DirectorsTalk Interviews

Douglas Grant, Group Chief Executive Officer of Manx Financial Group plc (LON:MFX), outlines how the Group is positioning itself for stronger growth in 2027 and 2028 following a third quarter that saw net interest income climb 9.6% to £10.3 million. With Conister Bank’s structured finance facilities exceeding £313 million, a lending pipeline above £100 million and the Conister Halo overdraft product targeting launch in early 2027, several significant opportunities are taking shape. Grant also discusses the £1 million profit improvement targeted through Triskel Finance, Payment Assist’s potential minority IPO following its 2028 results, expansion opportunities in Ireland and across Europe, and an AI programme already reducing costs and accelerating product development. With several milestones approaching, he explains where investors could see the next stage of value creation.Key Moments:00:00 Douglas Grant joins us for the Q3 update00:13 Q3 progress sets the stage for 2027 and 202800:58 £10.3m net interest income and lending demand02:47 Conister Halo targets a Q1 2027 launch04:22 £313m structured finance facilities and £100m-plus pipeline05:52 Triskel Finance targets £1m profit improvement06:59 Payment Assist growth and potential minority IPO08:12 Irish licence could open up European markets08:58 AI cuts costs and accelerates development10:45 A new AI-developed system approaches announcement

Gattaca plc (LON:GATC) has reported an 85% increase in underlying profit before tax to £6.1 million, supported by 11% net fee income growth and a 20% improvement in NFI per sales head.In our latest interview, CEO Matthew Wragg explains how four years of strategic focus are translating into stronger financial performance.Key themes include 16% growth in contract recruitment, expanding opportunities in defence and digital technology, the integration of InfoSec People and the Group's ability to pursue further market share gains.With over £15 million in cash and renewed momentum heading into FY27, the conversation explores the next stage of Gattaca's growth strategy.Watch the full interview.More Info: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/gattaca-profits-surge-85-as-contract-growth-fuels-momentum-into-fy27-video/4121269051Key Moments00:00 Introduction to Matthew Wragg and FY26 results00:20 Profits jump 85% as NFI hits £43.2m00:40 Contract growth, cash strength and doubled dividend01:03 Staff engagement and InfoSec People acquisition01:45 The decisions powering Gattaca’s turnaround02:03 Contractor numbers rise over 10%02:17 Sales productivity surges 20%02:52 Defence grows 17% despite tough markets03:11 Digital technology delivers double-digit growth03:23 Infrastructure, energy and cyber security progress03:49 Statement of Work faces challenges04:16 Four strategic priorities driving growth04:49 Matchtech brand consolidation05:24 Culture and staff engagement strengthen06:00 Operational efficiency boosts profit conversion06:38 FY27 outlook and investment case07:33 78% contract visibility supports planning07:52 Further growth and bolt-on acquisitions08:17 Market share opportunity amid industry weaknessMore CEO Interviews: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/exclusives#Gattaca #GATC #Recruitment #Engineering #Leadership #Investing

ICG Enterprise Trust: Strong portfolio growth and the potential for a recovery in private equity exits.With EBITDA growth of 16%, revenue growth of 11% and 24 exits at an average three times cost, ICG Enterprise Trust's latest results provide evidence of its underlying portfolio performance.In this interview, Hardman & Co analyst Mark Thomas explores the factors supporting that growth, the availability of private equity capital, AI-driven operational efficiencies and the prospects for further realisations.He also examines portfolio valuations, NAV discounts and why ICGT's approach has historically delivered sector-level returns with below-sector risk.Watch the interview for a closer look at the opportunities and challenges facing ICGT.Key Moments00:07 – Why the research report carries an investor disclaimer00:44 – Key findings from the first-half 2027 results01:47 – 16% EBITDA growth, 24 exits and attractive exit uplifts02:39 – What drives ICGT's consistent portfolio growth03:56 – Why selecting the right private equity managers matters04:22 – The outlook for exits and future realisations05:11 – How AI could improve private equity returns05:55 – Portfolio maturity, valuations and balance sheet strength06:43 – Delivering sector-level returns with lower risk07:07 – NAV discounts, interest rates and investment risks#ICGEnterpriseTrust #ICGT #PrivateEquity #InvestmentTrusts #AssetManagement

Ilika is taking its Goliath battery technology into a new environment: beneath the ocean.With ORKA, the company is targeting autonomous underwater vehicles used to monitor vital pipelines, data cables and offshore infrastructure.CEO Graeme Purdy explains why marine and defence applications offer an opportunity for earlier commercialisation, and why Ilika is not abandoning its automotive ambitions.Watch the interview to hear what is driving the move.00:09 - ORKA launches as Goliath targets marine markets00:21 - 10Ah prototypes reveal an early commercial opportunity01:21 - Automotive licensing remains a priority01:29 - Reducing commercialisation risk through new markets01:58 - How autonomous submarines protect critical infrastructure02:53 - From Goliath cells to complete battery systems03:24 - Why now is the right time for ORKA03:31 - Arctic security concerns strengthen the case for AUVs04:19 - Growing scrutiny creates a potential defence opportunity#Ilika #ORKA #BatteryTechnology #MarineTechnology

