New round in Shepherd Neame dispute

Dissident Shepherd Neame shareholder Stuart Neame, who stepped down as vice-chairman four years ago, has tabled three resolutions questioning aspects of corporate governance at the company.

The resolutions, which will be discussed at the company's AGM at the end of this month, is the latest round in a bitter dispute which has been carrying on since Stuart Neame called for his cousin Bobby Neame to step down as chairman four years ago.

Bobby was replaced by Miles Templeman two years ago.

Stuart Neame is calling for the company to circulate background information on resolutions tabled by shareholders at no cost, access for shareholders to the registrar to check proxy votes, and correction of mistakes in media coverage on its website.

Neame, who with his brother Colin accounts for about 10% of company shares, said: "I'm campaigning for better corporate governance. I want to go on holding Shepherd Neame shares for a number of years. ​

"I'm not going to win the argument but by having a debate the board might understand it needs to move. What is important here is that the board addresses the issues."

In the past, board members accused Stuart Neame of acting out of thwarted ambition.

Chairman Miles Templeman called for shareholders to reject the three resolutions.