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600 Group PLC

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FY2012 Annual Report · 600 Group PLC
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The 600 Group PLC 
annual report and accounts 2012

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Contents 

Chairman’s Statement 

Group Chief Executive’s Review of Operations 

Financial Review 

Directors and advisers 

Report of the directors 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

Remuneration report 

Independent auditor’s report 

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated cash flow statement 

Group accounting policies 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

Company balance sheet 

Company accounting policies 

Notes relating to the company financial statements 

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Chairman’s Statement 

Overview and board composition 

Since my appointment as Chairman in September 2011, and that of Neil Carrick as Group Finance Director shortly thereafter, it became 
increasingly apparent that the financial performance of the Group was unsatisfactory.  Trading results for the financial year ended 31 March 
2012  were  seriously  impaired  by  the  performance  of  the  machine  tools  business  in  Europe.    In  consequence,  the  Group  was  unable  to 
capitalise  on  improving  trading  conditions  in  most  major  geographical  and  end  user  markets,  instead  suffering  from  the  effects  of 
operational difficulties and a shortage of working capital. 

Since  the  beginning  of  the  new  financial  year  on  1  April  2012,  the  Group  has  made  significant  changes  to  address  the  issues  outlined 
above  and  these  so  far  have  included  the  appointment  of  Nigel  Rogers  as  Chief  Executive,  the  divestment  of  non-core  assets,  the 
cessation  of  manufacturing  operations  in  Poland,  and  the  completion  of  equity  and  bank  refinancing  appropriate  to  the  future  strategic 
direction of the business.  Opportunities have also been identified to further reduce the UK cost base over the coming months. 

The board is now satisfied that the Group is set fair for a period of much greater stability, and has a robust platform from which to deliver 
future growth, and shareholder value. 

Strategic review 

In July 2012 we announced the divestment of 600 SA Pty Limited, the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary in South Africa.  This business sold 
mechanical and waste handling equipment into sub-Saharan Africa, and had minimal interaction with the other activities of the Group.  This 
sale, together with a number of freehold property transactions in the UK, will serve to secure the release of valuable financial resources for 
the future development of core businesses. 

These divestments form part of a broader strategic review of Group activities, in which the board has focused on developing the key market 
strengths of core activities in the design and distribution of machine tools, precision engineered components, and laser marking equipment.  
In  each  of  these  activities,  Group  businesses  have  strong  brands,  significant  market  share,  diverse  geographical  spread,  and  reliable 
distribution partners in key markets. 

This  review  also  considered  the  approach  to  manufacturing  and  supply  chain,  and  it  was  determined  that  Group  companies  have  core 
manufacturing  competences  in  CNC  turning,  precision  engineered  components  and  laser  marking  equipment.    These  activities  offer 
significant added value capability, and the Group intends to continue to invest and develop these facilities.   

In  recent  years,  the  manufacture  of  machine  tools  has  increasingly  been  outsourced  from  the  UK,  initially  to  lower  cost  regions  in  Asia, 
supplemented more latterly by the acquisition of the Group subsidiary in Poland, Fabryka Maszyn Tarnow  Sp z.o.o. (“FMT”).   In August 
2012,  the  Board  considered  that  continued  losses  incurred  by  manufacturing  at  FMT  were  unsustainable,  and  this  activity  was 
discontinued.  The Group has excellent links with valued supply chain partners in Asia, and will continue to outsource the manufacture of 
conventional and manual/CNC lathes to Group designs. 

Results and dividend 

Revenue  from  continuing  operations  grew  by  8.1%  to  £39.39m  (2011:  £36.45m)  and  generated  a  net  operating  loss  from  continuing 
operations but before special items of £1.21m (2011: profit of £0.26m).   

After  taking  account  of  interest,  pensions,  taxation,  discontinued  activities  and  special  items,  the  Group  loss  for  the  financial  year  was 
£14.85m (2011: profit of £2.87m). 

As any dividend payments continue to be dependent upon the Group’s results, the Board does not recommend that any payment be made. 

Financial resources 

On 5 September 2012 the company entered into an agreement for the placing of an aggregate of 19.66m ordinary shares of 1p each at a 
placing price of 7.5 pence per share, raising an aggregate of £1.47m. 

The company also entered into revised facility agreements with its principal banker covering existing term loan and revolving credit facilities 
amounting to £3.64m and a new working capital facility of £0.30m. 

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Chairman’s Statement 

Outlook 

Group order books continue to show strength, and revenues in coming months will benefit from greater certainty within supply chains, and 
the  availability  of  adequate  working  capital  financing.    There  are  no  significant  signals  to  indicate  that  the  current  heightened  level  of 
macroeconomic uncertainty will have any adverse effect on levels of underlying customer demand, but the Board remain cognisant of this 
potential risk. 

A substantial proportion of Group business is derived in North America, where trading in the current year to date has continued to be ahead 
of our expectations.  Prospects are also positive for precision engineered components and laser marking.  Meanwhile, the implementation 
of the strategic review has lowered the risk profile of the Group’s machine tools activities in Europe considerably, and provides a stable 
base from which to manage and grow the profitability and cash generation of this business in future. 

Paul Dupee 
Chairman  
5 September 2012 

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Chairman’s Statement 

Group Chief Executive’s Review of Operations 

Group order books continue to show strength, and revenues in coming months will benefit from greater certainty within supply chains, and 

the  availability  of  adequate  working  capital  financing.    There  are  no  significant  signals  to  indicate  that  the  current  heightened  level  of 

macroeconomic uncertainty will have any adverse effect on levels of underlying customer demand, but the Board remain cognisant of this 

A substantial proportion of Group business is derived in North America, where trading in the current year to date has continued to be ahead 

of our expectations.  Prospects are also positive for precision engineered components and laser marking.  Meanwhile, the implementation 

of the strategic review has lowered the risk profile of the Group’s machine tools activities in Europe considerably, and provides a stable 

base from which to manage and grow the profitability and cash generation of this business in future. 

Outlook 

potential risk. 

Paul Dupee 

Chairman  

5 September 2012 

Introduction 

The 600 Group PLC ("the Group") is a diversified engineering group with a world class reputation in the design and distribution of machine 
tools, and the design, manufacture and distribution of precision engineered components and laser marking systems.  The Group operates 
these businesses from locations in Europe, North America and Australia selling into more than 180 countries worldwide. 

The  improved  market  conditions  of  the  previous  financial  year  continued  to  prevail,  with  strong  demand  evident  in  all  three  principal 
locations, and especially in North America. 

Machine tools and precision engineered components 

Revenues  increased  by  11.9%  to  £32.94m  (2011:  £29.43m)  with  particularly  strong  revenue  growth  generated  by  our  North  American 
operations, from which some 50% of revenues are derived.   UK and Europe contribute around 35%, with the remaining revenues derived 
from the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific (including Australia). 

Only machine tools for the UK and Europe were sourced from FMT in Poland, and the output from FMT satisfied only about one quarter of 
total sales in this region.  The large majority of machine tools and components for UK and Europe, and all sales outside this region, were 
manufactured in our UK facilities or sourced from our manufacturing partners in Asia. 

Segmental operating profit, excluding losses incurred at FMT and special items, was £1.47m (4.7% of revenue) against £1.29m (4.5%) last 
year.  FMT incurred an operating loss before special items of £1.43m (39% of local revenue), resulting in a segmental operating profit close 
to break even in the financial year. 

The decision to close FMT in August 2012 has been well received by our customers and distributors across Europe, and we have made 
good progress in managing the transition of open orders on FMT into our existing supply chain.  Our product range and market leading 
brands  continue  to  attract  high  levels  of  customer  demand,  and  the  order  book  remains  healthy.    Our  main  task  now  is  to  sustain 
continuous improvements to customer service levels and build on the loyalty of our trading partners. 

Revenues from precision engineered components have also shown growth, both for Pratt Burnerd workholding equipment and for Gamet 
bearings.  These niche activities contribute almost 20% of segmental revenue at above average margins in recognition of their specialist 
product ranges.  We see further growth opportunities in these product areas as a priority for the future. 

We  have  now  overcome  some  significant  short  term  challenges,  and  have  identified  a  clear  path  to  achieving  growth  in  revenues  and 
improvements in costs and efficiencies.  Our key focus is now to continue to deliver controlled growth in North America and Australia, whilst 
delivering improved operational performance in Europe to grow revenues, restore operating margins, and rebuild customer confidence. 

Laser marking 

Revenues for Electrox laser marking equipment fell by 8.2% to £6.45m (2011: £7.03m), although operating profits were virtually unchanged 
at  £0.32m.  This  was  attributable  to  reduced  production  output  as  a  consequence  of  working  capital  constraints,  especially  in  the  final 
quarter  of  the  year.    These  constraints  were  mitigated  during  most  of  the  first  quarter  of  the  current  financial  year,  and  consequently 
progressive improvements in output have been achieved. 

More than 85% of revenues are derived from outside the UK, with major markets in North America and Northern Europe contributing more 
than  two  thirds  of  sales.    Delivery  lead  times  are  now  returning  to  more  normal  levels,  and  this  provides  opportunities  to  reduce  order 
backlog and generate increased revenues. 

This  business  relies  on  technical  excellence  to  provide innovative  and  pragmatic  solutions  to  end-users  across  a  wide  range  of  industry 
sectors.  New opportunities continue to emerge from the increasing need for component traceability in manufacturing processes, and the 
desire for durable surface marking on consumer and branded products.  Electrox offers robust and reliable solutions, whilst also developing 
specialist applications knowledge to integrate marking equipment into continuous processes. 

We  are  confident  of  strong  future  growth  prospects  for  this  business,  and  plan  to  continue  to  invest  in  people,  process  and  products  to 
achieve enhanced scale and profitability.   

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Group Chief Executive’s Review of Operations 

Discontinued activities 

The Group’s subsidiary in South Africa, 600 SA Pty Ltd (“600SA”) generated an operating profit of £0.34m (2011: £0.91m) on revenues of 
£13.77m (2011: £14.11m) during the financial year.  600SA was involved in the manufacture and distribution of specialist equipment for 
handling  waste  and  working  at  height  for  markets  in  South  Africa  and  the  surrounding  region.    These  were  determined  to  be  non-core 
activities, especially in view of certain difficulties encountered in repatriating currency to the parent undertaking.  

On 16 July 2012, the sale of 600SA was completed for net cash proceeds of approximately £1.81m.  The net assets of the business at 31 
March  2012  have  been  written  down  to  a  fair  value  of  £1.81m  and  are  disclosed  in  the  Statement  of  Financial  Position  as  assets  and 
liabilities held for sale. 

Freehold property divestments 

On 3 July 2012 freehold property at Shepshed, Leicestershire, was sold to a privately owned company for net cash proceeds of £1.20m 
against  a  book  value  of  £1.10m.    At  the  time  of  sale  the  property  was  generating  rental  income  of  approximately  £0.02m  per  annum.  
Further freehold property disposals are anticipated during the current financial year. 

Corporate and Social Responsibility 

Maintaining  the  highest  ethical  and  professional  standards  and  accepting  social  responsibility  is  fundamental  to  the  way  we  operate 
throughout The 600 Group Plc. We run our businesses based on sustained growth and transparency at all levels. 

The  development  of  our  people  is  a  core  value  throughout  the  Group and  we  see  it  as  our  duty  to  be  a  responsible  employer.  We  are 
committed to the creation of training opportunities to support our employees in reaching their full potential.  The Group operates a global 
policy on equality and we are committed to providing a working environment with a culture of respect towards the diversity of our people. 
We are committed to offering equal opportunities to all people without discrimination as to race, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, 
language, age, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or disability. 

A comprehensive health and safety policy is in place to ensure a safe working environment at all times. The health and safety policy also 
demonstrates our additional responsibility to customers, suppliers and contractors and we maintain communication of the policy at all levels 
throughout the Company. We encourage two-way and open lines of communication throughout the Group and are committed to ongoing 
dialogue with local and global stakeholders to create trust, opportunity and long term sustainable value. 

People 

In the relatively short time that I have worked with the Group, I have been impressed by the resilience of employees at all levels, and their 
determination to deal with some difficult issues with the overarching objective of improving the level of service to our customers. 

On behalf of the board and shareholders, I would like to place on record our recognition of their professionalism, integrity and hard work. 

Current trading and prospects 

Trading  results  in  operations  outside  Europe  have  continued  to  show  good  progress  in  the  current  financial  year  to  date.    The  issues 
affecting the European results for the year ended 31 March 2012 have prevailed through the first half of the current financial year.   

The progress made on divestments, the closure of FMT in August, and the recent refinancing, have resulted in a significant improvement in 
the  availability  and  disposition  of  working  capital  in  European  operations.    This  will  take  time  to  impact  fully  on  delivery  lead  times  and 
customer service, but there are clear signs that significant improvements will be evident in the second half of the financial year.  

Nigel Rogers 
Group Chief Executive 
5 September 2012

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Group Chief Executive’s Review of Operations 

Discontinued activities 

Financial review 

Results 

The Group’s subsidiary in South Africa, 600 SA Pty Ltd (“600SA”) generated an operating profit of £0.34m (2011: £0.91m) on revenues of 

£13.77m (2011: £14.11m) during the financial year.  600SA was involved in the manufacture and distribution of specialist equipment for 

handling  waste  and  working  at  height  for  markets  in  South  Africa  and  the  surrounding  region.    These  were  determined  to  be  non-core 

activities, especially in view of certain difficulties encountered in repatriating currency to the parent undertaking.  

On 16 July 2012, the sale of 600SA was completed for net cash proceeds of approximately £1.81m.  The net assets of the business at 31 

March  2012  have  been  written  down  to  a  fair  value  of  £1.81m  and  are  disclosed  in  the  Statement  of  Financial  Position  as  assets  and 

liabilities held for sale. 

Freehold property divestments 

On 3 July 2012 freehold property at Shepshed, Leicestershire, was sold to a privately owned company for net cash proceeds of £1.20m 

against  a  book  value  of  £1.10m.    At  the  time  of  sale  the  property  was  generating  rental  income  of  approximately  £0.02m  per  annum.  

Further freehold property disposals are anticipated during the current financial year. 

Revenue  from  continuing  operations  increased  by  8.1%  to  £39.39m  (2011:  £36.45m).  Gross  margin  from  continuing  operations  before 
special items was 30.7% (2011: 35.5%) and the loss from operations was £1.21m (2011: profit of £0.26m). 

After taking account of financial income and expenses including a net credit in respect of pensions of £1.57m (2011 : £1.39m), the net loss 
from continuing operations, before taxation, discontinued activities and Special Items, was £0.29m (2011: profit of £1.12m including a net 
credit special item in respect of pensions of £2.57m). 

Group operations in South Africa were identified as discontinued during the financial year, and sold in July 2012.  Group results reflect the 
net profit after taxation of £0.49m and the net loss on sale of this operation of £1.26m in discontinued activities. 

Restructuring costs and other costs which in the judgement of management are non-recurring in nature amounting to £12.88m have been 
disclosed  as  Special  Items,  together  with  a  charge  relating  to  share-based  payments  of  £90,000  (2011  special  items  credit  of  £1.35m 
including a pension credit of £2.57m and a charge for share based payments of £ 127,000). The cash effect of these Special Items in the 
2012 year has been £2.2m with an additional cash impact of £0.6m expected over future periods. 

Corporate and Social Responsibility 

The net loss for the period was £14.85m (2011: net profit of £2.87m). 

Maintaining  the  highest  ethical  and  professional  standards  and  accepting  social  responsibility  is  fundamental  to  the  way  we  operate 

throughout The 600 Group Plc. We run our businesses based on sustained growth and transparency at all levels. 

Basic  earnings  per  share  from  continuing  operations  before  Special  Items  was  a  loss  of  1.87p  (2011:  profit  of  1.16p)  and  total  basic 
earnings per share, after allowing for special items and discontinued activities, was a loss of 23.30p (2011: profit of 5.01p). 

The  development  of  our  people  is  a  core  value  throughout  the  Group and  we  see  it  as  our  duty  to  be  a  responsible  employer.  We  are 

committed to the creation of training opportunities to support our employees in reaching their full potential.  The Group operates a global 

policy on equality and we are committed to providing a working environment with a culture of respect towards the diversity of our people. 

We are committed to offering equal opportunities to all people without discrimination as to race, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, 

language, age, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or disability. 

A comprehensive health and safety policy is in place to ensure a safe working environment at all times. The health and safety policy also 

demonstrates our additional responsibility to customers, suppliers and contractors and we maintain communication of the policy at all levels 

throughout the Company. We encourage two-way and open lines of communication throughout the Group and are committed to ongoing 

dialogue with local and global stakeholders to create trust, opportunity and long term sustainable value. 

People 

In the relatively short time that I have worked with the Group, I have been impressed by the resilience of employees at all levels, and their 

determination to deal with some difficult issues with the overarching objective of improving the level of service to our customers. 

On behalf of the board and shareholders, I would like to place on record our recognition of their professionalism, integrity and hard work. 

Statement of Financial Position and cash flow 

Net cash outflow from operating activities was £3.87m (2011: net inflow of £1.18m) and a further outflow of £1.06m (2011: £1.79m) was 
incurred on investment activities.  The net outflow was financed by proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares of £1.81m and net proceeds 
from external borrowing of £4.99m. 

Net indebtedness at 31 March 2012 stood at £7.99m (2011: £4.80m) and there was headroom on bank facilities of approximately £1.30m 
at the year end. 

Since the beginning of the new financial year net indebtedness has reduced significantly, mainly as a consequence of the divestment of 
600 SA Pty Limited and freehold property at Shepshed announced in July 2012. 

On 5 September 2012 the company entered into an agreement for the placing of an aggregate of 19.66m ordinary shares of 1p each at a 
placing price of 7.5 pence per share, raising an aggregate of £1.47m.  The company also entered into revised facility agreements with its 
principal banker covering existing term loan and revolving credit facilities amounting to £3.64m and a new working capital facility of £0.30m.  
The net proceeds from these transactions will be used to reduce net indebtedness and fund the ongoing working capital requirements of 
the Group. 

Current trading and prospects 

Taxation 

The  company  has  incurred  significant  trading  losses  in  current  and  prior  years  and  accordingly  has  no  significant  liability  for  taxation. 
Movements in deferred taxation in respect off prior periods recognition of losses and the current deferred taxation movements on employee 
benefits account for the majority of the charge shown in the Consolidated income statement.   

Trading  results  in  operations  outside  Europe  have  continued  to  show  good  progress  in  the  current  financial  year  to  date.    The  issues 

affecting the European results for the year ended 31 March 2012 have prevailed through the first half of the current financial year.   

The progress made on divestments, the closure of FMT in August, and the recent refinancing, have resulted in a significant improvement in 

the  availability  and  disposition  of  working  capital  in  European  operations.    This  will  take  time  to  impact  fully  on  delivery  lead  times  and 

customer service, but there are clear signs that significant improvements will be evident in the second half of the financial year.  

Nigel Rogers 

Group Chief Executive 

5 September 2012

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Financial review 

Treasury and risk management 

Financial risks 

The main financial risks faced by the Group are credit risk, foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. The directors regularly 
review and agree policies for managing these risks. 

Credit risk is managed by monitoring limits and payment performance of counterparties. The directors consider the level of general credit 
risk in current market conditions to be higher than normal. Where a customer is deemed to represent an unacceptable level of credit risk, 
terms of trade are modified to limit the Group’s exposure. 

Foreign currency risk is managed by matching payments and receipts in foreign currency to minimise exposure. Foreign currency is bought 
to match liabilities as they fall due where currency receipts are insufficient to match the liability. The results of 600 Inc and 600 Australia Pty 
Limited are reported in United States dollars and Australian dollars respectively,  and as a result of this the Group’s Statement of Financial 
Position and trading results can be affected by movements in these currencies.  Part of this exposure is hedged by entering into working 
capital facilities denominated in US dollars. 

Liquidity risk is managed by the Group maintaining undrawn revolving credit and overdraft facilities in order to provide short term flexibility. 

Interest rate risk is managed by holding a mixture of cash and borrowings in Sterling, US dollars and Australian dollars at floating rates of 
interest. 

Market risks 

The Group’s main exposure to market risk arises from increases in input costs in so far as it is unable to pass them onto customers through 
price  increases.  The  Group  does  not  undertake  any  hedging  activity  in  this  area  and  all  materials  and  utilities  are  purchased  in  spot 
markets.    The  Group  seeks  to  mitigate  increases  in  input  costs through  a  combination  of  continuous  improvement  activities  to  minimise 
increases in input costs and passing cost increases on to customers, where this is commercially viable. 

The Group is also aware of market risk in relation to the dependence upon a relatively small number of key vendors in its supply chain.  
This  risk  could  be  manifest  in  the  event  of  a  commercial  or  natural  event  leading  to  reduced  or  curtailed  supply.    The  Group  seeks  to 
mitigate these risks by maintaining transparent and constructive relationships with key vendors, sharing long term plans and forecasts, and 
encouraging effective disaster recovery planning. 

The Group is also exposed to the risk of a downturn in its customers’ end markets leading to reduced levels of activity for the Group. The 
directors  seek  to  ensure  that  the  Group’s  activities  are  not  significantly  concentrated  in  sales  to  either  one  individual  customer  or  into  a 
single market sector in order to mitigate the exposure to a downturn in activity levels. The directors consider that the current level of market 
risk is normal. 

Other principal risks and uncertainties 

The  remaining main  risks  faced  by  the  Group  are  its  exposure  to  pension  funding  and  the  risk  to  its  reputation of  a  significant  failure  to 
comply with accepted standards of ethical and environmental behaviour. 

Pension funding risk arises from the Group’s operation of a defined benefit pension scheme which gives rise to fluctuations between the 
value  of  its  projected  liabilities  and  the  value  of  the  assets  the  scheme  holds  in  order  to  discharge  those  liabilities.  The  amount  of  any 
surplus or deficit may be adversely affected by such factors as lower than expected investment returns, changes in long term interest rates 
and  inflation  expectations  and  increases  in  the  forecast  longevity  of  members.  The  directors  regularly  review  the  performance  of  the 
pension scheme and any recovery plan.  

On 10 August 2012 the Group withdrew financial support for its Polish subsidiary, Fabryka Maszyn Tarnow Sp z o.o. (“FMT”).  The board of 
FMT are preparing a petition for bankrupt liquidation under local law.  The Group directors consider that any risk of material liabilities of 
FMT becoming attributable to the parent company is remote. 

The directors have taken steps to ensure that all of the Group’s global operations are conducted to the highest ethical and environmental 
standards. Regulatory requirements are kept under review, and key suppliers are vetted in order to minimise the risk of the Group being 
associated with a company that commits a significant breach of applicable regulations. 

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return on sales; 

revenue growth; 

cash generation; 

gross profit percentage; 

operating profit percentage; and 

Key financial performance indicators constantly under review include: 
 
 
 
 
 
  working capital levels. 

Financial review 

Key performance indicators 

The Group’s key financial objectives that the Directors judge to be effective in measuring the delivery of their strategies and managing 
the business concentrate at the Group level on profit, together with its associated earnings per share, forward order book and net cash. At 
the business unit level, they include return on net assets and customer related performance measures. 
These key performance indicators are measured and reviewed on a regular basis and enable the business to set and communicate its 
performance targets and monitor its performance against these targets. 

Financial review 

Treasury and risk management 

Financial risks 

The main financial risks faced by the Group are credit risk, foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. The directors regularly 

review and agree policies for managing these risks. 

Credit risk is managed by monitoring limits and payment performance of counterparties. The directors consider the level of general credit 

risk in current market conditions to be higher than normal. Where a customer is deemed to represent an unacceptable level of credit risk, 

terms of trade are modified to limit the Group’s exposure. 

Foreign currency risk is managed by matching payments and receipts in foreign currency to minimise exposure. Foreign currency is bought 

to match liabilities as they fall due where currency receipts are insufficient to match the liability. The results of 600 Inc and 600 Australia Pty 

Limited are reported in United States dollars and Australian dollars respectively,  and as a result of this the Group’s Statement of Financial 

Position and trading results can be affected by movements in these currencies.  Part of this exposure is hedged by entering into working 

capital facilities denominated in US dollars. 

Interest rate risk is managed by holding a mixture of cash and borrowings in Sterling, US dollars and Australian dollars at floating rates of 

interest. 

Market risks 

The Group’s main exposure to market risk arises from increases in input costs in so far as it is unable to pass them onto customers through 

price  increases.  The  Group  does  not  undertake  any  hedging  activity  in  this  area  and  all  materials  and  utilities  are  purchased  in  spot 

markets.    The  Group  seeks  to  mitigate  increases  in  input  costs through  a  combination  of  continuous  improvement  activities  to  minimise 

increases in input costs and passing cost increases on to customers, where this is commercially viable. 

The Group is also aware of market risk in relation to the dependence upon a relatively small number of key vendors in its supply chain.  

This  risk  could  be  manifest  in  the  event  of  a  commercial  or  natural  event  leading  to  reduced  or  curtailed  supply.    The  Group  seeks  to 

mitigate these risks by maintaining transparent and constructive relationships with key vendors, sharing long term plans and forecasts, and 

encouraging effective disaster recovery planning. 

The Group is also exposed to the risk of a downturn in its customers’ end markets leading to reduced levels of activity for the Group. The 

directors  seek  to  ensure  that  the  Group’s  activities  are  not  significantly  concentrated  in  sales  to  either  one  individual  customer  or  into  a 

single market sector in order to mitigate the exposure to a downturn in activity levels. The directors consider that the current level of market 

risk is normal. 

Other principal risks and uncertainties 

The  remaining main  risks  faced  by  the  Group  are  its  exposure  to  pension  funding  and  the  risk  to  its  reputation of  a  significant  failure  to 

comply with accepted standards of ethical and environmental behaviour. 

Pension funding risk arises from the Group’s operation of a defined benefit pension scheme which gives rise to fluctuations between the 

value  of  its  projected  liabilities  and  the  value  of  the  assets  the  scheme  holds  in  order  to  discharge  those  liabilities.  The  amount  of  any 

surplus or deficit may be adversely affected by such factors as lower than expected investment returns, changes in long term interest rates 

and  inflation  expectations  and  increases  in  the  forecast  longevity  of  members.  The  directors  regularly  review  the  performance  of  the 

pension scheme and any recovery plan.  

On 10 August 2012 the Group withdrew financial support for its Polish subsidiary, Fabryka Maszyn Tarnow Sp z o.o. (“FMT”).  The board of 

FMT are preparing a petition for bankrupt liquidation under local law.  The Group directors consider that any risk of material liabilities of 

FMT becoming attributable to the parent company is remote. 

The directors have taken steps to ensure that all of the Group’s global operations are conducted to the highest ethical and environmental 

standards. Regulatory requirements are kept under review, and key suppliers are vetted in order to minimise the risk of the Group being 

associated with a company that commits a significant breach of applicable regulations. 

Liquidity risk is managed by the Group maintaining undrawn revolving credit and overdraft facilities in order to provide short term flexibility. 

Going concern 

In accordance with FRC guidelines, the Board has assessed the Group’s funding and liquidity position and further details can be found in 
the basis of preparation accounting policy note.  The Directors confirm that, after having made appropriate enquiries, and after taking into 
consideration  the  placing  of  shares  and  revisions  to  banking  facilities  concluded  on  5  September  2012,    they  have  a  reasonable 
expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future.  Accordingly, the 
directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparation of the financial statements. 

Neil Carrick FCA 

Group Finance Director 

5 September 2012 

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Directors and advisers 

Paul Dupee*  
Appointed  to  the  Board  as  a  non-executive  Director  on  2  February  2011  and  appointed  Chairman  on  14  September  2011.  Currently 
Managing  Partner  of  Haddeo  Partners  LLP.  Formerly  Director  and  Chairman  of  Lynton  Aviation,  Boston  Celtic  Communications,  and 
Boston Celtic Limited Partnership. Previously President and Director of Providence Capitol International Investment Ltd, a subsidiary of Gulf 
+ Western Industries. 

Nigel Rogers 
Appointed to the Board as Chief Executive Officer on 26 March 2012. Previously Chief Executive Officer of Stadium Group Plc 

Neil Carrick 
Appointed  to  the  Board  as  Group  Finance  Director  on  3  October  2011.  Previously  Group  Finance  Director  and  Company  Secretary  of 
Cosalt plc. 

Stephen Rutherford*  
A non-executive Director since 1 October 2007. Managing Director of Neofil Limited. 

Derek Zissman*  
Appointed  to  the  Board  as  a  non-executive  Director  on  2  February  2011.  Chairman  of  the  advisory  board  at  Alchemy  Partners  LLP, 
Chairman of Seymour Pierce Ltd and a member of the Barclays Wealth Advisory Committee. Previously vice-chairman of KPMG LLP. 

* Non-executive Director and member of the Audit Committee and member of the Remuneration Committee. 