Meridian Holdings (NASDAQ: MRDN) is sharpening its focus on profitability after delivering a second consecutive profitable quarter, a 43% rise in adjusted EBITDA and a 65% reduction in net debt. Chairman and CFO William Scott explains how the gaming group is strengthening its balance sheet, extending debt maturities to 2031 and using its proprietary technology to support expansion. He also addresses the impact of regulatory developments in Brazil, the role of acquisitions and why consistent cash generation could prove crucial to Meridian's next stage of growth.Key Moments00:00 Meridian’s transformation and leadership changes00:51 Two profitable quarters and EBITDA up 43%01:18 Inside Meridian’s diversified gaming businesses02:55 Why owning the technology matters03:35 700 betting shops and a regulated market presence04:01 Net debt down 65% and repayment terms extended04:57 Brazil’s regulatory shake-up and Meridian’s exposure06:26 Customer growth, technology and disciplined acquisitions07:27 Putting Meridian on investors’ radars08:24 The message to retail shareholders08:57 What investors should watch over the next 12 months

Genflow Biosciences (LON:GENF / OTCQB:GENFF) has reported encouraging interim results from its SLAB-VET-001 study, giving investors an early look at how its centenarian-derived SIRT6c gene therapy performs in naturally aged dogs. CEO Dr Eric Leire explains why the findings matter, why plasmid DNA has emerged as the preferred veterinary delivery route, how the data are accelerating discussions with animal health companies and why progress in dogs could have wider implications for Genflow’s human sarcopenia programme.Key Moments00:09 – SLAB-VET delivers an important milestoneDr Leire explains why testing SIRT6c in naturally aged dogs marks a significant step.00:44 – A centenarian-derived gene moves into real-world ageingEarly signs from older animals provide a new test of Genflow’s longevity approach.01:05 – Why pDNA is leading the veterinary programmeLower manufacturing costs, scalability and a potentially simpler safety profile underpin the choice.01:39 – Repeat dosing could strengthen the commercial caseDr Leire highlights practical advantages over viral-vector delivery.02:11 – Toronto data draw industry attentionScientists, delegates and animal health companies focus on changes in biological age and muscle performance.02:37 – Naturally aged dogs add translational relevanceThe study differs from laboratory models engineered to accelerate ageing.03:11 – Results accelerate licensing discussionsGenflow says the presentation has strengthened engagement with potential commercial partners.03:33 – Partnering rather than building an animal-health businessThe company is targeting licensing, milestone and royalty structures or a potential outright asset sale.04:19 – Three catalysts investors should watchVeterinary partnering, patent progress and advancement of the human programmes take centre stage.04:25 – A veterinary deal could bring non-dilutive valueManagement sees partnering as a potential source of capital and external validation for the platform.04:44 – Europe and Japan patent progressGenflow expects further intellectual-property milestones around its SIRT6 technology.05:04 – Sarcopenia moves higher up the agendaPositive dog data increase the relevance of Genflow’s work targeting age-related muscle decline in humans.05:30 – Why dogs may matter more than miceShared environments and lifestyles could make naturally aged dogs a more relevant translational model.05:50 – Eye and liver programmes add further optionalityGenflow continues to advance additional therapeutic opportunities beyond sarcopenia.

Oriole Resources CEO Martin Rosser explains why the 32.2Mt maiden resource at Wapouzé could support a multi-decade operation — and potentially generate income to help fund ORR’s gold strategy while limiting dilution.Also covered: partner discussions, licensing, Mbe, Bibemi, Eastern CLP and Senala.#ORR #Gold #Mining #CameroonKey Moments00:13 – Wapouzé delivers a 32.2Mt maiden resourceMartin puts the scale and quality of the new resource into context.00:50 – High-grade material with multi-decade potentialWhy the calcium oxide grade, low magnesium content and proposed 400,000tpa operation matter.01:30 – A route into Cameroon’s cement marketThe potential to displace imported clinker and supply domestic cement production.02:06 – More than a cement opportunityHigher-grade material could also serve gold processing and chemical-grade markets.02:39 – Location strengthens the commercial caseWapouzé’s position offers potential access to customers in both Cameroon and neighbouring Chad.03:22 – Moving from resource towards reservesThe technical, economic and mining work now required to advance the project.03:50 – Exploitation licence work gathers paceThe PEA and environmental and social impact assessment form key parts of the application.04:38 – Industry partner discussions move forwardOriole is targeting established domestic players and international groups seeking exposure to the Cameroon and Chad markets.05:44 – The resource strengthens Oriole’s negotiating positionThe maiden MRE provides substantially more technical information to advance partner discussions.06:27 – A potentially faster route to productionMartin explains why quarry development could require less capital and move more quickly than a conventional metals mine.07:17 – Wapouzé could help fund the gold strategyOriole sees potential for royalty-based or other income that could support exploration while reducing dilution.08:02 – Oriole’s portfolio takes shapeMartin reviews the 1.66Moz Mbe resource, 460,000oz at Bibemi, Wapouzé and Senala.08:34 – From exploration towards developmentThe company is increasingly focused on defining routes to development and eventual gold production.09:06 – The next portfolio catalystsBibemi licensing, Mbe economics, Eastern CLP exploration and results from Managem’s US$2m Senala programme are all in focus.

