The move comes in the wake of new rules from the London Stock Exchange requiring companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) to apply a recognised governance code.

QCA’s code was first released in 2013 and the independent membership organisation for small to medium sized quoted companies says its   research indicates that currently over half of the 900+ companies on AIM refer to it. There is also a significant minority of AIM companies that currently do not apply any code.

The revised QCA Code includes 10 corporate governance principles that companies should follow, and stepby-step guidance on how to apply these principles effectively. It has been put together by an expert group from the QCA and a standalone working group of individuals from across the small and mid-size quoted company ecosystem.

Gervais Williams, senior executive director, Miton Group Plc and QCA chairman, said: ‘For a company, applying the QCA corporate governance code will help investors get a much more informed understanding as to how they manage their risks, and a deeper appreciation of their internal cultures.

‘The well-established nature of the QCA code should help investors directly compare a number of companies on these metrics by a common yardstick.’

Tim Ward, QCA CEO, said: ‘The QCA code is already the benchmark for corporate governance on the AIM Market. The revised edition will provide greater clarity and help for companies wishing to retain and attract investors, to raise capital and, ultimately, to create long-term value for shareholders.’

QCA’s corporate governance code is here.

Report by Pat Sweet