This volume examines the mechanisms by which businesses that have the capacity to grow - whether in terms of output, innovation or export - acquire the cash that enables growth.

This is an issue of central importance to the continued competitiveness of firms and economies. It has attracted a great deal of official and academic attention over the years, ranging from government reports on the 'financing gaps' facing firms to the contemporary debate about 'short-termism' in the City. Finance for Growing Enterprises draws together contemporary research carried out by leading academics in this area.

Throughout, research studies develop the themes of market failure, finance gaps and failures of demand. They also bring out powerfully the linkages between the financing choices facing the growing firm and the issues of organisation and of corporate governance that have to be addressed during the process of growth and maturity.

1. Contributors challenge financial orthodoxy throughout with new evidence, providing coherent analyses of the difficulties faced in the finance of the growing enterprise, from its early dependence on banks and informal finance to the pinnacle of a stock exchange listing.