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Athelney Trust Plc

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FY2002 Annual Report · Athelney Trust Plc
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Company Registered Number: 2933559

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED  31 DECEMBER 2002

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

CONTENTS

Chairman's Statement

Investment and Portfolio Analysis

Report of the Directors

Report of the Auditors

Statement of Total Return

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Notes to the Financial Statements

Officers and Financial Advisors

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Page

1 - 3

4 - 5

6 - 7

8

9

10

11

12 - 19

20

21

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

1

2 Queen Anne's Gate Buildings,  Dartmouth Street,  LONDON,  SW1H 9BP

Telephone:   020 7222 8989                                                                                   Fax: 020 7222 8998

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

I enclose the results for the twelve months to 31 December 2002.  The key points are as follows:

         •    Audited Net Asset Value ("NAV") is  83.2p per share (31 December 2001 : 95.9p),
              a fall of 13.2 per cent.
         •    Gross Revenue down by 30.2 per cent to £60,328 (31 December 2001: £86,424).
         •    On a like for like basis revenue was actually up by 5.8 per cent and dividend income 
               rose by 13.3 per cent.
         •    Revenue return per ordinary share was 1.3p,  a decrease of  53.6 per cent  
              ( 31 December 2001:  2.8p).
         •    Recommended dividend for the year 1.7p per share (2001:  1.7p).

The Market
When discussing one of the worst years for stock market performance in living memory, it is difficult to
find optimistic, positive things to say, beyond the fact that prospects for 2003 and especially 2004 look
considerably more intriguing.

As far as 2002 is concerned, however, the main market indices fell by about 25% and the AIM index (at
31 December 2002, Athelney held as much as 23% of its portfolio in AIM-traded shares) declined by
over 30%. In these circumstances, it was always going to be difficult
to show a good absolute
performance, even though the relative performance looks to be acceptable.

The current unease in markets is due to the twin factors of political uncertainty and increasing worries
about the economic outlook both at home and abroad. Last year's corporate scandals in the U.S. have not
helped either with plenty of examples of financial chicanery, accounting irregularities and business
failures to spook the market.
At home, the continued fall in the FTSE 100 index brought into question the financial health of the life
assurance companies, although it is encouraging to note that over-zealous regulators are now apparently
happy to make the rules of financial adequacy more flexible. Above all, the year 2002 was dominated by
a huge number of profit warnings, thus illustrating the typical problem of static or declining sales and
remorselessly rising costs. In the second half of 2002, there were a total of 192 profit warnings of which
86 occurred in the third quarter and 106 in the fourth. A typical profit warning was accompanied by a fall
in the relative share price of 25-40 per cent. Some companies have even managed a second and third
profit warning in 2002.

You do not need me to tell you how the threat of terrorist activity has badly affected the business and
social life of the country recently. In particular, the leisure and tourist industries suffered greatly from the
aftermath of the 11th September attacks and there has been (and there may be again) a huge spike in the
price of crude oil as we move towards a final decision on the Iraq question.

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

(CONTINUED)

2

The Market (continued)

Looking overseas, the global economy is in a mess. The U.S. is hooked on credit, Japan and Germany are
facing deflation and recession and China is happily exporting deflation via impossibly low-priced
manufactured goods. In the U.K., New Labour has metamorphosed into Old Labour with a tax and spend
policy just as unrealistic as all those of previous Labour Chancellors. And as a final comment, fifty-six
small quoted companies went bust last year - the highest level for a number of years.

Results

Against the above background, the Board is not displeased with the 13.2% fall in NAV to 83.2p, after full
allowance has been made for Capital Gains Tax liabilities in the event that the entire portfolio of
investments were sold. On the face of it, Gross Revenue fell by 30.2% to £60,328 compared with £86,424
in 2001. However, we actually received a large exceptional dividend from William Nash, a former
holding, in 2001 so that, in fact, Gross Revenue (i.e. dividend income plus bank interest) rose by 5.8% on
a like for like basis and dividend income actually increased by a highly satisfactory 13.3%.

