RESEARCH commissioned by the Isle of Man Government has shown the Island continues to dominate the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).
 
The research was conducted by Hemscott last month and has shown the Isle of Man to be in first place in respect of the largest number of non-UK AIM top 100 companies.

The Isle of Man was shown to have a market share of 16.3 per cent, up from 14.6 per cent a year earlier.

Jersey and Ireland shared joint second place with a market share of 14 per cent.

In terms of total non-UK AIM companies, the Isle of Man has retained its 2009 market share of 14 per cent despite the challenging market conditions.

The current market capital of the top 100 Isle of Man-listed companies on non-UK AIM stands at £1,272 million (£1.27 bn) representing a market share, by market capitalisation, of 8 per cent.

The current market capital of all Isle of Man-listed companies on non-UK AIM is £2,796 million (£2.79 bn) representing a market share, by market capitalisation, of 16.3 per cent.

Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK said: "In these difficult market conditions it is gratifying to see the Isle of Man performing so well in the AIM market.

"This shows that the Isle of Man is the preferred gateway to London for international corporate capital raising requirements.

"These findings are a great vote of confidence for the Isle of Man and represent an excellent return on the good work that government and the private sector have put in to promoting our attractive proposition."

Juan Watterson MHK, department member with responsibility for financial services, said: "This research is encouraging and it's hoped that this positive trend will continue in 2011 due to the excellent business environment that the Island provides for AIM-listed companies."