The Desert Island Investor

Market Tides and Trade Winds is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson takes a direct look at recent news headlines shaping the world of investing.

The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels.

Created and Produced by Mark Atkinson  | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morning
License code: L0T...

Focusrite PLC (ticker symbol TUNE) is an audio products business based in High Wycombe in England. The company manufactures digital audio processing hardware and software for use in professional and home recording studios. Mark has reviewed this stock before in a previous podcast, but he has recently added to his holding. Listen to this episode to find out why and to see if his opinion of Focusrite has changed in any way.

Links

Focusrite: https://www.focusrite.com

The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research...

Market Tides and Trade Winds is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson takes a direct look at recent news headlines shaping the world of investing.

The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels.

Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morning
License...

Mark is an investor in sustainable palm oil producer M.P. Evans. M.P. Evans is allowed to use the term 'sustainable palm oil' because it adheres to strict rules and regulations set out by the industry’s leading certifier of ethical producers The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The CEO of the RSPO Joseph D'Cruz recently washed up on our beach and Mark took the opportunity to interview him about the challenges of increasing the number of certified palm oil producers and how he is tackling misinformation about the industry in general.

Links:

RS...

Many PLCs are vocal about their achievements in employing a diverse workforce, but they are often less vocal when it comes to providing evidence of how (or if) it has actually improved anything. In this episode of the podcast Mark takes issue with DEI policies, the cost of maintaining them and how they can turn into a preoccupation that overpowers the core objectives of a business.

Desert Island Discord is a series of podcasts where private investor Mark Atkinson talks about the aspects of investing that really grinds his gears. If your own investment journey has been...

In this episode of the podcast Mark talks about his new investment in Diageo plc, one of the largest alcoholic beverage companies in the world. The company sells into more than 180 countries and owns over 200 premium brands such as Johnny Walker, Smirnoff, Baileys and Guinness. Mark reveals the results of his recent trip to Ireland on a Guinness 'fact finding tour' and not to be beaten Paul undertakes his own research by bringing a few of the parrots to a bar on the mainland.

Links

Diageo: https://www.diageo.com/en

The Desert...

Nichols plc (ticker symbol NICL) is the business behind a number of popular beverage creations most notably the classic soft drink brand Vimto. Mark took a position in the company a few years ago and he recently attended their 2026 AGM to see how things are going. Now Vimto is mixed with water and Mark is currently underwater with his investment, but despite that sarcastic comment from me, he remains confident that the business has a promising future.

Links

Nichols PLC: https://www.nicholsplc.co.uk

The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by...

In this episode of the podcast Mark bemoans the practice of corporate charity donations and how giving his money away affects the value of his investments. Paul proposes an independently assessed 'Charity Hygiene' rating to help members of the public see at a glance if a charity has a good or poor record of utilising donations appropriately.

Desert Island Discord is a series of podcasts where private investor Mark Atkinson talks about the aspects of investing that really grinds his gears. If your own investment journey has been tainted by some poor practice that you think Mark...

If Britain's current economic climate is making you think seriously about moving abroad, you'll be interested in hearing the wisdom of today's guest castaway, Niall Allardice. Niall is a professional financial adviser who works for financial management firm Blevins Franks. He specialises in helping pioneers from the UK get their banking, investments and tax obligations in order as they transition to a new life overseas.

Links

Blevins Franks: https://www.blevinsfranks.com
niall.allardice@blevinsfranks.com

The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at...

In previous episodes of the podcast about Titon Holdings PLC we've focused on Mark's concerns about the way that the board was dealing with some of the causes of the company's decline. However, after attending this year's AGM Mark has not only returned with a souvenir coffee mug, but he is also in a far happier mood. To find out what action the company has taken to cause his renewed optimism, assuming it's not just getting a free mug, listen to this, episode 45 of the Desert Island Investor. 

Links:

Titon: https://www.titon.com

Desert Island Discord is a series of podcasts where private investor Mark Atkinson talks about the aspects of investing that really grinds his gears. In this episode he discusses the problems caused for businesses when consumers cherry-pick things to boycott based on out-of-date information and moral flexibility.

If your own investment journey has been tainted by some poor practice that you think Mark should drag through the mud in a future episode, use the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk to recommend a topic.

Desert Island Discord and The Desert Island...