Dividend
Even though Return per Ordinary Share was just 1.3p for the year 2002, the Board has decided to
recommend an unchanged dividend of 1.7p. The balance will be taken from Revenue reserve which
stood at £28,033 as at 31 December 2001 and £21,492 (assuming the proposed dividend is, in fact, paid)
at the equivalent date in 2002.

The main reason for recommending an unchanged dividend is the Board's confidence in the ability of the 
companies in the Athelney portfolio to generate higher dividends in the future. The following statistics 
for 2002 make interesting reading:

Companies paying dividends                                                            
Companies sold (therefore no true comparison)                               
Companies purchased (therefore no true comparison)                     
Increased total dividend in the calendar year                                    
Reduced total dividend in the calendar year                                       
No change in dividend                                                                              

Number
74 
11 
14 
32 
7 
10 

The Board expects a similarly positive outcome for 2003 and, in the absence of unforeseen 
circumstances, expects to pay a similar dividend for 2003.

Portfolio Review
Sadly Mettoni  succumbed to harsh economic conditions and its shares are consequently worthless. SFI 
shares were suspended and, again, it is highly unlikely that anything will be recovered for shareholders; in
its case, however, there is an apparent discrepancy of £20 million in the accounts which must be 
explained to SFI's  shareholders.

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

(CONTINUED)

3

Portfolio Review (continued)

In a typically busy year, the following shares were sold or top-sliced: Ann Street Group, Compel Group,
Enterprise Inns, Folkes Group, Gowrings, Simon Group, Wyevale Garden Centres,
together with 
Comprop and Enterprise from the list of AIM-traded shares. The following were purchased for the first
time or an existing holding was increased: Flying Brands , Merrydown , Reed Health Group , SCS 
from the AIM market Fountains , Pennant 
Upholstery , Severfield-Rowen , Watermark Group ;
International  and Wynnstay Group  from OFEX.

Update

The unaudited NAV as at 28 February 2003 was 79.4p per share.

The Board is also proposing to amend the Articles of Association by means of a special resolution to
allow the company to continue as an investment company after 2005. The effect of this is to remove the
requirement to seek a shareholders' resolution in that and every subsequent five years.

Outlook

The Board believes that there is every chance of a significant rally starting in 2003 to be extended into the
following year. Shares are much cheaper than a year ago. Profit expectations have been scaled back, so 
the number of profit warnings is likely to diminish as the year progresses,  finances are being improved at 
the expense of ambitious expansion plans and, above all, the Board expects a resumption of corporate 
activity later this year. In short, the Board believes that recovery prospects for smaller companies in 
general, and for Athelney in particular, are excellent.

Hugo Deschampsneufs
Chairman

7 April 2003

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC                            

INVESTMENT AND PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS AT 31 DECEMBER 2002

SECTOR

STOCK

HOLDING

VALUE (£)

£

%

SECTOR

4

Construction & Building Materials

Distributors

Diversified Industrials

Forestry & Paper

General Retail

Healthcare
Insurance

Leisure, Entertainment & Hotels

Media & Photography

Real Estate

Speciality & Other Finance

Support Services

Technology, Media,  Telecoms

Transport

Clarke (T)
Galliford Try
Gibbs & Dandy "A"
Latham (James)

N.W.F. Group
Wynnstay Group

Goodwin
Severfield-Rowen
Slingsby (H.C. )
Cropper (James)

Flying Brands
Mallett
SCS Upholstery
Stanley Gibbons
Wyevale Garden Centres
Reed Health Group
Personal Group Holdings

Enterprise Inns
Gowrings
Merrydown
SFI Group
Shepherd Neame "A"
Springwood

CA Coutts Holdings
International Greetings 

Estates & Agency
Mountview Estates
Unite Group

Amalgamated Metal
Broadcastle
Camellia
IFX Group
Private & Commercial Finance Corp.
S & U
Wintrust

Christie Group
Dawson Holdings
Enterprise
Fountains
Genus
Landround
NBA Quantum
Penna Consulting
Photo-scan
Reed Executive

