Home » Posts tagged 'snox' (Page 3)

Tag Archives: snox

Quoted Micro 1 December 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

Valereum (VLRM) has entered into an agreement to raise $200m of royalty and streaming capital from new special purpose segregated portfolio company, Valereum QGP-SP, which is being formed to list on a US National Exchange. There will be a one year option over a stake of 49.9% in Valereum in return for the royalty and streaming income. This will help to accelerate development of the crypto and blockchain platforms and finance acquisitions.

Digital asset company Vaultz Capital (V3TC) holds 135 Bitcoin. Two resolutions related to a share capital reorganisation and a reduction in nominal value were withdrawn from the AGM following shareholder feedback.

Ajax Resources (AJAX) had cash of £1.37m at the end of August 2025. It is in the process of acquiring the Paguanta silver lead zinc project in Chile. Drilling should commence soon at the Eureka project. The cash will finance this and a JORC compliant mineral resource estimate.

AI software company IntelliAM AI (INT) has won contracts in the building products sector. They cover 15 sites and should generate £250,000 in this financial year. Annual recurring revenues were £1.18m at the end of September 2025, Cash was £786,000 and a further £250,000 has subsequently been raised at110p/share. A WRAP retail offer could raise up to £150,000 more. This will fund the delivery of the co-development partnership with a global engineering manufacturer.

WeShop (NASDAQ: WSHP) shares ended the week at $145.21. WeCap (WCAP) has an interest valued at around 28p/share. The share price increased 8.33% to 2.6p. Res Privata NV has cut its WeCap stake from 13.6% to less than 3%. Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) owns a stake worth $21.8m and the share price rose 3.7% to 1.4p, which values the investment company at £3.4m.

Mendell Helium (MDH) has extended the broker option of up to 10 million shares until 3 December. A further £12,000 has been raised via subscription at 3p/share.

Cannabis medicines developer Ananda Developments (ANA) is calling a general meeting on 12 December to gain shareholder approval to leave Aquis. This will save money and may make it easier to raise cash. Initial data from a phase 1 human study for MRX1 has shown a positive safety profile. The final study should be complete in the second quarter of 2026.

Trading in Amazing AI (AAI) shares was suspended following the resignation of Guild Financial Advisory as corporate adviser. The company has hired Rosenblatt Law to pursue a legal action against Tom Winnifrith and Share Prophets Ltd. Chief executive Paul Mathieson is also pursuing legal action, although his social media comments will not help him.

Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is consolidating 100 shares into one new share and trading will commence on 1 December. The pre-consolidation share price was 19.4% lower at 0.725p.

Café chain Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) increased interim revenues by 111% to NZ$5.77m, helped by managed stores in Ireland via the partnership with Dairygold. Pre-tax profit fell from NZ$530,000 to NZ$68,000. Overall store sales were 26.9% ahead at NZ$45.5m. There are currently 100 stores, most of which are franchised, with a target of 300 by 2034. Net debt is NZ$1.73m.

Sulnox Group (SNOX) has secured a major distribution agreement for its reduced emissions additives in the marine sector through Drew Marine USA, which operates in 1,200 ports around the world.

Marula Mining (MARU) is acquiring an initial 50% stake in the Tonto Tshipi manganese mine in South Africa for five million shares. It can increase its interest to up to 70%. Open pit mining should start in mid-December. On completion of due diligence, a further payment of £250,000 and Marula Mining will fund 100% of exploration with a minimum spend of £1m over 12 months. Once a bankable feasibility study is completed there will be a further payment of £5m and an option fee of £100,000 would take the interest to 70%.

In the year to May 2025, Equipmake (EQIP) revenues fell from £7.3m to £3.5m, while the loss increased from £9.1m to £10.9m. The company has been restructured and there is a focus on better margin business. Costs are much lower. There was cash of £3.9m at the end of May 2025. In recent months there have been significant contract wins.

Oscillate (SRVL) says drilling results confirm copper mineralisation for the Koko Basin project in Namibia. It is also targeting sites that are highly prospective. Multiple soil samples at the Duekoue molybdenum copper project in Cote d’Ivoire show moderately anomalous concentrations of gold. Richard and Charlotte Edwards have reduced their shareholding from 5.21% to 4.03%.

Africa-focused social impact investment company Inqo Investments (INQO) had net assets of R211.5m, including cash of R33.4m, at the end of August 2025.

NYCE International (NYCE) has appointed Oberon Capital as corporate adviser and broker. Game aggregator and content innovation arm Nirmata Play was launched in October, while online gaming media agency ClickSpin Media was launched in June. They are generating revenues.

SuperSeed Capital (WWW) had an unchanged NAV of 121p/share at the end of September 2025. The managed fund SuperSeed II is expected to make two more investments by the end of 2025.

BWA Group (BWAP) is starting due diligence ground truthing at the Aracari gold project in Cameroon.

Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is consolidating 100 shares into one new share and trading will commence on 1 December. The pre-consolidation share price is 0.725p.

Fenikso (FNK) has received $535,650 as partial repayment of a loan and there is still $34.6m outstanding.

Chairman Richard Oldfield bought 25,000 Shepherd Neame (SHEP) shares at 467.6p each.

JP JENKINS

Rocksteady Coffee Company (ROCK) joined JP Jenkins on 18 November. It was founded in 2012 and produces organic Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.

ASSET MATCH

Isle of Scilly Steamship (IOS) interim revenues improved from £16.8m to £18.1m, while pre-tax profit rose from £6.72m to £7.44m. There was cash of £8.01m at the end of September 2025. Passenger bookings are 0.7% ahead of the same time last year. The Skybus airline has been awarded the Newquay to London route. New passenger and freight vessels will be delivered next year. Management targets EBITDA of £8m by 2030.

Marshall of Cambridge (MCH) has completed the sale of Marshall Land Systems.

AIM

essensys (ESYS) founder and non-executive director Mark Furness, who stepped down as chief executive in May, has submitted an indicative offer of 20p/share for the developer of Software-as-a-Service and cloud services for the flexible workspace sector. Mark Furness owns 30.4% and this offer would value essensys at £13m. A trading statement revealed revenues of £4.1m in the quarter to October 2025, but a contract worth £900,000 each year is set to end in December. There will be cost savings, but 2025-26 results will be lower than expected. A debt facility is being negotiated. The figures for the year to July 2025 have not been published, but a previous trading statement indicated a fall in revenues from £24.1m to £19.2m with cash of £1.8m. essensys joined AIM on 29 May 2019 when it raised £14m at 151p/share.

Online retailer Boohoo (DEBS) is starting to improve its performance, but there is a long way to go. In the six months to August 2025, revenues fell from £385.4m to £296.9m, but there was a swing from an adjusted loss of £9.2m to an operating profit of £1.8m. There was still a pre-tax loss. Cost savings have been made and a full year pre-tax loss of £11.5m is forecast. Net debt should start to decline. There is a new incentive scheme for executives. Chief executive Dan Finley could be paid £148.1m if the share price reaches 300p within five years. Goldman Sachs has raised its share price target for the online retailer from 16p to 17p, but still says sell, while Barclays has cut its target from 13p to 11p and remains underweight.

European Metals Holdings (EMH) joint venture Geomet has secured a €360m grant for the Cinovec lithium and tin project in the Czech Republic.  This is Europe’s most advanced lithium project. EMH owns 49% of Geomet, which is expected to publish a definitive feasibility study soon. Zeus has modelled a 25-year mine life and an NPV10 of $1.04bn. Zeus has a fair value share price of 75p.

Savannah Resources (SAV) is progressing towards a final investment decision on the Barroso lithium project in Portugal. Lithium demand is increasing and the spodumene price has risen 80% since the end of June and is currently around $1,100/t. Discussions continue with potential customers. Savannah Resources is also acquiring a nearby mining lease. There is potential for a German government guarantee on a project finance loan of up to $270m. After the recent fundraising at 3.7p/share the company has £21m in cash.

Battery technology developer Gelion (GELN) has made strong progress over the past year and recently strengthened its balance sheet through a £10.5m fundraising that should give it enough cash for two years. In the year to June 2025, revenues increased 36% to £2.7m, with one-third coming from the first commercial sales. That helped the operating loss fall by one-quarter to £6m. Gelion is making strong progress with partners, including TDK Corporation, with whom it expects to produce a commercial pouch cells prototype within the next 12 months. The Li-S technology is achieving strong results in relation to battery life and power performance.

Egg-free celebration cakes supplier Cake Box (CBOX) reported a dip in profit in the first half, but this should be more than made up for by a much stronger second half. Like-for-like sales have grown strongly despite the tough consumer environment and group sales were £28.8m with the Cake Box contribution 19% ahead including new store openings. Pre-tax profit fell 4% to £2.6m.

Professional services firm DSW Capital (DSW) has decided to raise the interim dividend by one-fifth to 1.2p/share. Interim network revenues were 32% higher to £10.3m. Company revenues increased from £1.09m to £2.79m, which includes more recent acquisitions. Pre-tax profit grew from £101,000 to £237,000. Less than one-third of revenues are from the volatile M&A sector, which used to dominate the business.

Lung imaging technology developer Polarean Imaging (POLX) has signed a distributor agreement with DK Healthcare in South Korea. It has also won an order from the National Taiwan University Hospital for a Xenon MRI research system through its partner Philips. Polarean Imaging is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM at a general meeting on 15 December. It plans to join matched bargain market JP Jenkins.

Team (TEAM) has launched a recommended bid for WH Ireland (WHI). It is offering 0.195 of a share for each WH Ireland share and the WH Ireland shareholders will own 43.5% of the enlarged group, which will be valued at around £30m.

ACG Metals is considering making an offer for gold and copper producer Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ), which has a resource base of more than 400,000 ounces of gold and one million tonnes of copper. The Xarxar and Garadag projects are still to be brought into production.

Tanfield Group (TAN) says the US courts have granted a motion for partial summary judgement in the dispute over Snorkel International, where Tanfield has a 49% stake that is the subject of a call option by the other shareholder. This summary judgement says that the 49% stake cannot be acquired for nil as the partner wanted to. A valuation plus interest will be calculated. The trial will begin in October.

Security technology supplier Thruvision (THRU) grew interim revenues 36% to £2.6m, even though retail revenues were lower. Cash was £2.1m at the end of September 2025. The second half will be tougher than expected and Allenby has reduced its full year revenues forecast from £8m to £5m, while the loss is raised from £2.21m to £3.55m. There will still be cash by the end of March 2026. Herald has sold its 8.89% stake and Dr Graham Cooley has raised his shareholding from 6.8% to 7.02

Premier African Minerals (PREM) has raised £500,000 at 0.0575p/share. This will be invested in the processing plant for the Zulu lithium and tantalum project.

CelLBxHealth (CLBX) raised £6.8m at 1p/share and could raise up to £1m more from a retail offer closing on 1 December. A capital reorganisation will reduce the nominal value of the shares so that they can be issued at this price. There will be £1.9m spent on R&D, £1m for sales and market and £1.2m for reorganisation and IT systems. The cancer diagnostics company will progress partnerships and reduce annual operating costs by more than £5.9m. Ther will also be development of additional assays for the Parsortix platform.

Telematics supplier Microlise Group (SAAS) says lower OEM volumes due to tariffs and the weak economy. There have also been delays in projects. There are plans to cut annualised costs by £4m. That is too late for 2025 when forecast revenues have been cut from £91.3m to £84m, while earnings have been slashed from 5.5p/share to 3.1p/share. The 2026 earnings forecast has been cut to 4.9p/share. Customer churn remains low.

Womenswear retailer Sosandar (SOS) is gaining momentum this year. Interim revenues were 15% higher at £18.7m, while sales were 28% ahead on the company’s website. Sales to Marks & Spencer were hit by that retailer’s cyber incident, but they have started again. The six stores are loss-making, but the first two are moving towards breakeven. The interim loss increased from £700,000 to £1.1m, but a full year pre-tax profit is anticipated. Net cash was £7.7m at the end of September.

Trellus Health (TRLS), which has developed digital technology to manage chronic conditions, has secured a $600,000 loan from 25% shareholder Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. There is no interest charge for nine months and then the annual rate is 8%. The loan is convertible into shares, but the stake cannot go above 29.9%. This will provide enough cash until late January when more cash will be required.

Kropz (KRPZ) produced 87,496 tonnes of phosphate concentrate n the third quarter and sales were 28% higher at 72,408 tonnes. September was a record production month, and the mine is still in its trial production phase.

Oil and gas producer Prospex Energy (PXEN) has generated revenues of £4.2m so far this year, despite the downtime at Viura and El Romeral and lower gas prices. Viura is back in production in the fourth quarter. This will enable much larger revenues in the period and generate cash for investment.

MAIN MARKET

Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) has moved from Aquis to the Main Market on 25 November. Trading ended on Aquis at 25.5p and the share price rose to 27p at the end of the week. KR1 has a portfolio of digital assets. The update for the end of October 2025 showed net assets of 41.5p/share. Income of £305,543 was generated during the month.

