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Athelney Trust Plc

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FY2005 Annual Report · Athelney Trust Plc
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Athelney Trust plc

Annual Report

for the year ended December 2005

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 Advisers

Page

2 - 3

4 - 5

6 - 7

8

9

10

11

12 - 19

20

 1

Athelney Trust plc

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

Telephone: 020 7222 8989 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

I have pleasure in enclosing the audited results for the twelve months to 31 December 2005. The salient points are as
follows:-

         •    Audited Net Asset Value ("NAV") is  157.7p per share (31 December 2004 : 136.9p{ as restated}),
              a rise of  15.2 per cent.
         •    Gross Revenue increased by 8.1 per cent to £86,265 (31 December 2004: £79,822).
         •    On a like-for-like basis both revenue and dividend income rose by 14.8 per cent 
         •    Revenue return per ordinary share was 2.7p,  an increase of 12.5 per cent  
              ( 31 December 2004: 2.4p).
         •    Recommended dividend for the year of  2.5p per share (2004:  2p).

The Market
Back in February 2003, the unaudited Athelney NAV was 79.4p, so between that date and 31 December 2005, the company 
experienced a growth in value of fully 98.6 per cent.  Not only that, but shareholders will have benefited from a total 
increase in dividend of 38.9 per cent (2003 1.8p: 2004 2p: 2005 2.5p). And yet, particularly looking at the year recently 
finished, there is a long list of problems and worries that markets apparently coped with pretty well.  Take, for instance, UK 
pension funds which may have sold £75bn of equities during the year because of FRS17 and IFRS.  Even after that 
avalanche of selling, 61per cent of the average UK pension fund consists of equities.  It really is not too hard to imagine 
that selling could actually increase in 2006.  Overseas companies were undoubtedly massive buyers of UK equities in 2005, 
but who is to say how long this buying spree is to continue?

Surely, relaxed world-wide monetary conditions must have had a good deal to do with strong equity markets over the past
three years. Following fifteen consecutive rises in interest rates in America and an unmistakable sign that the Bank of Japan
is to tighten up in the coming months from the current position of an overnight call rate of 0.001 per cent, conditions will be
a good deal tighter this year. Now this is quite important because hedge funds, amongst others, have been borrowing in
Yen to speculate in emerging markets such as the Middle East, South America and Russia. As interest rates rise in Japan,
so hedge funds will start to unwind speculative positions in these countries.

Here at home, things look quiet, and dare I say it, a little dull. GDP should rise by 2.1 per cent in 2006 and 2.5 per cent in
2007. Wages will probably go up by 3.5 per cent this year and consumer prices should rise by no more than 1.9 per cent
(i.e. 0.1 per cent below target) in 2006 and 2007.

No, most of the excitement is happening abroad. America ran an astonishing record current account deficit of $805bn in
2005. China’s industrial production was 16.2 per cent higher than a year ago and Russia’s trade surplus rose to $124bn. A
basket of commodities rose by nearly 19 per cent in Sterling terms with gold up by 24 per cent (in Dollars) and oil having
another good year at around $60 per barrel.  What is not helping things is the increased interest being shown in commoditie
s
by institutions – since few have specialized knowledge of the subject, they tend to buy a basket rather than bet on individual
metals, so all commodities rise together. And with China’s GDP increasing by 9.9 per cent in 2005 and India’s by 7.6 per
cent, who is to say when commodity prices will return to lower levels?

Results
Gross Revenue rose by 8.1 per cent to £86,265 compared with the calendar year 2004. However, special dividends for 2005
amounted to just £2,900 (James Latham £1,200, Air Partner £1,700) whereas £7,200 was received from Stanley Gibbons in
the previous year. When due allowance is made for this, on a like-for-like basis, Gross Revenue actually rose by 14.8 per
cent, a most satisfactory result particularly when combined with the 15.2 per cent rise in NAV.

2

Athelney Trust plc

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

(CONTINUED)

The growth in dividend income is illustrated by the following table:-

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
72 
5 
24 
35 
6 
2 

Corporate Activity
Cash takeovers were completed in respect of six holdings:

Countryside Properties; Bristol & West Investments; Merrydown; Broadcastle; James Beattie and Belhaven Group .  In 
relation to the offer by Vantis  for Numerica , shares were taken rather than cash.  At the time of writing, a cash bid for PD 
Ports  has just gone through, Wyevale  remains under siege, an MBO is possible at Tenon Group.  Lookers  has rejected a 
bid by Pendragon  and Brandon Hire  is to be bought by a larger competitor.