Universe Group
Waterman Partnership Holdings
Watermark Group
WSP Group

Alphameric
CRC Group
Dicom Group
Delcam
ICM Computer Group
Intelek
Mettoni Group
MTL Instruments Group
Pennant International
Plasmon
Radstone Technology

Air Partner
Braemar Seascope Group
Clarkson
Clyde Marine
Fisher (James)

6,000
68,000
10,000
4,000

13,000
7,500

17,000
6,500
4,000
10,000

14,000
12,000
8,000
120,000
25,000
26,666
22,000

8,600
15,000
47,000
20,000
8,930
18,000

22,000
18,000

3,150
1,925
10,000

6,600
40,000
3,331
13,300
35,000
10,000
3,500

25,000
37,200
16,000
15,000
20,000
7,700
15,000
16,000
15,000
20,000

40,000
25,000
25,000
13,000

25,000
12,000
5,000
10,000
7,500
65,000
110,000
7,250
56,000
20,000
8,000

8,500
10,000
9,600
19,520
23,400

24,960
17,000
19,250
12,700

42,250
31,875

14,535
17,388
21,200
17,000

20,090
25,440
18,840
19,200
92,250
24,533
26,070

49,063
8,325
19,505
-
42,864
4,950

16,830
40,500

18,113
53,419
15,750

33,000
21,600
92,435
18,620
18,725
34,000
12,513

10,875
36,828
33,920
16,500
33,000
11,589
9,375
14,640
14,100
23,700

9,000
13,250
21,625
5,200

12,750
29,580
20,250
12,500
13,688
7,475
-
9,715
7,840
21,400
22,960

23,800
13,500
18,384
46,848
38,376

73,910

4.94%

74,125

4.95%

53,123

17,000

3.55%

1.14%

175,820

24,533

26,070

11.74%

1.64%

1.74%

124,707

8.33%

57,330

3.83%

87,282

5.83%

230,893

15.41%

253,602

16.93%

158,158

10.56%

140,908

9.41%

              
                     
           
                     
           
                     
              
                     
                    
           
                     
              
                     
                    
           
                     
              
                     
              
                     
                    
           
                     
                    
           
                     
           
                     
              
                     
         
                     
           
                     
                  
           
                     
                    
           
                     
                    
              
                     
           
                       
           
                     
           
                           
              
                     
           
                       
                  
           
                     
           
                     
                    
              
                     
              
                     
           
                     
                    
              
                     
           
                     
              
                     
           
                     
           
                     
           
                     
              
                     
                  
           
                     
           
                     
           
                     
           
                     
           
                     
              
                     
           
                       
           
                     
           
                     
           
                     
           
                       
           
                     
           
                     
           
                       
                  
           
                     
           
                     
              
                     
           
                     
              
                     
           
                       
         
                           
              
                       
           
                       
           
                     
              
                     
                  
              
                     
           
                     
              
                     
           
                     
           
                     
                  
ATHELNEY TRUST PLC                            

INVESTMENT AND PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS AT 31 DECEMBER 2002

( CONTINUED)

Portfolio Value

Net Current Assets 

Deferred tax

TOTAL VALUE
Shares in issue

Audited NAV 

£                

1,497,461 

£                     

73,552 

£                    

(71,000)

£                

1,500,013 
1,802,802

83.2p

5

100.00%

Construction & Building Materials
Distributors
Diversified Industrials
Forestry & Paper
General retail
Healthcare
Insurance
Leisure, Entertainment & Hotels
Media & Photography
Real Estate
Speciality & Other Finance
Support Services
Technology, Media,  Telecoms
Transport

Portfolio
by Sectors

9.41%

4.94%

4.95%

10.56%

16.93%

3.55%

1.14%

11.74%

1.64%

1.74%

8.33%

3.83%

15.41%

5.83%

Portfolio 
by Listing

AIM
23%

OFEX
8%

FULL

AIM

OFEX

UNQUOTED

UNQUOTED
2%

FULL
67%

                 
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

6

The directors present their report and audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31
December 2002.

Principal activity and business review

The principal activity of the Company is that of an investment company. The investment objectives of
the Company are to achieve long term capital growth while at the same time producing a progressive
income return.

