Cartesian backing the “Best of British”

The UK market offers many diverse examples of industry or sector leading companies - the “Best of British”
Cartesian’s extensive UK experience and proven investment process ensures the team are uniquely placed to uncover these opportunities
At a time when sentiment is low there is much to be proud about the “Best of British”

In order to survive 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. The UK is no exception to this and 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, often in a global context, which we collectively refer to as the “Best of British”.

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.

Thanks to their abundance of UK experience and proven investment process Cartesian are uniquely positioned to uncover these prospects, many of which already lie at the heart of their portfolios. The managers operate with a long held fundamental bias and belief that to know a company it is necessary to understand a company. This includes understanding how that company comes to lead its industry, how that company makes money and how that company’s financials operate. The “Best of British” can be successful in either a domestic sense or internationally and the managers are agnostic as to which end markets dominate investment opportunities.

At a time when sentiment is set against markets and against the UK there is much to be proud about the “Best of British”. Typically, the Best, while not immune to environment, will use tougher times to grow stronger and cement its position in the industry.

Examples of companies which have achieved the “Best of British” Cartesian seal of approval include, among 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 operate some of the most recognised and successful public transport brands, 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

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.