Share Share Discussion Threads

[rainmaker] 30/11/2008 23:00

Another thing-I thought very carefully before selecting a Child Trust provider for my children for a self select CTF(I can't remember if it called a Stakeholder or non stakeholder account)and I believe a made an excellent choice in the Share Centre-very low commissions, efficient service and an easy to use Website.

regards

[rainmaker] 30/11/2008 22:48

Thanks Loverat. I suppose you could put a resting order to buy under those conditions. I just think that their order takers( note I didn't use the word Dealers) could do a lot better-just try to buy them slightly cheaper first. I don't need to be told that it's 24p to sell and 28p to buy.

Although I have first hand experience as a Customer,I have done absolutely no research on this share but would have you heed this warning to exercise caution if you are considering buying at current levels. They fairly recently floated and remain at that sort of level. Companies don't float at their liquidation value yet in the current climate,there are Stockbrokers such Blue Oar Securities that are trading at that level. Trading volumes are fairly obviously down from the September pre Banking crisis levels which is a double whammy as not only are there fewer trades, but those trades are less profitable since commissions(dealing charges)are calculated on a percentage of trade value. I would also want to see some Balance sheets, Cash Flow Statements and P&L because I made any decisions.Hope that all makes sense, anything you want me to elucidate on then let me know

regards

[loverat] 30/11/2008 22:28

Rainmaker

You are right - it provides an excellent basic service. I have to say, it is one of two companies in my lifetime I have had dealings with which have really impressed me for customer service. I am not sure how many investors have an account with them and maybe the point you made does put some people off. Mind you, I have seen so many posters moaning about their brokers (which they pay through the nose for) so maybe people should look at the site.

moob - you may be right on that score. I am still researching but I am not inclined at this stage to buy the shares. I think these are more likely to fall further in present conditions and I am not buying to invest for the long term - at least not at present. I think it is a 'wait and see' share but worthy enough for discussion.

[rainmaker] 30/11/2008 13:50

I never realised The Share Centre are listed.I have two Child Trust Fund accounts with them for my Children.There are no frills internet based, execution only accounts, although there is a phone service as well. Commissions are very low and start from as little as £3.50 a trade.

I like the layout of the internet site with the various features-Watchlists,Advice(which shows the % sector splits of your Portfolio) etc though the cash transaction and History(a weekly update of your portfolio value) columns don't go back far enough.My experience in my dealings with them for the last 3 and half years has been overwhelmingly positive. A small gripe is that they won't at least try to get a better execution ie put a buy order in when the market is 24/28 and you will get filled at 28p when 27p is perfectly achievable.I know there are execution only but they could try 27p first.

regards

[loverat] 30/11/2008 13:08

This company came on to the AIM a while back - although it's been around for some time.

Looks to have a strong balance sheet with 11M in cash. When I started investing I used their dealing services and found them to provide an excellent and efficient service.

These are on my watchlist but so far they do not seem to have attracted much attention or trading in the shares. Therefore, I thought it would be nice to create this thread to see what people think.