The Desert Island Investor

Hosted by Mark Atkinson and Paul Kerin

Business Investing

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Jul 2026

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About the show

The Desert Island Investor podcast is a series of podcasts that document the experiences and strategies of private investor Mark Atkinson. Mark's long-term investments have enabled him to become financially independent and to retire at the comparatively early age of 53. The stocks that Mark reviews on this channel are from his real portfolio and not a 'virtual' portfolio, so these are genuine win-some, lose-some stories. We hope that you'll also enjoy our regular feature 'Question in a Bottle' where Mark answers listeners' questions about investing.

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60 recent

August 18, 20267 min

The AIM Tax Bomb?

Market Tides and Trade Winds is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson takes a direct look at recent news headlines shaping the world of investing. The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morning License code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

July 29, 2026Episode 491 hr 1 min

From Orangutans to boycotts. I talk Palm Oil with RSPO CEO Joseph D'Cruz

Mark is an investor in sustainable palm oil producer M.P. Evans. M.P. Evans is allowed to use the term 'sustainable palm oil' because it adheres to strict rules and regulations set out by the industry’s leading certifier of ethical producers The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The CEO of the RSPO Joseph D'Cruz recently washed up on our beach and Mark took the opportunity to interview him about the challenges of increasing the number of certified palm oil producers and how he is tackling misinformation about the industry in general. Links: RSPO: https://www.rspo.org Related podcasts: M.P. Evans and Palm Oil - Part 1 M.P. Evans and Palm Oil - Part 2 (my plantation visit) My interview with Peter Hadsley Chaplin the M.P. Evans non-executive chair The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morning License code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

July 15, 202628 min

Desert Island Discord. DEI

Many PLCs are vocal about their achievements in employing a diverse workforce, but they are often less vocal when it comes to providing evidence of how (or if) it has actually improved anything. In this episode of the podcast Mark takes issue with DEI policies, the cost of maintaining them and how they can turn into a preoccupation that overpowers the core objectives of a business. Desert Island Discord is a series of podcasts where private investor Mark Atkinson talks about the aspects of investing that really grinds his gears. If your own investment journey has been tainted by some poor practice that you think Mark should drag through the mud in a future episode, use the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk to recommend a topic. Desert Island Discord and The Desert Island Investor are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY). Sword Fight SFX: FunWithSound. Desert Island Discord intro music by Paul Kerin and The Parrots of the Caribbean. (c) 2026 Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

June 27, 2026Episode 4830 min

Diageo plc (DGE). A review of my new holding in the drink masters

In this episode of the podcast Mark talks about his new investment in Diageo plc, one of the largest alcoholic beverage companies in the world. The company sells into more than 180 countries and owns over 200 premium brands such as Johnny Walker, Smirnoff, Baileys and Guinness. Mark reveals the results of his recent trip to Ireland on a Guinness 'fact finding tour' and not to be beaten Paul undertakes his own research by bringing a few of the parrots to a bar on the mainland. Links Diageo: https://www.diageo.com/en The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Pool bar ambiance: pogotron. Toilet flush: InspectorJ. Door closing: wjtaylor. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morning License code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

June 3, 2026Episode 4732 min

Nichols PLC (NICL). My visit to their 2026 AGM

Nichols plc (ticker symbol NICL) is the business behind a number of popular beverage creations most notably the classic soft drink brand Vimto. Mark took a position in the company a few years ago and he recently attended their 2026 AGM to see how things are going. Now Vimto is mixed with water and Mark is currently underwater with his investment, but despite that sarcastic comment from me, he remains confident that the business has a promising future. Links Nichols PLC: https://www.nicholsplc.co.uk The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morning License code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

May 13, 202652 min

Charities. Should PLCs be giving away investors money?

In this episode of the podcast Mark bemoans the practice of corporate charity donations and how giving his money away affects the value of his investments. Paul proposes an independently assessed 'Charity Hygiene' rating to help members of the public see at a glance if a charity has a good or poor record of utilising donations appropriately. Desert Island Discord is a series of podcasts where private investor Mark Atkinson talks about the aspects of investing that really grinds his gears. If your own investment journey has been tainted by some poor practice that you think Mark should drag through the mud in a future episode, use the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk to recommend a topic. Desert Island Discord and The Desert Island Investor are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY). Sword Fight SFX: FunWithSound. Desert Island Discord intro music by Paul Kerin and The Parrots of the Caribbean. (c) 2026 Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

April 27, 2026Episode 461 hr 24 min

I talk emigration, money and tax with financial adviser Niall Allardice

If Britain's current economic climate is making you think seriously about moving abroad, you'll be interested in hearing the wisdom of today's guest castaway, Niall Allardice. Niall is a professional financial adviser who works for financial management firm Blevins Franks. He specialises in helping pioneers from the UK get their banking, investments and tax obligations in order as they transition to a new life overseas. Links Blevins Franks: https://www.blevinsfranks.com niall.allardice@blevinsfranks.com The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Parrot jungle: soundbytez. Jet aircraft passing overhead: reinsamba. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morning License code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

March 29, 2026Episode 4541 min

Titon Holdings (TON). My review of the 2026 AGM

In previous episodes of the podcast about Titon Holdings PLC we've focused on Mark's concerns about the way that the board was dealing with some of the causes of the company's decline. However, after attending this year's AGM Mark has not only returned with a souvenir coffee mug, but he is also in a far happier mood. To find out what action the company has taken to cause his renewed optimism, assuming it's not just getting a free mug, listen to this, episode 45 of the Desert Island Investor. Links: Titon: https://www.titon.com The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morning License code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

March 8, 202632 min

Boycotts. How cherry-picking is stifling investment in good products

Desert Island Discord is a series of podcasts where private investor Mark Atkinson talks about the aspects of investing that really grinds his gears. In this episode he discusses the problems caused for businesses when consumers cherry-pick things to boycott based on out-of-date information and moral flexibility. If your own investment journey has been tainted by some poor practice that you think Mark should drag through the mud in a future episode, use the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk to recommend a topic. Desert Island Discord and The Desert Island Investor are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY). Sword Fight SFX: FunWithSound. Desert Island Discord intro music by Paul Kerin and The Parrots of the Caribbean. (c) 2026 Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

February 27, 2026Episode 4429 min

Fundsmith. My review of the 2026 ASM fresh from the event

Fundsmith, under the guidance of portfolio manager Terry Smith, invest in equities on a global basis. Mark has been invested in Fundsmith for many years and regularly attends their annual shareholder meetings. In this episode he reports back from the 2026 event in London. Links: Fundsmith: https://www.fundsmith.co.uk The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com . You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morning License code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.