YouGov
Market research group YouGov provides surveys and data for media groups and large businesses globally. The company has a market cap of £164.46 million and a P/E ratio of 36.4, and has seen its shares rise fairly consistently over the past five years. At the end of March, the group posted financial results for the past six months showing revenue growth of 15 percent, up 4 percent on the year before, and adjusted operating profit up by 29% to £4.3 million.
Churchill China
Stoke-on-Trent based pottery business Churchill China was started in 1795, and has been run by the same family for the past 93 years. The Roper family changed the name to Churchill in 1984, and remain in ownership of over 25 percent of the tableware manufacturer.
The company has a market cap of £89.87 million, with a P/E ratio of 22.18. Shareholders will have received dividends in almost every year since the company listed in 1994 and the payout has not been cut for at least 15 years – share price has increased steadily over the past five years and the company remains a solid investment.
Nichols
Soft drink maker Nichols is another longstanding British company, producing fizzy drinks since 1908. Brands include Vimto, Sunkist and most recently a range from entrepreneur Levi Roots. Another family run company, it remains in the hands of the grandson of its founder, and continues to thrive. At the beginning of last month, operating profit for the six months to March was up 8.6 percent, with profit before tax up 8.9 percent. Management has increased the dividend payout for the last 10 years – good news for its shareholders.
Finsbury Food Group
Finsbury Food Group supplies a wide range of goods to customers including supermarkets, cafes, wholesalers and restaurants. A slightly larger company than the last two mentioned, Finsbury has a market cap of £156.43m and a P/E ratio of 10.70 and a gain, has seen shares move along a constant upwards line over the past five years. After a cost-reducing restructure in 2013, the company is now able to attract more investors by paying a dividend.
Miranda Wadham on 26/04/2016