blog

Ilika client win

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:48:40 +0100

Ilika plc (AIM: IKA), the advanced cleantech materials discovery company, has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as its Financial PR advisor. Walbrook will advise Ilika on its communications with the financial media, research analysts and other small cap investor groups in London and the regions.

Ilika is an advanced materials company which accelerates the discovery of new and patentable materials using its unique high throughput technologies (''HTT'') process for identified end uses in the energy, electronics and biomedical sectors. This process enables hundreds of scalable materials to be made in a single, automated operation and subsequently tested for key properties.

The Company focuses on three principal sectors and has a number of active development programmes addressing markets within each sector:

Energy – including new materials for lithium-ion batteries for vehicles; high capacity hydrogen storage materials; cheaper alternatives to platinum electrodes for use in fuel cells; new materials for use in fuel cells for the transport sector; and in-house research on film photovoltaic solar cells.
Electronics - lead-free piezoelectric materials; phase change memory materials for high capacity memory chips and high-performing electronic materials.
Biomedical - developing polymers to enable the filtering of somatic stem cells from blood; selling Cryoskin and Myskin: products for the treatment of burns and wounds in the UK

For the year ending 30 April 2011 Ilika announced revenues up 46% to c. £1.5 million. They also announced a substantial increase in the level of grant funding for in-house R&D and an improved Loss before tax in line with expectations. Cash balances remain strong, totalling £2.8 million at 30^th April 2011.

Paul McManus, Director of Walbrook PR, said: “We are delighted that Ilika has chosen Walbrook to assist in increasing its profile within UK capital markets and highlight its success in commercialising its technology.”

Walbrook PR wins Boomerang Plus account

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:48:15 +0100

Boomerang Plus (AIM: BOOM), the profitable media investment group, has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as its Financial PR advisor.

Walbrook will advise Boomerang Plus on its communications with the financial media, research analysts and other small cap investor groups in London and the regions.

Boomerang Plus plc comprises a group of companies which operate across the whole spectrum of the creative industries and whose activities include programme production, post-production services, television facilities, multi-media publishing and talent management. In February the Company announced that in the six months ended 30 November 2010, turnover was up 84% on 2009 to £16.3m, pre-tax profits were up 68% to £0.79m, and earnings per share increased by 69% to 6.2p (2009: 3.67p).

Boomerang’s strategy is to diversify the group organically and through acquisition to increase their network presence, genre offering, IP exploitation and global footprint. Boomerang has strong revenue visibility across the group and increasingly more regular exploitation revenues from international sales of programmes and its back catalogue.

Paul McManus, Director of Walbrook PR, said: “We are delighted that Boomerang Plus has chosen Walbrook to assist in increasing the Boomerang Plus profile within UK capital markets and highlight their success in building a growing and profitable media company.”

Walbrook PR appointed by Altitude Group plc

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:03:19 +0100

Altitude Group plc (AIM: ALT), technology solutions provider to the promotional merchandise industry, has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as its Financial PR and IR advisor.

Walbrook’s brief is to advise Altitude on its communications with the Financial Media, Research Analysts and Private Client Investment Managers in London and the Regions as well as with other small cap investor groups.

Altitude Group, which trades as Trade Only in the UK, offers an innovative and fully integrated eCommerce, CRM and ERP technology solution to suppliers and distributors operating in the promotional merchandise industry. This market leading solution enables promotional product suppliers and developers to grow sales and profits and allows potential distributors to quickly start and run their own promotional products businesses.

The software is principally delivered via a SaaS Model (Software as a Service) providing a single integrated software solution which enables promotional products distributors to provide quotations and virtual samples to potential customers and process and track orders from start to finish. The solution also provides instant reporting abilities and offers accounting and ancillary support functions, while the integrated product data suite provides users with immediate access to the best promotional products merchandise suppliers in the industry.

In line with Altitude’s stated strategy of focussing its efforts on its Technology and Information division, the Company today announced that it proposes to dispose of its Promotional Products division. This strategy was adopted in view of the substantial market opportunity available to the ongoing business, which also enjoys low customer churn and superior revenue visibility.

The consideration payable for the Promotional Products division is £6.27m (subject to net asset value adjustment). This is payable as £0.72m cash, an estimated £1.55m of repayments of amounts due (subject to net asset value adjustment) and the issue of Loan Notes to the value of £4m.

