Information on this page is being disclosed for the purposes of AIM Rule 26.

Starvest plc is a United Kingdom-based investment company supporting early-stage mineral exploration ventures with a focus on small company new issues and pre-initial public offering opportunities

Corporate governance statement

The Board of Starvest plc are committed to the principles of good corporate governance and believe in the importance and value of robust corporate governance and in our accountability to our shareholders and stakeholders.

The AIM Rules for companies, updated in early 2018, required AIM companies to apply a recognised corporate governance code from 28 September 2018. Starvest has chosen to adhere to the Quoted Company Alliance’s Corporate Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted Companies (the “QCA Code”) and listed below are the 10 broad principles of the QCA Code and the Company’s disclosure with respect to each point.

The Board recognises the importance of good governance, agrees to the principals set out in the QCA Code, and is compliant with the vast majority of the QCA Code. However, the Company does not achieve full compliance with the QCA Code; specifically, Principles 5 and 7. The areas of non-compliance will be readily addressed as the Company grows and additional members are added to the Board.

The Board recognises that it is non-compliant with Principle 5 where the QCA Code recommends that at least two directors are independent. The QCA Code requires that the boards of AIM companies have an appropriate balance between executive and non-executive directors. The Board believes, at this time in the Company’s development and with respect to the Company’s size and goals of achieving good shareholder value through preserving cash for investment opportunities, that the positions within the Board are sufficient to carry out good corporate governance with a balanced approach to decisions. As the Company grows this matter will be reviewed and addressed with the goal of appointing additional board members and filling a non-executive, independent role.

The Board recognises that it does not fully comply with Principle 7 in that Starvest currently does not have formal evaluation procedures for individual board members but the Board recognises that a formal evaluation process may become necessary in the near future.

QCA CODE:

1: Establish a strategy and business model promoting long-term value for shareholders:

The Company is established as a source of early stage finance to fledgling businesses, to maximise the capital value of the Company and to generate benefits for Shareholders in the form of capital growth and modest dividends.

Investing strategy

Natural resources: Whilst the Company’s investment mandate is not exclusively limited to natural resources, the Board sees this sector as having considerable growth potential in the medium term. Historically, investments were generally made immediately prior to an initial public offering on AIM or AQSE as well as in the aftermarket.  As the nature of the market has changed since 2008, it is more likely that the future investment portfolio will include companies that have completed an IPO but remain in the early stages of identifying or, with the appropriate financial backing, developing a commercial resource.

Direct Project: The Company’s strategy is to invest predominantly through ownership of equity stakes in target companies. However, the Company believes there may be opportunities to take direct interests in mining projects and subsequently to acquire equity positions in target companies on favourable terms in exchange for these direct project interests; those companies would therefore become Starvest investee companies. The projects will be operated by the investee company; Starvest will not manage any project. Prior to selling any projects to corporate entities, Starvest may therefore have an interest in a number of projects. The addition of the Direct Project strategy to the Company’s Investing Policy was approved by shareholders at the Company’s annual general meeting held 1 December 2017.

Investment size: Initial investments are usually not greater than £100,000. Target companies are invariably not generating cash, but rather they have a constant need for additional funding in order to continue exploration and development. Therefore, after appropriate due diligence, the Company may provide further funding support and make later market purchases, so that the total investment may be greater than £100,000.

High risk: The business is inherently high risk and cyclical in nature dependent upon fluctuations in world economic activity which impacts on the demand for minerals. However, the Company affords investors the opportunity to participate in diverse early-stage ventures, which the Board believes will offer the potential for significant returns for the foreseeable future.

Lack of liquidity: The investee companies, being small, almost invariably lack share market liquidity, even if they are quoted on AIM, AQSE, ASX, or TSX-V. Therefore, in the early years it is rarely possible to sell an investment at the quoted market price with the result that extreme patience is required whilst the investee company develops and ultimately attracts market interest. If and when an explorer finds a large exploitable resource, it may become the object of a third party bid, or otherwise become a much larger entity; either way an opportunity to realise cash is expected to follow.

Success rate: Of the 15 to 20 investments held at any one time, it is expected that no more than five will prove to be ‘winners’; from half of the remainder we may expect to see modest share price improvements. Overall, the expectation is that in time Shareholder returns will be acceptable if not substantial. Accordingly, the Board is unable to give any estimate of the quantum or timing of returns.

