DirectorsTalk Interviews

Category: Interviews

Watch the latest PLC CEO interviews. CEO’s from UK listed PLC’s, Analysts and Fund Managers answer questions about their business.

  • Roquefort Therapeutics secures exclusivity with Coiled Therapeutics RTO, eyeing AIM relist and NASDAQ (Video)

    Roquefort Therapeutics secures exclusivity with Coiled Therapeutics RTO, eyeing AIM relist and NASDAQ (Video)

    Roquefort Therapeutics (LON:ROQ) has signed binding heads of terms for a reverse takeover of Coiled Therapeutics, securing exclusivity until January 2026 with a US$1m termination fee.

    Executive Chairman Stephen West explains how AO-252, Coiled’s first-in-class oncology asset, could reshape Roquefort’s pipeline, transform shareholder value, and set the stage for an AIM relist with an eye on NASDAQ.

    Roquefort Therapeutics is a UK-based biotechnology company advancing next-generation cancer therapies. Through its latest transaction with Coiled Therapeutics, it is transitioning from pre-clinical research to a clinical-stage oncology player with ambitions to expand into global markets.

  • ICFG Ltd: Interim CEO Enkhmaral Batkhuyag Charts Bold Expansion with AI-Driven Finance and Insurtech Moves (Video)

    ICFG Ltd: Interim CEO Enkhmaral Batkhuyag Charts Bold Expansion with AI-Driven Finance and Insurtech Moves (Video)

    ICFG Ltd’s (LON:ICFG) interim CEO, Enkhmaral Batkhuyag, shares how the company is leveraging advanced technology to transform microfinance in Central Asia, scale into new markets, and break ground with digital insurance. From its London listing to strategic partnerships with global institutions and Mobicom, ICFG is positioning itself at the forefront of financial inclusion and fintech innovation.

    ICFG Ltd operates across four main pillars: Invescor NBFI (microfinance), Invescor Capital (investment banking and underwriting), Invescor Property (property development and management), and AI Lab (IT and AI solutions). Founded in Mongolia, ICFG now has a growing presence across Central Asia and is preparing to expand into Southeast Asia with AI-powered financial services.

  • Likewise Group: Scaling Fast with Sales Growth, Dividends and Distribution Muscle (Video)

    Likewise Group: Scaling Fast with Sales Growth, Dividends and Distribution Muscle (Video)

    Likewise Group (LON:LIKE) is on the move, literally. In this results update, CEO Tony Brewer outlines how the flooring distributor is pushing beyond its £160m run rate, growing like-for-like sales by over 10%, and doubling its dividend since 2021. With a ramp-up in cutting capacity, a sharp expansion in sales headcount, and another distribution hub on the way, the company is gearing up to break the £200m barrier. It’s a strong operational update with clear markers for investors to watch.

    About Likewise Group:

    Likewise is a UK-based flooring distributor serving independent retailers and contractors. It operates 12 logistics centres, runs over 150 delivery vehicles, and offers next-day delivery across the UK.

  • Cerillion Plc Gartner Magic Quadrant Recognition and the AI Edge Telcos Cannot Ignore

    Cerillion Plc Gartner Magic Quadrant Recognition and the AI Edge Telcos Cannot Ignore

    Cerillion Plc’s Marketing Director, Dominic Smith, shares what it means for the company to be featured in not just one, but two freshly published Gartner reports. In this sharp interview with Giles, Smith lays out how Cerillion’s AI-powered BSS/OSS solutions are giving telcos a critical edge. From zero-integration AI capabilities to flexible LLM choices and a clear product-first approach, Cerillion is moving fast—and expects its customers to do the same.

    Cerillion Plc provides billing, charging, and customer relationship management software solutions for communications services providers (CSPs).

  • Cora Gold Updated DFS at Sanankoro Shows 65% IRR and Rapid Payback (Video)

    Cora Gold Updated DFS at Sanankoro Shows 65% IRR and Rapid Payback (Video)

    Cora Gold (LON:CORA) Sanankoro gold project in Mali has taken a major step forward, with CEO Bert Monro unveiling an updated definitive feasibility study that strengthens the case for development. The new study reveals a 26% reserve increase, a rapid 1.1-year payback, and a hybrid solar power plan set to cut costs and save 40 million litres of diesel over the mine’s life. Investors will want to hear how these changes reshape Cora’s growth story and near-term milestones.

    About Cora Gold

    Cora Gold Ltd is an AIM-listed West African gold company focused on bringing its flagship Sanankoro project in southern Mali into production, alongside exploration interests in Senegal.

