Share your opinion and earn yourself a free Motley Fool premium report!

We are looking for Fools to join a 75 minute online independent market research forum on 15th / 16th December.

To find out more and express your interest please click here

5 UK shares I’d buy for my portfolio today

Rupert Hargreaves takes a look at five UK shares he believes have the potential for substantial growth over the next decade

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Close-up of British bank notes

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Recently, I have been on the lookout for UK shares to buy for my portfolio that look cheap compared to their growth potential.

I think there are a number of opportunities in the FTSE All Share index that I would like to buy right now.

I think all of these businesses offer the perfect combination of growth and a strong competitive advantage that will help them maintain their growth trajectory over the long term.

UK shares for growth 

The first company on my list is the online review site Trustpilot. As the world becomes more digitised, consumers are increasingly relying on third parties to review online services.

Trustpilot is one of the most respected names in the space, which should help the company’s growth over the next couple of years.

Watches of Switzerland is another group I would buy for my portfolio of UK shares. This business has a strong competitive advantage in its brand and global footprint.

It is the UK’s largest retailer of luxury watches and is investing heavily to expand its footprint globally.

As the demand for luxury goods around the world grows, I think the company will continue to register strong growth. I would also add Burberry to my portfolio with UK shares for the same reasons.

This luxury fashion house has an international footprint and valuable brand. On top of these qualities, the corporation has a strong balance sheet and substantial profit margins. These will provide the resources required for the group to continue its global expansion.

Reopening trade 

As the world reopens, I would also buy holiday group On the Beach and airline Wizz Air for my portfolio. Both of these companies have strong competitive advantages.

On the Beach has been able to improve its reputation with consumers over the past year by quickly refunding any holidaymakers who were left out of pocket by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Wizz has pushed down the cost of flying for consumers across Europe.

As long as these two businesses continue to invest in their offer, these competitive advantages should endure. And as consumers return to beaches, it looks as if both firms are set for an earnings recovery this year. 

Risks ahead

While I would buy all of the companies outlined above for my portfolio of UK shares, I will be keeping a close eye on the risks and challenges that could hit their business models over the next few years.

These include competitive factors and rising costs, which could have an impact on profit margins.

If these businesses do not invest enough in maintaining their competitive advantages, other companies may grab market share. This could have a significant impact on the growth.

Even after taking these risks into account, I would buy all five of these companies for my portfolio, considering their great potential over the next decade.

Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Burberry and On The Beach. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Just released: our top 3 small-cap stocks to consider buying in December [PREMIUM PICKS]

Small-cap shares tend to be more volatile than larger companies, so we suggest investors should look to build up a…

Read more »

This way, That way, The other way - pointing in different directions
Investing Articles

Is the unloved Aston Martin share price about to do a Rolls-Royce?

The Aston Martin share price has inflicted a world of pain on Harvey Jones, but he isn't giving up hope…

Read more »

Surprised Black girl holding teddy bear toy on Christmas
Investing Articles

How much do you need in a Stocks and Shares ISA to raise 1.7 children?

After discovering the cost of raising a child, James Beard explains why he thinks a Stocks and Shares ISA is…

Read more »

smiling couple holding champagne glasses and looking at camera at home with christmas tree
Investing Articles

A Santa rally could take the FTSE 100 to 10,000 and beyond!

If the FTSE 100 enjoys yet another big Santa rally then the long-awaited and tantalisingly close 10,000 mark could be…

Read more »

UK coloured flags waving above large crowd on a stadium sport match.
Investing Articles

2 investment trusts from the FTSE 250 worth digging into for passive income

Plenty of FTSE 250 investment trusts offer dividend growth potential over the long run. So why does this writer like…

Read more »

Warhammer World gathering
Investing Articles

The Games Workshop share price is up 38% in a year. Is there any value left?

The Games Workshop share price has risen by more than a third in a year. Our writer considers what might…

Read more »

Young female business analyst looking at a graph chart while working from home
Investing Articles

This AI growth stock could rise 60%-70%, according to Wall Street analysts

This growth stock has lagged the market in 2025. However, Wall Street analysts expect it to play catch up next…

Read more »

Surprised Black girl holding teddy bear toy on Christmas
Investing Articles

Prediction: here’s where the red-hot Lloyds share price and dividend yield could be next Christmas

Harvey Jones has done brilliantly out of the Lloyd share price over the last year. Now he's wondering whether he'll…

Read more »