Good morning!

I'm running a bit late today, so will keep updating this article until mid-afternoon.

Empresaria (LON:EMR)

Then at 4pm today, I'm recording an audiocast with the CEO/FD of small cap recruitment group, Empresaria (LON:EMR) . So if you have any questions you'd like me to ask, this is your last chance - please submit questions using this form.

It will be interesting to hear how they see Brexit affecting the UK employment market. Although EMR has a surprisingly wide geographic spread of business, with subsidiaries around the world. I am increasingly coming round to the view that it's a good thing to find investments where there's a broad geographic spread of business - it insulates against unexpected bad news in any one country or region.

Mello Beckenham

Last call for tonight's meeting in Beckenham. David's struggling a bit, so I'll be attending to help bulk up the numbers. These are such enjoyable evenings, very friendly, and everyone with an interest in shares is very welcome. Sign up link here. The Peroni is absolutely excellent too - due to short pipes, regularly cleaned, apparently.

Poundland (LON:PLND)

A recommended cash bid, of 220p + 2p final divi. The buyer being Steinhoff, who have been sniffing around several large UK retailers recently.

Well done to shareholders who held on for the bid. I sold mine too early unfortunately.

Barratt Developments (LON:BDEV)

Another large UK housebuilder reports bumper profits.

The outlook comments are more important right now.

EU Referendum comments - too early to say, but strong market fundamentals;

...Following the EU referendum, it is too early to say what the impact of the uncertainty facing the UK economy will be. The sector continues to receive focused government support, mortgage availability is good and there remains an undersupply of new homes. With a strong balance sheet and forward order book, and industry leading quality and customer service, we remain confident in the positive fundamentals of both the housing sector and our business."

Sounds alright. Although note the London comment;

...some increased uncertainty in the higher value London market...

and some further Brexit comments;

Following the EU referendum, we are mindful of the greater uncertainty now facing the UK economy. Consequently, the immediate outlook for our industry is less clear and it is too early to draw any…

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