SECRETARY 
Neil Carrick 

REGISTERED OFFICE 
Union Street 
Heckmondwike 
West Yorkshire 
WF16 0HL 

REGISTERED NUMBER 
196730 

REGISTRARS 
Capita Registrars 
34 Beckenham Road 
Beckenham 
Kent 
BR3 4TU 

AUDITOR 
KPMG Audit Plc 

BANKERS 
Santander Plc 

STOCKBROKERS 
Finncap 

FINANCIAL ADVISORS 
Spark Advisory Partners 

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Directors and advisers 

Report of the directors 

Appointed  to  the  Board  as  a  non-executive  Director  on  2  February  2011  and  appointed  Chairman  on  14  September  2011.  Currently 

Managing  Partner  of  Haddeo  Partners  LLP.  Formerly  Director  and  Chairman  of  Lynton  Aviation,  Boston  Celtic  Communications,  and 

Boston Celtic Limited Partnership. Previously President and Director of Providence Capitol International Investment Ltd, a subsidiary of Gulf 

Appointed to the Board as Chief Executive Officer on 26 March 2012. Previously Chief Executive Officer of Stadium Group Plc 

Appointed  to  the  Board  as  Group  Finance  Director  on  3  October  2011.  Previously  Group  Finance  Director  and  Company  Secretary  of 

A non-executive Director since 1 October 2007. Managing Director of Neofil Limited. 

Appointed  to  the  Board  as  a  non-executive  Director  on  2  February  2011.  Chairman  of  the  advisory  board  at  Alchemy  Partners  LLP, 

Chairman of Seymour Pierce Ltd and a member of the Barclays Wealth Advisory Committee. Previously vice-chairman of KPMG LLP. 

* Non-executive Director and member of the Audit Committee and member of the Remuneration Committee. 

Paul Dupee*  

+ Western Industries. 

Nigel Rogers 

Neil Carrick 

Cosalt plc. 

Stephen Rutherford*  

Derek Zissman*  

REGISTERED OFFICE 

SECRETARY 

Neil Carrick 

Union Street 

Heckmondwike 

West Yorkshire 

WF16 0HL 

REGISTERED NUMBER 

196730 

REGISTRARS 

Capita Registrars 

34 Beckenham Road 

Beckenham 

Kent 

BR3 4TU 

AUDITOR 

KPMG Audit Plc 

BANKERS 

Santander Plc 

STOCKBROKERS 

Finncap 

FINANCIAL ADVISORS 

Spark Advisory Partners 

The Directors present their report to the members, together with the audited financial statements for the 52 week period ended 31 March 
2012,  which  should  be read  in  conjunction  with  the  Chairman’s  Statement  on  the  affairs  of  the  Group  (pages  1  to  2),  the  Group  Chief 
Executive’s  Review  of  Operations  (pages  3  to  4)  and  the  Group  Finance  Director’s  Financial  Review  (pages  5  to  7).  The  Consolidated 
Financial  Statements  incorporate  financial  statements,  prepared  to  the  Saturday  nearest  to  the  Group’s  accounting  reference  date  of  31 
March, of the Company and all subsidiary undertakings (the Group). The results for 2012 are for the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012. 
The results for 2011 are for the 52-week period ended 2 April 2011. 

ACTIVITIES OF THE GROUP 
The  Group  is  principally  engaged  in  the  manufacture  and  distribution  of  machine  tools,  precision  engineered  components  and    laser 
marking equipment. The group has subsidiary companies in overseas locations but does not have any overseas branches. 

RESULT 
The result for the period is shown in the Consolidated Income Statement on page 19. 

BUSINESS REVIEW 
A  balanced  and  comprehensive  analysis  of  development  and  performance  of  the  Group  is  contained  in  the  Chairman’s  Statement,  the 
Group  Chief Executive’  Officers  Review  of  Operations  and  Group  Finance  Director’s  Financial  Review  on  pages  1  to  7.  This  analysis 
includes  comments  on  the position  of  the  Group  at  the  end  of  the  financial  period,  consideration  of  the  principal  risks  and  uncertainties 
facing the business and the key performance indicators which are monitored in relation to the achievement of the strategy of the business. 

EMPLOYEES 
It  is  the  Group’s  policy  to  employ  and  train  disabled  persons  wherever  their  aptitudes  and  abilities  allow  and  suitable  vacancies  are 
available. An employee becoming disabled would, where appropriate, be offered retraining. All employees are given equal opportunities to 
develop their experience and knowledge and to qualify for promotion in furtherance of their careers. 

The Group is committed to keeping employees as fully informed as possible with regard to the Group’s performance and prospects and to 
seeking their views, whenever practicable, on matters which particularly affect them as employees. 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
Group policy is to design and develop products that will enable it to retain and improve its market position. 

CHARITABLE AND POLITICAL DONATIONS 
The Group made no donations to charitable organisations in the period (2011: £nil). The Group made no political donations in the period (2011: 
£nil). 

INTERESTS IN SHARE CAPITAL 
At 5 August 2012, the Directors had been informed of the following interests in shares of 3% or more of the issued ordinary share capital of the 
Company: 

Haddeo Partners 

Henderson Global Investors 

Mr A Perloff and the Maland Pension Fund Trustees 

Schroder Investment Management 

Aerion Fund Management 

Percentage 

of issued

ordinary 

share 
capital

Number

16,125,868

25.22

5,414,519

4,100,000

3,671,320

2,270,000

8.47

6.41

5.74

3.08

The  Directors  have  not  been  notified  that  any  other  person  had  a  declarable  interest  in  the  nominal  value  of  the  ordinary  share  capital 
amounting to 3% or more. 

On 3 August 2010 an arrangement was entered into with Haddeo Partners LLP to advance £2.5m to the Group over a five year term which 
also involved the issue of 12.5m warrants. These warrants can be used by the holders to either convert the loan into shares or to purchase 
shares for a cash consideration. 700,000 warrants were exercised for cash in the period to 2 April 2011 with a further 205,000 warrants 
exercised for cash in the current period. 11,595,000 warrants remain outstanding. 

Haddeo Partners LLP, in addition to their shareholding above, currently hold 5,050,000 of these warrants.  

PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES 
Authority granting the Company the option to purchase 6,392,625 of its own ordinary shares in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 
was given by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of the Company on 14 September 2011. This authority remains valid until the 
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting. 

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Report of the directors 

DIRECTORS 
Details of the current Directors of the Company are shown on page 8. In addition, Martin Temple served as a Director and Chairman during 
the period until his resignation on 14 September 2011, Martyn Wakeman as a Director until his resignation on 2 October 2011 and David 
Norman as Director until his resignation on 26 March 2012. 

The  director  retiring  by  rotation  is  S  J  Rutherford  who,  being  eligible,  offers  himself  for  re-election.    In  addition,  Neil  Carrick  and  Nigel  
Rogers were appointed as directors of the Company by the board subsequent to the last annual general meeting.  As such, they shall retire 
and  each  offer  themselves  for  election  as  a  director  of  the  Company.  Both  Mr  Carrick  and  Mr  Rogers  have  a rolling  service  contract  of 
twelve months with the Company. S J Rutherford, D Zissman and P R Dupee do not have rolling service contracts with the Company. 

The  beneficial  interests  of  the  Directors  in  the  share  capital  of  the  Company  at  31  March  2012  are  shown  in  the  Remuneration  Report  on 
pages 13 to 17. 

No Director has a beneficial interest in the shares or debentures of any other Group undertaking. 

CREDITOR PAYMENT POLICY 
The Company does not follow a code or standard on payment practice. Payment terms are normally agreed with individual suppliers at the 
time of order placement. The amount of trade creditors in the balance sheet as at the end of the financial period represents 89 days (2011: 74 
days) of average purchases for the Company and 62 days (2011: 53 days) for the Group. 

ADMISSION TO AIM 
A resolution to cancel the admission of the Company’s ordinary shares from the Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchange’s 
Main Market and to apply for the admission of the Company’s ordinary shares to trading on AIM was approved at a general meeting held on 
15 June 2011. The final day of dealings on the Official List was 13 July 2011 with commencement of trading on AIM taking place on 14 July 
2011. 

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS 
The group disposed of its surplus freehold property in Shepshed, Leicester  on 3 July  2012  for £1.20m and completed the sale of  its South 
African subsidiary 600SA on 16 July 2012 for net proceeds of £1.81m. These assets have been shown in the balance as current assets and 
liabilities for sale at the lower of their carrying value and fair value less costs to sell and the trading operations of 600 SA have been classified 
as discontinued .  

MARKET VALUE OF LAND AND BUILDINGS 
During  March  2010  all  of  the  Group’s  properties  were  revalued  by  independent  valuers  and  the  Directors  believe  that  these  valuations 
remain appropriate at 31 March 2012. 

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 
It is the Group’s policy to seek continually to eliminate and, where this is not practicable, to minimise negative environmental impacts from 
the pursuit of its various business interests whilst continuing to produce high quality products to its customers’ requirements. 

It is the Group’s policy to comply with all statutory environmental legislation as a minimum and to aim to improve upon the standards set by 
the local regulatory authorities. 

To this end, each subsidiary is audited by the Group’s internal health, safety and environment manager to: 

•  benchmark performances across the Group; 

•  help sites identify and prioritise issues for improvement; and 

•  ensure legal compliance. 

The results of audits are communicated directly to the Directors and to all subsidiary boards and appropriate action is taken. 

It  is  the  Group’s  policy  to  foster  an  informed  and  responsible  approach  to  all  environmental  concerns  and  it  encourages  the  involvement  of 
employees, customers and suppliers. Regulatory authorities are consulted and informed at all appropriate times. The Group continues to 
support long-term strategies to minimise, re-use and recycle packaging. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
An indication of the financial risk management objectives and policies and the exposure of the Group to price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk 
and cash flow risk is provided in Note 26 to the financial statements. 

PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO AUDITOR  
All of the current Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any information needed by the 
Company’s auditor for the purposes of their audit and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. The Directors are not aware 
of any relevant audit information of which the auditor is unaware. 

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Report of the directors 

DIRECTORS 

Details of the current Directors of the Company are shown on page 8. In addition, Martin Temple served as a Director and Chairman during 

the period until his resignation on 14 September 2011, Martyn Wakeman as a Director until his resignation on 2 October 2011 and David 

Norman as Director until his resignation on 26 March 2012. 

The  director  retiring  by  rotation  is  S  J  Rutherford  who,  being  eligible,  offers  himself  for  re-election.    In  addition,  Neil  Carrick  and  Nigel  

Rogers were appointed as directors of the Company by the board subsequent to the last annual general meeting.  As such, they shall retire 

and  each  offer  themselves  for  election  as  a  director  of  the  Company.  Both  Mr  Carrick  and  Mr  Rogers  have  a rolling  service  contract  of 

twelve months with the Company. S J Rutherford, D Zissman and P R Dupee do not have rolling service contracts with the Company. 

The  beneficial  interests  of  the  Directors  in  the  share  capital  of  the  Company  at  31  March  2012  are  shown  in  the  Remuneration  Report  on 

Report of the directors 

AUDITOR 
In accordance with Section 489 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the re-appointment of KPMG Audit Plc as auditor of the 
Company is to be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

QUALIFYING THIRD PARTY INDEMNITY 
The Company has provided an indemnity for the benefit of its current Directors which is a qualifying third party indemnity provision for 
the purpose of the Companies Act 2006. 

pages 13 to 17. 

CREDITOR PAYMENT POLICY 

No Director has a beneficial interest in the shares or debentures of any other Group undertaking. 

On behalf of the Board 

The Company does not follow a code or standard on payment practice. Payment terms are normally agreed with individual suppliers at the 

time of order placement. The amount of trade creditors in the balance sheet as at the end of the financial period represents 89 days (2011: 74 

days) of average purchases for the Company and 62 days (2011: 53 days) for the Group. 

A resolution to cancel the admission of the Company’s ordinary shares from the Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchange’s 

Main Market and to apply for the admission of the Company’s ordinary shares to trading on AIM was approved at a general meeting held on 

15 June 2011. The final day of dealings on the Official List was 13 July 2011 with commencement of trading on AIM taking place on 14 July 

ADMISSION TO AIM 

2011. 

NEIL CARRICK 
DIRECTOR 
5 SEPTEMBER 2012 

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS 

The group disposed of its surplus freehold property in Shepshed, Leicester  on 3 July  2012  for £1.20m and completed the sale of  its South 

African subsidiary 600SA on 16 July 2012 for net proceeds of £1.81m. These assets have been shown in the balance as current assets and 

liabilities for sale at the lower of their carrying value and fair value less costs to sell and the trading operations of 600 SA have been classified 

as discontinued .  

MARKET VALUE OF LAND AND BUILDINGS 

remain appropriate at 31 March 2012. 

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 

During  March  2010  all  of  the  Group’s  properties  were  revalued  by  independent  valuers  and  the  Directors  believe  that  these  valuations 

It is the Group’s policy to seek continually to eliminate and, where this is not practicable, to minimise negative environmental impacts from 

the pursuit of its various business interests whilst continuing to produce high quality products to its customers’ requirements. 

It is the Group’s policy to comply with all statutory environmental legislation as a minimum and to aim to improve upon the standards set by 

the local regulatory authorities. 

To this end, each subsidiary is audited by the Group’s internal health, safety and environment manager to: 

•  benchmark performances across the Group; 

•  help sites identify and prioritise issues for improvement; and 

•  ensure legal compliance. 

The results of audits are communicated directly to the Directors and to all subsidiary boards and appropriate action is taken. 

It  is  the  Group’s  policy  to  foster  an  informed  and  responsible  approach  to  all  environmental  concerns  and  it  encourages  the  involvement  of 

employees, customers and suppliers. Regulatory authorities are consulted and informed at all appropriate times. The Group continues to 

support long-term strategies to minimise, re-use and recycle packaging. 

An indication of the financial risk management objectives and policies and the exposure of the Group to price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

and cash flow risk is provided in Note 26 to the financial statements. 

PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO AUDITOR  

All of the current Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any information needed by the 

Company’s auditor for the purposes of their audit and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. The Directors are not aware 

of any relevant audit information of which the auditor is unaware. 

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STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the group and parent company financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.   

Company law requires the directors to prepare group and parent company financial statements for each financial year.  As required by the 
AIM  Rules  of  the  London  Stock  Exchange  they  are  required  to  prepare  the  group  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  IFRSs  as 
adopted  by  the  EU  and  applicable  law    and  have  elected  to  prepare  the  parent  company  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  UK 
Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).   

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of 
the state of affairs of the group and parent company and of their profit or loss for that period.  In preparing each of the group and parent 
company financial statements, the directors are required to:   

 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;   

  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;   

 

 

 

for the group financial statements, state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;   

for the parent company financial statements, state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;  and   

prepare  the  financial  statements  on  the  going  concern  basis  unless  it  is  inappropriate  to  presume  that  the  group  and  the  parent 
company will continue in business.   

The  directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  adequate  accounting  records  that  are  sufficient  to  show  and  explain  the  parent  company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent company and enable them to  ensure 
that  its  financial  statements  comply  with  the  Companies  Act  2006.    They  have  general  responsibility  for  taking  such  steps  as  are 
reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.   

The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  maintenance  and  integrity  of  the  corporate  and  financial  information  included  on  the  company’s 
website.    Legislation  in  the  UK  governing  the  preparation  and  dissemination  of  financial  statements  may  differ  from  legislation  in  other 
jurisdictions.   

NEIL CARRICK  
DIRECTOR 
5 SEPTEMBER 2012  

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 

 

 

 

for the group financial statements, state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;   

for the parent company financial statements, state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any 

material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;  and   

prepare  the  financial  statements  on  the  going  concern  basis  unless  it  is  inappropriate  to  presume  that  the  group  and  the  parent 

company will continue in business.   

The  directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  adequate  accounting  records  that  are  sufficient  to  show  and  explain  the  parent  company’s 

transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent company and enable them to  ensure 

that  its  financial  statements  comply  with  the  Companies  Act  2006.    They  have  general  responsibility  for  taking  such  steps  as  are 

reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.   

The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  maintenance  and  integrity  of  the  corporate  and  financial  information  included  on  the  company’s 

website.    Legislation  in  the  UK  governing  the  preparation  and  dissemination  of  financial  statements  may  differ  from  legislation  in  other 

jurisdictions.   

NEIL CARRICK  

DIRECTOR 

5 SEPTEMBER 2012  

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the group and parent company financial statements in accordance with 

applicable law and regulations.   

Company law requires the directors to prepare group and parent company financial statements for each financial year.  As required by the 

AIM  Rules  of  the  London  Stock  Exchange  they  are  required  to  prepare  the  group  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  IFRSs  as 

adopted  by  the  EU  and  applicable  law    and  have  elected  to  prepare  the  parent  company  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  UK 

Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).   

As an AIM listed company The 600 Group plc is not required to prepare a remuneration report in accordance with Directors Report 
Regulations of the Companies Act 2006 , however the Directors recognise the importance and support the principles of the 
Regulations. The Auditor is not required to report to the shareholders on the remuneration report  

THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 
The Remuneration Committee (the Committee) is responsible for determining the salary and benefits of Executive Directors. It currently 
consists of three non-Executive Directors. The members of the Committee during the year have been: 

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of 

the state of affairs of the group and parent company and of their profit or loss for that period.  In preparing each of the group and parent 

S J Rutherford (Committee Chairman) 

company financial statements, the directors are required to:   

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;   

  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;   

D Zissman  

P Dupee 

M J Temple (until his resignation on 14 September 2011) 

Remuneration report 

The Committee held four meetings during the year. The most significant matters discussed by the Committee at its formal meetings this 
year were: 

• the operation of a bonus scheme in the current economic climate; 

• the formal grant of awards under the share plans; and 

• a review of Executive Directors’ salaries. 

COMMITTEE’S ADVISERS 
During the year, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP continued to act as independent advisers to the Committee and provided services 
relating to the share schemes.  

No Director was present when his own remuneration arrangements were being discussed. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 
POLICY 
The Company aims to attract, motivate and retain the most able Executives in the industry by ensuring that the Executive Directors 
are fairly rewarded for their individual contributions to the Group’s overall performance, to the interests of the shareholders and to the 
ongoing financial and commercial health of the Group. The Committee feels that including equity incentives in the total remuneration 
package encourages alignment of the interests of the Executive Directors and senior management with those of the shareholders. The 
Company’s strategy is to reward Executive Directors and key senior employees on both a long-term and short-term basis. 

SALARIES 
Salaries are established on the basis of market comparisons with positions of similar responsibility and scope in companies of a similar 
size in comparable industries. The Committee uses annual surveys conducted by external remuneration consultants as its source of 
market information. Individual salaries of Directors are reviewed annually by the Committee and adjusted by reference to individual 
performance and market factors. With the approval of the Chairman, Executive Directors may take up appointments as non-Executive 
Directors and retain payments from sources outside the Group, provided that there is no conflict of interest with their duties and 
responsibilities with the Group. 

BONUS SCHEME 
Executive Directors previously participated in a discretionary bonus scheme that was linked to the achievement of annual financial and 
personal performance targets. There were no cash bonuses paid in the period to 31 March 2012 but Awards of  Deferred shares were 
made to Mr. Norman and Mr. Wakeman in January 2012 in lieu of cash bonuses in respect of their performance in the period to 2 April 
2011. 

The Committee is reviewing future incentive arrangements. 

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS 
THE 600 GROUP PLC 2008 AND 2009 PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN (THE PSP) 
The PSP provides significant rewards for the achievement of stretching performance targets thus achieving a clear and demonstrable 
link between executive performance and executive reward. 

The PSP provides for the award of both “nil cost” (or nominal cost) share options and contingent share awards (together referred to as 
awards) to Executive Directors and other senior employees who are selected to participate. Awards under the PSP were made on 25 
August 2009, 22 March 2011 and 18 January 2012.   

At the time of making an award the Committee will set performance targets which must be satisfied before the award can vest. Such 
targets will normally be measured over a three-year period. The targets for the awards made on 25 August 2009 , 22 March 2011 and 18 
January 2012 were set after consideration at that time of the current economic circumstances of the Company and expectations of the 
future. The exercise price of both schemes is nil and both will ordinarily only vest after three years from grant.  

The performance conditions in respect of the PSP awards made on 25 August 2009 have not been met and therefore the options have 
lapsed. 

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Remuneration report 

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS CONTINUED 
The performance conditions and vesting schedule attaching to the PSP awards made on 22 March 2011 and 18 January 2012 are set 
out in the table below: 

22 March 2011 

18 January 2012 

Average Share Price Achievement 
During The Performance Period 

Average Share Price Achievement 
During The Performance Period 

Percentage Of Option That May 
Potentially Become Exercisable 

Below 31.25 pence 

Below 25 pence 

31.25 pence (25% increase above Base 
Share Price) 

25 pence (25% increase above Base 
Share Price) 

37.50 pence (50% increase above Base 
Share Price) 

30 pence (50% increase above Base 
Share Price) 

43.75 pence (75% increase above Base 
Share Price) 

35 pence (75% increase above Base 
Share Price) 

50.00 pence (100% increase above 
Base Share Price) 

40.00 pence (100% increase above 
Base Share Price) 

Nil 

25% 

50% 

75% 

100% 

The Committee may set different targets for future awards, having regard to the prevailing business and economic conditions at the 
time. This is to ensure that performance targets continue to be demanding and stretching. 

The Committee expects future award levels for Executive Directors to be 75% of salary save where it deems there to be circumstances 
which justify a larger award of up to 150% of salary, e.g. upon recruitment. 

THE 600 GROUP PLC 2009 PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN (THE PSP) APPROVED SECTION 
Share options granted under the PSP Approved Section are subject to the same performance and vesting conditions as the 2009 PSP. 
At the time of exercise, but only to the extent that there is a gain on the options granted under the Approved Section, PSP options will be 
forfeited to the same value. 

THE 600 GROUP PLC 2012 DEFERRED SHARE PLAN (THE DSP) 

A new scheme was introduced on 18 January 2012 which provided for deferred shares to be issued to Directors and senior Executive’s. 
No performance criteria was attached to the option granted on 18 January 2012 which were granted in lieu of cash bonuses earned in 
respect of the period to 2 April 2011. 

BENEFITS IN KIND 
Executive Directors have the following benefits in kind: 

•  car allowance; 

•  medical insurance for self and family; 

•  Pensions 

The Company contributes to certain individual Directors own pension arrangements. Only base salaries are pensionable. The 
contribution rate for the Company is 9%. 

SERVICE CONTRACTS 
Mr N R Carrick has a service contract dated 3 October 2011 with a notice period of twelve months. Mr. N F Rogers has a service 
contract dated 26 March with a notice period of twelve months.  In the case of early termination, the Company would negotiate 
compensation on an individual basis taking into account salary and other benefits as set out in the audited part of this report and the 
twelve month notice period. 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 
Fees for non-executive Directors are determined by the Board on the basis of market comparisons with positions of similar 
responsibilities and scope in companies of a similar size in comparable industries. 

Non-executive Directors do not have contracts of service, are not eligible for pension scheme contributory membership and do not 
participate in any of the Group’s bonus, share option or incentive schemes. 

14

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The performance conditions and vesting schedule attaching to the PSP awards made on 22 March 2011 and 18 January 2012 are set 

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS CONTINUED 

out in the table below: 

22 March 2011 

18 January 2012 

Average Share Price Achievement 

During The Performance Period 

Average Share Price Achievement 

During The Performance Period 

Percentage Of Option That May 

Potentially Become Exercisable 

Below 31.25 pence 

Below 25 pence 

31.25 pence (25% increase above Base 

25 pence (25% increase above Base 

37.50 pence (50% increase above Base 

30 pence (50% increase above Base 

43.75 pence (75% increase above Base 

35 pence (75% increase above Base 

Share Price) 

Share Price) 

Share Price) 

Share Price) 

Share Price) 

Share Price) 

Nil 

25% 

50% 

75% 

50.00 pence (100% increase above 

40.00 pence (100% increase above 

100% 

Base Share Price) 

Base Share Price) 

The Committee may set different targets for future awards, having regard to the prevailing business and economic conditions at the 

time. This is to ensure that performance targets continue to be demanding and stretching. 

The Committee expects future award levels for Executive Directors to be 75% of salary save where it deems there to be circumstances 

which justify a larger award of up to 150% of salary, e.g. upon recruitment. 

THE 600 GROUP PLC 2009 PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN (THE PSP) APPROVED SECTION 

Share options granted under the PSP Approved Section are subject to the same performance and vesting conditions as the 2009 PSP. 

At the time of exercise, but only to the extent that there is a gain on the options granted under the Approved Section, PSP options will be 

forfeited to the same value. 

THE 600 GROUP PLC 2012 DEFERRED SHARE PLAN (THE DSP) 

A new scheme was introduced on 18 January 2012 which provided for deferred shares to be issued to Directors and senior Executive’s. 

No performance criteria was attached to the option granted on 18 January 2012 which were granted in lieu of cash bonuses earned in 

respect of the period to 2 April 2011. 

BENEFITS IN KIND 

Executive Directors have the following benefits in kind: 

•  medical insurance for self and family; 

•  car allowance; 

•  Pensions 

contribution rate for the Company is 9%. 

SERVICE CONTRACTS 

The Company contributes to certain individual Directors own pension arrangements. Only base salaries are pensionable. The 

Mr N R Carrick has a service contract dated 3 October 2011 with a notice period of twelve months. Mr. N F Rogers has a service 

contract dated 26 March with a notice period of twelve months.  In the case of early termination, the Company would negotiate 

compensation on an individual basis taking into account salary and other benefits as set out in the audited part of this report and the 

twelve month notice period. 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 

Fees for non-executive Directors are determined by the Board on the basis of market comparisons with positions of similar 

responsibilities and scope in companies of a similar size in comparable industries. 

Non-executive Directors do not have contracts of service, are not eligible for pension scheme contributory membership and do not 

participate in any of the Group’s bonus, share option or incentive schemes. 

Remuneration report 

Remuneration report 

FIVE YEAR TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN 

This graph shows the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) of the Company from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2012 compared with the AIM 
Index, rebased to 100. The TSR is defined as share price growth plus dividends reinvested. As the Company has been a constituent of 
this index since 14 July 2011, the Board considers that this is now the most appropriate index against which the TSR of the Company 
should be measured. 

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES 
The interests of Directors holding office at 31 March 2012 in the ordinary shares of the Company were as follows: 

P R Dupee 

N F Rogers 

S J Rutherford 

N R Carrick 

D Zissman 

At

31 March

2012

Number

At

2 April

2011

Number

16,125,868

16,125,868

100,000

20,000

—

50,000

—

20,000

—

—

P R Dupee’s interest in the 16.1m shares arises from his position as Managing Partner of Haddeo Partners LLP, which owns these 
shares. P R Dupee holds a 44.5% stake in Haddeo Partners LLP. In addition, Haddeo Partners LLP holds 5,050,000 warrants which 
can be used to either convert their share of the shareholder loan into shares or to purchase shares for a cash consideration. 

14 

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Remuneration report 

DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS 

P R Dupee 

N F Rogers 
N R Carrick[1] 

D Zissman 

S J Rutherford  
D H Norman[2] 
M G D Wakeman[3] 
M J Temple[4] 
C J Cundy[5] 

Total 

1  From date of appointment as a Director on 2 October 2011. 

2  Resigned 26 March 2012. 

3  Resigned 2 October 2011. 

4  Resigned 14 September 2011. 

5  Resigned 2 February 2011. 

DIRECTORS’ PENSION ENTITLEMENTS 

All benefits Termination

Salary

Fees

in kind

payment

Total

2012

£

Total

2011

£

£

£

£

— 47,625

—

—

£

—

—

— 47,625

8,250

—

—

—

—

72,500

— 10,400

— 82,900

— 33,000

— 33,000

—

—

— 33,000

8,250

— 33,000

33,000

244,500

78,300

—

—

3,666 283,839

532,005

321,291

5,823 247,950

332,073

201,980

— 27,500

— 32,500

60,000

60,000

—

—

—

—

— 33,000

395,300

141,125

19,889 564,289 1,120,603    665,771

Pension contributions of £97,175 (2011: £20,700) for D H Norman, £61,263 (2011: £13,050) for M G D Wakeman and £6,525 for N R 
Carrick were paid into their personal pension schemes during the year. 

16

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Remuneration report 

DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS 

P R Dupee 

N F Rogers 

N R Carrick[1] 

D Zissman 

S J Rutherford  

D H Norman[2] 

M G D Wakeman[3] 

M J Temple[4] 

C J Cundy[5] 

Total 

1  From date of appointment as a Director on 2 October 2011. 

2  Resigned 26 March 2012. 

3  Resigned 2 October 2011. 

4  Resigned 14 September 2011. 

5  Resigned 2 February 2011. 

DIRECTORS’ PENSION ENTITLEMENTS 

All benefits Termination

Salary

Fees

in kind

payment

£

£

£

Total

2012

£

Total

2011

£

—

—

— 47,625

8,250

—

—

— 33,000

8,250

— 33,000

33,000

£

—

—

—

—

— 47,625

—

—

— 33,000

— 33,000

72,500

— 10,400

— 82,900

244,500

78,300

3,666 283,839

532,005

321,291

5,823 247,950

332,073

201,980

— 27,500

— 32,500

60,000

60,000

—

—

—

— 33,000

—

—

—

395,300

141,125

19,889 564,289 1,120,603    665,771

Remuneration report 

DIRECTORS’ SHARE OPTIONS  
Details of share options at 31 March 2012 and 2 April 2011 for each Director who held office during the year are as follows: 

D H Norman 

M G D Wakeman 

N R Carrick 

Number of

options at

2 April

2011
2,451,2131
1,613,6703

Granted
308,2472
194,3294
— 1,144,7375

Exercised

Lapsed/

forfeited

Number of

options at

31 March

2012

— (1,245,973)

1,513,487

—

—

(853,845)

954,154

—

1,144,737

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

At 2 April 2,266,598 nil cost options were held under The 600 Group PLC 2008 Performance Share Plan and 184,615 options were held under a HM Revenue & 
Customs approved share option scheme exercisable between 3 and 10 years of the grant date of 25 August 2009 subject to performance criteria 

308,247 nil cost options were granted under The 600 Group PLC Deferred Share Plan on 18 January 2012 exercisable between grant date and 10 years time. 