Profit distribution: When profits have been realised and adequate cash is available, it is the intention of the Board to recommend the distribution of up to half the profits realised.

Other matters: The Company currently has investments in the following companies, which themselves are investment companies: Equity Investors plc and Equity Resources Limited. The Company takes no part in the active management of the companies in which it invests,

 

2: Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations

The Board recognises that it is accountable to Shareholders for the performance and activities of the Company and to this end is committed to providing effective communication with the Shareholders of the Company.

Unpublished price sensitive information is disclosed in as timely a manner as possible and in accordance with regulatory requirements for disclosure via a Regulatory Information Service provider.

Significant developments of investee companies are disseminated through stock exchange announcements and by regularly updating the Company’s website, where descriptions of the investee company projects are available and updated quarterly or whenever there is a significant event. In addition, copies of any research notes are available.

The Board views the Annual General Meeting as an important forum for communication between the Company and its Shareholders and encourages Shareholders to express their views on the Company’s business activities and performance. Previous shareholder engagements at AGMs and other functions have been productive with many questions answered by the Board. During other times of the year shareholder contact is primary through the executive directors at investor events and via the company’s email: info@starvest.co.uk. Shareholder comments or issues are disseminated to the Board and taken into account when reviewing the performance and development of the Company.

The Board, through the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director and the Non-executive Chairman, also maintains regular contact with its advisors in order to ensure that the Board develops an understanding of the views of major Shareholders about the Company. The main point of shareholder contact is the CEO, Mr Mark Badros, and the other Executive Director, Ms Gemma Cryan, who are contactable via email at info@starvest.co.uk, by telephone +44 (0)2077 696 876, or in writing to the following address; Starvest plc, 33 St.James’s Square,  London UK,  SW1Y 4JS.

 

3: Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long-term success.

The Board recognises that the success of the Company is reliant on the stakeholders of the business and, to this effect, the Company engages with these stakeholder groups, both internal and external on a regular basis.

The Company’s strategy to investment immediately prior to an initial public offering, on AIM or AQSE dictates that we foster good relationships with broking firms, other professional service providers to the natural resource industry and members of mining and exploration companies in order to keep abreast of potential investment opportunities.

The Company engages with numerous established broking firms and a network of professionals within the natural resource industry to keep abreast of new companies and investment opportunities becoming available. The company deals only with ethically sound entities and, as such, reduces any risk to investment capital by unethical business practices.

Investee companies and potential investee companies are reviewed with respect to country and community commitments to social and environmental responsibility. It is the company’s belief that a good CSR (corporate social responsibility) policy enhances an investee company’s standing and thus progress of a project/resource on a local, regional and government scale.

Investment by the Company in resource projects generally brings positive benefits to local communities who gain from employment, improved infrastructure and access to health facilities.

 

4: Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats throughout the organisation

The business is inherently high risk and of a cyclical nature dependent upon fluctuations in world economic activity which impacts on the demand for minerals. However, it offers the investor a spread of investments in an exciting sector, which the Board believes will continue to offer the potential of significant returns for the foreseeable future.

Through the Board’s collective industry experience and thorough research and investigation into potential investments, including but not limited to: geological setting, board and management experience, financial plans, jurisdictional risk and market conditions both current and forecast; we strive to minimise the inherent risks yet still avail of opportunities that will deliver good returns on investment capital in the medium to long term. The Company maintains an Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee with each reporting directly to the Board. Each Committee comprises one Executive Director and one Non-Executive Director.

The Company maintains a risk register that identifies key risks in the areas of corporate strategy, and finances as well as a comprehensive register for assessing investment opportunities. The register is reviewed periodically and updated as and when necessary. If there are any significant changes to the trading environment then the register is reviewed and updated as required.

Within the scope of the annual audit, specific financial risks are evaluated in detail, including in relation to foreign currency, liquidity and credit.

 

5: Maintain the board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the chair

Information on the company board members is available on the following website page as well as in the company’s annual reports and accounts disclosures.

https://www.starvest.co.uk/board/

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors currently comprises three Directors, two of whom are Executive Directors.

Each member of the board is committed to spending sufficient time to enable them to carry out their duties; Executive Directors commit a minimum of twenty hours per week, with periods where this is increased considerably, such as mid-term and end of year reporting periods as well as times when investment transactions are being undertaken. Non-Executive Directors are expected to commit at least one hour per week to the company and, as with the executive team, are likely to exceed this many times throughout any twelve-month period.

