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FY2020 Annual Report · Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation
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Registered No: 8211361 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc  

Annual Report and Accounts 

31 December 2020  

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc  

Contents 

CORPORATE DIRECTORY 

STRATEGIC REPORT 

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 

REMUNERATION REPORT  

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF  
CAMBRIDGE COGNITION HOLDINGS PLC  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

PAGE 

2 

3-10 

11-12 

13-16

17-18 

19-29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34-53 

54 

55 

56-57 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc  

Corporate Directory 

Directors:

Steven Powell  
Matthew Stork  
Nicholas Walters   
Richard Bungay   
Debra Leeves  

(Non-Executive Chairman) 
(Chief Executive Officer) 
(Executive Director) 
(Non-Executive Director) 
(Non-Executive Director) 

Secretary:

Nicholas Walters 

Registered Office:

Tunbridge Court 
Tunbridge Lane 
Bottisham 
Cambridge 
CB25 9TU 

Company number:

8211361 

Auditor:

Legal Advisers: 

Bankers: 

Registrars: 

Nominated Advisor 
and Joint Broker: 

Joint Broker:

Grant Thornton UK LLP 
Chartered Accountants 
Statutory Auditor 
101 Cambridge Science Park 
Milton Road 
Cambridge 
CB4 0FY 

Brown Rudnick LLP 
8 Clifford Street 
London 
W1S 2LQ

Barclays
28 Chesterton Road 
Cambridge 
CB4 3AZ

Link Group
10th Floor 
Central Square 
29 Wellington Street 
Leeds 
LS1 4DL 

finnCap
60 New Broad Street
London 
EC2M 1JJ 

Dowgate Capital Limited 
15 Fetter Lane  
London 
EC4A 1BW

2 

 
 
 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2020

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW 

Financial summary  








Record sales order intake of £12.7m (2019: £4.9m) 
Revenue up 34% to £6.7m (2019: £5.0m) 
Gross profit up 39% to £5.4m (2019: £3.9m) 
Loss for the year £0.4m, a £2.5m improvement (2019: £2.9m loss) 
Loss per share 1.5 pence (2019: 12.4 pence loss per share) 
Cash balance at 31 December 2020 £3.0m (31 December 2019: £0.9m) 

Operational highlights 








Contracted order backlog at 31 December 2020 of £11.2m (31 December 2019: £5.7m) 
Increased  commercial  focus  resulted  in  increases  in  sales  order  volumes,  average  prices  and  multi-
product sales  
Growth  in  sales  orders  across  the  entire  product  portfolio:  CANTAB™,  electronic  Clinical  Outcomes 
Assessment (“eCOA”), and Digital Health solutions 
Excellent progress with NeuroVocalix™ in customer-funded proof-of-concept contracts 

The Company had a successful year in 2020 delivering considerable sales growth of its digital technology solutions 
with a record £12.7m of sales orders secured, representing a 158% increase on 2019.  This was a result of the 
implementation of the strategy developed in 2019 to increase focus on commercial activities, while continuing 
product  development  and  creating  operational  resilience  and  flexibility.    The  COVID-19  pandemic  accelerated 
market interest in virtual clinical trials, creating more opportunities for the Company in 2020 and beyond.   

The 31 December 2020 contracted order backlog, which represents contracts not as yet completed where revenue 
is yet to be recognised, stood at £11.2m, almost double the figure from 2019.  We anticipate that over £6.0m of 
the year-end contracted order backlog will be recognised in 2021, which will provide a solid platform for revenue 
growth in 2021.  

The strong sales order intake helped to generate 34% revenue growth, bringing revenues for the year to £6.7m, 
and, with careful cost control, a considerably reduced loss of £0.4m and a net cash inflow from operating activities 
of  £1.0m.    With  steady  revenue  growth  and  continued  cost  management  over  the  year,  the  Company  was 
profitable in the fourth quarter. 

We continued to build the breadth of our digital technology product portfolio, targeted at major pharmaceutical 
and  well-funded  biotechnology  companies.    Key  developments  included  new  outcomes  instruments  and 
application modules for both our electronic Clinical Outcomes Assessment (“eCOA”) and Digital Health solutions.  
Progress on our voice-based platform, NeuroVocalix™, also continued apace.   

The COVID-19 pandemic initially slowed the conversion of contracted orders into recognised revenue.  After an 
adjustment period, the trials that were delayed by the pandemic resumed as contingency measures were put in 
place  at  clinical  trial  sites.    Overall,  the  shortfall  in  our  forecasted  revenue  was  covered  by  growth  in  new 
contracts, some in part due to more spending on virtual clinical trials prompted by the pandemic.   

We  were  grateful  for  the  support  of  investors  in  our  fundraise  in  the  first  quarter  of  2020,  conducted  before 
COVID-19  was  declared  as  a  pandemic.    The  funds  were  used  to  invest  in  commercialising  our  solutions,  to 
further develop our new voice solution, and to strengthen our balance sheet.  