Investments made by the Company are primarily in the equity securities of both unquoted and quoted
UK companies, including smaller companies with a market capitalisation of below £50 million.

During the period, the Company followed the normal activities of an investment company. Details of
these are given in the Chairman's Statement on pages 1, 2 and 3.

Directors and their interests

The directors who held office during the year and their interest in the ordinary shares of the Company
are stated below:-

                                                                 31 December 2002              31 December 2001
H.B. Deschampsneufs                                         122,575                               120,200
R.G. Boyle                                                           485,000                               480,000
D.A. Horner (appointed 12 April 2002)                          -                                         -

R.J Ellert resigned on 12 April 2002.

The above figures include a holding of 58,000 shares (2001 - 58,000) owned by a pension fund in
which R.G.Boyle and H.B Deschampsneufs have an interest.

Directors' responsibilities

The directors are required by the Companies Act 1985 to prepare financial statements for each financial
year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial
year and of the result for the year.

The directors consider that in preparing the financial statements the Company has used appropriate
accounting policies, consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and
estimates and confirm that all applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts. The financial statements have been
prepared on a going concern basis.

The directors are responsible for ensuring that the Company keeps proper accounting records which
disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the company and for ensuring
the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. The directors also have
that
responsibility for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

(CONTINUED)

7

Corporate governance

The Board continues to give careful consideration to the principles of corporate governance as set out in
the Combined Code appended to the Listing Rules issued by the Financial Services Authority.
However the Company is small and it is the opinion of the directors that not all the provisions of the
Code are relevant or desirable for a company of Athelney's size.

The Board meets regularly and has ultimate responsibility for the management of the Company,
although the Remuneration Committee makes recommendations to the Board relating to the
remuneration of the managing director and the non-executive directors.  

The Audit Committee assists the Board in relation to matters concerning corporate governance and
financial reporting. Both Committees, currently comprising H.B. Deschampsneufs and D.A. Horner,
meet during the year as required, with the Audit Committee to include external auditors if appropriate.

Results and dividends
The return on ordinary activities before dividends for the year is £24,107 (2001: £50,289) as detailed on
page 9. It is recommended that a final dividend of 1.7p (2001: 1.7p) per share be paid. The retained
loss for the year of £6,541, after providing for payment of dividends, has been deducted from revenue
reserves.

Payment of suppliers
It is the Company's policy to obtain the best possible terms for all business and, therefore, there is no
consistent policy as to the terms used. The Company contracts the terms on which business will take
place throughout the year with its suppliers. There were no invoiced trade creditors outstanding at the
end of the year, the amounts shown as creditors in the balance sheet comprise expenses and proposed
dividends.

Amendment to the Articles of Association

The Articles of Association require that the Company pass a resolution at the Annual General Meeting 
in 2005 and every subsequent  five years so that it might continue in being as an investment company. 
The Board proposes to amend the Articles to remove this requirement and enable the Company to 
continue as investment company until otherwise resolved by the shareholders.

Auditors

In accordance with Section 385 of the Companies Act 1985, a resolution proposing that Clement Keys
be re-appointed as auditors of the Company will be put to the annual general meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

J.M. Davies
Secretary

2 Queen Anne's Gate Buildings
Dartmouth Street
LONDON  
SW1H 9BP                                                                                                           7 April 2003

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF

8

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

We have audited the financial statements of Athelney Trust plc for the year ended 31 December 2002, set out on
pages 9 to 19. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified to
include fixed asset investments at valuation and the accounting policies set out on pages 12 and 13.

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Section 235 of the Companies
Act 1985. 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 the
law, we do not accept 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 auditors
As described in the statement of Directors' Responsibilities the company's directors are responsible for the
preparation of the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting
Standards.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements
and United Kingdom Auditing Standards.

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are properly
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. We also report to you if,
in our opinion, the Directors'
Report is not consistent with the financial statements, if the company has not kept proper accounting records, if we
have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law
regarding directors' remuneration and transactions with the Company is not disclosed.