New Frontier Minerals (NFM) is raising $2.25m via a placing at $0.021/share. Every two shares come with an option exercisable at $0.04 each. The cash will be used to advance the Harts Range project. The focus is to target heavy rare earth elements for US magnet and defence clients. Using Metallium’s Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology on Harts Range raw ore delivered exceptional beneficiation results. There will be further drilling results released over the next few weeks. There will also be some cash used for the mining lease application at the NW Queensland copper project.

Cardiff Property (CDFF) increased NAV from £29.31/share to £30.53/share in the year to September 2025. The dividend was raised from 25.5p/share to 27.5p/share.

First Tin (1SN) is raising £6.3m at 7p/share. This will finance the completion of the updated DFS for the Taronga tin project in Australia. There will also be cash for preparatory work on the project site. There will be some cash for the Tellerhauser project in Germany.

Walker Crips (WCW) has agreed a 14p/share bid from PhillipCapital, valuing the company at £6m.

IT services provider Triad (TRD) reported a rise in interim revenues from £10.2m to £12m, while pre-tax profit was 10% higher at £820,000. The interim dividend was raised by 50% to 3p/share.

Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) slipped into loss in the six months to September 2025. It is still paying a 5p/share interim dividend. Net debt is £9.6m.

Andrew Hore

Quoted Micro 10 November 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

Asset and fund managers advisory services provider Falconedge (EDGE) joined Aquis on 5 November. The company was formed in 2024, and it has five clients. There was £1.44m raised at 1.034p/share. It previously raised £1m. Falconedge was valued at £10.5m on admission. Falconedge has already bought 15.16258228 Bitcoin at $103,553.97 each. The total investment is £1.2m.

Business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) has grown it interim order book by a double digit percentage. Market share has been gained in the housing sector. Three new university contracts were won, and these will contribute to the second half. The audit working paper software was launched at the beginning of November.

VVV Sports (VVV) has signed non-binding heads of terms for the acquisition of R3 Sport, which owns and manages events, manages athletes, owns media rights and invests in teams and venues. The consideration is 300 million shares valued at £3m. VVV Sports is also investing in Wild Pickleball Agency, which is focused on Europe, Middle East and Africa. There are plans for a new profession circuity for singles and doubles, plus a pickleball league in the region.

AIM-quoted Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) has signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of the Oscillate (SRVL) subsidiary Quantum Hydrogen, which holds non-hydrocarbon gas rights in Minnesota. The initial 80% will be bought for $400,000 in shares and the other 20% will be acquired in 18 months for an additional $400,000 in shares. Oscillate will change its name to Serval Resources and it will focus on copper and associated metals. Exploration has commenced on its proposed assets in the Kalahari Copper Belt.

AI manufacturing software provider IntelliAM AI (INT) says interim revenues were 58% higher at £2.4m. Annual recurring revenues were £1.18m at the end of September 2025 and it could reach £2m by the end of March 2026. The value of the contract with Hovis has increased. Gross cash is £778,000. Interim figures will be published on 24 November.

AIM-quoted Europa Metals (EUZ) has agreed the acquisition of Marula Africa Mining from Marula Mining (MARU). This subsidiary owns Marula Mining interests in battery and critical metals in East and Southern Africa. The intended offer is nine Europa Metals shares for each Marula share. This deal is subject to due diligence and Europa Metals raising cash. Marula Mining will distribute the Europa Metals shares to its shareholders and focus on precious metals. Marula Mining has appointed Fortified Securities, which is associated with RiverFort Global Capital, as broker. The broker is providing a £25m equity facility, while RiverFort is providing a $2m bridging facility that will eventually be taken on by Europa Metals.

Consumer loans provider Amazing AI (AAI) has made a small, initial purchase of digital assets. A few thousand dollars worth of Bitcoin was bought. Investments in Ethereum, XRP and Solana are planned.

B HODL (HODL) says that its Bitcoin strategy has achieved an annualised yield of 6.04% in the first full month. It generated a further 0.039 of a Bitcoin. The company holds 153.039 Bitcoin, and the average price is £84,610 for each Bitcoin.

The Smarter Web Company (SWC) raised £276,000 at 68p/share. A further four Bitcoin have been acquired and the total investment in 2,664 Bitcoin is £220.7m.

Sulnox Group (SNOX) says Spring Marine Group is broadening the use of emissions reducing Sulnox Eco to its entire fleet of 28 vessels.

Vault Ventures (VULT) says development subsidiary System7 has secured contracts with rewards-based app Fancy.com and Ellers Farm Distillery, helping with AI-based marketing of the recently acquired 6 O’Clock gin brand and other group brands. This takes the total number of contracts to seven with first year revenues of £200,000.

Igraine has changed its name to Ethtry (ETHY). It has received a further £1.3m of the outstanding balance of £3.24m of subscription money.

Majestic Corporation (MCJ) has entered a five-year lease agreement for an e-waste recycling facility in Wrexham at an annual rental of £130,000.

Shortwave Life Sciences (PSY) is planning a consolidation of ten shares into one new share.

Adnams (ADB) non-executive director Sacha Berendji bought 1,075 B shares at 1900p each. Philip Blows has reduced his stake in Supernova Digital Assets (SOL) from 7.98% to 2.82%.

TruSpine Technologies has changed its name to TSP Advanced Technologies (TSP). TechFinancials (TECH) will change its name to Ubuntu Mining and Metals and is raising the value of the share placing at 0.25p each by up to £100,000 to £350,000.

Probiotix Health (PBX) is moving from the Access to the Apex segment.

JP JENKINS

The JP Jenkins index of the 15 largest companies on the platform fell 0.1% to 1097.8 at the end of October 2025. Datalex, which moved from the Euronext Growth Exchange, joined the index during the period.

Cyber security services provider Smarttech247 Group (S247) left AIM and joined JP Jenkins on 4 November.

ASSET MATCH

Asset Match has added a dedicated PISCES page to its platform. It believes this will provide additional opportunities.

AIM

Winvia Entertainment (WVIA), which owns former AIM-quoted prize competitions organiser Best of the Best, raised £40m at 195p/share prior to joining AIM on 3 November. In December 2024, Winvia Entertainment also acquired one of the top three online casino operators in Romania, Click Competitions was acquired in March. The share price has risen to 215p.

Audio and content creation equipment supplier Focusrite (TUNE) reported 12-month results in line with expectations with revenues rising 6% to £168.9m, while operating profit dipped from £16.6m to £15.3m. The latest interim dividend for the 18-month period is 2.1p/share. There was growth in second half revenues despite the uncertainty brought about by tariffs. Net debt was £11m at the end of August 2025.

Laundry technology developer Xeros Technology (XSG) has raised £3m at 1.75p/share and a retail offer closing on 11 November could raise up to £1m more. There is also a follow-on subscription of £2m planned for later in November. This will strengthen the balance sheet so that existing contracts can be fulfilled and new opportunities progressed. Cavendish has published a 2026 forecast, which expects revenues to rise from £600,000 in 2025 to £1.4m. There will be initial filtration sales through Russell Hobbs and royalty payment from Yilmak. A 2026 loss of £2.1m is forecast. Even without the additional £2m there will still be net cash at the end of 2026. Revenues are expected to accelerate in 2027 and 2028.

Savannah Resources (SAV) has raised £9.2m at 3.7p/share and a retail offer closing on 11 November could raise more cash. Three of Savannah’s largest shareholders, AMG Lithium BV, Grupo Lusiaves SGPS and Pluris Investments S.A. all subscribed for shares. Savannah Resources is developing the Barroso lithium project in northern Portugal. The cash will fund the acquisition of the Aldeia mining lease, which covers the 100%-owned C-100 mining lease at the Barroso project and to advance that project beyond the Definitive Feasibility Study, which is due to be completed during the first half of 2026.

Tan Delta Systems (TAND) is starting a paid phase 2 trial by one of the world’s largest online retailers to evaluate the company’s real-time oil condition analysis and monitoring systems. This is to monitor gearboxes on conveyor systems at distribution centres. Phase 1 proved the capability on five gearboxes at one distribution hub. The customer has tens of thousands of critical gearboxes across its sites. Tan Delta Systems had £2m in cash at the end of June 2025 after a £1m cash outflow in the previous six months.

Mobile water and environmental testing technology provider Metir (MET) continues in its collaboration with Swansea University to develop methods for detecting PFAS chemical contamination in water and soil. The research has “demonstrated the feasibility of integrating portable liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) with innovative low-waste extraction materials”. This enables a ‘Lab in a Van’ system that can be deployed in the field. This will reduce turnaround time. Metir’s US instrumentation partner is optimising and scaling up the detector for commercial purposes. Metir is talking to local authorities and industry bodies.

RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) is raising £2.5m at 12.5p/share. The cash will be used to grow awareness of the company and its rent guarantee service. The company will also further develop its network of partners, and the cash will fund further growth. RentGuarantor founder and chief executive is selling 2.18 million shares at the placing price.

Asiamet Resources (ARS) is selling its interest in the KSK copper project to Norin Mining for gross cash of $105m on a debt free basis. This is dependent on shareholder approval. Most of the proceeds ae likely to be distributed to shareholders.

Power generator OPG Power Ventures (OPG) is launching a tender offer of up to 182 million shares at 6.27p/share. This is part of the plan to leave AIM. The proposal will be put to shareholders at a general meeting on 3 December.

Aerospace composite components manufacturer Velocity Composites (VEL) has been hit by lower than expected Airbus A350 production. This is due to supply chain issues at Airbus. There have also been delays in programme transfers in the US. Dowgate has cut its full year revenues forecast from £23m to £20.7m. This means that the loss would be £900,000.

Aptamer Group (APTA) has gained a new contract with an existing top 5 pharma customer. This the third project and it is to develop Optimer binders against three key drug targets and provide support for assay development. Aptamer retains the IP. Aptamer has a signed total contract value of £1.75m.

Trading in Secure Property Development and Investment (SPDI) shares is suspended ahead of a potential reverse takeover of energy storage technology business AdvEn Inc. There would be an all share bid with a placing to raise cash. The company has made two loans to the potential takeover target ahead of the deal. AdvEn produces advanced carbon materials for use in supercapacitors and batteries.

MAIN MARKET

Shipbroker Braemar (BMS) says there is recovery in its markets, but interim revenues fell 16% to £63.9m and there was a sharper fall in profit. The interim dividend is 2.5p/share. Net debt is £7.4m. The order book is worth $73.8m.

New Frontier Minerals (NFM) announced a drill programme of up to 46 holes at the Harts Range Heavy Rare Earths project in Australia. Approval for the drilling campaign is imminent. This could unlock significant value.

Cancer tests developer Cizzle Biotechnology (CIZ) has entered a letter of intent with a medical diagnostic services provider that is in partnership with the NHS. This will help to verify and validate the CIZ1B biomarker test. The company has raised up to £250,000 from a convertibles issue to Frazer Lang. This is an extension of a £150,000 loan.

First Tin (1SN) says drilling at the Taronga tin project in Australia confirms extended mineralisation.

Nanoco (NANO) has extended its joint development agreement with the Asian chemical customer. The three-year extension is to further develop the material and scale up the manufacturing process of the Quantum Dot nanomaterial for silicon sensors to enable Short Wave Infrared capabilities. There is an inflationary increase in fees.

Andrew Hore

 

Quoted Micro 3 November 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) is planning a move to the Main Market. A prospectus has been published, and the switch is expected on 25 November. There are also plans to raise money from a placing programme of up to 125 million shares if it is agreed by shareholders at a general meeting on 20 November. This will broaden the shareholder base. KR1 chairman Rhys Davies has been paid a bonus of 580,000 shares. NAV was 50.9p/share at the end of September 2025.

Valereum (VLRM) says COINGT, the infrastructure tokenisation project representing the Interoceanic Corridor of Guatemala, will be listed on tokenisation venue VLRM Markets. The token represents a project to create a logistics and trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific.

SulNox Group (SNOX) generated record second quarter revenues of £679,300, which is 30% above the first quarter. Fuel emission reduction additive volumes were 39% higher. So far this year, revenues are 173% ahead at £1.2m. Cash was £1.36m at the end of September 2025.

WeCap (WCAP) holds 806,022 shares in WeShop, which intends to join Nasdaq, as well as a 23.5% stake in a company that owns 2.08 million WeShop shares. The other investment is waterway cleaning technology developer Bio2pure. The 10% stake is valued at nil. WeCap had net assets of £6.77m at the end of April 2025.

Healthcare IT developer DXS International (DXSP) improved full year revenues from £3.31m to £3.47m and the loss was reduced from £4.95m to £175,000. Slow NHS decision making is holding back progress. Even excluding the previous year’s asset impairment of £4.38m the loss is lower. Turnover is expected to be flat this year and there will be another loss.

Lift Global Ventures (LFT) says it is extending the loan to investee company Trans-Africa Energy to 31 January 2026.

