Mike Ashley interview after Sports Direct AGM

The transcript discusses challenges faced by auditors, scrutiny, and accountability in auditing practices. It highlights the need for consistent standards, referencing the Debenhams case, and proposes rotational auditing to enhance transparency. Governance issues, particularly concerning pension funds, are addressed. The speaker critiques media perceptions and invites critics to engage directly with the organization to understand its operations better.

What challenge does the speaker issue to the top four auditors?

• To merge into a single entity

• To focus only on large corporations

• To rotate their auditing services annually

• To reduce their fees by half

What concern is raised about local authority pensions?

• They are outperforming private pensions

• They are not happy with current governance

• They are investing too much in technology

• They are not subject to any scrutiny

Who is mentioned as a top non-executive director?

• John Gray

• Mark Ashley

• Richard Bottomley

• Ken Clarke

What does the speaker suggest about the media's portrayal of companies?

• It is irrelevant to company performance

• It helps companies improve their image

• It often creates unjustified negative perceptions

• It is always accurate and fair

What invitation does the speaker extend to critics?

• To invest in the company's stock

• To join the company as full-time employees

• To engage directly and observe the company

• To write articles in support of the company