We read other information contained in the Annual Report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited
financial statements. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements
or material inconsistencies with the financial statements.  

Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with United Kingdom Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices
Board. An audit includes an examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements.
It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the
directors in the preparation of the financial statements and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the
company's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered
necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements
are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion
we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

Opinion
In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31
December 2002 and of the revenue, total return and cash flows for the year then ended and have been properly
prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 1985.

Clement Keys
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditors                                                                                                   
39 / 40 Calthorpe Road
Edgbaston
BIRMINGHAM
B15  1TS                                                                                                                                                7 April 2003        

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

STATEMENT OF TOTAL RETURN
(INCORPORATING THE REVENUE ACCOUNT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

9 

31 December 2002

 31 December 2001

(Losses) on investments

Income

Investment management expenses

Other expenses

Return on ordinary 
activities before taxation

7 

2 

3 

3 

Note Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

£

- 

£

£

(275,430)

(275,430)

£

- 

Capital
as restated
£

Total
as restated
£

(9,071)

(9,071)

60,328 

- 

60,328 

86,424 

- 

86,424 

(10,868)

(10,869)

(21,737)

(9,071)

(9,070)

(18,141)

(33,532)

- 

(33,532)

(34,406)

- 

(34,406)

15,928 

(286,299)

(270,371)

42,947 

(18,141)

24,806 

Taxation

5 

8,179 

63,485 

71,664 

7,342 

3,573 

10,915 

Return on ordinary 
activities after taxation

24,107 

(222,814)

(198,707)

50,289 

(14,568)

35,721 

Dividend

6 

(30,648)

- 

(30,648)

(30,648)

- 

(30,648)

Transfer (from) / to reserves

(6,541)

(222,814)

(229,355)

19,641 

(14,568)

5,073 

Return per ordinary share

1.3p

(12.3)p

(11.0)p

2.8p

(0.8)p

2.0p

Dividend per ordinary share
           Final dividend

1.7p

1.7p

The revenue column of this statement is the profit and loss account for the Company.
All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
No operations were acquired or discontinued during the above financial years.
A statement of movements of reserves is given in note 12.

The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements.

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2002

10

Fixed assets
Investments

Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand

Note

2002

£

2001
as restated
£

7 

1,497,461 

1,798,443 

8 

54,241 
60,144 

114,385 

15,535 
112,457 

127,992 

(54,067)

73,925 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

9 

(40,833)

Net current assets

73,552 

Total assets less current liabilities

1,571,013 

1,872,368 

Provisions for liabilities and charges

10 

(71,000)

(143,000)

Net assets

1,500,013 

1,729,368 

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Other reserves - non distributable
                  Capital reserve - realised
                  Capital reserve - unrealised
Revenue reserve

Shareholders' funds

11 

12 

12 

12 

12 

13 

450,700 
405,605 

248,817 
373,399 
21,492 

450,700 
405,605 

204,361 
640,669 
28,033 

1,500,013 

1,729,368 

Net asset value per share

83.2p

95.9p

Approved by the board of directors on  7 April 2003.

………………………………..
R.G.Boyle

The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements.

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

CASH FLOW STATEMENT 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

11

Net cash (outflow) / inflow from
operating activities

Servicing of finance
Dividends paid

                          2002

                          2001

£

£

£

£

(487)

38,369 

(30,648)

(28,845)

Net cash (outflow) from servicing of finance

(30,648)

(28,845)

Taxation
Corporation tax paid

Investing activities
Purchases of investments
Sales of investments

(8,009)

(51)

(359,428)
346,259 

(554,529)
553,083 

Net cash (outflow) from investing
activities

(Decrease) / increase in cash in the year

Reconciliation of operating net revenue to 
net cash (outflow) inflow from operating activities

Revenue on ordinary activities before taxation
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease) / increase in creditors
Management expenses charged to capital

Analysis of net debt

Cash at bank and in hand

(13,169)

(52,313)

£

15,928 
15 
(5,561)
(10,869)

(487)

2001
£
112,457 

(1,446)

8,027 

£

42,947 
890 
3,602 
(9,070)

38,369 

Cashflow
£
(52,313)

2002
£
60,144 

The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements.

