The worst is behind us, insists the boss of junior stock market

The Alternative Investment Market is calling for more action to make life easier for small companies.

It wants to see stamp duty tax abolished for small companies on AIM and a lower rate of Capital Gains Tax for early stage businesses.

“There remain some barriers to investment in small companies,” said Marcus Stuttard, head of AIM.

AIM received a boost recently when Chancellor George Osborne revealed a consultation on allowing AIM stocks to be held in ISAs.