Investor relations
Abcam is committed to providing high quality products backed up by honest and accurate information and support. All the information on our products is publicly available via our website and we provide full technical support in the use and application of our products from scientists who are experienced in the techniques and who are kept up to date with the latest development in the background science. We strive to develop individual relationships with our customers in the support of their research.
Abcam's employment policies are designed to provide equal opportunities and a safe and motivational working environment. We have an established appraisal and performance feedback process for the development of all staff. We reward staff both by use of shorter-term profit sharing incentives as well as having a fully participative share option scheme so that all staff can benefit from the longer term success of the company. We benchmark our benefits package against our peers and have introduced a flexible benefits scheme whereby staff can choose from a selection of benefits to suit their individual needs.
Abcam works with over two hundred suppliers ranging from individual academics to large multi-national organisations. We have regular electronic contact with all our suppliers and aim to meet our main suppliers face-to-face annually both to improve our ability to support their products as well as discuss how best we can work with them to maximise sales of their products.
It is the Group's policy that payments to suppliers are made in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed with them, provided that the supplier has provided the goods or services in accordance with the agreed terms and conditions.
The board recognises the importance of providing timely and regular information to its shareholders. We have set up a corporate website to hold information particularly relevant to current or prospective shareholders from which copies of past reports and accounts as well as an overview of our company strategy and vision can be obtained.
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Finance Officer, working in consultation with our corporate and PR advisors, make themselves available and expect to meet with larger shareholders at least twice a year. Shareholders are welcome to visit our offices in Cambridge and it is the Company’s practice to give a presentation on the Group’s progress at the AGM each year.
Where appropriate the Company also consults with major shareholders on significant issues.
Abcam provides and maintains a safe and healthy working environment, equipment and systems for all employees together with information, training and supervision as may be needed for this purpose.
Compliance with legislation is the Group’s minimum requirement; however our aim is to achieve higher standards as best practice demands. The Group is committed to an annual audit process by external safety advisors in order to understand and maximise our performance, demonstrate best practice to all stakeholders and identify areas for targeted improvements. Core skills are identified and training programmes developed to ensure these are in place.
Health and safety in the Group is ultimately the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer. The management structure for health and safety is run by a Safety & Facilities Specialist and is supported through a Group Steering Committee whose membership includes the Chief Operating Officer, Scientific Director, Head of Corporate Services and representatives from all Abcam regional offices. The safety structure encompasses employees from all areas of the business and promotes ownership of health and safety across its wide remit.
A rigorous occupational health scheme is in place and we look to promote a positive and proactive safety culture. Our reporting system for absence promotes the best use of resources and there have being no RIDDOR reportable accidents or instances of ill health over the past year.
Abcam seeks wherever possible to minimise its impact on the environment for the benefit of its employees and the public at large. The Group is committed to complying with environmental regulations and encourages and supports its employees in achieving this.
Abcam participates actively in the community of entrepreneurial businesses clustered around Cambridge. Abcam supports the Cambridge Network, the University of Cambridge and the Judge Business School by giving talks and presentations on our business as well as hosting projects for MBA students. Abcam takes students from secondary education on work-experience programmes as well as occasional international exchange students on placement.
The Company encourages employees to get involved in local charitable activities; we allocate 0.1% of pre-tax profit for charitable donations which are split between the US and UK offices. These are allocated by a committee of staff volunteers working within guidelines set down by the Directors.
We make no political donations.
Abcam recognises the importance of balancing the interests of its customers, shareholders, employees, suppliers and the communities in which it operates. Management of the environmental and social issues that play a part in our business is a key factor in our strategy for success and in the practice of good corporate governance.
The Group places considerable value on the involvement of its employees and has continued to keep them informed of the various factors affecting the performance of the Group. This is achieved through formal and informal meetings. Equity based or similar incentives are currently made available to all employees of the Group.
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. It is the policy of the Group that the training, career development and promotion of disabled employees should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees. The Group needs highly-qualified staff and does not see age, colour, disability, ethnic origin, gender, political or other opinion as a barrier to employment.
The Group aspires to carry out its business to the highest of ethical standards, treating employees, suppliers and customers in a professional, courteous and honest manner. The Group has an ethical policy which is reviewed by the Board and which is applied to its products. This includes reviewing and, where appropriate, visiting our suppliers to check the standards they follow in their products and services.
We manufacture our own products in two specialist facilities, as well as sourcing from over 300 partners. This way we are able to offer scientists the newest and best research tools available globally regardless of source.
Our customers are research scientists who need high performance products with detailed technical specifications. Our information-rich products, together with expert customer support and fast delivery makes us the researcher’s choice.
Our team are our biggest asset and we are proud to have over 50 in-house PhDs. Nurturing employee excellence is key to our success and we continue to invest in the learning and development of staff.