  • Great Western Mining Copper, Gold and Tungsten Assets Aligned with America’s Strategic Priorities (Video)

    Great Western Mining Copper, Gold and Tungsten Assets Aligned with America’s Strategic Priorities (Video)

    With drilling about to commence at the West Huntoon porphyry prospect and Rhyolite Dome finally getting its long-awaited turn, Executive Chairman Brian Hall outlines how Great Western Mining (LON:GWMO) is advancing key metals at precisely the right time. From potential proximity to a new US strategic copper reserve to reactivating WWII-era tungsten mines, this interview hits all the high points for investors eyeing critical mineral exposure in the US.

    Great Western Mining Corporation is a precious metals and critical minerals exploration company with multiple prospects in the Walker Lane Belt, Nevada, USA. The company is actively developing copper, gold, and tungsten targets across its extensive claim areas.

  • XP Factory EBITDA Soars 30% as Escape Hunt and Boom Power Towards £100m Sales Goal (Video)

    XP Factory (LON:XPF) latest results are out — with £58 million in revenue, a 30% surge in EBITDA, and clear visibility on a £100 million run-rate sales target. CEO Richard Harpham outlines the operational strength behind the numbers, from site expansion to like-for-like volume gains across both Escape Hunt and Boom Battle Bar. In this results-driven conversation, Harpham unpacks how the experiential leisure group is combining smart capital investment with best-in-class customer reviews to deliver standout returns.

    XP Factory plc operates two of the UK’s fastest-growing experiential leisure brands: Escape Hunt, the escape room pioneer, and Boom Battle Bar, the competitive socialising concept blending games, drinks and high-energy nights out.

  • Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC: Betting on Deposits and Specialist Lending for Profitable Growth (Video)

    Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC: Betting on Deposits and Specialist Lending for Profitable Growth (Video)

    Arbuthnot Banking Group’s (LON:ARBB) first-half 2025 results may show a sharp drop in profits, but the real story is in where the bank is choosing to grow. In this interview, Hardman & Co Analyst Mark Thomas breaks down how the group is scaling its high-return lending arms, expanding profitable deposit streams, and prioritising capital-efficient areas like wealth management. While profits halved, much of the drop was anticipated and management’s strategic pivot appears to be gaining traction.

    About Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC

    A UK-based banking group providing private and commercial banking, asset finance, and wealth management through its subsidiaries. Known for its conservative approach and targeted growth strategy in specialist lending and deposit-led businesses.

  • Ilika plc Stereax Micro Batteries Enter Production with Customer Deliveries on the Horizon (Video)

    Ilika plc Stereax Micro Batteries Enter Production with Customer Deliveries on the Horizon (Video)

    Ilika and Cirtec Medical Achieve Manufacturing Milestone for Revolutionary Medical-Grade Micro-Batteries

    https://vimeo.com/1110534556

    ·    Manufacturing process qualification completed for Ilika’s Stereax micro-batteries at Cirtec Medical’s US facility 

    ·    Production commenced for product testing and initial customer deliveries

    ·    Partnership advances miniaturisation capabilities for implantable medical devices

    Ilika plc (LON:IKA), a global pioneer in solid-state battery technology, has today announced a significant manufacturing milestone with strategic partner Cirtec Medical Corp. The companies have successfully completed process qualification for the Stereax M300 micro-battery production line at Cirtec Medical’s facility in Lowell, Massachusetts.

    This achievement follows January 2025’s successful equipment commissioning and represents the final technical validation before commencement of production. The qualified manufacturing line includes sophisticated layer deposition, alignment, and patterning systems essential for producing medical-grade micro-batteries.

    The milestone activates a ten-year manufacturing agreement signed in August 2023, under which Cirtec Medical will produce Ilika’s Stereax battery portfolio. This collaboration combines Ilika’s advanced battery technology with Cirtec Medical’s established medical device manufacturing expertise to address growing demand for miniaturised medical implants.

    Initial deliveries of Stereax M300 batteries to lead customers are targeted to commence in 2025.

    Graeme Purdy, Ilika Chief Executive Officer, said: “This manufacturing milestone demonstrates the successful technology transfer of our proprietary Stereax platform to commercial production scale. The strong customer interest we’re seeing validates the market need for miniaturised solid-state batteries in medical devices. With the combination of Ilika’s expertise and Cirtec Medical’s world-class manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned to meet growing customer demand in 2025 and beyond.”

    Ed Philbin, Cirtec Medical Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “The successful qualification of Stereax battery production strengthens our position as a leading manufacturer of next-generation medical devices. By incorporating Ilika’s innovative micro-battery technology into our vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities, we can offer our customers unprecedented opportunities for device miniaturisation and enhanced performance in implantable medical applications.”

