Member Info for Hedgehog100

17th may 2023 7:00 am rns year-end trading update

"... an update on trading for the year ended 30 april 2023 ("fy23"), reaffirming the company's return to profitability.

... -- human capital management ("hcm") annualised recurring revenues* ("arr") increased by 133% year-on-year to gbp2.1 million for april 2023, positively contributing to profit margins. ...

*arr is calculated by annualising revenue recognised in a given month from all clients on deployed hcm subscription contracts. .. "

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/nwt/year-end-trading-update-5xr1fml6a08a34o.html

from nwt's investor meet company presentation slides, 8th. february 2023; from slide 15:-

"# connected clocks (at apr year-end) growth plan

2018 500

2019 3,000

2020 5,000

2021 7,000

2022 13,000

2023 22,000

2024 34,000

2025 54,000"

https://www.investormeetcompany.com/

dab2 17 may '23 - 17:08 - 96 of 167 0 2 0

" ... if you check out the investor meeting presentation (video available through the investor relations website then into the investor meet company site), then head to 23mins into the video we get to see one of the only projections the company have shared in recent times. here we see clocks grow from 5k in 2020, 7k in 2021 (growth constrained by the pandemic), 13k in 2022, 22k in 2023, 34k in 2024 and 54k in 2025. again as this income lags we could be looking at 3 to 4 times arr in the next 3 years. ..."

https://uk.advfn.com/cmn/fbb/thread.php3?id=51208456&from=96

so nwt's hcm arr could be up to c. £8.4m. in its year ending 30.4.26, and growing rapidly.

what about the profit from this revenue stream?

well, nwt's new 'five minute pitch' to investors this week confirmed, for the first time, just how high the profit margin on this revenue stream is:-

"we are cash-generative; operating with high margins: 50% on hardware, and much more on software. ..."

https://newmarksecurity.com/

i would take that to mean a gross margin of c. 80% - 90%, as nwt is best-in-class:-

"according to a 2022 benchmark report by finmark, the median saas gross margin percentage is between 70-80%. the best-in-class saas companies would have a gross margin of 80-90%."

https://startupvoyager.com/saas-gross-margin/#:~:text=typically%2c%20saas%20business%20models%20allow,margin%20of%2080%2d90%25.

applying a gross margin of say 85% to arr of £8.4m. would give a gross hcm arr profit of £7.14m. p.a., and growing rapidly.

and a couple of years further on from that (i.e. nwt's year ending 30.4.28), the amount could potentially be double that.

this compares to nwt's current market cap. of just £4.92m. at 52.5p.

plus of course the hcm arr is just one of nwt's multiple revenue streams.

suffice to say that if these numbers are met, then nwt should be going to the moon.

the share is a quite intoxicating ****tail of value and growth, and i cannot remember ever being this excited about a share, in decades of investing.

"GT CLOCKS

PEOPLE AND DATA MANAGEMENT

From our humble beginnings, we now have operational hubs in both the US and Europe and clients across the globe. Our products and services have changed over time, but our philosophy remains the same; to be the supplier of choice for HCM partners seeking reliable and technologically advanced edge devices, data-entry terminals, or ‘timeclocks’ as many of our customers still call them. We don’t mind; we like being the ‘clock guys’.

We pride ourselves on the talented individuals that make GT Clocks different. From Operations through to Sales and Development we work collaboratively to deliver much more than just secure, smart environments."

https://gtclocks.com/about-us/

"Edge computing

... Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the sources of data. This is expected to improve response times and save bandwidth.[1] Edge computing is an architecture rather than a specific technology,[2] and a topology- and location-sensitive form of distributed computing. ...

Efficiency

Due to the nearness of the analytical resources to the end users, sophisticated analytical tools and Artificial Intelligence tools can run on the edge of the system. This placement at the edge helps to increase operational efficiency and is responsible for many advantages to the system. ..."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edge_computing

"Clock as a Service

Our unique ClaaS offering

A Lifetime Of Accuracy & Management

When you invest in our ClaaS program, your timeclock is covered by our no-quibble lifetime guarantee. For the duration of your subscription, you will have the peace of mind that any device that develops a fault will be repaired or replaced, no matter if it has been deployed for one year or ten.

