Your journey to IPO

This infographic outlines what it takes to complete an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

An IPO can provide your business with the access to growth and development capital you need to keep scaling. Once public, companies can access the markets to raise further finance and benefit from an increased profile and credibility.

Going through an IPO says a lot about your company:

• You're established and growing
• You're committed to scaling the business over the long term
• You're backed by a broad range of international investors who believe in your team and the business vision

So, if you're thinking about going public here's everything you need to know about your journey to IPO!

First thing's first - Get your house in order

The IPO process takes between 10 to 12 weeks but planning and negotiations can take 12 to 18. Make sure your house is in order and systems are in place before you start the process.

• Get your accounts into shape ready for the due diligence
• Be clear about your growth plans communicate a clear growth story
• Get the right people in place build a strong board
• Do your research speak to others who have been there and done it
• Invest time and resources in planning and preparing the IPO
• Don't go it alone select the right advisers for your business

Did you know? - Planning and negotiations can take 12-18 months.

Ready, Steady, IPO

1. 1 Appoint your Advisers - For an IPO on AIM, London Stock Exchange's market for smaller growing companies, your Nominated Adviser is a vital part of your IPO team. When they're on board things can really start to progress.
2. Get agreements in place for your advisory team
3. Test your marketing not compulsory but could give your company a head-start post IPO
4. Everything's in place - You've got your ducks in a row and now you're ready to get things moving, starting with your objectives from an IPO and how long it's going to take.
5. Agree your deal structure and timetable
6. Financial and Legal due diligence - Due diligence can be made easier by preparing early. Investing in quality processes and tools early can help you deal with the transparency required from a public company.
7. Draft your admission document
8. Complete legal processes
9. Announce your intention to float This isn't compulsory, but it can help drum up interest and drive momentum.
10. Draft admission document completion
11. Research note by a house broker
12. Meetings with institutional investors
13. Placing list finalised
14. Market announcement of intention to float made at least 10 days prior to admission - This announcement isn't optional and declares your intention to float your company. This is made at least 10 days before admission
15. Completion meeting
16. Pricing
17. Final admission submitted three days before your name is up in lights
18. You've completed your IPO - You've made it! Your business has been admitted and is public. Now it's time to begin life as a listed company.