Altitude’s Technology and Information division (the ongoing business) made an operating profit before non-recurring items, amortisation of customer related intangibles and share based payment charges of GBP0.7m in 2010 (2009: GBP0.5m). At 31 December 2010 the Company had cash of £1.5m with no net debt (2009: £0.8m)

Altitude Group is headquartered in Byfleet, Surrey.

Paul McManus, Founder of Walbrook, said: “We are delighted that Altitude has chosen to work with Walbrook at what is a very exciting time for the business. The ‘new’ Altitude is a more focussed, streamlined business with significant potential for international growth and we are looking forward to working with the Company to help it achieve its goals.”

www.altitudeplc.com

Walbrook PR hires Louise Mason

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:02:21 +0100

Walbrook PR, which provides Financial PR and Investor Relations to Small Cap and AIM listed companies, announces that Louise Mason has joined the Walbrook team.

Louise joins from Bankside Consultants, where she had worked since 2006, and will be heading up the Walbrook Natural Resources practice. Louise is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and is Secretary of the UK Association of Mining Analysts.

Paul McManus, Founder of Walbrook PR commented:

“Walbrook has quickly established a strong position within the growth company space and Louise’s appointment will help to reinforce this position as she drives the growth of our Natural Resources practice. Louise will be a great addition to the team and we look forward to working together.”

Louise can be reached on Tel: 020 7933 8792, Mob: 07557 285 676 and louise.mason@walbrookpr.com.

Corero client win

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:00:41 +0100

Corero plc (AIM: CORO.L), the AIM listed network security and business software provider, has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as its Financial PR and IR advisor.

Walbrook’s brief is to advise Corero on its communications with the Financial Media, Research Analysts and Private Client Investment Managers in London and the Regions as well as other small cap investor groups.

Corero plc is focused on building a network security solutions business, through acquisition and organic development, to deliver hardware and software solutions and services to mid-market and enterprise customers through international channels. In addition, Corero’s Business Systems division serves the business and education sectors by delivering powerful, dynamic modular accounting and business management software and services.

Corero Security Systems:

The strategy of Corero Security Systems is to acquire IT network security businesses or assets to develop a comprehensive suite of IT and network security products, encompassing hardware, software and subscription based services. These products will specifically address the network security challenges encountered by mid-market and enterprise organisations as well as telecommunication service providers.

On 2 March 2011, Corero plc announced the acquisition of Top Layer Networks, Inc, the first step to achieving its strategic goals. Top Layer focuses on network security infrastructure software solutions to help commercial and government organisations protect critical on-line assets from the losses and risks associated with cyber threats.

Corero Business Systems:

The Business Systems division is a provider of management information software solutions to the further education, academy, school and commercial markets. The Business Systems’ software solutions include Resource Financials & HR, a financial software solution and Resource Education Management System (“EMS”), a management information system aimed at the sixth form and further education sector.

The Group headquarters are in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire.

www.corero.com

China New Energy client win

Mon, 23 May 2011 16:24:36 +0100

China New Energy Ltd (AIM: CNEL.L), a China based engineering and technology solutions provider to the bioenergy sector, listed on AIM yesterday and has retained Walbrook PR Ltd to provide Financial PR and IR advice. CNE hopes the AIM IPO will raise their profile internationally and provide access to future additional capital to drive acquisitive and organic growth.

CNE has raised £655,210 through a Placing at 7p per share. The market capitalisation of the Company at the Placing Price on Admission will be £20.8m. Cairn Financial Advisers LLP is acting as Nominated Adviser in relation to the Admission and SVS Securities plc is acting as Financial Adviser and Broker.

www.chinanewenergy.co.uk

Energetix client win

Fri, 13 May 2011 17:00:06 +0100

Energetix (AIM: EGX.L), which develops and commercialises alternative and efficient energy products, has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as its Financial PR and IR advisor.

Walbrook’s brief is to advise Energetix on its communications to the Financial Media, Cleantech Research Analysts, Private Client Investment Managers in London and the Regions as well as other small cap investor groups.

Energetix Group plc is a developer of cost-effective products to meet the growing global demand for alternative energy, with particular focus on distributed generation, energy storage, and energy efficiency. Currently Energetix has two subsidiary businesses:

Genlec - distributed generation in the home;
Pnu Power - compressed air back-up power;

as well as a c.43% stake in VPhase plc, an energy efficiency business Energetix created and subsequently spun out of Energetix in 2010. VPhase is now a standalone, independently funded commercial venture. Energetix’s stake in VPhase was valued at £7.3m as at 31 December 2010.