Alongside the reassurance that we give you in your hardware, you also receive lifetime access to our team of product specialists through our dedicated technical support lines, so if you face an issue with your device, one quick call or email puts you in touch with a dedicated team of problem solvers.

And lastly, as a subscriber, you can take advantage of GTConnect, our Platform as a Service (PaaS) that provides total data management, device management, and identity management, ensuring total regulatory compliance and a highly secure environment.

You can enjoy any timeclock bundled with our exceptional services for one low-cost monthly fee.

Get in touch to find out more"

https://www.grosvenortechnology.com/product/clock-as-a-service/

"GTConnect

Data and device management made simple

Unified Data & Device Management

Create a simplified management protocol with GTConnect. This cloud platform connects your HCM devices and your software, building an integrated network. This enables remote diagnostics and data management across all connected devices in real time.

GTConnect is a subscription service designed to streamline your Human Capital Management processes and reduce your technology and data challenges. With GTConnect, your workforce management is simple."

https://www.grosvenortechnology.com/product/gt-connect/

So NWT is developing 'New Markets', with a really 'SaaSy' & 'ClaaSy' offering:-

"Human Capital Management

As the Human Capital Management (HCM) sector continues to grow, Grosvenor Technology has kept pace.

Grosvenor Technology has developed a full suite of cutting-edge solutions that meet the changing needs of its clients. What started as simple time and attendance tracking, over the years, the company’s offerings have expanded to encompass all aspects of workforce management, enabling higher degrees of employee engagement and productivity.

Advanced hardware, specifically timeclocks, are at the core of Grosvenor’s product portfolio. These formed the foundation of Grosvenor’s offering from the outset, but it was the addition of integrated provisioning software that propelled the solution into the mainstream, where clients were keen to adopt a comprehensive solution to manage their human capital and access control needs."

https://newmarksecurity.com/our-business/

"Clock as a service (CLAAS)

Our business strategy focuses on generating a higher degree of recurring revenues through the promotion of SaaS and further development of our unique Clock as a Service (ClaaS) offering. With ClaaS, hardware, software, and support services are bundled together under a subscription model, providing clients with a convenient and cost-effective solution for managing their HCM needs."

https://newmarksecurity.com/our-business/

"Point of presence in a mobile-led world

... Accuracy

When it comes to punching-in and out, geofencing technology is often applied to prove a point of presence. But we’ve all been in a big city with high rise buildings where our Google Maps or car navigation system is wildly inaccurate, showing our location maybe several streets away.

A large part of the value proposition for time and attendance solutions is accuracy and cost-saving, the solution should deliver fast ROI. By ensuring staff are ready to work when they punch in rather than walking to work or maybe still in the break room a significant walking distance away can significantly impact these savings, particularly when multiplied per employee, several times a day and 365 days a year!

In summary, time clocks offer significant savings and accuracy over mobile solutions. Especially when you consider the total cost of mobile, BYOD, and MDM ownership, additionally, from a risk perspective, you’ll have a reliable, secure device – designed, tested and certified on your network rather than a multitude of third-party devices varying in age, OS version and security patch level. Your time clock platform will also be continually developed, patched and updated by you via our cloud management platforms, ensuring lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and peace of mind.

If you want to discuss more about mobile adoption, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us regarding any questions."

https://gtclocks.com/insights/point-of-presence-in-a-mobile-led-world/

And this 2022 article from Grosvenor Technology's 'USA website' explains how time clocks offer significant advantages over mobile solutions:-

"Point of presence in a mobile-led world

Ben Lagden Commercial Director

9 March 2022 2 min read

In this fast-paced digital world in which we live, advances in technology have given us many substitutes for previously manual tasks. Consequently, it’s now impossible to imagine getting through the day without our mobile phones acting as an extension to our own hands. From waking up to the sound of an alarm (or two) to arranging meetings with clients to participating in online video calls, mobile phones have become an integral part of our daily existence. However, the question that often gets raised is where do mobile phones come into play with human capital management systems, particularly workforce management and time and attendance?