Hercules Plc (LON:HERC) has secured around £5m of new Civil Projects work in the final quarter of FY2026, with most of the contracts in the Thames Water region. CEO Brusk Korkmaz explains how growing self-delivery capability is changing the scale of work Hercules can pursue, why the £104bn-plus AMP8 investment programme could provide a multi-year growth runway, and how the business is positioning across six major UK water regions. He also sets out an ambition for Civil Projects delivery to potentially reach £50m-plus annually within five years as the division becomes an increasingly important contributor to group growth and profit.Key Moments00:23 – £5m of new contracts — Q4 wins strengthen the Civil Projects platform01:19 – The £104bn AMP8 opportunity — Why UK water investment could drive years of growth02:45 – Self-delivery changes the model — More control over safety, quality, cost and programme03:59 – Relationships turn into opportunities — 18 years in water gives Hercules an early view of future work05:11 – FY2027 growth priorities — Water remains central, with wider infrastructure opportunities emerging07:08 – How much can Hercules capture — The CEO outlines the addressable opportunity across AMP807:28 – Six water regions already in play — Thames, Southern, Anglian, Severn Trent, Wessex and Yorkshire08:06 – £50m-plus annual ambition — Brusk Korkmaz outlines how large Civil Projects could become within five years#Hercules #HERC #UKStocks #Investing #Infrastructure #WaterSector #AMP8 #CivilEngineering #Construction #ThamesWater #AIM #UKInfrastructurehttps://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/hercules-plc-5m-q4-wins-put-50m-civil-projects-ambition-in-focus-video/4121265473

Avingtrans Plc (LON:AVG) has entered the new financial year with record revenue of £163m, adjusted EBITDA above £20m and more than 90% order coverage already secured. CEO Steve McQuillan explains what is driving the stronger margins, why nuclear life extension and new-build opportunities are gathering momentum, and how the Michigan expansion supports the next phase of growth. He also discusses Adaptix following its FDA 510(k) clearance and CE marking, the growing aerospace non-destructive testing pipeline and why the medical imaging business could now be approaching a breakthrough year for commercial sales.Key Moments00:14 – Record results — £163m revenue, £20m-plus EBITDA and EPS up 30%00:46 – Order book visibility — Over 90% covered this year and around 50% already secured for next year01:08 – Margins strengthen — Higher aftermarket sales and reduced medical losses lift profitability01:48 – Nuclear demand accelerates — Life extension and new-build opportunities drive orders02:55 – Adaptix clears key hurdles — FDA and CE approvals open the way for orthopaedic sales03:31 – Aerospace pipeline builds — 3D X-ray technology targets opportunities conventional imaging can miss04:24 – The next growth catalysts — Adaptix commercialisation, nuclear expansion and small modular reactors

Finsbury Growth & Income Trust (LON:FGT) Portfolio Manager Nick Train explains why he believes AI could strengthen rather than erode the competitive advantages of holdings including LSEG, Experian, RELX and Rightmove, while arguing that enduring brands such as Diageo, Unilever and Burberry still have considerable long-term potential. He also reveals why TP ICAP and Games Workshop have recently earned places in the portfolio, where he sees opportunities emerging from the UK market’s valuation gap, and why investors may be underestimating some of Britain’s most distinctive businesses.Key Moments00:20 — Nick Train on building Lindsell Train around Buffett-inspired principles01:40 — What makes a company worth owning for 20 years or more03:26 — Why LSEG’s unique franchises have endured04:35 — The long-term case for Diageo’s global brands05:49 — New holdings TP ICAP and Games Workshop07:40 — Why AI is a defining investment theme for the portfolio10:07 — How AI could multiply the value of LSEG’s financial data11:27 — Why Burberry’s century-old franchise still has growth potential12:44 — AI threat or opportunity for Experian and RELX17:34 — The long-term case for Unilever and Diageo18:22 — How Unilever compared with Nasdaq over more than 25 years22:24 — Why UK valuations are attracting takeover interest24:15 — Rightmove, AI disruption and the case for British ambition#FinsburyGrowthAndIncomeTrust #NickTrain #InvestmentTrusts #UKInvesting #AI #LSEG #Experian #RELX #Rightmove #Diageo #GamesWorkshop