Portfolio Review
The following were purchased for the first time or were existing holdings which have been increased in size: 

Belhaven Group; Blacks Leisure Group;  Clinton Cards; Domestic & General; Goldshield Group;  MSB International; 
Phoenix IT; Treatt; Arbuthnot Banking Group; Belgravium Technologies; City Lofts; Group NBT; Idox; Jarvis Securities; 
Nichols; RWS Holdings; Tenon Group; Urbium; Numerica Group. 

ICM Computers; Patientline; Rok; Ultimate Leisure  and Cardpoint  have all been sold and Camellia  again been top-sliced. 

Dividend

The Board is pleased to recommend an increased annual dividend of 2.5p per ordinary share for the year ended 31 
December 2005 (2004:  2p). This represents an increase of a full 25 per cent over the previous year.

Update
The unaudited NAV at the 28 February 2006 was 165.9p per share, which means that at the price of 127p on the same day 
the shares stood at a discount of 23.4 per cent. It is disappointing to note the discount creeping back over the 20 per cent 
mark again.

Outlook
Recent weakness in markets as far apart as Dubai and Reykjavik is the result of the Bank of Japan’s decision to tighten 
monetary conditions for the first time in very many years.  Is this a straw in the wind?  Probably not, but it is a sign that we 
must proceed more cautiously this year despite the market’s bright performance in January and February.  Fifteen 
consecutive interest rate rises in America, Europe following suit, despite problems in Italy and elsewhere, maverick nations 
like Iran and North Korea wanting to flex their muscles and at home, the advent of the first Socialist government since the 
Seventies, as and when Mr. Brown moves house.  None of this is calculated to cheer but at least the housing market has 
stabilized, UK interest rates should remain mostly unchanged throughout the year and inflation seems to be sleeping 
soundly.  On balance, another steady, decent year for small caps seems likely.

Hugo Deschampsneufs
Chairman

20 April 2006

3

Athelney Trust plc

INVESTMENT AND PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS AT 31 DECEMBER 2005

SECTOR

STOCK

HOLDING

VALUE (£)

£

%

SECTOR

Automobiles and Parts

Beverages

Construction & Building Materials

Diversified Industrials

Engineering Machinery

Food Processors

General Retail

Household Goods

Insurance

Leisure & Hotels

Media & Entertainment

Real Estate

Software & Computer Services

Speciality & Other Finance

Support Services

Pharmaceuticals

Transport

European Motor Holdings
Lookers

Nichols
Shepherd Neame "A"

Ben Bailey
Clarke (T)
Galliford Try
Gibbs & Dandy 
Latham (James)
N.W.F. Group

Gooch & Housego
Goodwin
Severfield-Rowen
Slingsby (H.C. )

Treatt
Wynnstay Group

Black Leisure Group
Clinton Cards
Flying Brands
Mallett
SCS Upholstery
Stanley Gibbons
Wyevale Garden Centres
Havelock Europa

Domestic & General Group
Personal Group Holdings
Enterprise Inns

International Greetings 
Landround
Media Square

City Lofts Group
Colliers C.R.E.
Mountview Estates
Smart (J) & Co.
Unite Group

Bergravium Technologies
Group NBT
Idox
Pennant International Group
Phoenix IT

Albemarle & Bond
Arbuthnot Banking Group
Camellia
Charles Taylor Consulting
Jarvis Securities
Park Group
S & U
Tenon Group
Vantis

Brandon Hire
Dawson Holdings
Enterprise
Erinaceous Group
Fountains
Genus
MSB International
Penna Consulting
RWS Holdings
VP Group
Waterman Partnership Holdings
Watermark Group
WSP Group
Goldshield Group

