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Australian Vintage

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FY2016 Annual Report · Australian Vintage
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Avingtrans-Report-cover2016_2007 Report cover Art  19/09/2016  16:44  Page 1

A N N U A L   R E P O R T 2 0 1 6

Avingtrans-Report-cover2016_2007 Report cover Art  19/09/2016  16:44  Page 2

Avingtrans plc is engaged in the provision 

of highly engineered components, systems

and services to the energy, medical and

traffic management industries worldwide.

C O N T E NT S

tnemetats s’namriahC
Chairman’s statement 

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Strategic Report 

srotcerid eht fo tropeR
Report of the directors 

ecnanrevog etaroproC
Corporate governance 

Report of the directors on remuneration
Report of the directors on remuneration 

troper s’rotidua tnednepednI
Independent auditor’s report 

seicilop gnitnuocca lapicnirP
Principal accounting policies 

 tnemetats emocni detadilosnoC
Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

teehs ecnalab detadilosnoC
Consolidated balance sheet 

teehs ecnalab ynapmoC
Company balance sheet 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Company statement of changes in equity
Company statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of cash flow 
Consolidated statement of cash flow 

Company statement of cash flow
Company statement of cash flow 

troper launna eht ot setoN
Notes to the annual report 

Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice of Annual General Meeting 

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Metalcraft UK and China

A leader in safety-critical equipment for
the energy, medical, science and
research communities, worldwide,
specialising in precision pressure and
vacuum vessels and associated
fabrications and systems. Also designs,
manufactures and services oil and gas
extraction and processing equipment,
including process plant for dehydration,
sweetening, drying and compression.

 Crown  International

 –  UK

Design, manufacture, repair and service
of the ‘CrownPole™’, used in
conjunction with roadside safety
cameras, advanced railway signal
systems and road signage poles for
motorways and major trunk roads.

 Composite  Products  –  UK

Design and manufacture of high strength
to weight ratio critical components
combining metallic and non-metallic
precision structures in the most
demanding of applications in defence,
industrial, medical, and automotive
sectors. A licensed provider of unique
and patented braided thermoplastic
tubular components.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Avingtrans-Report-cover2016_2007 Report cover Art  19/09/2016  16:44  Page 2

Avintrans-Report-pages1-2_2007 Report cover Art  19/09/2016  16:41  Page 1

Avingtrans plc is engaged in the provision 

of highly engineered components, systems

and services to the energy, medical and

traffic management industries worldwide.

C O N T E NT S

tnemetats s’namriahC

troper cigetartS

srotcerid eht fo tropeR

ecnanrevog etaroproC

Report of the directors on remuneration

troper s’rotidua tnednepednI

seicilop gnitnuocca lapicnirP

 tnemetats emocni detadilosnoC

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

teehs ecnalab detadilosnoC

teehs ecnalab ynapmoC

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Company statement of changes in equity

Consolidated statement of cash flow 

Company statement of cash flow

troper launna eht ot setoN

Notice of Annual General Meeting

 3

4

 8

11

13

51

61

62

26

72

82

29

30

31

32

33

58

Metalcraft UK and China

A leader in safety-critical equipment for

the energy, medical, science and

research communities, worldwide,

specialising in precision pressure and

vacuum vessels and associated

fabrications and systems. Also designs,

manufactures and services oil and gas

extraction and processing equipment,

including process plant for dehydration,

sweetening, drying and compression.

 Crown  International

 –  UK

Design, manufacture, repair and service

of the ‘CrownPole™’, used in

conjunction with roadside safety

cameras, advanced railway signal

systems and road signage poles for

motorways and major trunk roads.

 Composite  Products  –  UK

Design and manufacture of high strength

to weight ratio critical components

combining metallic and non-metallic

precision structures in the most

demanding of applications in defence,

industrial, medical, and automotive

sectors. A licensed provider of unique

and patented braided thermoplastic

tubular components.

ANNUAL REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2016

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Commenting on the results, Roger McDowell, Chairman said:

“ This was an exceptional year for Avingtrans. The group sold its

Aerospace division for an enterprise value of £65m with the
intention to return £28m of the disposal proceeds to shareholders
through a tender offer, which we will announce shortly. 
Plans are advancing positively on the expected utilisation of the
remaining funds, both organically and via acquisition. The Energy
and Medical division performed in line with management
expectations in the period and we look forward to the year, ahead
as we prepare to capitalise on the major contract wins with Sellafield, 
Rapiscan, Bruker and EDF.

The Board of Directors, left to right, 

Graham Thornton, Jeremy Hamer, Les Thomas, 

Stephen King, Roger McDowell, Steve McQuillan.

With attractive structural growth markets and durable customer relationships, we remain cautiously confident
about the future of Avingtrans.”

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

• Aerospace division sold for an enterprise value of £65.0m, just prior to year end

• Revenue from continuing operations decreased by 6% to £21.2m (2015: £22.6m)

• Adjusted1 EBITDA from continuing operations increased by 18%, to £0.4m (2015: £0.3m)

• Adjusted1 Profit Before Tax improved to £0.1m (loss 2015: £0.7m) 

• Adjusted1 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 1.0p (loss 2015: (0.4p))

• Net Cash increased to £51.0m (31 May 2015: Net debt £5.9m)

• Increased final dividend of 2.1p per share, Full year total 3.2p (2015: Final 2.0p per share, Total 3.0p)

• Tender offer of £28 million to be announced shortly, expected to be completed during November 2016

1 –adjusted to add back amortisation of intangibles from business combinations, acquisition costs and exceptional items.

O P E R A T I O N A L   H I G H L I G H T S

• Aldridge building sold for £1.1m net proceeds

• Significant pre-production progress achieved for Sellafield 3M3 box contract

• New contract wins with Rapiscan and Bruker, each worth £3m over 3 years

• Post year end, Maloney won a contract with EDF, worth £3.5m over 3 years

• Crown’s markets were stable and the business remains profitable

1
1

Avintrans-Report-pages1-2_2007 Report cover Art  19/09/2016  16:41  Page 2

Company information

Directors
R S McDowell (Non-executive Chairman)
S McQuillan (Chief Executive Officer)
S M King (Chief Financial Officer)
J J Hamer (Non-executive)
G K Thornton (Non-executive)
L J Thomas (Non-executive)

Secretary
S M King 

Registered Office
Chatteris Business Park
Chatteris
Cambridgeshire
PE16 6SA

Website
www.avingtrans.plc.uk

Registered Number
1968354

Auditors
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants
Colmore Plaza
Colmore Circus
Birmingham
B4 6AT

Bankers
HSBC Bank plc
130 New Street
Birmingham
B2 4JU

Solicitors
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
No1 Colmore Square
Birmingham 
B4 6AA

2
2

Registrars
Capita Asset Services
Northern House
Woodsome Park
Fenay Bridge
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD8 0LA

Nominated Advisor
Numis Securities Limited
The London Stock Exchange Building
10 Paternoster Square 
London 
EC4M 7LT

Nominated Broker
Numis Securities Limited
The London Stock Exchange Building
10 Paternoster Square 
London 
EC4M 7LT

Avintrans-Report-pages1-2_2007 Report cover Art  19/09/2016  16:41  Page 2

Company information

Directors

R S McDowell (Non-executive Chairman)

S McQuillan (Chief Executive Officer)

S M King (Chief Financial Officer)

J J Hamer (Non-executive)

G K Thornton (Non-executive)

L J Thomas (Non-executive)

Secretary

S M King 

Registered Office

Chatteris Business Park

Chatteris

Cambridgeshire

PE16 6SA

Website

www.avingtrans.plc.uk

Registered Number

1968354

Auditors

Grant Thornton UK LLP

Statutory Auditor 

Chartered Accountants

Colmore Plaza

Colmore Circus

Birmingham

B4 6AT

Bankers

HSBC Bank plc

130 New Street

Birmingham

B2 4JU

Solicitors

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

No1 Colmore Square

Birmingham 

B4 6AA

Registrars

Capita Asset Services

Northern House

Woodsome Park

Fenay Bridge

Huddersfield

West Yorkshire

HD8 0LA

Nominated Advisor

Numis Securities Limited

The London Stock Exchange Building

10 Paternoster Square 

London 

EC4M 7LT

Nominated Broker

Numis Securities Limited

The London Stock Exchange Building

10 Paternoster Square 

London 

EC4M 7LT

Chairman’s Statement

The last twelve months have been a year of momentous change for the group. Results for the year are dominated by the sale of 
our Aerospace division, close to our financial year end for an enterprise value of £65 million which, after adjustment for debt 
and working capital and associated transaction costs, resulted in the Company receiving  proceeds of approximately £52 million 
(before escrow arrangements).

This transaction was a consequence of a strategic review of the Avingtrans group and its prospects during 2015. This review 
involved the Board and the Divisional Managing Directors, as well as external advisors. It resulted in four key concepts and 
outcomes:

1.  Avingtrans  has  a  successful  track  record  of  growing  businesses  from  start-up,  developing  them  internationally,  and 
crystallising value through their sale at an appropriate stage in their development, as demonstrated by the successful sale of 
JenaTec in 2012.

2.  Following  the  successful  conclusion  of  the  acquisition  of  the  Rolls-Royce  pipe  business  (completed  in  March  2016,  but 
already under discussion in 2015), the Board felt that it had achieved the majority of the targets which it had set for the 
Aerospace Division and it was the right stage in its development to consider a disposal of the business.

3.  Subject to achieving an attractive valuation for the Aerospace Business, the Board believed that shareholder value would 
be maximised over the mid to long term by disposing of the Aerospace Division and returning part of the proceeds from the 
disposal to shareholders, with the Company also reinvesting part of the proceeds into strengthening the Group’s position in 
the Energy sector in particular and potentially other high value engineering sectors.

4.  The Board believes that the successful contract win by the Energy and Medical business with Sellafield in May 2015 (of the 
initial tranche of 3M3 nuclear waste disposal containers) demonstrated the significant business opportunities available in this 
market, if the Group were able to put more resource into this sector.

Over the last few years, the group grew the Aerospace Division to become an international leader in its chosen niche markets. 
This  development  was  underpinned  by  a  number  of  synergistic  acquisitions,  which  enabled  the Aerospace  Division  to  build 
a strong brand and market position and to produce improved performance. Thus, the group has realised significant value for 
shareholders  through  the  disposal,  at  a  considerable  premium  to  the  cost  of  the  original  component  parts.  The  transaction 
followed a concentrated sale process, which produced a number of bids, from a select group of relevant industry and financial 
suitors from the UK, Europe, the USA and Asia.

Meanwhile, the Energy and Medical division has made steady progress in its recovery from the oil and gas sector downturn. 
During  the  year,  we  sold  the  freehold  of  the  Maloney  Metalcraft  building  at Aldridge  for  £1.1m,  net  of  costs,  limiting  our 
exposure to a continuingly depressed oil and gas market. Pre-production activities commenced on the £47m, ten year contract with 
Sellafield, for the provision of 3M3 (three-metre-cubed) nuclear waste boxes, albeit that we have seen some changes to phasing 
of the production start-up. Metalcraft is well-placed to be a key partner for Sellafield in this programme over the next 30 years. 
We were also very pleased to win two £3m contracts with Bruker and Rapiscan, both of which marked important developments 
in the diversification of the Energy and Medical division and improved the prospects for the Chengdu and Buckingham units.

During the year, we continued to invest in skills and completed our investments in new IT systems, as part of an on-going journey 
towards world-class manufacturing capability.

We are now in a period of transition for the group, where we will return £28 million to shareholders and use the remaining c£20 
million of cash to bolster our Energy and Medical division’s organic growth prospects and to pro-actively seek new opportunities 
to build shareholder value through acquisitions. Despite the economic uncertainty following the Brexit vote, we’re not under any 
pressure to buy and it is a good time to have cash.

In  addition  to  the  cash  to  be  returned  to  shareholders,  the  Board  has  declared  an  increased  final  dividend,  of  2.1  pence  per 
share, rendering a full year total of 3.2 pence, once again underlining our commitment to consistently improve returns to our 
shareholders. 

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our employees, past and present, for their hard work and dedication 
to deliver excellent quality engineering products and services to our customers.

Roger McDowell
Chairman
26 September 2016

2

3

Strategic Report

Group Performance

Strategy Summary

We are a precision engineering group, operating in differentiated, specialist niches in the supply chains of many of the world’s 
best known engineering original equipment manufacturers. Our core strategy is to build market-leading niche positions in our 
chosen market sectors – currently Energy and Medical. Over the longer term, our acquisition strategy has enabled our businesses 
to develop the critical mass necessary to achieve market leadership.

Our core businesses have the capability to engineer products in Europe and produce those products partly, or wholly in Asia, 
allowing us and our customers to access low cost sourcing at minimum risk, as well as positioning us neatly in the development 
of the Chinese and Asian markets for our products. Metalcraft is well established in China, providing integrated supply chain 
options for our customers.

The strategy of the group, is to “buy and build” in regulated engineering niche markets, where we can see potential consolidation 
opportunities, which can lead to significantly increased shareholder returns over the medium to long term. We will then crystallise 
the gains with periodic sales of businesses at advantageous times, enabling us to return the proceeds to shareholders. The Sigma 
deal and its precursor acquisitions clearly showed we can build strong brands and value from smaller constituent parts – we have 
also demonstrated we have well-developed deal-making skills and shown that we do not overpay for assets.

Niche Market Positioning
Aerospace: Sigma achieved leadership in civil aerospace pipes and ducts and in the domain of aerospace component polishing 
and finishing. This allowed us to sell Sigma for well over 2x the original shareholder equity invested in its development. With 
the disposal of Sigma, Avingtrans has exited the Aerospace market.

Energy and medical: We are developing our position as a leading European supplier of energy industry process modules, vertically 
integrating this capability with the vessel manufacturing capability at Metalcraft. This same vertical integration capability lends 
itself  to  the  nuclear  decommissioning,  life  extension  and  “new  nuclear”  markets,  as  well  as  a  variety  of  other  niches  in  the 
renewable energy sector.

Metalcraft’s cryogenic vessel manufacturing pedigree, spanning over 40 years, makes us a supplier of choice to OEMs in markets 
where this capability is critical; notably in magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance and related sectors. We 
enjoy a global market leading position in this particular supply niche. 

We have strengthened our capability to manage sophisticated outsourced manufacturing programmes for our customers, thus 
accessing business of enduring value, with the prospect of further sales growth. We remain focused on markets where we can 
sustain a significant competitive, long term advantage and where the regulatory and technical requirements provide competitive 
barriers to entry.

Thus, a “buy and build” around smaller deals, to consolidate a niche is again possible, as we demonstrated with Sigma. Having 
built successful Avingtrans businesses in Germany, the USA and China, as well as the UK, our M&A prospects are not confined 
to the domestic market.

Operations

Energy and Medical Division (Metalcraft, Maloney Metalcraft, Composite Products and Crown)

Operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

•  Customer Quality – detect free deliveries (%) 
•  Customer on time in-full deliveries (%) 
•  Annualised staff turnover (%) 
•  Health, Safety and Environment incidents per head per annum 

2016 
99.3 
97.0 
8.9 
0.05 

2015
99.3
97.0
5.7
0.1

The excellent divisional quality and delivery performance were sustained in the year. For some key customers, we were pleased 
to be able to record near perfect quality and delivery records across the full 12 months. Staff turnover – allowing for oil and 
gas market turmoil – is at an acceptable level for this type of business. Health and safety incidents continued their welcome 
significant improvement of recent years.

4

 
 
 
 
 
  
Strategic Report (Continued)

Operations (continued)

Energy and Medical Division (Metalcraft, Maloney Metalcraft, Composite Products and Crown) (continued)

The low oil price continued throughout the year, sapping any momentum in potential prospects for this sector. As previously 
noted, our response was swift and we took action to downsize the Maloney business and exit the Aldridge manufacturing site. 
The sale of the building was completed in our first half and we achieved a sale price for the freehold of £1.1m, net of costs. The 
subsequent sector woes fully justified our decisions. We have also countered the negative effects of the oil price, by focusing 
on the growth areas in the energy market, for example: energy storage; carbon capture; and nuclear power life extension and 
decommissioning.

The  remaining  effects  of  the  oil  price  reduction  mostly  worked  through  Maloney  in  the  period.  Whilst  this  suppressed  the 
revenue (-6%), we were satisfied that our early, decisive actions prevented further damage. Indeed, including the sale of the 
Maloney building, the division did make a healthy profit, but this one-off effect has been stripped out, such that the underlying 
performance was a very modest profit for the year.

