Floating on the stock market

Before you consider floating your business on the stock market, you need to determine whether it is ready for life on a public market.

Investors will only be interested in buying shares in companies that have secure earning streams and strong growth prospects. They will look for a good rate of return on any investment but will require a higher rate of return from an unproven, smaller business than from a large established company to compensate for the greater risks involved.

It is harder to guarantee a successful investment in companies new to the market. Smaller companies are more likely to suffer if market or financial conditions change - making investment in them risky.

You will need to consider whether your business can deliver that rate of return. You should ask yourself whether:

• your business has a strong record of delivering profits and growth
• your sector is attractive to investors
• your business plan sets out how you will deliver strong growth in earnings in the future
• your management team is up to the task of delivering the performance required

See tailor your business plan to secure funding.

If you feel your business is not at the right stage of development or will not be able to meet investor expectations of growth, you may want to consider other financing options - see business financing options: an overview.

The London Stock Exchange provides guidance for companies that are considering flotation on the stock market.