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

12

1.   Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention modified to include fixed asset
investments at valuation.
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and, unless
otherwise stated, the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice in 'Financial Statements of
Investment Trust Companies' (SORP) currently in effect.

1.2 Income

Income from investments including taxes deducted at source is recognised as income on the date the
dividend is due for payment. Franked investment income is reported net of tax credits in accordance with
Financial Reporting Standard 16 'Current Tax'. Interest is dealt with on an accruals basis.

1.3 Expenses

Expenses (including VAT) and interest payable are dealt with on an accruals basis and charged through
the Revenue Account.

1.4 Investment management fee

in line with the
The investment management fee has been allocated 50% to revenue and 50% to capital,
Board's expected long term split of returns, in the form of income and capital gains respectively, from the
investment portfolio.

1.5 Investments

Listed investments comprise those listed on the London Stock Exchange. Profits and losses on sales of
investments are taken to realised capital reserve. Any unrealised appreciation or depreciation is taken to
unrealised capital reserve.

The Company's investments have been valued according to the following rules:-

(i)       Where bid and offer prices are quoted by a market maker in such securities 
          on the valuation date,  investments have been valued on the basis of the middle market price.

(ii)      Where no spread is available, investments have been valued on the basis of the average 
          of the dealing prices recorded by a market maker for such securities on the valuation 
          date or, in the absence of any dealings on that date, at the average of such dealing  prices
          on the latest practicable day prior to the valuation date.

1.6 Taxation

The tax effect of different items of income and expenses is allocated between capital and revenue on the
same basis as the particular item to which it relates, using the Company's effective rate of tax for the year.

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

13

1.   Accounting policies (continued)

1.7 Deferred taxation

The company has adopted Financial Reporting Standard 19 in the year. Deferred
taxation is provided in respect of all future obligations to pay additional tax arising
as a result of past events. Tax is provided at the latest known rates on all timing
differences. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

1.8 Capital reserves

Capital reserve- Realised
Gains and losses on realisations of fixed asset investments are dealt with in this reserve.

Capital reserve- Unrealised
Increases and decreases in the valuations of fixed asset investments are dealt with in
this reserve.

2.   Income

Income from investments
Franked investment income
Foreign dividends

Other income
Bank interest
Other interest

Total income

Income from investments
UK listed investments
AIM investments
Other investments

2002
£

58,416 
- 

58,416 

1,900 
12 

60,328 

£

42,159 
11,039 
5,218 

58,416 

2001
£

79,659 
1,270 

80,929 

5,495 
- 

86,424 

£

38,451 
38,205 
4,273 

80,929 

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

14

3. Return on ordinary activities before taxation

The following amounts (inclusive of VAT) are included
within management and other expenses:-

Directors' remuneration:-
 - Services as a director
 - Otherwise in connection with management

Auditors' remuneration:-
- Audit Services
- Non audit services

4. Employees

The only employees during the year were the directors.

Costs in respect of these directors:-
Wages and salaries
Social security costs

2002
£

2001
£

7,997 
20,000 

6,466 
810 

2002
£

20,000 
1,821 
21,821 

6,000 
16,000 

6,404 
6,858 

2001
£

16,000 
1,378 
17,378 

5. Taxation

2002

2001

Revenue Capital

Total Revenue

Capital

Total

(i) The tax charge for the year is 
based on the profit for the year
Corporation tax
Tax relief on management expenses
  charged to income
Adjustment in respect of previous 
years
Deferred taxation

£

- 

£

£

£

£

£

412 

412 

- 

8,085 

8,085 

(8,179)

8,179 

- 

(7,342)

7,342 

- 

- 
- 

(76)
(72,000)

(76)
(72,000)

- 
- 

- 
(19,000)

- 
(19,000)

(8,179)

(63,485)

(71,664)

(7,342)

(3,573)

(10,915)

The deferred taxation figures for 2001 are restated in accordance with the requirements of Financial
Reporting Standard 19.

