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

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

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

Arrow symbol glowing amid black arrow symbols on black background.
Investing Articles

Is this one of the best FTSE 100 stocks to buy right now?

Growing market panic is supercharging demand for safe-haven FTSE 100 stocks. Here's one I think could keep surging in price.

Read more »

Abstract 3d arrows with rocket
Investing Articles

Are these the best UK defence stocks to consider buying right now?

Looking for the best UK stocks to buy today? Investors should consider these defence contractors as we move towards a…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Just released: our 3 best dividend-focused stocks to buy before May [PREMIUM PICKS]

Our goal here is to highlight some of our past recommendations that we think are of particular interest today, due…

Read more »

Investing Articles

This FTSE small-cap stock could rise 61%, according to experts

A once-popular FTSE AIM stock has lost nearly half its value inside the past 12 months. Is it now worth…

Read more »

Market Movers

Here’s my preview for Tesla stock, down 5.75% yesterday, with earnings due today

With the quarterly earnings due out today, Jon Smith runs through three key points that he's watching out for that…

Read more »

Investing Articles

The 2025 market sell-off is a brilliant opportunity to build retirement wealth in a SIPP

Harvey Jones is scouring the FTSE 100 for bargain stocks to put inside his SIPP, and says this easily overlooked…

Read more »

Growth Shares

£350 a month invested in a Stocks and Shares ISA could be worth this much in 2030

Jon Smith explains a growth strategy for a Stocks and Shares ISA portfolio focused on investing in areas including AI…

Read more »

Hand flipping wooden cubes for change wording" Panic " to " Calm".
Investing Articles

Warren Buffett says market chaos is great for investors who keep their heads. Time to get greedy?

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, you could be a poet like Rudyard…

Read more »