Since the inaugural awards last year, it has been decided to rename some of the categories to reflect that the AIM Investment Awards are, unlike other AIM awards, voted for independently by investors. For example, the AIM Company of the Year award is now the AIM Investor’s Company of the Year award.
A company that has displayed a combination of everything you would want from an AIM investment: a clear strategy, strong leadership, focus on shareholder value, delivery on promises, good M&A strategy and last, but certainly not least, a strong share price performance.
For the company that has done most to give UK investors access to an attractive overseas market, and to explain why that market is attractive. We’re looking for a company that has gone that extra mile to impose UK standards of corporate governance.
To the company that has done most to keep private investors informed of developments. One that has gone further than the statutory requirement of interims and finals and has not kept private investors locked out of fund raisings etc. Consulted private investors and listened to concerns both at the AGM and at other times during the year.
The winning website will have been designed with investors in mind. It won’t simply be an add–on to a website designed to sell products, or an "off the shelf" website. It will include press releases, annual reports, accounts data and clear descriptions of both the company itself and its markets.
The company which has best communicated its message to investors, either consistently or for a particular event. Has flagged up any potential problems, changes of strategy or chances of contract wins well in advance. Has given the market realistic guidance about its prospects and listened to what investors want from the company.
A high quality company that has immediately won recognition with investors and has achieved liquidity in the aftermarket. Has offered something for new investors at floatation, such as an interesting growth story, rather than simply floating to allow existing shareholders to sell out or to incentivise staff.
The broker which has done most for investors by keeping them informed about its clients’ progress. In particular, we are looking for brokers who have promoted their clients to investors and analysts throughout the year, not just when there’s a fundraising under way. We’re also looking for the broker that has helped to improve liquidity on AIM.
The analyst (or team of analysts) that has given the most useful coverage to the investment community. In particular, we are looking for analysts who have built up coverage of non–house stocks, providing truly independent coverage in a market where such coverage is sorely lacking.
A chief executive who has shown leadership both internally and in front of the investment community. Somebody who is not just a figurehead, but actually runs the business. In particular, we‘re looking for somebody who has been able to turn an idea, an invention or a concept into an operating business with good commercial prospects.
To the company which has done most to turn an environmental idea – such as fuel cells, alternative energy generation or waste disposal – into a commercial proposition which is either already producing profits or forecast to do so soon.
Natural Resources (both mining and oil & gas) is a crowded sector, and the quality of the companies is increasingly varied. This award will recognise the company that has delivered on its promises and has turned an interesting prospect into something that is worth investing in.
Property is one of AIM’s biggest sectors, with new companies hoping to capitalise on property opportunities around the world. This award will recognise those companies which have not just spotted an opportunity, but have also exploited it to the benefit of shareholders.