Role of the Board

The Board has a responsibility to govern the Company rather than to manage it and in doing so act in the best interests of the Company as a whole. Each member of the board is committed to spending sufficient time to enable them to carry out their duties as a Director; through various activities including but not limited to: researching and reviewing potential investments, shareholder engagement, stakeholder engagement, administrative and accounting tasks, monitoring of market conditions and investee company activities.

Responsibilities of the Board

The Board is responsible for formulating, reviewing and approving the Company’s strategy, financial activities and operating performance. Day-to-day management is devolved to the Executive Directors who are charged with consulting the Board on all significant financial and operational matters.

Board meetings

All Directors are required to attend board and board committee meetings, every quarter at a minimum throughout the year and to be available at other times as required for face-to-face and telephone meetings. Board meetings are led by the Chair and follow an agenda that is circulated prior to the meeting. Every board meeting is minuted and every Director is aware of the right to have any concerns minuted and to seek independent advice at the Company’s expense where appropriate.

The Board meets regularly throughout the year.

Board member attendance during the financial year to 30 September 2022:

Position Member AGM attendance No. of board meetings Attended
Non-Executive Chairman (formerly Chairman/CEO) C Baxter Yes 13 13
Executive Director G Cryan Yes 13 13
CEO (formerly Non-Executive Director) M Badros Yes 13 13

 

Board committees

The Board has established an Audit committee and separate Remuneration Committee. There is no Nominations Committee as it is not seen relevant to the company at this stage of development.

 

6: Ensure that between them directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities.

Information on the company board members is available on the following website page as well as in the company’s annual reports and accounts disclosures.

https://www.starvest.co.uk/board/

Directors

The Directors are of the opinion that the Board comprises a suitable balance. Current board members range in age from early 40’s to early 50’s and is well-balanced with both male and female members. The Board offers a range of backgrounds, experience and traits which when combined function well in delivering the Company’s strategy.

All Directors have access to the advice of the Company’s solicitors and the Company Secretary; necessary information is supplied to the Directors on a timely basis to enable them to discharge their duties effectively and all Directors have access to independent professional advice, at the Company’s expense, as and when required.

Callum Baxter’s active background in the mining industry (exploration geology) for more than 25 years and taking companies through the IPO process, as well as personal experience in investing in the natural resource sector, allows for an in-depth knowledge of the challenges potential investee companies face when progressing a company towards expansion and/or public listing. Callum also has a wide range of connections in the natural resource sector and supporting companies (e.g. brokering firms, NOMADs, corporate finance) from which to draw information on potential investments. His skill set allows seasoned evaluation of the investment opportunities presented to the Company before an informed decision is made. Callum regularly attends conferences and meetings to keep fully abreast of the sector.

Mark Badros has extensive experience in investment in public and private equities and corporate law, as well as a background in economics and business, including securities, mergers and acquisitions. Gemma Cryan’s background in oil and gas and mineral exploration, both in the field and office environment, in numerous countries, allows her to draw on personal experience and professional connections for information on potential investments as well as the ability to review projects from a geological and corporate perspective with regards to risk management. Her administrative and interpersonal skills are applied to corporate matters and seeking investment opportunities. Gemma regularly attends sector meetings and conferences and participates in courses on both technical and corporate matters.

The Directors remain active in their relevant sectors allowing them to keep their skills up to date. These activities are strengthened by Directors’ regular attendance at relevant industry conferences and workshops throughout the year assisting Directors to keep their skills aligned to current industry standards.

All Directors, jointly or independently, have access to the Company’s solicitor for external advice should they so choose. The Company Secretary role is managed by the Company’s solicitor. Issues of compliance to government or government body regulations and requirements are brought to the Boards attention as necessary and advice is provided on methods required to comply fully. Matters arising with service contracts or agreements and general Company administration are also referred to the Company’s solicitor and secretary for review and/or comment.

The Company’s Non-Executive Director for the period to 31st August 2022 is considered an Independent Director. Mr. Badros has no ties to the major shareholders of the Company nor any significant personal investment in the Company or in its investee companies, except as disclosed; as such the Board considers his input, advice and support on the running of the Company and investment opportunities that arise as independent. Mr Baxter took the role of Non-executive Chairman 1st September 2022 and is not considered independent.

 

7: Evaluate board performance based on clear and relevant objectives seeking continuous improvement.