Genlec has developed a compact and light weight, wall mounted microCHP (Combined Heat and Power) appliance known as the Kingston Boiler. The appliance has been designed to generate 1kW of electrical power and meet the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) requirements to enable access to the Government's feed in tariff. The Kingston boiler is inherently low-cost in initial outlay and maintenance, and UK owners of approved microCHP products have the additional benefit of receiving a 10p/ kWh feed-in tariff on every kWh of electricity generated.

CE certification of the boiler has been obtained and initial units have been installed in employee homes. It is expected that CE certification of the power module will follow. Genlec will carry on field testing whilst continuing market engagement through multiple channel partners to continue commercial sales and establish a basis for growth from 2012.

Pnu Power focuses on the provision of compressed air back-up power which can ensure an uninterruptible power supply for critical systems, particularly for the telecoms and power network markets. Pnu Power range has been extended to include the DC100 product that can now meet the demand of the rapidly growing Green Data Centre market, providing a low carbon alternative to flywheels. Pnu Power has been successful in achieving repeat trial sales and is now poised to move out of the trial sales phase and into full volume commercial sales.

For the year ended 31 December 2010, EGX reported a loss before tax from continuing operations of £3.5m. Year end cash was £1.38m and in March 2011 the Company raised £2.3m net in a Placing which provides the money needed to accelerate the commercial development of Genlec and Pnu Power. With all technology development now completed the business is well funded to move into the commercialisation stage.

Energetix Group joined AIM in August 2006. The Group and its subsidiaries and associates are all based near Chester, NW England. www.energetixgroup.com

Walbrook joins the Epistem Team

Thu, 05 May 2011 17:08:02 +0100

Epistem (AIM: EHP.L), the leading UK biotechnology and contract research company, has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as part of its Financial PR and IR advisory team.

Walbrook’s brief is to advise Epistem on its communications with Private Client Investment Managers in London and the Regions as well as other investors and Paul Cornelius, the new Head of IR at Walbrook, will lead the account. Walbrook will be working alongside Epistem’s existing PR agency, De Facto Communications.

Epistem is a fast growing UK biotechnology and personalised medicine company commercialising its expertise in the areas of oncology, gastrointestinal diseases and dermatological applications. Epistem develops innovative therapeutics, biomarkers, and diagnostics, as well as providing contract research services to drug development companies. The Group’s core expertise is focused on the regulation of adult stem cells located in epithelial tissue, which includes the gastrointestinal tract, skin, hair follicles, breast and prostate. Epistem does not conduct research in the areas of embryonic stem cells or stem cell transplantation.

Epistem listed on AIM in 2007 and operates three distinct business divisions:

Contract Research Services
Novel Therapies
Personalised Medicine (Biomarkers and Diagnostics)

On 5 October 2010 Epistem announced results for the year ending 30 June 2010 with revenues up 45% to £5.74m and profit before tax of £0.35m (against a loss of £0.67m the previous year). EPS was up to 3.8p per share (2009: 1.1p). At the year end Epistem had strong cash reserves of £5.4m.

Epistem has also recently announced that its new handheld molecular diagnostic device, Genedrive^TM, and it is currently undergoing beta testing in the US and UK.

http://www.epistem.co.uk

Walbrook Hemscott AIM Rankings (Q1 2011)

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Walbrook PR, which provides Financial PR and Investor Relations to Small Cap and AIM listed companies, announces further progression in the Hemscott AIM Rankings.

Walbrook continues to rise in the Hemscott AIM Rankings for Financial PR. Having joined the top 20 in July 2009 (Ranked 18th) Walbrook has now reached 10th place. Walbrook now acts for 32 listed companies (mainly AIM) across a wide mix of sectors and is ranked joint 2nd in Healthcare and joint 2nd in Technology.

The Hemscott Rankings show that since July 2009 Walbrook has been the best performing PR firm in the AIM Top 20 in terms of growing its client base. All but three of the PR firms in the AIM top 20 have seen their client base decline or remain unchanged since July 2009. Of the three PR firms to grow their client base Walbrook was the only company to do this without acquiring or merging with another PR firm.