Air Partner
Braemar Seascope Group
Clarkson
Fisher (James)
PD Ports

11,350
7,200

14,000
6,000

6,800
18,000
65,000
10,000
16,000
13,000

18,000
17,000
6,500
4,000

10,500
30,000

6,000
28,500
14,000
12,000
12,000
90,000
7,000
24,000

3,300
22,000
10,000

18,000
5,000
213,179

25,000
16,000
1,925
4,000
10,000

150,000
22,000
165,000
116,000
8,500

20,000
8,818
1,300
8,000
20,000
80,000
8,000
72,500
36,667

20,000
34,000
16,000
13,000
20,000
15,000
56,000
16,000
14,000
17,000
40,000
20,000
23,000
9,000

8,500
20,000
8,000
17,000
25,000

4

36,405
33,084

30,520
73,800

30,838
40,905
58,013
37,250
30,240
84,825

58,950
104,125
62,790
53,900

27,195
68,400

29,730
18,881
25,130
28,020
49,800
81,450
33,775
34,800

26,796
53,570
93,800

76,770
4,425
46,899

20,125
25,120
87,106
27,600
38,000

24,375
25,190
23,513
12,760
22,993

32,900
40,342
84,994
25,300
15,800
11,400
40,200
17,763
79,017

34,700
55,420
62,800
40,138
28,200
53,400
20,160
17,840
38,990
42,500
55,200
25,700
85,100
34,200

53,975
76,600
69,440
64,600
37,375

69,489

2.33%

104,320

3.49%

197,246

84,825

6.61%

2.84%

279,765

9.37%

95,595

3.20%

266,786

34,800

80,366

93,800

8.93%

1.17%

2.69%

3.14%

128,094

4.29%

197,951

6.63%

108,831

3.64%

347,716

11.65%

560,148

34,200

18.76%

1.15%

301,990

10.11%

            
                     
              
                     
                    
            
                     
              
                     
                  
              
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
 
            
                     
                  
            
                     
                    
            
                     
            
                   
              
                     
              
                     
                  
            
                     
            
                     
                    
              
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
 
            
                     
              
                     
                  
            
                     
                    
              
                     
            
                     
                    
            
                     
                    
            
                     
              
                       
          
                     
                  
            
                     
            
                     
              
                     
              
                     
            
                     
                  
          
                     
            
                     
          
                     
          
                     
              
                     
                  
            
                     
              
                     
              
                     
              
                     
            
                     
            
                     
              
                     
            
                     
            
                     
                  
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
            
                     
                  
              
                     
                    
              
                     
            
                     
              
                     
            
                     
          
                   
                  
Athelney Trust plc

INVESTMENT AND PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS AT 31 DECEMBER 2005

( CONTINUED)

Portfolio Value

Net Current Assets 

Deferred tax

TOTAL VALUE

Shares in issue

Audited NAV 

£                   

2,985,922 

£                      

151,388 

£                     

(295,142)

£                   

2,842,168 

1,802,802

157.7p

100.00%

Portfolio by 
Sectors

11.12%

4.26%

2.47%

1.15%

18.72%

12.62%

7.77%

2.84%

9.37%

2.29%

7.98%

1.79%

3.14%

3.64%

6.55%

4.29%

Portfolio 
by Listing

AIM
34.41%

Automobiles and Parts

Beverages

Construction & Building Materials

Diversified Industrials

Engineering Machinery

Food Processors

General Retail

Insurance

Leisure & Hotels

Media & Entertainment

Real Estate

Software & Computer Services

Speciality & Other Finance

Support Services

Pharmaceuticals

Transport

FULL

AIM

OFEX

OFEX
2.47%

FULL
63.12%

5

                    
 
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF

Athelney Trust plc

The directors present their report and audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2005.

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 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 2005                 1 January 2005
H.B. Deschampsneufs                                       108,750                             108,750
R.G. Boyle                                                        485,000                             485,000
D.A. Horner                                                        15,000                               15,000

The above figures include a holding of 58,000 shares (2004 - 58,000) owned by a pension fund in which R.G. Boyle and H.B.
Deschampsneufs have an interest and 15,000 shares (2004 - 15,000) owned by a pension fund in which D.A. Horner has an interest.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Company law requires the directors to prepare for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
company and of the result for the company for that period.

In preparing those 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;                                                                                                                      
-prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in 
business.

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud
and other irregularities.

In determining how amounts are presented within items in the financial statements , the directors have had regard to the substance of the 
reported transaction or arrangement, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or practice.

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.

