The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association has launched this year’s ‘Ready, Steady, Grow!’ series, a nationwide roadshow designed to drive awareness around EIS across the UK and connect local wealth managers, IFAs, advisers, investors and SMEs.
Recent data from HMRC highlights the impact of the schemes. From 2023 to 2024, 3,780 companies raised £1.5 billion in EIS funding, whilst a further 2,290 companies raised £242 million in SEIS funding in the same period. Furthermore, according to Beauhurst, 46.5% of UK unicorns were EIS backed.
There has been increased interest in investing through the schemes in recent months, given the changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT). A survey by IFA Magazine and Blackfinch found that 56% of IFAs said they ‘definitely did’ or ‘possibly did’ have clients now considering EIS who hadn’t before the 2024 Budget. The events provide a valuable opportunity for IFAs to understand how EIS can benefit clients, particularly in terms of CGT and IHT.
Christiana Stewart-Lockhart, Director General of EISA, said: “The ‘Ready, Steady, Grow!’ series is a great way to ensure more people across the UK know about the benefits of the EIS and SEIS — for both investors and entrepreneurs. Despite the EIS supporting innovation across a wide range of sectors, including global success stories like Deliveroo and Revolut, awareness remains low, particularly outside of London. That’s why we’ve added five new cities to this year’s series, to drive awareness and ensure more people across the country can take advantage of the opportunities the EIS and SEIS provide.”
The 2025 ‘Ready, Steady, Grow!’ series kicks off in Edinburgh on the 16th of September, with 15 events planned in Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Belfast, Swansea and other cities across the UK, bringing together industry experts, entrepreneurs and investors.
Explore agendas, discover the speakers and register for your closest city here.
