The Times: Growth in the UK economy was less than expected in the third quarter of the year after an expansion of just 0.1 per cent, the worst performance in nearly two years. The official figures for the key measure of gross domestic product in the three months to September were below the 0.2 per cent forecast by City economists and the 0.3 per cent expected by the Bank of England. It was the weakest quarterly growth figure since the end of 2023.
Comment: The Labour Government’s real agenda of confiscating wealth and destroying the economy to create more Labour voters is working a treat.
Team (TEAM) said it noted the announcement made by WHI this morning and the recent news article published by Sky News regarding a potential transaction involving WHI. Pursuant to this, Team confirms that it is in discussions with WHI regarding a possible offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of WHI.
Comment: It has to be admitted that after the capital markets division debacle, WHI appeared to be vulnerable to M&A, if only on the basis of being one of the more famous City names. Indeed, if TEAM does not get it over the line for any reason, others should follow.
Zak Mir interviews Poolbeg Pharma’s CEO Jeremy Skillington & Principal Scientist Liam Tremble
Greatland Resources (GGP) revealed its Chairman’s AGM Address:
At the start of this financial year, Greatland Gold was an explorer and developer with a 30% non-controlling interest in Havieron – a company that hadn’t yet generated earnings or cash flow. Then, on the 4th of December 2024, we took a huge step forward – completing the acquisition that gave us 100% ownership of both the Telfer gold-copper mine and the Havieron project right next door. Operationally, we hit the ground running. In just seven months to 30 June 2025, we produced over 198,000 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,849 per ounce, generating $601 million in operating cash flow. Remarkably, that operating cash flow actually exceeded the $540 million we paid upfront for the acquisition. By year-end, we were in an incredibly strong position – $575 million in cash and no debt…and that figure has since grown to $750 million at the end of September.
Comment: No one likes a show off. But in this instance it can be said the humblebrag is more than justified. All the stars aligned with the giant killing deal combining with a soaring price of gold. And unlike lesser companies GGP delivered without delay or excuses. The shares are up over 200% this year to date, and another 100% for next year would not be over doing the enthusiasm.
Fusion Antibodies plc (FAB), specialists in pre-clinical antibody discovery, engineering and supply for both therapeutic drug and diagnostic applications, has prepared a short video of Dr Richard Buick, CSO, explaining some of the features, science and technology behind the Company’s Opti-library of antibody sequences. The Opti-library design and method is protected by US patent no. 17/287,441. It has been combined with Fusion’s mammalian display platform to create the OptiMAL® library, and it intended to be used to discover novel human antibodies against any target. OptiMAL® is due for commercial launch in December 2025. The video can be viewed on the Investor Hub section of Fusion’s website at, https://investorhub.fusionantibodies.com/s/7ea305.
Comment: Get the popcorn out. Will this be available on Netflix? 2025 has for FAB and many mini-biotechs been a transformational year, with the combination of risk on for the sector, and the influence of AI changing the landscape as far as discovery and diagnostics. This year’s 20p peak makes for a decent 2026 target for the shares versus 12p now.
Manx Financial Group (MFX), the holding company providing a wide range of diversified financial services to the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom, said it will now provide an operational update each quarter, starting with the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025. Conister Bank’s net loan book grew by 3.9% over the quarter, with deposits increasing by 3.7% in the same period. The net loan book has now increased by 9.5% year-to-date, with deposits increasing by just 4.0% over the same period; Conister Bank entered an exclusive partnership with Fiinu plc to provide seamless overdrafts for the UK market and is progressing as scheduled.
Comment: Although still under the radar, MFX is shaping up to be a well led, well run niche player, a point underlined by the recent Fiinu deal. And of course, most banks are not small.
EnergyPathways (EPP), the UK energy transition company, announced it has commenced engineering studies with KBR Inc and Hazer Group Ltd for its planned hydrogen and graphite production facilities, to be located in Barrow-in-Furness NW of England, as part of the Company’s MESH project. The integrated engineering study scope will use KBR’s and Hazer’s proprietary technologies in the design of low-carbon hydrogen, high grade graphite and low-carbon ammonia production facilities. Hazer and KBR have formed a global strategic alliance in clean hydrogen production solutions.
Comment: A placeholder RNS from a company whose fans are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for The Man From Del Monte, Ed Milliband, to say yes. Alas, it would probably be better if The Man was Energy Secretary, rather than a man who cannot successfully eat a bacon sandwich.
United Oil & Gas Plc (UOG), the oil and gas company with a high-impact exploration asset in Jamaica and a development asset in the UK, announced that, following the RNS of 19th September 2025 regarding the intention to grant performance-related share options, the Company on the 12 November 2025 awarded in total 332,361,111 share options under its updated unapproved share option scheme. 100,416,666 share options (representing 2.47% of the Company’s current issued share capital) have been awarded to employees and consultants whilst the further 231,944,445 share options (representing 5.71% of the Company’s current issued share capital).
Comment: UOG has been remarkably diligent in spraying out options this autumn. It is almost as if management is expecting something really good to happen, really soon. Or it could simply be that it has a bit of spare time on its hands.
Futura Medical (FUM), the consumer healthcare Group behind Eroxon®, that specialises in the development and global commercialisation of innovative and clinically proven sexual health products, announced that it has conditionally raised gross proceeds of £2.75 million, by way of an oversubscribed firm placing, conditional placing and subscription of 275,000,000 new Ordinary Shares at an issue price of 1 pence per share.
Comment: It may be churlish to point out that while the sexual health products may be clinically proven, some may say that they have not been commercially proven, hence the need for a chunky fundraise, and indeed, today’s board changes.
East Star Resources Plc (EST), the Kazakhstan-focused gold and base metals explorer, announced that it has entered into a binding Earn-In and Joint Venture Agreement with Endeavour Exploration Limited, a subsidiary of Endeavour Mining PLC (LSE: EDV/TSX: EDV), one of the world’s leading gold producers.
Comment: Today’s announcement for EST is the big one in two senses, one that it validates the exploration and discovery the company has been conducting in recent years, and secondly that it means it now has the resources to develop assets, without having to obsess on cost / fundraising. Oh and well done to whoever has been buying the shares in recent days, ahead of today’s news, hardly anyone noticed.
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.