Despite  the  current  oil  price  issues,  global  power  consumption  is  expected  to  grow  at  a  Compound Annual  Growth  Rate  of 
over 4% to 2025. This is positive for Metalcraft and Maloney, since we have interests in various parts of the energy cycle, from 
primary extraction, to generation, to alternative energy storage, to decommissioning. The demographics of a growing and ageing 
world population are encouraging for the medical imaging and diagnostics markets, so the division is well placed to benefit from 
external market drivers. 

Summarising developments over the year at the Energy and Medical sites:

•  Metalcraft, Chatteris: business with Siemens and Cummins in the UK was again steady. Site delivery and quality consistency 
were further improved. The £47m /10 year contract with Sellafield Ltd, to produce 3M3 (three-metre-cubed) boxes, for the 
storage of intermediate level nuclear waste, is now underway. Whilst progress has been somewhat slower than anticipated, 
the delays are not material for the project overall and we have made good progress with site preparations and pre-production 
tests. The production set-up and prototype testing will continue in the current financial year, with series production expected 
to commence in our next financial year. Metalcraft is well-placed to be a key partner for Sellafield in this programme, over 
the next 30 years, during which time the total number of 3M3 boxes required is expected to be up to 70,000 units, according 
to Sellafield’s own estimates. 

•  Metalcraft, Chengdu: results for the unit improved year on year and we made good progress with the existing customers. 
The  exciting  news  was  the  Bruker  contract  win  for  Nuclear  Magnetic  Resonance  (NMR)  vessels.  We  have  now  begun 
preparations to start production of the Bruker systems in China later in the current financial year. 

•  Maloney Metalcraft, Aldridge: as noted elsewhere, the oil price effects continued to wash through the business in the period, 
leading to a loss for this site, excluding the one-off sale of the building. There were some successes – notably the $2 million 
contract with JGC Gulf International Co. Ltd, to supply gas treatment packages. The sector remains in hibernation and we 
continue to review remaining costs prudently. Meanwhile, some of the team are being deployed on other contracts – e.g. 
nuclear. The recent EDF contract win, worth £3.5m, shows that the business has value beyond oil and gas.

•  Crown, Portishead: Crown had a steady year in its core business. The Future Environmental Technologies (FET) partnership 
made pleasing progress in the period, with the first carbon abatement project now running smoothly in Wales. This technology 
promises to make small to medium diesel generators “clean”, which is very important in a future where the energy grid is 
more fragmented and localised. Other projects with FET are now underway.

•  Composites, Buckingham: the retained part of the composites business in Buckingham (now called Composite Products Ltd) 
also made a loss for the year – as we extracted the aerospace related content to go with Sigma – and due to start-up costs for 
Rapiscan. By year end, this business was running close to break-even, with improving prospects.

Aerospace Division (Sigma)

The timing was perfect for us to sell Sigma in the last year and crystallise the optimum shareholder value, having achieved the 
majority of our deliverable goals with this business, rather than to keep growing for the sake of it. The £65m enterprise value 
achieved  was  clearly  a  good  outcome  for  shareholders,  as  verified  by  the  comprehensive  sale  process,  resulting  in  multiple 
credible bids for Sigma.

5

Strategic Report (Continued)

Financial Performance

Key Performance Indicators
The Group uses a number of financial key performance indicators to monitor the business, as set out below.  

Revenue: continuing operations saw modest sales decline – oil and gas effects now washed through
Full year Group revenue of continuing operations was down by 6%, to £21.2m (2015: £22.6m). Energy and Medical again saw 
year-on-year effects of the oil price holding back revenues, though the base position now seems stable.

Profit: improved margins on lower volumes
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 18% (note 3), to £0.4m (2015: £0.3m).  Prompt action to re-size the cost base at Maloney, on-
going improvements at Metalcraft and further progress in China improved the overall EBITDA.

Gross margins were 14.9% (2015: 10.7%), improving despite adverse conditions. 

Tax: 
The effective rate of taxation was 71.4%, whereas 2015 was 40.8% both a tax credit. The non-taxable sale of the property and 
ongoing release of deferred tax liabilities distorted the overall tax charge (2015 release of deferred tax at the Maloney site). We 
have continued to benefit from Research and Development tax credits in the UK. The tax position will “normalise” in the coming 
years, though we anticipate some on-going benefits – e.g. R&D tax credits and utilisation of China losses.

Earnings per Share (EPS): Improved for continuing operations. Substantial benefit from Aerospace disposal
Adjusted diluted earnings per share for continuing operations improved to 1.0p from a loss in 2015 of 0.4p. Diluted earnings 
per share, attributable to shareholders was 111.4p (2015:6.3p) reflecting the substantial shareholder benefit from the disposal of 
Aerospace.

Funding and Liquidity: Balance sheet strong with Net Cash
The net cash inflow from operating activities was £7.8m (2015: £1.6m). 

Net  Cash  (note  24)  at  year  end  stood  at  £51.0m  (2015:  Net  indebtedness:  £5.9m  gearing:  17%)  following  the  disposal  of 
Aerospace just prior to the year end and prior to payment of costs. 

Dividend: steady progress
The  Board  again  voted  to  underline  our  progressive  dividend  policy,  despite  the  disposal  and  we  are  pleased  to  be  able  to 
recommend  an  improved  final  dividend  of  2.1  pence  per  share  (2015:  2.0  pence  per  share).  We  intend  to  continue  on  this 
progressive path, subject to the outcome of acquisition activities in the coming years. The dividend will be paid on 9 December 
2016, to shareholders on the register at 28 October 2016. 

Full details of the tender offer will be announced shortly. However, it is expected that shareholders who participate in the tender 
offer will still receive the final dividend.

Principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group include: 

• 

• 

• 

the acceptance by end customers of its products – the Group mitigates this risk by developing a number of diverse products 
across its industry sectors. In addition, the business continues to build strong relationships with longstanding customers and 
open lines of communication to ensure that any challenges are identified early and are resolved with the customer prior to 
delivery;
changes in customer requirements and in levels of demand in the market – the Group is reliant on the relative strength of the 
global economy as a whole, but the risk is somewhat mitigated via the diversity of the markets the Group operates in. The 
Group is always conscious of the need to react to demand changes, due to this risk. In addition, the business continues to 
work with key customers to develop longer term plans concerning delivery and timing of production, to build efficiency into 
the process; 
competitive pressure on pricing – this risk is mitigated by the high level of technological quality offered by the Group’s 
products, its strong relationships with its key customers, as well as lower operating costs through its fully owned Chinese 
facilities;

•  delays  in  product  design  and  launch  programmes  –  as  the  Group’s  products  are  technically  advanced  the  timescale  of 
developing  new  products  is  uncertain.  However,  this  is  mitigated  by  strong  long  term  relationships  with  customers  and 
ensuring sufficient working capital to support this investment;
technological changes – mitigated by continued investment in research and development; 

• 

6

Strategic Report (Continued)

Principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group (continued)

•  operational risks associated with operating in overseas markets – the Group mitigates this risk by using a senior management 
team  based  both  in  the  UK  and  China.  Senior  Management  from  the  UK  regularly  visit  and  monitor  the  financial  and 
operational performance of overseas sites.

People

With the sale of Sigma, Mark Johnson, MD of Sigma and his senior team departed from Avingtrans, as part of the disposal. We 
wish them well with their plans to develop Sigma under new ownership.

Good governance dictates that the non-executive directors should be replaced periodically. Jeremy Hamer has decided that the 
time is now right for him to retire from the Avingtrans Board. Therefore, Jeremy will stand down from the Board at the AGM in 
November. He will be replaced as Audit Committee Chair by Les Thomas. Jeremy has been a stalwart supporter of the business 
whose wise counsel has been invaluable in the development of the Group through both good and difficult times. The Board would 
like to thank Jeremy for his insightful contribution over many years and wish him the very best for the future.

There were no other Board or top team management changes in the period, but we continued to reinforce our management team 
in Energy and Medical. Skills availability remains challenging, but we do not expect to be unduly constrained by any shortages 
and we continue to invest in skills – e.g. through apprenticeships, notably at our training centre at Chatteris. Indeed, a recent 
event at Chatteris celebrated the 100th year of apprentice intake for that business – a proud record.

Outlook

The group is a niche engineering market leader in the Energy, Medical and Industrial sectors. The oil price shock showed that 
we can cope well with downturns and the successful sale of Sigma shows investors that we can be trusted to produce excellent 
returns and to deliver the proceeds back to shareholders. We will continue to be hard-nosed about delivering value and we are not 
afraid to sell and return capital, if the timing is right.

Our strategy continues to produce significant new business wins that support our results and provide good visibility of longer 
term earnings – e.g. the contract with EDF, won recently. We have an excellent customer base which we can build upon and 
differentiated product niches to exploit. We are now very well placed to benefit from further market consolidation. 

The Sigma sale underlined our intention to build shareholder value through targeted merger and acquisition activity. Although we 
cannot state that this will result in any further transactions during the current financial period, we will vigorously pursue further 
opportunities to enhance long-term value.

Metalcraft is a clear leader in its chosen niche markets, providing customers with consistent quality as part of a world class 
supplier journey. Our remaining Chinese presence is providing a crucial competitive advantage. Investors are asked to endorse 
our strategy and join us in the next phase of our development.

With attractive structural growth markets and durable customer relationships, we remain cautiously confident about the future of 
Avingtrans. Future acquisition efforts will be conducted rigorously, with an underpinning ethos that any deal should be for the 
benefit of all stakeholders and should build sustainable long-term value.

The Strategic Report was approved by the Board on 26 September 2016 and signed on its behalf by:

Roger McDowell 
Chairman  
26 September 2016  

Steve McQuillan 
Chief Executive Officer 
26 September 2016  

Stephen King
Chief Financial Officer
26 September 2016

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of the Directors

The Directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2016.

Going concern

During the year the Group has managed its working capital and cash flows resulting in an operating cash inflow of £7.8m for the 
year. At 31 May 2016 the Group has net cash of £51.0m as detailed in note 24 (2015: Net debt £5.9m) and net assets of £64.8m 
(2015: £34.2m). As discussed in more detail in the Chairman’s statement and Strategic report, looking into 2016/16 and beyond, 
the Group has a number of exciting opportunities across all of its operations that should deliver growth and shareholder value. 

The Directors have prepared detailed cash flow forecasts for the Group for the period extending to 31 December 2017, alongside 
three year budgets which indicate that the Group expects to have adequate financial resources to continue in business and work 
within its current banking arrangements to deliver on its short term strategic objectives. Coupled with an ongoing supportive 
relationship with the Group’s principal bankers, HSBC, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
Annual Report and accounts. 

Results and dividends

The  Group’s  profit  for  the  year  before  tax  from  continuing  operations  amounted  to  £245,000  (loss  2015:  £1,323,000)  for 
continuing operations. This excludes profit after tax from discontinued operations of £30,716,000 (2015: £2,554,000)  (note 33). 
A final dividend of 2.1p is proposed for the year ended 31 May 2016 (2015: 2.0 pence), taking the total dividend for the year to 
3.2 pence (2015: total 3.0 pence).

Substantial shareholdings

As at 26 September 2015, the following had notified the Company that they held or were beneficially interested in 3% or more 
of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital:

Nigel Wray 
P McDowell’s Pension Fund 
R S McDowell’s Pension Fund 
Funds managed by Unicorn Asset Management Limited 
Funds managed by LGT Bank 
Funds managed Close Brothers Asset Management 

Directors and their interests

Number of 
shares 
‘000 

Percentage
of issued
share capital
owned

5,353 
2,426 
2,406 
1,661 
1,293 
924 

19.1%
8.7%
8.6%
5.9%
4.6%
3.3%

The present Directors of the Company and those that served during the year are set out on page 1. Their interests in the share 
capital of the Company are set out below.

R S McDowell 
S McQuillan  
S M King 
J J Hamer 
G K Thornton 
L J Thomas 

Share options

Ordinary shares of 5p each
31 May
31 May 
2015
2016 

2,406,409 
330,566 
286,071 
114,500 
40,000 
- 

2,406,409
330,566
286,071
114,500
40,000
-

The  Directors’  interests  with  respect  to  options  to  acquire  ordinary  shares  are  detailed  in  the  Report  of  the  Directors  on 
Remuneration.

Interests in contracts

No Director was materially interested in any contract during the year.

8

 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
Report of the Directors (Continued)

Financial instruments

The Group’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks including the effects of changes in interest rates on debt, foreign 
currency exchange rates, credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash and bank deposits, bank loans and overdrafts and obligations under 
finance leases together with trade receivables and trade payables that arise directly from its operations. The Group has not entered 
into derivative transactions. Information about the use of financial instruments by the Group is given in note 24 to the financial 
statements.

Customer credit exposure

The group may offer credit terms to its customers which allow payment of the debt after delivery of the goods or services.  The 
group is at risk to the extent that a customer may be unable to pay the debt on the specified due date.  This risk is mitigated by 
the strong on-going customer relationships. 

Environment

The  Group’s  policy  with  regard  to  the  environment  is  to  ensure  that  we  understand  and  effectively  manage  the  actual  and 
potential environmental impact of our activities. Our operations are conducted such that we comply with all legal requirements 
relating to the environment in all areas where we carry out our business. During the period covered by this report the Group has 
not incurred any significant fines or penalties or been investigated for any significant breach of environmental regulations.

Research and development

During the year £713,000 (2015: £1,403,000) of development costs (per note 12) were capitalised as intangible assets. This was 
predominately at Metalcraft in relation to new customer’s MRI designs and waste storage equipment and in Sigma relating to the 
development of new designs for rigid pipes, light weight fittings and aerospace fabrications.

Disabled persons

The Group gives full and fair consideration to applications for employment from disabled persons, where they have the necessary 
abilities  and  skills  for  that  position,  and  wherever  possible  will  retrain  employees  who  become  disabled,  so  that  they  can 
continue their employment in another position. The Group engages, promotes, and trains staff on the basis of their capabilities, 
qualifications and experience, without discrimination, giving all employees an equal opportunity to progress.

Directors’ indemnities

The  Company  has  taken  out  directors’  and  officers’  liability  insurance  for  the  benefit  of  its  Directors  during  the  year  which 
remains in force at the date of this report.

Employee involvement

It is the policy of the Group to communicate with employees by employee representation on works and staff committees and by 
briefing meetings conducted by senior management. Career development is encouraged through suitable training.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities for the financial statements 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report and the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have to prepare 
the Parent and Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union. 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 and the profit or loss of the Group and Parent company for that period. 

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• 
•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• 

state whether applicable IFRSs have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial 
statements;

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company and Group 

will continue in business.

9

 
Report of the Directors (Continued)

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities for the financial statements (continued)

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
and Group’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and Group 
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 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. The Directors confirm that:

• 

• 

so far as each of the Directors is aware there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s and Group’s auditor is 
unaware; and
the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as directors to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

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

Auditor

Grant Thornton UK LLP (“Grant Thornton”) are willing to continue in office in accordance with section 489 of the Companies 
Act 2006, and a resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

The report of the Directors was approved by the Board on 26 September 2016 and signed on its behalf by:

S M King
Director

10

Corporate Governance

The Group is committed to high standards of corporate governance and the Board is accountable to the Company’s shareholders 
for good corporate governance. Although the Group is not required to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code and 
does not voluntarily apply the Corporate Governance Code, this statement describes how the principles of corporate governance 
are applied to the Group.

Directors 

The Board of Avingtrans plc comprised two Executive Directors and four Non-Executive Directors. During the year the Board 
was chaired by R S McDowell and assisted by the Senior Independent Non-executive Director J J Hamer, who together have 
primary responsibility for running the Board. 

The Chief Executive, S McQuillan, had executive responsibilities for the operations, results and strategic development of the 
Group  during  the  year.  S  M  King  is  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  Company  Secretary.  The  Board  structure  ensures  that  no 
individual or group dominates the decision making process. 

The Non-executive Directors are considered to be independent of management and from any business relationship which could 
materially  interfere  with  their  independent  judgement.  The  Senior  Independent  Non-executive  Director  is  J  J  Hamer  and  is 
available to shareholders if they have concerns.

The Board meets regularly with no less than ten such meetings held in each calendar year. There is a formal schedule of matters 
specifically reserved to the Board for its decision to enable it to take overall control of the Group’s affairs. All Directors have 
access to the services of the Company Secretary and may take independent professional advice at the Group’s expense in the 
furtherance of their duties. Management has an obligation to provide the Board with appropriate and timely information to enable 
it to discharge its duties. The Chairman ensures that all Directors are properly briefed on issues arising at Board meetings.