Fundsmith, under the guidance of portfolio manager Terry Smith, invest in equities on a global basis. Mark has been invested in Fundsmith for many years and regularly attends their annual shareholder meetings. In this episode he reports back from the 2026 event in London.

Links:
Fundsmith: https://www.fundsmith.co.uk

The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels.

Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin...

James Halstead is a UK-based manufacturer and distributor of commercial flooring products. They offer high-quality vinyl flooring solutions under their flagship brand Polyflor, plus they are the company behind 12 other well known brands in the commercial flooring market. The company was formed in 1915 and went public in 1948 where it has gained considerable kudos for having raised its investor dividend for 49 consecutive years. In this episode of the podcast Mark provides an updated review of the company and explains why he took the unusual step of commandeering the microphone at the 2025 AGM.

Links:

James Halstead: https...

Desert Island Discord is a new series of confrontational podcasts from The Desert Island Investor Mark Atkinson. In Mark's regular podcast he reviews his own stocks, but in these episodes he will be talking about some of the more negative aspects of the world of investing that really grinds his gears. In this episode 'Secrets' he exposes the reluctance of many PLCs to keep private investors promptly informed about issues that can negatively impact on their ROI. The topics discussed include the late issuance and irregular timing of RNS notices and the increased likelihood of insider dealing taking place...

In this episode of the podcast Mark talks about Unilever spinning off its ice-cream business into a new investment opportunity The Magnum Ice Cream Company (MICC). Mark is already a Unilever shareholder so like many others he now eagerly awaits to see how the business will perform. Paul kits out the parrots in little Salvation Army outfits for a short carol service. Merry Christmas from everyone on the island!

Links:

Magnum: https://www.magnumicecream.com/uk/home.html

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity...

Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, subscriber Christopher asks Mark, which stocks in your portfolio do you class as "the dregs"?

If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research...

In this episode Mark reviews his holding in Smurfit Westrock plc (ne Smurfit Kappa) a company that continues to expand their market lead in the world of corrugated, ecommerce and retail packaging. Mark runs through the figures in detail and also talks about how their success is, at least in part, attributable to a growing international consumer class which is reshaping the global economy.

Links:

Smurfit Westrock: https://www.smurfitwestrock.com/

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube...

In this episode of the podcast Mark will be discussing his investment in the Character Group plc, a company engaged in the both the design and worldwide distribution of toys, games and giftware. The business was founded in 1991 and has become a leading purveyor of famous toys such as Pepper Pig, Power Rangers, the Teletubbies, plus dozens more that Mark and I have never heard of.

Links:

The Character Group (corporate): https://www.thecharacter.com/

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also...

Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, subscriber Joseph Harbin asks Mark, what do you think about buybacks?.

If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us...

The Intertek Group is an FTSE 100 company that provides quality assurance solutions across a wide range of industries. They’re in the business of testing, inspecting and certifying the standards that apply to everything from food production and car engine emissions, to the quality of crude oil and the safety of toys and pharmaceutical products. Mark has recently invested and in this episode he reviews the company behind the stock. We are also giving away a limited number of complimentary tickets to the London Investor Show in October 2025.

Links:

Intertek: https://www.intertek.com/

...

The M.P. Evans group plc supplies certified sustainable palm oil to product manufacturers worldwide. The business has an illustrious history, it ticks all the boxes with respect to ESG and through hard work and innovation it is thoroughly deserving of it's impressive market valuation. In this episode our guest castaway is Peter Hadsley-Chaplin, the current non-executive chairman and former CEO of the company. Listen now as he talks to Mark about his role in the success of the business and the inner workings of the M.P. Evans board

Links:

M.P. Evans Group...

Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, subscriber Martin Booth asks Mark, what is your favourite stock?

If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on...

Bioventix are a UK biotech company that specialise in creating antibodies from sheep that are then used in diagnostic blood testing. The ailments that the Bioventix products can accurately detect include vitamin D deficiency, heart conditions, thyroid problems and most recently, Alzheimer’s. Mark has been a shareholder since 2017 and he has recently added to his holding. In this episode of the podcast he talks about his investment and how he sees the future panning out for Bioventix.

Links:

Bioventix: https://www.bioventix.com/

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by Lo...

Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, subscriber Christopher Leigh asks Mark what his current top ten holdings and weightings are.

If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll...

Fund manager Adam Rackley accredits his robust financial decision making to a lifestyle which includes numerous physical challenges. One of those challenges was to row across the Atlantic Ocean. In this episode of the podcast Mark talks with Adam to find out how that amazing feat of endurance has affected his strategic thinking.

