The trading venue admitted ten new companies between January and June this year, including AFH Financial and Rare Minerals.

A record number of trades were made in PLUS-SX growth market securities in the first six months of the year, an increase of 130 per cent compared to the same period in 2010.

Vivienne Cassley from capital markets at PLUS-SX, says, ‘The trading of PLUS-SX stocks grew significantly in 2010 and this momentum has continued into 2011 as we bring new and exciting investment opportunities to the markets.’

The wealth manager and independent financial advisory firm AFH Financial began trading on the PLUS-quoted market on 23 June, at the same time announcing a subscription raising £1.75 million.

Rare Minerals, which backs companies engaged in the prospecting or mining of valuable minerals, including rare earth metals, joined PLUS in April this year. The company subsequently raised £1 million.

Wey Education was also admitted to the stock exchange in April.

The company invests in the education sector and acquired ZAIL Enterprises prior to joining the market.

PLUS-SX provides UK and international companies with access to European capital through fully listed and growth markets.