In the year that IR truly went virtual, it was only fitting that the IR Magazine Awards – Europe did the same. In October we held our first virtual awards for the European IR community, featuring video acceptance speeches, real-time competitions and 29 prizes for the best IR practitioners in the region.
As with other IR Magazine Awards, the gongs were split into two categories. In the awards-by-research categories, the runners-up and winners were decided by a survey of hundreds of investors and analysts. In the awards-by-nomination categories, companies submitted entries that were then judged by a panel of IR experts.
Below, you’ll find video interviews with many of the winners from the night. Click on the conversations to find out how Europe’s best-in-class IR teams have managed the huge challenges of the last year.
UDG Healthcare, Ireland
- Best overall investor relations (mid-cap)
- Best investor relations officer (small to mid-cap) – Keith Byrne
Working in IR during the Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging and unusual but hugely engaging, says Keith Byrne, head of IR, strategy and corporate communications at UDG Healthcare. Over the last six months, one of the most effective means of communication with the market has been fireside chats, he says. UDG has always done such events, but the attendance levels during the pandemic have been very strong. The company has also launched a Covid-19 mini-site aimed at both internal and external audiences.
Borregaard, Norway
- Best overall investor relations (small cap)
In this video, Jørn Syvertsen, director of IR at Borregaard, discusses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Norwegian chemicals company. For example, the firm had to close its largest manufacturing operation outside of Norway. But it has been helped by its diversified strategy and flexible approach to manufacturing. Syvertsen also talks about the investor communications around two parts of the business that are used for disinfectant – a crucial part of the fight against Covid-19.
This is an extract of a feature from the Winter 2020 issue of IR Magazine. Click here to read the full article