Igraine (KING) has received £3.91m of fundraising money and is still waiting for the other £3.24m.

UTXO Management GP has belatedly stated that it has reduced its interest in The Smarter Web Company (SWC) from 26.6% to 12.99%.

Adnams (ADB) interim chair bought 1,650 B shares at 1805p each, while finance director Andrew Driscoll bought 500 A shares at £10 each.

There will be a 150-for-one share consolidation at Nyce International (NYCE) on 3 November.

Unigel Group (UNX) is paying an interim dividend of 2.5p/share.

IntelliAM AI (INT) is switching to the Apex segment of Aquis.

ASSET MATCH

Zytronic (ZYT) has disposes of all assets except for the freehold property in Blaydon. Completion of the sale has been delayed. An environmental survey will be received later in November. The estimated return to shareholders is still 48p/share to 58p/share.

Greenshields Agri (GAH) says draft accounts for 2024-25 show a swing from a loss of £317,000 to a profit after tax of £2.68m. NAV is 158p/share.

AIM

Empire Metals (EEE) is raising £7m at 40p/share. The cash will be used to finance work on the Pitfield project in Australia. This includes metallurgical test work, resource expansion and commencement of pilot production of Ti02 product samples for end users. This will initially be for the titanium metal supply chain. A listing on ASX is being considered for 2026.

Kromek (KMK) says interim revenues will be at least £14.5m, up from £3.7m. This includes revenues from Siemens. There is still underlying growth of 70%. An interim pre-tax profit is expected.

Belluscura (BELL) is appointing an administrator.

Shareholders did not agree to the proposed fundraising by Anglesey Mining (AYM) and management is preserving cash as it seeks alternative forms of financing. Without that the company will go into administration. Alumni Capital had agreed to offer equity funding of up to £2m.

Conygar Investment Company (CIC) is selling its 203-acre brownfield land at Rhosgoch in Anglesey to Rhosgoch Property, a subsidiary of Stena Lin. The net proceeds will be £18.3m, compared with a valuation of £2.5m. NAV was £63.8m (107.5p/share) at the end of March 2025, but since then there has been a £750,000 loss on the sale of a Virgin Active gym. Premier Miton trimmed its stake from 13.9% to 12.8%, while First Equity has cut its interest from 13.2% to 12.8%.

European Green Transition (EGT) has entered an exclusive six-month option agreement to sell the Pajala copper project in northern Sweden to Recovery Metals Cyprus. Historical drilling confirms copper mineralisation. Recovery Metals Cyprus will fund due diligence during the option. Copper prices are moving towards record highs.

Caledonian Holdings (CHP) has entered an agreement with Mousdale Investment and Nevis Investments which will each swap 250,000 AlbaCo shaes for 6.25 million Caledonian Holdings shares at 0.004p each. This will take Caledonian Holdings’ sake in new smaller company focused bank AlbaCo to 5.47%.

One Health Group (OHGR) has made a positive start to the financial year. Surgical procedures jumped 16% and interim revenues were 17% higher at £15.5m, which is 10% ahead of forecast. EBITDA is expected to be higher than the previous year. Cash is £10.8m. There have been delays in building the surgical hub, but it should still be open by the end of 2026.

Specialist cleaning services provider React Group (REAT) says full year revenues were 21% ahead at around £25m, which includes an initial contribution from 24hr Aquaflow, which was acquired last October. Dowgate edged up its 2024-25 pre-tax profit from £2.1m to £2.2m. Strong fourth quarter trading meant that net debt was higher than expected at £5.2m.

Cancer treatments developer ValiRx (VAL) is raising £750,000 at 0.25p/share and a WRAP offer could raise up to £300,000 more. The offer closes on 3 November. All subscribers get one warrant exercisable at 0.5p each with every new share. The cash will fund R&D, including the preclinical development of potential breast cancer treatment Cytolytix.

Construction disputes and professional services provider Diales (DIAL) expects a 2024-25 operating profit of at least £1.3m on slightly lower revenues of £42.6m, due to weaker Asia Pacific business. Pre-tax profit should also be £1.3m. Net cash was £3m at the end of September 2025. There is a strong pipeline of disputes business.

ABCrescent Cooperatief U.A. has sold 8.22 million shares in Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) at 38p/share. ABCrescent, which is associated with Pulsar Helium director Brice Laurent, still has a 4.81% stake plus 15.5 million warrants. Brie Laurent owns 17,570 shares. This follows the proposed acquisition of Hybrid Hydrogen, which owns mineral rights to 6,742 acres in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, for $80,000 in shares.

Great Western Mining Corporation (GWMO) says soil sampling at the Huntoon copper project in Nevada shows elevated levels of tungsten, copper and zinc. The soil geochemical anomaly has been extended to more than 2.8km. The consistency of anomalies suggests a larger than anticipated mineralised system. Further analysis will help to design a new drilling campaign.

Resources explorer 80 Mile (80M) says its US joint venture partner has announced that an independent report confirms the world-class potential of the Jameson Land Basin in eastern Greenland. This estimates more than 13 billion barrels (P10) of gross unrisked recoverable prospective oil resources. 80 Mile has a 30% post earn-in share. It has a free carry on the initial drilling planned for the second half of 2026. March GL is earning up to 70%. This followd an announcement that 80 Mile has revised the terms of its acquisition of Hydrogen Valley, which operates a biofuel site in Italy.

Versarien (VRS) has signed heads of terms with a UK quoted company for the sale of Total Carbide and the other remaining assets for £100,000 in cash and £100,000 in shares. The buyer will also take responsibility for £5.7m of loans plus interest. Versarien can operate with the support of creditors until the end of November. If the transaction goes ahead Versarien will become a shell.

MAIN MARKET

Cindrigo (CINH) has completed the acquisition of an 85% stake in a company that is developing three geothermal projects in the Upper Rhine Vally in Germany, and this enabled it to return to the Main Market. Cindrigo raised £2.06m at 12p/share and £9.3m of convertible loans have been converted into shares at an average price of 17p/share. At the placing price, the market capitalisation was £40.1m.

Georgina Energy (GEX) has gained drilling approvals for the Hussar prospect in EP513 in Western Australia. There was cash of £112,000 at the end of July 2025 and since then £1m has been raised.

New Frontier Minerals (NFM) had cash and liquid resources of $1.8m at the end of September 2025. There have been good results from the Harts Range rare earths project. The NWQ copper project is also progressing.

Andrew Hore

Quoted Micro 15 September 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

Newbury Racecourse (NYR) increased interim turnover 4% to £9.67m and the loss reduced to £150,000. Hospitality, hotel and nursery revenues all increased. Higher attendances improved core revenues as well. Changes in betting tax rates could hold back racing revenues.

ProBiotix Health (PBX) increased interim revenues by one-third to £1.34m. This helped to reduce the loss. There is £1.3m in cash at the end of June 2025. The health supplements supplier says the market preventive cardiometabolic supplement products is expected to grow annually be more than 8%.

Richmond Hill Resources (SHNJ) plans to move to AIM in the next few weeks.

Shares in data centres operator HRC World (HRC) will stop trading on Nasdaq First North Copenhagen on 31 October and Aquis will be the only market they are traded on.

Shortwave Life Sciences (PSY), which is developing treatments for anorexia nervosa, is planning a clinical human feasibility study on impact of Psilocybin on the disease. This should lead to a phase 1 clinical study. A digital asset treasury strategy will help to fund the core business. The executive team is being changed.

Mendell Helium (MDH) says potential acquisition M3 Helium confirmed that the dewatering of the Rost project in Kansas is about to start. However, drilling in Nebraska has been delayed by wet weather and equipment problems.

The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has purchased another 30 Bitcoin taking the total holding to 2,470 Bitcoin at a total cost of £203.6m. A further £2.6m has been raised at 128p/share.

Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals has intersected a previously unknown broad mineralised sandstone unit in two drill holes at the Golden Rose project in Canada. This is over a strike length of 500 metres with assay results of up to 1.3g/t gold.

Marula Mining (MARU) has amended the agreement to buy Takela Mining Tanzania, which operates the Kinusi copper mine. Marula currently owns 75% and acquiring the rest is dependent on separate mining licences being combined into one mining licence. The Tanzania government will have a 16% free carried interest. The total payment will be £2.5m with £500,000 payable on signing and £750,000 on conversion of the mining licence. The rest is dependent on more than 100,000 tonnes of copper being sold. Marula Mining is in discussions with potential investors in projects and has secured a loan for the business in Kenya. There is also a new £1m shareholder loan from the chief executive.

EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had an NAV of 301p/share at the end of July 2025. There was an interim cash outflow of £1.82m. Cash was £6.58m at the end of July 2025.

SulNOx Group (SNOX) has signed an agreement with marine equipment distributor C-Quip Ltd to supply fuel emissions reduction product Sulnox Eco in the UK leisure marine market.

Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) has issued 575.2 million shares to Oak Securities at 0.1p each. Astrid Intelligence director Olivia Edwards bought 17.5 million shares at 0.147p each. There are plans to apply for an OTC quotation in the US.

Oscillate (MUSH) has appointed SP Angel as joint broker alongside corporate adviser Peterhouse.

Fintech company Amazing AI (AAI) raised £1.04m at 1p/share. This will fund the Bitcoin treasury policy.

Hub Affiliations Holdings has raised its stake in NYCE International (NYCE) from 10% to 19.9%.

ASSET MATCH

Marshall of Cambridge (MCH) had a tough year, and land systems and fleet solutions made losses. Ther are also large write offs. The total loss for 2024 was £123m. Fleet solutions has been sold, and land systems is being marketed for sale. Overheads have been reduced. Approval for the sale of the ex-RAF C-130 fleet should be received during September. A further loss is expected this year.

JP JENKINS

Mobile Tornado (MBT) cancelled its quotation on AIM on 9 September and joined JP Jenkins on 9 September.

Airline ecommerce services provider Datalex (DLE) cancelled its quotation on Euronext Growth Dublin and moved to JP Jenkins on 12 September.

AIM

Concrete levelling equipment supplier Somero Enterprises (SOM) is still suffering from uncertain conditions in the US, but sales are also declining in other markets. There is lower activity in larger scale projects. Interim revenues fell 23% to $39.8m, while pre-tax profit slumped 52% to $5.4m. Annual cost savings of $6m have been made. Full year pre-tax profit is forecast to fall from $25.4m to $15.3m.

Medical device developer Belluscura (BELL) has appointed Guy Peters as a director. He advised Omaha Value which previously proposed funding for the company. The period of exclusivity for a potential buyer of US business Belluscura LLC has expired. Omaha Value and a partner have reapproached Belluscura for another funding proposal. Trading in the shares remains suspended.

Scotch whisky supplier Artisanal Spirits Company (ART) was hit by tariff uncertainty in the first half. The way whisky is exported to the US has changed to minimise the impact of any tariffs. Revenues dipped 4% to £9.68m due to the delayed shipments to the US. There was growth in European subscribers, helped by a deal with AMEX, but a decline in North America and the rest of the world. The loss increased to £3.6m. Net debt was £29.5m at the end of June 2025.

Fulcrum Metals (FMET) says the Teck-Hughes tailings project drilling has started and initial assays ae up to 1.2g/t gold. This is producing data for a mineral resource estimate. Phase 3 testing of the Extrakt technology will provide processing data. This will go towards the preliminary feasibility study.

There has been another upgrade for embedded computer products manufacturer Concurrent Technologies (CNC) following its interims. Revenues were one-quarter higher at £21.1m and pe-tax profit was £2.7m. Cavendish has upgraded its 2025 pre-tax profit forecast from £6m to £6.2m. The fastest growth was in systems. The US facility move has happened and the move to the new UK facility is on course. First half design wins were worth £90m.

Franchised lettings and property sales business The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) has continued its progress with organic growth on top of the benefits of acquisitions. Interim revenues were 50% ahead at £40.3m, while the pro forma increase was 8%. Pre-tax profit was 59% higher at £14.5m, while underlying earnings were 29% ahead at 16.7p/share. The interim dividend is 17% higher at 7p/share. Net debt was £10.9m at the end of June 2025. The fastest growth was in financial services, but even the core property business was 7% ahead on a pro forma basis. The number of lettings properties has declined, as the market becomes tougher for individual landlords.

UK regulatory changes hit UK revenues at Gaming Realms (GMR), but the mobile games developer continues to grow strongly in North America. Interim revenues were 18% ahead at £16m, helped by an increase in brand licensing from £300,000 to £2.4m – that is lumpier in terms of generating revenues. The UK games will be adapted for the new regulations by the end of the year, and revenues should recover.

Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) reported interim revenues rising from £70.7m to £77.9m in a weak market. Margins are improving and pre-tax profit jumped from £330,000 to £740,000. Tax losses are still being used up.

Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) had a tough first half with the administration of a major customer of the Technics brand and volatile US tariffs making it difficult to price potential orders in the US. An initial contribution from Brand Architekts helped group revenues to grow 8% to £49.3m. Pre-tax profit fell by 41% to £6.4m, although earnings we 13% down to 8.5p/share due to reduced tax charge. There was a gain on the Brand Architekts puchase, but that was more than offset by foreign exchange losses. The interim dividend was raised by 14% to 4p/share.

Interim figures from cross-border payments services provider Finseta (FIN) were disappointing due to customers delaying US dollar transactions due to foreign exchange volatility. Revenues were 16% higher at £5.9m and gross margins declined from 65.7% to 62.7%. Operating costs increased due to expansion plans. The newer offices will not make much of a contribution this year and will hold back profit.

It is still early days in the transformation of Gaming machines hardware and displays supplier Nexteq (NXQ) and interim revenues dropped from $48.2m to $40.7m, while pre-tax profit slumped from $5m to $900,000. Second quarter trading showed some improvement. More mid-level gaming equipment was sold, so that hits margins. Net cash was $28.1m. Share buybacks continue.

Angle (AGL) chief executive Andrew Newland and finance director Ian Griffiths have stepped down from the board following discussions with investors. There are no immediate replacements. This follows the latest interims from the cancer diagnostics company. Interim revenues fell by one-fifth to £800,000. Net loss increased from £7.7m to £9.3m. Net cash was £5.3m at the end of June 2025. Cash lasts until the first quarter of 2026. Cavendish has been appointed as nominated adviser and broker. A new management team may make it easier to raise cash from investors in the coming months. The current strategy could be changed.

Builders merchant Lords Group Trading (LORD) grew interim revenues by 8% to £232.1m with like-for-like growth of 7%. This is before the acquisition of online building products retailer CMO. Net debt was £20.9m at the end of June 2025. Cavendish forecasts a recovery in 2025 pre-tax profit from £3.8m to £6.7m.

Sylvania Platinum (SLP) produced 104,233 ounces of platinum group minerals in 2024-25 and this should increase significantly this year. Revenues increased from $81.7m to $104.2m. EBITDA rose from $13.5m to $29.3m, while cash reached $60.9m. There is an undrawn overdraft facility. The Thaba chrome joint venture will ramp up production this year.

Public affairs services provider Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC) grew organically by 8% in the first half of 2025. Acquisitions helped revenues increase 24% to $87.9m. Net income was one-fifth higher at $15.6m, helped by a lower tax rate. Net debt is $42.2m. Full year forecasts have been tweaked, but operating profit is still expected to rise from $36m to $44.5m. There are plans for a Nasdaq listing and a share consolidation. A general meeting will be held on 29 September.

Distribution Finance Capital (DFCH) is growing faster than expected and it is taking market share with its inventory financing product. Underlying interim pre-tax profit, excluding last year’s one-off gain, improved from £7.5m to £9m. New loan originations were £828m in the first half and the loan book grew to £728m at the end of June 2025. Bad debt provisions were 0.63%. The first half growth was before any contribution from the new asset finance product, where the first loans were in the second half. The new business will be loss making in the second half. Even so, Panmure Liberum has upgraded its 2025 pre-tax profit forecast from £14.5m to £18m, helped by a higher than anticipated net interest margin. Net tangible assets are 70.2p/share.

MAIN MARKET

LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) grew interim revenues from £109.6m to £125.7m, helped by acquisitions, but pre-tax profit was flat at £8.9m. Like-for-like sales growth was 2%. The acquisition had lower margins and that is why the overall margins fell.

James Fisher (FSJ) reported flat underlying interim revenues of £191.9m, while underlying pre-tax profit was 5% ahead at £4.5m. Higher taxes meant that earnings were lower. Energy services did well, and defence returned to profit. Marine transport profit declined, but the outlook is positive. Disposals have put James Fisher in a stronger position, and it is likely to benefit from higher defence spending. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to be flat at £11.9m before sharp improvements in 2026 and 2027.

Centaur Media (CAU) has agreed to sell The Lawyer for £43m.

Roquefort Therapeutics (ROQ) plans to buy Coiled Therapeutics Inc, a spin-out from A2A Pharmaceuticals that holds the rights to AO-252, which targets the TACC3 protein for cancer. This treatment is in phase 1 clinical trials in the US. The payment for the company would be £30m in shares and the company’s name would be changed to Coiled Therapeutics. Exclusivity lasts until the end of January. Lyramid Pty Ltd and the MK Cell programme will be spun out of the group.

Andrew Hore

Quoted Micro 8 September 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

AI technology developer Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) moved from the Main Market to the Access segment of Aquis on 3 September. The company was previously a CBD and health products retailer known as Cellular Goods and most recently it was called Cel AI. It is developing autonomous AI agents that provide personalised wellness recommendations and holds digital assets.

Brewer Adnams (ADB) reported a dip in revenues from £31.9m to £30.1m, but the loss was reduced from £2.55m to £1.47m, even though exceptional costs were higher. There was an operating profit before exceptional charges relating to packaging recycling requirements. Debt has been cut to £11.7m and could be down to £8m by the end of September due to disposals. There are nine managed and 19 tenanted pubs left. Gains on disposals enabled the first half profit. The distribution business had mixed fortunes in the first half

The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has appointed Strand Hanson to replace Peterhouse as corporate adviser. Albert Soleiman has joined the board as finance director. The company has signed a subscription agreement with Shard Merchant Capital, which will be issued 21 million shares at par value, and the company will receive 97% of net proceeds when they are sold.

Oberon Investments (OBE) is raising £1.85m at 4p/share and two institutional investors have agreed, subject to documentation, to subscribe for £3m of convertible loan notes. The cash will be used to finance further hires for the investment management division and acquisitions. There are discussions concerning the acquisition of the wealth management division of another Uk firm. That would add £850m to assets under administration.

VSA Capital (VSA) chairman Mark Steeves will stand down after the AGM on 30 September. Mark Thompson will take over the role at the broker. VSA has entered into a five-year lease for new office premises in London and has been loaned £95,715 by 19.9% shareholder Drakewood Capital Management, which is represented on the board by Mark Thompson.

In the year to March 2025, SulNOx Group (SNOX) increased revenues from £54,000 to £1.21m, although the loss rose from £1.86m to £4.21m. Sales growth is accelerating and £564,000 has been generated in the two months to August 2025, taking the five month total to £1.09m.

Oscillate (MUSH) has conditionally agreed to sell its hydrogen assets to AIM-quoted Pulsar Helium (PLSR) for $800,000 in shares. The focus switches to base metals. Oscillate has entered a joint venture to develop the Duekoue copper gold molybdenum prospect in Côte d’Ivoire. Geochemical results and magnetic data has identified the historical anomalies.

All Things Considered (ATC) has merged its ATC Live and Arrival Artists businesses to form ROAM. The two parts of the business will still maintain financial independence.

Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has received the fourth tranche of the disposal proceeds of its A shares in investee company The Homebuilding Centre. This was £75,259, which was well above the minimum payment of £50,000, and a fifth tranche is outstanding. Capital for Colleague still owns 13% of the homebuilding advice business.

Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) has completed the sale of liquid assets as part of a voluntary winding up and has £3.5m in cash. A return of capital to shareholders is prioritised although there has been interest in the company from other parties.

Marula Mining (MARU) still has not completed the 2024 accounts. Trading in the shares remains suspended. Marula Mining has completed due diligence on the proposed purchase of a 60% stake in the Bamba Manganese mining project in Kenya. Manganese ore exports from Kilifi have been delayed as result of the Bamba deal and the fact that delivery arrangements are yet to be agreed. Further work on the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa continues and a sample is being prepared for test work. Due diligence has been completed on the Boteti lithium brines project in Botswana and the first payment advanced.

Mollyroe (MOY) is investing £150,000 in Cascade Studio via a convertible loan note with a conversion price at a 20% discount to the next funding round. Cascade Studio is developing a SaaS platform for AI filmmaking and storytelling.

Vautz Capital (V3TC) reported a loss of £361,000 in the year to April 2025, which was prior to the change in focus to crypto currency.

NYCE International (NYCE) has raised £150,000 at 0.2p/share.  And the cash will fund the expansion in the crypto casinos channel. That includes gaining certifications for the company’s games platform and developing games and services.

Valereum (VLRM) has adopted the crypto and multi-currency payroll solution developed by investee company Fideum. There is potential for this as a white label service.

Directors continue to buy shares in EDX Medical (EDX). Sir Christopher Evans bought 51,225 shares at 10.88p each and Martin Walton acquired 20,000 shares at 10.8p each. Stephen Hill has taken a 6.48% in Ingraine (KING). Ventura Finance has increased its stake in Evrima (EVA) from 5.14% to 6.15%.

IntelliAM AI (INT) has appointed Victoria Brown as a non-executive director.

ASSET MATCH

Synairgen (SNG) says full year accounts will be published by the end of September. The drug developer is assessing its financial requirements. The company intends to change its articles of association to remove first right of refusal rights for shareholders. The company is preparing a phase 2 INVENT clinical study for SNG001 in mechanically ventilated patients infected with a range of respiratory viruses. Interim analysis should be available by mid-2026 and final analysis in mid-2027. A network of 60 clinical study sites has been established and progress made towards regulatory approvals.

Zytronic (ZYT) is advising shareholders to vote against resolutions at the requisitioned general meeting. Henry Spain Investment Services wants Tom Spain and former director Glen Arnold to gain appointment as directors of Zytronic and remove two current non-executives. The strategy is not to return cash directly to shareholders, but they would be offered the chance to sell shares via a tender offer at NAV. The plan is to invest in cash generative businesses with good management. They would have a niche market and competitive advantages. The meeting will be on 1 October.

JP JENKINS

The JP Jenkins-15 index rose 0.8% to 1095.2 in the four weeks to 29 August.

AIM

Cash shell Vulcan Two Group (VUL) raised £12m at 200p/share when it joined AIM at the beginning of September. The strategy is to acquire ePharmacy businesses and consolidate a fragmented market. A suitable target would have annual revenues of between £8m and £22m and be growing rapidly at an EBITDA margin of between 10% and 20%. Independent, owner managed businesses are preferred.

Fiinu (BANK) is taking advantage of the share price rise since readmission last week to raise £1.41m at 15p/share. The initial payment of £8m for Poland-based foreign exchange brokerage Everfex was satisfied by the issue of 80 million shares at 10p each. A previous subscription generated £801,000 at 10p/share. Luxembourg fund QVP is the main investor in the placing.

Bricks manufacturer Michelmersh Brick (MBH) has been held back by weak demand in the UK and Belgium, as well as an extended stoppage at one of its plants. Interim revenues were 1% ahead at £35.8m, but the pre-tax profit fell from £4.1m to £2.9m. Capital investment cut net cash to £1.5m. The interim dividend is maintained at 1.6p/share. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025 pre-tax profit expectations from £13.5m to £9.7m and made further cuts to forecasts for the next two years.

Churchill China (CHH) had already flagged the interim figures in its recent trading statement. UK and US trading held up, but Europe and the rest of the world were weaker. Interim revenues fell from £40.6m to £38.5m, while pre-tax profit was harder hit falling more than one-third to £3.1m. Efficiency is being improved and there are signs of recovery in Germany. Churchill China is reducing its interim dividend by 39% to 7p/share.

Building components manufacturer Alumasc (ALU) continues to outperform the UK construction market, as well as growing water management equipment exports. In the year to June 2025, revenues were 13% ahead at £113.4m, while underlying pre-tax profit was 9% higher at £14.2m. Net debt is £5.8m. All three divisions improved underlying operating profit. New products helped the housebuilding division to grow, despite a low level of housing starts. The roofing business has grown its share of the roof vents sector. The full year dividend is 11.1p/share

Flexible workplace software provider Essensys (ESYS) says it returned to positive EBITDA in the year to July 2025 even though revenues fell from £24.1m to £19.2m. Closing datacentres has helped to reduce costs. Net cash was £1.8m at the end of July. The new elumo meeting rooms bookings software has gained its first customers since the year end.

Bars and escape rooms operator XP Factory (XPF) reported figures for the year to March 2025. They may not look good compared to the comparatives but that is because they are for 15 months. There was a 19% increase in revenues to £57.8m over the previous 12 month period. Both Escape Hunt and Boom Battle Bars improved revenues with the latter buying out more franchisees. There was an underlying pre-tax profit of £800,000. There appears to be an improving trend for revenues, after a poor first quarter.

ImmuPharma (IMM) has filed a new patent application for P140, which can help to identify and treat a subpopulation of patients with Type M immune disorder that are P140 super-responders. This can be used to sped up diagnosis and treat up to 50 autoimmune diseases. The global market is worth more than $100bn.

Team Internet Group (TIG) was always expected to report a downturn in interim revenues following changes to Google search policy and they slipped from $409.7m to $263.9m. A loss was reported, but there was a profit before amortisation and impairment. The internet domains business continues to grow with new contract wins set to contribute to the second half. The comparison business had a weaker first half, but it has started to grow as revenues build up in newer countries. There are also signs of improvement in search, but they are relatively modest, with higher gross margin achieved on newer search services. Zeus forecasts a 2025 underlying pre-tax profit of $49.4m, recovering to $62m next year.