Overall, after a strong performance in 2020 and with a broader portfolio and a growing market, we are excited 
about the potential for further growth in 2021. 

3 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2020

Financial Results 

Record  sales  orders  of  £12.7m,  a  158%  year-on-year  increase  (2019:  £4.9m),  arose  from  increases  in  both 
contract  volumes  and  average prices.   This reflects  the Company’s continuing  focus on improving  commercial 
execution, with more cross selling between product areas due, in part, to the expanded product portfolio. The 
Company won seven large orders of over £0.5m each, exceeding previous years.  It should be noted that the 
2020 performance was accentuated by two large one-off orders that, together, totalled £3.1 million.  Such large 
single orders are outside of the scope of normal business and may not be repeated every year. 

Revenue grew by 34% to £6.7m (2019: £5.0m).  Revenue is recognised over the term of the contracts and so 
the £6.7m revenue recognised in 2020 was from contracts won both in 2020 and in prior years:  




£2.6m from the £5.7m contracted order backlog at the end of 2019, and 
£4.1m from the £12.7m orders contracted during 2020. 

We anticipate the £11.2m contracted order backlog at the end of December 2020 will generate at least £6.0m of 
revenue to be recognised in 2021 with the to balance be recognised in subsequent years.  

Recognised revenue split by type was as follows: 

Software 

Services 

Total Software & Services

Hardware 

Total Revenue

2020  
£m 
2.7 

3.7 

6.4 

0.3 

6.7 

2019  
£m 
2.5 

2.3 

4.8 

0.2 

5.0 

Increase  
£m 
0.2 

1.4 

1.6 

0.1 

1.7 

Increase  

9% 

57% 

32% 

76% 

34% 

Service revenue grew by 57% as more implementation and bespoke development work was carried out.  Software 
revenue grew by a more modest 9% but, given the time lag between contract signature and software usage, we 
would expect this to grow further in 2021.  

Hardware sales were a small proportion of revenue in 2020; the hardware, which is procured from third parties, 
is  only  supplied  by  Cambridge  Cognition  when  specifically  requested  by  a  customer  to  support  a  project.  
Hardware sales had been expected to decline as digital devices become ubiquitous, however, we now integrate 
wearable devices into our solution and so increased the supply of these in 2020. 

Gross profit was £5.4m (80.4% margin) compared with £3.9m (77.2% margin) in 2019.  The margin growth was 
due to a reduction in third party costs.  

Administrative expenses decreased by 13% to £6.1m (2019: £7.0m) as a result of two factors: 





Prior to the pandemic the Company planned and executed a reduction in operating costs as part of its 
strategy to reshape the cost base for its future growth.  Subsequently, at the start of the pandemic, 
replacement and planned new hires were deferred until certainty returned to the market (£0.6m year-
on-year decrease); and   
The COVID-19 pandemic meant that key cost areas such as exhibitions, conferences and travel were 
greatly reduced (£0.3m year-on-year decrease).  

As planned, investment in R&D, which is necessary to maintain the company’s position at the forefront of the 
sector, was more targeted in 2020 and this resulted in R&D spend of £1.5m.  As a proportion of revenue, this 
represents a reduction from 34% in 2019 to 22% in 2020.   

The loss before tax was £0.6m (2019: £3.1m).  R&D tax credits were £0.2m (2019: £0.2m).  The post-tax loss 
for the year was £0.4m (2019: £2.9m), which equates to a loss per share of 1.5 pence (2019: 12.4 pence loss 
per share).   

4 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2020

Cash inflow from operating activities was £1.0m (2019: £2.3m outflow), driven by the high value of sales orders.  
Sales contracts for clinical trials typically include an amount of cash billable upon signing, and as such an invoice 
is raised (and cash subsequently collected) as contracts are executed and before revenue is recognised. 

After accounting for the £1.3m net received from the equity placing in Q1 2020, total cash inflow was £2.1m, 
and the year-end cash balance was just over £3.0m, which provides a solid platform for growth.  

Business Strategy 

A full strategic review was performed in 2019.  The potential to accelerate the growth of the business was evident 
and  plans  were  implemented  to  take  advantage  of  the  opportunities.    The  aim  of  the  strategy  is  to  increase 
market  share  in  two  fast  growth  markets  and  to  build  a  substantial,  profitable,  specialist  digital  technology 
business.  

The primary target market is the eCOA market, which is a US$1.2bn+ market, growing at approximately 15% 
per  annum.    15%  of  clinical  trials  are  conducted  on  Central  Nervous  System  (“CNS”)  disorders,  which  is  the 
Company’s  core  area  of  expertise,  and  pharmaceutical  companies  continue  to  invest  heavily  in  CNS  drug 
development.  

The second target market is the Digital Health solutions market for CNS disorders, which is a US$0.5bn market 
and is growing at 20% per annum.  

