Meet John Lee, who began investing in UK shares in 1987; by 2003, his portfolio crossed £1 million after £125,000 in contributions

John Lee is a British investor. He built his portfolio worth more than £1 million by regularly investing in UK shares for several years. Many still remain curious about how he earned this. He reached the milestone on December 2003 after contributing around £125,000 and reinvesting the dividends earned from his investments.

He got to be known as Britain's first ISA millionaire, and his investments grew through a strategy focused on individual companies. The journey began in 1987. He started putting the maximum permitted amount into Personal Equity Plans (PEPs). It is a tax-efficient investment scheme that preceded the UK's Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs).

How did he build his portfolio?

ALSO READ: Meet Gara Post, who helped launch The NOW Massage in 2015; 9 years later, the brand had nearly 70 boutiques and more than 170 franchise licences sold


Lee followed a long-term approach when it came to investing. He did not spend his money across investment funds managed by financial companies. he preferred to select and buy individual shares himself.

His prime focus was on smaller British businesses. These mostly included family-controlled companies with establish operations, profits and a record of paying dividends. His personal belief was that investors should understand the business they own and hold on to good companies. They should not sell their shares simply because prices have risen.

According to Guardian, he bought shares in only one or two companies each year. He was a firm believer of keeping patience.

ALSO READ: In 2026, three founders launched an AI assistant with its own phone number, it can book flights, order groceries; the startup later reached a $300 million valuation

Which companies helped his investments grow?

PIFCO, a Manchester-based manufacturer of electrical appliances, was one of his early investments. Eventually, it was acquired by the US company Salton in a deal worth £50 million.

He benefitted from the investments in companies whose share prices recovered strongly after falling during 2008-09 financial crisis.

Fenner, a conveyor-belt manufacturer, was also one of his investments. Its shares rose from around 40 pence to 440 pence over the same period, reported The Guardian.

Lee also reinvested the dividends from his shares instead if treating them as extra income. This allowed his to support further purchases and contribute to the portfolio's growth.

According to the report, his portfolio reached £1 million by December 2003.