Supreme (SUP) is acquiring carpet care products brand 1001 for £1.65m, plus £1m for inventory, from WD-40. The business generated revenues of £4.5m in the year to August 2025. which is well below the peak of £8m in 2022-23. This purchase follows the recent acquisition of Typhoo Tea.

Gear4Music (G4M) forecasts have been upgraded on the back of its trading statement. The musical instruments retailer is continuing its recovery, and first quarter sales are 27% higher and the growth is continuing into the second quarter. UK and international sales are growing. The 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast has been raised from £2.7m to £3.6m.

Newmark Security (NWT) had a much stronger second half and this is carrying on into the new year. In the year to April 2025, revenues rose 3% to £23m, while pre-tax profit improved from £388,000 to £643,000. The growth came in the Grosvenor Technology business, which provides software and hardware for access control and managing people, with recurring revenues growing faster than hardware sales. The launch of GT Tablet, a pure software product, will help to broaden the potential market. The Safetell security products revenues declined, but the services contribution increased. Increasing recurring services revenues is a core part of the company’s strategy.

Legal services provider Gateley (GTLY) is acquiring Groom Wilkes & Wright for up to £9m, which is a trademark and design law consultancy. The payment is three-quarters cash and one-quarter shares. The business generated revenues of £4.7m and pre-tax profit of £1.4m in 2024-25.

Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) produced 74.3 MT of crystalline iodine during August, which was the record for a month. The IO#11 plant has started production and takes the number of plants to eight. Cash has reached $1.8m after a tax credit.

Atlantic Lithium (ALL) has secured up to £28m in funding though a deal with Long State Investments, who will receive 5% commission plus shares and warrants, and this will enable the Ewoyaa lithium project in Ghana to progress. A mining lease still has to be ratified by the authorities and cash outflows have been reduced until it is received. There is an initial placing to raise £2m at 8.07p/share with potential for three more placings of £2m each. A committed equity facility could raise up to £20m over 24 months. This is subject to shareholder approval.

Student accommodation and private rental housing develop Watkin Jones (WJG) has appointed Singer as joint broker alongside Peel Hunt, which is also nominated adviser.

MAIN MARKET

Cash shell Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) still had £397,000 in cash at the end of June 2025. It has broadened the range of potential acquisitions by looking at healthcare and life sciences companies. Renewable energy acquisitions are still being considered, and the range of sectors could be broadened again.

Trading in Pineapple Power Corporation (PNPL) shares after the termination of the proposed acquisition of Buffalo Battery Metals.

US cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) reported that the Ranger.ai threat and mediation platform has achieved “Awardable” status through the US Department of Defense’s Platform One (P1) Solutions Marketplace.

Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) reassured investors with its AGM statement. Bridge remedial works are in progress and the £20m insurance payment has been received. Expectations for 2025-26 are unchanged.

Andrew Hore

 

Quoted Micro 25 August 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is the best performer on Aquis and AIM this week. The gold explorer says drilling at the Red Setter gold dome project in Western Australia has reached the top of a significant breccia pipe. Drilling has reached 777 metres, and the breccia pipe is 152 metres long. Drill core is being transported to be assayed.

Fibre optic cables materials manufacturer Unigel Group (UNX) increased interim revenues from £14.8m to £18.9m, while pre-tax profit improved from £1.28m to £2.03m. Cash was £2.41m at the end of June 2025. Tariff uncertainties mean that the outlook remains cautious.

Digital asset company Vaultz Capital (V3TC) has appointed James Bowater as global head of partnerships. He founded crypto publications Crypto AM.

Valereum (VLRM) has entered a memorandum of understanding with ZIGChain and DigiShares for a strategic collaboration to explore development of a scalable platform for real world asset tokenisation. Indirect investee company Nexstox Inc has been granted a Labuan Exchange licence, which is the fifth to be granted.

The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has appointed Jesse Myers as head of Bitcoin strategy.

NYCE International (NYCE) is planning to raise up to £150,000 at 0.2p/share. Chief executive Farzad Peyman-Fard plans to subscribe for at least two-thirds of these shares. The cash will be invested in games aggregation platform Nirmata Play and to develop games for crypto casinos. Also, money will be spent on performance marketing and advisory services. The subscription should close on 28 August.

Emissions reduction fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) has secured a patent in Jordan, which has the second largest container port in the Red Sea. The patent covers a range of formulations.

BWA Group (BWAP) says that the initial sampling programme has been completed and there is evidence of heavy mineral sands mineralisation beyond holes analysed at the Dehane project in Cameroon. There is mineralisation from surface.

Oscillate (MUSH) had cash and short-term investments of £2.29m at the end of May 2025. This will be invested in mining projects.

Mendell Helium (MDH) says that M3 Helium has secured a land lease in Nebraska and drilling should start shortly. There are talks with potential partners to develop a plan for Bitcoin mining. There are preparations for dewatering at the Rost well at Fort Dodge, Kansas. The work has been under budget.

Non-board chief engineer Noah Deledda has pledged 21 million of his 69.7 million shares in CRUSHMETRIC Group Ltd (CUSH) as security for a loan.

Time to Act (TTA) executive chairman Chris Heminway bought 33,300 shares at 15p each. Vault Ventures (VULT) has completed a one-for-100 share consolidation. Prior to this Concreatd Ltd acquired a 3.98% shareholding. Mark Jackson has increased his shareholding in Evrima (EVA) from 4.13% to 5.14%.

ASSET MATCH

Greenshields Agri (GAH) says it expects to make a strong profit in the year to June 2025, helped by land sales. Estimated NAV is 160p/share after a marginal uplift in farmland value. Early grain yields appear promising. There are plans to approach companies about a quarry project that could transform earnings.

Brewer Wadworth and Company (WAD) says interim sales were 4% higher with own beer sales 9% ahead. EBITDA improved by 7%, although one-off costs will hit profit. Banking facilities will be refinanced in September and that should reduce interest charges.

AIM

MicroSalt (SALT) is gearing up to supply its third major customer. This will generate revenues in the second half and could generate $5m next year. There have been some delays in revenues because of changes in US regulations on food additives and the interim revenues figure is $900,000. Full year sales expectations have been reduced from $2.5m to $2m, rising to $6.7m in 2026. There was $900,000 in the bank at the end of June 2025.

Singer upgraded its forecast for Tribal Group (TRB) following the interim figures. In the six months to June 2025, revenues were 2% higher at £45.3m and pre-tax profit jumped from £600,000 to £5.6m. The core education software business is building up its cloud revenues and selling more subscription-based packages of products. Growth has been in the UK. Trading conditions are still tough for the Education services business Etio with a shortage of cash available for spending by universities and colleges in the US as well as the UK. Revenues declined but profit improved thanks to cost savings. Since June, more contacts have been won and annualised recurring revenues have reached £64m, although that includes £2.2m of revenues from older software where income is declining. Singer raised its 2025 pre-tax profit forecast to £10.8m.

Revolution Beauty (REVB) has ended its formal sales process and raised £15m at 3p/share. A retail offer could raise up to £1.5m. Co-founder Tom Allsworth is returning as chief executive, and the other co-founder Adam Minto, who still owns 15.8%, is returning as a consultant. The cash will be used to reduce debt, fund capital investment and pay for restructuring costs. There will be a focus on pricing policy, marketing and efficiency. Tom Allsworth, Adam Minto and largest shareholder Debenhams are acquiring a total of 298.8 million shares in the fundraising. Net debt was £29.7m at the end of July 2025. The credit facility will be reduced from £32m to £28m.

Fishing tackle retailer Angling Direct (ANG) increased interim UK revenues by 18% to £51.1m, with online revenues 21% ahead. Like-for-like sales were 14% higher. European sales edged up from £2.4m to £2.5m. The store in Utrecht was opened in May 2024. After investment and share buy backs net cash reduced to £12.5m. Trading is comfortably in line with consensus market expectations. The interim results to July 2025 will be published on 7 October.

Explorer and project incubator Power Metal Resources (POW) has sold its remaining 14.75% stake in tungsten project developer Guardian Metal Resources (GMET) to Duquesne Family Office for £13.6m at 55p/share. There was a £6.6m gain on book value. Power Metal Resources says it invested £1.9m in Guardian Metal Resources and it has generated £22.8m from selling shares.

Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) has received notice that Ricca Resources is withdrawing from the earn-in for the Atex and Alliance lithium tantalum projects. These are on care and maintenance. Firering Strategic Minerals will not have to pay any money back to Ricca, but it expects Ricca to repay funds it advanced for the projects. Firering Strategic Minerals received a 10.6% stake in Ricca as part of the original deal.

Neo-natal medical devices developer Inspiration Healthcare (IHC) increased interim revenues by 41% to £24m and gross margins improved. During the period a $6m humanitarian aid contract was delivered. The sales momentum is continuing in the second half. Deliveries for the Middle East contract have started and should be completed in the second half. Net debt has been reduced by £1.6m to £6.7m.

Packaging manufacturer Robinson (RBN) increased interim operating profit by one-quarter to £2.04m on a 2% increase in revenues to £27.6m. Additional working capital increased net debt to £8.5m, but the second half should be a strong cash generator. The share price has been on an upward trend because of property disposals and profit upgrade.

Iron deficiency treatment developer Shield Therapeutics (STX) announced interim revenues were 177% higher at $21.4m. Total US prescriptions were 29% ahead at 84,000 in the first half. There was cash of $10.8m at the end of June 2025, but there is net debt. A full year loss of $18.9m is forecast for 2025. Cash flow could be positive by the end of 2025. Net debt could reach $36.3m at the end of 2025.

Empire Metals (EEE) has reported further assay results from the Pitfield project in Western Australia. This was focused on the weathered cap at the Thomas prospect. There are some of the highest titanium dioxide grades recorded at the project and many of them are more than 7% titanium dioxide. Nearly two-thirds of the drill holes had an average grade of more than 4%.

Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) has raised £3.72m at 23p/share and Universal Bancorp has raised its stake to 4.99%. The cash will be invested in developing the Topaz helium project in Minnesota. There are plans for ten appraisal wells. There will also be a preliminary economic assessment and resource update.

Aptamer Group (APTA) has released an update on licencing. There are multiple non-exclusive licence opportunities for the first enzyme-modulating Optimer. Initial sales forecasts have been provided by one potential licensee, and this could cover 15% of Aptamer’s overheads. A second enzyme-modulating Optimer is at a final development stage. There has been positive feedback concerning Optimer evaluation from a top five pharma company.

Animal treatments developer Animalcare (ANCR) has acquired the VHH NGF programme and related assets that were under a licence agreement with Orthros Medical for €700,000. The programme is assessing the effectiveness of antibodies in the treatment of pain caused by osteoarthritis in horses and dogs.

MAIN MARKET

BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has sold non-core operations so that it can focus on core networks and cyber technology. Interim revenues improved 3% to $60.4m, while underlying pre-tax profit fell from $3m to $1.6m. That excludes the $4.3m loss on discontinued activities. There was a strong performance from the remaining diagnostics businesses and networks revenues are growing. A new product launch will help cyber. There was $27m of cash in the balance sheet.

Ikigai Ventures (IKIV) plans to acquire Dotlines Global and Audra Solutions for a total of £67m in shares and move to AIM. The businesses are based in Singapore and Malaysia and are involved in cyber security, AI and fintech. Pro forma revenues are £22m and EBITDA is £1.7m. Trading in the shares has been suspended.

Andrew Hore

Quoted Micro 18 August 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

Adsure Services (ADS) increased its final dividend by 15% to 1.14p/share. The business assurance provider increased full year pre-tax profit by 74% to £818,000 on revenues 8% higher at £10m. Other operating expenses were lower. Net cash was £1.1m at the end of March 2025. Investment in technology should help Adsure Services continue to grow revenues and margins.

Visum Technologies (VIS) is moving into the property technology market. This involves the development of a workspace app for tech-focused workplaces. This will help to manage bookings, access support and provide information. There will property partners involved in the development. The first prototype should be available in early 2026. Visum has signed a licence agreement with Eyecon Imaging for the use of Visum’s Ride Video technology within the attractions and leisure sector.

Essentially Group (ESSN) shareholders voted in favour of leaving Aquis. The last day of trading will be 10 September.

Marula Mining (MARU) has secured an agreement with Kenya-based Bamba Mining Company to acquire 60% of the Bamba manganese mining project in Kenya. The deal is structured as a joint venture. Bamba’s 40% is non-dilutable and non-contributing. The payment is 500,000 shares at 5p each. Once 100,000 tonnes of manganese ore has been produced there will be a £250,000 payment.

