TechMARK, the London Stock Exchange's soon-to-be-spawned technology market, will start with at least 170 companies listed. Companies without a three year trading record will be allowed to join, although they must then provide quarterly reports. The companies listed on TechMARK will be drawn from the FTSE 100 right through to the Fledgling index. Big names include BT, Sage, Freeserve and Sema. No companies from the Alternative Investment Market are to be included. Online companies are expected to benefit most from the new list, but it is also hoped that it will attract a diverse collection of new technology companies, from online services to biotechnology. London has some of the toughest entry requirements for its markets, which has led to a number of companies seeking listings elsewhere -- especially Nasdaq. The hope is that this market will keep home-grown talent at home. However, there are no plans for giving TechMARK listed companies any tax advantages, as yet. ® For more ker-ching tune into Cash Register and turn on to our daily Net Finance News