Adoption

It may be unbeknown to some, but not everyone owns a mobile device or a smart device that can talk to HCM systems.

As more and more employers encourage the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend, mobile self-service is becoming a great tool; however, not everyone is willing to take this leap. Data privacy is at the forefront of employees’ minds, however relevant that may be to BYOD. With more media attention on cases such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal, it is undoubtedly a factor in adoption.

Employers also may be less keen to promote BYOD in a specific environment such as retail. Does BYOD encourage the employees to use mobiles when the focus should be on customer satisfaction? No one likes to see store employees busy on their mobile when they try to attract their attention.

With that in mind, a time clock is an excellent solution as an alternative for the 20%+ of those who either don’t own a suitable smart device to communicate with the workforce management system or simply don’t want to. And while company mobiles are commonplace in some industries, it’s uneconomical for the majority of businesses.

Security

User adoption is an issue for employers too. Having an employee use their personal device introduces a cyber security risk to an organization. While mobile device management (MDM) platforms can be used to offer varying levels of protection to an organization again; employees may be unwilling to allow the level of control their employer may insist upon as adequate risk mitigation. ..."

https://gtclocks.com/insights/point-of-presence-in-a-mobile-led-world/

" Transforming Enterprise Tech: The Convergence of Cloud and Services

... Device Management

Our comprehensive management platform allows you to remotely diagnose, recover, and update devices with ease. Whether managing devices individually or in groups, you can push out updates and configurations effortlessly, simplifying device maintenance with just a click of a button.

Data Management

Our innovative architecture allows you to connect with your chosen HCM provider with ease. All data transmitted to and from the devices is securely transferred and transformed through a single connection. This ensures a smooth and efficient system, empowering you to make real-time business decisions based on accurate data when you need it most.

Identity Management

The combination of our platform and state-of-the-art devices prioritises the security of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including biometric data. From the moment of collection, all PII is encrypted and protected, ensuring utmost confidentiality. GT Connect goes the extra mile by facilitating US and international data legislation compliance. It records consent for PII collection, provides tools for information requests, and offers a secure process for PII erasure, significantly reducing the risk of fines and litigation for your business.

What are the benefits of GT Services?

Lower Costs: GT Services help decrease the total cost of ownership for your devices. This includes lower hardware costs due to the reliability and longevity of GT devices, backed by GTProtect’s subscription warranty.

Compliance and Integration: Additionally, GTConnect ensures compliance with data protection laws, reducing administrative and legal costs. The simplified integration approach saves development and operational costs, as GTConnect manages device connections and data transfer via a single connection.

Minimal Downtime: With an experienced support team and the option for next-day hardware delivery, GT Services minimise downtime and disruptions for your clients, ensuring smooth operations.

Increased Efficiency: GTConnect enables centralised management of your device estate, facilitating efficient configuration and updates.This reduces the need for onsite engineering and support visits, leading to cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

To discover more and to contact a member of the Grosvenor team today, click here."

http://newmarksecurity.com/insights/transforming-enterprise-tech-the-convergence-of-cloud-and-services/

" Transforming Enterprise Tech: The Convergence of Cloud and Services

... What are some of the most popular types of services delivered by cloud infrastructure?

Software as a Service (SaaS): This has emerged as the dominant service model within cloud computing. Think of your word processing client, your spreadsheets, your video calling platform – all are forms of SaaS that have taken the place of on-premise installations that require routine maintenance. SaaS providers handle all the backend infrastructure, updates, and security, enabling organisations to focus on their core operations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This has also gained real traction due to the cloud revolution. IaaS provides businesses with virtualised computing resources on-demand, including servers, storage, and networking components. The flexibility allows organisations to rapidly scale infrastructure up or down based on their requirements, avoiding the need for substantial capital investments in physical hardware.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): This service gives developers and organisations a development environment that lives in the cloud, allowing them to build, deploy, and manage applications. By utilising PaaS, businesses can shift their focus from managing infrastructure and runtime environments to concentrating on application development and innovation. PaaS providers handle the underlying infrastructure, including servers, storage, networking, and the runtime environment, freeing developers from the burden of infrastructure management.

