THE number of companies listing on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) is set to increase in the first half of 2012, for the first time since 2007, according to new research.

The study, published by accountants Deloitte, comes just weeks after an event in Liverpool held to promote the benefits of listing on the exchange.

Deloitte reveals that the level of de-listings reached a six-year low in 2011.

Paul Lupton, North West head of corporate finance advisory at Deloitte, said: “Since the number of companies on AIM peaked at 1,694 at the end of 2007, we have seen an almost non-stop decline in numbers to 1,150 companies listed as at November 30, 2011, a reduction of approximately one third.

“Over this time, listed companies have departed the market in droves, either voluntarily, if they don’t perceive ongoing value in their listed status, or involuntarily, generally due to their financial circumstances in these difficult economic times.

“However, to the end of November, 2011, the total number of de-listings was just 131.

“This is a fall of 55% compared with the peak recorded in 2009, when 293 companies delisted from the market, and is the lowest level of de-listings since 2005.