In this special 'black tie' episode we are joined by Dr Paul Mattick from Mercia Asset Management and Nick Priest from Downing to discuss the current landscape of VCTs, AIM, and tax-efficient investing, ahead of the 2025 Autumn Budget. We explore how market sentiment, product availability, and anticipated policy changes are influencing adviser and investor behaviour. With fundraising quieter than usual, many advisers are taking a wait-and-see approach ahead of the upcoming government budget. The discussion also covers evolving inheritance tax and pension reforms, potential new initiatives like the British ISA, and how pension capital might play a growing role in private markets over time. If you’re interested in how regulatory shifts and market dynamics are shaping this niche of the investment world, this episode offers valuable insights.Don't Invest unless you are prepared to lose all your money. These are high risk investments and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. CAPITAL AT RISK.INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF RECORDING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.Visit GrowthInvest.com for more information, helpful interviews and guides in our Knowledge Centre at https://growthinvest.com/knowledge-centre-welcome/Or sign up for a free demonstration of the GrowthInvest Platform at our website.#alternativeinvestments, #taxefficient, #wealthmanagement, #ai, #vct, #investing, #vcthighlights, #capitalmarlets, #fundingoptions, #governmentpolicy, #founders, #entrepreneurship, #growth, #investors, #adviser, #SEIS, #EIS, #IHT, #VCT, #iht #inheritance, #inheritanceplanning, #businessrelief, #AIM, #capitalmarkets, #privateequity #privatemarkets,#LTAF, #LongTermAssetFunds, #EconomicUpdate

In this episode, Kallum Pickering and Simon French return to share their perspectives on the current economic landscape, discussing recent global economic developments and how major regions are responding to shifting conditions.

They examine the cooling of the US labour market, signs of stabilisation in China, and the uneven recovery in Europe and the UK.

The conversation highlights the growing importance of political risk, including the pressures facing longstanding institutions and the influence of geopolitical events on economic planning.

Both Kallum and Simon also reflect on long-term fiscal challenges and the role of market signals in shaping policy choices.

Overall, the episode explores how governments and economies are adapting to a period of persistent uncertainty and structural change.

Don't Invest unless you are prepared to lose all your money. These are high risk investments and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. CAPITAL AT RISK.INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF RECORDING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.Visit GrowthInvest.com for more information, helpful interviews and guides in our Knowledge Centre at https://growthinvest.com/knowledge-centre-welcome/Or sign up for a free demonstration of the GrowthInvest Platform at our website.#alternativeinvestments, #taxefficient, #wealthmanagement, #ai, #vct, #investing, #vcthighlights, #capitalmarlets, #fundingoptions, #governmentpolicy, #founders, #entrepreneurship, #growth, #investors, #adviser, #SEIS, #EIS, #IHT, #VCT, #iht #inheritance, #inheritanceplanning, #businessrelief, #AIM, #capitalmarkets, #privateequity #privatemarkets,#LTAF, #LongTermAssetFunds, #EconomicUpdate

In this episode we are delighted to speak with James Lowe about Long Term Asset Funds (LTAFs). Key topics we cover are:• Introduction to LTAFs and their history to date• The Regulatory Framework around LTAFs and the broadening of access• The Suitability and Risk.• Liquidity and Fund Structure models• The comparison with Investment Trusts• Market Demand and Education on LTAFs• Technology and Infrastructure requirements needed from platforms• New Regulatory Developments with the inclusion in Stocks & Shares ISAs and via SIPPs• Deeper dive into the Asset Class Suitability within LTAFsDon't Invest unless you are prepared to lose all your money. These are high risk investments and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. CAPITAL AT RISK.INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF RECORDING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.Visit GrowthInvest.com for more information, helpful interviews and guides in our Knowledge Centre at https://growthinvest.com/knowledge-centre-welcome/Or sign up for a free demonstration of the GrowthInvest Platform at our website.#alternativeinvestments, #taxefficient, #wealthmanagement, #ai, #vct, #investing, #vcthighlights, #capitalmarlets, #fundingoptions, #governmentpolicy, #founders, #entrepreneurship, #growth, #investors, #adviser, #SEIS, #EIS, #IHT, #VCT, #iht #inheritance, #inheritanceplanning, #businessrelief, #AIM, #capitalmarkets, #privateequity #privatemarkets,#LTAF, #LongTermAssetFunds

We’re excited to share Part 2 of our Private Market podcast mini-series!

In this episode, we welcomed back Iain Baillie, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder at Asset Match, and Veronika Oswald, Commercial Director at JP Jenkins, as we explore PISCES, a Treasury and FCA-backed initiative aiming to reshape how unquoted equities are traded in the UK. The goal? To create a regulated, transparent environment that broadens access to private markets. Key topics we covered include: 1. What is PISCES?An introduction to the initiative and its potential to support liquidity and transparency in private equity trading.2. Expanding the Investor BaseWe discuss the shift from high-net-worth individuals to a more diverse group including family offices, smaller institutions, and potentially pension funds. 3. Challenges in UK Capital MarketsFrom declining AIM listings to reduced IPO activity, we unpack the structural issues impacting growth and investor confidence. 4. Barriers to Going PublicHigh costs and limited appetite for smaller companies are pushing firms to consider staying private longer — could PISCES offer a viable alternative? 5. Regulatory OutlookWe explore the FCA’s role, the sandbox period, and how competition among operators (including the LSE) might shape the future landscape. Whether you're in finance, policy, or just curious about the evolution of UK markets, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what’s next.Don't Invest unless you are prepared to lose all your money. These are high risk investments and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.