The strategy, outlined in the annual report last year, comprises five strategic pillars.  Progress in the year was 
as follows: 

1. Build a diversified product mix based on four product categories: CANTAB™, eCOA, Digital Health 
solutions, and NeuroVocalix™.  The business made good progress with major growth in all our production 
solutions.    The  development  of  our  NeuroVocalix™  voice  platform  continued  to  progress  well  and  has 
attracted interest from major pharmaceutical companies.   

2. Focus on commercialising products. Record sales order intake, delivered through increased conversion 
of opportunities and increased upselling (especially through multi-product sales), has been a major success. 

3. Build smoother revenues. A deeper contracted order backlog will naturally begin to smooth revenues.  At 
the  same  time  our  strategy  is  to  target  longer-term  contracts  and  long-term  licence  deals.    We  have 
progressed some exciting opportunities in this area.  

4. Build partnerships to access wider opportunities and geographies.   We  have continued  to  explore 
partnership opportunities in Digital Health solutions and Healthcare in large territories (for example China 
and  India)  where  direct  selling  is  not  an  efficient  route  to  market,  with  several  large  Clinical  Research 
Organisations  and  a  number  of  major  blue  chip  tech  companies.    These  are  long-term  endeavours.    The 
impact has therefore not yet been factored into our forecasts. 

5. Reduce investment in non-strategic activities. R&D spend was more targeted than in previous years.  

We have continued to progress the spin-out of our digital phenotyping business, which is nearly wholly grant-
funded at this time. 

Operational Review  

Improving commercial execution is an ongoing strategic and operational goal.  The considerable progress made 
in 2019 has reaped rewards and the Company continued that focus and progress in 2020. 

We built further on the capability and coverage of our sales team.  We hired a new Chief Commercial Officer and 
expanded the sales team in the USA later in the year.  We ran a focused marketing programme, which, at the 
start of the pandemic, was adapted to be delivered completely online.  Consequently we generated considerably 
more leads than in 2019.   

The volume of orders contracted in the year increased considerably due to this commercial focus and the broader 
portfolio of  solutions  offered.   In  addition,  cross-selling was  successful with  a 52%  increase  in  the  number  of 
clinical trial customers ordering more than one product.  As our product development continues and a broader 
sales pipeline is established, we will continue to build long-term resilience and growth within the business.  

5 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2020

We are excited to see our newer products mature and attract more market interest.  In parallel, it is pleasing to 
report that our established CANTAB™ product is going from strength to strength.  We were delighted to announce 
our participation in three late phase schizophrenia trials in September.  This is an important disease area in the 
neurological space and our involvement is a great credit to our scientific expertise.  Our work on these trials will 
deliver revenue of more than £2m over the life of the contracts. 

In the eCOA area, we commercialised the major upgrade we launched in late 2019 and considerably expanded 
our portfolio of eCOA instruments.  We delivered on the strategy to upsell CANTAB™: approximately half of eCOA 
orders taken in 2020 were as an add-on to CANTAB™ orders.  We also grew our eCOA-only sales and for the first 
time  took  sizeable  orders  for  non-CNS  /  non-cognition  instruments.    We  intend  to  explore  the  eCOA-only 
opportunity further in 2021.   

Our catalogue of Digital Health solutions continued to expand and we demonstrated that these solutions can be 
scaled  effectively.   We  delivered  three  new  applications for clinical  trials during  the year.   With Digital  Health 
solutions being a newer offering, over the last few years we have taken orders at lower margins with at least 
some new software development to satisfy each contract. We strive to make each new module configurable so it 
can subsequently be reused.  In late 2020, we achieved an important milestone, securing a Digital Health contract 
worth over £0.7m that reused existing modules without any bespoke software development and was therefore 
at a high margin. 

In  2019,  we  concluded  development  of  our  voice-based  platform  prototype,  NeuroVocalix™.    Progress  has 
continued with this product through 2020 and we are on track to launch a production version in 2021.  Progress 
is  underlined  by  excellent  early  results  in  ongoing  customer  funded  proof-of-concept  clinical  trials  in  patients 
using NeuroVocalix™.  

Operational  efficiency  improved  during  2020  as  the  number  of  clinical  trials  being  implemented  increased.  
Towards the end of the year, the Company increased the size of the software development and operational teams 
to meet the growth in demand, while continuing to prepare to further improve efficiency in 2021.   

As well as the developments mentioned above on our Digital Health solutions and NeuroVocalix™, we continued 
to build on the functionality of our core products.  For example, we developed a new cognitive task to measure 
motor function which helped secure a large contract that included CANTAB™ and eCOA solutions.  This contract 
will deliver more than £1m in revenue over the life of the contract. 

We were also delighted to be part of a successful consortium of 46 academic and industry partners to be awarded 
an IMI (Innovative Medicines Initiative) grant.  Working with leading industry and academic partners continues 
to  be  an  important  part  of  our  product  development  strategy.    The  project  for  which  the  award  was  granted 
concerns  the  increasingly  important  area  of  fatigue,  including  exploring  how  fatigue  plays  a  role  in 
neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntingdon’s disease. 

