In this interview, DirectorsTalk caught with Gervais Williams, the co-fund manager of the Miton UK MicroCap Trust (LON:MINI), a specialised investment trust focusing on the smallest of the UK’s publicly traded companies by market capitalisation. Despite the challenging economic landscape marked by high-interest rates and modest growth forecasts for the UK in 2024, the Miton UK MicroCap Trust aims to uncover and invest in the potential high-growth opportunities within the microcap sector.
Gervais provides in-depth insights into how the trust navigates the current economic environment, highlighting the resilience and growth potential of microcap investments. We discuss several standout companies within the trust’s portfolio, including Ondo InsurTech plc (LON:ONDO), recognised for its innovative LeakBot technology that addresses water leakage—a significant issue for insurers—and has garnered partnerships with leading insurance carriers in Europe and America.
Feedback Plc (LON:FDBK), another portfolio company, is making strides in the healthcare sector with its Bleepa product, expanding its sales force and entering new markets like India.
Gervais also sheds light on Journeo Plc’s (LON:JNEO) exceptional performance, a company that has seen its share price skyrocket by over 500% in less than five years, thanks to its successful organic growth and strategic acquisitions. We also touch on the critical and evolving sector of cybersecurity, discussing Smartech247 Group Plc‘s (LON:S247) position and future amidst the increasing rate and sophistication of cyberattacks.
We explore the trust’s strategic investments in gold mining stocks, including a detailed discussion on Serabi Gold plc‘s (LON:SRB) recent production increase and future growth prospects. Gervais comments on the remarkable progress of Accrol Group Holdings plc (LON:ACRL), highlighting its profitable half-year results, significant margin improvements, and strategic acquisitions that pave the way for exceeding future expectations.
Finally, the discussion turns to CMC Markets‘ (LON:CMCX) impressive performance in January and its positive outlook for FY24, reflecting on the company’s strong third-quarter results and anticipated improvement in net operating income.
Gervais Williams offers valuable perspectives on the microcap market’s dynamics, the trust’s strategic approach to identifying and investing in promising small-cap companies, and his outlook on various sectors represented within the Miton UK MicroCap Trust’s portfolio.
