The Global Smaller Companies Trust PLC is a closed-ended investment trust launched in 1889, dedicated to achieving high total returns by investing in smaller companies worldwide. It pursues this objective through a diversified portfolio of individual stocks across various industry sectors and geographic regions, including the US, UK, Europe, Japan, and emerging markets via fund holdings, without specific limits on sector or location exposure. Notable features include significant allocations to industrials (around 25%), technology, and financial services, with top holdings such as Schroder ISF Global Emerging Markets Smaller Companies Fund, Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies Trust, and individual firms like Wheaton Precious Metals and The Ensign Group. The trust, managed by Columbia Threadneedle Investment Business Limited, maintains a benchmark blending UK and global small-cap indices and has achieved 54 consecutive years of dividend increases, paid semi-annually. With total assets near £870 million and an ongoing charge of approximately 0.74%, it plays a key role in the global smaller companies sector, offering investors broad access to high-growth potential in undervalued smaller businesses.