Clearly there are some major economic challenges ahead. Many businesses may be able to withstand the challenges ahead but it may very well be that their trading counterparties (whether suppliers, customers or other stakeholders) will not. Whilst these times can represent an opportunity for some, such as potential acquirers (whether of businesses, assets or distressed debt), in most cases, the climate represents a threat to businesses.

New measures intended to be implemented by the FCA next year, will have a significant impact on companies with controlling shareholders who are premium listed and also on those companies considering joining the premium segment. They follow the regulator's assessment of the premium listing regime over the last couple of years, as it considered how to bolster minority shareholder protection without risking damage to London's attractiveness as a listing venue.