The Board evaluates its performance effectiveness based on reviews carried out at every board meeting where a critical review is carried out and performance objectives are benchmarked against current market dynamics.

During the year these critical reviews showed the Company had made positive progress and results were presented to shareholders at the most recent AGM.

The Company does not currently have a formal evaluation procedure for individual board members. Board members are able to communicate effectively, and members are actively encouraged to participate in continuing professional development (CPD). The Directors remain active in their relevant sectors allowing them to keep their skills up to date. These activities are strengthened by Directors’ regular attendance at relevant industry conferences and workshops throughout the year assisting Directors to keep their skills aligned to current industry standards.

Board committees: The Company has a Remuneration Committee and Audit Committee. Each committee reviews relevant remuneration and audit matters and provides recommendations to the Board as a whole. Each Committee meets several times per year as required. Committee matters are minuted and items recommended to the Board are recorded in Minutes of meeting of the Board; significant events and matters are announced to market in a timely fashion and noted in each Annual Report.

 

8: Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours

Ethical decision making

In accordance with the engagement contracts board members enter into on joining Starvest, professional and personal ethics are expected to be maintained to a high standard with any misconduct subject to termination of their position. Requirements include maintaining high standards of business conduct; and acting fairly as between the members of the Company.

Confidentiality

In accordance with legal requirements and agreed ethical standards, the Directors have agreed to maintain confidentiality of non-public information except where disclosure is authorised or legally mandated. The Company employs no other staff, although the accounting function is delegated to a suitably qualified professional accountant.

Bribery

In accordance with the provisions of the Bribery Act, all Directors have been informed and have acknowledged that it is an offence under the Act to engage in any form of bribery. The Company has an anti-bribery and whistleblowing policy in force.

 

9: Maintain governance structure and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision-making by the Board.

The Chairman’s role is to communicate the strategy of the Board to shareholders of the Company. This role of the CEO is to ensure the implementation and execution of the Board’s strategy. The Chairman and CEO are assisted in these duties by an Executive Director. Each Executive Director is charged with communication with shareholders.

The existing Governance structures and Corporate Cultures are appropriate to the current size of the Company and adequate to address its capacity, appetite and tolerance for risk.

The Company currently has a Remuneration Committee and an Audit Committee. Relevant matters are considered by each committee and recommendations are taken to the full board. Each committee meets several times per year as required.

Matters reserved for the Board are those directly related to implementing the Company’s strategy. Good financial management is a high priority and reviewed frequently. Market dynamics are monitored daily and long term planning is key to delivering sound result.

The Board is constantly monitoring its state of affairs and intends to expand the Board when the Company sufficiently increases in size. Evolution of the Company’s governance framework will follow growth and board expansion

 

10: Communicate how the company is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders

The Board recognises that it is accountable to Shareholders for the performance and activities of the Company and to this end is committed to providing effective communication with the Shareholders of the Company. 

Significant developments are disseminated through stock exchange announcements and regular updates of the Company website where descriptions of the investee company projects are available and updated quarterly or whenever there is a significant event. In addition, copies of any third-party comment are available.

The Board views the Annual General Meeting as an important forum for communication between the Company and its Shareholders and encourages Shareholders to express their views on the Company’s business activities and performance.

Outcomes of Audit Committee reports and Remuneration Committee reports are summarised in each Annual Report.

Historic annual reports and other governance-related material, including notices of all general meetings over the last 5 years can be found here:

 

https://www.starvest.co.uk/announcements/

https://www.starvest.co.uk/financial-results/

 07 February 2023

 

 

The Company is established as a source of early stage finance to fledgling businesses, to maximise the capital value of the Company and to generate benefits for Shareholders in the form of capital growth and modest dividends.

Investing strategy

Natural resources:  Whilst the Company has no exclusive commitment to the natural resources sector, the Board sees this as having considerable growth potential in the medium term.  Historically, investments were generally made immediately prior to an initial public offering, on AIM or ISDX as well as in the aftermarket.  As the nature of the market has changed since 2008, it is more likely that the future investment portfolio will include a spread of companies that generally have moved beyond the IPO stage but remain in the early stages of identifying a commercial resource and/or moving towards development with the appropriate finance.