The Company’s strong performance has been underpinned by the continued excellence of our people who have 
continued to offer outstanding customer service in a fast-changing and unprecedented working environment.  I 
would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication and tenacity. 

Board Changes 

As previously announced, Eric Dodd retired from the Board at our 2020 AGM and we are grateful to Eric for his 
support for the Company during his tenure.  

We were pleased to welcome Richard Bungay to the Board in September 2020.  Richard brings over 25 years’ 
experience  in  corporate  roles  with  R&D-based  companies  in  the  biotechnology  and  pharmaceutical  sector.  
Richard joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director and is the Chair of the Audit Committee. 

We announced in January of this year that Nick Walters is leaving his position as CFO to pursue other business 
interests.    Nick  has  made  a  major  contribution  to  the  Company  over  seven  years  and  remains  an  Executive 
Director until the forthcoming AGM to ensure a smooth handover.  

6 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2020

Michael (Mick) Holton joined as CFO in January 2021.  Mick has had an extensive career in finance, most recently 
at Biome Technologies plc, and previously at Infinis Energy, Alliance Boots (now Walgreens Boots Alliance) and 
Kidde plc (now part of United Technologies Corporation).  

COVID-19 

COVID-19  brought  new challenges  to  the business.   Our  first  priority was  the  safety  and  welfare of our  staff, 
people  in  our  local  environment,  suppliers  and  customers.    The  Company  adapted  very  quickly  to  working  at 
home and has continued to be fully operational throughout the pandemic.  Our systems are cloud-based, and 
supported by remote access to supplementary systems, and so our business has been uninterrupted.  

We have seen a considerable increase in interest in virtual clinical trials since the start of the pandemic.  This has 
included some existing trials switching to virtual (out of clinic) protocols.  We are well placed to serve this market, 
both with our existing products and our developing technologies. 

At the outset of the pandemic, some trials’ starts were delayed and, for others, recruitment was slowed.  Clinical 
trial sites subsequently put into place contingency measures to allow them to operate during the pandemic and 
trials  have  been  running  as  expected  since  then.    Uncertainty  persists,  however,  and  so  we  will  continue  to 
carefully monitor the situation and adjust plans as necessary.  

All  indications  from our scenario planning  suggest  that  our  business  can withstand  reasonable downside  risks 
from COVID-19.  We are further comforted that the likelihood of these risks crystallising and their impact appears 
to  be  reduced with  the  roll-out  of vaccinations.    We  have increased  the flexibility of  our  cost base  leaving  us 
better positioned to respond to changes.  Work on meeting our contractual obligations has continued unhindered.  

Brexit 

Over the course of 2020, the Company maintained its readiness for the ending of the transition period covering 
the withdrawal of the UK from the EU and has subsequently continued to trade without any disruption, other than 
some minor issues with hardware shipping.  The Company provides primarily IT software and services, which are 
not  subject  to  tariffs  nor  checks.    Hardware,  procured  from  third  parties,  is  only  supplied  when  required  by 
customers.  Early information about additional costs and potential delays was provided to customers.   

Outlook 

We  believe  that  our  performance  in  2020  has  affirmed  our  position  as  a  leading  digital  technology  company 
providing customer-focused solutions primarily for clinical trials.  We are pleased with progress and excited about 
the potential.   

We have a strong pipeline of opportunities that we aim to convert into orders and revenues in 2021 to add to the 
£6.0m of contracted order backlog we expect to realise this year.    

We were pleased to be profitable in the last quarter of 2020 and would expect that to continue into 2021.  We 
are  anticipating  further  revenue  growth  and  plan  to  continue  careful  financial  management  and  targeted 
investment in research and development.  

With  a  strategy  focused  on  commercial  execution,  substantial  value  anticipated  from  newer  eCOA  and  Digital 
Health  solutions  in  attractive,  high  growth  markets,  together  with  the  established  CANTAB™  product  and  the 
commercial launch of NeuroVocalix™ planned for 2021, we believe that we are well placed to continue to build 
substantial, sustainable shareholder value.  We look forward to reporting further exciting progress in 2021. 

7 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2020

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 

The Group is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties in undertaking its day-to-day operations. The key 
business risks affecting the Group and how they are managed are set out below:

Financial 

The Group has a history of operating losses, with 2016 being the Group’s first and so far only profitable year. 
Profitability depends on the success and market acceptance of current and new products and investment in sales 
infrastructure, without which the Group will make losses and consume cash. Until the profitable commercialisation 
of  new  products  and  markets  is  proved  sustainable  the  Group  will  carefully  monitor  costs  and  cash  flow  with 
reference to ensuring the Group is able to continue as a going concern. In particular, the rate of investment in 
new technologies will be limited to the extent of any surplus cash reserves of the Group and the positive cash 
flow derived from the core business and recently launched products.  

The  Directors  have  prepared  a  strategic  plan,  including  financial  forecasts  and  cash  flows,  for  the  period  to 
December 2023. The monitoring of cash and future projected cash flows, as well as the sales pipeline is included 
in monthly reporting to the Board. 

