SEASONAL significance?

Fancy a return of more than 200 per cent?

I thought so, writes Samantha Dolby, of Brewin Dolphin.

Apparently, you need to start investing.

According to statisticians, you could have made more than 200 per cent by investing from the beginning of November and selling at the end of April annually for the past two decades. If you'd invested over the summer periods alone, you would have lost money.

Cyclicality has a lot to answer for when we assess investor returns.

We know it’s important to keep on top of them, throw in the seasons and that is now an extra layer of complexity. But is the reality as simple as just investing in the colder months and picking shares that are likely to perform in the winter periods?

Being based in the North-East, you’re probably thinking, is it possible to invest in de-icer?

Sentiment is generally more positive in the run up to Christmas, so this does provide a beneficial kicker. There is also substance behind the fact more money flows into the markets in the winter months.

Is that because people have more from going out less? Christmas bonus season?

In the new calendar year, people make the last minute dash for tax efficiency and subscribe to their ISAs.

They should act sooner as returns are better by getting the funds within the tax efficient environment at the start of the new tax year. Through all these powers of supply and demand, the markets are given an added boost at this time.

So, is this time to be investing?

UK equities remain attractive in the current extremely low interest rate environment. The market offers global exposure, with access to US earnings – a positive given the strength of the dollar. Consumer confidence also hit its highest level since 2005 recently on the back of renewed optimism in employment prospects and personal finances.

The UK is in better shape than most European countries with our unemployment down and wage inflation rising. Consumers are also benefiting from lower fuel and energy costs. With the propensity to take on debt increasing of late, people must be mindful of the consequences.

On a regional front, and despite the demise of SSI UK being so painful for the Tees Valley, positivity has to be taken from the industries that continue to thrive and companies that are leading the way, and maybe some local investment ideas.

Sedgefield’s scanner company Kromek recently signed a new deal with a medical equipment maker allowing it access to three patents. The shares began trading on the Alternative Stock Exchange in October 2013.

Quantum Pharma, another medical firm, based in Burnopfield, County Durham, has developed seven new drugs to tackle the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After reaching highs of over 170p in June this year, the shares are now below 120p.

Dating back to 1988, Animalcare began trading on the Alternative investment Market in 2008. The company, which has origins in Yorkshire, develops, markets and sells specialised products to veterinary surgeons and the share price personifies the firms success.

Hitachi, Caterpillar and Nissan are also all regional employers to be proud of.

Who is the next North-East entrepreneur though?

November 16-20 is Global Entrepreneurship week and there are various events being held across the North-East to celebrate the regions talent, and it’s not too late to get involved.

One new initiative is Genesis, and you can find out more at the website, genesis2015.co.uk. It intends to celebrate enterprise and entrepreneurship in the North-East following a report that was issued by Santander earlier this year, which ranked the North-East region as the lowest enterprising region in the UK. It’s taking place during Global Entrepreneurship Week and on the eve of the Entrepreneurs Forum’s Fortune Favours the Brave conference.

Samantha Dolby is an investment manager at Brewin Dolphin.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily the views held throughout Brewin Dolphin. No director, representative or employee of Brewin Dolphin accepts liability for any direct or consequential loss arising from the use of this document or its contents. Any tax allowances or thresholds mentioned are based on personal circumstances and current legislation which is subject to change.