The  Nominations  Committee  is  responsible  for  monitoring  and  reviewing  the  membership  and  composition  of  the  Board, 
including  the  decision  to  recommend  the  appointment  or  re-appointment  of  a  Director. The  Board  and  Committee  regularly 
review the composition of the Board to identify areas where additional experience is required to balance the Board.  

The Company’s Articles of Association ensure Directors retire at the third Annual General Meeting after the Annual General 
Meeting at which they were elected and may, if eligible, offer themselves for re-election.

R S McDowell chairs the Nominations Committee, with J J Hamer chairing the Audit Committee and G K Thornton chairing the 
Remuneration Committee. The Non-executive Directors and the Chairman are members of all the above committees.

Directors’ remuneration

The responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee, are set out in the Report of the Directors on Remuneration on pages 13 to 14.

Relations with shareholders

The Board attaches a high level of importance to maintaining good relationships with shareholders, whether they are institutions 
or private investors.

The Board encourages all Directors to attend shareholder meetings and institutional presentations, where they are available for 
questions from shareholders. This enables the Board to develop an understanding of the views of shareholders.

The Board regards the Annual General Meeting as an opportunity to communicate directly with private investors and actively 
encourages participative dialogue.

The Company counts all proxy votes and except where a poll is called, it indicates the level of proxies lodged on each resolution 
and the balance for and against the resolution, after it has been dealt with on a show of hands.

A  separate  resolution  on  each  substantially  separate  issue  is  proposed  at  the Annual  General  Meeting. The  Chairman  of  the 
Board and each of the Chairmen of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees are available to answer questions at 
the Annual General Meeting. All Directors are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting.

In  2009  the  Company  amended  its Articles  to  include  electronic  communication  with  its  members.  The Annual  Report  and 
Financial Statements and Interim Report are automatically uploaded to www.avingtrans.plc.uk. All members are given the option 
to receive a paper copy or an email copy of the Annual Report.  Notice of the Annual General Meeting is sent to shareholders at 
least 20 days before the meeting.

11

Corporate Governance (Continued)

Accountability and Audit 

The respective responsibilities of Directors and the Auditor are set out on pages 9, 10 and 15. The Board has established an Audit 
Committee. The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities include the monitoring of internal control, approving accounting 
policies, agreeing the treatment of major accounting issues, appointment and remuneration of the external auditor and reviewing 
the interim and annual financial statements before submission to the Board. It meets twice a year with the external auditor to 
review their findings. At these meetings the Non-executive Directors have the opportunity to discuss findings with the auditor in 
the absence of the Executive Directors.

To follow best practice and in accordance with Ethical Standard 1 issued by the Auditing Practices Board, the external auditor 
has held discussions with the audit committee on the subject of auditor independence and has confirmed their independence in 
writing.

Internal control

The Directors acknowledge that they are responsible for ensuring that the Group has in place a system of internal control which 
is both effective and appropriate to the nature and size of the business.

The  Board,  through  the  Audit  Committee,  has  reviewed  the  operation  and  effectiveness  of  the  system  of  internal  control 
throughout the accounting year and the period to the date of approval of the financial statements, although it should be understood 
that  such  systems  are  designed  to  provide  reasonable  but  not  absolute  assurance  against  material  misstatement  or  loss.  The 
Group’s system of control includes:

a comprehensive budgeting system with annual budgets approved by the Directors

• 
•  monthly monitoring of actual results against budget and regular review of variances
close involvement of Directors who approve all significant transactions
• 
•  financial and operating control procedures for all management of the Group
• 
•  bank facilities and other treasury functions are monitored and policy changes approved by the Board.

identification and appraisal by the Board of the major risks affecting the business and the financial controls

The Board has considered the need for an internal audit function and concluded that this would not be appropriate at present due 
to the size of the Group.

S M King
Company Secretary
26 September 2016

12

Report of the Directors on Remuneration

Composition

The  Remuneration  Committee  during  the  period  comprised  G  K  Thornton  (Chairman),  R  S  McDowell,  J  J  Hamer  and  
L J Thomas.

Principal function

The  remuneration  packages,  including  contract  periods  of  Executive  Directors  and  senior  management,  are  determined  by 
the Remuneration Committee. It ensures that the remuneration packages are appropriate for their responsibilities, taking into 
consideration the overall financial and business position of the Group. The remuneration of R S McDowell is determined by the 
three Non-executive Directors.

Base salary and benefits

The Committee sets the salary of each Executive Director by reference to the responsibility of the position held, performance of 
the individual and external market data.  Salaries are reviewed annually.

Annual performance related bonus

The Company operates a bonus scheme for its Directors which enables it to attract and retain high calibre senior management 
personnel who make a major contribution to the financial performance of the Group. Bonuses paid under the scheme are accrued 
under the annual bonus plan approved by the Remuneration Committee. The plan is based on various financial metrics around 
cash and financial performance.

Share options

The  Committee  is  responsible  for  approving  grants  of  share  options  to  the  Executive  Directors.  Options  may  be  exercised 
between three and ten years from the date the option is granted but only if certain performance criteria are satisfied, as set out 
on page 14.

Pensions

The  Company  is  responsible  for  the  contributions  to  the  defined  contribution  schemes  selected  by  the  Executive  Directors. 
Details of contributions provided in the year are set out in note 5 to the financial statements.

Service agreements

R S McDowell, S McQuillan and S M King have service contracts which are terminable on 12 months’ notice by either party. 
The Committee consider that these contracts are in line with the market. 

Non-executive Directors

Non-executive Directors’ remuneration is reviewed by all members of the Board other than the Non-executive Director under 
review and takes the form solely of fees. J J Hamer, G Thornton and L Thomas have a letter of appointment terminable on three 
months’ notice by either party.

Compensation for loss of office

There are no predetermined special provisions for Executive or Non-executive Directors with regard to compensation in the 
event of loss of office. The Remuneration Committee considers the circumstances of individual cases of early termination and 
determines compensation payments accordingly with the aim not to reward poor performance.

Directors’ emoluments

Details of the remuneration of all Directors are set out in note 6 to the financial statements.

13

 
Report of the Directors on Remuneration (Continued)

Share options

Details of the share options of all Directors are as follows:

Executive: 
S McQuillan 

S M King 

Date of  At 31 May 
2015 

grant 

Granted 

18/12/2012 
22/11/2013 
10/12/2014 

25/9/2010 
18/12/2012 
22/11/2013 
10/12/2014 

175,000 
95,000 
100,000 

370,000 

40,000 
125,000 
84,000 
75,000 

324,000 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

  Weighted
average
exercise
price
£

Exercised 

  At 31 May 
2016 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

175,000 
95,000 
100,000 

370,000 

40,000 
125,000 
84,000 
75,000 

324,000 

0.960
1.760
1.110

1.206

0.395
0.960
1.760
1.110

1.132

The share options are exercisable between three and ten years from the date of grant if the growth in adjusted basic earnings per 
share of Avingtrans plc during the three years between grant date and vesting date is at least equal to the increase in the Retail 
Price Index during the same period.

G K Thornton
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
26 September 2016

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
             
              
               
             
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            
               
            
         
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Avingtrans plc

We  have  audited  the  financial  statements  of Avingtrans  plc  for  the  year  ended  31  May  2016  which  comprise  the  principal 
accounting policies, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated 
statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the consolidated and  company balance sheets, the 
consolidated statement of cash flows, the company statement of cash flows, and related notes. The financial reporting framework 
that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union and as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of 
the Companies Act 2006.

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 auditors

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities set out on pages 9 and 10, 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  Financial  Reporting  Council’s  website  at  
www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate

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 May 
2016 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended; 
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;
the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union and as applied in accordance with the provision of the Companies Act 2006; 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 Strategic Report and Report of the Directors 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 White
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP 
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants 
Birmingham
26 September 2016

15

Principal Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as adopted by the European Union and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 that are relevant to companies which apply IFRS. 
The Company has elected to prepare its Parent Company financial statements in accordance with IFRS also, these are presented 
alongside the Group Disclosures throughout the accounts. 

These are the first IFRS financial statements prepared in respect of the parent company. The effects of the transition from the 
previous financial statements prepared under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice is detailed in note 34.
The following Standards and Interpretations, which are relevant to the Group but have not been applied during the year, were in 
issue but not yet effective:

Framework Pronouncement 

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS 9

IFRS 14

IFRS 15

IFRS 16

Amendments to  
IFRS 11

Amendments to  
IAS 16 and IAS 38

Amendments to  
IAS 16 and IAS 41

Amendments to  
IAS  27

Effective date 

EU

Financial Instruments

Not yet EU-adopted

Regulatory Deferral Accounts

Not yet EU-adopted

Revenue from Contracts with Customers Not yet EU-adopted

Leases

Not yet EU-adopted

Accounting for Acquisitions of  
Interests in Joint Operations

EU mandatory effective date periods 
starting on or after 1 January 2016

Clarification of Acceptable Methods of 
Depreciation and Amortisation

EU mandatory effective date periods 
starting on or after 1 January 2016

Bearer Plants

EU mandatory effective date periods 
starting on or after 1 January 2016

Equity Method in Separate Financial  
Statements 

EU mandatory effective date periods 
starting on or after 1 January 2016

Amendments to IFRS 10, 
IFRS 12 and IAS 28

Investment Entities: Applying the 
Consolidation Exception

EU mandatory effective date periods 
starting on or after 1 January 2016

IFRS

IAS 1

Presentation of Financial Statements

EU mandatory effective date periods 
starting on or after 1 January 2016

IFRS

Amendments to  
IFRS 10 and IAS 28

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an 
Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture

Not yet EU-adopted

IFRS

IFRIC 21

Levies

IFRS

Amendments IAS 19

Defined Benefit Plans: Employee 
contributions

IFRS

Annual Improvements 
2010-2012

IFRS

Annual Improvements 
2011-2013

IFRS

Annual Improvements 
2012-2014

EU mandatory effective date periods start-
ing on or after 17 June 2014

EU mandatory effective date financial 
periods commencing on or after 1 February 
2015

EU mandatory effective date financial 
periods commencing on or after 1 February 
2015

EU mandatory effective date financial 
periods commencing on or after 1 January 
2015

Not yet EU-adopted

The directors to not consider that the implementation of the above standards will have a material impact on the Group financial 
statements.

16

Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)

Basis of consolidation

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and all of its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 31 May 
2016. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee 
and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. The Group obtains and exercises control of its 
subsidiaries through voting rights. Employee Benefit Trusts (“EBT”) are consolidated on the basis that the parent has control as 
it bears the risks and rewards of having established the trust, thus the assets and liabilities of the EBT are included on the Group 
balance sheet and shares held by the EBT in the Company are presented as a deduction from equity.  

All intra-group transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its 
subsidiaries are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of 
the asset transferred. 

The parent company has taken the exemption conferred by S.408 Companies Act 2006 not to publish the profit and loss account 
of the parent company with these consolidated accounts. The profit/loss dealt with in the parent company’s financial statements 
was £32,077k (2015: loss of £206k).

Profit or loss from discontinued operations

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group that either has been disposed of, or is classified as held for sale, and:

• 
• 
• 

represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations
is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations or
is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

Profit or loss from discontinued operations, including prior year components of profit or loss, is presented in a single amount 
in the income statement. This amount, which comprises the post-tax profit or loss of discontinued operations and the post-tax 
gain or loss resulting from the measurement and disposal of assets classified as held for sale, is further analysed in note 33.  The 
disclosures for discontinued operations in the prior year relate to all operations that have been discontinued by the reporting date 
of the latest period presented.

Business combinations 

Business combinations are accounted for by using the acquisition method. The acquisition method involves the recognition at 
fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities, including contingent liabilities of the acquired business, at the acquisition date, 
regardless of whether or not they were recorded in the financial statements prior to acquisition. On initial recognition, the assets 
and liabilities are included in the consolidated balance sheet at their fair values, which are also used as the basis for subsequent 
measurement in accordance with the Group accounting policies.  

Goodwill recognised on business combinations is stated after separate recognition of identifiable intangible assets. It is calculated 
as the excess of the sum of a) fair value of consideration transferred, b) the recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in 
the acquiree and c) acquisition-date fair value of any existing equity interest in the acquiree, over the acquisition-date fair values 
of identifiable net assets. If the fair values of identifiable net assets exceed the sum calculated above, the excess amount (ie gain 
on a bargain purchase) is recognised in profit or loss immediately.

Acquisition costs are expensed through the income statement as incurred.

An  intangible  asset  acquired  in  a  business  combination  is  deemed  to  have  a  cost  to  the  Group  equal  to  its  fair  value  at  the 
acquisition date. The fair value of the intangible asset reflects market expectations about the probability that the future economic 
benefits embodied in the asset will flow to the Group.  

Where an intangible asset might be separable, but only together with a related tangible or intangible asset, the group of assets is 
recognised as a single asset separately from goodwill where the individual fair values of the assets in the group are not reliably 
measurable. Where the individual fair value of the complementary assets are reliably measurable, the Group recognises them as 
single assets provided the individual assets have similar useful lives.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from business combinations that are not individually identified and 
separately recognised. Goodwill is capitalised and reviewed annually for impairment. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses.

There is no re instatement of goodwill that was amortised prior to transition to IFRS. Goodwill previously written off to reserves 
is not written back to the income statement on subsequent disposal.

17

 
Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)

Revenue 

Revenue is measured by reference to the fair value of consideration received or receivable by the Group for goods supplied and 
services provided, excluding VAT and trade discounts.  Revenue is recognised upon the performance of services or transfer of 
risk to the customer.

Sale of goods

Each of the Group’s trading subsidiaries is involved in the supply of goods and follows a consistent accounting policy. This 
policy  is  reviewed  regularly  by  the  directors  to  accommodate  changes  in  circumstances.  Revenue  from  the  sale  of  goods  is 
recognised when all the following conditions have been satisfied: 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

the Group has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods which is generally when 
goods are despatched, or the product is complete and is ready for delivery, based on specific contract terms
the Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective 
control  over  the  goods  sold  which  is  generally  when  goods  are  despatched,  or  the  product  is  complete  and  is  ready  for 
delivery, based on specific contract terms
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably
it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group, and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Long term contracts 

Long-term contracts are accounted for in accordance with IAS 11. Contract revenue reflects the contract activity during the year 
and is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable. When the outcome can be assessed reliably, contract 
revenue and associated costs are recognised as revenue and expenses respectively by reference to the stage of completion of 
the contract activity at the balance sheet date. The stage of completion of the contract at the balance sheet date is assessed by 
reference to the value of work done to the balance sheet date as a proportion of the total value of the contract.

Where the outcome of a long-term contract cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of contract costs 
incurred where it is probable that they will be recoverable. Contract costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which 
they are incurred.

In the case of a fixed price contract, the outcome of a construction contract is deemed to be estimated reliably when all the 
following conditions are satisfied:

total contract revenue can be measured reliably
it is probable that economic benefits associated with the contract will flow to the Group

• 
• 
•  both  the  contract  costs  to  complete  the  contract  and  the  stage  of  completion  at  the  balance  sheet  date  can  be  measured 

• 

reliably, and
the contract costs attributable to the contract can be clearly identified and measured reliably so that actual contract costs 
incurred can be compared with prior estimates.

The gross amount due from customers for contract work is presented as an asset for all contracts in progress for which costs 
incurred  plus  recognised  profits  (less  recognised  losses)  exceeds  progress  billings.  The  gross  amount  due  to  customers  for 
contract  work  is  presented  as  a  payments  on  account  for  all  contracts  in  progress  for  which  progress  billings  exceed  costs 
incurred plus recognised profits (less losses).  

Recognition of losses on all contracts as a result of delays and liquidated damages is made in the year in which the loss is first 
foreseen and is recognised as a deduction from amounts recoverable from the customer or added to payments on account. This 
includes recognition of liquidated damages to the extent they expect to be paid in respect of any anticipated delays to the delivery 
of projects.

Dilapidations

When  there  is  reasonable  certainty  of  the  cash  outflow  in  respect  of  dilapidations  this  is  provided  for  within  accruals  in  the 
financial statements. Where there is significant uncertainty in respect of the amount or timing of the payment of dilapidations, 
this is included within provisions.

Dividends

Dividends are recognised when the shareholders right to receive payment is established. Dividend distributions payable to equity 
shareholders are included in “other short term financial liabilities” when the dividends are approved in general meeting prior to 
the balance sheet date. Interim dividends are recognised when paid.