Amazing AI (AAI) says new subsidiary AAI Mauritius will be used to purchase Bitcoin when it completes the legalities of acquiring cryptocurrencies. This should happen by the end of August. The subsidiary will also provide AI finance-related services to Sub-Saharan Africa and south east Asia. It will also take on business in the UK and that subsidiary will be wound up.

Vault Ventures (VULT) has paid the remaining consideration of £1m for System7 via the issue of shares.

Former Odey Asset Management boss Peter Martin has joined Oberon Investments (OBE) and he will be involved in launching a new global equities fund.

Vaultz Capital (V3TC) has purchased more Bitcoin and holds 135 Bitcoin at an average purchase price of £85,622.47 each. Aleks Nowak has been appointed as the non-board chief operating officer. Aura Digital has taken a 15.5% stake.

Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says drilling at the Red Setter gold dome project in Western Australia has intersected mineralisation in the first hole. It appears that the hole is peripheral to the main target, and another hole will be drilled to the south west.

The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised a further £7.6m from a placing at 221p/share. There are still another 4.49 million shares available to be placed and once that happens another subscription agreement will be signed.

Valereum (VLRM) raised £65,000 vi an offer at 3.1p each and this meant that the fundraising totalled £465,000. This will help fund a £600,000 investment in Metrikus Software, which is developing real-time building and smart infrastructure software. The two companies will work on tokenisation opportunities. This could involve fractional ownership or yield-sharing.

TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has issued a warrant over two million shares exercisable at 20p each to Proffitt Brothers Investments.

Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company Peak Nickel, where it holds 18.9%, has entered into an agreement for Winshear Gold to earn 100% of the Portsoy project in Scotland. This requires 1,000 metres of drilling and other exploration work and the spending of £3m within five years. Winshear Gold also has to issue 6.5 million shares to Peak Nickel over five years. Peak Nickel will retain a 1% net smelter returns royalty. If the project is sold by Winshear Gold, Peak Nickel will receive 10% of the proceeds up to a maximum of £10m.

Emissions reduction additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) has been granted a patent for fuel oil reclamation in Eurasia. This can be used for oily wastewater from ships.

Global Connectivity (GCON) has been given permission by the courts to petition for the bankruptcy of Barry Hersh, who agreed to subscribe for 37.5 million shares at a cost of £375,000 and failed to come up with the cash.

Amirose London Holdings (ALH) has raised £30,000 at 5p/share from a long-standing manufacturing client.

Daniel Thwaites (THW) has bought back 1.18 million shares at 90.04p each from Rulegale Nominees. The shares have been cancelled. Director RAJ Bailey bought 44,500 shares at 90p each.

AIM

Rent guarantee services provider RentGuarantor Group (RGG) moved from Aquis to AIM on Friday. The switch has been made ahead of law changes that will provide additional growth potential for the business. The share price rose from the Aquis close on Thursday of 27.5p to 35p.

Mobile Tornado (MBT) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM. There is limited liquidity and one major shareholder in the mobile communications technology company, so the quotation is not worth the cost. The board intends to seek a buyer in the next two years and believe it would be easier as a private company. The plan is to leave on 9 September.

Light Science Technologies (LST) reported slightly lower interim revenues of £5.06m, but there was a change in product mix. That enabled gross margins to improve, and the company achieved a small operating profit. Contract electronics manufacturing revenues slipped as a major pest control product came to the end of its life. Fire protection revenues grew strongly and could do even better in the second half if the new government regulator starts to approve more work. The Agtech business is also growing revenues and has launched an off-the-shelf version of its sensorGROW product.

Outsourced video gaming services provider Winking Studios (WKS) reported a rise in interim revenues from S$15.2m to S$19.4m, although most of the improvement came from the acquisition of Mineloader. The Asian gaming market is recovering. Profit was held back by the costs of the AIM quotation, but gross margin improved. There is S$25.6m in cash and this will help finance acquisitions in the UK to provide a base for growth outside of Asia.

Zoo Digital (ZOO) has restructured its operations supplying digital media services for the TV and film sector so that it can return to profit this year. In the year to March 2025, revenues recovered 22% to $49.6m and the loss was cut from $20.5m to $8.3m. Net debt was $1.9m. Annualised cost savings were $8.4m with a further $2.5m to come. Dubbing revenues have fallen 18% in the first quarter of the new financial year, but the rest of the business is growing. There was an EBITDA profit in the first quarter. Demand from streaming service is important to Zoo Digital. A new Fast Track service has been launched.

Autonomous vehicles developer Aurrigo International (AURR) says weaker activity has hit revenues this year. Disruption from tariffs and delayed tenders have pushed revenues into next year. The tariffs are hampering demand for its supply of equipment to the automotive sector. Aurrigo has been awarded more than £1m of grant funding. Canaccord Genuity has slashed its 2025 forecast revenues from £12m to £7.5m and that means the expected loss is £3.9m. Net cash should be around £1m at the end of the year. A £900,000 contract has been won with Teeside International Airport fo an autonomous baggage and passenger moving vehicle.

Pulsar Helium (PLSR) has secured a facility to provide up to $12.5m for construction of a helium processing plant at the Topaz project in Minnesota. University Bancorp has also extended the maturity date of the existing $4m to November 2026.

Metals One (MET1) has invested £1m in the latest placing by Chile-focused lithium project developer CleanTech Lithium (CTL). The placing raised a total of £4.3m at 5p/share. The cash was raised to finance the acquisition of an additional 30 licences in the Laguna Verde project for $600,000 and finance the development of the enlarged project. The additional licences should help to seek streamlined approval for the project.

Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) says trading conditions are still tough. Full year pre-tax profit expectations have been slashed to £2.5m, compared with £5m previously.  Consumer confidence is low and spending power after essentials is reducing for many people. Net cash could be £6m at the end of September 2025 because of lower inventory and capital investment.

Bars and escape rooms operator XP Factory (XPF) increased owned and operated revenues by 12% in the 19 weeks to 10 August. Boom Battle Bars like-for-like sales were 5.6% lower but have started to recover. The new Reading site is trading more strongly than expected. Escape Hunt like-for-likes were slightly higher. The hot weather hit sales, although not as badly as the overall market.

Investment company Seed Innovations (SEED) has launched a tender offer at 2.2p/share. The maximum amount to be paid will be £1.91m. The latest time for acceptance is 5 September.

Midlands-based property investor Real Estate Investors (RLE) has made a further £11.3m of disposals this year. There is continued demand from private investors, although marketing of some larger properties has been delayed until the turn of the year. Debt has been reduced to £34.9m. Portfolio occupancy has increased to 85.8%. Contracted rental income is maintained at £9m despite the disposals. Overall income has reduced and that is why the quarterly dividend is one-fifth down at 0.4p/share. Harwood Capital, which seeks underlying value, has increased its stake from 10% to 11.1%.

Wellnex Life (WNX) joint chief executive George Karafotias has resigned. He will be repaid his A$705,000 loan to the company. Zack Bozinovski will become sole chief executive of the Australian consumer healthcare business.

Skin health company SkinBioTherapeutics (SBTX) says revenues should increase to £4.5m-£4.8m in the year to June 2025, which is slightly lower than expectations. The loss will be much lower than last year. Cash was £4.8m at the end of June 2025. The figures are subject to audit. July was a strong month and psoriasis treatment AxisBiotix will be launched in Superdrug later this year.

Versarien (VRS) intends to accelerate the sales process of the remaining parts of the group, while it tries to secure additional finance for the group. If the disposals happen the proceeds are unlikely to cover liabilities and Versarien would be placed in administration.

The UK authorities have decided not to provide a gas storage licence to EnergyPathways (EPP) for the natural gas and hydrogen storage elements of its MESH project. A S35 planning application for the major elements of the MESH project will be submitted as a step in the process to obtain consents from the UK government. If it is granted, then the parts of the project in the submission will be assessed under the 2008 Planning Act.

Canada-based antimicrobial treatments developer Ondine Biomedical Inc (OBI) says the American British Cowdray Medical Center in Mexico City will pilot Steriwave nasal photodisinfection from September. This will help to reduce surgical infections.

Active Energy Group (AEG) has executed heads of terms to develop a 150MW battery energy storage system in the Vale of Glamorgan in partnership with Fonmon Castle, which will provide ten acres on a 30-year lease. Active Energy Group will invest £40,000 and will get that back once planning consent is received. It will also receive 5% of the first year’s rent of £300,000.

MAIN MARKET

Bulk sampling by New Frontier Minerals (NFM) has identified additional high-priority targets for drill-testing at its Harts Range rare earths project in Northern Territory. The company is waiting for regulatory approval for drilling, which could commence in the third quarter. The Headingley prospect is the main drill target. In Australia, there are proposals for a floor price and national offtake agreements for rare earths. SP Angel has been appointed broker. Aspen Bridging advanced £106.4m in the first half.

North east England focused property finance provider Develop North (DVNO) reported a slight dip in NAV to 79.79p/share at the end of May 2025, although that was after paying dividends. The total return is 2.5%. The annual dividend is 4p/share. Further news of the change in investing strategy to include direct investments and the potential fundraising should be published in the next few weeks.

S and U (SUS) says favourable trading trends are continuing and the recent court decision on motor finance commissions is helping confidence. Profit improvement is gaining momentum. The Advantage Finance business increased motor loan volumes by 6% year-on-year in June. Repayment rates have recovered. Advantage Finance is not involved in any of the most contentious type of motor loans and will be involved in the consultation for the potential FCA redress scheme.

Andrew Hore

Quoted Micro 23 June 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

Fund manager and broker Oberon Investments (OBE) won the Aquis company of the year award at the 2025 Small Cap Awards.

Ajax Resources (AJAX) has moved from the Main Market to Aquis. It previously raised £1m at 4p/share and another £500,000 is being raised at 5p/share. Ajax Resources has exercised an option to acquire the Minas La Escondida project in Argentina for $80,000. It has conditionally agreed to acquire a nearby licence area.

Helium Ventures (HEV) gained shareholder approval for investment in Bitcoin mining and the establishment of a Bitcoin treasury. The company is changing its name to VaultZ Capital, and it has raised £4m at 43p/share, most of which will be invested in Bitcoin. Former Argo Blockchain director Alex Appleton has been appointed chief executive and Sarah Gow, who was also at Argo Blockchain, has joined the board as an executive director. Pierre Villeneuve is chief investment officer. Global Investment Strategy UK is the new broker.

Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has bought 200,000 more warrants in The Smarter Web Company (SWC) exercisable at 2.5p each for 100p/warrant and one million shares in Tap Global Group (TAP) ahead of its move to AIM. The Smarter Web Company raised £29.3m at 180p/share and then announced a subscription agreement over 21 million shares, which Shard will try to place over the coming months. The total Bitcoin holding is 346.63 with an average price of £78,480 each. That is an investment of £27.2m.

Coinsilium (COIN) says the retail offer to raise £2.5m at 22.2p/share was heavily oversubscribed, and it decided to accept £4m. The Forza Gibraltar subsidiary has bought nearly 24.5 additional Bitcoin for £1.91m. The total cost of the 43.1077 Bitcoin owned is £3.38m.

Vault Ventures (VULT), which is starting a Bitcoin and Ethereum treasury, raised £1.25m at 0.018p/share. There is an eleven year plan, which focuses on growing the technology investment business, as well as the cryptocurrency investment. So far, 34.47 Ethereum and 0.22 Bitcoin have been purchased at a total cost of £81,000. Acquisitions are being assessed.

Pubs operator Daniel Thwaites (THW) reported an improvement in full year revenues from £115.5m to £120.6m, while pre-tax profit rose from £9.1m to £9.8m after doubled property disposal gains of £400,000. The total dividend is raised from 3.35p/share to 3.5p/share. The pubs division improved operating profit from £13.9m to £14.6m and the hotels contribution rose from £6.2m to £7.4m. That is before group overheads. Net debt was £71.4m at the end of March 2025.

Marula Mining (MARU) has secured a 30-year surface use agreement for the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa. Progress is being made towards the granting of the ten-year mining right. The remaining condition is completion of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment structure for the subsidiary.

Incanthera (INC) says an independent study has confirmed the protective effects of its Skin + CELL product. Skin p-treated with the lotion showed a 6.5 fold reduction in DNA damaged. It was also shown to boost mitochondrial performance.

Valereum (VLRM) has invested €1.7m for a minority stake in Fideum Group, which will be paid in a number of tranches up until June 2026. Fideum is a blockchain business. Gary Cottle has been appointed chief executive of Valereum.

SulNOx Group (LON: SNOX) has raised £1m at 50p/share. SulNOx Innovations has been launched to invest in new fuel efficiency technologies.

Diagnostics developer EDX Medical (EDX) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Spire Healthcare. They will promote each other’s products and develop joint propositions.

Walls & Futures REIT (WAFR) gained shareholder approval to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange on 26 June and the proposed changes to the board were voted down.

Prize draw and rewards business Good Life Plus (GDLF) has raised £750,000 via a convertible loan note issue to a company associated with Mark Blandford and hopes to raise a further £750,000. The loan notes last until the end of June 2028 and offer an interest rate of 10%. The conversion price is 2.15p.