  • EDX Medical Group targets NHS pneumonia cases with breakthrough rapid test partnership (Video)

    EDX Medical Group targets NHS pneumonia cases with breakthrough rapid test partnership (Video)

    EDX Medical Group Plc (AQSE:EDX) has teamed up with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the UK Health Security Agency to create a rapid hospital-acquired pneumonia test set to transform diagnosis and treatment across the NHS. Sir Chris Evans reveals how this high-profile collaboration could save thousands of lives, free up vital hospital beds, and open the door to a new era of precision medicine.

    EDX Medical Group Plc develops advanced digital diagnostic products and services that enable personalised treatments for cancer, heart disease, and infectious diseases.

  • TEAM plc Mark Clubb Executive Chairman Sets Sights on £2 billion as UCITS Launch Fuels Global Growth

    TEAM plc Mark Clubb Executive Chairman Sets Sights on £2 billion as UCITS Launch Fuels Global Growth

    TEAM plc (LON:TEAM), the wealth, asset management and complementary financial services group, has announced that Executive Chairman, Mark Clubb, has provided an interview with DirectorsTalk, discussing the launch of the UCITS fund and covering the recent HY25 Interim Results and prospects for the business. The interview can be viewed here:

    TEAM plc (LON:TEAM) is building a new wealth, asset management and complementary financial services group. With a focus on the UK, Crown Dependencies and International Finance Centres, the strategy is to build local businesses of scale around TEAM’s core skill of providing investment management services. Growth will be achieved via targeted and opportunistic acquisitions, through team and individual hires, through collaboration with suitable partners, and organic growth and expansion.

  • Verge Technologies CEO Jimmy Jobe Reveals How One Platform Replaces Cloud Integrators and Consultants (Video)

    Verge Technologies CEO Jimmy Jobe Reveals How One Platform Replaces Cloud Integrators and Consultants (Video)

    When it comes to managing databases across multiple clouds, Verge Technologies has built something that the big players refuse to. In this compelling interview, President and CEO Jimmy Jobe explains how Verge is the first to offer true cloud convergence, managing many clouds as one. He shares how their AI-driven platform SentientDB delivers zero downtime, federated control, and cost savings, all while sidestepping the structural traps that keep cloud users locked in. If you’re thinking about the next five years of IT, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.

    About the company: Verge Technologies is a platform-as-a-service provider specialising in zero-downtime database management across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Their flagship product, SentientDB, enables enterprises to orchestrate, optimise and automate database operations across distributed infrastructures.

  • ICG Enterprise Trust: Inside the Numbers Driving Outperformance in Private Equity (Video)

    ICG Enterprise Trust: Inside the Numbers Driving Outperformance in Private Equity (Video)

    ICG Enterprise Trust (LON:ICGT) latest investor seminar wasn’t just another update, it was a quiet revelation. Mark Thomas from Hardman & Co breaks down the new hard data behind ICGT’s long-term share outperformance, including benchmark-beating IRRs, mid-teens EBITDA growth and its uniquely structured, cash-generative portfolio. With private equity sentiment shifting and ICGT’s discount still wider than historic norms, Thomas makes a compelling case for why this trust might be overlooked at investors’ cost.

    ICG Enterprise Trust is a listed private equity investor focused on long-term growth by backing profitable private companies in Europe and the US.

  • Firering Strategic Minerals Secures New Funding to Supercharge LimeCo Production Push (Video)

    Firering Strategic Minerals Secures New Funding to Supercharge LimeCo Production Push (Video)

    Firering Strategic Minerals (LON:FRG) has secured just over £1 million in new funding to accelerate progress at its LimeCo quicklime project, and the move signals far more than just capital injection. In this conversation, Independent Non-Executive Director Vassilios Carellas breaks down the decision to raise equity now, the operational breakthroughs at Kiln 1, and how upcoming upgrades to Kilns 2, 3, and 4 aim to cement the company’s critical role in quicklime production. Shareholders and prospective investors alike will want to hear why directors are personally backing this next phase.

    Firering Strategic Minerals plc is a critical minerals explorer and emerging quicklime producer focused on developing sustainable supply chains for essential industrial inputs.

  • Thor Energy Strategic Uranium Divestment Fuels Hydrogen Focus (Video)

    Thor Energy Strategic Uranium Divestment Fuels Hydrogen Focus (Video)

    Thor Energy Plc (LON:THR) is sharpening its focus on the future of clean energy, revealing a major divestment in its U.S. uranium assets to fuel its natural hydrogen and helium ambitions. In a recent interview, CEO Andrew Hume walks us through a significant new agreement with Metals One, a deal that brings in capital and specialist partners while allowing Thor to retain upside exposure. Watch to learn about the promising next steps in Thor’s high-priority hydrogen project in South Australia, including fresh geochemical results and preparation for 2026 drilling.

    Thor Energy is dual-listed in the UK and Australia, advancing a diverse portfolio with a growing emphasis on natural hydrogen and helium exploration alongside metals in the USA and Australia.

