Investment - Articles - Cartesian backing the "Best of British"

  

 In the ever increasing globalisation of economies and markets, companies have had to develop distinct competitive advantages in order to survive and thrive against existing and new competition. Jeremy Hall, manager of the Ignis Cartesian UK Opportunities fund says although the UK is no exception to this, there is still plenty of opportunities available.

  

 "In more recent times UK companies have had to work harder to develop characteristics to ensure industry leadership. This has driven a large number of diverse companies, which are industry or sector leading and often global. We collectively refer to these companies as the "Best of British."

 Hall says in the rush to gain exposure to overseas companies, and those companies using the UK as a ‘flag of convenience', investors have overlooked many such opportunities.

 "The UK stock market is a large, well diversified, mature market offering many companies with just such potential. Moreover, the UK market is well structured and well governed," he explains.

 Hall believes that at a time when sentiment is set against markets and against the UK there is much to be proud about these "Best of British" companies.

 "Typically, the best companies, while not immune to environment, will use tougher times to grow stronger and cement its position in the industry," he says.

 Hall points to the following stocks as examples of those companies which Cartesian has rated the "Best of British" although insists there are many others.

 Shire

  

 As one of the world's leading specialty biopharmaceutical companies, Shire has emerged as a company fully focused on a single purpose: to enable people with life-altering conditions to lead better lives. It is the leading company of ADHD treatment in the US with a very fast growing Human Genetic Therapies (HGT) business, specialising in patients and families experiencing rare diseases. The company is achieving high levels of growth which is standing out among its peer group.

 Stagecoach

  

 Stagecoach operates some of the most recognised and successful public transport brands. It is driving growth in bus, rail, coach and tram businesses through innovation, investment and high quality service to customers. Over a large time period the company has displayed the ability to manage assets and its balance sheet extremely well, driving strong profit growth and consistent cash generation.

 Monitise

 Monitise is a world leader in providing Mobile Money solutions. The company is growing very quickly on the back of signing key contracts with Visa and RBS.

 "These lend credibility to the mobile banking solution and offer significant long term returns. We anticipate additional announcements around powering mobile banking and payments globally by connecting financial institutions, retailers, payment processors and mobile operators to consumers. The company is at an exciting stage of its development.

  

 Cartesian has a wealth of UK experience and proven investment processes and Hall believes this makes the company uniquely positioned to uncover the opportunities within the UK.

 "Our managers operate with a long held fundamental bias and belief that in order to know a company it is necessary to understand a company. This includes understanding how the company comes to lead its industry, how it makes money and how the company's financials operate."