At 2 April 2011 1,429,055 nil cost options were held under The 600 Group PLC 2008 Performance Share Plan and 184,615 options were held under a HM Revenue 
& Customs approved share option scheme exercisable between 3 and 10 years of the grant date of 25 August 2009 subject to performance criteria. 

194,329 nil cost options were granted under The 600 Group PLC Deferred Share Plan on 18 January 2012 exercisable between grant date and 10 years time. 

1,144,737 nil cost options were granted under the 600 Group PLC 2008 Performance Share Plan on 18 January 2012 exercisable between 3 and 10 years from 
grant date subject to performance criteria. 

The share price at 31 March 2012 was 19.75p and the highest and lowest prices during the period were 37.75p and 18.5p, 
respectively. 

Pension contributions of £97,175 (2011: £20,700) for D H Norman, £61,263 (2011: £13,050) for M G D Wakeman and £6,525 for N R 

Carrick were paid into their personal pension schemes during the year. 

On behalf of the Board 

NEIL CARRICK  
DIRECTOR 
5 SEPTEMBER 2012  

16 

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Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of The 600 Group PLC 

We  have  audited  the  financial  statements  of  The  600  Group  PLC  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2012  set  out  on  pages  19  to  69.    The 
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU.  The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation 
of the parent company financial statements is applicable law and UK Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).   

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006.  Our 
audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an 
auditor’s report and for no other purpose.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other 
than the company and the company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.   

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor   

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 12, the directors are responsible for the preparation of 
the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.  Our responsibility is to audit, and express an opinion on, 
the  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  applicable  law  and  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (UK  and  Ireland).    Those  standards 
require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.   

Scope of the audit of the financial statements   

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB’s website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.  

Opinion on financial statements   

In our opinion:   

 

 

 

 

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 March 2012 
and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;   

the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;   

the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 
and;   

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.   

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006   

In  our  opinion  the  information  given  in  the  Directors’  Report  for  the  financial  year  for  which  the  financial  statements  are  prepared  is 
consistent with the financial statements. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:   

 

 

 

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 
from branches not visited by us; or   

the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or   

certain  disclosures  of  directors’  remuneration  specified  by  law  are  not  made;  or  we  have  not  received  all  the  information  and 
explanations we require for our audit.   

David Morritt  (Senior Statutory Auditor)   

for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor   

Chartered Accountants   

1 The Embankment 

Neville Street 

Leeds 

LS1 4DW 

5 September 2012 

18

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Independent auditor’s report 

To the members of The 600 Group PLC 

Consolidated income statement 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

As restated *

After

Before
special items Special items special items
52 weeks
ended
31 March
2012
£'000

52 weeks
ended
31 March
2012
£'000

52 weeks
ended
31 March
2012
£'000

After

Before
special items special items special items
52 weeks 
ended
2  April
2011
£'000

52 weeks 
ended
2  April
2011
£'000

52 weeks 
ended
2  April
2011
£'000

39,393
 (27,316)

12,077 
126
 (13,410)

 -
 (7,512)

 (7,512)
 -
 (5,367)

39,393
 (34,828)

4,565 
126
 (18,777)

36,451 
 (23,507)

12,944 
332 
 (13,020)

 -
 -

36,451 
 (23,507)

 -
 -
1,345 

12,944 
332 
 (11,675)

 (1,207)

 (12,879)

 (14,086)

256 

1,345 

1,601 

24
10,834
10,858 

 (669)
 (9,268)
 (9,937)

24 
10,834
10,858 

 (669)
 (9,268)
 (9,937)

34 
10,876 
10,910 

 (566)
 (9,484)
 (10,050)

 -

 -

34 
10,876 
10,910 

 (566)
 (9,484)
 (10,050)

 -

 -

 (286)

 (12,879)

 (13,165)

1,116 

1,345 

2,461 

 (907)

 -

 (907)

 (448)

 -

 (448)

 (1,193)

 (12,879)

 (14,072)

 (777)

 -

 (777)

668 

858 

1,345 

2,013 

 -

858 

 (1,970)

 (12,879)

 (14,849)

1,526 

1,345 

2,871 

Continuing
Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Other operating income
Net operating expenses

(Loss)/profit from operations

Bank and other interest
Expected return on pension assets
Financial income 

Bank and other interest
Interest on pension obligations
Financial expense

(Loss)/profit before tax

Income tax charge

the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 

(Loss)/profit for the period from continuing operations

Post tax (loss)/profit of discontinued operations

Total (loss)/profit for the financial year
attributable to Equity holders of the parent

Note

1

2
2

4

6

6

7

1

We  have  audited  the  financial  statements  of  The  600  Group  PLC  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2012  set  out  on  pages  19  to  69.    The 

financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and International 

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU.  The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation 

of the parent company financial statements is applicable law and UK Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).   

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006.  Our 

audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an 

auditor’s report and for no other purpose.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other 

than the company and the company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.   

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor   

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 12, the directors are responsible for the preparation of 

the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.  Our responsibility is to audit, and express an opinion on, 

the  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  applicable  law  and  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (UK  and  Ireland).    Those  standards 

require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.   

Scope of the audit of the financial statements   

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB’s website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.  

Opinion on financial statements   

In our opinion:   

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 March 2012 

and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;   

the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;   

and;   

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.   

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006   

In  our  opinion  the  information  given  in  the  Directors’  Report  for  the  financial  year  for  which  the  financial  statements  are  prepared  is 

consistent with the financial statements. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:   

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 

from branches not visited by us; or   

the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or   

certain  disclosures  of  directors’  remuneration  specified  by  law  are  not  made;  or  we  have  not  received  all  the  information  and 

explanations we require for our audit.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Morritt  (Senior Statutory Auditor)   

for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor   

Chartered Accountants   

1 The Embankment 

Neville Street 

Leeds 

LS1 4DW 

5 September 2012 

Special items comprise exceptional costs relating to reorganisation, redundancy, inventory and intangibles impairments, and share based payments (see note 3)
* Comparative figures have been restated as a result of the South African business being treated as discontinued

Basic (loss)/earnings per share per share - continuing
                                                                                   - discontinued
                                                                                   - Total

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share - continuing
                                                                                   - discontinued
                                                                                   - Total

9

9

 (1.87)p
 (1.22)p
 (3.09)p

 (1.87)p
 (1.22)p
 (3.09)p

 (20.21)p

 (20.21)p

 (20.21)p

 (20.21)p

 (22.08)p
 (1.22)p
 (23.30)p

 (22.08)p
 (1.22)p
 (23.30)p

1.16p 
1.50p 
2.66p 

0.11p 
1.28p 
1.39p 

2.35p 

2.35p 

0.24p 

0.24p 

3.51p 
1.50p 
5.01p 

0.35p 
1.28p 
1.63p 

18 

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Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

(Loss)/profit for the period 

Other comprehensive (expense)/income 

Foreign exchange translation differences 

Net actuarial gains on employee benefit schemes 

Impact of changes to defined benefit asset limit 

Impact of transfer to assets held for sale 

Deferred taxation 

Other comprehensive expense for the period, net of income tax 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the period 

Attributable to: 

Equity holders of the Parent Company 

Total recognised (expense)/income 

Notes 

30 

30 

13 

52-week

52-week

period ended

period ended

31 March

2012

£000

(14,849)

(95)

7,025

(8,810)

349

386

(1,145)

(15,994)

(15,994)

(15,994)

2 April

2011

£000

2,871

—

2,235

(4,130)

—

(1)

(1,958)

975

913

913

20

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07/09/2012   10:18:59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

for the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Consolidated statement of financial position 
as at 31 March 2012 

(Loss)/profit for the period 

Other comprehensive (expense)/income 

Foreign exchange translation differences 

Net actuarial gains on employee benefit schemes 

Impact of changes to defined benefit asset limit 

Impact of transfer to assets held for sale 

Deferred taxation 

Other comprehensive expense for the period, net of income tax 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the period 

Attributable to: 

Equity holders of the Parent Company 

Total recognised (expense)/income 

Notes 

30 

30 

13 

52-week

52-week

period ended

period ended

31 March

2012

£000

(14,849)

(95)

7,025

(8,810)

349

386

(1,145)

(15,994)

(15,994)

(15,994)

2 April

2011

£000

2,871

—

2,235

(4,130)

—

(1)

(1,958)

975

913

913

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Assets held for sale 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Employee benefits 

Loans and other borrowings 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Income tax payable 

Provisions 

Loans and other borrowings 

Liabilities held for sale 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Shareholders’ equity 

Called-up share capital 

Share premium account 

Revaluation reserve 

Capital redemption reserve 

Equity reserve 

Translation reserve 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

Notes 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

30 

18 

13 

19 

21 

18 

20 

23 

As at

31 March

2012

£000

5,085

852

1,473

7,410

10,811

6,528

9,093

409

26,841

34,251

(2,012)

(5,824)

(1,365)

(9,201)

(9,556)

(199)

(1,241)

(2,579)

(4,488)

(18,063)

(27,264)

6,987

14,375

15,645

1,080

2,500

167

1,487

(28,267)

6,987

As at

2 April

2011

£000

10,661

1,350

2,704

14,715

18,742

8,922

—

1,052

28,716

43,431

(1,849)

(2,218)

(1,817)

(5,884)

(11,900)

(83)

(252)

(3,629)

_

(15,864)

(21,748)

21,683

14,315

13,899

1,475

2,500

160

1,697

(12,363)

21,683

The financial statements on pages 19 to 69 were approved by the Board of Directors on 5 September 2012 and were signed on its 
behalf by: 

NEIL CARRICK 
GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR 
5 SEPTEMBER 2012

20 

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07/09/2012   10:18:59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
As at 31 March 2012 

At 3 April 2010 

At 4 April 2010 

Profit for the period 

Other comprehensive income: 

Foreign currency translation 

Net actuarial losses on employee benefit 
schemes 

Impact of changes to defined benefit asset limit 

Deferred tax 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners: 

Share capital subscribed for 

Shareholder loan issue with convertible warrants 

Non-controlling interest reversal 

Credit for share-based payments 

Total transactions with owners 

At 2 April 2011 

At 3 April 2011 

Loss for the period 

Other comprehensive income: 

Foreign currency translation 

Net actuarial losses on employee benefit 
schemes 

Impact of write down of assets held for sale 

Impact of changes to defined benefit asset limit 

Deferred tax 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners: 

Share capital subscribed for 

Shareholder loan issue with convertible warrants 

Credit for share-based payments 

Total transactions with owners 

At 31 March 2012 

Ordinary

Share

Capital

share premium Revaluation redemption Translation Equity

Retained 

Minority

capital

account

reserve

reserve[1]

reserve reserve

Earnings 

Total

interest[2]

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000 

£000

£000

Total

equity

£000

14,308 13,766

1,433

2,500

1,570 — (13,550)  20,027

634

20,661

14,308 13,766

1,433

2,500

1,570 — (13,550)  20,027

634

20,661

—

—

2,871

2,871

— 2,871

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

7

—

—

—

7

—

—

—

—

—

133

—

—

—

133

—

42

—

—

(66)

(24)

—

—

66

—

66

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(38)

—

—

—

(38)

—

—

—

—

— 160

165

—

—

—

165

160

—

—

—

4

—

4

2,235

2,235

— 2,235

— (4,130)

(4,130)

— (4,130)

(1)

975

—

—

85

127

212

(67)

913

140

160 

—

—

—

—

(67)

913

140

160

316 

(634)

(318)

127 

—

743 

(634)

127

109

14,315 13,899

1,475

2,500

1,697

160 (12,363) 21,683 

— 21,683

14,315 13,899

1,475

2,500

1,697

160 (12,363)  21,683

— 21,683

—

—

—

—

—

— (14,849) (14,849)

— (14,849)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(46)

—

(349)

—

—

— (210)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(95)

(351)

— (351)

7,025

7,025

— 7,025

349 

— 

—

—

— (8,810) 

(8,810) 

— (8,810)

—

386 

386 

—

386

—

—

(395)

— (210)

— (15,994) (16,599)

— (16,599)

60 1,746

—

—

—

—

60 1,746

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

7

—

7

— 1,806

— 

—

—

1,806

7

90

7 

90

1,903 

— 1,903

—

90

90

14,375 15,645

1,080

2,500

1,487

167 (28,267)

6,987 

— 6,987

1  The capital redemption reserve was set up on cancellation and repayment of cumulative preference shares in 2001. 

2  The minority interest related to the 25.1% in 600SA Holdings (Pty) Limited acquired by a South African individual on 3 April 2005 which was divested during the prior period. 

22

0_600_ar12.indd   22

22 

07/09/2012   10:19:00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder loan issue with convertible warrants 

—

—

— 160

At 3 April 2010 

At 4 April 2010 

Profit for the period 

Other comprehensive income: 

Foreign currency translation 

Net actuarial losses on employee benefit 

schemes 

Deferred tax 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners: 

Share capital subscribed for 

Non-controlling interest reversal 

Credit for share-based payments 

Total transactions with owners 

At 2 April 2011 

At 3 April 2011 

Loss for the period 

Other comprehensive income: 

Foreign currency translation 

Net actuarial losses on employee benefit 

schemes 

Impact of write down of assets held for sale 

Impact of changes to defined benefit asset limit 

Deferred tax 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners: 

Share capital subscribed for 

Shareholder loan issue with convertible warrants 

Credit for share-based payments 

Total transactions with owners 

60 1,746

60 1,746

Ordinary

Share

Capital

share premium Revaluation redemption Translation Equity

Retained 

Minority

capital

account

reserve

reserve[1]

reserve reserve

Earnings 

Total

interest[2]

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000 

£000

£000

Total

equity

£000

14,308 13,766

1,433

2,500

1,570 — (13,550)  20,027

634

20,661

14,308 13,766

1,433

2,500

1,570 — (13,550)  20,027

634

20,661

—

—

—

—

2,871

2,871

— 2,871

—

4

—

4

2,235

2,235

— 2,235

(67)

913

140

160 

127 

—

—

—

—

—

(1)

975

—

—

85

127

212

(67)

913

140

160

127

109

—

—

—

—

—

7

—

—

—

7

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

133

—

—

—

133

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

42

—

—

(66)

(24)

—

—

66

—

66

(46)

—

(349)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(38)

—

—

—

(38)

165

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

7

—

7

165

160

743 

(634)

14,315 13,899

1,475

2,500

1,697

160 (12,363) 21,683 

— 21,683

14,315 13,899

1,475

2,500

1,697

160 (12,363)  21,683

— 21,683

—

—

—

—

—

— (14,849) (14,849)

— (14,849)

— (210)

(95)

(351)

— (351)

7,025

7,025

— 7,025

349 

— 

—

—

— (8,810) 

(8,810) 

— (8,810)

—

386 

386 

—

386

—

—

(395)

— (210)

— (15,994) (16,599)

— (16,599)

— 1,806

1,806

— 

—

—

7 

90

7

90

1,903 

— 1,903

—

90

90

At 31 March 2012 

14,375 15,645

1,080

2,500

1,487

167 (28,267)

6,987 

— 6,987

1  The capital redemption reserve was set up on cancellation and repayment of cumulative preference shares in 2001. 

2  The minority interest related to the 25.1% in 600SA Holdings (Pty) Limited acquired by a South African individual on 3 April 2005 which was divested during the prior period. 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

As at 31 March 2012 

Consolidated cash flow statement 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Impact of changes to defined benefit asset limit 

— (4,130)

(4,130)

— (4,130)

Impairment of tangible fixed assets 

Net financial income 

Net pension credit 

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment 

Equity share option expense 

Income tax expense/(income) 

316 

(634)

(318)

Operating cash flow before changes in working capital and provisions  

Cash flows from operating activities 

(Loss)/profit for the period  

Adjustments for: 

Amortisation of development expenditure 

Depreciation 

Impairment of goodwill 

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 

Decrease in inventories 

Increase in trade and other payables 

Decrease in employee benefits 

Cash (used in )/generated from operations 

Interest paid 

Income tax (paid) 

Net cash flows from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Interest received 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 

Acquisition of Polish manufacturing company 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Development expenditure capitalised 

Net cash flows from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 

Proceeds from issue of shareholder loan net of costs 

Net proceeds from external borrowing 

Net cash flows from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 

22 

0_600_ar12.indd   23

52-week

52-week

period ended

period ended

31 March

2012

£000

2 April

2011

£000

(14,849)

2,871

Notes 

116

1,033

931

1,158

(921)

(1,224)

—

90

907

(12,759)

(1,240)

5,896

3,358

1,767

(2,978)

(757)

(132)

(3,867)

68

380

—

(963)

(549)

(1,064)

1,806

—

4,986

6,792

1,861

(1,905)

(73)

(117)

513

994

—

—

(756)

(2,570)

16

127

(307)

888

549

578

652

(788)

1,879

(645)

(53)

1,181

7

245

(632)

(1,002)

(406)

(1,788)

140

2,104

(171)

2,073

1,466

(3,371)

—

(1,905)

23

23 

07/09/2012   10:19:00

24 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group accounting policies 

BASIS OF PREPARATION 
The 600 Group PLC is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company’s ordinary shares are 
traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. 

The Group Consolidated Financial Statements incorporate accounts, prepared to the Saturday nearest to the Group’s accounting reference 
date of 31 March, of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings (together referred to as the Group). The results for 2012 are for the 52-
week  period  ended  31  March 2012. The  results  for  2011 are for  the  52-week  period  ended 2  April 2011. The  Parent  Company  financial 
statements present information about the Company as a separate entity and not about its Group. 

The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under adopted 
IFRS.  

IFRS and IFRIC are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the IASB) and must be adopted into European Union law, 
referred to as endorsement, before they become mandatory under the IAS Regulation.  

There  have  been  no  further  alterations  made  to  the  accounting  policies  as  a  result  of  considering  all  amendments  to  IFRS  and  IFRIC 
interpretations that became effective during the accounting period as these were considered to be immaterial to the Group’s operations or 
were  not  relevant.  A  change  to  the  Deed  and  Rules  is  in  the  process  of  being  agreed  with  the  Trustees  of  the  UK  600  Group  Pension 
Scheme which would allow the accounting surplus, which at 31 March 2012 stood at £12.9m, to be included on the Group balance sheet.  

There  are  a  number  of  standards  and  interpretations  issued  by  the  IASB  that  are  effective  for  financial  statements  after  this  reporting 
period. The following have not been adopted by the Group: 

 Effective for accounting periods starting on or after:

International Financial Reporting Standards: 

IFRS 7 Amendment to Financial Instruments: Disclosures on 
derecognition 

IAS 12 Amendment to Income taxes on deferred tax 

IAS 1 Amendment to Financial Statement presentation 

IAS 19 Amendment to Employee benefits 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 

IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements 

IFRS 11 Joint arrangements 

IFRS 12 Disclosures of interests in other entities 

IFRS 13 Fair Value measurement 

IAS 27 Separate financial statements (revised) 

IAS 28 Associates and joint ventures (revised) 

1 July 2011

1 January 2012

1 July 2012

1 January 2013

1 January 2015

1 January 2013

1 January 2013

1 January 2013

1January 2013

1 January 2013

1 January 2013

  These standards and interpretations have been endorsed by the European Union 

The application of these standards and interpretations are not anticipated to have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements 

The Company has elected to prepare its Parent Company financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP; these are presented on pages 61 
to 69. 

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  adopted  IFRS  requires  management  to  make  judgements,  estimates  and 
assumptions  that affect  the application of  policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and 
associated  assumptions  are  based  on  historical  experience  and  various  other  factors  that  are  believed  to  be  reasonable  under  the 
circumstances,  the  results  of which  form  the  basis  of  making  the  judgements  about  carrying  values  of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not 
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

The  estimates  and  underlying  assumptions  are  reviewed  on  an  ongoing  basis.  Revisions  to  accounting  estimates  are  recognised  in  the 
period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision 
affects both current and future periods. 

Judgements made by management in the application of IFRS that have a significant effect on the Group financial statements and estimates 
with a significant risk of material adjustment in the next year are discussed in Note 32. 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling rounded to the nearest thousand. 

The following principal accounting policies have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these Group financial statements.  

24

0_600_ar12.indd   24

24 

07/09/2012   10:19:00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group accounting policies 

Group accounting policies 

BASIS OF PREPARATION 

The 600 Group PLC is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company’s ordinary shares are 

traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. 

The Group Consolidated Financial Statements incorporate accounts, prepared to the Saturday nearest to the Group’s accounting reference 

date of 31 March, of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings (together referred to as the Group). The results for 2012 are for the 52-

week  period  ended  31  March 2012. The  results  for  2011 are for  the  52-week  period  ended 2  April 2011. The  Parent  Company  financial 

statements present information about the Company as a separate entity and not about its Group. 

The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting 

Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under adopted 

IFRS.  

IFRS and IFRIC are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the IASB) and must be adopted into European Union law, 

referred to as endorsement, before they become mandatory under the IAS Regulation.  

There  have  been  no  further  alterations  made  to  the  accounting  policies  as  a  result  of  considering  all  amendments  to  IFRS  and  IFRIC 

interpretations that became effective during the accounting period as these were considered to be immaterial to the Group’s operations or 

were  not  relevant.  A  change  to  the  Deed  and  Rules  is  in  the  process  of  being  agreed  with  the  Trustees  of  the  UK  600  Group  Pension 

Scheme which would allow the accounting surplus, which at 31 March 2012 stood at £12.9m, to be included on the Group balance sheet.  

There  are  a  number  of  standards  and  interpretations  issued  by  the  IASB  that  are  effective  for  financial  statements  after  this  reporting 

period. The following have not been adopted by the Group: 

 Effective for accounting periods starting on or after:

International Financial Reporting Standards: 

IFRS 7 Amendment to Financial Instruments: Disclosures on 

derecognition 

IAS 12 Amendment to Income taxes on deferred tax 

IAS 1 Amendment to Financial Statement presentation 

IAS 19 Amendment to Employee benefits 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 

IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements 

IFRS 11 Joint arrangements 

IFRS 12 Disclosures of interests in other entities 

IFRS 13 Fair Value measurement 

IAS 27 Separate financial statements (revised) 

IAS 28 Associates and joint ventures (revised) 

1 July 2011

1 January 2012

1 July 2012

1 January 2013

1 January 2015

1 January 2013

1 January 2013

1 January 2013

1January 2013

1 January 2013

1 January 2013

  These standards and interpretations have been endorsed by the European Union 

The application of these standards and interpretations are not anticipated to have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements 

The Company has elected to prepare its Parent Company financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP; these are presented on pages 61 

to 69. 

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  adopted  IFRS  requires  management  to  make  judgements,  estimates  and 

assumptions  that affect  the application of  policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and 

associated  assumptions  are  based  on  historical  experience  and  various  other  factors  that  are  believed  to  be  reasonable  under  the 

circumstances,  the  results  of which  form  the  basis  of  making  the  judgements  about  carrying  values  of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not 

readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

The  estimates  and  underlying  assumptions  are  reviewed  on  an  ongoing  basis.  Revisions  to  accounting  estimates  are  recognised  in  the 

period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision 

affects both current and future periods. 

Judgements made by management in the application of IFRS that have a significant effect on the Group financial statements and estimates 

with a significant risk of material adjustment in the next year are discussed in Note 32. 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling rounded to the nearest thousand. 

The following principal accounting policies have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these Group financial statements.  

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention except that properties are stated at their fair value. 

The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out 
in the Chairman’s Statement on pages 1 to 2 and the Group Chief Executive’s Review of Operations on pages 3 to 4. The financial position 
of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Group Finance Director’s Financial Review on 
pages  5  to  7  and  Note  26  to  the  financial  statements.  In  addition  Note  26  to  the  financial  statements  includes  the  Group’s  objectives, 
policies  and  processes  for  managing  its  capital;  its  financial  risk  management objectives;  details of  its  financial  instruments and  hedging 
activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. 

The Group refinanced in August 2011 with Santander PLC who provided a Term Loan facility of £2.5m with scheduled repayments through 
to June 2015 and a Revolving Credit facility of £2.5m until 30 June 2014. Security over the UK assets which is shared with Haddeo and the 
UK Pension Trustees was put in place at this time. The new facility was utilised to repay existing bank debt and provide working capital for 
the European operations including Poland. 

 As  a  result  of  continued  supply  disruption  and  poor  trading  in  Poland  the  Group  negotiated  a  further  £800,000  overdraft  facility  in  early 
January 2012 to provide additional working capital whilst it completed a number of asset divestments. Subsequent to the year end date the 
Group divested of its Shepshed property and its South African subsidiary and the proceeds of £2.9m were used to repay the overdraft and 
part of the term loan facility with the balance being used for working capital.  

As a result of these divestments and the recent strategic review including the decision to close its manufacturing operation in Poland the 
Group  has  agreed  amendments  on  the  5  September  2012  to  the  existing  facilities  including  revised  covenants  and  a  deferment  of  the 
quarterly capital repayments on the Term Loan until September 2013. In addition a new overdraft facility of £300,000 until 1 October 2013 
has been agreed. These amendments were conditional upon the placing of shares undertaken with institutions raising £1.47m which was 
completed on 5 September 2012. 

The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group should 
be able to operate within the level of these revised facilities. This includes consideration of working capital requirements and the impact of 
funding further reorganisation costs and the possible delay in the divestment of further property assets. Additional property asset disposals 
have  been  factored  into  future  banking  covenants  and  the  disposal  of  these  properties  and  allocation  of  the  proceeds  will  require  the 
agreement of all debenture holders including Haddeo and the Pension Trustees.  

 The overseas bank overdrafts in place around the Group are all due for renewal within the next 6 months. The Group has held discussions 
with its overseas bankers about its future borrowing needs and no matters have been drawn to its attention to suggest that renewals may 
not be forthcoming on acceptable terms. The Group also considers that alternative sources of finance would be available should the need 
arise. 

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue 
in  operational  existence  for  the  foreseeable  future.  Accordingly,  they  continue  to  adopt  the  going  concern  basis  in  preparing  the  Annual 
Report and Accounts. 

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION 
The  Group’s  financial  statements  consolidate  the  financial  statements  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiary  undertakings.  Subsidiary 
undertakings are those entities that are controlled by the Group. The results of any subsidiaries sold or acquired are included in the Group’s 
income  statement  up to,  or  from,  the  date  control  passes.  All  intra-Group  balances  and  transactions,  including  unrealised  profits  arising 
from intra-Group transactions, are eliminated fully on consolidation. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling on the date of the transaction. 
Monetary  assets  and  liabilities  are  translated  into  Sterling  at  the  rate  of  exchange  ruling  at  the  balance  sheet  dates.  Earnings  of  foreign 
operations are translated at the average exchange rate for the period as an approximation to actual transaction date rates. Exchange rates 
used  to  express  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  overseas  companies  in  Sterling  are  the  rates  ruling  at  the  balance  sheet  dates.  Exchange 
differences arising from the re-translation of the investments in overseas subsidiaries are recorded as a movement on reserves. All other 
exchange differences are dealt with through the income statement. 

On transition to adopted IFRS, the Group took the exemption under IFRS 1 to start the translation reserve at £nil. The balance on this 
reserve only relates to post transition. 

REVENUE 
Revenue represents commission on agency sales and the total of the amounts invoiced to customers outside the Group for goods supplied 
and services rendered, excluding VAT, and after deducting discounts allowed and credit notes issued. Revenue is recognised at the point 
at  which  goods  are  supplied  to  customers.  No  revenue  is  recognised  if  there  are  significant  uncertainties  regarding  recovery  of  the 
consideration due, associated completion costs, the possible return of goods or continuing management involvement with the goods. 

24 

0_600_ar12.indd   25

25

25 

07/09/2012   10:19:01

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group accounting policies 

SEGMENT ANALYSIS 
The Group has adopted IFRS 8 “Operating segments” which requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reporting 
about components of the Group that  are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments 
and to assess their performance. 

Following the restructuring undertaken the two business streams of Machine Tools and Precision Engineered Equipment have been 
aggregated as they are operationally managed and reported internally to the Executive Directors as a single Division. The South African 
business consisted of the Mechanical Handling and Waste activity and has been classified as a discontinued activity in these accounts. 
The Executive Directors consider there to be two continuing operating segments being Machine Tools and Precision Engineered 
Components and Laser Marking.   

The executive directors assess the performance of the operating segments based on a measure of operating profit/(loss).  This 
measurement basis excludes the effects of Special Items from the operating segments. Head Office and unallocated represent central 
functions and costs and include the effects of the Group Final Salary Scheme in the UK.  

OPERATING PROFIT AND SPECIAL ITEMS 

In order for users of the financial statements to better understand the underlying performance of the Group, the Board have separately 
disclosed transactions which, whilst falling within the ordinary activities of the Group, are, by the virtue of their size or incidence, considered 
to be one off in nature. In addition they include the charge for share based payments. 