6

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF

Athelney Trust plc

(CONTINUED)

Results and dividends

The return on ordinary revenue activities before dividends for the year is £48,825 (2004: £42,818) as detailed on page 9.
It is
recommended that a final dividend of 2.5p (2004: 2p) per ordinary share be paid. The retained profit for the year of £12,769,which is
before proposed dividends has been added to 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.

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                                                                                                           20 April 2006

7

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF

Athelney Trust plc

We have audited the financial statements of Athelney Trust plc for the year ended 31 December 2005, set out on pages 9 to 19.
These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.

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 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 auditors

The directors' responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law
and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) are set out in the
Statement of directors' responsibilities.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

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. This other information comprises only the Directors' Report, the Chairman's Statement and the Investment and
Portfolio Analysis. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material
inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

Basis of audit opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) 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, in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice, of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31 December 2005 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                                                                                                                                                20 April 2006          

8

Athelney Trust plc

STATEMENT OF TOTAL RETURN
(INCORPORATING THE REVENUE ACCOUNT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

 31 December 2005

 31 December 2004

Note

Revenue
£

Capital
£

Restated*
Revenue
£

Total
£

Restated*

Capital
£

Total
£

8 

2 

3 

3 

- 

460,306 

460,306 

- 

535,518 

535,518 

86,265 

- 

86,265 

79,822 

- 

79,822 

(7,266)

(21,362)

(28,628)

(6,810)

(19,789)

(26,599)

(37,753)

- 

(37,753)

(38,199)

- 

(38,199)

41,246 

438,944 

480,190 

34,813 

515,729 

550,542 

Profits on investments

Income

Investment management expenses

Other expenses

Return on ordinary 
activities before taxation

Taxation

5 

7,579 

(77,234)

(69,655)

8,005 

(90,367)

(82,362)

Return on ordinary 
activities after taxation

48,825 

361,710 

410,535 

42,818 

425,362 

468,180 

Dividend

7 

(36,056)

- 

(36,056)

(32,450)

- 

(32,450)

Transfer to reserves

12,769 

361,710 

374,479 

10,368 

425,362 

435,730 

Return per ordinary share

6 

2.7p

20.1p

22.8p

2.4p

23.6p

26.0p

Dividend paid per ordinary share
           Final dividend

2p

1.8p

* Restated on adoption of FRS21 - see note 1.1

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 13.

There have been no recognised gains or losses, other than the results for the financial years shown above. 

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

9

 
Athelney Trust plc

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2005

Fixed assets

Investments

Current assets

Debtors

Cash at bank and in hand

Note

8 

9 

2005

£

Restated*
2004

£

2,985,922 

2,555,581 

145,109 

40,048 

185,157 

116,514 

61,311 

177,825 

(21,617)

156,208 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

10 

(33,769)

Net current assets

151,388 

Total assets less current liabilities

3,137,310 

2,711,789 

Provisions for liabilities and charges

11 

(295,142)

(244,100)

Net assets

2,842,168 

2,467,689 

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Other reserves - non distributable

                  Capital reserve - realised

                  Capital reserve - unrealised

Revenue reserve

Shareholders' funds - all equity

12 

13 

13 

13 

13 

14 

450,700 

405,605 

520,007 

1,360,604 

105,252 

450,700 

405,605 

389,458 

1,129,445 

92,481 

2,842,168 

2,467,689 

Net Asset Value per share

157.7p

136.9p

* Restated on adoption of FRS21 - see note 1.1

Approved by the board of directors on  20 April 2006.

………………………………..
R.G. Boyle

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

10

Athelney Trust plc

CASH FLOW STATEMENT 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

                           2005

                           2004

£

£

£

£

Net cash inflow from operating activities

3,487 

19,170 

Servicing of finance

Dividends paid

(36,056)

(32,450)

Net cash (outflow) from servicing of finance

(36,056)

(32,450)

Taxation

Corporation tax paid

Investing activities

Purchases of investments

Sales of investments

Net cash (outflow) from investing
activities

(Decrease) / increase in cash in the year

Reconciliation of operating net revenue to 
net cash inflow from operating activities

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

Analysis of net debt

Cash at bank and in hand

(2,017)

- 

(529,075)

542,398 

(575,195)

575,193 

13,323 

(21,263)

£

41,246 
(28,595)
12,198 
(21,362)

3,487 

2004
£
61,311 

(2)

(13,282)

£

34,813 
(398)
4,544 
(19,789)

19,170 

Cashflow
£
(21,263)

2005
£
40,048 

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

11

Athelney Trust plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

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) in effect for this period.