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

15

5. Taxation (continued)

2002
£

2001
£

(ii) Factors affecting the tax charge for the year

The tax charge for the period is lower than the average small company rate of 
corporation tax in the UK (19.25 per cent). The differences are explained below:

Total return on ordinary activities before tax

(270,371)

24,806 

Total return on ordinary activities multiplied by the 
average small company rate of corporation tax 19.25% 
(2001: 20%)

Effects of:
Franked investment income not taxable
Revaluation of shares not tax deductible
Indexation relief for capital gains
Other

Current tax charge for the year

(52,046)

4,961 

(11,245)
65,309 
(1,628)
22 

412 

(15,932)
20,828 
(1,874)
102 

8,085 

6. Dividend

Final proposed dividend of 1.7p (2001 -1.7p) per share.

2002
£
30,648 

2001
£
30,648 

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

16

7. Investments

Movements in year
Valuation at beginning of year
Purchases at cost
Sales - proceeds
         - realised gains on sales
(Decrease) in unrealised appreciation

Valuation at end of year

Book cost at end of year
Unrealised appreciation at the end of the year

UK Listed
AIM
Unlisted

(Losses) / gains on investment

Realised gains on sales
(Decrease) in unrealised appreciation

8. Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors

2002
£

1,798,443 
242,123 
(267,675)
63,840 
(339,270)

1,497,461 

£
1,053,062 
444,399 

1,497,461 

1,001,895 
340,979 
154,587 

1,497,461 

2002
£
63,840 
(339,270)

(275,430)

2002
£

54,241 

2001
£

1,788,046 
649,806 
(630,338)
95,069 
(104,140)

1,798,443 

£
1,014,774 
783,669 

1,798,443 

1,323,676 
354,319 
120,448 

1,798,443 

2001
£
95,069 
(104,140)

(9,071)

2001
£

15,535 

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

17

9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Corporation tax
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Proposed dividend
Accruals and deferred income

2002
£
412 
1,682 
554 
30,648 
7,537 

40,833 

2001
£
8,085 
1,080 
939 
30,648 
13,315 

54,067 

10. Deferred taxation

               2002

           2001

Provided
£

Not
Provided
£

Provided
£

Not
Provided
£

Tax on unrealised gains net of losses

71,000 
71,000 

- 
- 

143,000 
143,000 

- 
- 

Balance at beginning of year
(as restated)
Credit to profit and loss account

Balance at end of year

2002
£
143,000 

(72,000)

71,000 

2001
£
162,000 

(19,000)

143,000 

The provision for deferred taxation has been restated in accordance with the 
requirements of Financial Reporting Standard 19.  Tax is provided at the latest known 
rates on all taxable gains net of losses which would arise if investments were sold at the 
market value included in the balance sheet at the end of the financial year.

11. Called up share capital

Authorised
10,000,000 Ordinary shares of 25p each

Allotted, called up and fully paid
1,802,802 Ordinary shares of 25p each

2002
£

2001
£

2,500,000 

2,500,000 

£

£

450,700 

450,700 

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

18

12. Reserves

Share
premium
account
£
405,605 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

2002

Capital
Capital
reserve
reserve
realised unrealised
£
640,669 

£
204,361 

63,840 
- 
(10,869)
(8,515)
- 

- 
(339,270)
- 
72,000 
- 

Revenue
reserve
£
28,033 

- 
- 
- 
- 
(6,541)

Balance at beginning of year

Net gain on realisation of investments
(Decrease) in unrealised appreciation
Management charge allocated to capital
Corporation tax
Retained loss for the year

Balance at end of year

405,605 

248,817 

373,399 

21,492 

The opening unrealised capital reserve  is restated in accordance with Financial Reporting 
Standard 19.  Deferred tax of £143,000 has been provided in accordance with that Standard.

13. Reconciliation of movement on shareholders' funds

Retained net revenue for the year after taxation
Dividend

Total recognised (losses) for the year

Shareholders' funds at beginning of year
(as restated)

2002
£
24,107 
(30,648)

(6,541)

(222,814)

(229,355)
1,729,368 

2001
£
50,289 
(30,648)

19,641 

(14,568)

5,073 
1,724,295 

Shareholders' funds at end of year

1,500,013 

1,729,368 

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

19

14. Risk management, financial assets and liabilities

The following information is given in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 13.

