Author: Fiona Craig

Time Finance plc (LSE:TIME) reported record revenue and profit for the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, alongside continued expansion of its lending book. The results extend the group’s growth trajectory to eighteen consecutive quarters, reflecting consistent execution of its strategy and resilient demand across its core markets.

The strong performance was driven by a clear emphasis on secured lending, particularly within the Invoice Finance and Asset Finance divisions. This focus has translated into improved financial metrics, including growth in net tangible assets and a reduction in arrears and bad debt write-offs, pointing to disciplined risk management and improving portfolio quality.

Operational momentum leaves the company well positioned to sustain growth in the second half of the year and beyond, supporting management’s objective of delivering long-term value for shareholders.

From an investment standpoint, Time Finance’s robust financial delivery and positive corporate developments underpin its overall profile. Technical indicators suggest scope for further share price upside, while valuation measures indicate the stock may be undervalued. The lack of an earnings call does not materially affect the overall assessment.

More about Time Finance plc

Time Finance plc is an independent specialist finance provider serving UK small and medium-sized enterprises. The company offers flexible funding solutions through a multi-product platform, with a core focus on Asset Finance and Invoice Finance. Operating primarily as an own-book lender, Time Finance also brokers transactions when appropriate, supporting businesses at various stages of growth.

Hollywood Bowl Group plc (LSE:BOWL) reported a strong set of results for the financial year ended 30 September 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year of record revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Revenue increased by 8.8% to £250.7 million, reflecting the continued success of investments in new bowling centres, refurbishment programmes, and targeted marketing initiatives.

Operational momentum was supported by dynamic pricing strategies and a sustained focus on enhancing the customer experience. While the business faced external pressures from elevated living costs and unseasonal weather patterns, its differentiated, value-led leisure offering helped maintain demand across core markets.

International expansion remained a key growth driver, with the Canadian business delivering particularly strong performance. The number of centres in Canada increased materially during the year, and the region now contributes around 15% of total group revenue, underlining the scalability of Hollywood Bowl’s model outside the UK.

Strategically, the group continues to emphasise affordable, multi-generational leisure experiences, positioning itself well within the competitive out-of-home entertainment market. This approach has enabled Hollywood Bowl to defend market share while continuing to grow revenues.

From a market perspective, the shares are underpinned by robust financial performance and supportive technical indicators. However, overbought signals and a valuation that appears broadly fair may limit short-term upside. Further improvements in cash flow generation and cost control could strengthen the company’s financial flexibility over time.

More about Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood Bowl Group plc is the largest ten-pin bowling operator in the UK and Canada. The company specialises in delivering accessible, family-friendly leisure experiences through a network of bowling centres that combine bowling with amusements, food, and drink, creating a comprehensive entertainment offering for a broad customer base.

Kromek Group plc (LSE:KMK) has confirmed that it will publish its interim results for the six-month period ended 31 October 2025 on 20 January 2026. In addition, the company will host an online question-and-answer session for investors on 26 January 2026, offering shareholders the opportunity to engage directly with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

The planned Q&A reflects Kromek’s ongoing focus on transparency and open communication with the investment community. By providing direct access to senior management, the company aims to offer greater insight into recent performance, strategic priorities, and market conditions, which could help shape investor sentiment and market perception.

From an outlook perspective, Kromek benefits from solid underlying financial performance and recent positive corporate developments. While technical indicators remain mixed, valuation metrics suggest the shares may offer potential upside. The lack of a formal earnings call at this stage is not viewed as a significant factor in the overall assessment.

More about Kromek Group plc

Kromek Group plc is a specialist developer of radiation detection and bio-detection technologies, serving medical, security, and industrial markets. Headquartered in County Durham, UK, with manufacturing facilities in both the UK and the United States, the company leverages its cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) platform to deliver advanced imaging and detection solutions. Its portfolio includes nuclear radiation detection systems for homeland security and aviation, as well as the development of biosecurity technologies for airborne pathogen detection.

Oriole Resources PLC (LSE:ORR) has advanced its Bibemi Gold Project in Cameroon by submitting an amended technical report to the Ministry of Mines, a key step aimed at accelerating the Exploitation Licence application process. This submission is intended to support constructive engagement with regulators and keep the project on track for potential approval.

