James Murdoch looks discusses Good Governance and how it relates to the number and role of Directors

The Coronavirus lockdown decimated economies all over the planet, but while some stock markets are showing signs of recovery, the UK’s FTSE 100 is taking longer to bounce back. Since falling to its lowest point in March, the FTSE 100 has climbed by 23%, which seems impressive, until you compare it with other global indices. Both the Nasdaq and Dax have risen by over 50%, while other key markets, such as China’s CSI 300, have also significantly outperformed the FTSE since the pandemic hit.

Norgrove Building Supplies, based in Kidderminster, has secured a significant investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) Equity Finance Fund, managed by Midlands-based venture capital firm Midven. The well-established business specialises in supplying a wide range of building materials to the construction sector. In 2017, the company was acquired by entrepreneur Jack Norgrove and since then has grown its site capacity and product range.

NatWest has announced the appointment of Solange Chamberlain as Chief Operating Officer for its Commercial Banking arm. 

Drover, the European leader in car subscriptions, announces a £20.5 million investment. The investment has been co-led by new investors Target Global, RTP Global and Autotech Ventures. Additional new investors are Channel 4 Ventures and Rider Global. Existing investors Cherry Ventures, BP Ventures, Partech, Version One and Forward Partners also participated in the round.

Coconut, the smart banking, accounting and tax tool aimed at entrepreneurs and small businesses, has raised over £2.4m in its latest crowdfund - beating its target by 350% - and has launched a new service aimed at taking the pain out of filing accounts as part of its new RBS BCR Pool E bid.

Covid-19 has disrupted every aspect of human life. This global threat has spurred us to reconsider priorities and heightened the importance of social justice and preservation of the planet. But if it is to be the catalyst that drives change towards a more sustainable world, what role will governments, companies and individuals be required to play? NN IP identifies new ‘unknowns’ that responsible investors will increasingly need to take into account in their decision-making.

Opinium today unveils the Top 100 Most Connected Brands in the UK. Now in its third year, the ranking is the first ever Index to be compiled by exclusively from consumer feedback. Opinium interviewed 6,000 consumers, collated 10,000 spontaneous brand mentions and facilitated 96,000 brand reviews to identify the 100 Most Connected Brands in the UK: those that have succeeded in becoming indispensable to consumers’ daily lives. These brands challenge conventions, build unbreakable bonds and define how consumers interact, whilst remaining true to themselves.

 CyberSmart has raised £5.5 million in a heavily oversubscribed Series A funding round led by VC firm IQ Capital and respected cyber security and tech entrepreneur investors. The funding will be used to fund the growth of the company, which enables small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to combat the constant threat of cyber-attacks and increasing regulation in an ever-evolving technological landscape and increasingly connected digital operating space.  

Macomics Ltd, an immuno-oncology company with world-leading expertise in macrophage biology, launches today with a £3.2 million seed financing round led by transatlantic VC Epidarex Capital, with the Scottish Investment Bank, the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise, also investing. Company formation and in-licensing of the technology has been facilitated by Edinburgh Innovations, the commercialisation service for the University of Edinburgh. Macomics, which was spun out from the University of Edinburgh, will use the proceeds of this fundraising round to develop novel, first-in-class immunotherapies designed to modulate macrophages, increasing the body’s immune defence against tumours. 

SDG500, a pioneering USD$500 million investment platform dedicated to helping achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has secured a new EUR 5 million commitment from the Government of Côte d'Ivoire. Lacina Koné, the Chief Executive Officer of SmartAfrica, made the announcement in a tribute address honoring the former Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire and his mentor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who passed away on July 8 2020.