In this episode of Enquire, James Ashton, Chief Executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), joins Clara Melia to discuss the health and future of the UK’s growth company ecosystem. Drawing on his background as a leading financial journalist, James provides a candid look at the challenges facing small and mid-cap boards, from the rising costs of audit and compliance to the pressures of valuation and liquidity.
The conversation explores the findings of the 2026 QCA City Debate, the evolution of the QCA Corporate Governance Code, and the critical importance of better (not just more) investor engagement. James also shares his vision for London as the "capital of growth capital" and explains why a level playing field between public and private company reporting is essential for long-term market success.
In this episode:
How to apply journalistic storytelling to corporate communications.
What differentiates "better" engagement from "more" engagement.
How to balance the cost and complexity of a public listing against its benefits.
Ways to effectively engage with a retail investor base.
How to apply the QCA Corporate Governance Code flexibly rather than as a tick-box exercise.
The role of pension reform and capital flows in supporting UK growth companies.
How to manage relationships with proxy advisors during transition years.
What defines a successful hybrid or digital AGM strategy.
The traits that differentiate high-performing CEOs and board leaders.
Quotes:
"The best leaders have the purpose, authenticity, and delivery... they lead people where they've never been before, which is the future."
"The absolute takeaway... it probably isn't more [engagement], it is better."
"We're the second biggest asset management centre in the world, and our assets are not backing our great prospects. We need to... unite those two sides together."
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