CAPITAL AT RISK.INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF RECORDING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.Visit

GrowthInvest.com for more information, helpful interviews and guides in our Knowledge Centre at https://growthinvest.com/knowledge-centre-welcome/Or sign up for a free demonstration of the GrowthInvest Platform at our website.#alternativeinvestments #taxefficient #wealthmanagement #ai #vct #investing #vcthighlights #capitalmarlets #fundingoptions #governmentpolicy #founders #entrepreneurship #growth #investors #adviser, #SEIS, #EIS, #IHT, #VCT, #iht #inheritance, #inheritanceplanning, #businessrelief #AIM #capitalmarkets #privateequity #privatemarkets, #AIM, #PISCES

We’re excited to share Part 1 of our Private Market podcast series! In this episode, we welcomed Iain Baillie, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder at Asset Match, and Veronica Oswald, Commercial Director at JP Jenkins, to explore how private market venues are evolving to support companies and shareholders.

Some of the key discussions included:

• Trading Processes & Structures• Types of Companies Using Private Market Venues

• Supporting Companies Beyond Trading

• Innovative Technology & Cap Table Management

A great insight into how private market venues are evolving to meet the needs of modern companies and shareholders!

Don't Invest unless you are prepared to lose all your money.

These are high risk investments and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.

CAPITAL AT RISK. INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF RECORDING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Visit GrowthInvest.com for more information, helpful interviews and guides in our Knowledge Centre at https://growthinvest.com/knowledge-centre-welcome/

Or sign up for a free demonstration of the GrowthInvest Platform at our website growthinvest.com

#alternativeinvestments #taxefficient #wealthmanagement #ai #vct #investing #vcthighlights #capitalmarlets #fundingoptions #governmentpolicy #founders #entrepreneurship #growth #investors #adviser, #SEIS, #EIS, #IHT, #VCT, #iht #inheritance, #inheritanceplanning, #businessrelief #AIM #capitalmarkets #privateequity #privatemarkets, #AIM, #PISCES

In this episode, we were delighted to be joined by Marcus Stuttard, Head of AIM & UK Primary Markets at the London Stock Exchange, to explore the following key topics:

• How the UK is working to build a seamless funding journey for businesses at every stage

• The launch of the new Pisces framework and what it means for private companies

• How this development sits alongside existing markets like AIM and the main market

• The AIM market & Inheritance Tax changes• The importance of wider reforms and financial education in strengthening the UK’s market ecosystem

It was a fascinating discussion about how regulation, innovation, and long-term planning are shaping the future landscape for UK companies.

Don't Invest unless you are prepared to lose all your money. These are high risk investments and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.

CAPITAL AT RISK.INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF RECORDING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

.Visit GrowthInvest.com for more information, helpful interviews and guides in our Knowledge Centre at https://growthinvest.com/knowledge-centre-welcome/ Or sign up for a free demonstration of the GrowthInvest Platform at our website.

#alternativeinvestments #taxefficient #wealthmanagement #ai #vct #investing #vcthighlights #capitalmarlets #fundingoptions #governmentpolicy #founders #entrepreneurship #growth #investors #adviser, #SEIS, #EIS, #IHT, #VCT, #iht #inheritance, #inheritanceplanning, #businessrelief #AIM #capitalmarkets #privateequity #privatemarkets, #AIM, #pisces

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Richard Penny of Oberon Investments, as we explore the current state of UK small and micro-cap stocks and the factors influencing this market.

Following a multi-year selloff, twice as severe as the downturn during the Global Financial Crisis, Richard discusses his perspective on market conditions, the trends he’s observing, and why he considers this a notable moment for the sector.

In this episode, topics discussed include:

• Why UK equities, especially small caps, are deeply undervalued
• How institutional outflows and global benchmarks have distorted prices
• The growing impact of buybacks, M&A, and foreign takeovers
• What role pension reform and regulation could play in revitalising UK markets

Whether you're an experienced investor or exploring how broader economic shifts are influencing UK markets, this episode delivers valuable insights and is packed with sharp analysis.

Don't Invest unless you are prepared to lose all your money. These are high risk investments and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.

CAPITAL AT RISK.INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF RECORDING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Our latest Alternative Thinking podcast is now live!

In the final episode of this series, guests Simon French and Kallum Pickering explore a growing sense of optimism around the UK’s capital markets and the opportunities that could lie ahead.

They unpack key issues including the significant flow of UK pension funds into overseas markets, particularly the US, and how this trend may be undermining domestic growth potential. Years of underperformance have triggered a damaging cycle of outflows and low returns, but the conversation points to a path forward: revitalising UK public markets to improve productivity, restore effective price discovery, and attract fresh investment. The discussion also highlights the broader societal impact of low domestic share ownership, and makes the case for bold, coordinated policy reform that reconnects capital markets with the real economy and re-engages the public in the UK’s financial future.

Listen now to hear why the tide may be turning for UK markets.

Don't Invest unless you are prepared to lose all your money. These are high risk investments and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.

CAPITAL AT RISK.INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF RECORDING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Visit GrowthInvest.com for more information, helpful interviews and guides in our Knowledge Centre at https://growthinvest.com/knowledge-centre-welcome/Or sign up for a free demonstration of the GrowthInvest Platform at our website.

#alternativeinvestments #taxefficient #wealthmanagement #ai #vct #investing #vcthighlights #capitalmarlets #fundingoptions #governmentpolicy #founders #entrepreneurship #growth #investors #adviser, #SEIS, #EIS, #IHT, #VCT, #iht #inheritance, #inheritanceplanning, #businessrelief #AIM #capitalmarkets #privateequity