Zentra Group (ZNT) has sold land in Leicester for £250,000.

Amazing AI (AAI) says the loan facility provided by director Paul Mathieson has been increased in from £2m to £5m

Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) has appointed Allenby as corporate adviser and broker.

EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 316.2p/share at the end of May 2025.

AIM

Frasers Group (FRAS) has decided not to make an offer for cosmetics supplier Revolution Beauty (REVB). There is continued engagement with other parties interested in a deal, as well as with shareholders about the alternative of a fundraising.

Defence services provider RC Fornax (RCFX) has issued a trading warning weeks after joining AIM. There have been delays in spending due to the Strategic Defence Review. The disruption related to the flotation on AIM is also blamed for a lack of new orders. Co-founder Dan Clark is stepping down. Cavendish has slashed its forecast revenues for the year to August 2025 by nearly two-thirds to £4m, down from £6.5m last year. That means that there will be a £1m loss. The share price had soared from the February 2025 placing place of 32.5p. Chair Mark Fahy, who bought his initial shares in the placing, acquired a further 38,173 shares at 26.95p each. Finance director Rob Shepherd bought an initial 93,000 shares at 26.8p each.

Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) expects flat like-for-like sales in the first half with growth coming from a contribution from the Brand Architekts. There was 7% growth in the first quarter. That means interim sales could be up to 13% ahead at up to £52m. Margins are expected to improve this year with cost savings from the integration of the acquisition coming through in the second half. Shore Capital is maintaining its full year forecast with pre-tax profit of £29m.

AI-based services provider to smaller businesses Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group (PR1) has announced a formal Bitcoin treasury management policy. The company can retain Bitcoin, but not other cryptocurrencies. No more than 50% of surplus cash can be retained in Bitcoin. Karen Lewis-Hollis has resigned from the board.

Litigation Capital Management (LIT) has lost a case that it co-funded. It invested £3.4m directly and its Fund 1 invested £8.2m. Total realisations for this year are A$55m, which excludes the Queensland Electricity and Quintis claims where there are appeals. Economic conditions mean that marketing for Fund III has been delayed. Cavendish forecast a A$41.7m loss in the year to June 2025.

Oxford Metrics (OMG) reported interims in line with expectations. Motion capture revenues fell compared with a strong comparative period. Acquisitions boosted the smart manufacturing revenues. Group revenues fell from £23.5m to £20.1m and Oxford Metrics slipped into loss. There was cash of £39.9m at the end of March 2025. Share buybacks are continuing and the amount has been increased by £4m.

SkinBioTherapeutics (SBTX) has signed an exclusive UK agreement with Superdrug Stores for the AxisBiotix food supplements that alleviate symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions, particularly psoriasis. On the back of this deal SkinBioTherapeutics raised £4.2m at 17p/share. Superdrug will sell AxisBiotix-Ps (for treating psoriasis) and still to be launched AxisBiotix-Ac (for treating acne) on an exclusive basis for two years. They will start to go into Superdrug stores with the highest sales of skincare products in September with a roll-out to the others next year.

Construction recruitment services provider Hercules (HERC) says interim revenues were 18% ahead at £54.6m, while pre-tax profit improved from £1.1m to £1.7m. The interim dividend is unchanged at 0.6p/share. The disposal of suction excavators has improved the balance sheet with net cash of £900,000 before deferred contingent consideration of £1m. A nominal amount has been paid for Quality Transport Training, which will be integrated with the training operation.

Quantum Blockchain Technologies (QBT) is making progress with the commercialisation of its Bitcoin mining efficiency technology. There are talks with two companies about them porting the AI technology in their existing control boards. These boards can replace the original ones in the Bitcoin miners. This will open up this market in the near future. There is engagement with two ASIC chip manufacturers about the potential to integrate the technology in their chips. This will take longer to commercialise.

CPP Group (LON: CPP) is selling its business in Turkey for £4.6m and it may also sell its operations in India. The initial payment is £3.1m. CPP wants to concentrate on its parametric Insurtech business Blink, which has won a £1.5m licence agreement with Mehrwerk for its cyber security product. Blink generated revenues of £1.1m in 2024 and that should more than double to £2.5m this year. It will remain loss making. The funds from disposals will be reinvested in Blink, which should accelerate growth, and finance the restructuring of the group.

Investment company Seed Innovations (SEED) reported a dip in NAV from 6.73p/share to 6.1p/share, but that was after paying a 1p/share special dividend, so there was underlying growth. There was a swing from an investment loss of £1.2m to a gain of £797,000. In the year to March 2025, the overall gain was £367,000, compared with a £2.12m loss the year before. The largest improvement in valuation was for sustainable oils and fats developer Clean Food Group.

Property fund adviser and investor First Property Group (FPO) returned to profit in the year to March 2025. Revenues slipped from £7.85m to £7.55m. There have been annualised cost savings of £650,000. The pre-tax profit of £3m was boosted by an increase in the share of associates profit from £1.05m to £2.83m, while the impairment loss on investment properties was reduced from £3.75m to £242,000. Third party assets under management fell from £222m to £164m. NAV is 30.5p/share.

MAIN MARKET

Motor and property finance provider S and U (SUS) continues to improve it performance. The motor finance division is trending above budge t and the Aspen business goes from strength to strength. First half profitability should be better than last year.

Construction equipment hire company Speedy Hire (SDY) says 2024-25 revenues were flat at £417m, but underlying pre-tax profit fell from £14.7m to £8.7m with a lower contribution from the Kazakhstan joint venture. Net debt was £113.1m at the end of March 2025. The dividend is unchanged at 2.6p/share.

Online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) has launched a share buyback of up to £5m. This can continue to the end of the year. So far, 22,000 shares have been purchased at 120.41p each.

Atlas Metals Group (AMG), previously known as MetalNRG, is planning to acquire Universal Pozzolanic Silica Alumina (UPSA) via an all-share offer. No figure has been put on the deal. UPSA has commercialisation rights to a pozzolanic silica alumina (PSA) in Australia. The extraction rights for 250 million tonnes last 99 years and are held by its partner Claystone International. There are another 1.35 billion tonnes of reserves over which UPSA has the rights to extract. The estimated value of the reserves in the ground is £10/tonne. UPSA has a book value of £1.08bn, based on the 250 million tonnes of PSA.

Shell Associated British Engineering (ABSE) had cash of £344,000 at the end of March 2025. Net assets are £350,000.

Andrew Hore

Quoted Micro 26 May 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) stated at the AGM that trading was in line with expectations in the first four months of the year. Activity is showing signs of picking up. There were loan and lease assts of £2.36bn at the end of April 2025. Deposits rose 3% to £4.26bn. There was an annualised 17% increase in assets under management in the wealth management division. Shore Capital forecasts a dip in full year pre-tax profit from £35.1m to £28.5m. That assumes a further 0.25 of a percentage point cut in interest rates.

Dermatology treatments developer Incanthera (INC) is finalising an agreement with a global direct to consumer and it will launch the Skin + CELL product range in return for royalties on sales. There are 100,000 units in stock ready for sale, and they should be sold by March 2026. This will improve gross margins and provide positive cash flow.

Valereum (VLRM) is investing $1.35m in DigiShares in four tranches up until July. DigiShares owns a real estate tokenisation platform called RealEstate Exchange.

Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised a further £6.83m at 49p/share. It has purchased a further 39.51 Bitcoin for £3.13m. The total holding is 58.71 Bitcoin at a total cost of £4.54m. The additional funds will be used to buy more Bitcoin.

Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) subsidiary Forza! will be transferred an initial 15 Bitcoin. Coinsilium will announce purchase of Bitcoin by Forza! Institutional investors are interested in investing in Forza! There was £250,000 raised in a retail offer by Coinsilium at 3p/share.

Aquis Stock Exchange has enforced £15,000 of the suspended fine of £165,000 because of the delay by TruSpine Technologies (TSP) in announcing the issue of new shares in March. Axis MedTech has subscribed £49,500 for shares at 1.5p each, as well as acquiring £136,573 of convertible loan notes from Geoff Miller

Global Connectivity (GCON) says that the value of its 2.8% stake in Rural Broadband Services has fallen to £3.9m, which is equivalent to 1.3p/share.

Mendell Heloum (MDH) has an option to acquire M3 Helium, which is continuing work on the Rost 1-26 well recompletion project.

Gledhow Investments (GDH) has acquired a portfolio of quoted and unquoted shares for 9.95 million shares and £398,900 in 5% convertible loan notes, which are convertible at 0.425p/share. If they are convertible P3 Capital would own 45.3% of Gledhow Investments, while P4 Capital would own 15.3%. The £441,000 investment will increase the scale of the total portfolio.

Watchstone Group (WTG) has decided to end all legal proceedings and return any remaining cash to shareholders following a departure from Aquis. Net assets were £1.25m at the end of 2024.

Res Privata NV has raised its stake in WeCap (WCAP) from 11.3% to 13.6%, while Peel Hunt has a higher shareholding of 19%.

Newbury Racecourse (NYR) director James Richardson bought 2,878 shares a 625p each and his total shareholding is 5,515 shares.

Time to Act (TTA) raised £274,000 at 40p/share and converted £61,000 of loans into shares. Puma AIM VCT has a 3.38% stake.

Walls and Futures RIT (WAFR) is holding a general meeting on 19 June. The resolutions include the company’s proposal to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange and the requisitioners proposals to remove two directors and appoint a new one.

Tin and copper explorer Tamar Minerals (TMR) has agreed a £150,000 loan from Godolphin Minerals, which is owned by the Tamar Minerals chief executive and two of its major shareholders. The loan is repayable on 21 May 2026 and the interest charge is 12%.

Heart failure medicines developer Cardiogeni (CGNI) raised £650,000 at 17.3p/share. Amazing AI (AAI) has raised £37,775aat 0.5p/share from existing shareholders

Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) directors Jai Patel and Brian Coyne each bought 83,333 shares at 6.75p each.

SulNOx Group (SNOX) has issued 935,362 shares to EPS Ventures, which relates to the amount of Sulnox Evo purchased.

Supersearch Plus (SSP) is changing its year end from June to December.

JP JENKINS

Powder Monkey (PMGL) has acquired Durham-based Castle Eden Brewery, which has focused on contract brewing. There are plans to brew Powder Monkey brands and to resurrect the Castle Eden brand.

Renewable energy investment company Thrive Renewables (THRV) reported a decline in 2024 revenues from £29m to £25.9m and operating profit fell from £13.6m to £11.3m. A final dividend of 12p/share has been declared. There are plans to buy back 161,628 shares. Thrive operates 24 wind, solar and hydro projects and is crowdfunding for other projects.

AIM

Xeros Technology (XSG) offset a decline in 2025 revenues with cost savings, so the loss was reduced from £4.8m to £4.5m. Revenues have been modest, but that could change this year with £2.5m forecast. Existing contacts should start to generate income later in the year. Russel Hobbs will launch the XF3 filter than can be attached to existing washing machines. A strategic partnership has been secured with Donlim, which will supply the filter to Russell Hobbs. Management is hopeful of gaining at least one major manufacturer for its integrated filter this year that could lead to commercialisation in 2026. Net cash of £2.8m should be enough for this year.

A prospectus has been lodged by Greatland Gold (GGP) for the flotation of its new holding company Greatland Resources on ASX. There are plans to raise £24.2m, while Newmont Corporation is selling 50% of its shareholding. The new company will also be admitted to AIM, and there will be a UK retail offer to raise up to £6.7m. This will close on 17 June.

Telecoms testing equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) returned to profit in the year to March 2025 as revenues recovered from £16.3m to £18.4m. New product launches helped, as did greater focus on newer markets such as defence and cloud computing. There was a strong fourth quarter and net cash improved from £10.9m at the end of March 2025 to £12.7m at the end of April 2025. The order book has increased, and Cavendish forecasts an improvement in pre-tax profit from £700,000 to £800,000 this year. That is still well below peak profitability.

Artisinal Spirits Company (ART) says revenues grew in double digits in the first four months of 2025 even though the US and China markets remain tough. The growth is coming from bottled whisky sales in Europe and cask sales. The US importing model is being changed. Full year revenues are forecast to grow by 10% to £26m.

Revolution Beauty Group (REVB) has received a preliminary bid approach, and a formal sale process has begun. The cosmetics supplier requires more funding, and it is still talking to key shareholders.

telecoms enterprise software provider Cerillion (CER) had flagged a weaker first half and management remains positive about growth in full year revenues with a new contract helping to meet the target. In the six months to March 2025, revenues dipped from £22.5m to £20.9m. The mix of revenues was different with lower software income due to fewer renewals and higher services revenues. Pre-tax profit fell from £10.5m to £9.3m. R&D spending was increased. Net cash still improved from £26.6m to £31.2m over the 12-month period. The dividend has been raised by one-fifth to 4.8p/share.