18

Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)

Property, plant and equipment 

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Assets held under finance 
leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets or, where shorter, over the term of the 
relevant lease.

Disposal of assets

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying 
amount of the asset and is recognised in the income statement. The gain or loss arising from the sale is included in administrative 
expenses in the income statement. 

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost less estimated residual value of all property, plant and equipment other than 
freehold land by equal annual instalments over their estimated useful economic lives. The rates/periods generally applicable are:

Freehold buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Plant and machinery 
Equipment and motor vehicles 

2%
Period of lease
6.7 - 20%
12.5% - 33%

Material residual value estimates are updated as required, but at least annually.

Impairment testing of goodwill, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash 
flows (cash-generating units). As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at cash-generating 
unit level. Goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of the related business 
combination and represent the lowest level within the Group at which management monitors the related cash flows.

Goodwill, other individual assets or cash-generating units that include goodwill and those intangible assets not yet available 
for use are tested for impairment at least annually. All other individual assets or cash-generating units are tested for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds its 
recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell, and value 
in use based on an internal discounted cash flow evaluation. Impairment losses recognised for cash-generating units, to which 
goodwill has been allocated, are credited initially to the carrying amount of goodwill. Any remaining impairment loss is charged 
pro rata to the other assets in the cash generating unit. With the exception of goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed 
for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist. Discount factors are determined individually 
for each cash generating unit and reflect current market assessments at the time value of money and asset-specific risk factors.  

If the impairment is subsequently reversed, the carrying amount, except for goodwill, is increased to the revised estimate of its 
recoverable amount, but limited to the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment been recognised.  
Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed.

Leased assets

The economic ownership of a leased asset is transferred to the lessee if the lessee bears substantially all the risks and rewards 
related to the ownership of the leased asset. The related asset is recognised at the time of inception of the lease at the fair value 
of the leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments plus incidental payments, if any, to be borne by 
the lessee. A corresponding amount is recognised as a finance leasing liability. 

The interest element of leasing payments represents a constant proportion of the capital balance outstanding and is charged to the 
income statement as a finance cost over the period of the lease.  
All other leases are regarded as operating leases and the payments made under them are charged to the income statement on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives are spread over the term of the lease.

Investments

Investments in subsidiary undertakings and participating interests are stated at cost less provision for impairment where necessary to 
reduce book value to recoverable amount.  Publicly traded investments are stated at cost less any provision to arrive at market value. 
Cost is purchase price including acquisition expenses, but excluding any payment for accrued interest or fixed dividend entitlement.  

Investment income is recognised on a received basis.

19

Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs of ordinarily interchangeable items are assigned using 
the first in, first out cost formula. Cost includes materials, direct labour and an attributable proportion of manufacturing overheads 
based on normal levels of activity. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less any 
applicable selling expenses.

Interest income

Interest is recognised using the effective interest method, which calculates the amortised cost of a financial asset and allocates the 
interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts 
through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.

Taxation

Current tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit for the year.

Tax expense recognised in profit or loss comprises the sum of deferred tax and current tax not recognised in other comprehensive 
income or directly in equity.

Calculation  of  current  tax  is  based  on  tax  rates  and  laws  that  have  been  enacted  or  substantially  enacted  by  the  end  of  the 
reporting period.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on 
the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on 
the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business 
combination or affects tax or accounting profit. Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries is 
not provided if the reversal of these temporary differences can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not 
occur in the foreseeable future. In addition, tax losses available to be carried forward as well as other income tax credits to the 
Group are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets.

Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that the underlying deductible temporary differences will be able to be offset against future taxable income.  Current and deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates and laws that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, 
provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the consolidated income statement, 
except where they relate to items that are charged or credited to other comprehensive income or directly to equity in which case 
the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or equity.

The group has accounted for research and development expenditure tax credit above operating profit.

Intangible assets

i)  Order Book and Customer Relationships

  Customer lists acquired in a business combination that qualify for separate recognition are recognised as intangible assets at 

their fair values.

The useful lives for these intangible assets are finite.

These intangible assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the following periods:

•  Order book 
•  Customer relationships 

Period of order cover

- 
-  Up to 10 years

The amortisation charge is shown within amortisation of intangibles in the income statement.

ii)  Software

  Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and install the specific software.

The useful lives for these intangible assets are finite.

20

 
 
 
Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)

Intangible assets (continued)

Software is amortised over three years and the amortisation charge is shown within administrative expenses in the income 
statement.

iii)  Intellectual property

Intellectual  property  is  amortised  over  a  period  of  20  years  and  the  amortisation  charge  is  shown  within  administrative 
expenses in the income statement. The useful lives for these intangible assets are finite. 

iv)  Internally generated development costs

Expenditure on research (or the research phase of an internal project) is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is 
incurred. Development costs incurred on specific projects are capitalised when all the following conditions are satisfied:

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

completion of the intangible asset is technically feasible so that it will be available for use or sale
the Group intends to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it
the Group has the ability to use or sell the intangible asset
the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits.  Among other things, this requires that there is a 
market for the output from the intangible asset or for the intangible asset itself, or, if it is to be used internally, the asset 
will be used in generating such benefits
there are adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible 
asset, and
the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development can be measured reliably.

For a project meeting these criteria, subsequent costs incurred will be capitalised until the product or process is available for use, 
at which point amortisation commences on a straight line basis over the product’s estimated useful life, generally 3 – 8 years. 
The useful lives for these intangible assets are finite. Where businesses are in start up or have  a specific contract covering the 
amortisation then a period longer than 8 years could be used. Amortisation costs are shown within administrative expenses.

  Development costs not meeting the criteria for capitalisation are expensed as incurred.

The cost of an internally generated development costs comprises all directly attributable costs necessary to create, produce, 
and prepare the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Directly attributable costs include 
employee costs incurred on project development along with an appropriate portion of relevant overheads.  

Equity

Share capital represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued.

When the Company purchases its own shares, the consideration is deducted from equity (attributable to the Company’s equity 
holders until the shares are either cancelled or issued) as an investment in own shares reserve. Such shares are held at cost. 

Share premium includes any premiums received on issue of share capital. Any transaction costs associated with the issuing of 
shares are deducted from share premium, net of any related income tax benefits.

Capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of shares cancelled.

Merger reserve was created on the acquisition of Sigma UK Limited.

Other reserves were created on redemption of preference shares.

Foreign currency translation differences arising on the translation of the Group’s foreign entities are included in the translation 
reserve.

Retained earnings include all current and prior period retained profits. It also includes charges related to share-based employee 
remuneration.

All transactions with owners of the parent are recorded separately within equity.

21

 
 
 
 
 
Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)

Financial assets

The Group’s financial assets include:

i) 
trade and other receivables that are classified as loans and receivables
ii)  cash and cash equivalents that are classified as loans and receivables
iii)  unlisted investments classified as available for sale.

All financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.  Financial 
assets are initially recognised at fair value. 

Loans and receivables are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less 
provision for any impairment. Any change to their value through impairment or reversal of impairment is recognised in profit or loss.

Provision against trade receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts 
due to it in accordance with the original terms of those receivables. The amount of the write-down is determined as the difference 
between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated discounted future cash flows.

Available for sale financial assets include non-derivative financial assets that are either designated as such or do not qualify for 
inclusion in any of the other categories of financial assets. All financial assets within this category are measured at fair value (with 
movements in fair value recognised through income statement or other comprehensive income as required), unless the fair value 
cannot be measured reliably and in this case these assets are valued at cost. Gains and losses arising from investments classified 
as available for sale are recognised in the income statement when they are sold or when the investment is impaired.

In the case of impairment of available for sale assets, any loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income is reclassified 
from equity to profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in profit or loss on equity instruments are not reversed through profit 
or loss.  

A financial asset is derecognised only where the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or the financial asset 
is transferred and that transfer qualifies for derecognition. A financial asset is transferred if the contractual rights to receive the 
cash flows of the asset have been transferred or the Group retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset but 
assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash flows to one or more recipients. A financial asset that is transferred qualifies 
for derecognition if the Group transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, or if the Group neither 
retains nor transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership but does transfer control of that asset. 

Financial liabilities

The Group’s financial liabilities include:

trade and other payables that are classified as other financial liabilities

i) 
ii)  borrowings that are classified as other financial liabilities
iii)  deferred consideration that is classified as other financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other financial assets and are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the 
contractual provisions of the instrument. All other financial liabilities are recorded initially at fair value, net of direct issue costs. 
Financial liabilities are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

A  financial  liability  is  derecognised  only  when  the  obligation  is  extinguished,  that  is,  when  the  obligation  is  discharged  or 
cancelled or expires.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  comprise  cash  in  hand,  deposits  held  on  call  with  banks  and  bank  overdrafts,  and  ring  fenced 
cash obtained from EU grants. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the balance sheet. Cash 
equivalents are short term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject 
to an insignificant risk of changes in value. 

Non-current assets and liabilities classified as held for sale

Non-current  assets  classified  as  held  for  sale  are  presented  separately  and  measured  at  the  lower  of  their  carrying  amounts 
immediately prior to their classification as held for sale and their fair value less costs to sell. Once classified as held for sale, the 
assets are not subject to depreciation or amortisation.

22

Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)

Defined contribution pension scheme

The pension costs charged against profits are the contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.

Equity settled share-based payments

Where employees are rewarded using share-based payments, the fair values of employees’ services are determined indirectly by 
reference to the fair value of the instrument granted to the employee. This fair value is appraised at the grant date and excludes 
the impact of non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth targets).

All equity-settled share-based payments are ultimately recognised as an expense in the profit or loss with a corresponding credit 
to “retained earnings”.  

If vesting periods or other non-market vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best 
available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication 
that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. Any cumulative adjustment prior to vesting is 
recognised in the current period. No adjustment is made to any expense recognised in prior periods if share options ultimately 
exercised are different to that estimated on vesting.

Upon exercise of share options the proceeds received net of attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital, and where 
appropriate share premium.

Foreign currencies

The individual Financial Statements of each Group entity are presented in the currency in the primary economic environment 
of which the entity operates (its functional currency). For the purposes of the consolidated financial statements, the results and 
financial position are presented in sterling (£) Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at 
the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at 
the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of monetary items denominated in 
foreign currency at year-end exchange rates are recognised in profit or loss. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical 
cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. 

Any exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from 
those at which they were initially recorded are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.  Exchange differences 
on non-monetary items are recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent that they relate to a gain or loss on that 
non-monetary item recognised in other comprehensive income, otherwise such gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss.

The  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  financial  statements  of  foreign  subsidiaries  and  related  goodwill  are  translated  at  the  rate  of 
exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at a rate which is considered to be approximate 
to the rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. The exchange differences arising from the retranslation of the opening net 
investment in subsidiaries are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the “translation reserve” in equity. 
On disposal of a foreign operation the cumulative translation differences are reclassified from equity to profit or loss when the 
gain or loss is recognised.

Segmental reporting

A segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged in business activities from which it may earn revenues and 
incur expenses whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Chief Executive, who is considered to be the chief operating 
decision maker. The Chief Executive focuses on information by operating division and the Group has therefore identified that 
following the Aerospace disposal on 27 May 2016 the only reportable operating segment currently is Energy and Medical.

The Chief Executive also reviews information by geographical area and whilst this is considered supplementary to the operating 
information, it is disclosed in the financial statements to provide additional information. Those areas are:

a)  United Kingdom
b)  Europe
c)  North America
d)  Rest of World

23

Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)

Government grants

Government grants in respect of capital expenditure are credited to a deferred income account and are released to the income 
statement by equal annual instalments over the expected useful lives of the relevant assets.

Government grants in respect of assistance of a revenue nature are credited to the income statement in the same period as the 
related expenditure.

Provisions and contingent liabilities 

Provisions are recognised when present obligations as a result of a past event will probably lead to an outflow of economic 
resources from the Group and amounts can be estimated reliably. A present obligation arises from the presence of a legal or 
constructive commitment that has resulted from past events. Restructuring provisions are recognised only if a detailed formal 
plan for the restructuring has been developed and implemented, or management has announced the plan’s main features to those 
affected by it. 

Provisions  are  measured  at  the  estimated  expenditure  required  to  settle  the  present  obligation,  based  on  the  most  reliable  
evidence available at the reporting date, including the risks and uncertainties associated with the present obligation. Where there 
are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the 
class of obligations as a whole. 

In those cases where the possible outflow of economic resources as a result of present obligations is considered improbable or 
remote, no liability is recognised, unless it was assumed in the course of a business combination.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Certain estimates and judgements need to be made by the directors of the Group which affect the results and position of the 
Group as reported in the financial statements. Estimates and judgements are required, for example, as at the reporting date not all 
assets/liabilities have been settled. There are inherent areas of judgement and estimation due to the high-technology development 
work carried out by the Group in all of its operational sectors. There are also areas of judgement within the longer term Energy 
and Medical contracts that the Group enters into which require a view regarding their ultimate outcome and the recoverability 
of assets.  

The major areas of estimation within the financial statements are as follows:

Revenue and margin recognition on construction and long-term service contracts and related provisions

The  Group  recognises  revenue  and  gross  margin  on  construction  and  long-term  service  contracts  using  the  percentage  of 
completion method based on milestones; in addition, when a project review indicates a negative gross margin, the estimated loss 
at completion is immediately recognised.

Recognised revenue and margin are based on estimates of total expected contract revenue and cost, which are subject to revisions 
as  the  contract  progresses.  Total  expected  revenue  and  cost  on  a  contract  reflect  management’s  current  best  estimate  of  the 
probable future benefits and obligations associated with the contract. Assumptions to calculate present and future obligations take 
into account current technology as well as the commercial and contractual positions, assessed on a contract-by-contract basis. 
The introduction of technologically-advanced products exposes the Group to risks of product failure significantly beyond the 
terms of standard contractual warranties applicable to suppliers of equipment only.

Obligations on contracts may result in penalties due to late completion of contractual milestones, or unanticipated costs due to 
project modifications or delays caused by unexpected conditions or events.

Loss making contracts

From time to time the group enters into contracts which ultimately do not generate the anticipated profits at the time of execution. 
Where contracts are expected to make losses management prepare their best estimate of the total losses expected on that contract 
and make a full provision in the period which the loss is first foreseen. When considering the profitability of contracts where 
management  anticipate  delays  in  the  delivery  of  projects,  they  take  into  consideration  any  expected  payments  in  respect  of 
contractual liquidated damages on late delivery. Estimates have been used in assessing the total value of losses expected on 
contracts at Maloney Metalcraft and amounts released thereafter as obligations passed. In respect of liquidated damages, where 
the conditions are met for payment management provide for these in full. 

24

 
Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)

Exceptional items

Exceptional items are identified as such by virtue of their size, and nature of incidence. These items are disclosed on the face of 
the Income Statement to aid the understanding of the group’s performance. Transaction which may give rise to exceptional items 
are principally acquisition, start up and restructuring costs.

Impairment of goodwill

Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which the 
goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise 
from the cash-generating unit and to apply a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. The assumptions and 
sensitivities applied by management in determining whether there is any impairment of goodwill are set out in note 11. 

Recoverability of internally-generated intangible assets

During  the  year,  management  reconsidered  the  recoverability  of  its  internally-generated  intangible  assets  ensuring  that  the 
projects  continue  to  progress  in  a  satisfactory  manner,  and  that  customer  reaction  has  reconfirmed  management’s  previous 
estimates of anticipated revenue streams from the projects. Whether capitalised development costs are subsequently impaired 
requires an estimation of the future discounted cashflows of the associated product. Management have based their estimate of the 
future cashflows on current year orders extended over the life of the product. Further details are included in note 12.

Recoverability of WIP, trade receivables and accrued income

Management estimate the recoverable amount of balances relating to ongoing contracts that are incomplete at the date of approval 
of the financial statements. In particular in relation to claims the Directors prepare a best estimate of the amount expected to be 
recovered at the balance sheet date by reference to ongoing negotiations with the customer. Management do not accrue for the 
full amount of the claim and periodically revisit the claim and their assessment of the amount expected to be recovered. WIP, 
trade receivables and accrued income are detailed in note 17.

Warranties 

Warranty accruals are made for specific product issues based on an estimate on the likely cost arising. It has been deemed prudent 
to provide for an amount based on historical information. As at the year end, there are no significant warranties and the Directors’ 
are not aware of any significant exposure.

