Truth, I asked on a share dealing site forum - looks like each person needs to buy their share individually, this isn't cost effective for buying shares, but to get into an AGM (and presumably make a point to the board), that's the way to go.
Good Luck
As far as I know Rod each person who wishes to "earn" the right to attend the AGM would have to purchase at least one (or possibly any other specified number in the company's shareholder T&Cs) share in the company in their own name. They could of course do this through Interactive Investor if they have, or open, a share dealing account.
Each share transaction will be charged a fixed fee of £10 (whether it is for 1 share or 1 million). Their share(s) will be held on account by iii for them, but they will also be registered on the relevant company's shareholder register, and should thereby be eligible to attend the AGM. There may also be conditions regarding exactly when the share(s) is/are purchased relative to the AGM.
I may however not be completely correct in my understanding of these details, so it's probably best if your friend enquires directly to iii by completing the enquiry form at:
http://www.iii.co.uk/help/?type=onlinesupportThey could also contact the company in question to ascertain any conditions of eligibility to attend the AGM.
I hope this helps.