According to the project’s Preliminary Economic Assessment, Bibemi could be developed as an open-pit operation with an initial mine life of approximately seven years and forecast production of around 72,000 ounces of gold. The assessment estimates upfront capital expenditure of $60.4 million, with a projected payback period of about four years, highlighting the project’s economic viability.

Discussions are ongoing with the Cameroonian authorities to agree on tax and customs frameworks, with Oriole targeting the grant of an exploitation licence by mid-2026. These negotiations are a critical component of de-risking the project ahead of potential development.

Beyond the current mine plan, Bibemi offers considerable upside. Less than one-fifth of the total identified gold resources are reflected in the existing PEA, leaving scope for further exploration, resource growth, and potential extensions to mine life and production levels.

More about Oriole Resources PLC

Oriole Resources PLC is an AIM-listed gold exploration company with a focus on West and Central Africa. The group is engaged in the exploration and development of gold assets, with its flagship project being the Bibemi Gold Project in Cameroon.

Oxford BioDynamics Plc (LSE:OBD) released its preliminary results for the year ended September 2025, reporting strong growth in orders for its EpiSwitch® Prostate Screening Test. The company also completed a £7 million fundraising during the period, strengthening its balance sheet and providing additional resources to support commercial expansion.

Strategically, the year was marked by several important developments. Oxford BioDynamics entered into a partnership with Google Cloud, enhancing its data and analytics capabilities, while continuing discussions with potential third-party partners aimed at broadening the application and distribution of its technology. These initiatives are intended to accelerate growth and create longer-term value for shareholders.

Despite these positive operational milestones, the company continues to face financial headwinds. Ongoing losses and negative cash flows remain a concern, and technical indicators point to bearish momentum in the shares. In addition, valuation metrics are pressured by the absence of earnings, resulting in a negative price-to-earnings ratio.

Taken together, Oxford BioDynamics offers exposure to innovative diagnostic technology and growing commercial traction, but this comes alongside elevated financial and execution risk.

More about Oxford BioDynamics

Oxford BioDynamics Plc is a precision clinical diagnostics company that develops highly specific and sensitive tests using its proprietary EpiSwitch® 3D genomics platform. The group focuses on clinical applications in areas such as cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome, with operations and commercial activity spanning the UK and the United States.

Touchstar PLC (LSE:TST) issued a trading update for the financial year ending December 2025, indicating that revenue is likely to come in below market expectations. The shortfall reflects ongoing economic uncertainty and more cautious customer spending, which has delayed purchasing decisions across several end markets.

Despite the near-term revenue pressure, the group has made meaningful progress on a comprehensive restructuring programme under its new Chief Executive Officer. The changes are intended to reinforce the business’s operational foundations and support a return to sustainable growth. Reported profitability has been affected by exceptional items, including costs linked to management reorganisation and a revised approach to capitalising software development expenditure.

Looking ahead, Touchstar plans to reposition its operations, strengthen its sales and marketing capabilities, and assess potential acquisition opportunities that could enhance scale and market reach. Management expects modest revenue growth in 2026, with a more pronounced improvement anticipated in the following years as strategic initiatives gain traction.

From an investment perspective, Touchstar’s solid balance sheet and positive corporate actions, such as its share buyback programme, provide some support to the outlook. However, a relatively high price-to-earnings multiple and mixed technical indicators suggest a degree of caution, underscoring the importance of improved profitability and revenue momentum.

More about Touchstar

Touchstar PLC is a technology company delivering software solutions to logistics, depot, warehouse, and retail markets. The group focuses on developing and deploying digital systems to improve operational efficiency, while pursuing strategic initiatives to strengthen its market position and long-term growth profile.

Pennpetro Energy Plc (LSE:PPP) has announced a series of senior leadership changes alongside updates on its operational strategy. Mavriky Kalugin has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer, while Richard Spinks has been appointed Executive Chairman, strengthening the company’s leadership structure as it moves into its next phase.

The refreshed management team is sharpening the group’s operational focus, with particular attention on asset evaluation and the generation of near-term cash flow within its oil and gas portfolio. These priorities are intended to improve capital discipline and support sustainable operational progress.

