From June 2007, changes will be made to Section 209 of the Companies Act to create an ‘opt-in' regime for annual and interim reports.

Companies will no longer need to send their shareholders a printed annual report publication, but instead will be able to direct shareholders to an electronic report. Shareholders will be required to request a printed report, in writing.

For many smaller companies in the past, a glossy, high quality printed publication has acted as both a reporting and marketing opportunity for the business. The change to the Companies Act will have an impact on how companies communicate with their shareholders and market their businesses, and there are a number of factors to consider.

We work with a number of listed companies, including Abano Healthcare Group and Dorchester Pacific Limited, and can provide you with guidance on the section 209 changes and your overall corporate communications programme.

Many companies are reporting more than they used to, but saying little. Companies need to share the things that matter – at spice communications group we help you make sense of it all and communicate your story clearly to your different audiences - shareholders, potential investors, institutions, brokers and analysts.

To find out more about how the changes to the Companies Act can benefit your business, please call Jackie on 09 3666100 or email jackie@spice.co.nz