How are cloud services being used in the workforce management sector?

As with all industry sectors, the emergence of service models on cloud infrastructure has offered several advantages to businesses. As an adaptable and forward-thinking business, Grosvenor Technology has quickly adapted and improved its products and services to reflect this new environment.

At the heart of our GT Services offering is our cloud platform, which enables customers to manage and support their workforce management devices, wherever they are in the world. When you sign up for GT Services, you and your clients gain access to GT Connect and the following powerful features: ..."

http://newmarksecurity.com/insights/transforming-enterprise-tech-the-convergence-of-cloud-and-services/

NWT's website has just added another a new article, again categorised under "Grosvenor "Technology" (though not currently featured on GT's own website).

And it's an excellent exposition of how GT is using cloud services in the workforce management sector.

"Insights

Transforming Enterprise Tech: The Convergence of Cloud and Services

Over the last few years, we’ve seen the convergence of two leading trends in the enterprise technology world – cloud computing and service models such as SaaS, IaaS, and others.

The move to cloud infrastructure was well underway before 2020. Still, it’s fair to say that the pandemic acted as a jumping-off point for businesses which, almost overnight, were tasked with keeping distributed workforces connected and productive.

Cloud services offered the ideal solution for this sudden shift, enabling employees to access critical applications, data, and collaboration tools from anywhere, regardless of physical location. A 2022 report from Statista found that 93% of businesses across Europe, the Middle East and Africa accelerated their move to the cloud because of the pandemic.

Why has the service model become so popular?

As well as flexibility, the rapid adoption of cloud services has enabled businesses to make significant cost savings and offered flexibility that legacy infrastructure cannot. By leveraging cloud infrastructure, enterprises avoid the high upfront costs of building and maintaining their physical data centres. Instead, they can rely on cloud service providers to handle the hardware, networking, and storage infrastructure, paying only for the resources they use.

This shift from a capital expenditure (CapEx) model to an operational expenditure (OpEx) model allows businesses to allocate resources more efficiently and scale up or down as demand fluctuates – a real plus point in these economically uncertain times. This agility has enabled enterprises to be far more responsive to market dynamics, handle spikes in user traffic, and launch new products or services more rapidly.

All of which is to say we’ve seen a marked shift to the services model, where businesses pay a regular fee – monthly, quarterly or annually – to access services. It is in marked contrast to the previously dominant licencing model, where businesses paid for applications that lived on their own computers or servers. It is a generational change, with businesses swapping out complete ownership of their software for the reliability and security of cloud-based services. ..."

http://newmarksecurity.com/insights/transforming-enterprise-tech-the-convergence-of-cloud-and-services/

I wonder who N. Fitzpatrick is, ARA's new 3% shareholder?

He's obviously a shrewd investor, not only identifying this outstanding & undervalued investment opportunity, but then also cannily accumulating on dips.

And his surname 'fitz' quite well with one of ARA's directors:-

"David Fitzsimmons, Non-Executive Director

David Fitzsimmons is highly experienced in the energy business, in both executive and non-executive positions. After a 27-year career with BP, from 1978 to 2004, he served as CEO of the UK listed renewables company Novera Energy for 4 years, from 2005 to 2009. He has subsequently advised a number of other renewables companies, including serving on the strategic advisory board of Braemar Energy in New York from 2005 to 2020.

Currently, David is a Member of the Technology Expert Service at Imperial College and has been since 2019, providing support and guidance on the commercialisation of its technologies, and has been a member of Pearlstone Energy’s Advisory Board from 2018.

