A recent report from UK Finance calls for the imposition of penalties on startups that receive state aid and then decide to list abroad. The report argues that grants and tax incentives should be recouped if companies fail to demonstrate a “two-way commitment” to the UK.
Produced in collaboration with the consultancy Global Counsel, the report suggests that businesses receiving government assistance should be required to maintain their listing on UK stock exchanges, with repayment obligations for non-compliance. This proposal comes in response to growing concerns about the increasing number of startups opting for foreign exchanges over those in London.
UK business leaders have expressed worries about the declining status of London’s stock market compared to global exchanges, especially those in the US. The departure of major companies such as CRH, Flutter, and Ferguson has heightened these concerns, as has the decision by Cambridge-based chip designer Arm to list in New York, despite efforts by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
UK Finance proposes that tying government support to a commitment to remain in the UK could help reverse this trend. The report suggests, “The government should also consider ways in which an expanded set of taxpayer-funded supports for early-stage growth companies involve a two-way commitment and would become repayable in part or full if a recipient ultimately chooses to list, or move valuable operations, outside the UK.”
Several measures have been proposed to address the perceived exodus of companies. In the past year, the Financial Conduct Authority introduced extensive reforms to make it easier for startup founders to maintain control, similar to practices in the US. Julia Hoggett, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has stressed that UK companies are at a disadvantage as British asset managers often oppose larger, US-style remuneration packages.
Conor Lawlor, managing director for capital markets and wholesale policy at UK Finance, has stated, “We want to see UK companies grow and be hugely successful. We also want to strengthen our capital markets and the number of companies that choose to list on UK markets. Our aim is to make the UK as attractive a destination as possible.”
Additionally, UK Finance recommends a gradual reduction in government support for startups rather than abruptly terminating it when companies reach a certain size. They have also suggested that facilitating investments by pension funds in unlisted UK companies could yield significant benefits.
Data from the LSE shows a notable decrease in the number of companies listed on London’s main market, from 2,101 in 2003 to 1,022 at present, underlining the urgency of addressing this issue.