In spite of the ups and downs in the economy and the macro-shifts that we have seen in recent years, the UK continues to show a remarkable level of entrepreneurial activity along with an impressive appetite for risk among early-stage investors. From our experience at MDS, the deciding factor for many such investors is the opportunity for EIS or SEIS relief and benefits. Without assurance that an investment will comply, many investors will not proceed. MDS Advisory has worked on a number of recent transactions under the EIS umbrella, acting for the investee companies and incoming investors. Where much of the heavy-lifting is often undertaken by accountants and tax advisors, clear legal advice often proves essential in order to help the other advisors or to spot some of the pitfalls in investment structures. Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial investors often like to be creative. EIS rules will rarely stretch beyond the vanilla. One client that we have been delighted to see raise several rounds of equity finance through the EIS scheme is Knoops Holdings, whose high-end hot chocolate and chocolate products are now available online and in stores across the South-east of England. Businesses like Knoops are a perfect match for MDS Advisory, since we are able to offer legal and practical advice across the full set of legal issues and develop a close relationship with the management team.