Today the London Stock Exchange Group hosted its annual AIM Conference at its headquarters in Paternoster Square, London. Keynote speaker, MP Mark Hoban opened the conference, praising the role AIM plays in supporting growing businesses and the UK economy.
Head of AIM, Marcus Stuttard, welcomed the Government's plans, announced in yesterday's Budget for the qualifying limits for VCT investment to be increased, leading to greater support for growth companies seeking investment.
Speaking at today's conference Mark Hoban MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury said:
"Small and medium sized business enterprises play a vital role in our economy, providing both jobs and services throughout the UK and beyond. As a government, we are committed to supporting SMEs and have launched a range of initiatives including reform of EIS and VCT, funding for new Enterprise Zones and improving access to credit facilities for smaller companies. These and other projects are all designed to drive growth and innovation which will fuel the continued recovery of the UK economy"
Marcus Stuttard, Head of AIM, London Stock Exchange Group, said:
"The annual AIM Conference has become a key event for growth companies and this year is no exception. AIM is the most successful market in the world for growth companies seeking finance and AIM's importance as a source of funding has never been more critical. SMEs are at the forefront of UK and European policymakers' minds as drivers of economic recovery, innovation and growth and today's conference represents an opportunity to build on the continued success of the international AIM community.
"We have been working closely with the Government and European policy makers to find ways of encouraging equity investment in growing businesses and we are delighted at yesterdays increase in qualifying limits for VCT investment to include companies with up to 250 employees and £15 million gross assets."
The AIM conference is attended by AIM companies, investors and members of the small cap community. Sessions during the day include presentations from Abchurch Communications, Capita Registrars and PricewaterhouseCoopers.