BlackRock Smaller Companies Trust plc announced the appointment of Mr. James Barnes as a non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 31 July 2021.  Mr Barnes will also serve as a member of the Company’s Audit, Nomination and Management Engagement Committees. Mr. Barnes has a wealth of experience in the financial services and UK smaller companies sector and began his career in corporate finance and investment banking. He was formerly a director of Dobbies Garden Centres plc and was instrumental in growing the business and leading its sale to Tesco in 2007.   He was also previously a Director and Chairman of Dunedin Smaller Companies Trust plc and is currently the chairman of Vestey Holdings, the Horticultural Trades Association, Thirlstane Castle Trust and the Crieff Food Company.