The invention relates to a method of preparing a supported catalyst, which method comprises the steps of; (i) providing a porous catalyst support comprising a framework having an internal pore structure comprising one or more pores which internal pore structure comprises a precipitant; (ii) contacting the catalyst support with a solution or colloidal suspension comprising a catalytically active metal such that, on contact with the precipitant, particles comprising the catalytically active metal are precipitated within the internal pore structure of the framework of the catalyst support. The invention also relates to supported catalysts made according to the above method, and to use of the catalysts in catalysing chemical reactions, for example in the Fischer Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbons.