The Communications Paradox – Dive into our 2026 AIM and SmallCap research

In an increasingly complex world, with more information, diverging stakeholder expectations, and an ever-expanding mix of channels and formats, how can AIM and SmallCap companies shape, validate and cascade a compelling equity story that stands up to scrutiny?

At our full-house morning event, we brought together professionals from communications, investor relations, company secretariat, sustainability and capital markets for a morning of insightful debate and discussion, alongside the launch of our 2026 AIM & SmallCap Research.

Key insights from our research included:

• The majority of companies in our sample include a standalone investment case section, alongside a market review that highlights future growth drivers. 

• Only a quarter disclose specific forward-looking objectives with measurable timelines.

• Just one-third credibly link sustainability disclosures to long-term value creation.

• Fewer than half demonstrate future readiness by referencing board skills and expertise in relation to AI.

• Three-quarters repurpose annual report content for their website, while one-third incorporate video content.

Our speakers also highlighted some top tips for developing reporting that effectively tells your story and helps build trust:

• Clarity - It's not about how much information you publish. It's about making your investment case easy to understand. The most effective stories are often the simplest.

• Credibility - Credibility takes years to build but is easy to lose. Substantiate your narrative with meaningful proof points and examples that evidence progress and reinforce trust.

• Concision - All audiences want shorter, more streamlined reporting. Keep disclosures concise by focusing on what matters most: the issues that impact resilience, performance and long-term value creation.

• Consistency - In an AI-driven world, consistency matters more than ever. Every touchpoint should reinforce your core narrative, to ensure your message remains coherent and recognisable wherever stakeholders engage with it.

• Cascading - Great content only creates value if people can find it. Use video, social media, investor platforms and events to extend the reach of your story and drive ongoing engagement across audiences.

Download a copy of the full 2026 AIM and SmallCap research HERE

If you have any questions on the insights or research findings, contact [email protected].