Businesses invited to Take AIM

North East entrepreneurs are being urged to think big and consider flotation to take their businesses to the next stage of growth.

In an effort to boost the number of regional businesses listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and the London Stock Exchange, NStar - a business finance & support organization based in Newcastle - is, linking up with with AIM and The Journal to hold a major event which will enable local businesses to learn more about the opportunities for growth offered by both markets.

Entitled 'Take AIM', the event event will be held at the Sage, Gateshead, on September 27 and will be hosted by the BBC's Peter Snow.

The event is targeted at CEOs and financial directors of ambitious businesses contemplating a float over the next few years as well as entrepreneurs interested in learning more about the financial markets.

Marcus Stuttard, deputy chairman of AIM, will speak at the event and he will be joined by a leading institutional investor, as well as entrepreneurs who have used AIM to realise their business ambitions.

In recent years the number of successful and innovative companies across the North East has significantly increased; however, the percentage of local companies listed on the LSE or AIM remains well below the national average.

The symposium will highlight the benefits, as well as the challenges for companies choosing to take this route.

Launched in 1995, AIM has raised around £24billion for more than 2,200 companies.

It offers significant tax advantages for investors, as well as a less intrusive regulatory burden for companies listing on the market.

"Historically there have been more AIM flotations in other regions because these areas have tended to enjoy greater economic growth," said Mark Fahy, who heads the London Stock Exchange' regional office for the North of England.

"However, the emergence of North East England as a thriving and prosperous area for commercial development has not, to date, been reflected in the number of applications received for market listing."

NStar chief executive, Andrew Mitchell, said: "We hope to de-bunk any myths surrounding the flotation process, and take a pragmatic look at why this may be a viable option for ambitious local businesses to consider when looking to raise equity.

EVENT DETAILS

Take AIM will be held at The Sage Gateshead on Thursday, September 27. Email Julie Moorhouse for further information or phone her on (0191) 2016119.

Click here to download the Take AIM registration form.