Product and market development 

Future success of the Group is principally focussed on growth of near-term revenues through existing products 
as well as the successful commercialisation of innovative new products and services. As well as driving commercial 
success,  the  ability  to  transition  current  products  to  new  markets  and  the  development  of  new  products  and 
services for both existing and new markets will determine how successful the Group will be in growing. As noted 
in the Strategic Report, we have seen continued success in this area over the last year and more. However, the 
rate of future growth will be determined by the take up of these products in the various markets we serve.  

Covid-19 

The Group adapted well to the challenges posed by Covid-19, and the increased interest in remote clinical trials 
is  likely  to be  a  long-term  benefit  to  the  Group. Operationally,  the Group  adapted  quickly  and well  to remote 
working. The business remains fully operational, and we believe the business can withstand reasonable downside 
risk. However there remains some uncertainty as to when operations will return to near normal, and as such the 
situation is under constant review. 

Brexit and related changes 

The United Kingdom has left the European Union (‘EU’). The Group kept the situation during 2020 under review 
and there have not been any immediate, detrimental impacts either in 2020 or 2021 to date. Nonetheless, the 
Group remains watchful, and in particular to the following factors: 











Regulations, especially General Data Protection Regulations (‘GDPR’): the Group is working to ensure 
that compliance with regulations, especially those in relation to data sharing, continue to be adhered to, 
as the EU debates the equivalence considerations of data processed or controlled in the UK. 
Imports and exports: the Group does import a small amount of hardware form the EU. The Group also 
exports  hardware  to  both  EU  and  non-EU  countries.  The  Group  has  not  yet  experienced  significant 
problems in this area but this remains a risk.  
Currency: as the Group is a net exporter to the US and the EU, a decline in the value of GBP against the 
USD and the EUR is of benefit to the group in the immediate term. Strengthening of the GBP will result 
in a reduction in the GBP value of the Group’s revenues. 
Impacts on the broader market: Directors and management continue to consider what impacts there 
may be on our customers and the broader economy. Virtually all of the Group’s suppliers are UK based 
so there is minimal risk to our supply chain. 
People: the group has a number of EU nationals as employees. No employees have been lost as a result 
of Brexit, and there have not yet been any obvious impacts on recruitment. Nonetheless, it is possible 
that recruitment may be impacted by a potentially smaller pool of talent. 

Technology and regulation 

The  success of  the Group  and  its  ability  to  compete effectively with  other  companies  partly  depends  upon  its 
ability to protect its intellectual property and exploit its technology. During the year significant development work 
has continued on the product range to ensure that the Group’s products remain competitive and at the forefront 
of the sector. The Group files patent applications as it strives to protect and enhance its intellectual property. 

8 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2020

Growth management 

The Group's ability to manage its growth effectively requires it to continue to improve its operations, financial 
and management controls, reporting systems and procedures and to train, motivate and manage its employees. 
The Group’s future success depends on its ability to hire, train and retain key technical, scientific, regulatory, 
sales and marketing personnel. The Group seeks to recruit and retain high calibre staff through offering share 
ownership and rewards commensurate with their seniority and maintaining open communication with employees. 

Reliance on key customers 

The Group maintains close relationships with a number of customers but aims not to be overly dependent on any 
one  of  them.  During  2020,  no  customer  accounted  for  more  than  10%  of  the  revenue  of  the  business.  Over 
recent years, the increased diversity of our product offering has led to an increased diversity in both our products 
and our customer base that has continued to mitigate this risk. Nonetheless, there is a risk that the loss of a 
major customer would result in a revenue shortfall. 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

The Directors have monitored the performance of the Group with particular reference to the key performance 
indicators being revenue and sales orders, operating margin and cash flow. An overview of the financial results 
for the year is provided earlier in this report.  

KPIs at a glance: 

KPI 

2020 result  2019 result  Movement 

Revenue 

£6.74m  

£5.04m  

Sales orders 

£12.70m 

£4.93m 

Order book (revenue yet 
recognised  on 
to  be 
orders won) 

£11.17m 

£5.69m 

Operating margin  

(10%) 

(62%) 

Cash flow 

£2.15m 
inflow 

£0.21m 
outflow 

£1.70m 
increase 
(34%) 

£7.77m 
increase 
(158%) 

£5.48m 
increase 
(96%) 

52 
percentage 
point 
increase 

Increase in 
inflow of 
£2.36m  

Summary management 
commentary 
Revenue  has  increased  following 
growth 
that 
commenced  in  Q4  2019  and 
continued throughout 2020.   

in  sales  orders 

This  increase  reflects  both  new 
products and a full review of the 
Group’s  commercial  function  in 
2019.  
A result of the order intake above, 
the  volume  of  our  order  book 
gives us an excellent base as we 
enter 2021.  
As well as the growth in revenue 
above, the Group has cut costs as 
previously  advised.  This  has 
included 
in 
research  and  development  and 
savings  from  lower  conference 
and  travel  activity  due  to  the 
Covid-19 pandemic. 
This 
the 
combination  of  share  issue  of 
£1.28m  in  March  2020  and  by 
cash 
through 
operations  and  in  particular  the 
Group’s billing profile.   

result  of 

generated 

reducing 

spend 

the 

is 

The Group monitors progress on a regular basis and will add to the key performance indicators as circumstances 
dictate. The directors value greatly the progress and innovation demonstrated by the Group. Unfortunately, this 
cannot  be readily measured  in  the  style  of  a  KPI.  The  directors  are pleased  with  the  successes  in  developing 
products during 2020, and the plans for continued innovation.  