Change in accounting policy

The company adopted the provisions of FRS 21 'Events after the balance sheet date' during the year by which final
dividends proposed by the Board and unpaid at the end of the year are not recognised in the financial statements until
they have been approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. Interim dividends are recognised when
they are paid. This represents a change in policy from that of recognising dividends in the year for which they are
proposed. The previously published figures at 31 December 2003 and 31 December 2004 have been restated. This has
resulted in the dividend balance being reduced by £32,450 and £36,056 respectively with a corresponding decrease in
creditors less than one year.These changes have resulted in shareholders funds increasing from £1,999,509 to
£2,031,959 in 2003 and £2,431,633 to £2,467,689 in 2004.

1.2 Income

Income from investments including taxes deducted at source is recognised as income on the date the dividend is due for
payment. UK dividend 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 expenses

Investment management expenses have been allocated 25% to revenue and 75% to capital,
in line with the 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 Official List of 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.

12

Athelney Trust plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

1.   Accounting policies (continued)

1.7 Deferred taxation

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 rates expected to apply in the period in which timing differences
reverse based on tax rates and laws substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.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
UK dividend income
Bank interest
Other income

Total income

Income from investments
UK listed investments
AIM investments
Other investments

2005
£

80,987 
5,219 
59 

86,265 

£

54,506 
25,365 
1,116 

80,987 

2004
£

75,922 
3,900 
- 

79,822 

£

52,713 
22,153 
1,056 

75,922 

13

Athelney Trust plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

3. Return on ordinary activities before taxation

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

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

Auditors' remuneration:-
Audit services
- Statutory audit
- Audit related regulatory reporting

4. Employees

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

Costs in respect of administrator:-

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Total

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Average number of employees

Chairman
Investment 
Administration

2005
£

8,000 
22,000 

5,874 
752 

2005
£

30,000 
2,194 

32,194 

3,500 

134 

3,634 

33,500 

2,328 

35,828 

No.

1 
2 
1 
4 

2004
£

8,000 
20,000 

6,580 
1,240 

2004
£

28,000 
1,957 

29,957 

- 

- 

- 

28,000 

1,957 

29,957 

No.

1 
2 
- 
3 

14

Athelney Trust plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

5. Taxation

(i) The tax charge for the year is 
based on the return for the year
Corporation tax for current year
Tax relief on management expenses
  charged to income

2005

2004

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

£

- 

£

£

18,613 

18,613 

£

- 

£

£

2,062 

2,062 

(7,579)

7,579 

- 

(8,005)

8,005 

- 

Adjustment in respect of previous years
Deferred taxation

- 
- 
(7,579)

- 
51,042 
77,234 

- 
51,042 
69,655 

£

- 
- 
(8,005)

- 
80,300 
90,367 

- 
80,300 
82,362 

£

(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 per cent). The differences are explained below:

Total return on ordinary activities before tax

480,190 

550,542 

Total return on ordinary activities multiplied by the average small 
company rate of corporation tax 19% (2004: 19%)

91,236 

104,603 

Effects of:
UK dividend income not taxable
Revaluation of shares not taxable
Indexation relief for capital gains
Relief for losses brought forward
Other

Current tax charge for the year

6.

Return per ordinary share

(15,388)
(53,619)
(3,361)
- 
(255)

18,613 

(14,425)
(81,312)
(2,138)
(4,656)
(10)

2,062 

The calculation of earnings per share has been performed in accordance with FRS 14 
'Earnings per share'.

2005

2004

Attributable return on 
 ordinary activities after taxation

£
Revenue

£
Capital

£
Total

£
Revenue

£
Capital

£
Total

48,825 

361,710 

410,535 

42,818 

425,362 

468,180 

Number of shares

1,802,802 

1,802,802 

Return per ordinary share

2.7p

20.1p

22.8p

2.4p

23.6p

26.0p

15

Athelney Trust plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

7. Dividend

Final dividend in respect of 2004 of 2p 
(2003 -1.8p) per share.

