NEXT EVENT: Water Innovation in Extractive Industries

LOW CARBON ACCELERATOR


BACKGROUND

LCA is an AIM-quoted venture capital fund investing in innovative cleantech companies. The fund is advised by Low Carbon Investors (LCI). It listed on AIM in 2007 and completed a share placement in 2008. Phase one of its communications campaign required a brand and identity that reflected both its values and its transition to a public company, and communications support throughout its IPO and early life as a listed entity with a focus on the institutional investor audience. Phase two required financial calendar reporting and a media campaign focused on promoting the stock to a retail investor audience to help close the gap between share price and NAV and boost liquidity.

CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW

Phase 1 – We developed and implemented the IPO communications plan in line with LCA’s advisors. The institutional investment proposition was refined and LEIF was utilised to promote the offering to investors and initiate dialogue. Additional institutional introductions were made by drawing on our existing relationships with investors and names from our extensive database.

Phase 2 – Key messages were developed to specifically engage the retail audience. These were based around the unique investment opportunity, the ethical and environmental story and the economic crisis. These messages were disseminated through profiles, tips columns, features and spokesperson commentary on related issues such as the budget and introduction of the feed-in tariff.

The campaign was supported by an additional set of LEIF conferences where LCA presented to an institutional and IFA audience and several journalists. We also supported the marketing of new products launched by LCA’s investment advisor LCI.

KEY RESULTS

  • Created the brand and delivered the necessary tools to help them successfully manage their new identity, including providing stationery, business cards, brand guidelines and presentation materials for IR
    View here
  • Campaign supported £44.5m IPO followed by an additional £10m placement
  • LCA stock is currently held in David Stevenson’s portfolio (the FT’s ‘Adventurous Investor’)
  • Placed article in the Daily Mail’s Midas column which directly resulted in next day share price increase of 28%
  • Two-way communication with journalists facilitated and maintained (LCA spokespeople are now regularly sought for comment on a variety of cleantech/environmental investment topics/issues)