Such items include gains and losses on the revaluation or sale of properties and assets, exceptional costs relating to reorganisation, 
redundancy, restructuring, legal disputs,inventory and intangibles impairments.  

PENSIONS AND POST-RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS 
The  Group  operates  both  defined  benefit  and  defined  contribution  pension  schemes.  It  also  operates  a  retirement  healthcare  benefit 
scheme  for  certain  of  its employees  in  the  US.  The  Group’s  net  obligation  in  respect  of  the  defined  benefit  schemes  and  the  retirement 
healthcare benefit scheme is calculated by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in 
the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value and the fair value of any scheme assets is deducted. 
The  discount  rate  for  the  UK  schemes  is based  on  the  annualised  yield  on  AA  credit  rated  corporate  bonds.  The  discount  rate  for  the 
retirement healthcare benefit scheme is based on a similar measure which is appropriate for the US market. The calculations are performed 
by  a  qualified  actuary  using  the  projected  unit  method.  Actuarial  gains  and  losses  are  recognised  immediately  through  the  statement  of 
comprehensive income. The extent to which the schemes’ assets exceed the liabilities is shown as a surplus in the balance sheet to the 
extent that the surplus is recoverable by the Group. Further provision is made to the extent that the Group has any additional obligation under 
a minimum funding requirement. 

Items recognised in the income statement and statement of comprehensive income are as follows: 

WITHIN PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 
•  current service cost – representing the increase in the present value of the defined benefit obligation resulting from employee service in 

the current period; 

•  past service cost – representing the increase in the present value of the defined benefit obligation resulting from employee service in 
prior periods, which arises from changes made to the benefits under the scheme in the current period. To the extent that the changes to 
benefits vest immediately, past service costs are recognised immediately, otherwise they are recognised on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period; and  

•  gains and losses arising on settlements and curtailments – where the item that gave rise to the settlement or curtailment is recognised 

within operating profit. 

•  obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred. 

BELOW PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 
•  interest cost on the liabilities of the scheme – calculated by reference to the scheme liabilities and discount rate at the beginning of the 

period and allowing for changes in liabilities during the period; and  

•  expected return on the assets of the scheme – calculated by reference to the scheme assets and long-term expected rate of return at the 

beginning of the period and allowing for changes during the period. 

WITHIN THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
•  actuarial gains and losses arising on the assets and liabilities of the scheme; and 

•  any change in the unrecognised asset of the scheme due to the asset limit test. 

GOODWILL 
Goodwill arising on acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses is capitalised as an asset and represents the excess of the fair value of the 
consideration given over the fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired. 

In accordance with IFRS 1 “First-time Adoption of IFRS”, goodwill has been frozen at its net book value as at the date of transition and will 
not be amortised. Instead it will be subject to an annual impairment review with any impairment losses being recognised immediately in the 
income statement. 

Goodwill written off in prior years under previous UK GAAP will not be reinstated. 

26

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Group accounting policies 

SEGMENT ANALYSIS 

and to assess their performance. 

The Group has adopted IFRS 8 “Operating segments” which requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reporting 

about components of the Group that  are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments 

Following the restructuring undertaken the two business streams of Machine Tools and Precision Engineered Equipment have been 

aggregated as they are operationally managed and reported internally to the Executive Directors as a single Division. The South African 

business consisted of the Mechanical Handling and Waste activity and has been classified as a discontinued activity in these accounts. 

The Executive Directors consider there to be two continuing operating segments being Machine Tools and Precision Engineered 

Components and Laser Marking.   

The executive directors assess the performance of the operating segments based on a measure of operating profit/(loss).  This 

measurement basis excludes the effects of Special Items from the operating segments. Head Office and unallocated represent central 

functions and costs and include the effects of the Group Final Salary Scheme in the UK.  

OPERATING PROFIT AND SPECIAL ITEMS 

In order for users of the financial statements to better understand the underlying performance of the Group, the Board have separately 

disclosed transactions which, whilst falling within the ordinary activities of the Group, are, by the virtue of their size or incidence, considered 

to be one off in nature. In addition they include the charge for share based payments. 

Such items include gains and losses on the revaluation or sale of properties and assets, exceptional costs relating to reorganisation, 

redundancy, restructuring, legal disputs,inventory and intangibles impairments.  

PENSIONS AND POST-RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS 

The  Group  operates  both  defined  benefit  and  defined  contribution  pension  schemes.  It  also  operates  a  retirement  healthcare  benefit 

scheme  for  certain  of  its employees  in  the  US.  The  Group’s  net  obligation  in  respect  of  the  defined  benefit  schemes  and  the  retirement 

healthcare benefit scheme is calculated by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in 

the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value and the fair value of any scheme assets is deducted. 

The  discount  rate  for  the  UK  schemes  is based  on  the  annualised  yield  on  AA  credit  rated  corporate  bonds.  The  discount  rate  for  the 

retirement healthcare benefit scheme is based on a similar measure which is appropriate for the US market. The calculations are performed 

by  a  qualified  actuary  using  the  projected  unit  method.  Actuarial  gains  and  losses  are  recognised  immediately  through  the  statement  of 

comprehensive income. The extent to which the schemes’ assets exceed the liabilities is shown as a surplus in the balance sheet to the 

extent that the surplus is recoverable by the Group. Further provision is made to the extent that the Group has any additional obligation under 

Items recognised in the income statement and statement of comprehensive income are as follows: 

a minimum funding requirement. 

WITHIN PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 

the current period; 

vesting period; and  

within operating profit. 

•  current service cost – representing the increase in the present value of the defined benefit obligation resulting from employee service in 

•  past service cost – representing the increase in the present value of the defined benefit obligation resulting from employee service in 

prior periods, which arises from changes made to the benefits under the scheme in the current period. To the extent that the changes to 

benefits vest immediately, past service costs are recognised immediately, otherwise they are recognised on a straight-line basis over the 

•  gains and losses arising on settlements and curtailments – where the item that gave rise to the settlement or curtailment is recognised 

•  obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred. 

BELOW PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 

•  interest cost on the liabilities of the scheme – calculated by reference to the scheme liabilities and discount rate at the beginning of the 

period and allowing for changes in liabilities during the period; and  

•  expected return on the assets of the scheme – calculated by reference to the scheme assets and long-term expected rate of return at the 

beginning of the period and allowing for changes during the period. 

WITHIN THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

•  actuarial gains and losses arising on the assets and liabilities of the scheme; and 

•  any change in the unrecognised asset of the scheme due to the asset limit test. 

Goodwill arising on acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses is capitalised as an asset and represents the excess of the fair value of the 

consideration given over the fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired. 

In accordance with IFRS 1 “First-time Adoption of IFRS”, goodwill has been frozen at its net book value as at the date of transition and will 

not be amortised. Instead it will be subject to an annual impairment review with any impairment losses being recognised immediately in the 

GOODWILL 

income statement. 

Goodwill written off in prior years under previous UK GAAP will not be reinstated. 

Group accounting policies 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
Research expenditure undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding is recognised in the 
income statement as an expense as incurred. 

Expenditure  on  development  activities,  whereby  research  findings  are  applied  to  a  plan  or  design  for  the  production  of  new  or 
substantially  improved  products  and  processes,  is  capitalised  if  the  product  or  process  is  technically  and  commercially  feasible  and  the 
Group has sufficient resources to complete development. The expenditure capitalised includes direct labour and an appropriate proportion 
of overheads. Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the useful economic life of the activity. Currently 
the annual rates used are between two and five years. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
Property, plant and equipment are held at cost, subject to property revaluations every three to five years, or indications of changes in fair value of 
properties. During March 2010 the Group’s properties were revalued. The valuations were performed by independent valuers, Eddisons, 
and the valuations were determined by market rate for sale with vacant possession. The Directors believe that these valuations remain 
appropriate at 31 March 2012. Revalued amounts are reflected in the balance sheet with the resulting credit taken to revaluation reserve. 

Depreciation  is  calculated  to  write  off  the  cost  (or  amount  of  the  valuation)  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  less  the  estimated  residual 
value on a straight-line basis over the expected useful economic life of the assets concerned. The annual rates used are generally: 

•  freehold buildings 

•  leasehold buildings 

•  plant and machinery 

– 2 to 4% 

– over residual terms of the leases 

– 10 to 20% 

•  fixtures, fittings, tools and equipment 

– 10 to 33.3% 

INVENTORIES 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.  

Costs incurred in bringing each product to its present location and condition are accounted for as follows: 

• raw materials  

– purchase cost on a first in, first out basis 

• finished goods and work in progress 

– cost of direct materials on a first in, first out basis and labour and a proportion of 

manufacturing overheads based on normal operating capacity 

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated cost of completion and the estimated 
costs necessary to make the sale. 

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 
Trade  receivables  are  initially  measured  on  the  basis  of  their  fair  value  and  are  subsequently  reduced  by  appropriate  provisions  for 
estimated  unrecoverable  amounts.  Trade  receivables  are  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost.  Bad  debts  are  written  off  when 
identified. 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand. 

For  the purpose  of  the consolidated  cash  flow  statement,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  consist  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents as  described 
above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts which are repayable on demand and form an integral part of cash management. 

COMPOUND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
Compound financial instruments issued by the Group comprise convertible notes that can be converted to share capital at the option of the 
holder,  when  the  number  of  shares  to  be  issued  does  not  vary  with  changes  in  their  fair  value.  The  liability  component  of  a  compound 
financial instrument is recognised initially at the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an equity conversion option. The equity 
component is recognised initially at the difference between the fair value of the compound financial instrument as a whole and the fair value 
of the liability component. Any directly attributable transaction costs are allocated to the liability and equity components in proportion to their 
initial carrying amounts. 

Subsequent  to  initial  recognition,  the  liability  component  of  a  compound  financial  instrument  is  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the 
effective interest method. The equity component of a compound financial instrument is not remeasured subsequent to initial recognition. 
Interest and gains and losses related to the financial liability are recognised in profit or loss. On conversion, the financial liability is 
reclassified to equity; no gain or loss is recognised on conversion. 

26 

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Group accounting policies 

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 
The grant-date fair value of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in 
which  the  performance  conditions  are  fulfilled,  ending  on  the  date  on  which  the  relevant  employees  become  fully  entitled  to  the  award 
(vesting date). The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the 
extent to which the vesting period has expired and the number of awards that, in the opinion of the Directors of the Group and based on the 
best available estimates at that date, will ultimately vest. The charge is trued-up only for service and non-market conditions. The income 
statement charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expenses recognised as at the beginning and end of that 
period. 

Charges for employee services received in exchange for share-based payment have been made for all options granted after 7 November 
2002  in  accordance  with  IFRS  2  “Share-based  payment”.  The  fair  value  of  such  options  has  been  calculated  using  a  binomial  or  Monte 
Carlo option-pricing model, based upon publicly available market data at the point of grant. 

TAXATION 
Income tax on the profit or loss for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except 
to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. 
Income tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance 
sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred  tax  is  provided  using  the  balance  sheet  liability  method,  providing  for  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of 
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is 
based  on  the  expected  manner  of  realisation  or  settlement  of  the  carrying  amount  of  assets  and  liabilities,  using  tax  rates  enacted  or 
substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which an asset can be 
utilised. 

LEASES 
Assets financed by leasing arrangements, which give rights approximating to ownership, are treated as if they had been purchased outright 
and  are capitalised  and  depreciated  over  the  shorter  of  the  estimated  useful  life  of  the  assets  and  the  period  of  the  leases.  The  capital 
element of future rentals is treated as a liability and the interest element is charged against profits in proportion to the balances outstanding. 
Leases where the risk and reward of ownership remain with the  lessor are treated as operating leases and the rental costs are charged 
against profits on a straight-line basis. 

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The  Group  does  not  hedge  account  but  uses  on  occasion  derivative  financial  instruments  to  hedge  its  commercial  exposure  to  foreign 
exchange  arising from operational, financing and investment activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold 
or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Derivative financial instruments are accounted for as trading instruments and 
are recognised initially at cost. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. The gain or loss on 
remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the income statement. 

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is their quoted market price at the balance sheet date, which is based on the quoted forward 
price. 

INTEREST-BEARING BORROWINGS 
Interest-bearing  borrowings  are  recognised  initially  at  fair  value  less  attributable  transaction  costs.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition, 
interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with  any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the 
income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis. 

PROVISIONS 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an 
outflow of resources embodying economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation, although there remains uncertainty over timing or 
the amount of the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. 

IMPAIRMENT 
The carrying amount of the Group’s assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets (see accounting policies above), are  reviewed at 
each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount 
is estimated. 

For goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance sheet date. 

An  impairment  loss  is  recognised  whenever  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  or  cash  generating  unit  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount. 
Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Those relating to revalued property are treated in accordance with 
IAS 16. 

Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated 
to cash-generating units (group of units) and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets of the unit (group of units) on a pro rata 
basis. 

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE 
Assets and liabilities held for sale are those which are being actively marketed for sale at the period-end and which management believes 
will be disposed of within 12 months of the balance sheet date.  These assets are stated at fair value with any gain or loss resulting from 
the changes in fair value recognised within the consolidated income statement as a special item.  Where the asset is an investment in a 
subsidiary undertaking then any corresponding liabilities are disclosed in liabilities held for sale. 

28

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Group accounting policies 

Group accounting policies 

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 

The grant-date fair value of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in 

which  the  performance  conditions  are  fulfilled,  ending  on  the  date  on  which  the  relevant  employees  become  fully  entitled  to  the  award 

(vesting date). The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the 

extent to which the vesting period has expired and the number of awards that, in the opinion of the Directors of the Group and based on the 

best available estimates at that date, will ultimately vest. The charge is trued-up only for service and non-market conditions. The income 

statement charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expenses recognised as at the beginning and end of that 

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS 
The Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as: 

• 

• 

• 

The fair value of the consideration transferred: plus 

The recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquire: plus if the business combination is achieved in stages, the 
fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquire: less 

The net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

Charges for employee services received in exchange for share-based payment have been made for all options granted after 7 November 

2002  in  accordance  with  IFRS  2  “Share-based  payment”.  The  fair  value  of  such  options  has  been  calculated  using  a  binomial  or  Monte 

Carlo option-pricing model, based upon publicly available market data at the point of grant. 

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 
Transactions that result in changes in ownership interests while retaining control are accounted for as transactions with equity holders in 
their capacity as equity holders. As a result, no gain or loss on such changes is recognised in profit or loss but rather in equity. 

DIVIDENDS 
Dividends on non-equity shares are recognised as a liability and accounted for on an accruals basis. Equity dividends are recognised as a 
liability in the period in which they are declared (appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the Company). 

RESERVES 

A consolidated statement of changes in equity is shown on page 22. 

Share premium account 
The share premium reserve comprises the premium paid over the nominal value of shares for shares issued. 

Revaluation reserve 
The Group’s properties are valued periodically and the difference between the valuation and the carrying value of the property is taken to 
revaluation reserve.  Any impairments in property valuation in excess of credits made to the revaluation reserve for that property are 
charged to the consolidation income statement. 

Capital redemption reserve 
The capital redemption reserve was created on the cancellation and repayment of cumulative preference shares in 2001. 

Translation reserve 
The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign 
subsidiaries. 

Equity reserve 
 The equity reserve was created on the issue of the shareholder loan which includes convertible warrants the value of which is recognised 
in equity. 

period. 

TAXATION 

utilised. 

LEASES 

Income tax on the profit or loss for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except 

to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. 

Income tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance 

sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred  tax  is  provided  using  the  balance  sheet  liability  method,  providing  for  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of 

assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is 

based  on  the  expected  manner  of  realisation  or  settlement  of  the  carrying  amount  of  assets  and  liabilities,  using  tax  rates  enacted  or 

substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which an asset can be 

Assets financed by leasing arrangements, which give rights approximating to ownership, are treated as if they had been purchased outright 

and  are capitalised  and  depreciated  over  the  shorter  of  the  estimated  useful  life  of  the  assets  and  the  period  of  the  leases.  The  capital 

element of future rentals is treated as a liability and the interest element is charged against profits in proportion to the balances outstanding. 

Leases where the risk and reward of ownership remain with the  lessor are treated as operating leases and the rental costs are charged 

against profits on a straight-line basis. 

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The  Group  does  not  hedge  account  but  uses  on  occasion  derivative  financial  instruments  to  hedge  its  commercial  exposure  to  foreign 

exchange  arising from operational, financing and investment activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold 

or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Derivative financial instruments are accounted for as trading instruments and 

are recognised initially at cost. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. The gain or loss on 

remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the income statement. 

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is their quoted market price at the balance sheet date, which is based on the quoted forward 

price. 

INTEREST-BEARING BORROWINGS 

Interest-bearing  borrowings  are  recognised  initially  at  fair  value  less  attributable  transaction  costs.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition, 

interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with  any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the 

income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis. 

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an 

outflow of resources embodying economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation, although there remains uncertainty over timing or 

the amount of the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. 

The carrying amount of the Group’s assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets (see accounting policies above), are  reviewed at 

each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount 

For goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance sheet date. 

An  impairment  loss  is  recognised  whenever  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  or  cash  generating  unit  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount. 

Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Those relating to revalued property are treated in accordance with 

Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated 

to cash-generating units (group of units) and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets of the unit (group of units) on a pro rata 

PROVISIONS 

IMPAIRMENT 

is estimated. 

IAS 16. 

basis. 

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE 

Assets and liabilities held for sale are those which are being actively marketed for sale at the period-end and which management believes 

will be disposed of within 12 months of the balance sheet date.  These assets are stated at fair value with any gain or loss resulting from 

the changes in fair value recognised within the consolidated income statement as a special item.  Where the asset is an investment in a 

subsidiary undertaking then any corresponding liabilities are disclosed in liabilities held for sale. 

28 

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Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

1. SEGMENT INFORMATION 

IFRS 8 – “Operating Segments” requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reporting about components of 
the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess 
their performance.  The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Executive Directors.  The Executive Directors 
review the Group’s internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources. 

Following the restructuring undertaken the two business streams of Machine Tools and Precision Engineered Equipment have 
been aggregated as they are operationally managed and reported internally to the Executive Directors as a single Division. The 
South African business consisted of the Mechanical Handling and Waste activity and has been classified as a discontinued activity 
in these accounts. The Executive Directors consider there to be two continuing operating segments being Machine Tools and 
Precision Engineered Components and Laser Marking .   

The executive directors assess the performance of the operating segments based on a measure of operating profit/(loss).  This 
measurement basis excludes the effects of Special Items from the operating segments. Head Office and unallocated represent 
central functions and costs and include the effects of the Group Final Salary Scheme in the UK.  

The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results by reportable segment: 

52-weeks ended 31 March 2012 

Segmental analysis of revenue 

Revenue from external customers 

Inter-segment revenue 

Total segment revenue 

USA, UK 
Australia 

£000 

31,114 

— 

31,114 

Poland 

£000 

1,828 

1,903 

3,731 

Less: inter-segment revenue 

— 

(1,903) 

Continuing 

Discontinued

Machine 

Tools 
& Precision 
Engineered 
Components 

Laser 
Marking 

Head Office
& 
unallocated

Total 
continuing 

Mechanical 
Handling 
& Waste

£000 

£000 

£000

£000 

£000

Total

£000

32,942 

1,903 

34,845 

(1,903) 

6,451 

200 

6,651 

(200) 

—

—

—

—

—

39,393 

2,103 

41,496 

(2,103) 

13,772

53,165

— 2,103

13,772

55,268

— (2,103)

39,393 

13,772

53,165

Total revenue per statutory accounts 

31,114 

1,828 

32,942 

6,451 

Segmental analysis of operating 
profit/(loss) before special Items  

1,468 

(1,432) 

36 

316 

(1,559)

(1,207) 

335

(872)

Special Items 

(6,435) 

(3,048) 

(9,483) 

(1,372) 

(2,024)

(12,879) 

— (12,879)

Group (loss) from operations 

(4,967) 

(4,480) 

(9,447) 

(1,056) 

(3,583)

(14,086) 

Financial income 

Financial expense 

Loss from write down of 600SA 

50 

(216) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

50 

(216) 

— 

— 

(2) 

— 

10,808

(9,719)

—

10,858 

(9,937) 

— 10,858

— 

(9,937)

— 

(1,263)

(1,263)

Profit before tax 

(5,133) 

(4,480) 

(9,613) 

(1,058) 

(2,494)

(13,165) 

(928) (14,093)

Other segmental information: 

Reportable segment assets 

21,034 

1,479 

22,513 

4,056 

1,385

27,954 

6,300

34,251

Reportable segment liabilities 

(15,441) 

(1,479) 

(16,920) 

(3,977) 

(1,903)

(22,800) 

(4,488) (27,264)

Non-current assets 

Fixed asset additions 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment of fixed assets 

Impairment of development costs 

30

3,063 

229 

613 

— 

— 

— 

410 

197 

1,158 

— 

3,063 

2,310 

2,037

639 

810 

1,158 

— 

151 

225 

— 

931 

1

28

—

—

7,410 

791 

1,063 

1,158 

931 

— 7,410

172

86

963

1,149

— 1,158

—

931

30 

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Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

1. SEGMENT INFORMATION 

1. SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED 

IFRS 8 – “Operating Segments” requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reporting about components of 

the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess 

their performance.  The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Executive Directors.  The Executive Directors 

52-weeks ended 2 April 2011 

review the Group’s internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources. 

Following the restructuring undertaken the two business streams of Machine Tools and Precision Engineered Equipment have 

been aggregated as they are operationally managed and reported internally to the Executive Directors as a single Division. The 

Continuing 

Discontinued

Machine 

Tools 
& Precision 
Engineered 
Components 

Laser 
Marking 

Head Office
& 
unallocated

Total 
continuing 

Mechanical 
Handling 
& Waste

£000 

£000 

£000

£000 

£000

Total

£000

USA, UK 
Australia 

£000 

Poland 

£000 

South African business consisted of the Mechanical Handling and Waste activity and has been classified as a discontinued activity 

Segmental analysis of revenue 

in these accounts. The Executive Directors consider there to be two continuing operating segments being Machine Tools and 

Revenue from external customers 

29,040 

Precision Engineered Components and Laser Marking .   

The executive directors assess the performance of the operating segments based on a measure of operating profit/(loss).  This 

measurement basis excludes the effects of Special Items from the operating segments. Head Office and unallocated represent 

central functions and costs and include the effects of the Group Final Salary Scheme in the UK.  

Inter-segment revenue 

Total segment revenue 

Less: inter-segment revenue 

29,040 

386 

480 

866 

(480) 

29,426 

7,025 

480 

29,906 

(480) 

332 

7,357 

(332) 

Total revenue per statutory accounts 

29,040 

386 

29,426 

7,025 

—

—

—

—

—

36,451 

812 

37,263 

(812) 

14,113

50,564

—

812

14,113

51,376

— (812)

36,451 

14,113

50,564

The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results by reportable segment: 

Continuing 

Discontinued

Segmental analysis of operating 
profit/(loss) before special Items  

1,293 

226 

1,519 

325 

(1,588)

256 

911

1,167

Special Items 

(847) 

— 

(847) 

— 

2,192

1,345 

— 1,345

Machine 

Tools 

& Precision 

Engineered 

52-weeks ended 31 March 2012 

Group profit from operations 

446 

226 

672 

325 

604

1,601  

911  

2,512  

USA, UK 

Australia 

Poland 

Components 

Marking 

unallocated

continuing 

Head Office

Laser 

& 

Total 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000

£000 

£000

Mechanical 

Handling 

& Waste

Total

£000

Segmental analysis of revenue 

Revenue from external customers 

Inter-segment revenue 

Total segment revenue 

Less: inter-segment revenue 

— 

(1,903) 

31,114 

— 

31,114 

1,828 

1,903 

3,731 

32,942 

1,903 

34,845 

(1,903) 

6,451 

200 

6,651 

(200) 

39,393 

2,103 

41,496 

(2,103) 

13,772

53,165

— 2,103

13,772

55,268

— (2,103)

Total revenue per statutory accounts 

31,114 

1,828 

32,942 

6,451 

39,393 

13,772

53,165

—

—

—

—

—

Other segmental information: 

Reportable segment assets 

28,123 

2,151 

30,274 

4,960 

1,365

36,599 

6,832

43,431

Reportable segment liabilities 

(13,848) 

(1,016) 

(14,864) 

(2,016) 

(1,976)

(18,856) 

(2,892) (21,748)

Fixed asset additions 

Depreciation and amortisation 

345 

873 

936 

38 

1,281 

911 

410 

510 

-

30

1,691 

1,451 

154

56

1,845

1,507

Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis. Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable 
to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. 

Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire segment assets that are expected to be used for 
more than one period.  

Segmental analysis of operating 

profit/(loss) before special Items  

1,468 

(1,432) 

36 

316 

(1,559)

(1,207) 

335

(872)

Geographical segmental analysis of revenue is shown by origin and destination in the following two tables: 

Special Items 

(6,435) 

(3,048) 

(9,483) 

(1,372) 

(2,024)

(12,879) 

— (12,879)

Group (loss) from operations 

(4,967) 

(4,480) 

(9,447) 

(1,056) 

(3,583)

(14,086) 

Financial income 

Financial expense 

Loss from write down of 600SA 

50 

(216) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

50 

(216) 

— 

— 

(2) 

— 

10,808

(9,719)

—

10,858 

(9,937) 

— 10,858

— 

(9,937)

— 

(1,263)

(1,263)

Profit before tax 

(5,133) 

(4,480) 

(9,613) 

(1,058) 

(2,494)

(13,165) 

(928) (14,093)

Other segmental information: 

Reportable segment assets 

21,034 

1,479 

22,513 

4,056 

1,385

27,954 

6,300

34,251

Reportable segment liabilities 

(15,441) 

(1,479) 

(16,920) 

(3,977) 

(1,903)

(22,800) 

(4,488) (27,264)

Non-current assets 

Fixed asset additions 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment of fixed assets 

Impairment of development costs 

3,063 

229 

613 

— 

— 

— 

410 

197 

1,158 

— 

639 

810 

1,158 

— 

151 

225 

— 

931 

3,063 

2,310 

2,037

7,410 

791 

1,063 

1,158 

931 

1

28

—

—

— 7,410

172

86

963

1,149

— 1,158

—

931

30 

Segmental analysis by origin 

Gross sales revenue: 

UK 

Other European 

North America 

Australasia 

Less: Inter-company 

Continuing Revenue 

Discontinued  - Africa 

Total Revenue 

2012 

£000

2011 

%

£000

%

16,414

1,828

17,167

3,984

—

39,393

558

39,951

41.0 

4.6 

43.0 

10.0 
— 

98.6 

1.4 

100.0 

21,111

865

15,216

3,234

(3,975)

36,451

14,113

50,564

41.8

1.7

30.1

6.4

(7.9)

72.1

27.9

100.0

31

31 

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07/09/2012   10:19:02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

1. SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED 

Segmental analysis by destination: 

Gross sales revenue: 

UK 

Other European 

North America 

Africa 

Australasia 

Central America 

Middle East 

Far East 

Continuing Revenue 

Discontinued – Africa 

2012 

£000

2011 

%

£000

%

6,034

6,810

20,063

500

4,103

425

665

793

39,393

558

39,951

15.1 

17.0 

50.2 

1.2 

10.3 

1.1 

1.7 

2.0 

98.6 

1.4 

100.0 

6,325

6,260

17,884

171

3,252

167

1,629

763

36,451

14,113

50,564

12.5

12.4

35.4

0.3

6.4

0.3

3.3

1.5

72.1

27.9

100.0

There are no customers that represent 10% or more of the Group’s revenues. 

Discontinued operations 
600SA the Group’s South African business was sold on 16 July 2012 to Eqstra Holdings  Limited for a total consideration of ZAR ( South 
African Rand) 24.3m which resulted in net proceeds after costs received in the UK of £1.81m.  This represented the full activities of the 
Mechanical Handling and Waste business segment and the results for 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 are included in the post tax 
loss on discontinued activities in the Group’s consolidated income statement.  The figures for 2011 also include the discontinued 
operations in Germany. The results of these discontinued operations are as follows: 

Results of the discontinued operations 

Revenue 

Expenses 

Profit /(loss) before tax from discontinued operations 

Taxation 

Profit/Loss from operating activities after tax 

Loss from sale of discontinued activities 

Loss for the period 

Cash flows from discontinued operations 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Cash flow from investing activities 

Net cash used /generated from discontinued activities 

32

2012

£000

South 
Africa

South 
Africa

Germany

2011

£000

Total

13,772

14,113

303

14,416

(13,437)

(13,306)

(1,007)

(14,313)

335

151

486

(1,263)

(777)

£000

South
Africa

(511)

460

(51)

807

755

1,562

—

1,562

(704)

—

(704)

—

(704)

South 
Africa

Germany

—

—

—

(704)

—

(704)

103

755

858

—

858

£000

Total

(704)

—

(704)

32 

0_600_ar12.indd   32

07/09/2012   10:19:02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

1. SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED 

Segmental analysis by destination: 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

2. OTHER OPERATING INCOME/OPERATING EXPENSES 

Other operating income 

Operating expenses: 

– administration expenses 

– distribution costs 

Total operating expenses 

3. SPECIAL ITEMS 

2012

£000

126

17,035

1,742

18,777

2011

£000

332

8,508

3,167

11,675

In order for users of the financial statements to better understand the underlying performance of the Group the Board have separately 
disclosed transactions which by virtue of their size or incidence, are considered to be one off in nature. In addition, they include the 
charge for share based payments. 

