Gulf starts at Sheikh Adi-2 25/05/2012
Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Paul Gazzard is leaving as operations chief at marketing specialist Ila Group (ILA), which has recently won $500,000 (£312,500) of new orders. A former luminary of stockbroker Panmure Gordon, as was the AIM-quoted company's chief executive Simon McGivern, Gazzard is to remain a consultant to Jersey-based Ila, handling its relations with investors and the City.
Originally set up by ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty's Zag subsidiary, still a big shareholder, Ila, which cut its losses from £881,000 to £382,000 in the six months to December, has won $2 million of new orders so far this year, including the latest $500,000, well ahead of expectations. A big source is believed to be a major Swiss chocolate and confectionery company
Gazzard, who will also be pursuing other interests outside the company, argues advertising revenues have started to pick up in the more upmarket areas of Ila's focus, despite the economic stormclouds. He says the push now is for concerns such as Ila's blue-chip promtional manufacturer Premium Factory, bought by the company for £100 and a £400,000 loan in March, to fight for the space.
Seasoned investor Nigel Wray and Betfair co-founder Andrew Black are among backers of Ila, whose original women's security devices operation is now less than a third of the business, and abrasive retail veteran and ex-Marks & Spencer boss Sir Richard Greenbury is a non-executive director. Floated on AIM at 10p in 2006, the shares have been dismal performers and trade now at 1.13p, slightly below the 1.2p at which the company raised £1.5 million in August.
They could repay a brave medium to long-term recovery punt.
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arenaClick here
Advertisement
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena. Sign up NOW!
This unique study analyses the shareholdings of companies listed on AIM, extracting trends including rankings of the value and number of their investments.
Please click here to order your copy of the report or call 0207 250 7056.
Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.
If you're interested in business tax updates visit our specialist tax guide website.
Daily coverage of small-cap company stocks on London's junior markets AIM and PLUS, breaking news, stock research and latest share price information for investors. Full sector coverage with all the latest news on smaller listed companies, updated several times a day with financial reports, trading statements and links to further web resources.
Advertisement
Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Oil giant Shell is extending its offer period for Mozambique-focused Cove Energy (COV) after having its bid trumped by Thai government-owned PTT Exploration & Production.
Kazakhstan-focused Roxi Petroleum (RXP) has declared that its NK7 well in the Galaz aea has drilled to a depth of 1,360 metres.
Steered by sector veteran Algy Cluff, North-Sea focused cash shell Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has joined AIM.
Somalia-focused oil explorer Red Emperor Resources (RMP) has exercised its option to take part in the drilling of the Shabeel North well.
Oil concern Heritage Oil (HOIL) has reported its Miran West-3 well in Iraq could deliver 1,000 barrels per day of condensate.