The major areas for judgements within the financial statements are as follows:

Recognition of intangible assets

During  the  year  management  have  capitalised  £713k  of  development  costs  associated  with  ongoing  projects. As  defined  in 
the  accounting  policy,  management  carefully  consider  the  conditions  set  out  in  assessing  whether  to  capitalise  certain  costs. 
Assessing the future revenues and the availability of resources to complete the project involves significant judgement by the 
management team who are experienced in delivering these types of projects. 

Deferred tax asset

Judgement is applied in assessing whether a deferred tax asset is recognised on carried forward losses based on anticipated profit 
streams, as set out in note 25.

25

Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 May 2016

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Distribution costs 

Share based payment expense 
Net proceeds from property disposal 
Restructuring costs 
Start up costs - China 
Other administrative expenses 

Total administrative expenses 

Operating loss  

Finance income 
Finance costs 

Profit/(loss) before taxation 
Taxation 

Profit/(loss) after taxation from continuing operations 

Note 

2016 
£’000 

2015
£’000

1 

21,177 

22,557

(18,028) 

(20,134)

3,149 

2,423

(699) 

(21) 
446 -
(272) 
- 
(2,830) 

(792)

(26)

(195)
(450)
(2,192)

(2,677) 

(2,863)

(227) 

(1,232)

1 

4 
5 

8 

554 
(82) 

245 
175 

420 

31,136 

1.5p 
1.5p 

112.3p 
111.4p 

2016 
£’000 

31,136 

1
(92)

(1,323)
540

(783)

2,554

1,771

(2.8)p
(2.8)p

6.4p
6.3p

2015
£’000

1,771

395

Profit after taxation from discontinued operations 

33 

30,716 

Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders 

Earnings per share: 
From continuing operations 
- Basic 
- Diluted 
From continuing and discontinued operations  
- Basic 
- Diluted 

10 
10 

10 
10 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax: 
Items that may/will subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss  
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 
Exchange differences recycled on disposal of subsidiary undertakings   

33 

(283) 
477 -

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity shareholders 

31,330 

2,166

The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 16 to 57 form part of these financial statements.

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet

For the year ended 31 May 2016 

Note 

Non current assets 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Deferred tax 
Available for sale financial assets 

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables: amounts falling due within one year 
Trade and other receivables: amounts falling due after one year 
Current tax asset 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Assets held for sale 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under finance leases 
Borrowings 
Current tax liabilities 
Provisions 

Total current liabilities 

Non current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Obligations under finance leases 
Deferred tax 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Merger reserve 
Translation reserve 
Other reserves 
Investment in own shares 
Retained earnings 

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 

11 
12 
13 
25 
15 

16 
17 
17 
8 

19 

21 
23 
22 
8 
20 

22 
23 
25 

26 

32 

2016  
£’000  

4,550  
930  
4,668  
6  
-  

10,154  

3,046  
6,141  
1,450  
85  
56,503  

67,225  
-  

77,379  

(6,908) 
(295) 
(3,911) 
(129) 
-  

2015
£’000

9,557
3,442
11,861
64
-

24,924

10,733
19,030
-
277
6,337

36,377
631

61,932

(14,338)
(695)
(8,357)
(334)
-

(11,243) 

(23,724)

(1,075) 
(176) 
(132) 

(1,383) 

(2,434)
(765)
(824)

(4,023)

(12,626) 

(27,747)

64,753  

34,185

1,387  
10,903  
814  
-  
(8) 
180  
(1,000) 
52,477  

64,753  

1,385
10,873
814
402
(202)
180
(1,000)
21,733

34,185

The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 16 to 57 form part of these financial statements. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 26 September 2016 and signed on 
its behalf by:

S M King
Director 
Company number: 1968354 

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Balance Sheet 

For the year ended 31 May 2016

Non current assets 
Investments 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables: amounts falling due within one year 
Trade and other receivables: amounts falling due after one year 
Cash at bank and in hand 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Merger reserve 
Other reserves 
Profit and loss account 

Equity shareholders’ funds 

Note 

14 

17 
17 

21 
22 

22 

26 

2016 
£’000 

5,816 

5,816 

3,598 
1,450 
55,498 

60,546 

66,362 

(3,856) 
(178) 

(4,034) 

(1,075) 

(1,075) 

2015 
£’000 

16,738 

16,738 

13,732 
400 
4,116 

18,248 

34,986 

(2,604) 
(264) 

(2,868) 

(2,180) 

(2,180) 

2014
£’000

16,713

16,713

14,337
400
3,689

18,426

35,139

(1,793)
(299)

(2,092)

(2,267)

(2,267)

(5,109) 

(5,048) 

(4,359)

61,253 

29,938 

30,780

1,387 
10,903 
814 
- 
180 
47,969 

61,253 

1,385 
10,873 
814 
402 
180 
16,284 

29,938 

1,379
10,818
814
402
180
17,187

30,780

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on and authorised for issue 26 September 2016 and signed on 
its behalf by:

S M King
Director 

The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 16 to 57 form part of these financial statements 

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 May 2016

  Capital
Share  redemp 

Share  premium 
capital   account  
£’000 
£’000 

-tion  Merger 
reserve 
£’000 

 reserve 
£’000 

At 1 June 2014 
Ordinary shares issued 
Dividends paid 
Share-based payments 

1,379 
6 
- 
- 

10,818 
55 
- 
- 

814 
- 
- 
- 

402 
- 
- 
- 

 Investment

Trans 
-lation  Other 
 reserve  reserves 
£’000 

£’000 

in own  Retained
shares  earnings 
£’000 

£’000 

180 
- 
- 
- 

(1,000) 
- 
- 
- 

20,659 
- 
(740) 
43 

Total
£’000

32,655
61
(740)
43

(597) 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

395 

395 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(697) 

(636)

1,771 

1,771

- 

395

1,771 

2,166

Transactions 
with owners 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income 
Exchange gain 
Total comprehensive 
income for the year 
Balance at 31 May 
2015 

6 

- 

- 

- 

55 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,385 

1,385 
2 
- 
- 
- 

2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

10,873 

814 

402 

(202) 

180 

(1,000) 

21,733 

34,185

10,873 
30 
- 
- 
- 

30 

- 

- 

- 

- 

814 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

10,903 

814 

402 
- 
- 
(402) 
- 

(402) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(202) 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

(283) 

477 

194 

180 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(1,000) 
- 
- 
- 
- 

21,733 
- 
(830) 
402 
36 

34,185
32
(830)
-
36

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(392) 

(762)

31,136 

31,136

- 

- 

(283)

477

31,136 

31,330

(8) 

180 

(1,000) 

52,477 

64,753

At 1 June 2015 
Ordinary shares issued 
Dividends paid 
Transfer on disposal 
Share-based payments 
Transactions with  
owners 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income 
Exchange gain 
Recycled on  
disposal of subsidiary  
undertakings 
Total comprehensive  
income for the year 
Balance at 31 May  
2016 

1,387 

The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 16 to 57 form part of these financial statements.

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 May 2016

Share 
capital  
£’000 

1,379 
6 
- 
- 

6 

- 

- 

At 1 June 2014 
Ordinary shares issued 
Dividends paid 
Share-based payments 

Transactions with owners 

Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive  
income for the year 

Share 
premium 
account  
£’000 

Capital
redemp 
-tion 
 reserve 
£’000 

Merger 
reserve 
£’000 

Other 
 reserves 
£’000 

Retained
earnings 
£’000 

10,818 
55 
- 
- 

55 

- 

- 

814 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

402 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

180 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

Total
£’000

30,780
61
(740)
43

(636)

17,187 
- 
(740) 
43 

(697) 

(206) 

(206)

(206) 

(206)

Balance at 31 May 2015 

1,385 

10,873 

814 

402 

180 

16,284 

29,938

At 1 June 2015 
Ordinary shares issued 
Dividends paid 
Transfer on disposal 
Share-based payments 

Transactions with owners 

Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive  
income for the year 

1,385 
2 
- 
- 
- 

2 

- 

- 

10,873 
30 
- 
- 
- 

30 

- 

- 

814 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

Balance at 31 May 2016 

1,387 

10,903 

814 

402 
- 
- 
(402) 
- 

(402) 

- 

- 

- 

180 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

180 

16,284 
- 
(830) 
402 
36 

(392) 

29,938
32
(830)
-
36

(762)

32,077 

32,077

32,077 

47,969 

32,077

61,253

The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 16 to 57 form part of these financial statements.

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 

28 

33 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

For the year ended 31 May 2016

Operating activities 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Finance costs paid 
Income tax repaid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings, net of cash acquired 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings, net of cash 
Finance income 
Purchase of intangible assets 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 

Net cash generated/(used) by in investing activities 

Financing activities 
Equity dividends paid 
Repayments of bank loans 
Repayments of obligations under finance leases 
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 
Borrowings raised 

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

28 

The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 16 to 57 form part of these financial statements. 

            Group
2016 
£’000 

2015
£’000

7,885 
(146) 
52 

7,791 

(3,500) 
53,677 -
554 
(766) 
(1,062) 
9 -
1,319 

50,231 

(830) 
(4,156) 
(1,176) 
32 
1,651 

(4,479) 

53,543 
(361) 
(259) 

52,923 

1,832
(213)
27

1,646

(1,137)

1
(1,582)
(832)

103

(3,447)

(740)
(440)
(901)
61
1,875

(145)

(1,946)
1,428
157

(361)

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Cash Flow

For the year ended 31 May 2016

Operating activities 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Finance costs paid 
Income tax repaid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings, net of cash 
Finance income 
Dividends received 

Net cash generated/(used) by in investing activities 

Financing activities 
Equity dividends paid 
Repayments of bank loans 
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 
Borrowings raised 

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Note 

            Company

29 

2016 
£’000 

(1,415) 
(55) 
4 

(1,466) 

54,260 -
581 
- 

54,841 

(830) 
(2,659) 
32 
1,464 -

(1,993) 

51,382 
4,116 

55,498 

2015
£’000

(519)
(55)
79

(495)

228
1,500

1,728 

(740)
(127)
61

(806) 

427
3,689

4,116

The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 16 to 57 form part of these financial statements. 

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report

For the year ended 31 May 2016

1

Segmental analysis

For management purposes, the Group is currently organised into one (2015: two) main segment Energy and Medical following 
the disposal of Aerospace. The basis on which the Group reports to the Chief Executive.

Principal activities are as follows:

•  Energy and Medical – in the design and manufacture of machined and fabricated pressure and vacuum vessels and process 
plant and equipment for the power, oil & gas and medical markets. Plus, design and manufacture of fabricated poles and 
cabinets for roadside safety cameras and rail track signalling.

Information about these businesses is presented below:

Year ended 31 May 2016 

Revenue 

Operating profit/(loss) 
Net finance costs 
Taxation 

Profit after tax from continuing operations 

Segment non-current assets 
Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

Net assets 

Non-current asset additions 
Intangible assets 
Tangible assets 

Energy and 

Unallocated
Medical  Central items 
 £’000 

£’000 

Total
£’000

21,177 

- 

21,177

59 

(286) 

(227)
472
175

420

10,154 
20,427 

- 
56,952 

10,154
77,379

(7,952) 

(4,674) 

(12,626)

12,475 

52,278 

64,753

330 
430 

760 

- 
- 

- 

330
430

760

Unallocated assets/(liabilities) consist primarily of interest bearing assets and liabilities and income tax assets and liabilities.

33

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

1

Segmental analysis (continued)

Year ended 31 May 2015 

Revenue 

Operating loss 
Net finance costs 
Taxation 

Loss after tax from continuing operations 

Segment non-current assets 
Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

Net assets 

Non-current asset additions 
Intangible assets 
Tangible assets 

Discontinued   Energy and  Unallocated
Medical  Central items 
 £’000 

Operations 
£’000 

£’000 

Total
£’000

22,557 

- 

22,557

(743) 

(489) 

14,619 
35,680 

10,304 
22,113 

- 
4,139 

(1,232)
(91)
540

(783)

24,924
61,932

(13,064) 

(11,871) 

(2,812) 

(27,747)

22,616 

10,242 

1,327 

34,185

1,232 
764 

1,996 

350 
422 

772 

- 
- 

- 

1,582
1,186

2,768

Unallocated assets/(liabilities) consist primarily of interest bearing assets and liabilities and income tax assets and liabilities.

Geographical 

The  following  tables  provides  an  analysis  of  the  Group’s  revenue  by  destination  and  the  location  of  non-current  assets  by 
geographical market:

United Kingdom 
Europe 
North America 
Rest of World 
Eliminations 

2016 

Revenue 
£’000 

16,027 
511 
1 
5,387 
(749) 

21,177 

2015 

Revenue 
£’000 

2016 

2015
  Non-current  Non-current 
Assets
£’000

Assets 
£’000 

19,375 
545 
37 
3,150 
(550) 

22,557 

8,626 
- -
- -
1,528 
- -

21,388

3,536

10,154 

24,924

The Group had Energy & Medical revenue of £6,977,000 and £2,284,000 (2015: £7,228,000) with single external customers 
under common control, which each represent more than 10% of the Group’s revenue.

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

2

Profit before taxation - continuing  

Profit before taxation is stated after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Amortisation of internally generated intangible assets 
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense 
(Gain)/loss on foreign exchange transactions 
Staff costs (note 7) 
Operating lease rentals: 
- Land and buildings 
- Machinery 

Auditor’s remuneration 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the financial statements 
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services: 
- Audit of the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries and
  associates pursuant to legislation 
- Tax compliance services  
- All other services 

2016 
£’000 

505 
548 
229 
17,101 
(11) 
8,295 

260 
24 

2016 
£’000 

13 

68 
20 
23 

2015
£’000

573
17
288
18,249
13
9,373

283
29

2015
£’000

12

111
27
12

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor Grant Thornton UK LLP and its associates for non-audit services to the Company itself 
are not disclosed in the individual financial statements of the Company because the Group financial statements are required by 
the Companies (Disclosure of Auditor Remuneration and Liability Limitation Agreements) Regulations 2008 to disclose such 
fees on a consolidated basis.

3

Adjusted Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations 
Share based payment expense 
Restructuring costs 
Profit on disposal of property 
Start up costs - China 

Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax 

Finance income 
Finance cost 

Adjusted loss before interest, tax and amortisation from business combinations (‘EBITA’) 

Depreciation 
Amortisation of other intangible assets 

Adjusted Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (‘EBITDA’) 

2016 
£’000 

245 
21 
272 
(446) -
- 

92 

(554) 
82 

(380) 

505 
229 

354 

The Directors believe that the above adjusted earnings are a more appropriate reflection of the Group performance. 

2015
£’000

(1,323)
26
195

450

(652)

(1)
92

(561)

573
288

300

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

4

Finance income   

Interest from other 
Interest on finance lease agreements 

5

Finance costs 

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts wholly repayable within five years 
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts wholly repayable after five years 
Interest on finance lease agreements 

  Group

2016 
£’000 

552 
2 

554 

  2015
  £’000

 -

1

1

  Group

2016 
£’000 

  2015
  £’000

7 
54 
21 

82 

10
55
27

92

6

Directors’ emoluments

Particulars of directors’ emoluments are as follows: 

Salary and 
Fees	
£’000 

Benefits	
£’000 

Long Term 
Incentive	
£’000 

Non-executive: 
R S McDowell 
J J Hamer 
LJ Thomas 
GK Thornton 
Executive: 
S McQuillan 
S M King 

Total emoluments 

63 
30 
25 
35 

266 
221 

640 

- 
- 
- 
- 

2 
1 

3 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

Total 
2016 
£’000 

63 
30 
25 
35 

268 
222 

643 

Total 
2015 
£’000 

63 
30 
21 
31 

229 
175 

549 

Pension 
Total 
2016 
£’000 

Pension
Total
2015
£’000

- 
- 
- 
- 

22 
26 

48 

-
-
-
-

27
33

60

During June 2016 S McQuillan and S King were each paid £600,000 respectively in connection with the successful completion 
of the disposal of the Aerospace division, which was accrued in the financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2016. Thus 
total remuneration and remuneration for the highest paid director would be £1,843,000 and £868,000 respectively.

The fees of JJ Hamer, LJ Thomas and GK Thornton were paid to Fin Dec Limited, Heriot Resources Ltd and RG Associates 
respectively.

The  non-cash  benefits  comprise  the  provision  of  private  health  insurance  for  S  McQuillan  and  S  M  King.  The  number  of 
Directors who are accruing benefits under money purchase schemes is two (2015: two). 

The long term incentive represents the initial interest in the Joint Ownership Scheme (see note 30).

Employers National Insurance Contributions made relating to directors’ emoluments were £70,000 (2015: £65,000).

