Stockbroker The Share Centre has created a new service giving private investors details of all forthcoming AGMs. The online system includes the place and time of meetings and all resolutions to be put forward.

The initiative, believed to be the first comprehensive online service of its kind available to the small shareholder, is part of chief executive Gavin Oldham's vision of an 'engaged' private investor.

‘There is a £100 billion of voting share capital that is not being used. Even if you get a small proportion of private investors voting who have hither to not done so, that can change a company’s destiny.'

Oldham sees his business becoming more than ‘just about dealing’ as private investors gradually become more aware of their rights. He was instrumental in the introduction of new ‘information rights’ for private investors in nominee accounts.

Because they don’t have their name on the share register investors in nominee accounts don’t automatically get company mailings, instead they go to the broker whose nominee account name is what appears on the register.

From 1 October, if your broker supports the system, those in nominee accounts will be able to opt in for company postings. Those who opt in will see their details passed on from the broker to the company registrar to go on the mailing list.

To sign up for the AGM checker go to www.share.com

Of course, don’t forget Shares’ own weekly diary, page 63 this week.