The EIS Association

The EIS Association

About us

The EIS Association ("EISA") is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, the aim of which is to further the availability of capital and resource to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the Enterprise Investment Scheme - the EIS.

The EIS is a Government initiative designed to encourage private individuals to invest in Britain's entrepreneurial private companies, the key drivers of our economy. Investors qualify for a range of attractive tax benefits to reflect the investment risks inherent in such companies but although riskier than most traditional quoted investments, successful EIS companies also have the potential for strong growth and superior returns. The EIS tax benefits are set out in more detail in What is the EIS?.

EISA performs a number of key functions but it does not endorse or promote any particular investments or EIS funds. Primarily, its aims are twofold:

  1. to work with the Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs to improve the user-friendliness and success of the EIS, and
  2. to promote the benefits of the Scheme across a wide range of parties covering investors, their personal and taxation advisers and financial intermediaries; companies seeking EIS investment, and their accountancy, taxation, legal and corporate finance advisers, as well as sponsors, promoters, market commentators and analysts. EIS Association Mission

 

Activities include expert advice, lobbying for improvement in the rules and an active and lively networking circle which promotes business between members.  The Board and Tax & Technical Committee have regular meetings with HMRC and Treasury to discuss proposed improvements to the law and to suggest ways in which the rules can be made more helpful to those wishing to use the EIS.

The EIS Association has been involved in in depth consultation with various public sector bodies, including Treasury, HMRC and the Financial Services Authority.  Further consultation will continue with regard to a number of key issues over the foreseeable future, including:

  • the application of VAT to fund management charges;
  • the promotion of EIS funds;
  • the rules for EIS funds;
  • the application of the legislation to technology companies; and
  • general issues with regard to the rules.