Western Mail Article

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:37:32 +0000

Walbrook PR, which provides Financial PR and Investor Relations to Small Cap and AIM listed companies, announces that Paul Cornelius, Director and Head of Investor Relations at Walbrook, recently featured in the Business in Wales, Wales Top 300 supplement, writing on why AIM is an attractive way for Welsh Companies to get access to primary capital.

In his article Paul asks why few Welsh companies look to list on AIM, argues why the establishment of a Welsh Stock Exchange would not be beneficial to the principality, and points out that whilst some Welsh companies have struggled to make the most of their listings, a number of Welsh companies have shown how public markets can provide a much needed catalyst for growth.

To read the article in full click here

Walbrook PR appointed by Lipoxen plc as Financial PR and IR Advisor

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:17:46 +0000

Lipoxen (AIM: LPX.L), the leading UK biopharmaceutical company providing specialist delivery solutions to improve the efficacy and performance of drugs and vaccines, has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as its financial PR and IR advisor.

Walbrook’s brief is to advise Lipoxen on its communications with the financial media, sector analysts, private client brokers and other investors.

Lipoxen works with some of the world’s leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to identify product candidates with significant market potential, co-develop new product candidates and improve protein, vaccine and anti-cancer drug performance.

http://www.lipoxen.com

Walbrook New Hires

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:17:02 +0000

Walbrook PR, which provides Financial PR and Investor Relations to Small Cap and AIM listed companies, announces that Dr Paul Cornelius (ex-finnCap) and Jack Rich (ex-Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster) have joined the Walbrook team.

Paul Cornelius joins Walbrook from finnCap where he was small cap equity research analyst focussing on technology stocks. Paul has been an equity research analyst for 10 years, previously at Durlacher and before that Evolution Securities, and has wide variety of sectors including Tech, Clean Tech and Engineering. Paul will head up Walbrook’s Investor Relations offering utilising his strong knowledge of Private Client Brokers (PCBs) and small cap focussed institutional investors.

Jack joins Walbrook following 18 months working in Corporate Communications, most recently with Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster. Jack has a degree in Journalism from the University of Sheffield and at Walbrook he will have the opportunity to develop his skills in the area of PR for growing Small Cap and AIM stocks.

Walbrook PR wins First Derivatives plc account

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:18:44 +0100

First Derivatives (AIM: FDP.L, IEX: GYQ.I), the provider of software and support services to the investment banking market and derivatives technology industry, has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as its financial PR and IR advisor.

Walbrook’s brief is to advise First Derivatives on its communications with the media, investment community and other third party stakeholders.

First Derivatives is a global provider of software and consulting services to the financial services industry. With 15 years experience working with leading financial institutions, it delivers technologically advanced award-winning products and services that anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of global capital markets.

In May of 2010 First Derivatives announced full year results, reporting revenue growth of 45% to £25.5m and pre-tax profit growth of 27% to £5.7m, marking fourteen consecutive years of growth in profits.

First Derivatives currently employs over 450 people worldwide and counts many of the world's top investment banks, brokers and hedge funds as its customers. It has operations in London, New York, Stockholm, Shanghai, Singapore, Toronto, Sydney, Dublin, Newry and Hong Kong.

Walbrook will work with First Derivatives to ensure that the investment community is fully aware of the Company’s progress, particularly in regard to the development of its in-house product suite, Delta, providing end-to-end algorithmic trading solutions; and in respect of its potentially transformational foreign exchange product, RealStream, which the Company procured in February 2010 as part of the acquisition of Cognotec.

http://www.firstderivatives.com

Walbrook PR wins SQS Software Quality Systems AG account

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:19:44 +0100

SQS Software Quality Systems AG (AIM: SQS.L), the world's largest pure play supplier of independent software testing and quality management services has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as its financial PR and IR advisor.

Walbrook’s brief is to advise SQS on its communications with the media, investment community and other third party stakeholders.

SQS is the world's largest pure play supplier of independent software testing and quality management services. SQS consultants design and oversee quality management processes during the software and IT systems lifecycle and test the resulting products for errors and omissions.

Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, SQS has approximately 1,700 employees across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa. The Group has a strong presence in Germany (Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Goerlitz and Hamburg) and in the UK (London, Woking, Birmingham, Manchester, Belfast), Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, India, Egypt, the United States and South Africa. SQS also has a minor stake in an operation in Portugal and a partnership operation in Spain.

