Our Small and Mid-cap Sentiment Index reports widespread concern about depressed valuations, lack of investor interest and excessive compliance holding back corporate growth and performance.
While many companies see a boost from going public, including greater access to capital and increased credibility, almost one in four currently see no advantage to maintaining a share listing.
Respondents say it has never been harder to raise funds via the public markets at any point during the 12 years the survey has been running. In fact, for only the second time in its history, companies say that if they were to raise capital over the next year, they are more likely to do so via bank finance than tapping the public market.
In addition, optimism over UK economic prospects has slid compared to six months ago, compounded by geopolitical uncertainty and higher interest rates.
Read more in the full QCA Small and Mid-cap Sentiment Index.
