Laurence joined Dowgate Wealth in September 2022 as an Investment Director to launch a specialist investment company; Onward Opportunities Limited. (ONWD LN). Laurence started his career at Gresham House in 2015, around the time of its inception, and worked on a number of outperforming equity products as part of a small team during that time. At the time of his departure from Gresham House, he had co-managed or deputised on a number of equity funds; namely Gresham House Strategic plc (now called Rockwood Strategic plc), Strategic Public Equity Fund LP and Gresham House Smaller Companies Fund. He was awarded both AAA and AA-ratings by Citywire during this time and two of these co-managed funds achieved FE ‘5-crown’ ratings. During his tenure, the company grew from a handful of employees and less than £50m assets to over 200 employees and in excess of £7.0bn of assets.

Cohort plc (www.cohortplc.com) is the parent company of seven innovative, agile and responsive businesses based in the UK, Australia, Germany and Portugal, providing a wide range of services and products for domestic and export customers in defence and related markets.

Cohort (AIM: CHRT) was admitted to London's Alternative Investment Market in March 2006. It has headquarters in Reading, Berkshire and employs in total over 1,500 core staff there and at its other operating company sites across the UK, Australia, Germany, and Portugal.

The Group is split into two divisions - Communications and Intelligence, and Sensors and Effectors:

Communications and Intelligence

• EID designs and manufactures advanced communications systems for naval and military customers. Cohort acquired a majority stake in June 2016.  www.eid.pt

• EM Solutions designs, assembles, tests, and supports advanced mobile satellite communications terminals for naval and other customers. It also provides advanced radio frequency devices and subsystems for defence and commercial markets. Acquired by Cohort in January 2025. www.emsolutions.com.au

• MASS is a specialist data technology company serving the defence and security markets, focused on electronic warfare, digital services, and training support.  Acquired by Cohort in August 2006. www.mass.co.uk

• MCL designs, sources, and supports advanced electronic and surveillance technology for UK end users including the MOD and other government agencies. MCL has been part of the Group since July 2014. www.marlboroughcomms.com

Sensors and Effectors

• Chess Dynamics offers multi-sensor surveillance, tracking and fire-control systems for defence customers. Chess has been part of the Group since December 2018. www.chess-dynamics.com

• ELAC SONAR supplies advanced sonar systems and underwater communications to global customers in the naval marketplace.  Acquired by Cohort in December 2020.  www.elac-sonar.de 

• SEA designs, delivers and supports technology-based products for naval surface ships and submarines. Acquired by Cohort in October 2007. https://www.sea.co.uk/

Andrew Thomis, Chief Executive

Andrew was appointed as Chief Executive of Cohort plc in May 2009.

Andrew graduated with an MEng degree from Imperial College London in 1987. He spent nine years in science, technology and policy roles in the UK Ministry of Defence. After a period working with public and private sector clients at Capita plc’s management consultancy arm, he joined Alvis plc in a role covering strategy, M&A and business development.

Following the acquisition of Alvis by BAE Systems in 2004, Andrew worked with Nick Prest and Stanley Carter on the creation of Cohort plc, acting as Finance Director during the flotation and subsequently Corporate Development Director. From 2007 to 2009 he was Managing Director of Cohort’s subsidiary MASS. He was appointed as Chief Executive of Cohort plc in May 2009.

Andrew is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

The Property Franchise Group PLC (AIM: TPFG) is the UK's largest multi-brand property franchisor, with a network of over 1,946 lettings and estate agency businesses including 65 across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia delivering high quality services to residential clients, combined with an established Financial Services business.

The Company was founded in 1986 and has since strategically grown to a diverse portfolio of 17 brands operating throughout the UK and overseas, comprising longstanding high-street focused brands and two hybrid brands. The Property Franchise Group also includes one of the UK's leading networks for mortgage intermediaries, Mortgage Advice Bureau. The Property Franchise Group's brands are Belvoir, CJ Hole, Country Properties, Ellis & Co, EweMove, Fine & Country, Hunters, Lovelle, Martin & Co, Mr and Mrs Clarke, Mullucks, Newton Fallowell, Nicholas Humphreys, Northwood, Parkers, The Guild of Property Professionals and Whitegates.

Gareth Samples, CEO

With over 38 years’ industry experience, Gareth brings a wealth of Estate Agency, Lettings, Financial Services and digital marketing knowledge to The Property Franchise Group (TPFG).

During his 21 year career at LSL, Gareth was appointed Managing Director of the Your Move brand, which was the largest single brand estate agency in the UK at the time. In this role he was responsible for Your Move’s franchise operation as well as having overall control of Financial Services and Lettings and the strategy of the brand.  Following his successful career at LSL, Gareth became Managing Director of Briefyourmarket.com where he gained significant digital marketing experience and knowledge, along with a number of Non-Exec roles within the industry as well as starting a successful restaurant chain.

Gareth joined TPFG in February 2020 and became CEO on 30 April 2020.  As CEO of TPFG, Gareth has overseen significant growth of the business acquiring Hunters Estate Agency in 2021, and more recently Belvoir Group followed by The Guild and Fine & Country in the first 6 months of 2024.  The combined group now operates 18 recognised brands across 1900+ locations including 65 international locations making it the largest estate and lettings agent in the UK.

Ben Dodds, CFO

Ben joined The Property Franchise Group in October 2024 and became Chief Financial Officer in January 2025. Ben was previously Chief Financial Officer at Lotus Cars and was integral to the flotation of the Lotus Technology business on NASDAQ at a value of $5.4 billion. At Lotus he was also heavily involved in developing the growth plan under the current owners and returning the business to profitability in 2023. Prior to Lotus, Ben was Director of Strategy and Commercial Finance at Sunseeker International where he oversaw the restructuring and return to profitability. He is a Chartered Accountant, having qualified with PwC.

BASH is an acronym for Buy, Avoid, Sell and Hold a share in a company to be discussed during each panel.

Mark Simpson

Mark Simpson is a Value investor, writer and presenter. He focuses on finding sources of edge in the market and developing practical ways to overcome behavioural biases. His book Excellent Investing describes this approach and how investors of all types can generate higher and more consistent returns by developing a strategy that plays to their strengths and overcomes their weaknesses

Jamie Ward

Jamie is a highly-regarded equity analyst and fund manager. He began his career in investment management running the research process for equities for private clients and IHT portfolios. He moved over to portfolio management in 2013 and has managed hedge funds and long-only equity funds, including a seven-year stint as the manager of the then-highly-rated Oriel UK Fund. He then moved over to management when he became head of investments at a major investment platform. He now writes for publications and consults on equity investment throughout the UK.