(Alliance News) – The UK “stands ready 24/7 to defend itself”, the government has said, after Iran claimed Britain would “bear responsibility” for allowing the US to use British bases.It comes after Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the government of “complicity in the crime of aggression and war crimes” by allowing the US to carry out “unlawful attacks”. While the government has refused to take part in offensive campaigns against Iran, it has allowed the US to launch defensive strikes from British bases hosting American personnel. In a statement, the MFA said that anyone who supports “military aggression against Iran will bear responsibility for the consequences and repercussions of its decision”.
Comment: No, the UK is not ready or able to defend itself, as it cannot even defend itself against unarmed civilians floating across the channel. No doubt if an Iranian military jet landed at RAF Fairford the occupants could successfully claim asylum, after delivering their payload.
The Times: Burnham bounce? Bellingham bump? Retail sales and consumer confidence rose amid the appointment of a new prime minister and England’s progression to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Consumer confidence rose at the fastest pace in nearly three years in July, according to the closely watched GfK survey. The overall confidence reading rose by six points to -17, driven upwards by optimism about the UK’s economic prospects in the coming year. It was the largest month-on-month rise since November 2023.
Comment: Of course, the bounce / bump was World Cup related, not off the back of the new Prime Minister. But saying that it would be fun to think that the economic improvement was the result of the former Chancellor’s policies and that high tax/big state actually works.
Renishaw (RSW) today announced a post-close trading update for the 3 and 12 months ended 30 June 2026 ahead of announcing its full year results on 23 September 2026. We saw accelerating growth throughout the year, culminating in record quarterly revenue in Q4 of approximately £243m, 27% above the prior year and 18% above Q3. Demand remained strong from customers in the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing equipment sector, and from the aerospace and defence sector. We expect FY2026 revenue to be approximately £815m, 14% higher than the prior year. All three segments delivered growth, with particularly strong progress for Specialised Technologies and Position Measurement. We expect FY2026 adjusted operating profit to be approximately £152m and adjusted profit before tax to be approximately £167m, 31% above the prior year.
Comment: It is interesting that conventional financial journalists cover RSW’s results with such gusto, as hardly anyone is actually interested in the company, or even aware of what it does. Nevertheless, it does underline the adage that as far as the stock market is concerned, boring is beautiful.
CleanTech Lithium PLC (CTL), an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile, announced the results of the processing of eluate produced by the Company’s DLE pilot plant in Chile into approximately 330kg of high purity lithium carbonate. This downstream processing was undertaken by USA based, vertically integrated lithium production and technology company, Empower EIT (Empower). Further key test work is underway to optimise and verify the process used in the completed Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Laguna Verde project. Leading lithium brine services company, Zelandez, has been engaged by the Company to conduct a comprehensive spent brine reinjection options analysis to support the sustainable development of the project.
Comment: It is certainly fair to regard CTL as a recovery situation. Indeed, for those who believe this to be the case, the fact that the share price remains near the recent lows does offer a decent entry point. This is especially the case given the latest successful processing news.
Quantum Blockchain Technologies plc (QBT), the AIM-listed investment company focused principally on a research and development (“R&D”) programme within blockchain technology, noted that information has become publicly available via USPTO records indicating that a Notice of Allowance has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) in respect of the Company’s patent application titled “Message Scheduling for Cryptographic Hashing” (US Application No. 18/696,073), also referred to by the Company as “ASIC Ultra Boost.” The Company is in the process of confirming the details of this development with its UK and US patent attorneys and will make a further announcement as soon as it is in a position to do so.
Comment: Delivering RNS updates that even Einstein would struggle to understand has so far got shares of QBT down 48% this year. Presumably continuing to do so as per Einstein’s alleged definition of madness, get the share price down further, US patent attorneys or not.
Kazera Global plc (KZG), the AIM-quoted investment company, announced the proposed African Tantalum (Pty) Ltd shareholder return programme, through which the Board intends, subject to legal, tax, working capital and regulatory considerations, to return approximately 80% of the net cash proceeds received under the Company’s US$10.5 million Aftan settlement to qualifying shareholders. The proposed Programme is intended to ensure that the value recovered from the Aftan settlement agreement with Hebei Xinjian Construction CC is returned to those shareholders who supported the Company throughout the arbitration and recovery process, whilst enabling Kazera to continue executing its strategy of developing and growing its investment portfolio.
