Smith & Williamson’s unique appeal

After ten years acting as Nominated Adviser (Nomad) to AIM companies, Smith & Williamson, the accountants and financial advisory group, last year took the significant decision to become a broker to AIM and now advises over 20 AIM companies in both capacities.

In addition, Smith & Williamson acts as auditor to over 40 AIM companies, placing it eighth in the league tables of accountants on AIM. Providing this portfolio of services makes them unique in the UK. Following record years in 2005 and 2004 for AIM admissions, AIM-related work has been one of the biggest growth areas for the assurance and business services and corporate finance teams of Smith & Williamson.

John Cowie, head of AIM at Smith & Williamson, believes the attitude of institutional investors is one of the sure-fire ways of gauging the market’s prestige. “Institutional investors pretty much all invest on AIM now – two years ago that wasn’t the case, and five years ago AIM was seen very much as a secondary market.”

With over 1,500 companies listed on AIM (including more than 250 from overseas) the degree of AIM’s success has surprised many. Cowie attributes this to AIM’s lighter regulatory touch, shares being treated as unquoted for tax purposes and the unique regime where interpretation of the rules governing AIM is devolved largely to the company’s Nomad. “As a Nomad, we are responsible for ensuring that a company is suitable for admission to AIM and making sure it continues to comply with the AIM Rules,” says Cowie.

Disclaimer
By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing.

Contact:

For further information, contact:
John Cowie is head of AIM at accountants and financial advisory group Smith & Williamson
Tel: 020 7131 4333
Email: john.cowie@smith.williamson.co.uk

Press Office
Alison Hayman, tel: 020 7131 4138
Layisha Laypang, tel: 020 7131 4550

Note To Editors:

Smith & Williamson is an independent professional and financial services group employing over 1,200 people. The group is a leading provider of investment management, financial advisory and accountancy services to private clients, professional practices and mid-size corporates. It operates from offices in London, Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, Guildford, Salisbury, Southampton, Tunbridge Wells and Worcester.

Nexia Audit Limited is an independent company which works alongside Smith & Williamson to complement its specialist financial advisory services.

Smith & Williamson Limited
Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International.

Nexia Smith & Williamson Audit Limited
Registered to carry on audit work and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International.

Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance Limited
A member of M&A International Inc.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.