Additionally, David is Chairman of Locate in Kent (appointed in 2015) , the Inward Investment Agency for Kent, as well as a Governor of Skinners Kent Academy (appointed in 2011). David has also been appointed as a director of the Skinners’ Academy, with effect from 1 January 2022. David was made Chairman of Dig Deep in 2021, having been a director and trustee since 2017, a charity that brings clean water and hygiene training to rural communities in Kenya.

Previously, David served as a director at the Renewables Energy Association (REA) from 2007 to 2009 and the International Petroleum Exchange (IPE) from 1996 to 1997. He resides in the United Kingdom."

https://aurarenewables.com/about/

"Hardware Enabled SaaS : Next generation of SaaS companies

... This is why we believe that Hardware enabled SaaS (HeSaaS), a model where hardware is an integral part of the SaaS offering, can be a logical evolution of the pure play SaaS model for many industries and use cases. HeSaaS manages to circumvent or minimize many challenges faced by SaaS startups. The hardware element acts as an anchor, helping in reducing customer churn by reducing the possibility of customers migrating away to a marginally cheaper or marginally better SaaS. HeSaaS startups doing outright hardware sales are further able to magnify the Lock In Effect. Talent to work on specialized hardware design is also tougher to find, which along with defensible IPs makes it tougher to directly copy the product and greatly reduces commodification risk. HeSaaS model also opens up new or untapped niche markets that couldn’t have been effectively served by a SaaS only model. Hence there has been a lot of interest in this space in recent years.

In the next parts of this series we would be looking at how HeSaaS companies from different industries are operating in the real world and what makes them tick.

Part 2 — Open App : A 21st century solution to a millennia old problem

Part 3 — NeuroEquillibrim : Helping you find your balance

Part 4 — PerFit : Future of 3D scanning

(We at Unicorn India Ventures are always striving to uncover different perspectives in life. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. To hear more from us, follow @unicornIndia on twitter and follow our company page on Linkedin)"

https://medium.com/unicornindia/hardware-enabled-saas-next-generation-of-saas-companies-aa84a0a4d293

Thanks Dab.

Hardware-enabled SaaS (software as a service) can often be a better business than 'pure play' SaaS; this article explains why:-

"Hardware Enabled SaaS : Next generation of SaaS companies

Kumar Sparsh · Follow

Published in Unicornindia · 3 min read · Sep 23, 2019

(In this multi-part series we are doing a deep dive into the world of hardware enabled SaaS companies and see how this model is being used by startups in the real world to build tommorrow’s businesses)

Part 1 — The Context

There is no denying that we live in the age of subscriptions. Looking around we find everything from content to cars, from sofas to servers being offered to customers wrapped in a subscription model. Softwares is one such domain where the subscription model has majorly, if not entirely, replaced an outright sales model to the point that the word ‘SaaS’ has entered our day-to-day vocabulary. The growth that SaaS model has seen in the past few years is nothing short of remarkable. Garter estimates that Saas revenues for 2019 would be around $85 billion worldwide and would clock double digit annual growth in the years to come and if a wider definition of SaaS is used, these numbers are bound to be higher. But while these growth numbers are impressive, they might not be telling the entire story when it comes to the challenges that many early stage pure play SaaS startups are facing at the moment.

One of the factors causing these challenges is that it has never been easier to build a generic SaaS product. Cloud services have made setting up your own servers obsolete for almost all early and mid stage companies reducing barriers to entry. Talent to build such products is more easily available, which with each passing day is making it harder for companies to retain an edge on the basis of superior human resource. Such factors also reduce the capital requirements to reach MVP stage, which along with the availability of capital leads to number of SaaS startups growing much faster than the market, leading to overcrowding.

Even startups that are managing to differentiate themselves from the crowd and gain good initial traction are running into the problems of commodification of their product if there is a lack of defensible IPs or if it is not a technically complicated and hard to engineer product. Commodification risk for such startups is infact two-fold, first from newer startups that can move quickly to copy their market validated product and potentially undercut them. Secondly from bigger more established cash rich companies that, if they choose to not acquire, can leverage their established channels and brand value to rapidly capture the market. ..."

https://medium.com/unicornindia/hardware-enabled-saas-next-generation-of-saas-companies-aa84a0a4d293

"Introducing Newmark

Hear from Marie-Claire Dwek, CEO of Newmark Security plc as she provides an overview of the business:

Newmark Security plc"

https://newmarksecurity.com/

NWT's new 'five minute pitch' to investors is very impressive & persuasive.