Such items include gains and losses on the sale of properties and assets, impairments of assets re FMT-Colchester closure, exceptional 
costs relating to reorganisation, redundancy and restructuring, legal disputes and inventory and intangibles impairments.  

Cost of sales 

Inventory impairments 

Plant and equipment impairments 

Development expenditure impairments 

Redundancies 

Operating costs 

Redundancies 

Refinancing 

Reorganisation and restructuring costs 

Share-based payments 

Pension credit 

Restructuring costs 

2012

£000

5,171

1,158

931

252

1,159

451

3,667

90

—

12,879

2011

£000

201

—

—

—

242

—

655

127

(2,570)

(1,345)

Reorganisation and restructuring costs relate to legal disputes and  costs incurred both in the UK and Poland with regard to the move 
of the machine tools manufacturing to Poland.  As a result of these manufacturing transfers and trading losses in Poland, inventory 
levels were reviewed for obsolescence and age and impairments were made to inventories and plant and machinery.  Subsequent to 
the year end the decision was taken to cease manufacturing in Poland. 

Within the laser marking business there has been a sales trend towards the most recent technological ranges with the result that the 
carrying value of the development expenditure and related stock of older generation products has been impaired. 

Redundancies relate to the reduction in UK production capacity on the transfer of machine tool manufacturing to Poland and the 
termination costs related to Head Office and Board changes. 

Refinancing costs relate to the costs of the share placing in the early part of the year and the re-banking completed in August 2011.  

0_600_ar12.indd   33

33

33 

07/09/2012   10:19:02

There are no customers that represent 10% or more of the Group’s revenues. 

Discontinued operations 

600SA the Group’s South African business was sold on 16 July 2012 to Eqstra Holdings  Limited for a total consideration of ZAR ( South 

African Rand) 24.3m which resulted in net proceeds after costs received in the UK of £1.81m.  This represented the full activities of the 

Mechanical Handling and Waste business segment and the results for 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 are included in the post tax 

loss on discontinued activities in the Group’s consolidated income statement.  The figures for 2011 also include the discontinued 

operations in Germany. The results of these discontinued operations are as follows: 

Gross sales revenue: 

UK 

Other European 

North America 

Africa 

Australasia 

Central America 

Middle East 

Far East 

Continuing Revenue 

Discontinued – Africa 

Results of the discontinued operations 

Revenue 

Expenses 

Taxation 

Profit /(loss) before tax from discontinued operations 

Profit/Loss from operating activities after tax 

Loss from sale of discontinued activities 

Loss for the period 

Cash flows from discontinued operations 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Cash flow from investing activities 

Net cash used /generated from discontinued activities 

2012 

£000

2011 

%

£000

%

6,034

6,810

20,063

500

4,103

425

665

793

39,393

558

39,951

15.1 

17.0 

50.2 

1.2 

10.3 

1.1 

1.7 

2.0 

98.6 

1.4 

100.0 

6,325

6,260

17,884

171

3,252

167

1,629

763

36,451

14,113

50,564

12.5

12.4

35.4

0.3

6.4

0.3

3.3

1.5

72.1

27.9

100.0

13,772

14,113

303

14,416

(13,437)

(13,306)

(1,007)

(14,313)

2012

£000

South 

Africa

335

151

486

(1,263)

(777)

£000

South

Africa

(511)

460

(51)

South 

Africa

Germany

807

755

1,562

—

1,562

(704)

(704)

—

—

(704)

South 

Africa

Germany

—

—

—

(704)

—

(704)

2011

£000

Total

103

755

858

—

858

£000

Total

(704)

—

(704)

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

4. (LOSS)/PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 

– depreciation of assets held under finance leases 

– amortisation of development expenditure 

– research and development expensed as incurred 

– hire of plant 

– other operating lease rentals 

– loss on sale of property, plant and equipment  

and after crediting: 

– rents receivable 

– profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 

2012

£000

25

116

—

13

112

1

52

2

2011

£000

34

513

65

33

117

16

222

2

Special Items 
–Reorganisation, redundancy, share bases payments, inventory and intangibles impairment  (note 3) 

12,879

(1,345)

Auditor’s remuneration: 

– audit of these financial statements 

– amounts receivable by auditor and its associates in respect of: 

– auditing of accounts of associates of the company pursuant to legislation (including that of countries and 
territories outside of Great Britain)  

– other services relating to taxation  

– other services pursuant to such legislation 

82

71

21

51

Amounts paid to the Company’s auditor in respect of services to the Company, other than the audit of the Company’s financial 
statements have not been disclosed as the information is required instead to be disclosed on a consolidated basis. 

5. PERSONNEL EXPENSES 

Staff costs: 

– wages and salaries 

– social security costs 

– pension charges relating to defined contribution schemes 

– pension charges relating to defined benefit schemes 

– equity share options expense (included in Special Items) 

2012

£000

10,483

1,363

258

269

(61)

75

86

17

12

2011

£000

11,020

1,273

201

300

127

In addition to the above staff costs, redundancy costs of £1,411,000 were incurred during the year (2011 - £242,000). Redundancy 
amounts payable to directors during the year amounted to £643,000 (2011 - £nil). Director’s emoluments including disclosure of the 
highest paid director are included in the Director’s Emoluments table contained within the Remuneration report. 

12,312

12,921

34

0_600_ar12.indd   34

34 

07/09/2012   10:19:02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
– depreciation of assets held under finance leases 

– amortisation of development expenditure 

– research and development expensed as incurred 

– hire of plant 

– other operating lease rentals 

– loss on sale of property, plant and equipment  

and after crediting: 

– rents receivable 

Special Items 

– profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Auditor’s remuneration: 

– audit of these financial statements 

territories outside of Great Britain)  

– other services relating to taxation  

– other services pursuant to such legislation 

5. PERSONNEL EXPENSES 

Staff costs: 

– wages and salaries 

– social security costs 

– pension charges relating to defined contribution schemes 

– pension charges relating to defined benefit schemes 

– equity share options expense (included in Special Items) 

2012

£000

25

116

—

13

112

1

52

2

82

71

21

51

2011

£000

34

513

65

33

117

16

222

2

75

86

17

12

2012

£000

10,483

1,363

258

269

(61)

2011

£000

11,020

1,273

201

300

127

12,312

12,921

In addition to the above staff costs, redundancy costs of £1,411,000 were incurred during the year (2011 - £242,000). Redundancy 

amounts payable to directors during the year amounted to £643,000 (2011 - £nil). Director’s emoluments including disclosure of the 

highest paid director are included in the Director’s Emoluments table contained within the Remuneration report. 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

4. (LOSS)/PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 

5. PERSONNEL EXPENSES CONTINUED 

The average number of employees of the Group (including Executive Directors) during the period was as follows: 

Management and administration 

Production 

Sales 

All operating segments 

2012

Number

2011

Number

137

382

102

621

117

356

99

572

Details of Directors’ emoluments, share option schemes and pension entitlements are given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 
13 to 17. 

–Reorganisation, redundancy, share bases payments, inventory and intangibles impairment  (note 3) 

12,879

(1,345)

– amounts receivable by auditor and its associates in respect of: 

– auditing of accounts of associates of the company pursuant to legislation (including that of countries and 

6. FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSE 

Interest income 

Expected return on defined benefit pension scheme assets 

Financial income 

Bank overdraft and loan interest 

Shareholder loan interest 

Other loan interest 

Other finance charges 

Finance charges on finance leases 

Amounts paid to the Company’s auditor in respect of services to the Company, other than the audit of the Company’s financial 

statements have not been disclosed as the information is required instead to be disclosed on a consolidated basis. 

Interest on defined benefit pension scheme obligations 

Financial expense 

7. TAXATION 

Current tax: 

Corporation tax at 26% (2011: 28%): 

– current period relating to prior period 

Overseas taxation: 

– current period 

Total current tax charge 

Deferred taxation: 

– current period 

– prior period 

Total deferred taxation charge (Note 13) 

Taxation charged to the income statement 

34 

0_600_ar12.indd   35

2012

£000

24

10,834

10,858

(385)

(200)

(23)

—

(61)

(9,268)

(9,937)

2012

£000

—

(74)

(74)

(50)

(783)

(833)

(907)

2011

£000

34

10,876

10,910

(311)

(118)

(55)

(31)

(51)

(9,484)

(10,050)

2011

£000

—

(60)

(60)

(213)

(175)

(388)

(448)

35

35 

07/09/2012   10:19:03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

7. TAXATION CONTINUED 

TAX RECONCILIATION 
The tax charge assessed for the period is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 26% (2011: 28%). The differences 
are explained below:  

(Loss)/profit before tax 

(Loss)/profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax 

in the UK of 26% (2011 28%) 

Effects of: 

– expenses not deductible 

– non-taxable income 

– overseas tax rates 

– deferred tax prior period adjustment 

– unrecognised losses utilised/tax not recognised on losses 

– impact of rate change 

Taxation charged/(credited) to the income statement 

2012 

£000

(13,165)

%

2011 

£000

2,461

%

(3,423)

(26.0) 

689

28.0

120

—

104

783

3,345

(22)

907

0.9 

— 

0.8 

5.9 

25.4 

(0.2) 

6.9 

475

(72)

44

(580)

(219)

111

448

19.3

(2.9)

1.8

(23.6)

(8.9)

4.5

18.2

Following the enactment of legislation in the UK to reduce the corporation tax rate from 26% to 24% from 1 April 2012, the effective tax 
rate this year includes the impact on the income statement of calculating the UK deferred tax balances at the lower UK corporation tax 
rate. The impact of this rate change is a £22,000 decrease in the tax charge in the income statement. A further reduction in the UK tax 
rate to 23% has been enacted on 3 July 2012. 

Deferred taxation balances are analysed in note 13. 

8. DIVIDENDS 
No dividend was paid in period (2011: no dividend paid). 

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE 
The calculation of the basic loss per share of 23.30p (2011: profit of 5.01p) is based on the earnings for the financial period attributable to 
the Parent Company’s shareholders of a loss of £14,849,000 (2011: profit of £2,871,000) and on the weighted average number of shares 
in  issue  during  the  period  of  63,717,224  (2011:  57,347,141).  At  31  March  2012,  there  were  2,272,102  (2011:  16,511,898)  potentially 
dilutive shares on option with a weighted average effect of 2,272,102 (2011: 9,863,832) shares. As a loss cannot be diluted the figures for 
2012 will remain the same as the basic loss per share for continuing operations is 22.08p (2011: profit of 3.51p) and the basic loss per 
share for discontinued operations is (1.22)p (2011: profit of 1.50p).  

Weighted average number of shares 

Issued shares at start of period 

Effect of shares issued in the year 

Weighted average number of shares at end of period 

2012

2011

57,933,679

57,233,679

5,783,545

113,462

63,717,224

57,347,141

36

0_600_ar12.indd   36

36 

07/09/2012   10:19:03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

The tax charge assessed for the period is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 26% (2011: 28%). The differences 

2012 

£000

(13,165)

%

%

2011 

£000

2,461

(3,423)

(26.0) 

689

28.0

120

—

104

783

3,345

(22)

907

0.9 

— 

0.8 

5.9 

25.4 

(0.2) 

6.9 

475

(72)

44

(580)

(219)

111

448

19.3

(2.9)

1.8

(23.6)

(8.9)

4.5

18.2

(Loss)/profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax 

7. TAXATION CONTINUED 

TAX RECONCILIATION 

are explained below:  

(Loss)/profit before tax 

in the UK of 26% (2011 28%) 

Effects of: 

– expenses not deductible 

– non-taxable income 

– overseas tax rates 

– deferred tax prior period adjustment 

– unrecognised losses utilised/tax not recognised on losses 

– impact of rate change 

Taxation charged/(credited) to the income statement 

rate to 23% has been enacted on 3 July 2012. 

Deferred taxation balances are analysed in note 13. 

8. DIVIDENDS 

No dividend was paid in period (2011: no dividend paid). 

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Weighted average number of shares 

Issued shares at start of period 

Effect of shares issued in the year 

Weighted average number of shares at end of period 

Following the enactment of legislation in the UK to reduce the corporation tax rate from 26% to 24% from 1 April 2012, the effective tax 

rate this year includes the impact on the income statement of calculating the UK deferred tax balances at the lower UK corporation tax 

rate. The impact of this rate change is a £22,000 decrease in the tax charge in the income statement. A further reduction in the UK tax 

The calculation of the basic loss per share of 23.30p (2011: profit of 5.01p) is based on the earnings for the financial period attributable to 

the Parent Company’s shareholders of a loss of £14,849,000 (2011: profit of £2,871,000) and on the weighted average number of shares 

in  issue  during  the  period  of  63,717,224  (2011:  57,347,141).  At  31  March  2012,  there  were  2,272,102  (2011:  16,511,898)  potentially 

dilutive shares on option with a weighted average effect of 2,272,102 (2011: 9,863,832) shares. As a loss cannot be diluted the figures for 

2012 will remain the same as the basic loss per share for continuing operations is 22.08p (2011: profit of 3.51p) and the basic loss per 

share for discontinued operations is (1.22)p (2011: profit of 1.50p).  

10. EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION SCHEMES 
The Group has granted share options to employees under The 600 Group PLC 2008 and 2009 Performance Share Plan and the 600 Group 
PLC Deferred Share plan 2011.  

On 25 August 2009, awards were made to certain senior employees under a new Performance Share Plan (the PSP).The performance 
criteria  attached  to  these  shares  have  not  been  met  and  therefore  they  have  now  lapsed.  On  22  March  2011  and  18  January  2012, 
further  awards  were  made  to  the  Executive  Directors  and  other  senior  employees  under  the  PSP  scheme.  Existing  options  under  the 
PSP are exercisable at the end of a three year performance period and are subject to performance criteria relating to EPS targets as set 
out in the Remuneration Report. Options were also made to certain Executive Directors on 18 January under the new Deferred Share 
Plan  (DSP).Options  are  exercisable  immediately  and  no  performance  criteria  are  attached  to  the  current  options.  The  schemes  are 
equity-settled. 

SHARE-BASED EXPENSE 
The  Group  recognised  a  total  charge  of  £90,000  (2011:  charge  of  £127,000)  in  relation  to  equity-settled  share-based  payment 
transactions. 

The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options  

Number of options outstanding at beginning of period 

4,711,898 2,404,669 

2012

PSP

2011 

PSP 

2012

DSP

__

Number of options granted in period 

Number of options forfeited/lapsed in period 

Number of options exercised in period 

Number of options outstanding at end of period 

Number of options exercisable at end of period 

  1,144,737 2,612,080 

502,576

(2,099,818)

(304,851) 

—

— 

3,756,817 4,711,898 

—

— 

__

—

502,576

502,576

2011

DSP

—

—

—

—

—

—

During the current and prior period, the Group has not granted equity as consideration for goods or services received.  

FAIR VALUE ASSUMPTIONS OF SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 

THE 600 GROUP PLC 2008 PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN 
The fair value of awards granted under The 600 Group PLC 2008 Performance Share Plan are determined using the Monte Carlo 
valuation model. The fair value of share options and assumptions are shown in the table below: 

2012

2011

57,933,679

57,233,679

5,783,545

113,462

63,717,224

57,347,141

Fair value 

Share price at grant 

Exercise price 

Dividend yield 

Expected volatility 

Expected life 

Risk-free interest rate 

Number of shares under option 

2012

£000

2011

£000

£0.1625

£0.1625

£0.19

£0.28625

£nil

0%

50%

£nil

0%

12%

3.0 years

3.0 years

5%

4.08%

1,144,737

2,507,277

As the share options issued under the DSP scheme on 18 January 2012 have no performance criteria and are excercisable 
immediately they have been valued at their issue price of 19p. 

36 

0_600_ar12.indd   37

37

37 

07/09/2012   10:19:03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT  

Cost or valuation 

At 2 April 2011 

Exchange differences 

Additions during period 

Reclassification 

Disposals during period 

Transferred to assets held for sale 

At 31 March 2012 

At professional valuation 

At cost 

Depreciation 

At 2 April 2011 

Exchange differences 

Reclassification 

Charge for period 

Impairment 

Disposals during period 

Transferred to assets held for sale 

At 31 March 2012 

Net book value 

At 31 March 2012 

At 2 April 2011 

Land and buildings 

Plant and

Fixtures,

fittings,

tools and

Freehold

Leasehold

machinery

equipment

£000

£000

£000

£000

4,684

(83)

28

—

—

(3,565)

1,064

1,064

—

1,064

121

—

—

112

—

—

(126)

107

957

4,563

2,576

(7)

83

—

—

(134)

2,518

2,395

123

2,518

174

(4)

—

59

—

—

(53)

176

2,342

2,402

22,242 

(137) 

835 

409 

(653) 

(483) 

22,213 

— 

22,213 

22,213 

18,983 

(31) 

282 

737 

1,158

(273) 

(258) 

20,598 

1,615 

3,259 

2,858

(14)

17

(409)

—

(71)

2,381

—

2,381

2,381

2,421

(12)

(282)

125

—

—

(42)

2,210

171

437

Total

£000

32,360

(241)

963

—

(653)

(4,253)

28,176

3,459

24,717

28,176

21,699

(47)

—

1,033

1,158

(273)

(479)

23,091

5,085

10,661

The net book value of property, plant and equipment includes £172,000 (2011: £196,000) of assets held under finance leases. The 
depreciation charged in the period against assets held under finance leases was £25,000 (2011: £34,000). 

The impairment of £1,158,000 relates entirely to the write-down of the group’s Polish subsidiary’s plant and machinery following the 
decision to close the subsidiary in August 2012 and has been recognised in the special items in the consolidated income statement.  

38

0_600_ar12.indd   38

38 

07/09/2012   10:19:03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT  

Cost or valuation 

At 2 April 2011 

Exchange differences 

Additions during period 

Reclassification 

Disposals during period 

Transferred to assets held for sale 

At 31 March 2012 

At professional valuation 

At cost 

Depreciation 

At 2 April 2011 

Exchange differences 

Reclassification 

Charge for period 

Impairment 

Disposals during period 

At 31 March 2012 

Net book value 

At 31 March 2012 

At 2 April 2011 

Transferred to assets held for sale 

Land and buildings 

Plant and

Freehold

Leasehold

machinery

equipment

£000

£000

£000

£000

Total

£000

Fixtures,

fittings,

tools and

2,858

(14)

17

(409)

—

(71)

2,381

—

2,381

2,381

2,421

(12)

(282)

125

—

—

(42)

2,210

171

437

4,684

(83)

28

—

—

(3,565)

1,064

1,064

—

1,064

121

112

—

—

—

—

(126)

107

957

4,563

2,576

(7)

83

—

—

(134)

2,518

2,395

123

2,518

174

(4)

—

59

—

—

(53)

176

2,342

2,402

22,242 

(137) 

835 

409 

(653) 

(483) 

22,213 

— 

22,213 

22,213 

18,983 

(31) 

282 

737 

1,158

(273) 

(258) 

20,598 

1,615 

3,259 

The net book value of property, plant and equipment includes £172,000 (2011: £196,000) of assets held under finance leases. The 

depreciation charged in the period against assets held under finance leases was £25,000 (2011: £34,000). 

The impairment of £1,158,000 relates entirely to the write-down of the group’s Polish subsidiary’s plant and machinery following the 

decision to close the subsidiary in August 2012 and has been recognised in the special items in the consolidated income statement.  

32,360

(241)

963

—

(653)

(4,253)

28,176

3,459

24,717

28,176

21,699

(47)

—

1,033

1,158

(273)

(479)

23,091

5,085

10,661

38 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED 
This impairment of the plant and machinery at FMT results from the losses which the group’s Polish subsidiary has incurred during the 
period ending 31 March 2012. 

During March 2010 the Group’s properties were revalued. The valuations were performed by independent valuers and the valuations 
were determined by market rate for sale with vacant possession. The Directors believe that these valuations remain appropriate at 31 
March 2012. 

Various UK properties with a net book value of £5,116,000 (2011: £6,965,000) are charged as security for borrowing facilities. 

Land and buildings 

Plant and

Fixtures,

fittings,

tools and

Freehold

Leasehold

machinery

equipment

£000

£000

£000

£000

Total

£000

4,595

2,583

21,021 

Cost or valuation 

At 3 April 2010 

Exchange differences 

Acquisitions during period (note 31)  

Additions during period 

Disposals during period 

At 2 April 2011 

At professional valuation 

At cost 

Depreciation 

At 3 April 2010 

Exchange differences 

Charge for period 

Disposals during period 

At 2 April 2011 

Net book value 

At 2 April 2011 

At 3 April 2010 

12. INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Cost 

At 2 April 2011 

Additions 

Written off 

At 31 March 2012 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 2 April 2011 

Amortisation 

Impairment 

Written off 

At 31 March 2012 

Net book value 

At 31 March 2012 

At 2 April 2011 

63

—

26

—

4,684

4,367

317

4,684

—

—

121

—

121

—

—

24

(31)

2,576

2,370

206

2,576

168

—

37

(31)

174

4,563

4,595

2,402

2,415

1 

843 

941 

(564) 

22,242 

— 

22,242 

22,242 

2,905

(43)

—

11

(15)

2,858

—

2,858

2,858

31,104

21

843

1,002

(610)

32,360

6,737

25,623

32,360

18,603 

2,337

21,108

(5) 

704 

(319) 

18,983 

3,259 

2,418 

(33)

132

(15)

2,421

437

568

Development

Goodwill 

expenditure

£000 

£000

1,514 

— 

— 

1,514 

3,325

549

(2,634)

1,240

1,514 

1,975

— 

— 

— 

1,514 

— 

— 

116

931

(2,634)

388

852

1,350

(38)

994

(365)

21,699

10,661

9,996

Total

£000

4,839

549

(2,634)

2,754

3,489

116

931

(2,634)

1,902

852

1,350

39

39 

0_600_ar12.indd   39

07/09/2012   10:19:04

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

12. INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED 

Development

Goodwill 

expenditure

£000 

£000

Cost 

At 3 April 2010 

Additions 

At 2 April 2011 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 3 April 2010 

Amortisation 

At 2 April 2011 

Net book value 

At 2 April 2011 

At 3 April 2010 

1,514 

— 

1,514 

1,514 

— 

1,514 

— 

— 

Amortisation and impairment charges are recorded in the following line items in the income statement: 

Operating expenses 

2,919

406

3,325

1,462

513

1,975

1,350

1,457

2012

£000

1,047

Total

£000

4,433

406

4,839

2,976

513

3,489

1,350

1,457

2011

£000

513

IMPAIRMENT OF DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE 
Within the Laser Marking business segment there has been a sales trend during the year towards the most recent technological 
ranges.  During the year a review of the carrying value of development expenditure was made.  This review resulted in an impairment 
charge of £931,000 in respect of those technologies that are becoming obsolete and whose future income stream is unlikely to recover 
the full carrying value.  This impairment has been charged to special items. 

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL 
Goodwill of £1.51m arose on acquisitions before the date of transition to adopted IFRS and is retained at the previous UK GAAP 
amounts, subject to it being tested for impairment at that date. £1.0m related to the Parat operation in Germany, £0.1m related to the 
Gamet operation in the UK and £0.4m related to the Metal Muncher operation in the US. All of these cash-generating units have been 
reviewed for impairment and had been fully provided against at the start of the current reporting period. 

40

0_600_ar12.indd   40

40 

07/09/2012   10:19:04

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortisation and impairment 

Cost 

At 3 April 2010 

Additions 

At 2 April 2011 

At 3 April 2010 

Amortisation 

At 2 April 2011 

Net book value 

At 2 April 2011 

At 3 April 2010 

Operating expenses 

Development

Goodwill 

expenditure

£000 

£000

1,514 

— 

1,514 

1,514 

— 

1,514 

— 

— 

2,919

406

3,325

1,462

513

1,975

1,350

1,457

2012

£000

1,047

Total

£000

4,433

406

4,839

2,976

513

3,489

1,350

1,457

2011

£000

513

IMPAIRMENT OF DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE 

Within the Laser Marking business segment there has been a sales trend during the year towards the most recent technological 

ranges.  During the year a review of the carrying value of development expenditure was made.  This review resulted in an impairment 

charge of £931,000 in respect of those technologies that are becoming obsolete and whose future income stream is unlikely to recover 

the full carrying value.  This impairment has been charged to special items. 

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL 

Goodwill of £1.51m arose on acquisitions before the date of transition to adopted IFRS and is retained at the previous UK GAAP 

amounts, subject to it being tested for impairment at that date. £1.0m related to the Parat operation in Germany, £0.1m related to the 

Gamet operation in the UK and £0.4m related to the Metal Muncher operation in the US. All of these cash-generating units have been 

reviewed for impairment and had been fully provided against at the start of the current reporting period. 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

12. INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

13. DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
RECOGNISED DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Net 

Accelerated capital allowances 

Short-term timing differences 

Tax losses 

Overseas tax losses 

Revaluations and rolled over gains 

Research and development 

Tax assets/(liabilities) 

Held for sale 

Net tax assets/(liabilities) 

2012

£000

72

36

1.365

405

—

—

1,878

(405)

1,473

Amortisation and impairment charges are recorded in the following line items in the income statement: 

MOVEMENT IN DEFERRED TAX DURING THE PERIOD 

Accelerated capital allowances 

Short-term timing differences 

Tax losses 

Overseas tax losses 

Employee benefits 

Revaluations and rolled over gains 

Research and development 

MOVEMENT IN DEFERRED TAX DURING THE PRIOR PERIOD 

Accelerated capital allowances 

Short-term timing differences 

Tax losses 

Overseas tax losses 

Revaluations and rolled over gains 

Research and development 

2011

£000

118

39

1,370

1,177

—

—

2,704

—

2,704

As at

2 April

2011

£000

99

39

1,370

1,177

—

(1,398)

(400)

887

As at

3 April

2010

£000

118

7

1,433

736

(1,335)

(400)

559

2012

£000

—

—

—

—

(1,226)

(139)

(1,365)

—

(1,365)

2011 

£000 

(19) 

— 

— 

— 

(1,398) 

(400) 

(1,817) 

— 

(1,817) 

2012

£000

72

36

1,365

405

(1,226)

(139)

513

(405)

108

Statement of 

Income

comprehensive 

Exchange

statement

income 

Fluctuations

£000

(27)

(3)

(5)

(694)

(386)

172

261

(682)

£000 

£000

— 

— 

— 

— 

386 

— 

— 

386 

—

—

—

(78)

—

—

—

(78)

Statement of 

Income

comprehensive 

Exchange

statement

income 

Fluctuations

£000

(19)

32

(63)

417

—

—

367

£000 

£000

— 

— 

— 

— 

(67) 

— 

(67) 

—

—

—

24

4

—

28

2011

£000

99

39

1,370

1,177

(1,398)

(400)

887

—

887

As at

31 March

2012

£000

72

36

1,365

405

—

(1,226)

(139)

513

As at

2 April

2011

£000

99

39

1,370

1,177

(1,398)

(400)

887

Following the enactment of legislation in the UK to reduce the corporation tax rate from 28% to 26% from 1 April 2011, the effective tax 
rate this year includes the impact on the income statement of calculating the UK deferred tax balances at the lower UK corporation tax 
rate. The impact of this rate change is a £111,000 increase in the tax charge in the income statement. A further reduction in the UK tax 
rate to 23% has been enacted on 3 July 2012. 

No provision is made for taxation that would arise if reserves in overseas companies were to be distributed. 

40 

0_600_ar12.indd   41

41

41 

07/09/2012   10:19:04

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

13. DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES CONTINUED 
The following deferred tax assets have not been recognised on the basis that their future economic benefit is uncertain: 

Advance corporation tax recoverable 

Tax losses 

There is no expiry date for the advance corporation tax recoverable or the tax losses. 

14. INVENTORIES 

Raw materials and consumables 

Work in progress 

Finished goods and goods for resale 

2012

£000

1,670

7,600

2012

£000

2,559

628

7,624

2011

£000

1,670

4,942

2011

£000

7,025

2,072

9,645

10,811

18,742

The Directors consider all inventories to be essentially current in nature although the Group’s operational cycle is such that a proportion 
of  inventories  will  not  be  realised  within  twelve  months.  It  is  not  possible  to  determine  with  accuracy  when  specific  inventory  will  be 
realised as this is subject to a number of issues, including customer demand. 

During  the  period,  the  Group  conducted  a  review  of  the  net  realisable  value  of  its  inventories  in  light  of  the  deterioration  in  the  global 
economic  environment  and  obsolescence  of  certain  product  lines.  When  the  estimated  net  realisable  value  was  less  than  its  carrying 
value  within  the  balance  sheet,  the  Group  impaired  the  inventory  values.  During  the  period  inventory  provisions  have  increased  by 
£3,389,000 (2011: reduced by £2,000). Following the impairment provisions, inventories are valued at fair value less costs to sell rather 
than at historical cost. 

The value of inventories expensed in 2012 and included in cost of sales was £30,076,000 (2011: £26,880,000).  

15. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Trade receivables  

Other debtors 

Other prepayments and accrued income 

The trade receivables disclosed above are shown net of the provisions which are disclosed below. 

The movements on the Group’s provisions against trade receivables are as follows: 

At start of year 

Exchange differences on opening balances 

Utilised in the period 

Charged in the period 

Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable 

At end of year 

42

2012

£000

5,392

318

818

6,528

2012

£000

572

(3)

(164)

62

(39)

428

2011

£000

7,535

542

845

8,922

2011

£000

818

(11)

(163)

(51)

(21)

572

42 

0_600_ar12.indd   42

07/09/2012   10:19:04

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

13. DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES CONTINUED 

The following deferred tax assets have not been recognised on the basis that their future economic benefit is uncertain: 

15. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES CONTINUED 

The ageing analysis of gross trade receivables is as follows: 

Current (not overdue and no provision held) 

Overdue but no provision held: 

– 0–3 months overdue 

– 3–6 months overdue 

– 6–12 months overdue 

– more than 12 months overdue 

Total gross trade receivables before provision 

2012

£000

3,980

1,210

589

3

38

2011

£000

5,195

1,771

1,011

59

71

5,820

8,107

10,811

18,742

The other classes of debtors do not contain impaired assets. 

As at 31 March 2012, trade receivables that were neither past due nor impaired related to a number of independent customers for whom 
there is no recent history of default. 

The Directors consider all inventories to be essentially current in nature although the Group’s operational cycle is such that a proportion 

16. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE 

of  inventories  will  not  be  realised  within  twelve  months.  It  is  not  possible  to  determine  with  accuracy  when  specific  inventory  will  be 

realised as this is subject to a number of issues, including customer demand. 

During  the  period,  the  Group  conducted  a  review  of  the  net  realisable  value  of  its  inventories  in  light  of  the  deterioration  in  the  global 

economic  environment  and  obsolescence  of  certain  product  lines.  When  the  estimated  net  realisable  value  was  less  than  its  carrying 

value  within  the  balance  sheet,  the  Group  impaired  the  inventory  values.  During  the  period  inventory  provisions  have  increased  by 

£3,389,000 (2011: reduced by £2,000). Following the impairment provisions, inventories are valued at fair value less costs to sell rather 

The value of inventories expensed in 2012 and included in cost of sales was £30,076,000 (2011: £26,880,000).  

Properties held for sale 

600SA assets held for sale (including property, plant and equipment) 

Total assets held for sale 

2012

£000

2,793

6,300

9,093

2011

£000

-

-

-

The assets of 600SA, the Group’s South African business, are shown as assets held for sale as the business was being actively 
marketed at the period-end and has subsequently been sold to Eqstra Holdings Limited on 16 July 2012. The liabilities of this business 
are also disclosed separately in the Consolidated statement of financial position (note 20). 

The properties held for sale relate to UK land and buildings which were being actively marketed at the period-end. 

17. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash at bank 

Short-term deposits 

Cash and cash equivalents per statement of financial position 

Bank overdrafts (note 18 ) 

Cash and cash equivalents per cash flow statement 

0_600_ar12.indd   43

2012

£000

309

100

409

(526)

(117)

2011

£000

952

100

1,052

(2,957)

(1,905)

43

43 

07/09/2012   10:19:04

There is no expiry date for the advance corporation tax recoverable or the tax losses. 

Advance corporation tax recoverable 

Tax losses 

14. INVENTORIES 

Raw materials and consumables 

Work in progress 

Finished goods and goods for resale 

than at historical cost. 

15. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Trade receivables  

Other debtors 

Other prepayments and accrued income 

The trade receivables disclosed above are shown net of the provisions which are disclosed below. 

The movements on the Group’s provisions against trade receivables are as follows: 

At start of year 

Exchange differences on opening balances 

Utilised in the period 

Charged in the period 

At end of year 

Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable 

2012

£000

1,670

7,600

2012

£000

2,559

628

7,624

2012

£000

5,392

318

818

6,528

2012

£000

572

(3)

(164)

62

(39)

428

2011

£000

1,670

4,942

2011

£000

7,025

2,072

9,645

2011

£000

7,535

542

845

8,922

2011

£000

818

(11)

(163)

(51)

(21)

572

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

18. LOANS AND OTHER BORROWINGS 

CURRENT: 

Bank overdrafts (note 17) 

Bank loans 

Obligations under finance leases (note 22) 

NON-CURRENT: 

Bank loans 

Shareholder loan 

Obligations under finance leases (note 22) 

2012

£000

526

1,761

292

2,579

2012

£000

3,638

2,052

134

5,824

2011

£000

2,957

374

298

3,629

2011

£000

—

1,957

261

2,218

The £2.5m shareholder loan was issued with 12.5m convertible warrants attached to it. These warrants allow the holders to either convert 
the  loan  into  20p  shares  or  to  purchase  20p  shares  for  a  cash  consideration.  During  the  period  205,000  of  these  warrants  have  been 
exercised  and  as  a  result  share  capital  has  increased  by  £2,050  and  share  premium  by  £38,950.  The  loan  has  both  debt  and  equity 
components and so the value has been split between these components. The debt element is only repayable in August 2015 and as a 
result the loan is classified as non-current. Deferred borrowing costs relating to the loan of £281,000 are also netted off the loan carrying 
value which at the period-end is £2,052,000.  

The  Term  Loan  of  £1,138,000  included  within  Bank  loans  will  be  repaid  on  a  quarterly  basis  with  payments  of  £160,000  starting  on  30 
September 2013. The revolving credit facility of £2,500,000 included within Bank Loans is repayable in June 2014. 

Given the nature of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities, it is the Directors’ opinion that there is no material difference between their 
reported book values and estimated fair values. 

The above loans and borrowings are secured by way of fixed and floating charges over the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. 

19. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES  

Payments received on account 

Trade payables 

Social security and other taxes 

Other creditors  

Accruals and deferred income 

The above includes the following balances due in more than one year: 

Other creditors  

44

0_600_ar12.indd   44

2012

£000

168

5,776

930

1,082

1,600

9,556

2012

£000

—

2011

£000

82

7,399

987

1,670

1,762

11,900

2011

£000

25

44 

07/09/2012   10:19:04

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

18. LOANS AND OTHER BORROWINGS 

20. LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE  

CURRENT: 

Bank overdrafts (note 17) 

Bank loans 

Obligations under finance leases (note 22) 

NON-CURRENT: 

Bank loans 

Shareholder loan 

Obligations under finance leases (note 22) 

The £2.5m shareholder loan was issued with 12.5m convertible warrants attached to it. These warrants allow the holders to either convert 

the  loan  into  20p  shares  or  to  purchase  20p  shares  for  a  cash  consideration.  During  the  period  205,000  of  these  warrants  have  been 

exercised  and  as  a  result  share  capital  has  increased  by  £2,050  and  share  premium  by  £38,950.  The  loan  has  both  debt  and  equity 

components and so the value has been split between these components. The debt element is only repayable in August 2015 and as a 

result the loan is classified as non-current. Deferred borrowing costs relating to the loan of £281,000 are also netted off the loan carrying 

value which at the period-end is £2,052,000.  

The  Term  Loan  of  £1,138,000  included  within  Bank  loans  will  be  repaid  on  a  quarterly  basis  with  payments  of  £160,000  starting  on  30 

September 2013. The revolving credit facility of £2,500,000 included within Bank Loans is repayable in June 2014. 

Given the nature of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities, it is the Directors’ opinion that there is no material difference between their 

reported book values and estimated fair values. 

The above loans and borrowings are secured by way of fixed and floating charges over the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. 

19. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES  

Payments received on account 

Trade payables 

Social security and other taxes 

Other creditors  

Accruals and deferred income 

The above includes the following balances due in more than one year: 

Other creditors  

2012

£000

526

1,761

292

2,579

2012

£000

3,638

2,052

134

5,824

2012

£000

168

5,776

930

1,082

1,600

9,556

2012

£000

—

2011

£000

2,957

374

298

3,629

2011

£000

—

1,957

261

2,218

2011

£000

82

7,399

987

1,670

1,762

11,900

2011

£000

25

44 

600SA liabilities held for sale 

2012

£000

4,488

4,488

2011

£000

—

—

The liabilities of 600SA, the Group’s South African business, are shown as liabilities held for sale as the business was being actively 
marketed at the period-end and has subsequently been sold to Eqstra Holdings Limited on 16 July 2012. The assets of this business are 
also disclosed separately in the Consolidated statement of position (note 16). 

21. PROVISIONS 

Provision carried forward at 2 April 2011 

Exchange differences 

Charged to income statement 

Transferred to liabilities held for sale 

Utilised in the period 

Provision carried forward at 31 March 2012 

Other 

£000 

— 

— 

1,158 

— 

(43) 

1,115 

Warranties

£000

252

(6)

62

(64)

(118)

126

Total

£000

252

(6)

1,220

(64)

(161)

1,241

The timing of warranty payments are uncertain in nature. The warranty provisions are calculated based on historical experience of claims 
received, taking into account recent sales of items which are covered by warranty. The provision relates mainly to products sold in the 
last twelve months. The typical warranty period is now twelve months. 

The other provisions relate to various legal disputes that the directors believe should be provided against. This charge is included within 
special items within net operating expenses. The timing of these outflows is not clear due to the uncertainty around the timescales of the 
various legal processes. 

22. OBLIGATIONS UNDER FINANCE LEASES 

The maturity of obligations under finance leases is as follows: 

Falling due:  

– within one year 

– within two to five years 

– less future finance charges 

Amounts falling due within one year 

Amounts falling due after one year 

0_600_ar12.indd   45

2012

£000

292

140

(6)

426

292

134

426

2011

£000

298

351

(90)

559

298

261

559

45

45 

07/09/2012   10:19:05

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

23. SHARE CAPITAL 

Authorised 

626,391,704 ordinary shares of 1p each  

57,233,679 deferred shares of 24p each 

Allotted, called-up and fully paid: 

Ordinary shares of 1p each  

2012

£000

6,264

13,736

20,000

2011

£000

6,264

13,736

20,000

57,933,679 ordinary shares of 1p each on issue at start of the period (2011: 57,233,679 ordinary shares of 
25p each on issue at start of period) 

579

14,308

57,233,679 ordinary shares of 25p each converted into 1p ordinary shares and 24p deferred shares 

5,787,574 ordinary shares of 1p each issued in institutional placing 

205,000 ordinary shares of 1p each issued under exercised warrants (2011: 700,000 ordinary shares of 1p 
each issued under exercised warrants) 

63,926,253 ordinary shares of 1p each on issue at end of period (2011: 57,933,679 ordinary shares of 1p 
each on issue at end of period) 

Deferred shares of 24p each: 

57,233,679 deferred shares of 24p each on issue at start of period (2011: nil) 

57,233,679 ordinary shares of 25p each converted into 1p ordinary shares and 24p deferred shares 

57,233,679 deferred shares of 24p each on issue at end of period 

Total Allotted, called-up and fully paid at the end of period 

—

58

2

639

(13,736)

—

7

579

13,736

—

13,736

—

13,736

13,736

14,375

14,315

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no rights to fixed income. The ordinary shareholders are entitled to receive 
dividends  as  declared  and  are  entitled  to  vote  at  meetings  of  the  Company.  During  the  year  205,000  of  these  warrants  have  been 
exercised and as a result share capital has increased by £2,050 and share premium by £38,950. In addition, an institutional placing of 
5,787,574 in April 2011 resulted in share capital increasing by £57,876 and share premium by £1,707,334. 

During  the  prior  period  each  issued  ordinary  share  of  25p  was  sub-divided  and  converted  into  one  new  ordinary  share  of  1p  and  one 
deferred share of 24p. Each of the unissued ordinary shares of 25p was also sub-divided into 25 ordinary shares of 1p.  

During the prior period a £2.5m related party loan was issued with 12.5m convertible warrants attached to it. These warrants allow the 
holders to either convert the loan into 1p shares (at a price of 20p per share) or to purchase 1p shares for cash consideration (at a price 
of 20p per share). 

24. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO NET DEBT 

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Increase in debt and finance leases 

Increase in net debt from cash flows 

Net debt at beginning of period 

Exchange effects on net funds 

Net debt at end of period 

46

0_600_ar12.indd   46

2012

£000

1,861

(4,988)

(3,127)

(4,795)

(72)

(7,994)

2011

£000

1,466

(1,933)

(467)

(4,328)

—

(4,795)

46 

07/09/2012   10:19:05

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

23. SHARE CAPITAL 

Authorised 

626,391,704 ordinary shares of 1p each  

57,233,679 deferred shares of 24p each 

Allotted, called-up and fully paid: 

Ordinary shares of 1p each  

25p each on issue at start of period) 

57,933,679 ordinary shares of 1p each on issue at start of the period (2011: 57,233,679 ordinary shares of 

579

14,308

57,233,679 ordinary shares of 25p each converted into 1p ordinary shares and 24p deferred shares 

5,787,574 ordinary shares of 1p each issued in institutional placing 

205,000 ordinary shares of 1p each issued under exercised warrants (2011: 700,000 ordinary shares of 1p 

each issued under exercised warrants) 

63,926,253 ordinary shares of 1p each on issue at end of period (2011: 57,933,679 ordinary shares of 1p 

—

58

2

639

(13,736)

—

7

579

each on issue at end of period) 

Deferred shares of 24p each: 

57,233,679 deferred shares of 24p each on issue at start of period (2011: nil) 

57,233,679 ordinary shares of 25p each converted into 1p ordinary shares and 24p deferred shares 

57,233,679 deferred shares of 24p each on issue at end of period 

Total Allotted, called-up and fully paid at the end of period 

13,736

—

13,736

—

13,736

13,736

14,375

14,315

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no rights to fixed income. The ordinary shareholders are entitled to receive 

dividends  as  declared  and  are  entitled  to  vote  at  meetings  of  the  Company.  During  the  year  205,000  of  these  warrants  have  been 

exercised and as a result share capital has increased by £2,050 and share premium by £38,950. In addition, an institutional placing of 

5,787,574 in April 2011 resulted in share capital increasing by £57,876 and share premium by £1,707,334. 

During  the  prior  period  each  issued  ordinary  share  of  25p  was  sub-divided  and  converted  into  one  new  ordinary  share  of  1p  and  one 

deferred share of 24p. Each of the unissued ordinary shares of 25p was also sub-divided into 25 ordinary shares of 1p.  

During the prior period a £2.5m related party loan was issued with 12.5m convertible warrants attached to it. These warrants allow the 

holders to either convert the loan into 1p shares (at a price of 20p per share) or to purchase 1p shares for cash consideration (at a price 

of 20p per share). 

24. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO NET DEBT 

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Increase in debt and finance leases 

Increase in net debt from cash flows 

Net debt at beginning of period 

Exchange effects on net funds 

Net debt at end of period 

2012

£000

1,861

(4,988)

(3,127)

(4,795)

(72)

(7,994)

2011

£000

1,466

(1,933)

(467)

(4,328)

—

(4,795)

2012

£000

6,264

13,736

20,000

2011

£000

6,264

13,736

20,000

25. ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Term deposits (included within cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet) 

Overdrafts 

Debt due within one year 

Debt due after one year 

Shareholder loan 

Finance leases 

Total 

At

2 April

Exchange 

2011

£000

952

100

(2,957)

(1,905)

(374)

—

(1,957)

(559)

(4,795)

movement 

Cash flows

£000 

(73) 

— 

— 

(73) 

1 

— 

— 

— 

£000

(570)

—

2,431

1,861

(1,388)

(3,638)

(95)

133

(72) 

(3,127)

At

31 March

2012

£000

309

100

(526)

(117)

(1,761)

(3,638)

(2,052)

(426)

(7,994)

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
OVERVIEW 
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments: 

•  credit risk; 

•  liquidity risk; and 

•  market risk. 

This  note  presents  information about  the  Group’s  exposure  to  each  of  the  above  risks,  the Group’s  objectives,  policies  and  processes 
for measuring and managing exposure to these. 

The  Board  of  Directors  has  overall  responsibility  for  the  establishment  and  oversight  of  the  Group’s  risk  management  framework.  The 
Board is responsible for developing and monitoring the Group’s risk management policies.  

The Group’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and 
controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in 
market conditions and the Group’s activities. The Group, through its training and management standards and procedures, aims to develop a 
disciplined and constructive control environment in which all employees understand their roles and obligations. 

The Group actively manages and monitors capital across the different businesses within the Group. Targets in relation to return on capital are 
considered  as  part  of  the  annual  budgeting  process.  During  the  prior  year  a  shareholder  loan  was  raised  which  had  12.5m  warrants 
attached  to  it.  These  warrants  allow  the  holders  to  either  convert  the  loan  into  20p  shares  or  to  purchase  20p  shares  for  a  cash 
consideration.  During  the  prior  year  700,000  of  these  warrants  were  exercised  for  a  cash.  A  further  205,000  shares  were  issued  on 
exercise of warrants for cash and as a result share capital has increased by £2,050 and share premium by £38,950. 

The Directors determine the appropriate capital structure of the Group between funds raised from equity shareholders (equity), through the 
issue of shares and retention of profits generated, and funds borrowed from financial institutions, other businesses, individuals and 
preference shareholders (debt) in order to finance the Group’s activities both now and in the future.  The Board’s objectives when 
managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns to Shareholders and 
benefits to other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. In order to maintain or adjust the 
capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or 
sell assets to reduce debt.  The Directors have decided that it has not been possible to pay a dividend to equity shareholders.   

In addition, on 5 April 2011 the Group raised approximately £1.76m through an institutional placing of 5,787,574 new ordinary shares of 1p 
each at a price of 30.5p per share on 5 April 2011. 

The Audit Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group’s risk management policies and procedures and 
reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group. The Audit Committee is assisted in 
its  oversight  role  by head  office  staff  undertaking  both  regular  and  ad  hoc  reviews  of  risk  management  controls  and  procedures,  the 
results of which are reported to the Audit Committee. 

46 

0_600_ar12.indd   47

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Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 

CREDIT RISK 
Credit  risk  is  the  risk  of  financial  loss  to  the  Group  if  a  customer  or  counterparty  to  a  financial  instrument  fails  to  meet  its  contractual 
obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers. 

The  Group’s  exposure  to  credit  risk  is  influenced  mainly  by  the  individual  characteristics  of  each  customer.  The  demographics  of  the 
Group’s  customer  base,  including  the  default  risk  of  the  industry  and  country  in  which  customers  operate,  has  less  of  an  influence  on 
credit risk. Geographically, there is no significant concentration of credit risk. 

The Board has established a credit policy under which each new customer is analysed individually for creditworthiness before the Group’s 
standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered. The Group’s review includes external ratings, where available, and in 
some cases bank references. Purchase limits are established for each customer, which represents the maximum open amount without 
requiring  approval  from  the  Board;  these  limits  are  reviewed  quarterly.  Customers  that  fail  to  meet  the  Group’s  benchmark 
creditworthiness may transact with the Group only on a prepayment basis. 

Goods are sold subject to retention of title clauses, so that in the event of non-payment the Group may have a secured claim. The Group 
does not require collateral in respect of trade and other receivables. 

The  Group  establishes  an  allowance  for  impairment  that  represents  its  estimate  of  incurred  losses  in  respect  of  trade  and  other 
receivables. The main components of this allowance are a specific loss component that relates to individually significant exposures, and 
a collective loss component established for groups of similar assets in respect of losses that have been incurred but not yet identified. The 
collective loss allowance is determined based on historical data of payment statistics for similar financial assets. 

The carrying value of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure at the reporting date was: 

Trade receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was: 

UK 

Other European countries 

North America 

Africa 

Australasia 

2012

£000

5,392

409

5,801

2012

£000

3,229

107

1,811

—

245

5,392

2011

£000

7,535

1,052

8,587

2011

£000

3,360

122

1,344

2,219

490

7,535

48

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Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 

CREDIT RISK 

Credit  risk  is  the  risk  of  financial  loss  to  the  Group  if  a  customer  or  counterparty  to  a  financial  instrument  fails  to  meet  its  contractual 

obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers. 

The  Group’s  exposure  to  credit  risk  is  influenced  mainly  by  the  individual  characteristics  of  each  customer.  The  demographics  of  the 

Group’s  customer  base,  including  the  default  risk  of  the  industry  and  country  in  which  customers  operate,  has  less  of  an  influence  on 

credit risk. Geographically, there is no significant concentration of credit risk. 

The Board has established a credit policy under which each new customer is analysed individually for creditworthiness before the Group’s 

standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered. The Group’s review includes external ratings, where available, and in 

some cases bank references. Purchase limits are established for each customer, which represents the maximum open amount without 

requiring  approval  from  the  Board;  these  limits  are  reviewed  quarterly.  Customers  that  fail  to  meet  the  Group’s  benchmark 

creditworthiness may transact with the Group only on a prepayment basis. 

Goods are sold subject to retention of title clauses, so that in the event of non-payment the Group may have a secured claim. The Group 

does not require collateral in respect of trade and other receivables. 

The carrying value of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure at the reporting date was: 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 

LIQUIDITY RISK 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’s approach to managing 
liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and 
stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation. 

Due to banking facilities being held with different banks in USA, Australia and South Africa certain restrictions on the repatriation of funds 
to the UK may be imposed by the local bank or in the case of South Africa the Central Reserve Bank as at the period-end date. 

Typically  the  Group  ensures  that  it  has  sufficient  cash  or  overdraft  facilities  on  demand  to  at  least  meet  any  unexpected  operational 
expenses; this excludes the potential impact of extreme circumstances that cannot reasonably be predicted, such as natural disasters. 

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including interest payments: 

The  Group  establishes  an  allowance  for  impairment  that  represents  its  estimate  of  incurred  losses  in  respect  of  trade  and  other 

Bank overdrafts  

receivables. The main components of this allowance are a specific loss component that relates to individually significant exposures, and 

a collective loss component established for groups of similar assets in respect of losses that have been incurred but not yet identified. The 

collective loss allowance is determined based on historical data of payment statistics for similar financial assets. 

Bank loan 

Other loan 

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was: 

Trade receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

UK 

Other European countries 

North America 

Africa 

Australasia 

2012

£000

5,392

409

5,801

2012

£000

3,229

107

1,811

—

245

5,392

2011

£000

7,535

1,052

8,587

2011

£000

3,360

122

1,344

2,219

490

7,535

Finance lease obligations 

Interest bearing financial liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Financial liabilities 

Bank overdrafts 

Bank loan 

Other loan 

Finance lease obligations 

Interest bearing financial liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Financial liabilities 

Contractual

Less than 

2012

carrying

amount

£000

526

5,399

2,052

426

8,403

5,776

cash flows

£000

526

5,399

2,052

426

8,403

5,776

14,179

14,179

1 year 

£000 

526

1,761

—

292

2,579

5,776

8,355

1–2 years

2–5 years

£000

—

640

—

134

774

—

774

£000

—

2,998

2,052

—

5,050

—

5,050

2011

carrying

amount

£000

2,957

374

1,957

559

5,847

7,399

Contractual

Less than 

cash flows

£000

2,957

374

1,957

649

5,937

7,399

1 year 

£000 

2,957

374

—

298

3,629

7,399

13,246

13,336

11,028

1–2 years

2–5 years

£000

£000

—

—

—

351

351

—

351

—

—

1,957

—

1,957

—

1,957

MARKET RISK 
Market  risk  is  the  risk  that  changes  in  market  prices,  such  as  foreign  exchange  rates,  interest  rates  and  equity  prices  will  affect  the 
Group’s  income.  The  objective  of  market  risk  management  is  to  manage  and  control  market  risk  exposures  within  acceptable 
parameters, while optimising the return on risk. 

48 

0_600_ar12.indd   49

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07/09/2012   10:19:06

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 

CURRENCY RISK 
The Group is exposed to currency risk on sales, purchases and borrowings that are denominated in a currency other than the respective 
currencies of Group entities, primarily the Euro (€) and US Dollars ($). 

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk may be summarised as follows: 

Trade receivables 

Trade payables 

Balance sheet exposure 

The following exchange rates applied during the year: 

US Dollar 

Polish zloty 

Euro 

US Dollar 

PLN

000

276

(1,479)

(1,203)

2012 

US Dollars

$000

1,811

(533)

1,278

Euro

€000

95

(1,142)

(1,047)

2011 

US Dollars

$000

89

(226)

(137)

PLN 

000 

122

(866)

(744)

2012 

Average

rate

1.600

4.83

1.160

Year end 

spot rate 

1.598 

4.983 

1.200 

2011 

Average

rate

1.556

4.637

1.169

Euro

€000

117

(1,291)

(1,174)

Year end

spot rate

1.603

4.566

1.133

Change if

appreciated/

depreciated

Net assets

by 25% 

in foreign

against local

currency

currency

4,062

1,016

The Group has operations around the world and is therefore exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from net investments in foreign 
operations.  Where cost effective, the exposures arising from the translation of the net assets of the Group’s foreign operations are 
managed through the use of borrowings or cross-currency swaps in the relevant foreign currency. 

Some Group operations on occasion also enter into commercial transactions in currencies other than their functional currencies. Exposures 
arising from the translation of foreign currency transactions are continually monitored and material exposures are managed where 
necessary through the use of forward contracts or options once cash flows can be identified with sufficient certainty.  Exposures arising 
from the translation of intra-group lending are managed through the use of borrowings in the relevant foreign currency. 

50

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07/09/2012   10:19:06

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 

CURRENCY RISK 

The Group is exposed to currency risk on sales, purchases and borrowings that are denominated in a currency other than the respective 

currencies of Group entities, primarily the Euro (€) and US Dollars ($). 

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk may be summarised as follows: 

Trade receivables 

Trade payables 

Balance sheet exposure 

The following exchange rates applied during the year: 

US Dollar 

Polish zloty 

Euro 

US Dollar 

PLN

000

276

(1,479)

(1,203)

2012 

US Dollars

$000

1,811

(533)

1,278

Euro

€000

95

(1,142)

(1,047)

2011 

US Dollars

$000

89

(226)

(137)

PLN 

000 

122

(866)

(744)

2012 

Average

rate

1.600

4.83

1.160

Year end 

spot rate 

1.598 

4.983 

1.200 

2011 

Average

rate

1.556

4.637

1.169

Euro

€000

117

(1,291)

(1,174)

Year end

spot rate

1.603

4.566

1.133

Change if

appreciated/

depreciated

Net assets

by 25% 

in foreign

against local

currency

currency

4,062

1,016

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 

The following table shows the impact (due to the retranslation of non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities in the Group's 
operations) of a, reasonably possible, 10% movement in the Group’s principal foreign currency exchange rates at the year-end date. 

31 March 2012 

US$ 

AUD 

2 April 2011 

US$ 

AUD 

10% 
increase 
Effect on 
profit 
before tax 

10 % 
decrease 
Effect on 
profit before 
tax 

Effect on 
shareholders’ 
equity 

Effect on 
shareholders’ 
equity 

(399) 

(70) 

(341) 

(146) 

(399) 

(70) 

(341) 

(146) 

488 

86 

418 

178 

488 

86 

418 

178 

The effect on profit before taxation is due to the retranslation of trade receivables, cash and cash equivalents, borrowings, trade payables 
and derivative financial assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies.  The effect on shareholders’ equity is due to the 
effect on profit as well as the effect of financial assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies qualified as either cash flow or net 
investment hedges. 

INTEREST RATE RISK 
The Group holds a mixture of both fixed and floating interest borrowings to control its exposure to interest rate risk although it has no 
formal target for a ratio of fixed to floating funding. The level of debt is continually reviewed by the Board. The sensitivity analysis is set 
out below: 

The Group has operations around the world and is therefore exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from net investments in foreign 

operations.  Where cost effective, the exposures arising from the translation of the net assets of the Group’s foreign operations are 

managed through the use of borrowings or cross-currency swaps in the relevant foreign currency. 

Some Group operations on occasion also enter into commercial transactions in currencies other than their functional currencies. Exposures 

arising from the translation of foreign currency transactions are continually monitored and material exposures are managed where 

necessary through the use of forward contracts or options once cash flows can be identified with sufficient certainty.  Exposures arising 

from the translation of intra-group lending are managed through the use of borrowings in the relevant foreign currency. 

US Dollar 

South African Rand 

AUS Dollar 

Polish Zloty 

CAD Dollar 

Net cash/

Change if

in foreign interest rates

borrowings

in foreign

in foreign

Currency

currency

£’000

(288)

614

121

19

16

change by 
1%

£’000

(3)

6

1

—

—

The impact of interest rate risk on the Group's result is due to changes in interest rates on net floating rate cash and cash equivalents and 
borrowings.  At 31 March 2012, if interest rates on the Group's net floating rate cash and cash equivalents and borrowings had been 100 
basis points higher, a reasonably possible movement, with all other variables held constant, the effect on profit before taxation in the year 
would have been a credit of £0.06m (2011: charge of £0.03m).  A reduction of 100 basis points would have the equal and opposite effect.  
There is no further impact on shareholders' equity. 

50 

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Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
HEDGING OF FLUCTUATIONS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY 
The  Group  is  exposed  to  foreign  currency  risk  on  sales,  purchases  and  borrowings  that  are  denominated  in  a  currency  other  than 
Sterling. 