Comment: Unlike many of its peers, KZG is consistent in doing what it says on the time, which given the slings and arrows of the area and geography it occupies, is quite an achievement. It would be a shame if the shares did not retest last year’s 2p peak zone in coming weeks.
Amigo Resources PLC (AMGO) provided an update on its Tanzanian operations. Following the successful grant of Processing Centre Licences (PCLs) at both Mojimoto and Kabete, Amigo has transitioned from planning into execution. The Company’s PCL strategy – working alongside local miners, reprocessing historical tailings, and processing material generated from its own exploration programmes – is now being implemented on the ground. AMGO said “Looking ahead, Mojimoto and Kabete represent only the beginning of a much broader strategy. Amigo intends to replicate this Processing Centre model across Tanzania, creating a network of sustainable processing hubs that integrate local miners into the formal mining economy while unlocking value from historical tailings and supporting future exploration discoveries. The Company’s long-term vision extends beyond processing plants. By combining processing infrastructure, mercury-free technology, digital microfinance, responsible gold trading, exploration and environmental rehabilitation, Amigo aims to create one of Africa’s first fully integrated artisanal mining ecosystems.
Comment: Given the history of the company, it might be regarded as fair that it is sounding almost smug in the current update. That said, the new area it has chosen really could be a decent winner, if the company can exert discipling and organisational skills in difficult areas. We wonder though, whether such a prospect is already in the price?
Total Graphite (TGR), the specialist graphite company developing an integrated mine-to-materials supply chain for the global energy transition, announced the appointment of Graeme Chester as Madagascar Head of Operations and to provide an update on the optimisation work ongoing at the Vatomina project. Further to the announcement dated 17 July 2026, the diamond drilling campaign is continuing at the Vatomina project to build confidence in the mineral resource and support mine planning for the upcoming mining production restart and beyond. To date seven diamond drill holes of have been drilled, with promising intersections of graphitic mineralisation. An independent external geologist is in the process of reviewing the initial results and is supporting the design of the ongoing drill plan, ahead of a planned site visit in August. Assay results for the drill holes to date are pending, and the Company continues to anticipate announcing drill results on a regular basis going forward.
Comment: It was a well received interview here with Chairman Christian Dennis earlier this week, with the latest RNS underlining why he regarded the company as being a strong recovery prospect, both operationally, and given the current market cap, in share price terms as well.
Hydrogen Utopia International PLC (HUI), a pioneering company transforming non-recyclable waste plastic into hydrogen, clean fuels and advanced materials, focusing on advanced fuels such as jet fuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), announced the successful completion of a fundraise of £850,000 and the appointment of Clear Capital Markets as its sole broker with immediate effect. The Company has raised gross proceeds of £850,000 through the issue of 42,500,000 new ordinary shares at an issue price of 2.0p per share. The net proceeds of the fundraise will be used by the Company to support its expansion in Saudi Arabia, to advance the Fortress Fuels initiative, and to extend its exclusive licence agreements with Inentec, all of which the Board believes represent significant strategic opportunities for the Company as it continues to broaden its geographic footprint, diversify its operating base, and advance its ambitions in JP8 and SAF production.
Comment: HUI was fully funded to execute at the time of the last fundraise from an institutional investor in December of £600k, which was to lead to rapid scaling in hydrogen market. Presumably, the latest £850,000 fundraise will lead to even more rapid scaling, especially in the sustainable aviation fuel space.
Tooru (TOO), the AIM listed company focused on the branded health and wellness sector, provided an update on OAF and Pulsin. The Board is encouraged by the positive trading momentum across the Group. OAF’s strong EPOS performance complements Pulsin’s continued recovery, with significant revenue growth expected over the next two quarters, supported by new product launches, expanded distribution and additional retail listings. The Board looks forward to updating shareholders on further progress in due course. Scott Livingston, CEO, said: “We are seeing encouraging momentum across the Group, with strong EBITDA delivery, growing revenues and excellent progress from both Juvela and OAF. OAF’s expansion into major retailers and Pulsin’s return to growth demonstrate the strength of our brands and the opportunities ahead. Going forward, we firmly believe that the Group is well positioned to accelerate growth and continue building value across the portfolio. We remain excited about the opportunities in front of us as we progress through 2026.”
Comment: Finally, the market and hence the share price is cottoning onto the proposition at TOO, something which is being helped currently by the hands on CEO getting this message out. One would suggest that at the current valuation we are looking at a decent fundamental play from where the company is now.
