SHARE PUNT OF THE WEEK

PRICE: 55.5p

WHAT IS IT? Venture Life makes healthcare and cosmetic products for the over-40s.

These include food supplements for lowering cholesterol and maintaining brain function, anti-ageing creams, eye treatments and devices to ease conditions such as haemorrhoids.

WHAT’S THE LATEST? On Thursday, shares surged 12pc after two key updates were announced.

Firstly, it has partnered with a European pharmaceutical sales firm to market and sell its popular mouthwash UltraDEX in Italy from early next year.

It also announced the first group of long-term distribution agreements for its fungal nail treatment Myco-Clear.

The updates come hot on the heels of Venture’s trading update for the first half of the year that revealed a 28pc jump in year-onyear revenues to £7.8m.

WHO BACKS IT? Manufacturing director Gianluca Braguti is the biggest shareholder with 19.2pc. Chief executive and co-founder Jerry Randall owns 10.7pc. WHY SHOULD YOU INVEST? A number of positive developments across its product range in recent months is a good sign. It has also secured entry into the massive Chinese market, as well as growing in Europe.

Products are still being rolled out at a relatively slow pace, but as this picks up it could be worth being part of the ride. …AND WHY YOU SHOULDN’T Venture Life is a very small player, and some investors may want more scale and evidence of success before buying shares.