For those that want more details about his transatlantic adventure, Adam has written a book called 'Salt, Sweat, Tears. The Men Who Rowed The Oceans' which you can buy on Amazon.

Links:

Cape Wrath Capital: https://capewrathcapital.com/

...

In this episode of the podcast Mark talks with Joe Barry who is an undergraduate at the London School of Economics and a relatively new private investor. Although Joe is just 20 he manages a small but profitable portfolio and he is looking forward to expanding it as part of his strategy for financial security.

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels.

If you have a question for Mark for our mini-podcast 'Question...

In this episode Mark provides an update on the company's share performance. He also takes Paul for lunch at a GREGGS in Manchester where they discover that contrary to widespread belief the company is taking steps to prevent the theft of food from their outlets... just not the steps you might imagine.

Links:

Greggs:
https://www.greggs.co.uk/

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels.

If...

Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, subscriber 'Dorset Dave' asks Mark whether or not there's a risk that flattery from the management of a holding might influence his impartial opinion about that company.

If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor...

Victrex plc are producers of high performance engineering polymers and a range of thermoplastic products including films, tapes, pipes, fibres and filaments. Victrex also offer a bespoke service for the design, prototyping and manufacture of injection moulded alternatives to metal parts. In this episode Mark talks about his holding in Victrex and explains how he sees the company's future supplying polymers and parts for use by the medical, aerospace and automobile industries.

Links:

Victrex
https://www.victrex.com/en/

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts...

Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, subscriber Jim Doherty asks Mark for his opinion on the recent trade tariffs introduced by Donald Trump.

If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive...

Titon Holdings plc (TON) is one of Mark's investments that has been dogged with problems and it is currently a loss-making component of his portfolio. In this podcast, Mark provides his feedback from attending their 2025 AGM where he was encouraged to see that work is being done to attempt a recovery. To listen to Mark's review of the previous 2024 AGM, which was a little more confrontational, follow the link below:

Titon Holdings 2024 AGM:  https://share.transistor.fm/s/791954a6

Links:

Titon Holdings
https://www.titon.com/uk/investors/

The Desert I...

Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, a reporter from the Financial Times asks Mark for his opinion on the recent departure of the Entain CEO.

If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based...

Fundsmith, under the guidance of portfolio manager Terry Smith, invest in equities on a global basis and the company’s approach is to be a long-term investor in its chosen stocks. In this podcast, Mark provides his feedback from attending the 2025 Fundsmith Annual Shareholders' Meeting.

Links:

Fundsmith
https://www.fundsmith.co.uk

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels.

If you have a question for Mark for ou...

The M.P. Evans Group PLC owns a number of oil-palm plantations in Indonesia and the company is certified by the RSPO as a producer of sustainable palm oil. This is part two of a two-part podcast. In this episode Mark will be talking about his recent experience of visiting an M.P. Evans palm oil plantation on Bangka Island in Indonesia.

If you would like to listen to part one, in which Mark gives a performance update about his holding and also takes a closer look at the palm oil industry, follow the link below. As...

The M.P. Evans Group PLC owns a number of oil-palm plantations in Indonesia and the company is certified by the RSPO as a producer of sustainable palm oil. This is a two-part podcast. In this episode Mark provides a performance update about his holding in the stock and he and Paul take a closer look at the palm oil industry as an investment opportunity. In part two, which is coming soon, Mark will be talking about his recent experience of visiting an M.P. Evans plantation on Bangka Island in Indonesia. As always, please hit the like button...

Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, listener Ormerod Green asks "Is it ethical to be a tax exile?".

If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find...

In this episode of the podcast, Mark reviews his 20-year holding in supermarket giant TESCO and looks at how the 2024 budget and other issues are likely to affect future performance and share value. Paul gets the Parrots to say grace before eating their Christmas dinner.

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels.

If you have a question for Mark for our mini-podcast 'Question in a Bottle' please complete the form on our...

Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, listener Wilf Taylor asks "How much time do you spend on research?".

If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find...

As well as talking about John's globe-trotting childhood and his illustrious career, Mark and John discuss one thing that they have in common, their investment in touch-screen technology business Zytronic.

The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels.

If you have a question for Mark for our mini-podcast 'Question in a Bottle' please complete the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk

Created by Mark Atkinson (LinkedIn) | Produced...