Floating on the stock market

Floating your business on a stock market involves selling a percentage of your business in the form of shares, which are subsequently traded. There is a choice of stock markets in the UK, but the largest is the London Stock Exchange.

Joining a stock market turns your business into a 'public company'. This presents a range of benefits, including access to capital, and the opportunity to increase your businesses profile and motivate staff through the introduction of share option schemes.

There are also additional responsibilities and costs which come with being a publicly quoted company and these require careful consideration.

This guide looks at the process of floating your business on a stock market and explains some of the benefits and matters for consideration.