FAQs
Listed below are questions often asked by our shareholders.
Share ownership
- How can I buy and sell Next shares?
Shares in Next plc can be traded through most banks, building societies, stock brokers or “share shops”.
Our shares can also be traded through our registrars, Equiniti, online at www.shareview.co.uk/dealing/ or via telephone by calling 0870 850 0852 between 8.30am and 4.30pm on weekdays.
- How do I transfer my shares?
If you want to transfer your shares to someone that you know, you can transfer your holding using a stock transfer form. Please download and complete the stock transfer form.
- How do I contact the registrars?
For all enquiries concerning shares and/or dividend payments, please contact the registrars.
For shareholders with disabilities Equiniti provide the following sevices:
- if requested, future communications produced by them will be sent in the appropriate format.
- textphone number 0871 384 2255 for shareholders with hearing difficulties.
- hearing loop facilities in their buildings for use by visiting shareholders.
- I have lost my share certificate(s), how do I obtain a replacement?
You should notify the registrars, either in writing or by telephone so that a restriction can be placed on your certificate in case of any attempted fraud. You will then be sent a letter of indemnity to complete and return to the registrars so that a replacement certificate can be issued. There is a charge for this service and for more information visit the FAQ section of the registrars’ website.
- I have changed my address, who needs to know?
If you have registered for the online service provided by Equiniti you can amend your address online. Otherwise you will need to complete a change of address form or write a letter to the registrars which should include the following:
- your name in full, as it appears on your share certificate(s)
- your previous address
- your new address
- your shareholder account number
This letter must be signed. For security reasons the registrars cannot accept address changes over the telephone.
- I have changed my name, what should I do?
You will need to write a letter to the registrars which should include the following:
- your old name in full, as it appears on your share certificate(s)
- your new name
- a copy of any legal documentation, such as marriage certificate, or deed poll
This letter must be signed. For security reasons the registrars cannot accept name changes over the telephone or online.
- What are the procedures if a shareholder has passed away?
Please notify the registrars as soon as possible. For detailed information, visit the FAQ section of the registrars’ website.
- What should I do if I receive unsolicited telephone calls and/or
documents?
The Company is legally obliged to make its share register publicly available. Consequently some shareholders may receive unsolicited mail and/or calls.
Over recent years a number of companies have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters which imply a connection to the company concerned. These are typically from overseas based ‘brokers’ who target UK shareholders offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments. They can be very persistent and extremely persuasive and a 2006 survey by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has reported that the average amount lost by investors is around £20,000. It is not just the novice investor that has been duped in this way; many of the victims had been successfully investing for several years. Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free reports into the company.
If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:
- Make sure you get the correct name of the person and organisation and make a record of any other information they give you, e.g. telephone number, address etc.
- Check that they are properly authorised by the FSA before getting involved. You can check at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
- The FSA also maintains on its website a list of unauthorised overseas firms who are targeting, or have targeted, UK investors and any approach from such organisations should be reported to the FSA so that this list can be kept up to date and any other appropriate action can be considered. If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you would not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The FSA can be contacted by completing an online form at www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/doing/regulated/law/alerts/overseas.shtml or 0845 606 1234.
- Inform our registrars on 0871 384 2164. They are not able to investigate such incidents themselves but will record the details and pass them on to Next plc and liaise with the FSA.
More detailed information on this or similar activity can be found on the FSA website.
- Can I receive my shareholder documents electronically?
Yes. Shareholders can arrange to receive an email notification each time we publish new shareholder documents on our website.
- What is the 1982 value of Next plc shares for UK Capital Gains Tax purposes?
For UK Capital Gains Tax purposes, the 31 March 1982 value for ordinary shares held at 31 March 1982 was 104.5p. If you require assistance with your Capital Gains Tax calculations, please contact your professional adviser or accountant.
- What am I entitled to as a Next shareholder?
The Company offers a discount voucher to any first named, registered shareholder holding 500 or more ordinary shares as at 1 April each year. The voucher is usually posted to eligible shareholders in mid April and entitles the recipient or their immediate family to a 25% discount against most purchases at any one time of full price merchandise in Next Retail stores. The voucher has no monetary purchase limit and expires on 31 October of the same year.
Shareholders holding shares in nominee or PEP/ISA accounts are also eligible, but must request the voucher through their nominee or PEP/ISA account manager. The account manager will be required to confirm the shareholder's name and address and the number of shares held as at 1 April. This information should be sent in writing or emailed to The Company Secretary's Department.
Dividends
- When is the next dividend due and how much is it?
