Curtis Banks Share Discussion Threads

[tole] 26/11/2020 12:18

Some big trades going through.

[typo56] 23/7/2020 17:08

I notice that this is was effected by way of a 'cash box' structure. This can be a devious device to circumvent the pre-emption rules.

I don't hold CBP but still monitor them, following the shoddy service I received from Suffolk Life.

[supernumerary] 23/7/2020 15:20

Typo - no expert in company law, but as I understand it, the provisions for disapplication of preemption rights are specifically designed to prevent the board getting together with major shareholders to screw the otherwise powerless small shareholders. If they don't have specific authorisation to issue that percentage, there should have been an open offer.

I don't hold here - only follow because they hold my sipp - so am not too bothered, but if you or any other holder are, a letter to the AIM regulator, copy the FCA, Curtis and the Nomad, would probably be the appropriate next step. I thought Nomads existed to stop this sort of thing...

[typo56] 23/7/2020 08:14

22% placing but no pre-emption for ordinary shareholders as they consulted with the majority of their major institutional shareholders (who are no doubt getting shares at 210p). That's OK then?

To me it seems to make a mockery of company law, but what do I know.

[typo56] 05/10/2018 12:32

Investors might like to check the employee reviews on glassdoor.co.uk Of course, these may be fake and/or a disgruntled minority. However, I've found Glassdoor gives a reasonably reliable insight into companies and in general the better performing companies have better Glassdoor reviews.

CBP scores 1.8/5.0, which is poor.
Only 41% approve of the CEO
Only 8% recommend to a friend. That's really poor.

There were two reviews last month from former employees.

26 Sep 2018
"If you don’t want to be valued, this is the company for you."
Former Employee - Anonymous Employee
Doesn't Recommend
Neutral Outlook
Disapproves of CEO

I worked at Curtis Banks full-time (More than 3 years)

Pros
Salary
People (not senior managers)

Cons
IT system not good enough
Senior managers don’t value their staff
Have grown too rapidly, processes not in place

22 Sep 2018
"Grew fast, fell quickly"
Former Employee - Anonymous Employee in Bristol, England
Doesn't Recommend
Negative Outlook
Disapproves of CEO

I worked at Curtis Banks full-time (More than 3 years)

Pros
Nice people, good location, good Christmas parties

Cons
Lack of strategic thinking. Company expanded so quickly that some departments running inefficiently and independently, so cross company comms are poor. Mass exodus of the good staff over past two years since buying out Suffolk Life, when the rot really set in. Those left over dealing with a culture clash of trying to wedge two very different (politically and operationally) companies together. Pretty miserable stuff …
Show More

Advice to Management
Show some leadership and motivate your people

[its the oxman] 06/9/2018 10:05

Yes, good growth, more to come, all sounds positive, further acquisitions expected.

[typo56] 23/8/2018 14:01

AISHAH, I've been very unimpressed with Suffolk Life too (acquired by CBP in Jan 2016). So far it's taken them nine months to move a simple SIPP. At least I can still access the cash so am still able to trade. It took them a mere six months to move my wife's SIPP, but there was a month where they held on to the cash balance (a chunky six figure sum) and didn't forward it to the new provider, in spite of being instructed to do so.

I'd dread to have to get involved with them when it comes to drawdown.

Are these delays deliberate, so they can maintain the funds under control numbers?

[its the oxman] 19/6/2018 10:56

Ridiculous spread 302 - 330 currently.

[its the oxman] 18/5/2018 15:15

On the move, crawling back over 300p.

[its the oxman] 11/5/2018 17:15

Wonder where the price could of been by now without the placing? Certainly much nearer 400p v the sub 300p today.

[its the oxman] 26/4/2018 16:34

Bought a few today just over 300p. Prospect look good for the business. Reckon it should plod back toward 350p over the next month or so.

[macarre] 07/9/2017 17:26

Was Peel Hunt.

[macarre] 06/9/2017 12:27

Buy note 350 I hear. Don't know who from though.

[onjohn] 04/9/2017 18:23

Superb results. Outstanding in a word

[onjohn] 05/5/2017 11:18

Is that a bowl on the chart