  • Valeura Energy Unmatched Cash Flow, Growth, and Acquisition Edge Revealed (Video)

    Valeura Energy Unmatched Cash Flow, Growth, and Acquisition Edge Revealed (Video)

    Valeura Energy Inc (TSX:VLE) is redefining the oil and gas sector with surging cash generation, untapped reserve upside, and best-in-class acquisitions. In this interview, Stephane Foucaud, co-founder and Head of Research at Auctus Advisors, shares why Valeura stands out in Southeast Asia, detailing stability, balance sheet strength, and management execution that are setting new standards for value and growth.

    Time (MM:SS)Key Discussion Point
    00:36Three pillars of Valeura’s investment case: cash generation, reserve growth, asset consolidation
    01:10Net cash value representing 45% of market cap; stable production outlook
    01:49Dynamics of reserve growth in Thailand, impact on asset life and NPV
    03:37Management’s ability in accretive M&A—acquisition at highly favourable terms
    04:42Valeura’s key differentiators: execution, shareholder alignment, cash position, low-cost region
    06:57Valeura’s rinse-and-repeat value creation business model
    07:57Outlook: further cash growth, potential for more reserve boosts and acquisitions

    Valeura Energy Inc. is an upstream oil and gas company with assets in the offshore Gulf of Thailand and the Thrace Basin of Turkey. The firm is known for its strong cash generation, consistent reserve growth through drilling, and strategically smart acquisitions that have dramatically increased both production and reserves.

  • Ilika plc: Goliath Milestones and Medtech Momentum Fuel Investor Optimism (Video)

    Ilika plc: Goliath Milestones and Medtech Momentum Fuel Investor Optimism (Video)

    Ilika plc (LON:IKA) latest results reveal a company on the edge of commercial inflection, with solid-state battery platforms making tangible progress. In this interview, Baden Hill’s Clean-Tech Equity Specialist Dr Tom McColm outlines why investors should pay attention to 2025 as the year Ilika shifts gears, with A-sample deliveries for EV giants, medtech batches ramping up, and funding secured. It’s a deep look into how Ilika’s dual-platform strategy is now poised to convert breakthrough R&D into real-world traction.

    Ilika plc is a UK-based pioneer in solid-state battery technology, targeting applications across EVs, industrial IoT, medical devices, and consumer electronics.

  • Ilika Plc Goliath Milestones and First Revenues with CEO Graeme Purdy (Video)

    Ilika Plc Goliath Milestones and First Revenues with CEO Graeme Purdy (Video)

    Ilika Plc (LON:IKA) CEO Graeme Purdy reveals how the company’s Goliath solid-state batteries, designed for electric vehicles, are now validated by OEM partners and on the cusp of generating commercial revenue. In this results interview, Purdy discusses the company’s growing strategic alignment with Cirtec Medical for Stereax, a fresh wave of UK government funding through Drive35, and how Ilika’s momentum is building across its twin-track battery roadmap.

    Ilika Plc is a UK-based pioneer in solid-state battery technology, developing next-generation solutions for industrial IoT, MedTech, electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics.

  • Meren Energy Nigerian Deepwater Assets Fuel 12% Dividend and Growth Pipeline (Video)

    Meren Energy Nigerian Deepwater Assets Fuel 12% Dividend and Growth Pipeline (Video)

    Meren Energy (TSE:MER) bold rebrand from Africa Oil marks more than just a name change — it signals a strategic evolution powered by full ownership of Nigeria’s deepwater reserves. In this conversation, Shahin Amini explains how the Prime Oil & Gas acquisition has doubled production, tripled dividends, and sharpened Meren’s focus on shareholder returns. With assets operated by supermajors and exposure to the Orange Basin’s Venus project, Meren is positioning itself as a cash-generating growth story that doesn’t sacrifice discipline.

    Meren Energy is a dual-listed Canadian exploration and production company focused on African offshore oil and gas, with operations primarily in Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.

  • James Cropper plc Strategy Reset Targets Growth (Video)

    James Cropper plc Strategy Reset Targets Growth (Video)

    James Cropper plc (LON:CRPR) is entering a new chapter. In this interview, CEO David Stirling outlines a three-pillar strategy focused on reigniting growth in advanced materials, cutting losses in the paper division, and strengthening the balance sheet. CFO Andy Goody walks through the stabilised financials, highlighting improved EBITDA, disciplined cash management and a healthier debt profile. With a steady hand at the wheel and targeted investment in high-growth sectors like hydrogen electrolysis and aviation, the company is now focused on execution and results.

    James Cropper plc is an advanced materials and paper group, operating through two key divisions: high-performance nonwoven fibres for energy and aerospace, and technical and luxury paper products.