The interim dividend is typically paid in early January, with the final dividend paid in early July. For dividend amounts and payment date view Dividend history.
- When do Next shares go ex-dividend?
Details are available from the Financial calendar.
- I have not received my dividend cheque, who do I contact?
If you have not received your dividend payment, please contact the registrars.
- I have mislaid my dividend cheque, who do I contact?
If you lose a dividend cheque you should contact the registrars immediately, confirming which payment has been lost. They will then arrange for the cheque to be stopped and will issue you with a duplicate. There may be a fee for providing this. Dividend cheques are currently valid for one year from the date of payment.
- Can I have dividends paid directly into my bank or building society account?
Yes, you can ask to have your dividends paid directly into a UK bank or building society account. The dividend will be credited to your account on the payment date and you will not have to wait for a cheque to clear on your account. A tax voucher will be sent to your registered address so you know when and how much has been paid into your account.
If you would like your dividends to be paid in this way, please complete a dividend mandate form and return it to the registrars via a bank/building society branch. This form is also supplied with your dividend if you receive a cheque.
An existing mandate can also be amended online once you have registered with Shareview.
If you live outside the UK, you can have your dividends paid directly into your local bank. The service is available to shareholders and for further information you should contact the registrars.
- I have my dividends paid directly into my bank account. I have now changed my account, what do I do?
An existing mandate can be amended online once you have registered with Shareview. Otherwise you will need to write to the registrars.
- I have lost my tax voucher, what should I do?
You should contact the registrars, confirming which tax voucher has been lost. A duplicate will be issued upon payment of an administration charge.
Financial information
- How do I get hold of a copy of the Company’s annual report
and accounts?
The annual report and accounts are available on this website in Reports and results, or if you require a published version, please email The Company Secretary's Department your name and address details or telephone 0116 284 2429.
- What are the key financial dates for Next plc?
Please refer to the Financial calendar.
Annual General Meeting
- When is the Annual General Meeting?
Please refer to the Financial calendar.
- If I am unable to attend the AGM, can I appoint a proxy?
Members who are entitled to attend and vote may appoint one or more proxies to attend and, on a poll, vote instead of him, and a proxy need not also be a member. A proxy may vote on any other business which may properly come before the meeting. If you do not intend being present at the meeting please complete a form of proxy, sign and return it so as to reach the Company’s registrars at least 48 hours before the meeting. The return by a member of a fully completed form of proxy will not preclude any such member from attending in person and voting at the meeting.
Corporate responsibility
- Does Next have a code of ethics for its suppliers?
Next operates a Supplier Code of Practice (COP), which is our set of ethical trading standards and forms an integral part of our business. It was first issued in 1998 and the 5th revision was launched and issued in January 2007.
The Next COP has 10 key principles which stipulate the minimum standards we require our suppliers to comply with:
- no child labour
- no forced labour
- freedom of association
- healthy and safe working conditions
- lawful wages and benefits
- lawful working hours
- equal opportunities
- employment security
- respectful treatment of employees
- effective management systems
In 2002 Next became a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and since then has been actively involved in the ETI forum and working on various ETI projects. During 2006 the Next Code of Practice was revised to align it to the ETI Base Code.
Next employs a global team of full time COP auditors who visit our suppliers around the world to check their compliance with our Code. Another important part of the team’s job is to work together with our suppliers to help them achieve compliance. As well as looking at individual factories, a large part of the work of our auditors is aimed at dealing with the issues of non compliance at a wider level, for example:
- working with suppliers to build capacity in local communities to ensure sustainable compliance
- working in collaboration with both UK and international brands via the ETI forum
You can find out more about the work of the COP team in our Corporate Responsibility Report.
- Does Next sell Fairtrade products?
Next worked closely with the Fairtrade Foundation to launch our first range of Fairtrade Mark cotton products in February 2007. We are continuing to develop more Fairtrade Mark products in both clothing and homeware.
The Fairtrade Foundation focuses on working with and supporting small scale farmers in developing countries.
- Does Next sell organic cotton products?
Next offered its first certified organic cotton range during 2006 and is continuing to develop organic products in both clothing and homeware. Next uses organically grown cotton which means the cotton has been grown without using environmentally harmful chemicals and pesticides.
- How does Next make sure its products are safe?
The safety of our products is of paramount importance and Next is committed to ensuring that every product sold is safe to use and fit for purpose. Our team of technologists work closely with our global supply chain and are responsible for ensuring all Next products comply with relevant European and UK Legislation and guidelines relating to health and safety and the environment.
You can find out more about product safety in our Corporate Responsibility Report.