Chain manufacturer Renold (RNO) has received two bid offers one is 77p/share in cash from Webster Industries and the other is 81p/share in cash from a consortium comprising Buckthorn Partners LLP and One Equity Partners IX, L.P.

Executive search firm Norman Broadbent (LON: NBB) revealed at its AGM that second quarter trading is materially ahead of the same period last year. Recent appointments are helping to enhance growth, and the company is moving into the Middle East market. This should ensure a return to profit this year. The £96,000 CBILs loan has been repaid. Shareholders approved the 35-for-one share consolidation.

Aquaculture company Benchmark (BMK) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM and Euronext Growth Oslo. There should be annual savings of £2.4m and there should also be overhead savings of £5.6m following the sale of the genetics business. Benchmark is launching a tender offer at 25p/share. The total amount of cash available through the tender is £56.7m out of the current net cash of £117m.

Composite kits supplier Velocity Composites (VEL) has been hit by delays to projects and Canaccord Genuity has reduced 2024-25 revenues by 15% to £23m and then means a loss instead of breakeven. This is despite the fact that margins are better than expected. Net cash will fall to £700,000 on that basis. Next year’s pre-tax profit forecast has been cut from £500,000 to £300,000. There have been problems with the ramp up of A350 production and final qualification sign-off of kits in the US has been delayed. The US base will offset any problems with tariffs.

Ascent Resources (AST) is acquiring a 49% interest in oil and gas leases in Colorado operated by Locin Oil Corporation and a 10% in oil and gas leases in Utah operated by ARB Energy. US-based geologist David Patterson will take over as chief executive and there will be cost savings. The first purchase costs $2.5m, including shares at 0.5p each and a $1.9m convertible loan note. The second purchase costs $750,000 in shares. The deal includes rights to earn a 50% economic interest in incremental production from these leases. There is an option to acquire a further 23% interest in the leases. A fundraising will generate £1.35m at 0.5p/share with £224,000 used to pay back part of the RiverFort secured loan with $100,000 converted into shares at 0.7245p/share.

Drug developer Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) is raising £4m at 2.5p/share and could raise up to £100,000 from a retail offer. The cash will last into 2027. It will be spent on th POLB 001 phase 2a trial to “prevent cancer immunotherapy-induced Cytokine Release Syndrome, a severe, potentially life-threatening side effect of cancer immunotherapies”. Topline data is expected by the end of 2026. An Oral GLP-1 proof of concept trial for an obesity treatment.

Healthcare services provider Totally (TLY) is considering offers for subsidiaries. This is the only practical way to pay off liabilities. However, the proceeds may not be enough to meet all liabilities.

Energy assurance and optimisation services provider Inspired (INSE) has published a document rejecting the 68.5p/share offer by Regent Gas. The argument is that the offer undervalues the business, and it is not in the best interests of shareholders to take control of Inspired.

MAIN MARKET

LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) grew first quarter revenues by 19% to £61m. Acquisitions and the electric vehicle charging operations are driving the improvement. US tariffs are likely to impact on £4m of last year’s revenues.

Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) says revenues are 8% ahead so far this year. They reached £50.7m at the end of April 2025. Footwear remains a strong market and there was 24% growth in transport and smart technologies sales. Construction is a weaker market.

Fully listed natural resources company Ajax Resources (AJAX) is applying to join the Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Access market. This follows a planned acquisition of Minas La Escondida, which has two copper and gold licences near to the company’s Eureka mine in Argentina, which has previously been in production. There are plans to raise £1.5m at 4p/share. There is currently £650,000 in the bank.

Andrew Hore

Quoted Micro 19 May 2025

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

Time to Act (TTA) is raising a minimum of £264,000 at 40p/share. VSA Capital has set a target share price of 118p. Diffusion Alloys is a coatings business, and the customer base includes hydrogen, nuclear and fuel cell businesses. Another subsidiary, GreenSpur is developing axial flux technology. This business hopes to generate revenues through design services to wind turbine designers.

KR1 (KR1) increased income from digital assets rose 51% to £13m during 2024, including Income from staking activities which jumped from £6.9m to £12.8m. There was a loss on disposals of £1m, compared with a £12.1m gain in the previous year. Pre-tax profit fell from £14.7m to £7.85m. There was £1.18m in cash at the end of 2024.

Smarter Web Company (SWC) raised £2.23m at 27p/share from a retail offer, taking the total raised to £3.45m. The company has invested a further £650,000 in Bitcoin at £75,460 each, which takes total investment to £1.41m. Smarter Web Company has applied to be quoted on the US OTCQB to help to add to liquidity. Tennyson Securities has raised its target price to 38.4p/share.

Coinsilium (COIN) expects the launch of the $YELLOW token launch is expected in two months. The sale will be conducted under Regulation D in the US, making it attractive to institutional investors. Coinsilium invested $200,000 in Yellow Network and the latest fundraising has increased the value of the stake. Coinsilium is raising £1.25m at 3p/share and a retail offer could generate a further £250,000.

Telecoms components supplier Unigel Group (UNX) improved turnover from £28.5m to £29.2m in 2024. Pre-tax profit jumped from £815,000 to £2.13m. The growth came in the steel tapes business. Some manufacturing is being moved to the US to shield the company from potential tariffs.

Oscillate (MUSH) is planning a work programme for the Duekoue copper gold molybdenum prospect in Cote d’Ivoire. This involves geological mapping and soil sampling, plus ground magnetics. Further mapping will be undertaken.

SuperSeed Capital (SEED) had net assets of 125p/share at the end of 2024. The funds it manages will benefit from opportunities in digital transformation, operational efficiency and AI.

Visum Technologies (VIS) intends to acquire CandC Gordan for £414,000 in shares at 0.5p/share. The company being acquired offers shared workspace to facilitate app development. There are plans to restructure debt in return for 142 million shares.

RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) is raising £2m at 250p/share. The funds will expand the rent guarantee business and enable the hiring of staff. It will also finance the initial costs of a move to AIM.

Meme Vault has changed its name to Vault Ventures (MEME) and it will incubate start-ups and targeting investment opportunities. Cash is being invested in cryptocurrency.

VVV Resources (VVV) is raising £900,000 at 1p/share and the underwriting commission to Campana Investments will be £90,000. This follows a previous subscription by Campana of £100,000.

Constantine Logothetis has increased his stake in SulNOx Group (SNOX) to 28.8%. BWA Holdings (BWAP) chairman Jonathan Wearing has bought 500,000 shares at 0.25p each. A share issue has paid off £21,600 of liabilities.

EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (LON: EO.P) NAV was 309.57p/share at the end of April 2025.

ASSET MATCH

Zytronic (ZYT) has moved from AIM to Asset Match on 15 May. The company is being wound up. The first auction will be on 20 June.

AIM

Pawnbroker H&T (HAT) is recommending a 650p/share cash bid from FirstCash and shareholders will also receive the previously announced 11p/share final dividend. This values H&T at £297m. FirstCash operates pawnbrokers in the US and Latin America and this deal will take it into the UK. The additional backing could accelerate expansion. H&T rejected the first approach and started talks after the fourth proposal. The bid values H&T at 12 times prospective 2025 earnings.

Bain Capital is considering a potential offer for Craneware (CRW), although it is still early days. Scotland-based Craneware provides accounting and billing software to US hospitals. In the year to June 2025, Craneware is forecast to generate revenues of $206.8m and pre-tax profit of $44.1m.

Angling Direct (ANG) revenues increased from £81.7m to £91.3m in the year to January 2025. There were six new stores in the UK, three of which were acquired, and a store was opened in the Netherlands one year ago. The MyAD club has 409,000 members and is helping to increase spending, and it is being offered in Europe. The European loss was reduced, and group pre-tax profit was one-quarter higher at £2m. Net cash is £12.1m after capital investment and share buybacks. Angling Direct is doing well in a consolidating retail market for fishing tackle retailers.

Vertu Motors (VTU) is not immune to the tough new car market, but its performance is relatively good compared with the market. It is the fourth largest motor dealer in the UK. It has 198 dealerships. Government targets for electric vehicle sales have been the major disrupting factor for the car market, on top of the economic uncertainty. Aftermarket business has helped to offset the lower contribution from new car sales. This is less cyclical. There was also some growth in revenues from used cars, where there appears to be a more positive outlook, and fleet sales. In the year to February 2025, pre-tax profit fell from £34.7m to £29.3m. The dividend was cut from 2.35p/share to 2.05p/share. Net debt was £160.6m at the end of February 2025. Net tangible assets are 72.9p/share. The decision to rebrand every outlet with the Vertu name will make it easier to promote the company.

Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) improved 2024 revenues from $50m to $54.5m, while pre-tax profit fell from $8.5m to $4.8m. There was a change in mix of sales with more iodine-based products sold, while crystallised iodine sales were flat. Net cash was $2.9m at the end of the year, although capital investment is likely to lead to net debt by the end of 2025. Iodine prices remain strong at above $70/kg. The IO#11 plant should begin production in the summer. Iodine production has been affected by bad weather earlier this year. First quarter production was 124.1MT and first half production of nearly 300MT is forecast for the first half. Pre-tax profit could recover to $7.3m this year.

Energy as a service provider eEnergy Group (EAAS) has entered a partnership with US-based energy as a service provider Redaptive Inc, which will provide up to £100m to support new projects. eEnergy will project manage and deliver LED and solar on behalf of Redaptive customer base in Europe. These projects will be fully funded and eEnergy cash flow will improve. The current NatWest facility can only be used for public projects.

DSW Capital (DSW) had a strong second half with full year figures set to be ahead of expectations. The professional services provider increased network revenues by 61% to £25.8m, including an additional £3m of mergers and acquisitions business ahead of last year’s Budget. Business continued to be active post-Budget and has continued into the new financial year. Pre-tax profit of £1.6m is expected. Forecast 2024-25 pre-tax profit estimate has been changed from £1.43m to £1.7m, while the current year forecast is maintained at £2.5m, when there will be a full contribution from DR Solicitors.

Staff provider Staffline (STAF) has won a new contract with food and drink logistics provider Culina that could be worth £300m over three years. This should commence in the summer. There will be initial implementation costs in 2025. Panmure Liberum has raised its 2025 pre-tax profit forecast from £5.3m to £6m. The 2026 estimate is increased from £5.7m to £8.3m.

Volvere (VLE) improved pre-tax profit from £2.73m to £4.84m in 2024. Consolidated NAV rose from £14.83/share to £17.20/share. Cash of £27.8m is the equivalent of two-thirds of NAV. The trading subsidiary is Shire Foods. Management is seeking other food acquisitions, as well as opportunities in other sectors.

Synthetic binders developer Aptamer (APTA) has gained two fee-for-service development contracts worth up to £231,000, plus licence heads of terms with a global provider of speciality enzymes. The licence agreement covers Optimer binders developed via two fee-for-service contacts. There will be milestone payments and a 10% royalty. New data for the Optimer therapeutic delivery vehicle for liver fibrosis developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca shows it effectively targets fibrosis in the liver as well as the kidney, skin, lung, and heart.

Venture Life Group (VLG) is selling its contract development and manufacturing business to Italy based BioDue so that it can focus on its own self care brands. There will also be a ten year manufacturing agreement. The disposal includes some non-core brands and will generate £53m. The remaining business should have annual revenues of £43m and cash to acquire more brands. The prospective 2026 earnings multiple is eight.

Cosmetics supplier Revolution Beauty (REVB) has got additional productions into retailers and launched the RELOVE brand, but the US and online wholesale markets are weak. Full year revenues fell 26% to £141.6m. A £10.9m loss is forecast for the year to February 2025. Inventory levels have been slashed, but net debt increased to £26.3m at the end of February 2025, which leaves little flexibility in terms of cash. It could stay at around that level by February 2026, although the company could be near to breakeven this year.

Retail software developer itim Group (ITIM) increased revenues by 11% to £17.9m in 2024. Annualised recurring revenues were flat at £13m, but that was a result of currency movements and there was underlying growth. Services revenues increased helping to improve short-term profitability. There was a swing from loss to a pre-tax profit of £200,000. Cash doubled to £3.8m. There is a strong pipeline of potential business, but the timing of decisions by retailers remains uncertain. A further improvement in profit is expected in 2025.

88 Energy (88E) has completed its 25-for-one share consolidation. The previous closing price was the equivalent of 1.4375p. The share price has declined 35.7% to 0.925p.

MAIN MARKET

Mental health treatments developer Solvonis Therapeutics (SVNS) raised £2m at 0.13p/share. The new shares are 40% of the enlarged share capital. The company is making progress to completing the acquisition of Awakn Life Sciences, which will lead to a further 2.07 billion shares being issued. The cash will provide working capital.

Andrew Hore

I would like to receive Brand Communications updates and news...
Free Stock Updates & News
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )
Join over 3.000 visitors who are receiving our newsletter and learn how to optimize your blog for search engines, find free traffic, and monetize your website.
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.