IROs are looking to increase their range of communication channels, suggests a new survey by communications consultancy Citigate Dewe Rogerson.  The survey, which polled 127 leading investor relations directors from across Europe, reveals that 60% of respondents have changed or are planning to change their mix of communication channels and they are increasing communication through at least one channel.

The biggest change in the communication mix is more ‘one-to-one’ conversations, cited by 41% of respondents, followed by more roadshows and capital market days. Some 39% of respondents have increased or are planning to increase the number of investor and analyst events.

In total, 28% of companies are increasing the amount of guidance they are giving and 41% are providing additional information on debt, while there is an apparent change in emphasis towards longer term information, which suggests a switch away from short-term survival. IROs are also dealing with a wider range of corporate governance issues. Over the past year, 42% of respondents said they had been asked more questions on risk management. The study also reveals that, while a degree of uncertainty and caution remains, confidence among IROs and companies is returning.

Commenting on the survey, its author Sean Bride said, “This pick up in investor communication activity follows a period of retrenchment when budgets were under pressure. Some companies may also have been fearful of proactive communications either because of a lack of visibility in earnings or the absence of a positive story to tell. It’s very encouraging to see so many respondents planning to get back on the road.”

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