Risk management
The major risks associated with the Company are market and liquidity risk.  The Company 
has established a framework for managing these risks.  The directors have guidelines 
for the management of investments and financial instruments.

Market risk arises from changes in interest rates, valuations awarded to equities, movements 
in prices and the liquidity of financial instruments.

The Company's portfolio is invested in UK securities.

Financial assets and liabilities

The Company's financial instruments comprise equity investments, cash balances and
debtors and creditors that arise directly from its operations, for example, in respect of 
sales and purchases awaiting settlement.  Short term debtors and creditors are excluded 
from disclosure as allowed by FRS 13.

Fixed asset investments (see note 7) are valued at middle market prices which equate 
to their fair values.  The fair values of all other assets and liabilities are represented by 
their carrying values in the balance sheet.

20

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

OFFICERS AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Directors:

Secretary:

Registered Office:

Nominated Adviser:

Nominated Broker:

Auditor:

Banker:

Registrar:

H.B. Deschampsneufs (Chairman)
R.G. Boyle
D.A. Horner

J.M.Davies
9 Limes Road
Beckenham
Kent,  BR3 6NS

2 Queen Anne's Gate Buildings
Dartmouth Street
London,  SW1H 9BP

Noble & Company Limited
76 George Street
Edinburgh,  EH2 3BU

Spiers & Jeffrey Limited
36 Renfield Street
Glasgow, G2 1NA

Clement Keys
39 /40 Calthorpe Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham,  B15 1TS

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
London City Office
62/63 Threadneedle Street
London City Office,  EC2R 8LA

Park Circus Registrars Limited
James Sellar's House
2nd Floor
144 West George Street
Glasgow,  G2 2HG

Company Number:

2933559

ATHELNEY TRUST PLC

               NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

21

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ninth Annual General Meeting of the Company 
will be held at 2 Queen Anne's Gate Buildings, Dartmouth Street, London SW1H 9BP on 
Wednesday 14 May 2003 at 4.30 pm for the following purposes:

As Ordinary Business
1. To receive and adopt the Company's Accounts and the Reports of the Directors 

and the Auditors for the year ended 31 December 2002.

2. To declare a final dividend of 1.7p per ordinary share.  It is intended that dividend

cheques in respect of the final dividend will be posted on Monday 19 May 2003
to all shareholders on the register of members at close of business on Tuesday 22 April
2003.

3. To approve the remuneration of the Directors

4. To re-elect Mr H.B. Deschampsneufs as a Director of the Company.

5. To re-appoint Clement Keys as Auditors and to authorise the Directors to fix

their remuneration.

As Special Business

To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolution which will be proposed as 
a special resolution:

6.

That the Articles of Association of the Company be and hereby are amended as follows:

(a)      by the deletion of paragraphs (i) and (ii) of Article 154 headed 'Duration and 
          Winding up of the Company'
(b)      by the deletion of the words 'Duration and ' from the heading of Article 154; and
(c)      by the renumbering of Article 154 headed Indemnity' as Article 155 and the 
          renumbering of the subsequent Articles accordingly.

By Order of the Board

J.M.Davies
Secretary
7 April 2003

Registered Office:  2 Queen Anne's Gate Buildings,  Dartmouth Street, London, SW1H 9BP

NOTES

(i) A member entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in
his/her stead. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. A form of proxy is enclosed with this Notice
for use at the Meeting. To be valid, completed forms of proxy (together with any Power of Attorney or other
authority under which it is executed or duly certified copy of any such Power or authority) must be deposited
at the Company's Registered Office not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting.

Completion and return of a form of proxy will not prevent the member from attending and voting at the
Meeting in person.

(ii) The register of Directors' interests kept in accordance with Section 325 of the Companies Act 1985 and
copies of Directors' service contracts will be available for inspection during normal business hours at the
Company's Registered Office from the date of this Notice until the date of the Meeting.