With more than 5,000 completed projects, SQS has a strong customer base including 36 FTSE-100 companies, half of the DAX 30 and nearly a third of the STOXX-50. It supports clients in a wide range of industries, including major corporations such as Allianz, Beazley, BP, Centrica, Commerzbank, Daimler, Deutsche Post, Generali, JP Morgan, Meteor, Reuters and Volkswagen.

Walbrook will work with SQS to ensure that the investment community is fully aware of progress, particularly in regard to the strategic development of its Managed Services business, which is providing improved visibility on revenue streams, and the ongoing expansion of its off-shore facilities, which are improving competitive advantage and the market leading position.

http://www.sqs-group.com/

Walbrook PR wins KRYSO resources account

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:20:42 +0100

Kryso Resources plc (AIM: KYS), the mineral exploration and development company focused on projects in Tajikistan has appointed Walbrook PR Ltd as its financial PR and IR advisor.

Walbrook’s brief is to advise Kryso Resources on its communications with the media, investment community and other third party stakeholders.

Kryso Resources’ 100% owned Pakrut project is situated in Tajikistan, 112km northeast of the capital city of Dushanbe, and lies within the Tien Shan Fold Belt, which hosts a number of multi-million ounce gold deposits. An internal prefeasibility study, which has shown highly positive results, has already been completed and a bankable feasibility study is currently underway. Total JORC Code-compliant resources of 3,024,000oz Au have been defined and the deposit is expected to yield further JORC Code-compliant resources over time.

Kryso Resources’ primary goal is to bring its Pakrut gold project into production at the earliest opportunity. To this end, Kryso announced last week that it had conditionally placed 73.2m new shares to China Nonferrous Metals International Mining Co. Ltd (CNMIM) raising £11m before expenses. In addition, CNMIM has conditionally agreed to use its best endeavours to provide mine construction financing for not less than 70% of the funding cost of the Pakrut gold project. Proceeds of the placing are to be deployed to fund the development of the Pakrut gold project.

Walbrook PR: Q1 UPDATE & NEW HIRE

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:23:27 +0100

Walbrook PR, which provides Financial PR and Investor Relations to Small Cap and AIM listed companies, announces that for the 9 months ended 31 December 2009 it produced a modest profit and that trading in the first quarter of the year has been strong. We are also very pleased to announce that Bob Huxford has joined the Walbrook team from technology focussed financial PR firm ICIS.

Strong Q1 trading

As already announced, we have been appointed to act for three new companies in the first quarter of the year; Coolabi plc, a media company focused on the ownership and creative management of high quality intellectual property assets, and two resources companies; Tower Resources plc and GoldStone Resources Ltd.

In September we began working with Supporta plc, the AIM listed provider of domiciliary healthcare, when the shares were 15.5p. In December we announced an offer of 31p a share from Mears plc to acquire Supporta plc, valuing the business at £27m. The acquisition was approved and completed at the beginning of the year.

We also began acting for veterinary medicine and livestock products supplier Animalcare Group plc at the beginning of the year, when the shares were 100p. Since then Animalcare has been chosen as a share tip for the year by The Yorkshire Post and The Times and was recently recommended by the Midas column of the Financial Mail on Sunday. Last month the shares reached a high of 131p.

Hemscott AIM Rankings for Financial PR

Walbrook continues to rise in the Hemscott AIM Rankings for Financial PR. Having joined the top 20 as recently as last August Walbrook has now reached 13th place.

Staff News

Bob Huxford joins the Walbrook team as an Associate and is our first new hire since starting the business in April 2009. Bob has over 13 years experience in the City and joins from technology focussed financial PR firm ICIS. Before that he was an equity research analyst at Teather & Greenwood specialising in software and IT services. Bob looks forward to broadening his experience across a wider variety of sectors covered by Walbrook. Bob can be reached on Tel: 020 7933 8783, Mob: 07747 635 908 and bob.huxford@walbrookpr.com.

Also, Louise Goodeve will be going on maternity leave in early May and we all wish her the very best over the coming months.

Walbrook PR in Top 50 movers & shakers for growth companies

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:51:03 +0000

Walbrook PR, which provides Financial PR and Investor Relations to Small Cap and AIM listed companies, announces that Paul McManus, Director and Founder of Walbrook, was recently featured in the Growth Company Investor in the Top 50 Movers & Shakers, a definitive annual list of the most important people in the growth company sector.

To read the article in full click here