During 2016 S McQuillan and S M King exercised Nil share options respectively as set out on page 14. (2015: S McQuillan and 
S M King exercised 195,000, 130,000 share options resulting in gains of £100,000, and £67,000).

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

7

Employees 

Particulars of employees, including Executive Directors:

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs 
Share-based payment expense 

The average monthly number of employees (including Executive Directors) during the year was:

Production 
Selling and distribution 
Administration 

2016 
£’000 

7,163 
725 
386 
21 

8,295 

2015
£’000

7,963
875
508
26

9,372

2016 
Number 

2015
Number

190 
13 
35 

238 

233
14
40

287

The remuneration of the Directors and Senior Management, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out 
below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’.

Short term employee benefits (including NIC) 
Post-employment benefits 
Share-based payments 

8

Taxation

Current tax 
Deferred tax (note 25) 

2016 
£’000 

2015
£’000

720 
69 
15 

804 

2016 
£’000 

(63) 
(112) 

(175) 

620
80
19

719

2015
£’000

(360)
(180)

(540)

UK corporation tax is calculated at 20.0% (2015: 20.83%) of the estimated assessable profit/loss for the year. Taxation for other 
jurisdictions is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

37

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

8

Taxation (continued) 

The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the income statement as follows:

Profit/(loss) before taxation 

Theoretical tax at UK corporation tax rate of  20.0% (2015: 20.83%) 
 Effects of: 

Other expenditure that is/ is not tax deductible 
Un-provided deferred tax differences 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 
Change in deferred tax rate 

Total tax charge 

2016 
£’000 

245 

49 

(104) 
(61) 
(43) 
(16) -

(175) 

2015
£’000

(1,323)

(276)

66
(331)
1

(540)

The Group has tax losses carried forward of approximately £4.7million at 31 May 2016 (2015: £5.2million) that may be relievable 
against future profits. 

The Group’s corporation tax assets and liabilities can be summarised as follows:

Current tax assets 
UK Corporation tax 

Current tax liabilities 
UK Corporation tax 

2016 
£’000 

2015
£’000

85 

85 

129 

129 

277

277

334

334

Factors that may affect future tax charges

A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 21% to 20% (effective 1 April 2015) was enacted on 2 July 2013.  Changes to 
the UK corporation tax rates were announced in the Chancellor’s Budget on 8 July 2015 and were substantively enacted on 26 
October 2015. These include reductions to the main rate to reduce the rate to 19% from 1 April 2017 and to 18% from 1 April 
2020. The closing deferred tax liability at 31 May 2016 has therefore been calculated using these rates.

An additional reduction to 17% (effective from 1 April 2020) was announced in the budget on 16 March 2016. This will reduce 
the company’s future current tax charge and deferred tax liability accordingly.

9

Dividends

Interim dividend paid of 1.0p per ordinary share (2015: 0.9p) 
Final dividend paid of 2.0p per ordinary share (2015: 1.8p) 

2016 
£’000 

277 
553 

830 

2015
£’000

248
492

740

The interim dividend declared in the half year statement of 1.1p per ordinary share was paid on 15 June 2016.

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

10

Earnings per ordinary share 

Basic and diluted earnings per share have been calculated in accordance with IAS 33 which requires that earnings should be 
based on the net profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 
during the year.

For diluted earnings per share the weighted average number of ordinary shares is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive 
potential ordinary shares, being the EMI, CSOP and ExSOP share options.

Weighted average number of shares – basic 
Share option adjustment 

Weighted average number of shares – diluted 

Earnings/(loss) from continuing operations 
Share-based payments 
Restructuring costs 
Start up costs - China 
Profit on disposal of property 

Adjusted earnings/(loss)  from continuing operations 

From continuing operations: 
Basic earnings per share 
Adjusted basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share 

Earnings from discontinued operations 

From discontinued operations: 
Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

Earnings attributable to shareholders 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

2016 
Number 

2015
Number

27,725,452 
230,934 

27,643,480
343,457

27,956,386 

27,986,937

2016 
£’000 

2015
£’000

420 
21 
272 
- 
(446) -

267 

1.5p 
1.0p 
1.5p 
1.0p 

30,716 

110.8p 
109.9p 

(783)
26
195
450

(112)

(2.8)p
(0.4)p
(2.8)p
(0.4)p

2,554

9.2p
9.2p

31,136 

1,771

112.3p 
111.4p 

6.4p
6.3p

The Directors believe that the above adjusted earnings per share calculation for continuing operations is a more appropriate 
reflection of the Group’s underlying performance.

There are 321,502 share options at 31 May 2016 (2015: 802,500) that are not included within diluted earnings per share because 
they are anti-dilutive.

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

11

Goodwill 

Cost 
At 1 June 2014 and 1 June 2015 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 

At 31 May 2016 

Accumulated impairment losses 
At 1 June 2014 and 1 June 2015 

At 31 May 2016 

Net book value 

At 31 May 2016 

At 31 May 2015 

Total
£’000

10,407
(5,007)

5,400

850

850

4,550

9,557

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash generating units (CGUs) that are expected to 
benefit from that business combination. The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated as follows:

Aerospace 
Energy and Medical 

2016 
£’000 

- 
4,550 

4,550 

2015
£’000

5,007
4,550

9,557

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. 

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value in use 
calculations are those regarding the revenue growth rates, expected changes to selling prices and direct costs during the period 
and discount rates.

The Group prepares cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial budgets approved by management for the next 
three years and derives cash flows for the following two years based on estimated growth rates for the specific markets in which 
each CGU operates. The Group uses its past experience in compiling the cashflow forecasts. The estimated growth rate does not 
exceed the average long-term growth rate for the relevant markets. A rate of 4% has been used for Energy and Medical. Recent 
changes to management and improvements to the contract negotiation and costing processes are expected to increase margins in 
the Energy and Medical division. 

Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past practices and expectations of future changes in the market. 

The  rate  used  to  discount  the  forecast  cash  flows  is  10%  which  is  considered  appropriate  based  on  the  Group’s  borrowings 
adjusted for the aggregate risk in the respective markets.

Management have sensitised these key assumptions for each CGU within what is considered a reasonably possible range for the 
market in which the Group operates and have concluded that a 2% growth in revenue and discount rate of 12% would not result 
in the carrying amount of goodwill exceeding the recoverable amount.

Whilst a five year horizon is shorter than the expected remaining life of the relevant CGUs, the directors consider this a suitable 
period to apply in performing impairment reviews due to the inherent uncertainty in further extrapolating three year forecasts.

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

12

Other intangible assets – group

Customer 
  relationships 
£’000 

Order  Development 
costs 
£’000 

book 
£’000 

Software 
£’000 

Cost 
At 1 June 2014 
Additions  

At 1 June 2015 
Additions 
Disposals 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 

4,026 
- 

4,026 
- 
- 
(4,026) 

364 
- 

364 
- 
- 
(364) 

4,073 
1,403 

5,476 
713 
- 
(3,865) 

At 31 May 2016 

- 

- 

2,324 

Accumulated amortisation 
At 1 June 2014 
Charge for the year 

At 1 June 2015 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 

At 31 May 2015 

Net book value at 31 May 2016 

Net book value at 31 May 2015 

3,717 
137 

3,854 
137 
- 
(3,991) 

- 

- 

172 

364 
- 

364 
- 
- 
(364) 

- 

- 

- 

2,235 
509 

2,744 
623 
- 
(1,904) 

1,463 

861 

2,732 

790 
179 

969 
53 
(13) 
(715) 

294 

246 
185 

431 
223 
(4) 
(425) 

225 

69 

538 

Total
£’000

9,253
1,582

10,835
766
(13)
(8,970)

2,618

6,562
831

7,393
983
(4)
(6,684)

1,688

930

3,442

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

13

Property, plant and equipment– group

Freehold  Leasehold 
 improve- 
 land and 
buildings 
£’000 

Plant and 
ments  Machinery 
£’000 
£’000 

  Equipment
and motor
vehicles 
£’000 

Cost 
At 1 June 2014 
Additions 
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings 
Disposals 
Transfer to Assets held for sale 
Exchange adjustments 

At 1 June 2015 
Additions 
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings 
Disposals 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 
Exchange adjustments 

At 31 May 2016 

Depreciation 
At 1 June 2014 
Charge in the year 
Disposals 
Transfer to Assets held for sale 
Exchange adjustments 

At 1 June 2015 
Charge in the year 
Disposals 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 
Exchange adjustments 

At 31 May 2016 

Net book value at 31 May 2016 

Net book value at 31 May 2015 

5,946 
10 
- 
- 
(664) 
- 

5,292 
28 
- 
- 
(3,194) 
- 

2,126 

522 
84 
- 
(33) 

573 
66 
(1) 
(373) 
- 

265 

1,861 

4,719 

384 
1 
- 
(8) 
- 
- 

377 
65 
- 
(3) 
(336) 
- 

103 

142 
26 
(8) 
- 

160 
22 
(2) 
(148) 
- 

32 

71 

217 

10,893 
521 
354 
(785) 
(15) 
125 

11,093 
786 
1,060 
(267) 
(6,936) 
(13) 

5,723 

5,117 
970 
(784) 
(15) 
9 

5,297 
1,109 
(87) 
(2,839) 
(2) 

3,478 

2,245 

5,796 

Leased assets
The net book value of assets held under finance leases are as follows:

Total
£’000

19,221
832
354
(962)
(679)
148

18,914
1,062
1,181
(289)
(11,896)
(15)

8,957

6,614
1,438
(961)
(48)
10

7,053
1,520
(90)
(4,192)
(2)

4,289

4,668

1,998 
300 
- 
(169) 
- 
23 

2,152 
183 
121 
(19) 
(1,430) 
(2) 

1,005 

833 
358 
(169) 
- 
1 

1,023 
323 
- 
(832) 
- 

514 

491 

1,129 

11,861

Freehold 
Plant and 
land and 
buildings  machinery 
£’000 

£’000 

  Equipment
and motor
vehicles 
£’000 

Net book value  
At 31 May 2016 

At 31 May 2015 

- 

2 

674 

1,352 

6 

400 

Depreciation charged on assets held under finance leases was £202,000 (2015: £585,000).

42

Total
£’000

682

1,754

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

14

Investments

Unlisted 

Capital
investments	 Undertakings	 Contributions	
£’000 

Group 

£’000 

£’000 

Cost 
At 1 June 2014 
Additions  

At 1 June 2015 
Additions 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 

At 31 May 2016 

Provision 
At 1 June 2014 
Charge for the year 

At 1 June 2015 
Charge for the year 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 

At 31 May 2015 

Net book value at 31 May 2016 

Net book value at 31 May 2015 

219 
- 

219 
- 
- 

219 

219 
- 

219 
- 
- 

219 

- 

- 

21,031 
- 

21,031 
- 
(10,861) 

10,170 

4,424 
- 

4,424 
- 
- 

4,424 

5,746 

16,607 

106 
25 

131 
24 
(85) 

70 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

70 

131 

Total
£’000

21,356
25

21,381
24
(10,946)

10,459

4,643
-

4,643
-
-

4,643

5,816

16,738

The Company has the following investments in subsidiaries:  

Name 
Crown UK Limited 
Stainless Metalcraft (Chatteris) Limited 
Metalcraft (Chengdu) Limited 
Metalcraft (Sichuan) Limited 
Maloney Metalcraft Limited  
Composite Products Limited  
(formerly Sigma Composites Limited) 

Country of incorporation 
England and Wales 
England and Wales 
China 
China 
England and Wales 

Principal activity
Precision engineering
Precision engineering
Precision engineering
Precision engineering
Precision engineering

England and Wales 

Precision engineering

Metalcraft (Chengdu) Limited and Metalcraft (Sichuan) Limited are 100% subsidiaries of Stainless Metalcraft (Chatteris) Limited.

The Company disposed of the Aerospace division in the year. See note 33 for further information.

Available for sale financial assets

15

Cost 

At 1 June 2014, 2015 and 31 May 2016 

Provision

At 1 June 2014, 2015 and 31 May 2016 

Net book value at 31 May 2016 and 31 May 2015 

Unlisted
investments
£’000

219

219

-

43

 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

15

Available for sale financial assets (continued)

The unlisted investment relates to a 7% holding in Vehicle Occupancy Limited (‘VOL’). Per IAS 39 this investment should  
be  re-valued  to  fair  value  at  each  reporting  date.  However, VOL  has  a  call  option  over  the  Group’s  shareholding  to  acquire  
those  shares  at  cost  and  the  fair  value  cannot  be  measured  reliably  as  this  is  an  unlisted  start-up  company,  so  is  valued  at  
cost less impairment. 

16

Inventories

Raw materials and consumables 
Work in progress 
Finished goods  

Group  

2016 
£’000 

750 
1,926 
370 

3,046 

2015
£’000

6,228
4,053
452

10,733

The replacement cost of the above stocks would not be significantly different from the values stated.

17

Trade and other receivables

Amounts falling due within one year 
Trade receivables 
Allowance for doubtful debts 

Other receivables 
Amounts owed by group undertakings 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Amounts receivable under long term contracts 

Amounts falling after one year 
Other receivables 
Amounts owed by group undertakings 

   Group 

2016 
£’000 

3,498 
(52) 

3,446 

40 
- 
1,276 
1,379 

6,141 

1,450 
- 

1,450 

2015 
£’000 

15,566 
(128) 

15,438 

589 
- 
1,919 
1,084 

19,030 

- 
- 

- 

2016 
£’000 

 Company
2015 
£’000 

2014
£’000

- -
- -

- -

1,066 
2,529 
3 
- -

3,598 

1,450 -
- 

1,450 

 -
 -

 -

1,000 
12,709 
23 
 -

13,732 

 -
400 

400 

1,000
13,316
21

14,337

400

400

The  average  credit  period  taken  on  sales  of  goods  is  46  days  (2015:  76  days)  in  respect  of  the  Group.  No  interest  is  
generally  charged  on  the  receivables  until  legal  action  is  taken.  Thereafter,  interest  is  charged  at  8%  above  bank  base  rate  
on the outstanding balance.

 The  Group  has  impaired  all  trade  receivables  to  the  present  value  of  estimated  future  cash  receipts  where  it  considers  the 
collection of the receivable is doubtful.

 The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is limited to trade receivables net of allowance for doubtful debts. 

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

17

Trade and other receivables (continued) 

Ageing of past due but not impaired trade receivables. 

60 - 90 days 
90 - 120 days 
120+ days 

Total 

Movement in the allowance for doubtful debts

Balance brought forward 
Impairment losses recognised 
Amounts written off as uncollectible 
Amounts recovered 
On disposal of subsidiaries 

Balance carried forward 

   Group 

2016 
£’000 

373 
284 
188 

845 

2015 
£’000 

464 
2,217 
1,134 

3,815 

2016 
£’000 

 Company
2015 
£’000 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

  Group 

2016 
£’000 

2015 
£’000 

2016 
£’000 

 Company
2015 
£’000 

128 
42 
(36) 
- 
(82) 

52 

184 
36 
(55) 
(37) 
- 

128 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

Included in the allowance for doubtful debts are individually impaired receivables.

Ageing of impaired receivables:

60 - 90 days 
90 - 120 days 
120+ days 

Total 

  Group 

2016 
£’000 

2015 
£’000 

2016 
£’000 

 Company
2015 
£’000 

- 
- 
55 

55 

3 
3 
121 

127 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to fair value.

18

Long term contracts 

Gross amounts due from customers for contract work (included in current assets) 
Gross amounts due to customers for contract work (included in current liabilities) 

Contract costs incurred plus recognised profits less recognised losses to date 
Less: progress billings 

Revenue arising from long term contracts was £4,697,000 (2015: £7,312,000). 

2016 
£’000 

1,379 
(89) 

1,290 

6,022 
(4,732) 

1,290 

2014
£’000

-
-
-

-

2014
£’000

-
-
-
-
-

-

2014
£’000

-
-
-

-

2015
£’000

1,018
(647)

371

5,566
(5,195)

371

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

19

Assets held for sale

At the end of 2015 management decided to relocate the direct production work undertaken at the Aldridge site within the Energy 
and Medical division to the Chatteris site, making the site superfluous to requirements. The freehold site at Aldridge was classified 
as held for sale. On 1 July 2015 the freehold site was sold for £1.1m net of costs resulting in a profit of £0.4m.

20

Provisions

All provisions are considered current. The carrying amounts and the movements in the provision account are as follows:

Carrying amount 1 June 2014 
Amounts utilised 
Reversals 

At 1 June 2015 
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 
Amounts utilised 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 
Reversals 

At 31 May 2016 

Dilapidations 
£’000 

289 
(103) 
(186) 

- 
265 
- 
(265) 
- 

- 

Group
Other 
£’000 

400 
(400) 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

Total
£’000

689
(503)
(186)

-
-
-
-
-

-

The sites where provision had been made for dilapidation were exited at 31 May 2015. Other provisions related to various legal and 
other claims by customers which were settled during the year.

