming re-brand; Informed is announced as finalist at at the Trade Association Forum Awards; and is shortlisted for the forthcoming Association Excellence Awards; and Jane Henderson and Sarah Bellamy, who hosted the Society’s IR Masterclass on investor engagement report on the key takeaways.

The Secret IRO 
In an article titled 'Dear CFO, don't forget to ask about the family...', a Secret IRO returns to offer lessons to their former CFOs.

Industry News
Liz Cole summarises the latest industry developments of relevance to the IR community; Paris Mudan reports on the latest sustainability disclosure standards; and Katie Fowler introduces the AI Company Data Initiative. 

IR Notebook
Claire Bodanis suggests how generative AI could be deployed, and what must still be done by humans; Fabrizio Palmucci explains how IROs can create a green perception premium; and Sean Bride considers how your investment case can be brought to the surface.

IR Story
Mark Hayes pens a short story about a fictional IRO, Justin, whos wisdom became critical in saving the company from ruin.  

Professional development 
Find the latest information about IR Society courses, the Certificate in IR and the Diploma in IR.

Events 
Anneka Finnane reflects on a busy first half of the year, and provides key details as plans move ahead for the IR Society's Best Practice Awards; the events calendar is updated with a fourthcoming pub quiz, IR Masterclass and networking breakfast; and members are encouraged to revisit IR Society webinars.

Services directory
The Informed IR Services Directory features 44 organisations who offer key services to the IR community.

If you have any comments on this issue, or would like to contribute to a future issue of Informed, please email Robert Dann

Published 23 July, 2025

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