Region’s AIM firms find it difficult to raise funds

THE North West’s AIM-listed companies have complained of a lack of liquidity in their stocks and of difficulties in raising funds from institutional investors for growth, according to a new survey.

The survey, completed by XCAP Securities, which is based in London but carries out backoffice facilities in Wilmslow, said that although 85.7% of North West companies cited their experience on the public markets as positive, they remained concerned about their ability to use shares to raise new funding.

Adrian Kirk, corporate finance director of XCAP Securities, which is itself listed on AIM, said its findings came as “no surprise”.

“Lack of liquidity is something that many companies have come to expect but this shouldn’t necessarily be the case. With the right team of advisers looking to provide proactive broking, research, and above all, market-making services, companies should be able to enjoy an increase in trading activity.”