FAQs

Why does the QCA exist?
Who funds the QCA?
How can I get involved with committee work?
How can I ensure my views are represented by the QCA?
What is the best way to keep on top of upcoming regulation?
Why should I become a member?
Does the QCA actually make a difference?

Why does the QCA exist?

The QCA feels passionately about smaller quoted companies being provided with every opportunity to thrive. Its members share these concerns and comprise companies, advisors and fund managers, all of who recognise the need for a vibrant UK marketplace.

In particular, the QCA is exercised about smaller quoted companies having access to sufficient funding (liquidity) and not being operationally stifled by needing to comply with over burdensome regulation.

The QCA is an active champion of these causes and advocates them to the decision makers in the UK and EU.

Who funds the QCA?

The QCA relies on member subscriptions to fund its lobbying, educational and networking activities.

Members also kindly provide:

• Sponsorship of events
• Sponsorship of the QCA's monthly newssheet, Newsround, and quarterly newsletter, Voice
• Venues, marketing support and speakers for the event programme
• Secondees to assist in recruitment and technical issues
• Their time on our committees

How can I get involved with the committee work?

The QCA's technical committees are made of representatives from QCA member companies and firms. QCA members may nominate suitably qualified or experienced directors, or senior members of their staff, who specialise in or have a special interest in a committee's subject area. If you are interested in joining a committee, please email Chris Stapeley.

The value to the QCA and its work provided by the committees is enormous. It probably represents the largest pool of experience and expertise in small cap market issues certainly in the UK, if not the world.

How can I ensure my views are represented by the QCA?

Firstly let us know about them. Email either Tim Ward or Kate Jalbert.

If they are of general concern, i.e. affect all, or a sector of companies, we will put them to one of our committees or working groups. If they are particular to your company, we will deal with each on their merits.

What is the best way to keep on top of upcoming regulation?

Through our monthly newsheet, Newsround, and quarterly newsletter, Voice, email updates and this website. You can also find out more by attending our regional forums, seminars, discussion lunches and workshops. Click here for more information about our events.

Why should I become a member?

If you share the QCA's concern about keeping the life of the smaller quoted company free from over-regulation and liquid, you have an obligation to support the QCA's work. Unlike the FTSE 350 companies with in-house teams or staff to lobby effectively, or keep up to date with new regulations, the only way the smaller quoted company voice can be heard is through a representative body, and the QCA is the only one that solely represents the interests of SQCs. Click here to find out more about joining the QCA.

Does the QCA actually make a difference?

Yes - it achieves change, ensures appropriate regulation and saves you money.

The QCA have saved the average quoted company upwards of £200,000 p.a. in costs over the last two years by, for example, changing some of the onerous requirements contained in the Prospectus and Transparency Directives, and fighting to introduce an exemption from the full Higgs' requirements for a larger number of properly independent non-executives than other directors on the board of smaller companies. To find out more about our successes over the years, please click here.