Shareholder Power!

[Emanuel]

I was so outraged with the lack of interest in resolving issues with our George Wimpey new build (purchased December 2005) that in December 2006 I bought a solitary George Wimpey share for £5.86 which then entitled me to access to the AGM in London in April 2007. It was the best £5.86 I'd ever spent as it brought me face to face with those at the top of the organisation and in the open questions session I had my say! I had a T-shirt printed showing our dreadful property with the words 'George Wimpey's Hamstreet Hell' sprawled across it and the main snags listed on the reverse. I took hundreds of fliers into the conference chamber and deposited little piles at the end of many aisles.

It seemed to work as Mr Ian Sutcliffe, a member of the managing board, took a personal interest in our plight from then on and ensured that all issues outstanding on our snagging list at that time were resolved. Admittedly further issues have arisen and we are battling again but there's always the next AGM coming up in the next few months. It's best to go with someone though as they can get in free as a guest but while you're having your say inside, try to get a friend outside to meet the press. I didn't do this first time around but I know better now!!

[Tony]

Well done Emanuel this is an absolutely brilliant idea and well executed - did you get any press coverage?