9 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2020

SECTION 172(1) STATEMENT 

The directors consider, both individually and collectively that they have taken decisions in a manner they consider, 
in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Group for the benefit of its stakeholders, having 
regard to the matters set out in s172(1) of the Companies Act 2006: 

a) The likely consequences of any decision in the long-term: the long-term success of the Group is always 
a key factor when making strategic decisions. Strategic Plans are prepared every year focussing on a 
minimum three-year period.  

b) The interests of the Group’s employees: the Group’s employees are our key asset and hence we take 
their wellbeing and development very seriously. The Group believes it offers competitive remuneration 
packages and seeks to engage employees regularly. The Group has worked hard to maintain contact 
with employees even with many employees working from home, principally through fortnightly town hall 
meetings, but also ensuring that line managers are staying close to their teams. All employee surveys 
on  relevant  issues  have  been  undertaken  each  quarter  in  2020  and  the  Group  has  implemented 
appropriate action plans as a consequence. 
The need to foster the Group’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and other: the Group 
has a dynamic relationship with our customers with regular contacts across organisations; we also seek 
to have constructive and mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers. Customers are regularly 
asked for specific feedback, a feedback survey is completed at the end of each study we support and 
the  feedback  received  is  used  to  help  shape  future  engagements.  Shareholders  are  also  a  key 
stakeholder and we seek to engage shareholders through both generic and specific outreach, covering 
both financial results and our innovation and future plans.   

c)

d) The  impact  of  the  Group’s  operations  on  the  community  and  the  environment.  The  Group’s  aims  to 
execute  its  operations  with  due  regard  to  the  environment.  Charities  are  supported  by  donations, 
fundraising, allowing employees two days leave for charitable activities and the donation of equipment. 
e) The desirability of the Group maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct: integrity 
of individuals and corporate integrity are at the heart of all we do and embedded in our culture through 
formal (e.g. Standard Operating Procedures) and informal means. 
The need to act fairly as between members of the Group: no single set of stakeholders is prioritised over 
another – all decisions aim to be equitable across all stakeholders. 

f)

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board. 

Matthew Stork 
Chief Executive Officer 
6 April 2021  

10 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Report of the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2020

The Directors present their report on the affairs of the Group and Company together with the financial statements 
for the year to 31 December 2020. The Group financial statements are prepared under international accounting 
standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES 

Cambridge  Cognition  Holdings  plc  (‘the  Company’)  and  its  subsidiaries  (together,  ‘the  Group’)  specialises  in 
improving brain health by developing and marketing near-patient cognitive testing techniques. The likely future 
developments of the business and the nature of research and development activities are discussed in the strategic 
report. 

GOING CONCERN AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 

The Directors have assessed the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, in particular in light of the Covid-
19 pandemic. As noted in the Strategic Review, the business has remained fully operational to date and order 
intake in 2020 was excellent. The Group also benefitted from the £1.28m (net) equity fundraise in March 2020.

Whilst having proper regard to the continuing uncertainties brought by the pandemic, the Directors believe that 
the Group will remain a going concern for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the accounts have been prepared 
on the going concern basis. More details are given in note 3.2 to the financial statements. 

Further information on the Group’s financial risk management strategy can be found in note 26 to the accounts. 

SHARE ISSUES 

The issued share capital of the Company is set out at Note 20 to the accounts. On 10 March 2020, 7,000,000 
shares were issued in connection with the raising of £1.28m (net) referred above.  

DIRECTORS 

The Directors who held office at 31 December 2020 and their interest in the share capital of the Company were: 

Name 

15 March 2020

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

Ordinary Shares of 1p each 

Steven Powell (Chairman) 

Matthew Stork 

Nicholas Walters 

Richard Bungay 

Debra Leeves 

216,375 

125,000 

300,826 

- 

50,000 

216,375 

125,000 

300,826 

- 

50,000 

141,375 

50,000 

200,826 

- 

- 

Other  directors  who  served  in  the  year,  details  of  appointment  and  resignation  dates  are  given  in  the 
Remuneration Report. 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION AND SHARE OPTIONS 

Details  of Directors’ remuneration  and  share options  are provided  within  the Remuneration  Report  and  are  in 
addition to the interests in shares shown above. 

