Thursday 17.11.2005

AIM Conference Attracts Record Numbers

There was standing room only at this year's AIM North 2005 Conference in Manchester as Martin Graham, head of AIM, London Stock Exchange praised the North West's professional community for its AIM expertise.

Addressing an audience of over 100 delegates from AIM listed companies and potential entrants to the market, Martin Graham said:

"So far this year we've been delighted to welcome 25 companies from the North West to AIM and with the high quality of advisers we have in this region, we are sure that this number will grow significantly."

"Among the 1300 quoted AIM companies, 101 companies are from the North West and together they represent almost 10% of the total AIM market value."

AIM North 2005 is now in its third year and is led by law firm Halliwells in association with AIM, London Stock Exchange, Altium Capital, Brewin Dolphin Securities and Ernst & Young.

So why is AIM so successful - and popular - in the North West?

Said James Sheridan, corporate partner at Halliwells:

"There's an entrepreneurial business culture in the North West.   People don't expect to hold on to 100% of their business - they welcome outside investment to aid growth."

Added Frank Shephard, corporate partner at Halliwells:

"The success in the North West of AIM companies means that prospective entrants to the market know and have done business with companies that are already trading on AIM. They have seen the opportunities that can arise to make acquisitions and incentivise employees".

About Halliwells

Halliwells is one of the UK's leading multi-disciplinary law firms with over 1000 people and offices in Manchester, Liverpool, London and Sheffield



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