The market price of oil balances the scales between success and failure for companies operating in the sector. Boards keep a close watch on the break-even price. The average break-even price in the US was estimated recently to be between $48 and $54 per barrel (with the caveat that a sustained price of less than…

May 28, 2020 Read more >

Traditionally, UK NEDs have been paid an annual cash fee, supplemented, in some cases, by additional cash for chairing or being a member of a Board committee. Participation by NEDs in annual bonus plans and performance-related share options or LTIs is opposed by investors and good corporate governance guidance. Some investors have gone even further…

May 28, 2020 Read more >

Without doubt, it is always difficult being an early adopter and trying something new. Those in new areas of the economy talk about being at the “bleeding edge” rather than the leading edge when it comes to changing things.  As we explored in a recent Article, the adoption in the UK of a Deferred Share…

May 28, 2020 Read more >

One of the things that we have seen time and time again, as advisors to a wide range of companies across many sectors, is that future success after a downturn is not measured by how you weathered the initial storm, but how you came out the other side. Frequently, success is measured by costs saved…

May 28, 2020 Read more >

Overview If your company operates a share or share option plan for employees or directors (including non-executive directors) you will need to report any awards by filing electronically with HMRC (as well as reporting the adoption of the plan if it is the first year in which awards have been made). In addition, if employees…

April 30, 2020 Read more >

Back in November last year, the Investment Association (the “IA”) came out with these dramatic words: “Alternative remuneration structures – We encourage all Remuneration Committees to evaluate their remuneration structures to ensure that they are appropriately aligned with the implementation of the company’s strategy. In recent years, there has been a growing debate on the benefits…

April 30, 2020 Read more >

There is now a singular concentration on conserving corporate cash. The Bank of England has issued a statement, falling barely short of an instruction, that banks should withhold dividend payments. Some, but not all, have complied. This is a crucial week for UK plc, as a number of the UK’s largest companies announce their results…

April 30, 2020 Read more >

PE and VC fund management teams are working tirelessly to guide and support their portfolio companies. From our conversations with our Private Equity friends and clients, for the most part their biggest concern at this time is for their investee companies. Of course, they are not able to visit them and this has created issues.…

April 29, 2020 Read more >

To all our clients and contacts: we know things are tough for businesses right now. Many of you will have done all you can to set your business up to deal with the lockdown and will now be thinking about what needs to be done to help ensure your business emerges successfully from this difficult…

April 21, 2020 Read more >

We are now living in the strangest of times, certainly the most difficult that the vast majority of us will have ever experienced. We are, for all intents and purposes, in unchartered waters as far as executive remuneration decisions are concerned. However, we at MM&K have seen major economic downturns on a number of occasions…

April 17, 2020 Read more >

Having had an opportunity to revisit the recent Budget, it really can be seen as being a mix of direct responses to the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as planning for the future (including in a post-Brexit world!).   Business Loan Scheme Of the measures designed to help with the current situation, one of the most…

March 31, 2020 Read more >

Less than half of non-executive directors say they receive timely and adequate management information; yet 79% feel that their Boards are fully effective. These are just two of the key findings from the 2020 Life in the Boardroom survey report, published by MM&K. Life in the Boardroom is unique insofar as data is collected direct…

March 30, 2020 Read more >