It conveys that the company is entering 'a whole new ball game', to become a really 'big hitter'.

Here are some extracts:-

"When you visit your office next, or log on to Wi-Fi at your local cafe, ask yourself: how safe is my personal data, and is it in safe hands? How compliant is the organisation, and how is my personal identity being protected?

Newmark Security Solutions Group combines hardware, software, and services. ...

We are cash-generative; operating with high margins: 50% on hardware, and MUCH more on software. ...

We are seeing rapid growth within the HCM Division, and three quarters of the Group's revenue is in this area. ...

Security has moved up the corporate agenda with employers highlighting duty to protect employees and visitors. The same can be said for data compliance; it's a key driver for growth in our business. Across the business world there is a large security and compliance vulnerability; and that is open between physical and digital worlds. Data legislation has strengthened around the world, and organisations need to make sure they are compliant, with sensitive data travelling between devices, buildings, and company systems. GDPR and its international equivalent is an issue for ALL organisations, with breaches and hacks becoming commonplace, and substantial penalties being issued here and in the US.

Newmark is well invested in a growth platform that is profitable, strategically focussed, and presents a FANTASTIC opportunity for investors. We believe we're entering the most exciting period for growth in Newmark's thirty-year history. With the rapid growth of our hardware-enabled enterprise-based offering, we are seeing increasing levels of recurring revenues with high margins. ...

Our vision is to build a business generating two - three times its current revenues in the next three - five years."

20th Jul 2023 2:42 pm RNS Holding(s) in Company

"... 3. Details of person subject to the notification obligation iv

Name N. Fitzpatrick

City and country of registered office (if applicable) West Yorkshire

4. Full name of shareholder(s) (if different from 3.) v

Name Redmayne Bentley Nominees

City and country of registered office (if applicable) West Yorkshire

5. Date on which the threshold was crossed or reached vi: 18 July 2023

6. Date on which issuer notified (DD/MM/YYYY): 19 July 2023

7. Total positions of person(s) subject to the notification obligation

% of voting rights attached to shares (total of 8. A)

% of voting rights through financial instruments(total of 8.B 1 + 8.B 2)

Total of both in % (8.A + 8.B)

Total number of voting rights held in issuer (8.A + 8.B) vii

Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached

3.0476

nil

3.0476

320,000

Position of previous notification (if applicable) ..."

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/ARA/holdings-in-company-202sziegvvinptc.html

7th Jul 2023 4:12 pm PRN Potential acquisition of near-term Lithium production asset

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/MCI/potential-acquisition-of-near-term-lithium-production-asset-3abtddio02ebwe2.html

The shell MCI changed two of its three directors in March.

And then earlier this month it unveiled an attractive potential RTO deal, combined with a completed placing at nearly double its pre-existing s.p.

So if TMOR's directors can be replaced by people who could very potentially do better (& at the moment the bar is set pretty low), then that should surely make sense to all sensible, independent shareholders.

7th Jul 2023 4:12 pm PRN Potential acquisition of near-term Lithium production asset

" ... Medcaw has today raised gross proceeds of £400,000 at 8p per share ("New Ordinary Shares") through an equity placement to various high net worth and institutional investors introduced by GIS Global Investment Strategy ("GIS") ("Placement"). The Company has therefore allotted and issued a total of 5,000,000 new Ordinary Shares in the Company. ..."

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/MCI/potential-acquisition-of-near-term-lithium-production-asset-3abtddio02ebwe2.html

Brilliant news just out: a huge boost for the British battery sector.

And the timing could hardly be better for an imminent battery technology RTO deal by ARA.

