EIS allows companies to raise finance from investors who purchase new unquoted shares in those firms and who benefit from a range of tax relief incentives.

In the 2012 to 2013 tax year, more than £1bn was invested into EIS qualifying companies. This brought the total amount of investment into UK smaller companies through EIS to more than £9.7bn since the scheme was first introduced in 1994.

This guide will explain who should consider EIS, the tax benefits, the risks presented by this type of investment and how to ensure you select the best vehicle for your clients.

Supporting material was provided by Daniel Kiernan, director of alternative investment research provider Intelligent Partnership; Mark Payton, managing director of Mercia Fund Management; Paul Sedgwick, head of investments at Frank Investments; John Thorpe, business line manager for EIS at Octopus Investments; Susan McDonald, executive chairman and joint founder of Calculus Capital; and Jonathan Gain, chief executive of Stellar Asset Management.