Small businesses raise alarm over tax raid on AIM market

Dozens of prominent firms listed on London’s junior Aim market have warned Rachel Reeves (pictured) that speculation over the future of a key tax break is damaging investor confidence. 

Companies including mixer maker Fevertree, travel firm Jet2 and Mothercare have written to the Chancellor, urging ‘clear support’ for business relief on inheritance tax.

Currently, most Aim-quoted shares held for at least two years are not subject to inheritance tax to encourage investment in entrepreneurial growth stocks. 

But speculation has swirled around the future of the business relief tax break. 

Now, more than 140 Aim-quoted businesses with combined profits of £1.5billion, employing more than 120,000 people, have urged Reeves not to remove it, Sky News reported.

Signatories also include Revolution Bars, Virgin Wines, advertising firm M&C Saatchi, and cosmetics business Warpaint. 

They said that Aim ‘has given innovative businesses like ours the ability to access patient capital as we grow’ with the market ‘underpinned by important tax reliefs like business relief on inheritance tax’. 

The letter said: ‘A lack of clarity on the future of this relief has damaged investor confidence, showing clearly the close link between the relief and the future success of the market.’ 

DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS

AJ Bell

AJ Bell

Easy investing and ready-made portfolios

Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown

Free fund dealing and investment ideas

interactive investor

interactive investor

Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month

Saxo

Saxo

Get £200 back in trading fees

Trading 212

Trading 212

Free dealing and no account fee

Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.

Compare the best investing account for you