21

Trade and other payables

  Group 

2016 
£’000  

3,499 
- 
564 
205 
527 
2,113 

6,908 

  Group 

2016 
£’000  

3,580 
1,406 

4,986 

3,911 

1,075 

2015 
£’000 

7,118 
- 
2,008 
235 
527 
4,450 

14,338 

2015 
£’000 

6,698 
4,093 

10,791 

8,357 

2,434 

2016 
£’000 

56 
465 
113 
- 
- 
3,222 

3,856 

2016 
£’000 

- 
1,253 

1,253 

178 

1,075 

Company
2015 
£’000 

28 
945 
134 
23 
- 
1,474 

2,604 

Company
2015 
£’000 

- 
2,444 

2,444 

264 

2,180 

2014
£’000

39
1,568
143
23
-
20

1,793

2014
£’000

-
2,566

2,566

299

2,267

Trade payables 
Amounts owed to group undertakings  
Other tax and social security 
Other payables 
Payments on account 
Accruals and deferred income  

22

Borrowings

Secured borrowings 

Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans 

Total borrowings 

Amount due for settlement within 12 months 

Amount due for settlement after 12 months 

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

22

Borrowings (continued)

Bank loans due within one to two years 
Bank loans due within two to five years 
Bank loans due after five years 

  Group 

2016 
£’000  

179 
541 
355 

1,075 

2015 
£’000 

524 
850 
1,060 

2,434 

2016 
£’000 

179 
541 
355 

1,075 

Company
2015 
£’000 

271 
849 
1,060 

2,180 

2014
£’000

307
974
986

2,267

Bank loans of £1,253,000 (2015: £2,492,000, 2014: £2,927,000) are secured on certain assets of the Group.

£Nil (2015: £1,298,000, 2014: £659,000) of bank overdrafts are secured on certain trade receivables of UK group companies. At 
31 May 2015 the Group had £2,519,000 (2015: £7,712,000, 2014: £6,025,000) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities expiring 
within one year which the Directors expect to be renewed. All borrowings were at variable rates relative to local base rates. 

23

Obligations under finance leases 

Amounts due within one year 
Amounts due in two to five years 

Total obligations under finance leases 
Less future finance charges 

Present value of lease obligations 

Finance lease liabilities are secured on the related assets.

Minimum 
lease payments 

2016 
£’000 

303 
195 

498 
(27) 

471 

2015 
£’000 

722 
830 

1,522 
(92) 

1,460 

Present	value	of	minimum
lease payments
2016 
£’000 

2015
£’000

295 
176 

471 
- -

471 

695
765

1,460

1,460

At 31 May 2016 the Group had £Nil fixed hire purchase and finance lease liabilities (2015: £439,000), the weighted average interest 
rate  is  Nil%    (2015:  5.0%)  and  the  weighted  average  period  until  maturity  is  Nil  months  (2015:  22  months). All  finance  lease 
liabilities were at variable rates relative to local base rates.

24

Financial instruments 

Capital risk management 

The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as going concerns while maximising the 
return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, 
which includes the borrowings disclosed in notes 22 and 23 cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of 
the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the statement of changes in equity.

The Board closely monitor current and forecast cash balances at monthly Board meetings to allow the Group to maximise return 
to shareholders by way of dividends, whilst maintaining suitable amounts of liquid funds and facilities to allow acquisitions to be 
funded as opportunities arise and continued investment in property, plant and equipment and research and development. The level 
of dividends are set by the Board to meet the expectations of the shareholders based on cash generated by the Group.

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

24

Financial instruments (continued)

The gearing ratio at the year-end is as follows: 

Debt 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Net cash/(debt) 

Equity 

Net cash/(debt) to equity ratio 

2016 
£’000 

(5,457) 
56,503 

51,046 

64,753 

78.8% 

2015
£’000

(12,251)
6,337

(5,914)

34,185

(17.3)%

Debt is defined as long and short-term borrowings, as detailed in note 22. Equity includes all capital and reserves of the Group 
attributable to equity holders of the parent. The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

Analysis of financial instruments by IAS 39 category 

Financial assets 
Loans and receivables comprising: 
Trade receivables 
Amounts receivable under long term contracts 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Financial liabilities 
Other financial liabilities at amortised cost  
Trade payables  
Payments on account 
Accruals  

Borrowings 
Lease obligations 

Financial liabilities at amortised cost 
Undiscounted contractual maturity of financial liabilities: 
Amounts due within one year 
Amounts due in two to five years 
Amounts due after five years 

Less future finance charges 

Financial liabilities at carrying value 

Carrying	value
2016 
£’000 

2015
£’000

3,446 
1,379 
56,503 

61,328 

3,499 
527 
2,113 

6,139 

4,986 
472 

5,458 

11,597 

10,377 
973 
362 

11,712 
(115) 

11,597 

15,290
816
6,337

22,443

7,118
527
4,450

12,095

10,791
1,460

12,251

24,346

21,224
2,335
1,097

24,656
(310)

24,346

The fair value of the financial instruments set out above is not materially different to the book value.

Financial risk management objectives
Management monitor and manage the financial risks relating to the operations of the Group.  These risks include currency risk, 
interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow interest rate risk. The Group does not enter into or trade financial instruments, 
including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.

Market risk
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates 
particularly in US dollars and the Euro.  

Foreign currency risk management
The Group enters into forward foreign currency contracts to eliminate exposures on certain material sales or purchases denominated 
in foreign currency once a significant commitment has been made.

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

24

Financial instruments (continued)

The Group presently has no forward sale contracts (2015: none) to manage the transactional currency exposure on certain contracts 
outstanding as at 31 May 2016. 

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in Sterling against the relevant foreign currencies on 
overseas assets. These changes are considered to be reasonably possible based on observation of current market conditions.

Euro currency impact 
2015 
£’000 

2016 
£’000 

US $ currency impact 
2015 
£’000 

2016 
£’000 

RmB  currency impact
2015
£’000

2016 
£’000 

1 

2 

3 

(123) 

- -

Impact (+/-) on 
Profit for the financial year/equity 

Interest rate risk management 

The Group finances its operations where necessary through bank loans, overdrafts and finance lease facilities. The bank loans and 
overdrafts are at floating rates principally at negotiated margins using pooling of the Group’s requirements to achieve this. The finance 
lease facilities are held at both fixed and floating rates.

If interest rates on floating rate borrowings (i.e. cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts attracting interest at floating rates) were 
to change by + or – 0.5% the impact on the results in the income statement and equity would be an increase/decrease of £118,000. 
These charges are considered to be reasonably possible based on observation of current market conditions.

Price risk management

Where possible the Group enters into long term contracts with suppliers to mitigate any significant exposure to materials and utilities 
price risk.

Credit risk management

The Group’s principal financial assets are bank balances, cash, and trade receivables.

The Group’s principal credit risk is attributable to its trade receivables. Credit risk is managed by monitoring the aggregate amount 
and duration of exposure to any one customer depending upon their credit rating. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net 
of allowances for doubtful debts, estimated by the Group’s management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current 
economic environment. 

The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-
rating agencies.

The Group has two major customer’s which represent 32.9% and 10.8% respectively (2015: two major customer’s which represent 
22.8% and 17.1% respectively) of trade receivables, the Group has no other significant concentration of receivables. The bad debt 
provision and ageing has reduced during the year predominately due to the impact of disposal of subsidiary undertaking’s improvements 
in credit control of the subsidiaries and building their relationships with key customers. 

Liquidity risk management

The Group funds acquisitions through a mixture of cash, equity and long term debt.  Short term financing needs are met by working 
capital facilities.

The Group manages its liquidity needs by carefully monitoring scheduled debt servicing payments for long term financial liabilities 
as well as cash-outflows due in day-to-day business. Liquidity needs are monitored in various time bands, on a day-to-day and week-
to-week basis, as well as on the basis of a monthly 13 week projection. Long-term liquidity needs for up to a two year period are 
projected monthly and reviewed quarterly. The Group maintains cash and working capital facilities to meet its liquidity requirements 
for up to 30-day periods. Funding in regards to long-term liquidity needs is additionally secured by an adequate amount of committed 
credit facilities. 

All facilities are secured on the assets of the Group.

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

25

Deferred tax

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current 
and prior reporting period.

At 1 June 2014 
Credit to income  

At 1 June 2015 
Credit to income – continuing operations 
Credit to income – discontinued operations 
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (note 33) 

At 31 May 2016 

Accelerated 
tax 
depreciation	
£’000 

Other
temporary
differences	
£’000 

Tax	losses	
£’000 

Total
£’000

921 
(132) 

789 
(106) 
(115) 
(436) 

132 

20 
(49) 

(29) 
(6) 
(81) 
110 

(6) 

(41) 
41 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

900
(140)

760
(112)
(196)
(326)

126

Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset where the relevant criteria are met.  The following is the analysis of the 
deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:

Deferred tax liabilities 
Deferred tax assets 

2016 
£’000 

132 
(6) 

126 

2015
£’000

824
(64)

760

At the balance sheet date the Group has unused tax losses of £4.7million (2015: £5.2 million) available for offset against future 
profits. A  deferred  tax  asset  has  been  recognised  in  respect  of  £nil  (2015:  £nil)  of  such  losses.  No  deferred  tax  asset  has  been 
recognised due to the unpredictability of future profit streams. All losses may be carried forward indefinitely. In addition the Group 
has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £24k (2015: £30k) in respect of share based payments.

At the balance sheet date the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed earnings of subsidiaries for 
which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised was £nil (2015: £nil). No liability has been recognised in respect of these 
differences because the Group is in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that 
such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

50

 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

26

Called up share capital

2016 

No. 

£’000 

2015 

No. 

£’000 

2014

No. 

£’000

Allotted, issued and fully paid 
Ordinary shares of 5p each 

27,754,564 

1,387 

27,711,564 

1,385 

27,587,564 

1,379

Reconciliation of movement in allotted, issued and fully paid share capital

At 1 June 2015 and 31 May 15 
Shares issued in period 

At 31 May 2016 

No. 

27,711,564 
43,000 

27,754,564 

£’000

1,385
2

1,387

The Company has a share option scheme under which options to subscribe for the Company’s shares have been awarded to certain 
directors and employees. During the year 43,000 options were exercised, 19,000 and 24,000 at 49.5p and 96.0p respectively. The 
market price on the day of exercise was 116.0p, 122.5p, 155.5p and 179.5p. Further details of the scheme are given in note 27.

The market price of the Company’s shares at the end of the year was 179.0p (2015: 111p). The highest and lowest market prices 
during the year were 185.5p and 100.5p (2015: 163p and 99.5p respectively).

27

Share-based payments

The Group has recognised a portion of the fair value of these options in calculating the profit for the current and prior year. 

Outstanding at the start of the year 
Lapsed during the year 
Issued during the year 
Exercised during the year 

Outstanding at the end of the year 

Exercisable at the end of the year 

2016 

2015

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
price p 

47.57 
124.87 
- 
59.91 

Options 
(No. ‘000) 

1,466.7 
(20.0) 
459.5 
(480.7) 

Options 
(No. ‘000) 

1425.5 
(94.2) 
- 
(118.0) 

1,213.3 

119.33 

1,425.5 

685.3 

110.11 

149.0 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
price p

94.25
49.50
110.24
50.51

114.78

47.57

The options outstanding at 31 May 2016 had exercise prices in the range 39.5p to 176p and a weighted average remaining contractual 
life of 7.3 years (2015: 8.3 years). The average market share price of options at date of exercise was 1.44p (2015: 127.0p).

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

27

Share-based payments (continued)

The terms of these options are as follows: 

Date	of	grant		

Options	
outstanding	at	
31	May	2016	

24/9/2010 

40,000 

Vesting	
period	

3 years 

3/10/2011 

15,000 

3 years 

18/12/2012 

305,000 

3 years 

19/12/2012 

145,000 

3 years 

Market	value	at
date	of	grant	
	(p)	

39.50 

49.50 

96.00 

96.00 

Exercise	
price	(p)	

39.50 

49.50 

96.00 

96.00 

22/11/2013 

321,502 

3 years* 

176.00 

176.00 

9/12/2014 

129,250 

3 years* 

109.00 

109.00 

10/12/2014 

257,500 

3 years* 

111.00 

111.00 

Exercise
period

25/9/2013 to
24/9/2020

4/10/2014 to
3/10/2021

19/12/2015 to
18/12/2022

20/12/2015 to
19/12/2022

23/12/2016 to
22/12/2023

10/12/2017 to
9/12/2024

11/12/2017 to
10/12/2024

* Following the disposal of the aerospace division on 27 May 2016 options held by aerospace employees became exercisable on a 
prorated basis within 6 months.

The performance condition for each of these options is that the increase in adjusted EPS must be at least equal to the increase in RPI 
over the vesting period. 

All share options are equity settled. The adjusted EPS is the basic earnings per share published in the Preliminary Announcement 
of Results with adjustments made for amortisation of acquisition related intangibles costs of share based payments, and exceptional 
items agreed by the Remuneration Committee.  Further adjustments to the above performance conditions may be approved by the 
Remuneration Committee to reflect future changes in accounting standards. 

The fair value of the options was calculated by external consultants, Pegg, Franklin & Co and Pinsent Masons.

Options granted with performance conditions are valued using the Black-Scholes model. 

For all awards, recipients are required to remain in employment with the Group over the vesting period.

Future volatility at the date of grant has been estimated by reference to the historical volatility at that time.

The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, 
exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

Total charge to the income statement in respect of share-based payments

In respect of: 
Equity settled share options 

2016 
£’000 

36 

2015
£’000

43

There  are  no  share  based  payment  transactions  that  were  expensed  immediately. A  deferred  tax  credit  of  £nil  (2015:  £nil)  was 
recognised during the year in respect of share based payments.

52

 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

28

 Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement

Cash flows from operating activities:

Continuing operations
Profit/(loss) before income tax from continuing operations 
Profit before income tax from discontinued operations 
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Finance income 
Finance expenses 
Research and Development Expenditure Credit 
Share based payment charge 
Bargain purchase on acquisition (note 33) 

Changes in working capital 
(Increase)/decrease in inventories 
Increase in trade and other receivables 
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 
Decrease in provisions 
Other non cash changes 

Cashflows from operating activities 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash  
Overdrafts 

29

Notes to the company cash flow statement

Continuing operations 
Loss before income tax from continuing operations 
Adjustments for: 
Finance income 
Finance expenses 
Share based payment charge 

Changes in working capital 
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 
Increase in trade and other payables 
Other non cash changes 

Cashflows from operating activities 

Group

2016 
£’000 

245 
3,878 

1,520 
983 
(489) 
(554) 
146 
(168) 
36 
(172) -

(2,327) 
(556) 
5,339 
- 
4 

7,885 

2016 
£’000 

56,503 
(3,580) 

52,923 

2015
£’000

(1,323)
3,194

1,438
831
(102)
(1)
212
(235)
43

1,128
(1,192)
(1,477)
(689)
5

1,832

2015
£’000

6,337
(6,698)

(361)

Company

2016 
£’000 

2015
£’000

(161) 

(1,785)

(581) 
55 
12 

(1,705) 
961 
4 

(1,415) 

(228)
55
18

605
811
5

(519)

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

30

Related party transactions

Group
Remuneration of key management personnel 
The remuneration of the Directors and senior management is set out in note 6 in aggregate for each of the categories specified in 
IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures. Further information about the remuneration of individual directors is provided in the Director’s 
Remuneration Report on pages 13 to 14. The Directors benefited from dividends paid in the year (note 9) on their shareholdings as 
set out in the Directors report page 8. 

Company
The Directors benefited from dividends paid in the year (note 9) on their shareholdings as set out in the Directors report page 8.

31

Financial commitments

a) Capital commitments
Commitments for capital expenditure were as follows:

Contracted for, but not provided in the accounts 

2016 
£’000 

- 

2015
£’000

40

b) Operating lease commitments
At the balance sheet date the Group had outstanding commitments for minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating 
leases which fall due as follows:

Land and buildings lease obligations falling due: 
Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 

Other asset lease obligations falling due: 
Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 

2016 
£’000 

274 
168 

442 

12 
4 

16 

2015
£’000

603
651

1,254

52
60

112

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for certain of its office properties, motor vehicles and items of 
plant and equipment. Property leases are negotiated for an average term of 10 years and rentals are fixed for an average of five years 
with an option to extend for a further five years at the then prevailing market rate.