* Restated on adoption of FRS21 - see note 1.1

2005
£

36,056 

Restated*

2004
£

32,450 

A final dividend in respect of 2005 of 2.5p (2004 - 2p) per share amounting to a total of £45,070 
(2004 - £36,056) is proposed by the Board. The dividend proposed will not be accounted for until
it has been approved at the Annual General Meeting.

8.

Investments

Movements in year
Valuation at beginning of year
Purchases at cost
Sales - proceeds
         - realised gains on sales
Increase 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
Other investments

Gains on investment

Realised gains on sales
Increase in unrealised appreciation

2004
£

2,048,785 
575,195 
(603,917)
107,560 
427,958 

2,555,581 

£
1,182,036 
1,373,545 

2,555,581 

1,791,814 
713,667 
50,100 

2,555,581 

2004
£
107,560 
427,958 

535,518 

2005
£

2,555,581 
529,075 
(559,040)
178,103 
282,203 

2,985,922 

£
1,306,753 
1,679,169 

2,985,922 

1,884,678 
1,027,444 
73,800 

2,985,922 

2005
£
178,103 
282,203 

460,306 

16

Athelney Trust plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

9. Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Investment transaction debtors
Other debtors

10. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Corporation tax
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors

Accruals and deferred income

* Restated on adoption of FRS21 - see note 1.1

11. Deferred taxation

                2005

Provided

£

295,142 
295,142 

Tax on unrealised gains net of losses

Balance at beginning of year
Charge to the capital element of the 
Statement of Total Return

Balance at end of year

2005
£

142,046 
3,063 
145,109 

2005
£
18,613 
3,731 
146 

11,279 

33,769 

Not
Provided

£

- 
- 

2005
£
244,100 

51,042 

295,142 

2004
£

112,080 
4,434 
116,514 

Restated*
2004
£
2,062 
3,781 
4,921 

10,853 

21,617 

£

- 
- 

            2004

Not
Provided

Provided

£

244,100 
244,100 

2004
£
163,800 

80,300 

244,100 

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.

17

Athelney Trust plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

12. 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

13. Reserves

Balance at 31 Decmber 2004 as previously 
reported
Adoption of FRS 21 (see note 1)
Balance at 1 January 2005 as restated
Net gain on realisation of investments
Increase in unrealised appreciation
Management expenses allocated to capital
Taxation
Retained profit for the year

Share
premium
account
£

405,605 
- 
405,605 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

2005
£

2004
£

2,500,000 

2,500,000 

£

450,700 

2005

Capital
reserve
realised
£

389,458 
- 
389,458 
178,103 
- 
(21,362)
(26,192)
- 

Capital
reserve
unrealised
£

1,129,445 
- 
1,129,445 
- 
282,201 
- 
(51,042)
- 

£

450,700 

Restated*
Revenue
reserve
£

56,425 
36,056 
92,481 
- 
- 
- 
- 
12,771 

Balance at end of year

405,605 

520,007 

1,360,604 

105,252 

* Restated on adoption of FRS21 - see note 1.1

14. Reconciliation of movement on shareholders' funds

2005
£
48,825 
(36,056)

12,769 
361,710 

374,479 
2,467,689 

2,842,168 

Restated*
2004
£
42,818 
(32,450)

10,368 
425,362 

435,730 
2,031,959 

2,467,689 

Retained net revenue for the year after taxation
Dividend

Total recognised gains for the year

Shareholders' funds at beginning of year

Shareholders' funds at end of year

* Restated on adoption of FRS21 - see note 1.1

18

Athelney Trust plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

15. 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 8) are valued at middle market prices where available 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.

19

Directors:

Secretary:

Registered Office:

Nominated Adviser:

Broker:

Auditor:

Banker:

Registrar:

Athelney Trust plc

OFFICERS AND FINANCIAL ADVISERS

H.B. Deschampsneufs (Chairman)
R.G. Boyle (Managing Director)
D.A. Horner (Non-Executive Director)

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
2nd Floor
144 West George Street
Glasgow,  G2 2HG

CityRoad Communications
42 - 44 Carter Lane
London, EC4V 5EA

Public Relations Consultants:

Company Number:

2933559

20