Pennpetro also confirmed continued advancement of its activities in Ukraine. This includes securing a lease arrangement for a well and undertaking preparatory work ahead of drilling operations. Funding for these activities is being provided by RMD Group, enabling progress without placing additional strain on the company’s balance sheet.

Collectively, these developments are designed to enhance governance standards and operational readiness, supporting Pennpetro’s objective of returning to trading on the London Stock Exchange.

More about Pennpetro Energy Plc

Pennpetro Energy Plc focuses on the development of strategic conventional and transition energy projects, with a primary emphasis on oil and gas assets.

Quantum Data Energy PLC (LSE:MAST) reported a landmark year in 2025, marked by a series of strategic and operational achievements that strengthened its financial standing and growth outlook. The company completed a £5 million equity raise, materially improving its balance sheet and lifting its market valuation to around £7 million.

Operational performance was underpinned by record electricity output from the Pyebridge power asset, demonstrating the reliability and scalability of its generation platform. In parallel, Quantum secured funding for its Hindlip project on non-dilutive terms, preserving shareholder value while advancing development activity.

The group also broadened its project pipeline during the year and unveiled a new strategy focused on supplying power to AI-driven data centres. This initiative reflects growing demand for flexible, high-reliability energy solutions to support digital infrastructure and positions the company for further expansion in 2026.

Overall, these developments highlight Quantum Data Energy’s transformation into a more diversified and strategically aligned energy business, with a clear focus on growth opportunities at the intersection of power generation and digital technology.

More about Quantum Data Energy PLC

Quantum Data Energy PLC is a UK-based owner, operator, and developer of flexible power generation assets. The company delivers modular energy solutions to the UK electricity grid and to AI data centres globally, prioritising scalability, efficiency, and reliability. With capabilities spanning infrastructure planning, grid and gas connectivity, and power optimisation, Quantum aims to build a leading AI-focused energy infrastructure platform listed in London.

Genflow Biosciences Plc (LSE:GENF) has confirmed the successful completion of the dosing phase in its ongoing canine gene therapy trial, with no treatment-related adverse events reported. This outcome supports a favourable safety profile for the company’s SIRT6-based gene therapy and represents an important step forward in the development programme.

The study, which commenced in March 2025, is designed to evaluate the potential of the therapy to extend healthspan in canines. Initial efficacy data are expected in January 2026, with additional follow-up assessments scheduled for mid-2026. These forthcoming results will be critical in determining the broader commercial and scientific potential of the programme.

Subject to positive efficacy findings, Genflow intends to explore early-stage licensing discussions with animal health partners. Such collaborations could accelerate development while providing external validation of the platform’s potential.

More about Genflow Biosciences Plc

Founded in 2020, Genflow Biosciences Plc is a UK-based biotechnology company with research and development operations in Belgium. The group is focused on advancing gene therapies designed to slow the ageing process. Its lead programme, GF-1002, is based on a centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene and has delivered encouraging preclinical results. In parallel, the company is also investigating therapeutic approaches for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), a widespread chronic liver condition.

Sure Ventures PLC (LSE:SURE) reported a modest increase in Net Asset Value during the third quarter of 2025, largely driven by favourable foreign exchange movements. The update reflects continued progress across the group’s investment portfolio alongside further capital deployment into its core venture funds.

During the quarter, the company increased its exposure to both the Sure Valley Ventures Fund and the Sure Valley Ventures Enterprise Capital Fund. Several portfolio companies delivered notable operational advances, including Zenos Technology, WIA Technologies, and CameraMatics, underscoring the strength of Sure Ventures’ focus on early-stage, high-growth technology businesses.

These developments reinforce the group’s strategic emphasis on emerging technologies, particularly within the software and innovation space. Ongoing portfolio progress highlights the potential for long-term value creation as investee companies continue to scale and commercialise their solutions.

From an investment perspective, Sure Ventures’ underlying valuation and solid financial position contribute positively to its overall profile. Its focus on artificial intelligence and broader technology themes, alongside a track record of successful portfolio exits, supports a constructive long-term outlook. However, bearish technical signals point to near-term caution, while effective cash flow management remains an area of attention.

More about Sure Ventures PLC

Sure Ventures PLC is a London-listed venture capital company investing in early-stage software businesses operating in high-growth technology sectors. Its investment focus includes Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT), targeting innovative companies with strong scalability potential.