By Matthew Edwards and Jacqueline Clover

Last month, we blogged about the launch of the London Stock Exchange High Growth Segment. As part of another programme of measures to support UK and EU start-ups, Future Fifty, a new fast-track programme for businesses, was announced by Chancellor George Osborne on 25 April 2013 and aims to help 50 high-growth companies develop so that they can successfully list in the UK.

Future Fifty has been developed in partnership with the Tech City Investment Organisation.  To apply, a UK, EU or UK-controlled foreign business needs to have been trading for at least 24 months and must demonstrate revenue growth of at least 100 per cent. each year.

According to press reports, a mix of public and private sector experts will provide support to the Future Fifty companies which will include:

  • A mentoring scheme.
  • Investment advice and promotional support to help connect Future Fifty businesses with investors, suppliers and customers.
  • Immigration advice in order to assist Future Fifty businesses in attracting and recruiting the best overseas talent.
  • Access to private sector international trade advisers and support on export issues and global expansion strategies.