boohoo group plc (DEB) announced a trading update for the 1st quarter to May 2026 entitled “Debenhams Group Back to Growth”. Momentum in the Debenhams Group multi-year turnaround accelerated in the Group’s first quarter ended 31 May 2026 (“Q1“). The Board is pleased to report that the Company has returned to growth, with Group GMV up 0.5% year on year. May trading was particularly strong with GMV growth of approximately 8%. Performance was most notable across the Debenhams brand and PrettyLittleThing, with improvements also achieved in Boohoo, BoohooMan and Karen Millen.
Comment: It is tempting to suggest that if the powers that be at boohoo can get this company back to growth they could be capable of raising the Titanic or bringing back the dead. Perhaps on this basis one could also argue that the shares should already be rather higher than they were in December at 28p versus 21p now.
Venture Life (VLG), a recognised leader in proactive longevity, health innovation and global commercialisation within the consumer healthcare sector, is pleased to announce the acquisition of FemiClear, and CUROXEN (together with FemiClear,, from OrganiCare Nature’s Sciences, LLC for a total consideration of up to $28.0 million.
Comment: This is a punchy acquisition from a company which has evidently been keen to grow both organically and by getting its chequebook out in the past. It is also evident that the shares have good support in the mid 50p’s.
Shuka Minerals Plc (SKA), an African focused mine operator and developer, is pleased to announce that, further to the announcement on 21 May 2026, it has successfully completed the second drill hole at the No.2 ore body at the Kabwe Zinc Mine. KBDD02 delivered 9.79% zinc over 15.5m from 251.20m to 266.7m down hole, based on an average of 47 individual portable XRF pinpoint readings through the defined zone at regular spacings of 3 readings per meter. The maximum grade recorded was 45.7% zinc with XRF results returning in the range of 9-45% through the ore zone.
Comment: Shares of SKA have so far not joined the party in terms of small cap explorer developers on the London market, despite the way that supremo Richard Lloyd is an expert in this area. Perhaps in the wake of today’s results we shall see the market give the company some love.
Active Energy Group plc (AEG), the digital infrastructure and energy platform focused on the Gulf Cooperation Council region, announce that representatives of the Company have been invited to meet with senior officials from the Bahrain Economic Development Board during a forthcoming GCC digital infrastructure event taking place in London. The Company expects to meet with Musab Abdulla, Executive Director of ICT at Bahrain EDB, to discuss the continued growth of digital infrastructure across the Gulf region and explore potential opportunities within the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Comment: Although the market has yet to given AEG the credit It deserves as far as its rollup and revenue in the Middle East, it is clear that the company is making decent progress, and that this is actually being accelerated by the ongoing Middle East conflict rather than hindered by it.
Protium Green Solutions Ltd and ITM Power (ITM) have formalised a strategic partnership to develop, invest in, and operate industrial-scale green hydrogen production plants across the UK, with an immediate focus on advancing the Cromarty Project in Scotland. The collaboration establishes a flexible framework to support the expansion of the domestic green energy supply chain within the UK economy. Under the new agreement, the companies are collectively exploring a range of deployment models for future UK projects, with a particular focus on Protium’s portfolio of Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR) projects.
Comment: ITM finesses its 2026 blockbuster announcements with NATO et al, with a somewhat less high profile deal, although perhaps more real world. The incredible 200% rally for 2026 and the now £1bn market cap rather speak for themselves.
Reabold (RBD), the investing company focused on developing strategic gas projects for European energy security, notes the announcement made by Zenith Energy plc (ZEN) today and confirms that it has entered into an exclusivity agreement granting Zenith exclusivity to evaluate the potential acquisition of Reabold’s shares in Daybreak Oil and Gas, in which Reabold holds approximately 42% of the ordinary shares outstanding.
Comment: Those familiar with the recent history of RBD and ZEN make find the announcement today being that involving rather strange bedfellows. That said, all is far in love, war and the stock market.
Disclaimer & Declaration of Interest:
The information, investment views, and recommendations in this Zaks Traders Cafe interview are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this interview should be construed as a promotion or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product relating to any companies under discussion or referred to or to engage in or refrain from doing so or engage in any other transaction. Any opinions or comments are made to the best of the knowledge and belief of the commentator but no responsibility is accepted for actions based on such opinions or comments. The commentators may or may not hold investments in the companies under discussion.
