The rise of cash shells

Source of growth: There are 64 UK-listed cash shells holding £237.9 million

Source of growth: There are 64 UK-listed cash shells holding £237.9 million

New research from GrowthBusiness shows that the number of UK cash shells is climbing. We speak to new entrants to the market and those that have recently closed deals to find out what’s driving shells’ increasing popularity.

An AIM rising

M&A on Aim research 2012

M&A on Aim research 2012

New research from GrowthBusiness finds that domestic and foreign companies are continuing to use AIM to make acquisitions. We speak to businesses and advisors conducting deals to find out what is driving M&A activity on the junior market.

AIM pay resumes upward trend

AIM salaries resumes upward trend

AIM salaries resumes upward trend

Directors’ salaries on London’s junior market are at all-time highs, but almost half of CEOs did not get a pay rise last year.

The Top 50 Rising Stars of 2011

When times are tough, it only takes a few stars to remind everyone that success is achievable for all. We unveil our Top 50 Rising Stars of 2011: the annual list of the UK's most exciting fast-growth businesses.

Capturing value

Despite the recent climb in share prices, hundreds of companies on AIM are still valued at less than their annual turnover.

Bright Minds: The Power Top 50 2011

The UK's 50 most influential investors & serial entrepreneurs in 2011

The UK's 50 most influential investors & serial entrepreneurs in 2011

Business XL's ranking of the most influential investors and serial entrepreneurs in the UK. We've spoken to some of the best brains in business, the dynamic entrepreneurs and investors driving growth.

A spotlight on AIM

There remains an abundance of value on AIM, where valuations are still depressed despite the recent market rally.

Fast-growth UK companies in 2010

The UK's top 50 growth companies in 2010

The UK's top 50 growth companies in 2010

From pies to porcelain, from data centres to diagnostics, GrowthBusiness unveils its top 50 Rising Stars of 2010: the companies with the fastest-growing sales and profits in the UK.

The UK's top growth companies in 2009

The UK's top 50 growth companies in 2009

The UK's top 50 growth companies in 2009

With fast-growing turnover and profits, these 50 UK-based companies are doing more than their fair share to revive the nation's flagging economy. Here's the full list of this year's Business XL Rising Stars.

Takeover targets

With more than 70 per cent of AIM ventures valued at £20 million or less, dealmakers don’t have to look far to find value for money on the London Stock Exchange’s junior market.

Business offers for growing companies

  • Is cash flow, financing, tax or something else holding back your business?

    The Business Advice Service is here to help. Get moving forward again with a free consultation with a local ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

  • Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking supports business growth

    We’ve reduced the lifetime interest rate on our business loans by 1%. Find out more about our range of funding solutions.

  • Grow your business online

    4 in 5 people prefer a co.uk when searching online. Meet some real life success stories and discover why .co.uk is a great place to be for you and your business. Find out more.

  • Building British Business

    BGF is a champion for UK business, making long term capital investments of £2 million to £10 million in ambitious companies, typically turning over £5 million to £100 million. Tell me more.

  • Microsoft Office 365

    Whether you are a small business with limited IT resources or a large organisation with advanced IT needs, Office 365 has solutions optimised for all business sizes and IT needs. Find out more today.

  • Compare business insurance quotes

    Tailor your policy, compare quotes and buy in minutes! Up to 50% No Claims Discount. Compare quotes now or call 0845-0723340 today.

More from GrowthBusiness

News & Market Deals

Celeb endorsement: Monica Vinader is worn by Cheryl Cole and Cameron Diaz

Jewellery brand worn by Cameron Diaz and Cheryl Cole backed by Beringea through £2.5 million round

Beringea and The Clark Group are investing in Monica Vinader to aid the business in its efforts to open new UK own-brand shops and develop its international distribution.

The Entrepreneur

Local appeal: Salmon & Trout is Cockney rhyming slang for snout (cigarette)

Acting quickly to capitalise on a new market

Time was of the essence when Mario Di Giorgio, CEO of e-cigarette brand Salmon & Trout, launched his business. He explains how being proactive worked.

Growing A Business

Stifling business: Regulation on markets like AIM makes it hard for SMEs

Light touch regulation: Friend or foe? 

Sophia Harrison, director of financial and professional services at Grayling, looks at how a new exchange platform out of Sweden could strike the right chord of regulation for SMEs.

Comment & Analysis

Channeling Instagram for start-up success

That a team of 13 could build a business worth $1 billion should be the inspiration that all entrepreneurs need.