The Desert Island Investor

Mark Atkinson and Paul Kerin
  • 0.0 (0)
  • INVESTING

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.

  1. JAN 29

    The 2025 James Halstead AGM. A review of the stock and my microphone moment!

    James Halstead is a UK-based manufacturer and distributor of commercial flooring products. They offer high-quality vinyl flooring solutions under their flagship brand Polyflor, plus they are the company behind 12 other well known brands in the commercial flooring market. The company was formed in 1915 and went public in 1948 where it has gained considerable kudos for having raised its investor dividend for 49 consecutive years. In this episode of the podcast Mark provides an updated review of the company and explains why he took the unusual step of commandeering the microphone at the 2025 AGM. Links: James Halstead: https://jameshalstead.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-morningLicense 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.

    33 min
  2. Secrets. Is hiding bad news from investors a cloak for insider dealing?

    JAN 19

    Secrets. Is hiding bad news from investors a cloak for insider dealing?

    Desert Island Discord is a new series of confrontational podcasts from The Desert Island Investor Mark Atkinson. In Mark's regular podcast he reviews his own stocks, but in these episodes he will be talking about some of the more negative aspects of the world of investing that really grinds his gears. In this episode 'Secrets' he exposes the reluctance of many PLCs to keep private investors promptly informed about issues that can negatively impact on their ROI. The topics discussed include the late issuance and irregular timing of RNS notices and the increased likelihood of insider dealing taking place when a privileged group of investors is closer to the business than anyone else. 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: 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.

    24 min

  3. 2025-12-22

    My festive review of Magnum (MICC) Unilever's new ice-cream spin-off

    In this episode of the podcast Mark talks about Unilever spinning off its ice-cream business into a new investment opportunity The Magnum Ice Cream Company (MICC). Mark is already a Unilever shareholder so like many others he now eagerly awaits to see how the business will perform. Paul kits out the parrots in little Salvation Army outfits for a short carol service. Merry Christmas from everyone on the island! Links: Magnum: https://www.magnumicecream.com/uk/home.html The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. If you have a question for Mark for our mini-podcast 'Question in a Bottle' please complete the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk Created by Mark Atkinson (LinkedIn) | Produced by Paul Kerin | Bottle Illustration from FreePik (CC-BY) rawpixel dot com. SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Corkscrew: YleArkisto. Cymbals and Bass Drum: colinb_1000. Tuba: sgossner. Triangle: zabuhailo. Applause: joedeshon. Parrot Jungle: soundbytez. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense 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.

    37 min
  4. Question in a Bottle. Which stocks do you class as "the dregs"?

    2025-12-12

    Question in a Bottle. Which stocks do you class as "the dregs"?

    Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, subscriber Christopher asks Mark, which stocks in your portfolio do you class as "the dregs"? If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson (LinkedIn) | Produced by Paul Kerin | Bottle Illustration from FreePik (CC-BY) rawpixel dot com. SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Corkscrew: YleArkisto. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense 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.

    8 min

  5. 2025-11-28

    My review of Smurfit Westrock and the growing consumer class

    In this episode Mark reviews his holding in Smurfit Westrock plc (ne Smurfit Kappa) a company that continues to expand their market lead in the world of corrugated, ecommerce and retail packaging. Mark runs through the figures in detail and also talks about how their success is, at least in part, attributable to a growing international consumer class which is reshaping the global economy. Links: Smurfit Westrock: https://www.smurfitwestrock.com/ The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. If you have a question for Mark for our mini-podcast 'Question in a Bottle' please complete the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk Created by Mark Atkinson (LinkedIn) | Produced by Paul Kerin | Bottle Illustration from FreePik (CC-BY) rawpixel dot com. SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Corkscrew: YleArkisto. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense 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.

    26 min

  6. 2025-10-29

    My stock review of toy masters the Character Group plc

    In this episode of the podcast Mark will be discussing his investment in the Character Group plc, a company engaged in the both the design and worldwide distribution of toys, games and giftware. The business was founded in 1991 and has become a leading purveyor of famous toys such as Pepper Pig, Power Rangers, the Teletubbies, plus dozens more that Mark and I have never heard of. Links: The Character Group (corporate): https://www.thecharacter.com/ The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. If you have a question for Mark for our mini-podcast 'Question in a Bottle' please complete the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk Created by Mark Atkinson (LinkedIn) | Produced by Paul Kerin | Bottle Illustration from FreePik (CC-BY) rawpixel dot com. SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Corkscrew: YleArkisto. Seagulls: justkiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense 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.

    19 min
  7. Question in a Bottle. What do you think about buybacks?

    2025-10-16

    Question in a Bottle. What do you think about buybacks?

    Question in a Bottle is a series of short discussions where private investor Mark Atkinson answers questions sent in by listeners of his podcast The Desert Island Investor. In this episode, subscriber Joseph Harbin asks Mark, what do you think about buybacks?. If you would like to hear Mark's opinion on an investing-related topic, pop your question into a bottle using the email form on https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk Question in a Bottle and The Desert Island Investor podcast are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson (LinkedIn) | Produced by Paul Kerin | Bottle Illustration from FreePik (CC-BY) rawpixel dot com. SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Corkscrew: YleArkisto. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense 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.

    8 min

  8. 2025-10-01

    My review of Intertek plus a London Investor Show ticket offer

    The Intertek Group is an FTSE 100 company that provides quality assurance solutions across a wide range of industries. They’re in the business of testing, inspecting and certifying the standards that apply to everything from food production and car engine emissions, to the quality of crude oil and the safety of toys and pharmaceutical products. Mark has recently invested and in this episode he reviews the company behind the stock. We are also giving away a limited number of complimentary tickets to the London Investor Show in October 2025. Links: Intertek: https://www.intertek.com/ The Desert Island Investor podcast is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. If you have a question for Mark for our mini-podcast 'Question in a Bottle' please complete the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk Created by Mark Atkinson (LinkedIn) | Produced by Paul Kerin | Bottle Illustration from FreePik (CC-BY) rawpixel dot com. SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Corkscrew: YleArkisto. Seagulls: justkiddink. Big structure collision: Osvoldon. Waves and wind: soundmary. Pigeons taking off: Nakhas. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense 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.

    23 min
See All (63)

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Atkinson and Paul Kerin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mark Atkinson and Paul Kerin
  • Show Website
    The Desert Island Investor

You Might Also Like