We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

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.

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

Close-up of British bank notes

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Twelfth Magpie’s Premium Investing Services. Become a member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn more, and get a free 'Best Buy Now' stock!.

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.

Should you buy Rolls Royce shares today?

Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first. Despite ongoing uncertainties from US tariffs to global conflicts, Mark Rogers and his team believe many UK shares still trade at substantial discounts, offering savvy investors plenty of potential opportunities to learn about.

That’s why this could be an ideal time to secure this valuable research – Mark’s analysts have scoured the markets to reveal 5 of his favourite long-term ‘Buys’. Please, don’t make any big decisions before seeing them.

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

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

Hot, hotter, hottest. Is it too late to consider these 3 FTSE 100 shares?

James Beard looks at the three best- performing FTSE 100 stocks over the past year. But are they still worth…

Read more »

Young female analyst working at her desk in the office
Investing Articles

The only FTSE 100 stock I own right now

Muhammad Cheema reveals the only share he owns in the FTSE 100. However, that doesn’t mean he’s not a fan…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Are Greggs shares about to go gangbusters all over again?

Greggs shares have been showing signs of renewed life and Harvey Jones examines whether the battered FTSE 250 bakery chain…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

4,898 shares in British American Tobacco return £12,000 a year in dividends. Worth it?

A falling share price means a higher dividend yield for British American Tobacco shares. Should passive income investors take a…

Read more »

A handsome mature bald bearded black man in a sunglasses and a fashionable blue or teal costume with a tie is standing in front of a wall made of striped wooden timbers and fastening a suit button
Growth Shares

As it swallows up more firms, this penny stock looks primed to head higher

Jon Smith reviews a penny stock that has caught his attention, with its acquisition strategy proving to help increase the…

Read more »

Array of piggy banks in saturated colours on high colour contrast background
Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in HSBC shares in an ISA 5 years ago is now worth…

HSBC has made for a stunning investment. Andrew Mackie assesses whether new ISA investors could still see similar returns over…

Read more »

Two female adult friends walking through the city streets at Christmas. They are talking and smiling as they do some Christmas shopping.
Investing Articles

This UK income stock yields an eye-popping 7.3% but can it afford to keep growing its dividend?

Harvey Jones examines an income stock with a sky-high yield, because he wants to be sure it can keep the…

Read more »

Rolls-Royce's Pearl 10X engine series
Investing Articles

Is the best still to come for Rolls-Royce shares?

Christopher Ruane explains why he thinks Rolls-Royce shares could yet push even higher from here -- and whether he's ready…

Read more »