BlackRock Smaller Companies Trust plc has substantial distributable reserves (?1,045.9 million as at 31 August 2021, including revenue reserves of ?15.3 million). To put this into context, the current level of annual dividend distribution based on dividends declared in respect of the year ended 28 February 2021 amounts to ?16.3 million. Accordingly, the Board is to declare an interim dividend of 13.00 pence per share (2020: 12.80 pence per share) representing an increase of 1.6% over the previous interim dividend. The interim dividend will be paid on 2 December 2021 to shareholders on the Company?s register on 12 November 2021.