Direct Project: The Company’s investing policy is to hold shares in companies. However, the Company believes there may be opportunities to acquire shares in companies on favourable terms by taking a direct interest in mining projects and using these projects as consideration for shares in such companies; those companies would therefore become Starvest investee companies. The projects will be operated by the investee company; Starvest will not manage any project. Prior to selling any projects to corporate entities, Starvest may therefore have an interest in a number of projects.

Investment size:  Initial investments are for varying amounts but usually up to £100,000. These companies are invariably not generating cash, rather they have a constant requirement to raise new equity in order to continue exploration and development.  Therefore, after appropriate due diligence, the Company may provide further funding support and make later market purchases, so that the total investment may be greater than £100,000.

High risk:  The business is inherently high risk and of a cyclical nature dependent upon fluctuations in world economic activity which impacts on the demand for minerals.  However, it offers the investor a spread of investments in an exciting sector, which the Board believes will continue to offer the potential of significant returns for the foreseeable future.

Lack of liquidity:  The investee companies, being small, almost invariably lack share market liquidity, even if they are quoted on AIM, ISDX, ASX, or TSX-V.  Therefore, in the early years it is rarely possible to sell an investment at the quoted market price with the result that extreme patience is required whilst the investee company develops and ultimately attracts market interest.  If and when an explorer finds a large exploitable resource, it may become the object of a third party bid, or otherwise become a much larger entity; either way an opportunity to realise cash is expected to follow.

Success rate:  Of the 25 to 30 investments held at any one time, it is expected that no more than five will prove to be ‘winners’; from half of the remainder we may expect to see modest share price improvements.  Overall, the expectation is that in time Shareholder returns will be acceptable if not substantial.  Accordingly, the Board is unable to give any estimate of the quantum or timing of returns.

Profit distribution:  When profits have been realised and adequate cash is available, it is the intention of the Board to recommend the distribution of up to half the profits realised.

Other matters:  The Company currently has investments in the following companies, which themselves are investment companies: Equity Investors plc; Equity Resources Limited and Guild Investment plc.

The Company does not have a designated investment manager role. Investment decisions are taken by the Board. Board members’ biographies can be reviewed here.

The Company takes no part in the active management of the companies in which it invests, although directors of the Company are also directors on the boards of other investee companies. Callum Baxter, Chairman/CEO, is also an Executive Director of one such company.

Remuneration Committee

The remuneration committee comprises CAllum Baxter and Gemma Cryan. It reviews the performance of the executive directors and sets their remuneration, determines the payment of bonuses to executive directors and considers bonus and option schemes. Each of the executive directors takes no part in discussions concerning their remuneration. The remuneration of the non-executive directors is reviewed by the board.

Audit Committee

The audit committee comprises Callum Baxter and Gemma Cryan. The audit committee determines the application of financial reporting and internal control principles, including reviewing the effectiveness of the Enlarged Group’s financial reporting, internal control and risk management procedures and the scope, quality and results of the external audit.

Country of Incorporation
England

Main Country of Operation
UK

Total 38.46%

Carole Rowan 12,670,000  21.74%
Callum Baxter 8,098,753 13.90%
Gemma Cryan 1,490,254 2.56%
Mark Badros 148,648 0.26%

Notifiable interest 3.0% or above

WB Nominees Limited (of which 12,670,000 representing
21.74% are beneficially owned by Carole Rowan) 21.78%
Hargreaves Lansdown (Nominees) Limited 19.24%
Interactive Investor Services Nominees Limited 14.45%
Rock (Nominees) Limited (of which 8,090,753 representing
13.9% are beneficially owned by Callum N Baxter) 14.37%
Platform Securities Nominees Limited (of which 3,116,122
representing 5.35% are beneficially owned by Philip J Milton & Company Plc) 6.84%
HSBC  Noiminee Limited 3.5%

Last updated/reviewed: 16 Dec 2023

As a listed company in the UK Starvest plc is subject to The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

Nominated Advisor (NOMAD)
Grant Thornton UK LLP
30 Finsbury Square
London EC2A 1AG, UK

Broker
SI Capital Limited
46 Bridge Street
Godalming
Surrey GU7 1HL, UK

Registrars
Share Registrars Limited
The Courtyard
17 West Street
Farnham
Surrey GU9 7DR, UK

Solicitor/Legal Advisers
Druces LLP
Salisbury House
London Wall
London EC2M 5PS, UK

Statutory Auditor
PKF Littlejohn LLP
15 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf
London E14 4HD, UK

Last updated/reviewed: 16 Dec 2023