The  Group  uses  on  occasion  forward  exchange  contracts  to  hedge  its  commercial  foreign  currency  risk.  The  Group  does  not  apply  a 
policy of hedge accounting. Most of the forward exchange contracts have maturities of less than one year after the balance sheet date. 
Where necessary, the forward exchange contracts are rolled over at maturity. 

In respect of other monetary assets and liabilities held in currencies other than Sterling, the Group ensures that the net exposure is kept 
to an acceptable level by buying or selling foreign currencies at spot rates where necessary to address short-term imbalances. 

At the period-end there were no outstanding derivative contracts in place. 

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS 
In  managing interest  rate  and  currency  risks,  the  Group  aims to reduce  the  impact  of  short-term  fluctuations  on  the  Group’s  earnings. 
Over the longer term, however, permanent changes in foreign exchange and interest rates would have an impact on consolidated earnings. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The  Group’s  financial  instruments  include  bank  loans,  overdrafts  and  cash.  These  financial  instruments  are  used  for  the  purpose  of 
funding the Group’s operations. 

In addition, the Group enters into forward currency derivative transactions on occasion which have been used in the management of risks 
associated with currency exposure. There were no contracts in place at the period-end. 

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
The  Group  does  not  hedge  account  but  uses  derivative  financial  instruments  to  hedge  its  commercial  exposure  to  foreign  exchange. 
These instruments are recognised at fair value. Any gain or loss is immediately recognised in the income statement. 

The fair value of forward exchange contracts used at 2 April 2011 was a liability of £nil (Note 18) (2010: liability of £nil) and the movement 
has been recognised within cost of sales. 

FINANCIAL ASSETS 
The Group’s financial assets comprise cash, trade receivables and derivative contract assets. The profile of the financial assets at 31 
March 2012 and 2 April 2011 was: 

Currency 

Sterling 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

Euros 

Polish Zloty 

Canadian Dollars 

South African Rand 

2012 

Financial

assets

2011 

Financial

assets

Floating rate

Fixed rate

on which

Floating rate 

Fixed rate 

on which

financial

financial

no interest

financial 

financial 

no interest

assets

£000

11

345

291

—

5

3

—

assets

is earned

£000

100

—

—

—

—

—

—

£000

3,118

2,851

312

—

276

—

—

Total

£000

3,229

3,196

603

—

281

3

—

655

100

6,557

7,312

assets 

£000 

15

86

202

—

19

16

614

952

assets 

is earned

£000 

100

—

—

—

—

—

—

100

£000

3,752

1,981

490

—

336

—

2,361

8,920

The weighted average interest rate on floating rate financial assets is: 

Currency 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

South African Rand 

Polish Zloty 

Canadian Dollars 

Total

£000

3,867

2,067

692

—

355

16

2,975

9,972

%

2.0%

2.5%

7.0%

0.0%

0.0%

Sterling fixed-rate financial assets are centrally controlled. At 31 March 2012 the weighted average interest rate on these deposits was 1.0% 
(2010: 3.0%). 

The floating rate financial assets comprise other deposits that earn interest based on short-term deposit rates. 

52

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26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 

HEDGING OF FLUCTUATIONS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY 

Sterling. 

The  Group  is  exposed  to  foreign  currency  risk  on  sales,  purchases  and  borrowings  that  are  denominated  in  a  currency  other  than 

The  Group  uses  on  occasion  forward  exchange  contracts  to  hedge  its  commercial  foreign  currency  risk.  The  Group  does  not  apply  a 

policy of hedge accounting. Most of the forward exchange contracts have maturities of less than one year after the balance sheet date. 

Where necessary, the forward exchange contracts are rolled over at maturity. 

In respect of other monetary assets and liabilities held in currencies other than Sterling, the Group ensures that the net exposure is kept 

to an acceptable level by buying or selling foreign currencies at spot rates where necessary to address short-term imbalances. 

At the period-end there were no outstanding derivative contracts in place. 

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

funding the Group’s operations. 

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 

In  managing interest  rate  and  currency  risks,  the  Group  aims to reduce  the  impact  of  short-term  fluctuations  on  the  Group’s  earnings. 

Over the longer term, however, permanent changes in foreign exchange and interest rates would have an impact on consolidated earnings. 

The  Group’s  financial  instruments  include  bank  loans,  overdrafts  and  cash.  These  financial  instruments  are  used  for  the  purpose  of 

In addition, the Group enters into forward currency derivative transactions on occasion which have been used in the management of risks 

associated with currency exposure. There were no contracts in place at the period-end. 

The  Group  does  not  hedge  account  but  uses  derivative  financial  instruments  to  hedge  its  commercial  exposure  to  foreign  exchange. 

These instruments are recognised at fair value. Any gain or loss is immediately recognised in the income statement. 

The fair value of forward exchange contracts used at 2 April 2011 was a liability of £nil (Note 18) (2010: liability of £nil) and the movement 

has been recognised within cost of sales. 

FINANCIAL ASSETS 

March 2012 and 2 April 2011 was: 

The Group’s financial assets comprise cash, trade receivables and derivative contract assets. The profile of the financial assets at 31 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 
Financial liabilities comprise short-term loans, overdrafts, trade payables, obligations under finance leases, other creditors more than one 
year, forward exchange contract liabilities and other provisions for liabilities and charges (excluding accrued post-retirement health care 
accrual and deferred tax provision). The profile of the Group’s financial liabilities at 31 March 2012 and 2 April 2011 was: 

2012 

Financial

liabilities

2011 

Financial

liabilities

Floating rate

Fixed rate

on which

Floating rate 

Fixed rate 

on which

financial

financial

no interest

financial 

financial 

no interest

liabilities

liabilities

is paid

Currency 

Sterling 

US Dollars 

South African Rand 

Australian Dollars 

Canadian Dollars 

£000

3,025

1,064

—

—

—

4,089

£000

298

—

—

128

—

426

£000

7,776

1,519

—

261

21

Total

£000

11,099

2,583

—

389

21

liabilities 

liabilities 

£000 

2,957 

374 

— 

— 

— 

£000 

478

—

—

81

—

is paid

£000

7,365

1,287

2,810

423

267

Total

£000

10,800

1,661

2,810

504

267

9,577

14,092

3,331 

559

12,152

16,042

The floating rate financial liabilities comprise bank borrowings and overdrafts that bear interest rates based on local currency base 
interest rates. 

BORROWING FACILITIES 
At 31 March 2012 and 2 April 2011 the Group had undrawn committed borrowing facilities as follows: 

Floating rate

Fixed rate

on which

Floating rate 

Fixed rate 

on which

financial

financial

no interest

financial 

financial 

no interest

assets

is earned

assets 

is earned

2012 

Financial

assets

£000

100

—

—

—

—

—

—

£000

3,118

2,851

312

—

276

—

—

assets

£000

11

345

291

—

5

3

—

655

100

6,557

7,312

Total

£000

3,229

3,196

603

—

281

3

—

assets 

£000 

15

86

202

—

19

16

614

952

2011 

Financial

assets

£000 

100

—

—

—

—

—

—

100

£000

3,752

1,981

490

—

336

—

2,361

8,920

UK 

US 

Australia 

South Africa 

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 

Trade receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank overdrafts 

Bank loan 

Other loans 

Finance lease obligations 

Trade payables 

Fair value of derivative contracts 

The weighted average interest rate on floating rate financial assets is: 

2012

‘000

£200

$800

AUD$900

R16,000

2011

‘000

£400

$1,000

AUD$900

R2,600

2012

£000

5,392

409

(526)

(5,399)

(2,052)

(426)

(5,776)

—

2011

£000

7,535

1,052

(2,957)

(374)

(1,957)

(559)

(7,399)

—

(8,378)

(4,659)

Sterling fixed-rate financial assets are centrally controlled. At 31 March 2012 the weighted average interest rate on these deposits was 1.0% 

The floating rate financial assets comprise other deposits that earn interest based on short-term deposit rates. 

Given the nature of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities, it is the Directors’ opinion that there is no material difference between their 
reported book values and estimated fair values. 

0_600_ar12.indd   53

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Currency 

Sterling 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

Euros 

Polish Zloty 

Canadian Dollars 

South African Rand 

Currency 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

South African Rand 

Polish Zloty 

Canadian Dollars 

(2010: 3.0%). 

Total

£000

3,867

2,067

692

—

355

16

2,975

9,972

%

2.0%

2.5%

7.0%

0.0%

0.0%

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

27. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 

Third-party guarantees 

2012

£000

86

2011

£000

60

These guarantees and letters of credit are entered into in the normal course of business. A liability would only arise in the event of the 
Group failing to fulfil its contractual obligations. 

28. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS 

Capital expenditure contracted for but not provided in the accounts 

2012

£000

—

2011

£000

—

29. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS 
The Group has outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases which fall due as 
follows: 

Land and buildings 

Within one year 

More than one year and less than five years 

Over five years 

Other 

Within one year 

More than one year and less than five years 

2012

£000

33

49

—

82

31

4

35

2011

£000

239

652

49

940

116

45

161

30. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 
The  Group  operates  a  number  of  defined  benefit  pension  schemes  throughout  the  world.  The  assets  of  these  schemes  are  held  in 
separate trustee-administered funds. 

The  benefits  from  these  schemes  are  based  upon  years  of  pensionable  service  and  pensionable  remuneration  of  the  employee  as 
defined under the respective scheme provisions. The schemes are funded by contributions from the employee and from the employing 
company over the period of the employees’ service. Contributions are determined by independent qualified actuaries based upon triennial 
actuarial valuations in the UK and on annual valuations in the US. 

UK 
In  relation  to  the  fund  in  the  UK,  the  Group’s  funding  policy  is  to  ensure  that  assets  are  sufficient  to  cover  accrued  service  liabilities 
allowing for projected pay increases. The most recent triennial full valuation was carried out as at 31 March 2007. 

During  the  prior  period,  a  credit  of  £2.57m  arose  in  respect  of  changes  to  the  assumptions  within  the  Group’s  pension  and healthcare 
plans  and  was  primarily  as  a  result  of  using  the  consumer  price  index  as  the  measure  of  price  inflation  as  opposed  to  the  retail  price 
index due to the UK Government’s announcement that the former will be used from April 2011 onwards.  The directors have taken the 
view that the actions of the company in the past have created a valid expectation for scheme members to receive RPI-linked benefits. 
The scheme booklet refers specifically to the RPI and deferred benefit statements sent to members also refers to RPI-linked benefits.  

The directors believed that the announcement of the change to CPI by the government and subsequent changes to payments made by 
the  Company  changed  this  constructive  obligation  and  so  the  gain  was  recognised  under  UITF  48  as  a  benefit  change  through  the 
consolidated income statement in the prior period. 

US 
In relation to the fund in the US, the funding policy is to ensure that assets are sufficient to cover accrued service liabilities allowing for 
projected pay increases.  

In addition, the Group operates a retirement healthcare benefit scheme for certain of its retired employees in the US, which is also treated as 
a defined benefit scheme. The scheme has 37 members (2011 – 39) who are retired employees.  

The most recent annual valuation was carried out as at 2 April 2011. The disclosures for the US schemes that follow refer to the US 
defined benefit scheme and the retirement healthcare benefit scheme. 

54

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2012

£000

86

2012

£000

—

2012

£000

33

49

—

82

31

4

35

2011

£000

60

2011

£000

—

2011

£000

239

652

49

940

116

45

161

The Group has outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases which fall due as 

29. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS 

follows: 

More than one year and less than five years 

Land and buildings 

Within one year 

Over five years 

Other 

Within one year 

More than one year and less than five years 

30. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

separate trustee-administered funds. 

The  Group  operates  a  number  of  defined  benefit  pension  schemes  throughout  the  world.  The  assets  of  these  schemes  are  held  in 

The  benefits  from  these  schemes  are  based  upon  years  of  pensionable  service  and  pensionable  remuneration  of  the  employee  as 

defined under the respective scheme provisions. The schemes are funded by contributions from the employee and from the employing 

company over the period of the employees’ service. Contributions are determined by independent qualified actuaries based upon triennial 

actuarial valuations in the UK and on annual valuations in the US. 

UK 

In  relation  to  the  fund  in  the  UK,  the  Group’s  funding  policy  is  to  ensure  that  assets  are  sufficient  to  cover  accrued  service  liabilities 

allowing for projected pay increases. The most recent triennial full valuation was carried out as at 31 March 2007. 

During  the  prior  period,  a  credit  of  £2.57m  arose  in  respect  of  changes  to  the  assumptions  within  the  Group’s  pension  and healthcare 

plans  and  was  primarily  as  a  result  of  using  the  consumer  price  index  as  the  measure  of  price  inflation  as  opposed  to  the  retail  price 

index due to the UK Government’s announcement that the former will be used from April 2011 onwards.  The directors have taken the 

view that the actions of the company in the past have created a valid expectation for scheme members to receive RPI-linked benefits. 

The scheme booklet refers specifically to the RPI and deferred benefit statements sent to members also refers to RPI-linked benefits.  

The directors believed that the announcement of the change to CPI by the government and subsequent changes to payments made by 

the  Company  changed  this  constructive  obligation  and  so  the  gain  was  recognised  under  UITF  48  as  a  benefit  change  through  the 

consolidated income statement in the prior period. 

In relation to the fund in the US, the funding policy is to ensure that assets are sufficient to cover accrued service liabilities allowing for 

US 

projected pay increases.  

In addition, the Group operates a retirement healthcare benefit scheme for certain of its retired employees in the US, which is also treated as 

a defined benefit scheme. The scheme has 37 members (2011 – 39) who are retired employees.  

The most recent annual valuation was carried out as at 2 April 2011. The disclosures for the US schemes that follow refer to the US 

defined benefit scheme and the retirement healthcare benefit scheme. 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

27. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 

Third-party guarantees 

Group failing to fulfil its contractual obligations. 

28. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS 

Capital expenditure contracted for but not provided in the accounts 

These guarantees and letters of credit are entered into in the normal course of business. A liability would only arise in the event of the 

30. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONTINUED 
MORTALITY RATES 
The  mortality  assumptions  for  the  UK  scheme  are  based  on  standard  mortality  tables  which  allow  for  future  mortality  improvements.  The 
assumptions are that a member who retires in 2011 at age 65 will live on average for a further 21.6 years (2011: 20.5 years) after retirement 
if male and for a further 23.6 years (2011: 22.9 years) after retirement if female. 

For a member who is currently aged 45 retiring in 2030 at age 65, the assumptions are that they will live on average for a further 22.4 
years  (2011: 22.4  years)  after  retirement  if  they  are  male  and  for  a  further  24.8  years  (2011:  24.8  years)  after  retirement  if  they  are 
female.  

The mortality rates for the US scheme are based on the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality (GAM) tables for males and females. 

IAS 19 
Disclosures in accordance with IAS 19 are set out below. The principal assumptions used for the purpose of the IAS 19 valuation were as 
follows: 

Inflation under RPI 

Inflation under CPI 

Rate of general long-term increase in salaries 

Rate of increase for CARE benefit while an active member 

Rate of increase to pensions in payment – LPI 5% 

Rate of increase to pensions in payment – LPI 2.5% 

Discount rate for scheme liabilities 

2010

2011

UK scheme

UK scheme

% p.a.

% p.a.

3.2

2.2

4.7

3.1

3.1

2.1

4.7

3.5

2.6

5.0

3.5

3.3

2.2

5.6

The principal assumptions for the US schemes relate to the discount rate for scheme liabilities. The discount rate used for the US defined 
benefit scheme was 0.68% (2011: 0.68%) and for the US medical scheme was 0.68% (2011: 0.68%). 

Expected return on assets UK scheme 

Long-term

rate of return

expected at

Long-term

rate of return

Value at

expected at

31 March

31 March

2012

% p.a.

8.00

8.00

3.50

3.50

4.70

3.50

6.30

2012

£m

53.61

19.39

70.69

n/a

40.97

3.12

187.78

2 April

2011

% p.a.

8.70

8.70

4.70

4.70

5.60

4.70

6.60

Long-term

rate of return

expected at

3 April

2010

% p.a.

9.80

10.30

4.80

4.80

6.00

4.80
6.601

Value at 

2 April 

2011 

£m 

54.20 

18.95 

63.82 

n/a 

34.64 

1.42 

173.03 

Value at

3 April

2010

£m

45.72

10.22

62.97

21.76

16.72

14.47

171.86

Equities 

Property 

LDI funds 

Government bonds 

Corporate bonds 

Other 

Combined 

1 The overall expected rate of return on scheme assets is a weighted average of the individual expected rates of return on each asset class. 

The Group employs a building block approach in determining the long-term rate of return on pension plan assets. Historical markets are 
studied and assets with higher volatility are assumed to generate higher returns consistent with widely accepted capital market principles. 
The assumed long-term rate of return on each asset class is set out within this note. The overall expected rate of return on assets is then 
derived by aggregating the expected return for each asset class over the actual asset allocation for the scheme at 31 March 2012. 

The assets held within the US scheme amount to £0.89m and are held mainly in bonds. 

54 

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Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

30. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONTINUED 
IAS 19 CONTINUED 
Assumed  healthcare  cost  trend  rates  have  a significant  effect  on the  amounts  recognised in  the  income  statement.  From  1  November 
2010 future changes in healthcare costs re the US retirement healthcare benefit scheme will be borne by the participants rather than the 
company. As a result the effect of healthcare cost changes are not disclosed for 2012 and 2011 year-ends.   

2012 

One

2011 

One 

One

One

percentage

percentage 

percentage

percentage

point

increase

point 

decrease 

point

point

increase

decrease

(Increase)/decrease in the aggregate cost of the service and interest cost 

(Increase)/decrease in defined benefit obligation 

The assets and liabilities of the schemes at 31 March 2012 and 2 April 2011 were: 

Assets 

Liabilities 

(Deficit)/surplus 

US

schemes

£000

885

(2,897)

(2,012)

£000

n/a

n/a

Total

£000

2012 

UK

scheme

£000

187,780

188,665

(174,840)

(177,737)

12,940

10,928

£000 

n/a 

n/a 

US 

schemes 

£000 

922 

(2,771) 

(1,849) 

£000

n/a

n/a

2011 

UK

scheme

£000

£000

n/a

n/a

Total

£000

173,030

173,952

(168,900)

(171,671)

4,130

2,281

Unrecognised asset due to limit in paragraph 
58 (b) of IAS 19 

—

12,940

12,940

— 

4,130

4,130

Amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of the defined benefit schemes before taxation are as follows: 

Included within operating profit: 

– current service cost 

– past service cost credit 

– curtailment cost 

Included within financial income: 

US

schemes

£000

22

—

—

2012 

UK

scheme

£000

260

—

—

Total

£000

282

—

—

US 

schemes 

£000 

33 

— 

— 

2011 

UK

scheme

£000

310

Total

£000

343

(2,570)

(2,570)

—

—

– expected return on scheme assets 

(44)

(10,790)

(10,834)

(46) 

(10,830)

(10,876)

Included within financial expense: 

– interest cost on scheme liabilities 

128

9,140

9,268

154 

9,330

9,484

56

56 

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Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

30. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONTINUED 
IAS 19 CONTINUED 
Amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income are as follows: 

Actual return on scheme assets 

Expected return on scheme assets 

Change in irrecoverable surplus –  
limit on paragraph 58 (b) of IAS 19 

Experience gain/(loss) on liabilities 

Net gain/(loss) before exchange 

Exchange differences 

Amounts recognised during the period 

Balance brought forward  

Balance carried forward  

US

schemes

£000

22

(44)

(22)

—

(152)

(174)

—

(174)

413

239

2012 

UK

scheme

£000

Total

£000

24,570

24,592

(10,790)

(10,834)

13,780

13,758

(8,810)

(6,580)

(1,610)

—

(8,810)

(6,732)

(1,784)

—

(1,610)

(1,784)

1,144

(466)

1,557

(227)

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligations before taxation are as follows: 

Opening defined benefit obligation 

Exchange differences 

Current service cost 

Past service cost credit 

Curtailments 

Interest cost 

Benefits paid 

Actuarial (gains)/losses 

Contributions by scheme participants 

US

Schemes

£000

2,771

9

22

—

—

128

(184)

151

—

2012 

UK

scheme

£000

Total

£000

168,900

171,671

—

260

—

—

9

282

—

—

9,140

9,268

(10,260)

(10,444)

6,580

220

6,731

220

Closing defined benefit obligations 

2,897

174,840

177,737

US

schemes

£000

52 

(46) 

6 

— 

249 

255 

(7) 

248 

165 

413 

US 

schemes 

£000 

3,187 

(154) 

33 

— 

— 

154 

(200) 

(249) 

— 

2,771 

2011 

UK

scheme

£000

Total

£000

10,800

10,852

(10,830)

(10,876)

(30)

(24)

(4,130)

2,010

(2,150)

—

(4,130)

2,259

(1,895)

(7)

(2,150)

(1,902)

3,294

1,144

3,459

1,557

2011 

UK

scheme

£000

Total

£000

173,770

176,957

—

310

(154)

343

(2,570)

(2,570)

—

9,330

—

9,484

(10,190)

(10,390)

(2,010)

(2,259)

260

260

168,900

171,671

0_600_ar12.indd   57

57

57 

07/09/2012   10:19:07

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

30. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONTINUED 
IAS 19 CONTINUED 
Changes in the fair value of the schemes’ assets before taxation are as follows: 

Opening fair value of scheme assets 

Exchange differences 

Expected return 

Actuarial gains/(losses) 

Contribution by scheme participants 

Contributions by employer 

Benefits paid 

Closing fair value of schemes’ assets 

Unrecognised asset due to limit in paragraph  
58 (b) of IAS 19 

US

schemes

£000

922

2

44

(22)

—

—

(61)

885

—

885

2012 

UK

scheme

£000

Total

£000

173,030

173,952

—

10,790

13,780

220

220

(10,260)

187,780

2

10,834

13,758

220

220

(10,321)

188,665

—

—

187,780

188,665

The history of the schemes for the current and prior period before taxation is as follows: 

Present value of defined benefit obligation 

Fair value of scheme assets 

(Deficit)/surplus in the scheme 

Experience adjustments on the scheme liabilities 

Experience adjustments on scheme assets 

Exchange differences 

US

Schemes

£000

2,897

885

(2,012)

(151)

(22)

(8)

2012 

UK

Scheme

£000

174,840

187,780

12,940

(6,580)

13,780

—

Total

£000

177,737

188,665

10,928

(6,731)

13,758

(8)

Total contributions to the defined benefit schemes for 2012 are expected to be £180,000. 

History of asset values, defined benefit obligation and surplus/deficit in schemes: 

US

schemes

£000

960 

(47) 

46 

7 

— 

16 

(60) 

922 

— 

922 

US 

schemes 

£000 

2,771 

922 

(1,849) 

249 

7 

(8) 

2011 

UK

scheme

£000

Total

£000

171,860

172,820

—

10,830

(30)

260

300

(47)

10,876

(23)

260

316

(10,190)

(10,250)

173,030

173,952

—

—

173,030

173,952

2011 

UK

scheme

£000

168,900

173,030

4,130

2,010

(30)

—

Total

£000

171,671

173,952

2,281

2,259

(23)

(8)

Fair value of scheme assets 

Defined benefit obligation 

Surplus/(Deficit) in schemes 

Unrecognised asset due to limit in paragraph 58 (b) of IAS 19 

Deficit in schemes 

History of experience gains and losses 

Experience gains/(losses) on scheme assets 
Experience (losses)/gains on scheme liabilities[1] 

31 March

2012

£000

2 April

2011

£000

3 April 

28 March

29 March

2010 

£000 

2009

£000

2008

£000

188,665

173,952

172,820 

158,568

176,452

(177,737)

(171,671)

(176,957) 

(159,327)

(152,417)

10,928

(12,940)

(2,012)

2012

£000

13,758

(6,731)

2,281

(4,130)

(1,849)

(4,137) 

— 

(4,137) 

(759)

(3,070)

(3,829)

24,035

(27,000)

(2,965)

2011

£000

2010 

£000 

2009

£000

2008

£000

(23)

2,259

16,275 

(18,819)

(19,323) 

(5,612)

(6,190)

(9,798)

1 This item consists of gains/(losses) in respect of liability experience only, and excludes any change in liabilities in respect of changes to the actuarial assumptions used. 

58

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Opening fair value of scheme assets 

173,030

173,952

171,860

172,820

Exchange differences 

Expected return 

Actuarial gains/(losses) 

Contribution by scheme participants 

Contributions by employer 

Benefits paid 

Closing fair value of schemes’ assets 

Unrecognised asset due to limit in paragraph  

58 (b) of IAS 19 

The history of the schemes for the current and prior period before taxation is as follows: 

—

—

187,780

188,665

US

schemes

£000

960 

(47) 

46 

7 

— 

16 

(60) 

922 

— 

922 

US 

schemes 

£000 

2,771 

922 

(1,849) 

249 

7 

(8) 

2011 

UK

scheme

£000

—

10,830

(30)

260

300

Total

£000

(47)

10,876

(23)

260

316

(10,190)

(10,250)

173,030

173,952

—

—

173,030

173,952

2011 

UK

scheme

£000

168,900

173,030

4,130

2,010

(30)

—

Total

£000

171,671

173,952

2,281

2,259

(23)

(8)

Total

£000

2

10,834

13,758

220

220

(10,321)

188,665

Total

£000

177,737

188,665

10,928

(6,731)

13,758

(8)

Present value of defined benefit obligation 

Fair value of scheme assets 

(Deficit)/surplus in the scheme 

Experience adjustments on the scheme liabilities 

Experience adjustments on scheme assets 

Exchange differences 

Total contributions to the defined benefit schemes for 2012 are expected to be £180,000. 

History of asset values, defined benefit obligation and surplus/deficit in schemes: 

Fair value of scheme assets 

Defined benefit obligation 

Surplus/(Deficit) in schemes 

Deficit in schemes 

Unrecognised asset due to limit in paragraph 58 (b) of IAS 19 

History of experience gains and losses 

Experience gains/(losses) on scheme assets 

Experience (losses)/gains on scheme liabilities[1] 

31 March

2012

£000

2 April

2011

£000

3 April 

28 March

29 March

2010 

£000 

2009

£000

2008

£000

188,665

173,952

172,820 

158,568

176,452

(177,737)

(171,671)

(176,957) 

(159,327)

(152,417)

2,281

(4,130)

(1,849)

(4,137) 

— 

(4,137) 

(759)

(3,070)

(3,829)

24,035

(27,000)

(2,965)

2011

£000

2010 

£000 

2009

£000

2008

£000

(23)

2,259

16,275 

(18,819)

(19,323) 

(5,612)

(6,190)

(9,798)

1 This item consists of gains/(losses) in respect of liability experience only, and excludes any change in liabilities in respect of changes to the actuarial assumptions used. 

US

schemes

£000

922

(22)

2

44

—

—

(61)

885

—

885

US

Schemes

£000

2,897

885

(2,012)

(151)

(22)

(8)

2012 

UK

scheme

£000

—

10,790

13,780

220

220

(10,260)

187,780

2012 

UK

Scheme

£000

174,840

187,780

12,940

(6,580)

13,780

—

10,928

(12,940)

(2,012)

2012

£000

13,758

(6,731)

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 

For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

30. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONTINUED 

IAS 19 CONTINUED 

Changes in the fair value of the schemes’ assets before taxation are as follows: 

Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

31. ACQUISITIONS 
In November 2010 the Group acquired 100% of the shares of Fabryka Maszyn Tarnow Sp z.o.o., a machine tool manufacturer, in Poland. 
The  consideration  of  €1m  was  paid  in  stages  with  €500,000  paid  upon  acquisition,  €250,000  paid  in  February  2011  and  the  final 
€250,000 paid on 31 July 2011. 

Consideration 

Consideration Consideration

Cash paid 

Deferred consideration 

Total consideration 

€000

750

250

1,000

£000

632

211

843

The deferred consideration of £211,000 was included within Trade and other payables at the prior period-end. 

Identifiable assets acquired 

Plant and machinery 

€000

1,000

£000

843

The fair value of the plant and machinery was evaluated by the directors. No inventory was included in the acquisition. 

FMT’s revenue for the current period was £3,731,000 with a loss from operations before special items of £1,432,000 (2011 – revenue of 
£866,000 with a profit from operations before special items of £226,000). 

32. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 
Management  discussed  with  the  Audit  Committee  the  development,  selection  and  disclosures  of  the  Group’s  accounting  policies  and 
estimates and the application of these policies and estimates. The accounting policies are set out above on pages 24 to 29.  

Management considers there are no critical accounting judgements made in the preparation of the financial statements. The key sources of 
estimation and uncertainty are: 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
Note  24  contains  information  about  the  assumptions  and  estimates  and  the  risk  factors  relating  to  interest  rate  and  foreign  currency 
exposures.  

PENSIONS 
The Directors have employed the services of a qualified, independent actuary in assessing pension assets and liabilities. However they note 
that final liabilities and asset returns may differ from actuarial estimates and therefore the pension liability may differ from that included in the 
financial statements. Note 30 contains information about the principal actuarial assumptions used in the determination of the net assets for 
defined benefit obligations. 

DEFERRED TAXATION 
Note  13  contains  details  of  the  Group’s  deferred  taxation.  Liabilities  recognised  are  determined  by  the  likelihood  of  settlement  and  the 
likelihood that assets are received are based on assumptions of future actions. The recognition of deferred taxation assets is particularly 
subjective and may be undermined by adverse economic decisions. 