"Jaguar Land Rover-owner to spend £4bn on UK battery factory

1 hour ago Comments

By Simon Jack & Lucy Hooker

BBC News

Jaguar Land Rover-owner Tata has confirmed plans to build its flagship electric car battery factory in the UK.

The new plant in Somerset is expected to create 4,000 UK jobs and thousands more in the wider supply chain.

Tata said it will invest £4bn in the site but it is understood that the government is providing subsidies worth hundreds of millions of pounds.

The plant is described as the most important investment in UK automotive since Nissan arrived in the 1980s.

The new gigafactory, at 40GWh, will be one of the largest in Europe and will make batteries for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles like Range Rover, the Defender and the Jaguar brands.

The plan is to supply other car manufacturers as well, with production at the new factory is due to start in 2026.

Tata have been in negotiations for months to secure state aid for the project.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "With the global transition to zero emission vehicles well underway, this will help grow our economy by driving forward our lead in battery technology whilst creating as many as 4,000 jobs, and thousands more in the supply chain."

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: "This is a welcome move by Jaguar Land Rover after years of the south west being neglected by Government investment."

The plant is Tata's first outside India and, it is hoped, will help the car manufacturing sector transition from petrol and diesel to making electric vehicles.

Batteries typically account for more than half of the value of an electric vehicle, so a reliable supply is expected to be vital for the future of the UK car industry.

The government has been criticised for lacking a clear industrial strategy and falling behind the US and EU in attracting investment in low-carbon technologies.

Some industry insiders hope that the Tata battery investment will open the door to further battery investments in the UK. ..."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66237935

ELEG wasn't the only shell that suspended for a RTO on 7th. July; MCI did as well - and under seven months after it floated.

And moreover, MCI's proposed RTO is a pivot from life sciences to lithium, saying this on its website:-

"At Medcaw we recognise the significant role that lithium plays in the global transition to sustainable energy solutions."

In addition, MCI's suspension was accompanied by a placing at 8p, a premium of 88% to its suspension price of 4.25p.

A nice fat premium indeed.

Or perhaps I should say 'a two fat ladies premium' ...

MCI's market cap. at the placing price of 8p would be £1.77M. - compared to a probable cash level of under £1M.

7th Jul 2023 4:12 pm PRN Potential acquisition of near-term Lithium production asset

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/MCI/potential-acquisition-of-near-term-lithium-production-asset-3abtddio02ebwe2.html

Recent Share Trades for Aura Renew Acq (ARA)

Date Time Trade Prc Volume Buy/Sell Bid Ask Value

18-Jul-23 10:00:19 5.80 45,000 Buy* 5.00 6.00 2,610 O

18-Jul-23 08:03:01 5.825 3,433 Buy* 5.00 6.00 199.97 O

More ARA buying today, lifting the s.p. back up to 5.75p.

For shells, which tend to be very lightly traded, such relatively persistent and steady buying as ARA has seen recently tends to be a very positive sign.

"Strengthening the Grosvenor Technology Team

... Diane Burton: Delivering Excellence in Sales Administration

Diane Burton brings more than 30 years of sales administration experience to her role as Internal Sales Administrator. Although new to the security industry, Diane’s expertise in supporting account managers on the road for over a decade is invaluable.

In her new position, Diane aims to provide exceptional customer service by delivering quick responses while the account managers are occupied with on-site visits. Additionally, she will assist the Account Managers with administrative tasks, enabling them to dedicate more time to meeting potential customers. Diane’s goal is to improve the overall customer experience and contribute to the company’s growth and success in the access control arena.

Diane will take the lead in the proactive management of Support Service Agreement renewals, ensuring that customers receive timely reminders and personalized support. By fostering strong customer relationships, she will contribute to the company’s long-term success.

As a progressive company invested in growth and innovation, Grosvenor Technology is excited to have Barry and Diane on board as we continue to deliver excellent solutions and expand our presence in the industry."

https://www.grosvenortechnology.com/insights/strengthening-the-grosvenor-technology-team/