Have you used up your Stocks and Shares "ISA" allowance for the 2011/12 tax year yet? If not it might be a better bet to tap into something like this, rather than buying shares in a specific company (or three). There are lots of options, and I am a bit out of touch, but I thinkit is often a better deal if you use an independent financial advisor (IFA) to open up a stocks and shares ISA, rather than with with a company direct, as you often pay no fees. I used to do this in the "old" days with Personal Equity Plans (Peps) which were the forerunners to ISAs. One of my favourites at the time was Fidelity, but there are lots, so seek advice. In the current climate I would not recommend putting any amount directly into shares - unless you can afford to lose it. It might be worth contacting Hargreaves Landsdown for advice on a stocks and shares ISA/Shares investment. Hope this helps