The QCA conference will bring together growth companies, their advisers and investors, policymakers, academics, politicians and the media to address some of the critical issues impacting the UK’s capital markets. This year's theme is Funding our Future: Building Brilliant Companies on the UK’s Public Markets.
How do we source the growth capital for the ventures that will provide economic prosperity in years to come? What needs to be done to crowd in pension investment into UK equities, particularly smaller stocks, as well as revive retail investment?
The annual conference examines the evolution of AIM and how to ensure its continued success in supporting growth companies. Delegates will discuss strategies to encourage greater consumer share-buying, including innovative approaches to financial education, tax incentives, and investor engagement. They will also look at the implications of evolving audit regulations and the changing landscape of ESG reporting, particularly for smaller companies.
Panel discussions include:
Go with the Flows: Getting Growth Capital to UK Equities - Whether it is diverting UK pension funds, rethinking risk appetite, or positioning the Mansion House Compact and British Business Bank behind quote companies, more needs to be done to boost liquidity. This session offers three senior perspectives on the levers to pull.
After 20 Years, Should UK AIM Higher? - Since launching in June 1995, the Alternative Investment Market has supported more than 4,000 companies to raise nearly £135 billion. But how do we make sure it is fit for purpose for another three decades? This session will include the findings of the QCA AIM Commission.
Reviving Retail: Creating More Buzz Around Shares for All - Driving consumer share-buying is a win-win, if it means the public take a meaningful stake in the UK economy and household wealth increases. This session explores how to make it happen, from financial education, tax incentives, the search for advice, why marketing matters, corporate communications – and lessons from abroad.
Is ESG Good for Growth, as well as the Planet? - President Trump is down on DEI, but many insist environmental and social disclosures are a permanent, positive addition to corporate reporting. This session explores how smaller companies in particular can plot a path forward that meets investor desires as the political mood changes.
Fireside Chat: Oliver Shah interviews Richard Moriarty - Fresh leadership has brought a fresh approach from the Financial Reporting Council but with further audit reform on the horizon, what happens next for the industry, its clients - and the watchdog eager for new powers?
Some senior speakers include:
- Emma Reynolds, City Minister, who will open proceedings with a keynote address.
- Alastair King, Lord May of the City of London.
- Sarah Pritchard, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
- Stephen Welton, Chair of the British Business Bank.