32

Investment in own shares

On 22 June 2011 the Company approved, adopted and established the Avingtrans Employees’ Share Trust (‘the ExSOP Trust).  A 
summary of the Trust Deed is as follows:

•  It has been established that the original trustee is RBC CEES Trustee Limited
•  The primary objective of the ExSOP Trust is to hold the capital and income of the Trust for the beneficiaries
•  The beneficiaries and the Trustee jointly subscribe for an initial interest in the shares purchased by the Trust 
•  If the performance condition as set out in note 27 is achieved the option can be exercised by the beneficiaries  

During the year nil (2015: nil) shares were purchased at a cost of £nil (2015: £nil) by the Trust and beneficiaries, an interest in 
which was allocated to the Executive Directors as beneficiaries (as shown in note 27). All shares held by the trust are under option 
to Directors. Costs are charged to profit and loss as incurred. 

The above holdings are held at a cost of £1,000,000 (2015: £1,000,000, 2014: £1,000,000) and shown as a deduction from equity in 
the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

33

Acquisitions and disposals

Business combination – Rolls-Royce Pipe Manufacturing

On 4 March 2016 the group acquired the trade and certain business assets and liabilities relating to the manufacture of aerospace 
components of Rolls Royce Nuneaton and 100 percent of the issued share capital of Hartshill Ventures Limited. The acquisition was 
made to enhance the Group’s position in the aerospace market. The provisional net assets at the date of acquisition were as follows:

Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired 

Property, plant and equipment 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 

Net assets 
Intangibles assets identified 
Goodwill 

Fair value of consideration transferred: 
Cash 

Consideration 

Cash acquired 
Acquisition costs charged to expenses 

Net cash paid relating to the acquisition 

£’000

1,181
2,625
596
634
(465)
(265)

4,306
-
-

4,306

4,134

4,134

(634)
12

3,512

Management did not identify any intangible assets on acquisition of this business.

Acquisition costs arising from this transaction of £12,000 have been included in administration expenses included in discontinued 
operations. 

The gain arising on the bargain purchase is £172,000 which had been credited within the result for discontinued operations within 
the consolidated income statement.

The Directors do not have access to the information to disclose the revenue and profit/ loss since acquisition.

The trade and assets from this acquisition were subsequently part of the Aerospace disposal on 27 May 2016.

Business combination – Sigma Swadlincotee

On 11 August 2014 the group acquired the trade and certain business assets and liabilities relating to the manufacture of aerospace 
components of RMDG Aerospace Ltd for £1,137,000. 

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

33

Acquisitions and disposals

Disposals – Aerospace Division

On 27 May 2016 the Group disposed of its Aerospace division (comprising Sigma Precision Components UK Limited, Sigma 
Precision  Components  Limited,  C  &  H  Precision  Finishers  Limited,  Sigma  Components  (Derby)  Limited,  Sigma  Components 
(Farnborough) Limited and Hartshill Ventures Limited, the net assets and liabilities at the date of disposal were as follows:

Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment  
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under finance lease 
Borrowings 
Current tax liabilities 
Provisions 
Deferred tax 

Net assets disposed 

Consideration 
Working capital adjustment 
Debt adjustment 
Cash disposed of 

Disposals costs 

Net cash received relating to acquisition 

Cash proceeds  
Adjust for cash disposed 
Net assets disposed 
Recycling of foreign exchange translation reserves and other non-cash adjustment 

Profit on disposal 

£’000

5,007
2,286
7,704
12,636
13,115
583
(13,764)
-
-
(739)
(265)
(326)

26,237

65,000
(1,400)
(4,944)
(583)

58,073
(4,396)

53,677

53,677
583
(26,237)
(477)

27,546

Included  in  the  above  profit  on  disposal  is  £477,000  of  foreign  exchange  translation  reserves  recycled  on  disposal  of  the  
Aerospace division.

Included in Consideration is a retention of £1,450,000 held in escrow until 30 September 2017.

Discontinued Operations
The  results  prior  to  the  disposal  on  27  May  2016  for  the  discontinued  operations  included  in  the  consolidated  income  
statement were:

Revenue 
Operating profit 
Interest 

Profit before taxation 
Taxation 
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations 

Profit after tax from discontinued operations 

56

2016 
£’000 

38,401 
3,942 
(64) 

3,878 
(708) 
27,546 

30,716 

2015
£’000

35,262
3,314
(120)

3,194
(640)
-

2,554

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Report (Continued)

For the year ended 31 May 2016

33

Acquisitions and disposals (continued)

Discontinued Operations (continued)

The Aerospace division contributed the following to the Group’s cashflows:

Operating cashflows 
Investing activities 
Financing activities 

34

Transition

2016 
£’000 

9,141 
(4,503) 
(1,474) 

2015
£’000

2,019
(2,694)
(1,666)

Avingtrans PLC reported under UK GAAP in its previously published financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2015. The 
Company has restated its Balance sheet at 1 June 2014 the transition date for the Company and 31 May 2015 from UK GAAP 
to IFRS. 

There has been no impact on the Income Statement for the 12 months ending 31 May 15.

The parent company has adopted IFRS as endorsed for use in the EU for the first time, having previously applied UK GAAP.

The effect on transition was as follows:

Shareholder’s equity under UK GAAP 
Investments  
ESOP 

Shareholder’s equity under IFRS 

Loss for year under UK GAAP 
Investments 
ESOP 

Loss for year under IFRS 

31 May 2015 
£’000 

1 June 2014
£’000

30,003
(223)
1,000

30,780

29,161 
(223) 
1,000 

29,938 

(206) 
- 
- 

(206) 

The adjustment to investments was to reflect £223,000 of previously capitalised professional costs on acquisition and the cost 
written off to retained earnings at 1 June 2014 (as capitalised prior to this date).

The adjustment to ESOP was to reflect the assets and liabilities of ESOP have not been included in the company balance sheet 
under IFRS and instead another debtor balance represents the amount due from the ESOP to the parent company.

There was no impact on cash flows for the company.

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Avingtrans Plc will be held at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, No1 
Colmore Square, Birmingham, B4 6AA on 8 November 2016 at 11:00am for the following purposes:

To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions numbered 1 to 5 as ordinary resolutions

1.  To receive and adopt the reports of the Directors and the auditor and the financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2016.

2.  To declare a final dividend of 2.1p per ordinary share payable on 9 December 2016 payable to shareholders on the register of 

members on 28 October 2016.

3.  To re-elect Roger McDowell as a Director.

4.  To re-elect Stephen King as a Director.

5.  To reappoint Grant Thornton UK LLP as auditor of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next general 

meeting at which accounts are laid before the Company and that their remuneration to be fixed by the Directors. 

To transact any other ordinary business of an Annual General Meeting and as special business to consider the following 
Resolutions, Resolutions 6 and 7 being proposed as Ordinary Resolutions and Resolution 8 as a Special Resolution. 

6.  That the Directors be generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot relevant 
securities as defined in Section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) up to an aggregate nominal value of £231,075 
provided that this authority shall expire in whichever is the earlier of the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting 
of the Company or the date falling 15 months from the date of the passing of this Resolution, except that the Company 
may before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require relevant securities in pursuance of any 
such offer or agreement as if the authority conferred by this Resolution had not expired, and that this authority shall be in 
substitution for all previous authorities conferred upon the Directors pursuant to section 551 of the Act. 

7.  That the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised, in accordance with Article 9 of its Articles of Association 
and Section 701 of the Act to make market purchases (within the meaning of Section 693 of the Act) of ordinary shares of 5p 
each of the Company on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may from time to time determine provided that:

a. 

the maximum number of ordinary shares authorised to be purchased is 1,400,453;

b. 

the minimum price which may be paid for an ordinary share is 5p (exclusive of expenses and advance corporation tax, if 
any, payable by the Company); 

c. 

the maximum price which may be paid for an ordinary share is an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle 
market quotations for an ordinary share of the Company derived from the London Stock Exchange for the five business 
days  immediately  preceding  the  day  on  which  the  ordinary  share  is  purchased  (exclusive  of  expenses  and  advance 
corporation tax, if any, payable by the Company); and 

d. 

the authority conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company except that 
the Company may, prior to such expiry, make a contract to purchase its own shares which will or may be completed or 
executed wholly or partly after such expiry. 

8.  That the Directors be empowered pursuant to Section 571 of the Act to allot equity securities (as defined in Section 560(1) 
of the Act) for cash pursuant to the authority conferred upon them by Resolution 6 as if Section 561 of the Act did not apply 
to any such allotment provided that such power shall be limited:

a. 

to the allotment of equity securities in connection with a rights issue or other offer in favour of holders of ordinary shares 
where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of all the ordinary shareholders are proportionate 
(as  nearly  as  may  be)  to  the  respective  number  of  ordinary  shares  held  by  them  subject  to  such  exclusions  or  other 
arrangements as the Directors may consider appropriate to deal with fractional entitlements or legal or practical difficulties 
under the laws of any territory or the requirements of a regulatory body; and

58

 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

b. 

to the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above) of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal 
amount of £70,023 and shall expire on whichever is the earlier of the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of 
the Company or the date falling 15 months from the date of the passing of this Resolution, except that the Company may, 
before such expiry, make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such 
expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement as if the power conferred by 
this Resolution had not expired. 

By order of the Board

S M King 

Registered office 
Chatteris Business Park
Chatteris
Cambridgeshire
PE16 6SA

Dated 26 September 2016

59

 
 
 
 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notes:

Entitlement to attend and vote

1.  Only those members registered on the Company’s register of members at close of business on 6 November 2016; or if this 
Meeting is adjourned, at close of business on the day two days prior to the adjourned meeting shall be entitled to attend and 
vote at the Meeting.  

Attending in person

2.  If you wish to attend the Meeting in person, please bring photographic identification with you to the meeting.

Appointment of proxies

3.   If you are a member of the Company at the time set out in note 1 above, you are entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all 
or any of your rights to attend, speak and vote at the Meeting and you should have received a proxy form with this notice of 
meeting. You can only appoint a proxy using the procedures set out in these notes and the notes to the proxy form.

4.   If you are not a member of the Company but you have been nominated by a member of the Company to enjoy information 
rights, you do not have a right to appoint any proxies under the procedures set out in this “Appointment of proxies” section. 

5.   A proxy does not need to be a member of the Company but must attend the Meeting to represent you. Details of how to 
appoint the Chairman of the Meeting or another person as your proxy using the proxy form are set out in the notes to the 
proxy form. 

6.   You may appoint more than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares. You 

may not appoint more than one proxy to exercise rights attached to any one share. 

7.   A vote withheld is not a vote in law, which means that the vote will not be counted in the calculation of votes for or against 
the resolution. If no voting indication is given, your proxy will vote or abstain from voting at his or her discretion. Your proxy 
will vote (or abstain from voting) as he or she thinks fit in relation to any other matter which is put before the Meeting.

Appointment of proxy using hard copy proxy form

8.   The notes to the proxy form explain how to direct your proxy how to vote on each resolution or withhold their vote. To 
appoint a proxy using the proxy form, the form must be completed and signed and sent or delivered to Capita Asset Services 
of PXS, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU; and received by Capita Asset Services of PXS, 34 Beckenham 
Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU no later than 11:00am on 6 November 2016.

In the case of a member which is a company, the proxy form must be executed under its common seal or signed on its behalf 
by an officer of the company or an attorney for the company.

  Any power of attorney or any other authority under which the proxy form is signed (or a duly certified copy of such power 

or authority) must be included with the proxy form.

Appointment of proxy by joint members

9.  In the case of joint holders, where more than one of the joint holders purports to appoint a proxy, only the appointment 
submitted by the most senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which the names of the joint 
holders appear in the Company’s register of members in respect of the joint holding (the first-named being the most senior).

60

 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Changing proxy instructions

10.  To change your proxy instructions simply submit a new proxy appointment using the methods set out above. Note that the 
cut-off time for receipt of proxy appointments (see above) also apply in relation to amended instructions; any amended proxy 
appointment received after the relevant cut-off time will be disregarded.

  Where you have appointed a proxy using the hard-copy proxy form and would like to change the instructions using another 
hard-copy proxy form, please contact Capita Asset Services of PXS, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU.

If you submit more than one valid proxy appointment, the appointment received last before the latest time for the receipt of 
proxies will take precedence.

Termination of proxy appointments

11.  In order to revoke a proxy instruction you will need to inform the Company using one of the following methods:

•  By sending a signed hard copy notice clearly stating your intention to revoke your proxy appointment to Capita Asset 

Services of PXS, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU.

• 

In the case of a member which is a company, the revocation notice must be executed under its common seal or signed  
on its behalf by an officer of the company or an attorney for the company. Any power of attorney or any other  authority 
under which the revocation notice is signed (or a duly certified copy of such power or authority) must be  included with 
the revocation notice.

In either case, the revocation notice must be received by the Capita Asset Services of PXS, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, 
Kent, BR3 4TU no later than 6 November 2016 at 11.00am.

  Appointment of a proxy does not preclude you from attending the Meeting and voting in person. If you have appointed a 

proxy and attend the Meeting in person, your proxy appointment will automatically be terminated.

Issued shares and total voting rights

12. As at 11:00 am on 26 September 2016, the Company’s issued share capital comprised 28,009,069 ordinary shares of 5p each. 
Each ordinary share carries the right to one vote at a general meeting of the Company and, therefore, the total number of 
voting rights in the Company as at 11.00am on 26 September 2016 is 28,009,069.

Documents on display

13. The following documents will be available for inspection at Chatteris Business Park, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire PE16 6SA 
from 19 October 2016 until the time of the Meeting and for at least 15 minutes prior to the Meeting and during the Meeting:

•  Copies of the letters of appointment of the directors of the Company.

61

 
 
62

63

Avingtrans-Report-cover2016_2007 Report cover Art  19/09/2016  16:44  Page 3

5   y e a r   p e r f o r m a n c e

R E V E N U E

15.7

17.4

23.7

22.6

21.2

Year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

N E T   A S S E T S

Net Assets

64.8

23.7

30.5

32.7

34.2

Year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

E B I T D A

(adjusted)

EBITDA (adjusted)

0.3

0.4

E P S - Diluted

(adjusted)

- 0.6

Year

2012

- 0.5

2013

-0.6

2014

2015

2016

1.0

-1.0

-0.4

-2.4

Year

2012

-2.8

2013

2014

2015

2016

2012 - 2015 adjusted to exclude results for

Aerospace division sold May 16.

The results above are under IAS

(International Accounting Standards). 

Adjusted for share based payments, impairment of

goodwill, amortisation/impairment 

of intangibles and exceptionals

n

o

i

l

l

i

M

£

n

o

i

l

l

i

M

£

40

30

20

10

0

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

- 0.2

- 0.4

- 0.6

n

o

i

l

l

i

M

£

e

c

n

e

P

2

1

0

- 1

- 2

- 3

64

 
 
 
Avingtrans-Report-cover2016_2007 Report cover Art  19/09/2016  16:44  Page 3

5   y e a r   p e r f o r m a n c e

R E V E N U E

N E T   A S S E T S

E B I T D A
(adjusted)

E P S - Diluted
(adjusted)

n
o

i
l
l
i

M
£

n
o

i
l
l
i

M
£

40

30

20

10

0

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

- 0.2

- 0.4

- 0.6

n
o

i
l
l
i

M
£

e
c
n
e
P

2

1

0

- 1

- 2

- 3

15.7

17.4

23.7

22.6

21.2

Year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Net Assets

64.8

23.7

30.5

32.7

34.2

Year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

EBITDA (adjusted)

0.3

0.4

- 0.6

Year

2012

- 0.5

2013

-0.6

2014

2015

2016

1.0

-1.0

-0.4

-2.4

Year

2012

-2.8

2013

2014

2015

2016

2012 - 2015 adjusted to exclude results for
Aerospace division sold May 16.

The results above are under IAS
(International Accounting Standards). 
Adjusted for share based payments, impairment of
goodwill, amortisation/impairment 
of intangibles and exceptionals

 
 
 
Avingtrans-Report-cover2016_2007 Report cover Art  19/09/2016  16:44  Page 4

Energy & Medical

INTERNATIONAL

Avingtrans plc
Chatteris Business Park
Chatteris
Cambridgeshire
PE16 6SA

Tel: 01354 692 391
Fax: 01354 695 281
Email: info@avingtrans.plc.uk

www.avingtrans.plc.uk