Merlin Piscitelli, Datasite CRO, EMEA, has shared thoughts on the UK 2024 Spring Budget, Merlin’s comment can be seen below:
“With the UK in a recession and a general election looming, the Spring Budget must focus on getting the economy moving again, including actions that boost capital market transactions, especially initial public offerings.
UK M&A value dropped by 41% in 2023 and IPOs decreased by 40%. And while there are some green shoots of M&A activity this year, the Spring Budget must include programs to enhance national productivity and new liquidity options for growing companies to create a better environment for IPOs.
The budget must also address technology advances. Recent programs such as the £20 billion investment in R&D and £80 million in AI research hubs, are a good start but there needs to be more.
Additionally, there should be no more changes to corporation taxes. Since 2019, business has had to contend with 26 corporation tax rule changes. A respite on this front should positively impact M&A deal flow.”