INVENTORY VALUATION 
The Directors have reviewed the carrying value of inventory and believe this is appropriate in the context of  current trading levels and 
strategic direction of the Group. 

DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE 
The  level  of  development  expenditure  capitalised  is  at  risk  if  technological  advancements  make  new  developments  obsolete.  However 
management  constantly  reviews  the  appropriateness  of  the  product  portfolio  and  have  reviewed  the  carrying  value  of  capitalised 
development expenditure and believe it to be appropriate given expected future trading levels and strategic direction of the Group. 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 
The  decision  to  treat  closed  operations  as  discontinued  is  subjective.  The  Directors  have  carefully  considered  the  presentation  of  the 
financial statements to ensure that the users of the financial statements can gain an understanding of the financial performance of the 
Group  and  of  the  comparability  of  results  between  accounting  periods.  The  decision  to  treat  the  results  of  600SA  as  discontinued  is 
driven from the fact that the sale of the company was being actively marketed prior to the year-end and this sale has been subsequently 
finalised in July 2012. 

58 

0_600_ar12.indd   59

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Notes relating to the consolidated financial statements 
For the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012 

33. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
Detailed  disclosure  of  the  individual  remuneration  of  Board  members  is  included  in  the  Remuneration  Report.  There  is  no  difference 
between transactions with Key Management Personnel of the Company and the Group. 

Mr P Dupee is the managing partner of Haddeo Partners LLP who have received £200,000 in interest payments during the financial year 
in respect of the Shareholder Loan of £2.5m. 

There  have  been  no  other  transactions  between  Key  Management  Personnel  and  the  Company.  None  of  the  directors  were  due  any 
monies at the end of the current period or the prior period. 

The Group contributed £0.22m to the UK pension scheme during the current period (2011 - £0.30m) and no contributions were overdue 
at the period-end. In the US no employer contributions were made to the US pension scheme during the current period (2011 - £0.16m) 
and no payments were overdue at the period-end.  

34. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS  
The company raised £1.47m through an institutional placing of new ordinary shares of 1p each at a price of 7.5p per share on 5 September 
2012.  

On 3 July 2012 the Group announced that it had sold its surplus freehold property at Shepshed for £1.2m.  This property has been 
treated as an asset held for sale in the Group Accounts at 31 March 2012.  On the same day the Group announced the sale of its 
South African operation for a net cash consideration of £1.86m.  This activity has been treated as discontinued in the financial 
statements and its assets and liabilities were included within assets and liabilities held for sale in the Group Accounts at 31 March 
2012at fair value less costs to sell. 

On 10 August 2012 the Group announced that it was closing its manufacturing subsidiary FMT in Poland.  This activity has been 
included in continuing activities at 31 March 2012 but is expected to be treated as a discontinued activity in the year to March 2013. No 
material claims against the group are foreseen as a result of this closure.

60

60 

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Company balance sheet 
As at 31 March 2012 

Company No. 00196730 

Fixed assets 

Tangible assets 

Investments 

Current assets 

Debtors 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Current liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Net current assets 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves 

Called-up share capital 

Share premium account 

Revaluation reserve 

Capital redemption reserve 

Equity reserve 

Translation reserve 

Profit and loss account 

Equity shareholders’ funds  

Notes 

4 

5 

6 

As at 

31 March 

2012 

£000 

1,169 

8,713 

9,882 

34,879 

6,143 

41,022 

7 

(28,450) 

12,572 

22,454 

(5,690) 

16,764 

14,375 

15,645 

236 

2,500 

167 

(22) 

(16,137) 

16,764 

8 

9 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

13 

As at 

3 April

2011

£000

1,197

20,110

21,307

11,690

874

12,564

(1,945)

10,619

31,926

(1,957)

29,969

14,315

13,899

236

2,500

160

(22)

(1,119)

29,969

The financial statements on pages 61 to 69 were approved by the Board of Directors on 5 September 2012 and were signed on its behalf 
by: 

NEIL CARRICK 
GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR 
5 SEPTEMBER 2012

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Company accounting policies 

BASIS OF PREPARATION 
As used in the financial statements and related notes, the term “Company” refers to The 600 Group PLC. The separate financial statements 
of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. As permitted by the Act, the separate financial statements have 
been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (UK GAAP). 

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING  
The following principal accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to 
the Company’s financial statements, except as detailed below.  

These  accounts  have  been  prepared  under  the  historical  cost  convention,  modified  to  include  the  revaluation  of  certain  properties,  and  in 
accordance with applicable accounting standards. The accounts are prepared to the Saturday nearest to the Company’s accounting reference 
date of 31 March. The results for 2012 are for the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012. The results for 2011 are for the 52-week period 
ended 2 April 2011. 

A separate profit and loss account dealing with the results of the Company only has not been presented, as permitted by Section 408 of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

Under FRS 1 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own cash flow statement. 

NOTES ON INTERPRETATION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS  
FRS 20 “SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS” 
The Company has adopted FRS 20 and the accounting policies followed are in all material regards the same as the Group’s policy under 
IFRS 2. This policy is shown in The Group accounting policies on pages 24 to 29. 

REVALUATION OF FIXED ASSETS 
Property, plant and equipment are held at cost, subject to triennial property revaluations. 

In 2010 the Company adopted a policy of revaluation for properties. As a result all properties were independently revalued during March 
2010. 

DEPRECIATION 
Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost (or amount of the valuation) of fixed assets less the estimated residual value on a straight-line 
basis over the expected useful economic life of the assets concerned. The annual rates used are generally: 

•  freehold buildings 

•  leasehold buildings 

•  plant and machinery 

– 2 to 4% 

– over residual terms of the leases 

– 10 to 20% 

•  fixtures, fittings, tools and equipment 

– 10 to 33.3% 

LEASES 
Assets financed by leasing arrangements, which give rights approximating to ownership, are treated as if they had been purchased outright 
and  are capitalised  and  depreciated  over  the  shorter  of  the  estimated  useful  life  of  the  assets  and  the  period  of  the  leases.  The  capital 
element of future rentals is treated as a liability and the interest element is charged against profits in proportion to the balances outstanding. 
The rental costs of all other leased assets are charged against profits on a straight-line basis. 

TAXATION 
The charge for taxation is based on the profit or loss for the period and takes into account taxation deferred because of timing differences 
between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. Deferred tax is recognised, without discounting, in respect of all 
timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes which have arisen but not reversed by the 
balance sheet date, except as otherwise required by FRS 19 “Deferred tax”. 

CURRENCY TRANSLATION 
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling on the date of the transaction. 
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Sterling at the year-end rates. 

PENSIONS AND POST-RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS 
The Company participates in UK pension scheme providing benefits based on career average related earnings. The assets of the scheme 
are  held  separately  from  those  of  the  Company.  The  Company  is  unable  to  identify  its  share  of  the  underlying  assets  and  liabilities  of  the 
scheme on a consistent  and reasonable basis and therefore, as required by FRS 17 “Retirement benefits”, accounts for the scheme as if it 
were a defined contribution scheme. As a result, the amount charged to the profit and loss account represents the contributions payable to the 
scheme in respect of the accounting period. 

INVESTMENTS 
Investments in respect of subsidiaries are stated at cost less any impairment in value.  

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: MEASUREMENT 
Where  the  Company  enters  into  financial  guarantee  contracts  to  guarantee  the  indebtedness  of  other  companies  within  its  Group,  the 
Company  considered  these  to  be  insurance  arrangements  and  accounts  for  them  as  such.  In  this  respect,  the  Company  treats  the 
guarantee contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment 
under the guarantee. 

62

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Company accounting policies 

Company accounting policies 

DIVIDENDS 
Dividends on non-equity shares are recognised as a liability and accounted for on an accruals basis. Equity dividends are recognised as a 
liability in the period in which they are declared (appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the Company). 

FRS8 EXEMPTION 
As  these  Parent  Company  Financial  Statements  are  presented  together  with  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  the  Company  has 
taken advantage of the exemption contained in FRS 8 and has therefore not disclosed transactions or balances with wholly owned entities 
which form part of the Group (or investees of theGroup qualifying as related parties).  

BASIS OF PREPARATION 

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING  

ended 2 April 2011. 

Companies Act 2006. 

As used in the financial statements and related notes, the term “Company” refers to The 600 Group PLC. The separate financial statements 

of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. As permitted by the Act, the separate financial statements have 

been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (UK GAAP). 

The following principal accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to 

the Company’s financial statements, except as detailed below.  

These  accounts  have  been  prepared  under  the  historical  cost  convention,  modified  to  include  the  revaluation  of  certain  properties,  and  in 

accordance with applicable accounting standards. The accounts are prepared to the Saturday nearest to the Company’s accounting reference 

date of 31 March. The results for 2012 are for the 52-week period ended 31 March 2012. The results for 2011 are for the 52-week period 

A separate profit and loss account dealing with the results of the Company only has not been presented, as permitted by Section 408 of the 

Under FRS 1 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own cash flow statement. 

NOTES ON INTERPRETATION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS  

FRS 20 “SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS” 

IFRS 2. This policy is shown in The Group accounting policies on pages 24 to 29. 

REVALUATION OF FIXED ASSETS 

Property, plant and equipment are held at cost, subject to triennial property revaluations. 

The Company has adopted FRS 20 and the accounting policies followed are in all material regards the same as the Group’s policy under 

In 2010 the Company adopted a policy of revaluation for properties. As a result all properties were independently revalued during March 

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost (or amount of the valuation) of fixed assets less the estimated residual value on a straight-line 

basis over the expected useful economic life of the assets concerned. The annual rates used are generally: 

– over residual terms of the leases 

– 2 to 4% 

– 10 to 20% 

•  fixtures, fittings, tools and equipment 

– 10 to 33.3% 

Assets financed by leasing arrangements, which give rights approximating to ownership, are treated as if they had been purchased outright 

and  are capitalised  and  depreciated  over  the  shorter  of  the  estimated  useful  life  of  the  assets  and  the  period  of  the  leases.  The  capital 

element of future rentals is treated as a liability and the interest element is charged against profits in proportion to the balances outstanding. 

The rental costs of all other leased assets are charged against profits on a straight-line basis. 

The charge for taxation is based on the profit or loss for the period and takes into account taxation deferred because of timing differences 

between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. Deferred tax is recognised, without discounting, in respect of all 

timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes which have arisen but not reversed by the 

balance sheet date, except as otherwise required by FRS 19 “Deferred tax”. 

CURRENCY TRANSLATION 

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling on the date of the transaction. 

Monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Sterling at the year-end rates. 

PENSIONS AND POST-RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS 

The Company participates in UK pension scheme providing benefits based on career average related earnings. The assets of the scheme 

are  held  separately  from  those  of  the  Company.  The  Company  is  unable  to  identify  its  share  of  the  underlying  assets  and  liabilities  of  the 

scheme on a consistent  and reasonable basis and therefore, as required by FRS 17 “Retirement benefits”, accounts for the scheme as if it 

were a defined contribution scheme. As a result, the amount charged to the profit and loss account represents the contributions payable to the 

scheme in respect of the accounting period. 

INVESTMENTS 

Investments in respect of subsidiaries are stated at cost less any impairment in value.  

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: MEASUREMENT 

Where  the  Company  enters  into  financial  guarantee  contracts  to  guarantee  the  indebtedness  of  other  companies  within  its  Group,  the 

Company  considered  these  to  be  insurance  arrangements  and  accounts  for  them  as  such.  In  this  respect,  the  Company  treats  the 

guarantee contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment 

under the guarantee. 

2010. 

DEPRECIATION 

•  freehold buildings 

•  leasehold buildings 

•  plant and machinery 

LEASES 

TAXATION 

62 

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Notes relating to the company financial statements 

1. PERSONNEL EXPENSES 

Staff costs: 

– wages and salaries 

– social security costs 

– pension charges 

– equity share options (credit)/expense 

2012

£000

680

79

95

(61)

793

2011

£000

728

88

33

127

976

The average number of employees of the Company (including Executive Directors) during the period was as follows: 

Machine tools and equipment 

2012

Number

5

2011

Number

4

These staff costs related entirely to the Directors and head office staff who are all classified as administration and management. 

Details of Directors’ emoluments, share option schemes and pension entitlements are given in the Remuneration Report on pages 13 to 17. 

2. EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION SCHEMES  
The Group has granted share options to employees under The 600 Group PLC 2008 and 2009 Peformance Share Plan.  

On  25  August  2009,  awards  were  made  to  the  Executive  Directors  under  the  Performance  Share  Plan  (the  PSP).  On  22  March  2011, 
further awards were made to the Executive Directors and other senior employees under the PSP scheme. Options are exercisable at the 
end of a three year performance period and are subject to performance criteria relating to TSR, EPS and average share price targets as set 
out in the Remuneration Report. The scheme is equity-settled. 

SHARE-BASED EXPENSE 
The Group recognised total expense of £90,000 (2011:expense of £127,000) in relation to equity-settled share-based payment transactions. 

The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options  

Number of options outstanding at beginning of period 

4,711,898 2,404,669 

2012

PSP

2011 

PSP 

2012

DSP

__

Number of options granted in period 

Number of options forfeited/lapsed in period 

Number of options exercised in period 

Number of options outstanding at end of period 

Number of options exercisable at end of period 

  1,144,737 2,612,080 

502,576

(2,099,818)

(304,851) 

—

— 

3,756,817 4,711,898 

—

— 

__

—

502,576

502,576

2011

DSP

—

—

—

—

—

—

During the current and prior period, the Group has not granted equity as consideration for goods or services received. 

FAIR VALUE ASSUMPTIONS OF SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 

THE 600 GROUP PLC 2008 PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN 
The  fair  value of  awards  granted  under  the  600  group  plc  2008  and 2009  Performance  Share  Plan is  determined  using  the monte  carlo 
valuation model. The fair value of share options and assumptions are shown in the table below: 

Fair value 

Share price at grant 

Exercise price 

Dividend yield 

Expected volatility 

Expected life 

Risk-free interest rate 

Number of shares under option 

64

0_600_ar12.indd   64

2012

£000

2011

£000

£0.1625

£0.1625

£0.28625

£0.28625

£nil

0%

50%

£nil

0%

12%

3.0 years

3.0 years

5%

4.08%

2,404,669

4,711,898

64 

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Notes relating to the company financial statements 

Notes relating to the company financial statements 

1. PERSONNEL EXPENSES 

Staff costs: 

– wages and salaries 

– social security costs 

– pension charges 

– equity share options (credit)/expense 

Machine tools and equipment 

The average number of employees of the Company (including Executive Directors) during the period was as follows: 

These staff costs related entirely to the Directors and head office staff who are all classified as administration and management. 

Details of Directors’ emoluments, share option schemes and pension entitlements are given in the Remuneration Report on pages 13 to 17. 

2. EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION SCHEMES  

The Group has granted share options to employees under The 600 Group PLC 2008 and 2009 Peformance Share Plan.  

On  25  August  2009,  awards  were  made  to  the  Executive  Directors  under  the  Performance  Share  Plan  (the  PSP).  On  22  March  2011, 

further awards were made to the Executive Directors and other senior employees under the PSP scheme. Options are exercisable at the 

end of a three year performance period and are subject to performance criteria relating to TSR, EPS and average share price targets as set 

out in the Remuneration Report. The scheme is equity-settled. 

SHARE-BASED EXPENSE 

The Group recognised total expense of £90,000 (2011:expense of £127,000) in relation to equity-settled share-based payment transactions. 

The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options  

Number of options outstanding at beginning of period 

4,711,898 2,404,669 

Number of options granted in period 

Number of options forfeited/lapsed in period 

Number of options exercised in period 

Number of options outstanding at end of period 

Number of options exercisable at end of period 

2012

PSP

2011 

PSP 

  1,144,737 2,612,080 

502,576

(2,099,818)

(304,851) 

3,756,817 4,711,898 

—

—

— 

— 

502,576

502,576

During the current and prior period, the Group has not granted equity as consideration for goods or services received. 

FAIR VALUE ASSUMPTIONS OF SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 

THE 600 GROUP PLC 2008 PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN 

The  fair  value of  awards  granted  under  the  600  group  plc  2008  and 2009  Performance  Share  Plan is  determined  using  the monte  carlo 

valuation model. The fair value of share options and assumptions are shown in the table below: 

2012

£000

680

79

95

(61)

793

2011

£000

728

88

33

127

976

2012

Number

5

2011

Number

4

2012

DSP

__

__

—

2012

£000

£nil

0%

50%

2011

DSP

—

—

—

—

—

—

2011

£000

£nil

0%

12%

64 

£0.1625

£0.1625

£0.28625

£0.28625

3.0 years

3.0 years

5%

4.08%

2,404,669

4,711,898

Fair value 

Share price at grant 

Exercise price 

Dividend yield 

Expected volatility 

Expected life 

Risk-free interest rate 

Number of shares under option 

3. DIVIDENDS 
No dividend was paid in period (2011: no dividend paid). 

4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS  

Cost or valuation 

At 2 April 2011 

Additions 

At 31 March 2012 

At professional valuation 

At cost 

Depreciation 

At 2 April 2011 

Charge for period 

At 31 March 2012 

Net book value 

At 31 March 2012 

At 2 April 2011 

Land and buildings

Fixtures,

fittings,

tools and

Long lease

Short lease

equipment

£000

£000

£000

1,217

—

1,217

1,217

—

1,217

26

26

52

1,165

1,191

92 

—

92 

92 

— 

92 

92 

— 

92 

— 

— 

93

1

94

—

94

94

87

3

90

4

6

Total

£000

1,402

1

1,403

1,309

94

1,403

205

29

234

1,169

1,197

Historic cost disclosures are not made as, in the opinion of the Directors, unreasonable expense and delay would be incurred in obtaining 
the original costs. 

During March 2010 the Group’s properties were revalued. The valuations were performed by independent valuers, Eddisons, and the 
valuations were determined by market rate for sale with vacant possession. The Directors believe that these valuations remain appropriate 
at 31 March 2012. Revalued amounts are reflected in the balance sheet with the resulting credit taken to revaluation reserve. 

Various UK properties are charged as security for borrowing facilities. 

5. INVESTMENTS 

Cost: 

At 2 April 2011 

Additions in the period 

At 31 March 2012 

Provisions 

At 2 April 2011 

Impairment in the period 

At 31 March 2012 

Net book values  

At 31 March 2012 

At 2 April 2011 

Shares

In Group

Undertakings

£000

40,423

—

40,423

20,313

11,398

31,710

8,713

20,110

During the period the company provided in full against the carrying value of the investment in FMT-Colchester z.o.o. in Poland of 
£870,000 as a result of the group’s decision to close FMT-Colchester in August 2012.  

0_600_ar12.indd   65

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07/09/2012   10:19:09

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the company financial statements 

5. INVESTMENTS CONTINUED 
During the period an impairment review of the carrying values of investments in other group companies resulted in an additional increase in the 
provision of £10,528,000. This review comprised a comparison of the investment with its recoverable amount (the higher of net realisable value 
and value in use).  To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment charge is recognised.  Value in use 
calculations are based on Board approved profit forecasts and the resulting cashflows are discounted at the Group’s pre-tax weighted average 
cost of capital, which is adjusted for CGU risk factors, resulting in a rate of 19%.  Cash flows are extrapolated beyond their term (of between 1 and 
4 years) using an estimated growth rate of 2% and are appropriate because these are long term businesses.  The growth rates used are consistent 
with the long-term average growth rates for the countries in which the CGUs are located. This has no impact on the group accounts. 

The principal subsidiary undertakings of The 600 Group PLC and their countries of incorporation are: 

ENGLAND 
600 UK Limited* 
The 600 Group (Overseas) Limited* 

CONTINENTAL EUROPE 
FMT-Colchester z.o.o. (Poland) * 

US 
600 Group Inc. 
Clausing Industrial, Inc. 

REST OF THE WORLD 
600 Machine Tools Pty Limited (Australia) 
600SA Holdings (Pty) Limited (South Africa) 

All undertakings marked * are 100% owned directly by the Parent Company. The others are 100% owned through intermediate holding 
companies. All undertakings above are included in the consolidated accounts.  

All other subsidiary undertakings will be shown in the company’s next annual return. 

6. DEBTORS 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings1 

Other debtors 

Other prepayments and accrued income 

1 All inter-company loans are repayable on demand and as such are recorded at their face value. 

7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 

Bank loans 

Other loans 

Trade creditors 
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings1 

Corporation tax  

Sundry creditors 

Accruals and deferred income 

Other creditors 

1 All inter-company loans are repayable on demand and as such are recorded at their face value. 

The 600 Group PLC has undertaken to discharge the liability for corporation tax of all UK Group undertakings. 

2012

£000

2011

£000

34,673

11,523

206

—

97

70

34,879

11,690

2012

£000

824

1,042

1,852

24,700

32
—
—

2011

£000

—
—
416

1,054

44

149

282

28,450

1,945

66

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07/09/2012   10:19:09

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the company financial statements 

Notes relating to the company financial statements 

5. INVESTMENTS CONTINUED 

During the period an impairment review of the carrying values of investments in other group companies resulted in an additional increase in the 

provision of £10,528,000. This review comprised a comparison of the investment with its recoverable amount (the higher of net realisable value 

and value in use).  To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment charge is recognised.  Value in use 

calculations are based on Board approved profit forecasts and the resulting cashflows are discounted at the Group’s pre-tax weighted average 

cost of capital, which is adjusted for CGU risk factors, resulting in a rate of 19%.  Cash flows are extrapolated beyond their term (of between 1 and 

4 years) using an estimated growth rate of 2% and are appropriate because these are long term businesses.  The growth rates used are consistent 

with the long-term average growth rates for the countries in which the CGUs are located. This has no impact on the group accounts. 

The principal subsidiary undertakings of The 600 Group PLC and their countries of incorporation are: 

ENGLAND 

600 UK Limited* 

The 600 Group (Overseas) Limited* 

CONTINENTAL EUROPE 

FMT-Colchester z.o.o. (Poland) * 

US 

600 Group Inc. 

Clausing Industrial, Inc. 

REST OF THE WORLD 

600 Machine Tools Pty Limited (Australia) 

600SA Holdings (Pty) Limited (South Africa) 

All undertakings marked * are 100% owned directly by the Parent Company. The others are 100% owned through intermediate holding 

companies. All undertakings above are included in the consolidated accounts.  

All other subsidiary undertakings will be shown in the company’s next annual return. 

6. DEBTORS 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings1 

Other debtors 

Other prepayments and accrued income 

1 All inter-company loans are repayable on demand and as such are recorded at their face value. 

7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings1 

Bank loans 

Other loans 

Trade creditors 

Corporation tax  

Sundry creditors 

Accruals and deferred income 

Other creditors 

1 All inter-company loans are repayable on demand and as such are recorded at their face value. 

The 600 Group PLC has undertaken to discharge the liability for corporation tax of all UK Group undertakings. 

8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 

Shareholder loan 

Bank loans 

2012

£000

2,052

3,638

5,690

2011

£000

1,957

—

1,957

The £2.5m shareholder loan was issued with 12.5m convertible warrants attached to it. These warrants allow the holders to either convert 
the  loan  into  20p  shares  or  to  purchase  20p  shares  for  a  cash  consideration.  During  the  year  205,000  of  these  warrants  have  been 
exercised and as a direct result share capital has increased by £2,050 and share premium by £38,950. The loan has both debt and equity 
components  and  so  the  value  has  been  split  between  these  components.  The  debt  element  is  only  repayable  in  August  2015  and  as  a 
result the loan is classified as non-current. Deferred borrowing costs relating to the loan of £281,000 are also netted off the loan carrying 
value which at the period-end is £2,052,000.   

The Term Loan of £1,138,000 within bank loans will be repaid on a quarterly basis with payments of £160,000 starting on 30 September 
2013. The revolving credit facility of £2,500,000 is repayable in June 2014. 

9. SHARE CAPITAL 

Authorised 

626,391,704 ordinary shares of 1p each  

57,233,679 deferred shares of 24p each 

Allotted, called-up and fully paid: 

Ordinary shares of 1p each  

57,933,679 ordinary shares of 1p each on issue at start of the period (2011: 57,233,679 ordinary shares of 
25p each on issue at start of period) 

57,233,679 ordinary shares of 25p each converted into 1p ordinary shares and 24p deferred shares 

5,787,574 ordinary shares of 1p each issued in institutional placing 

205,000 ordinary shares of 1p each issued under exercised warrants (2011: 700,000 ordinary shares of 1p 
each issued under exercised warrants) 

63,926,253 ordinary shares of 1p each on issue at end of period (2011: 57,933,679 ordinary shares of 1p 
each on issue at end of period) 

Deferred shares of 24p each: 

57,233,679 deferred shares of 24p each on issue at start of period (2011: nil) 

57,233,679 ordinary shares of 25p each converted into 1p ordinary shares and 24p deferred shares 

57,233,679 deferred shares of 24p each on issue at end of period 

34,673

11,523

34,879

11,690

2012

£000

206

—

2012

£000

824

1,042

1,852

24,700

32

—

—

2011

£000

97

70

2011

£000

—

—

416

44

149

282

1,054

28,450

1,945

Total Allotted, called-up and fully paid at the end of period 

2012

£000

6,264

13,736

20,000

2011

£000

6,264

13,736

20,000

579

14,308

-

58

2

(13,736)

-

7

639

579

13,736

-

13,736

-

13,736

13,736

14,375

14,315

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no rights to fixed income. The ordinary shareholders are entitled to receive 
dividends  as  declared  and  are  entitled  to  vote  at  meetings  of  the  Company.  During  the  year  205,000  of  these  warrants  have  been 
exercised and as a result share capital has increased by £2,050 and share premium by £38,950. In addition, an institutional placing of 
5,787,574 in April 2011 resulted in share capital increasing by £57,876 and share premium by £1,707,334. 

During  the  prior  period  each  issued  ordinary  share  of  25p  was  sub-divided  and  converted  into  one  new  ordinary  share  of  1p  and  one 
deferred share of 24p. Each of the unissued ordinary shares of 25p was also sub-divided into 25 ordinary shares of 1p.  

During the prior period a £2.5m related party loan was issued with 12.5m convertible warrants attached to it. These warrants allow the 
holders to either convert the loan into 1p shares (at a price of 20p per share) or to purchase 1p shares for cash consideration (at a price 
of 20p per share). 

66 

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07/09/2012   10:19:09

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes relating to the company financial statements 

10. RESERVES 

At 3 April 2010 

Profit for the period 

Shareholder loan 

Exercised warrants 

At 2 April 2011 

Loss  for the period 

Share-based payment 

Shareholder loan 

On shares issued 

At 31 March 2012 

Share

Capital

premium

Revaluation

redemption

Equity 

Translation

account

£000

13,766

—

—

133

reserve

£000

236

—

—

—

reserve

£000

2,500

—

—

—

13,899

236

2,500

—

—

—

1,746

15,645

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

reserve 

£000 

— 

—

160

—

160

—

—

7

—

Profit

and loss

Account

£000

(3,148)

2,029

—

—

reserve

£000

(22)

—

—

—

(22)

(1,119)

—

—

—

—

(15,108)

90

—

—

236

2,500

167

(22)

(16,137)

In accordance with the exemption allowed under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has not presented its own profit 
and loss account but has returned a loss in the period of £15,108,,000 (2011: profit of £2,029,000). Amounts paid to the Company’s auditor 
in  respect  of  services  to  the  Company,  other  than  the  audit  of  the  Company’s  financial  statements,  have  not  been  disclosed  as  the 
information required is instead disclosed in Note 3 to the Consolidated financial statements. 

11. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 

Bank guarantees in respect of Group undertakings  

12. PENSION 

2012

£000

86

2011

£000

43

The Company operates a multi-employer defined benefit scheme for its employees. The date of the most recent full actuarial valuation for 
the scheme was 31 March 2007. The Company is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the fund. The surplus 
on  the  fund  amounted  to  £12.9m  at  31  March  2012.  Under  IFRS  the  surplus  has  not  been  recognised  in  the  period  (Note  30  of  the 
Consolidated financial statements). Under FRS 17, the Company treats its contributions into these schemes as though they were defined 
contribution schemes. The pension contribution charge for the Company amounted to £22,000 (2011: £34,000). 

13. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS 

Retained (loss)/profit 

Issued share capital/share premium 

Equity reserve 

Net increase/(reduction) in shareholders’ funds 

Opening shareholders’ funds 

Closing shareholders’ funds 

14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
There are no related party transactions which require disclosure. 

2012

£000

(15,018)

1,806

7

(13,205)

29,969

16,764

2011

£000

2,029

140

160

2,329

27,640

29,969

15. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENT REVIEW 
The company raised £1.47m through an institutional placing of new ordinary shares of 1p each at a price of 7.5p per share on 5 September 
2012.  

On 10 August 2012 the Group announced that it was closing its manufacturing subsidiary FMT in Poland.  This activity has been 
included in continuing activities at 31 March 2012 but is expected to be treated as a discontinued activity in the year to March 2013.  
Certain impairments have been made as a result of this decision and included in the Group Accounts at 31 March 2012. 

68

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The 600 Group PLC
Union Street 
Heckmondwike 
West Yorkshire 
WF16 0HL

T:  +44 (0)1924 415000 
W:  www.600group.com

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