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Report of the Directors, the Remuneration 
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 Group financial statements in accordance with International accounting standards 
in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and have elected to prepare the Parent Company 
financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and applicable 
law including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. 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  

11 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Report of the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2020

and of the profit or loss of the Company and Group for that year. 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 the applicable international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of 
the Companies Act 2006, or for the Parent Company, UK Accounting Standards, have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the 
Company will continue in business. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain 
the  Company's  transactions  and  disclose  with  reasonable  accuracy  at  any  time  the  financial  position  of  the 
Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 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 Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’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. 

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY ARRANGEMENTS 

During the year the Company purchased Directors' and Officers' liabilities insurance in respect of itself and its 
Directors. 

AUDITOR 

A resolution to re-appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP as the Company’s auditor will be proposed at the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting. In accordance with normal practice, the Directors will be authorised to determine the 
Auditor’s remuneration. 

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board 

Nick Walters 
Company Secretary 
6 April 2021

12 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Corporate Governance Report for the year ended 31 December 
2020 

Chairman’s Statement 

As Chairman of the Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc (“the Company”) Board, it is my responsibility to ensure 
that the Board is performing its role effectively and has the capacity, ability, structure and support to enable it 
to continue to do so. 

We believe that a sound and well understood governance structure is essential to maintain the integrity of the 
Group in all its actions, to enhance performance and to impact positively on our shareholders, staff, customers, 
suppliers and other stakeholders. 

In 2018, the Company adopted the QCA Corporate Governance Code (“the QCA Code”) as the benchmark for 
measuring our adherence to good governance principles. These principles provide us with a clear framework for 
assessing our performance as a board and as a company, and the report below shows how we apply the Code’s 
ten guiding principles in practice. 

The QCA Code requires that some disclosures are available on the Company website, whilst others are required 
in the Company’s Annual Report and Accounts and the Company has followed this recommendation. The 
corporate governance disclosure on our website can be found at
http://www.cambridgecognition.com/investors/corporate-governance/

All members of the Board of the Company believe in the value and importance of good corporate governance. 
The Chairman is personally responsible for establishing and monitoring corporate governance. 

The Company is listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange (“AIM”). 

The Board considers that it does not depart from any of the principles of the QCA Code and the Board continues 
to monitor and develop its governance processes to maintain best practice. The Board recognises the 
importance of our wider stakeholders in delivering our strategy and business sustainability.  

Steven Powell 

Chairman 

Disclosure of those principles recommended for the Annual Report and Accounts under the QCA 
Code  

Principle 1: Establish a strategy and business model which promotes long-term value for 
shareholders 

The Company has a rolling three-year detailed strategic plan that is updated and approved by the Board 
annually. This is supported by an annual operating plan, which is also subject to Board review. 

The Company’s Strategic Report, including an assessment of principal risks and uncertainties and key 
performance indicators can be found on pages three to ten of this Annual Report and Accounts. 

Principle 4: Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, 
throughout the organisation 

Risks are considered as part of the strategic planning process referred to above. The CEO is also ultimately 
responsible for the quality management of the Company and reports to the Board on key matters. The Board 
will periodically receive presentations on specific operational and financial risks. 

The principal risks and uncertainties of the Group are summarised on pages eight and nine of this Annual 
Report and Accounts. 

13 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Corporate Governance Report for the year ended 31 December 
2020  

Principle 5: Maintain the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the Chair

The Board consists of two executive directors, the non-executive Chairman and two further independent 
directors. The non-executive Chairman holds some shares, especially from his time as the Group’s CEO. One 
non-executive director holds shares after the March 2020 placing. These holdings are not considered material. 

All Directors are expected to devote sufficient time to their duties as may be necessary. Typically, this would be 
around two days per month for the non-executive directors. 

The Board is provided with monthly business and finance reports from the CEO and CFO respectively. Further 
information will be given to the Board for discussion at meetings as relevant. 

The Board is supported by three sub-committees: the Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the 
Nomination Committee. All non-executive directors sit on all sub-committees. Board and Committee attendance 
for 2020 is as follows: 

Board 

Audit 

Nomination 

Remuneration 

No. of Meetings 

S. Powell 

M. Stork 

N. Walters 

R. Bungay 

E. Dodd 

D. Leeves 

11 

11 

11 

11 

3 (of 3) 

4 (of 6) 

11 

2 

2 

- 

- 

1 (of 1) 

1 (of 1) 

2 

2 

2 

- 

- 

1 (of 1) 

- 

2 

2 

2 

- 

- 

1 (of 1) 

1 (of 1) 

2 

Principle 6: Ensure that between them the Directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, 
skills and capabilities 

Profiles of each of the Directors are given below. 

Principle 7: Evaluate board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous 
improvement 

Since the Company’s listing in 2013, board evaluation has been an informal process led by the Chairman and 
principally consisting of one-on-one meetings to gather, compare and consider the views of each of the 
directors. This approach has, to date, been deemed appropriate given the small size of the Company. 

On adoption of the QCA code, the Board intended to conduct formal internal performance reviews every year 
supplemented by an external evaluation review as required. The Covid-19 pandemic and remote working 
meant this was not undertaken in 2020.  

Principle 8: Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours 

The Board ensures that the Company culture is based on ethical values through the following means: 











The employee handbook clearly setting out values and employment codes 
All new employees benefit from an induction programme which emphasises our ethical values and 
behaviours 
These behaviours are re-iterated through the various employee communication and reward channels  
Particular training on topics relating to ethical behaviour, ranging from compliance in clinical trials to 
share dealing rules are given at regular intervals and attendance monitored 
Standard Operating Procedures (“SOPs”) that outline the Company’s processes and the values that 
underpin them are required to be read by employees and documentation of compliance maintained 
Receiving monthly reports from human resources and other departments to ensure that any instances 
of behaviours not being recognised or respected are considered and resolved appropriately 

14 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Corporate Governance Report for the year ended 31 December 
2020  

Principle 10: Communicate how the Company is governed and is performing by maintaining a 
dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders 

Descriptions of the work of the Board and its Committees is provided below. The Remuneration Report is on 
pages 17 and 18. 

Further information on the Company’s corporate governance framework, including on those principle of the 
QCA code not listed here can be found at http://www.cambridgecognition.com/investors/corporate-
governance/

Director profiles 

Dr Steven Powell Chairman

Dr Powell graduated in microbiology from the University of Wales and was awarded a PhD from the University 
of Aberdeen. He has over thirty years operational and investment experience in pharmaceutical and healthcare 
companies in the UK, USA and Scandinavia. Including his current role at Cambridge Cognition he has held five 
CEO roles, three in public companies. In 2003, he joined Gilde Healthcare, a pan-European life sciences 
investment fund as a partner and remained an adviser to the fund until 2016. 

Dr Matthew Stork Chief Executive Officer

Dr Stork has over twenty-five years’ experience of managing companies in the med tech sector and expertise 
in AI, IT, diagnostics, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Before becoming CEO of Cambridge Cognition 
in 2019, he held managing director and divisional leadership roles within GE Healthcare Digital, InHealth Group, 
ArjoHuntleigh, Canon Medical Systems (formerly Toshiba) and Smith & Nephew.  He has a degree in pharmacy 
from the University of Bath, a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine from King’s College London, and an MBA 
from London Business School.  

Nick Walters Chief Financial Officer 

A chartered accountant, Mr Walters has served as Finance Director, Deputy Chairman and Chairman on a 
number of Boards. Mr Walters has over thirty years’ experience across a wide range of industry sectors and a 
track record for addressing the fundamentals in these companies and setting them up for sustainable growth. 
He has experience of start-ups in both the USA and the Far East as CFO.  

Richard Bungay Non-Executive Director

Mr. Bungay has over 25 years' experience in corporate roles with R&D-based companies within the 
biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, including as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of both public and private 
companies, with a particular focus on financing, investor relations and business development. A chartered 
accountant, Mr Bungay is currently CFO of Diurnal Group plc, the AIM quoted specialty pharmaceutical 
company targeting patient needs in chronic endocrine diseases. Prior to that, Mr Bungay held CFO and Chief 
Operating Officer roles at Mereo BioPharma Group plc as well as being CFO of Glide Technologies and Verona 
Pharma plc.

Debra Leeves Non-Executive Director 

Ms Leeves is currently CEO of Vertual, the leading provider of virtual and augmented reality training simulation 
systems in radiotherapy. She has over 25 years of experience in the medical technology and biotechnology 
industries, and has previously been COO of Beckley Canopy Therapeutics, CEO of Physeon and also held senior 
roles with companies such as Rex Bionics, Avita Medical, Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, GE Healthcare and Pfizer. 

Eric Dodd did not offer himself for re-election at the AGM on 27 May 2021 and hence resigned from the Board 
at that date.  

15 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Corporate Governance Report for the year ended 31 December 
2020  

Board sub-committees 

The Board is supported by three sub-committees, the Audit Committee, Nomination Committee and 
Remuneration Committee.  

The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include making recommendations to the Board on the appointment of 
the Company’s auditors, approving the auditor’s fees, safeguarding the objectivity and independence of the 
auditors, reviewing the findings of the audit and monitoring and reviewing effectiveness of the Company’s 
systems of risk management and internal control. The Audit Committee is also responsible for monitoring the 
integrity of the financial statements of the Company, including its annual and half yearly reports and interim 
management statements. 

The main issues considered by the Committee during the year in relation to the financial statements included 
the appropriateness of revenue recognition policies, adequacy of systems of internal control and going concern. 
The Committee notes the auditors’ inclusion of revenue recognition and going concern as key audit matters.   

No significant fees were paid in the year to the auditors for services other than audit and tax compliance and 
related work. The independence and objectivity of the auditors is important to the Company and the Committee 
keeps track of fees paid to the auditors for any change in this position.  Periodically the Audit Committee 
chairman speaks directly with the audit partner to set out the needs of the committee and to receive any 
feedback without the presence of any executive directors.  

The Committee also reviews the Group’s risk management and continues to believe that the Group’s risk 
management strategy properly addresses the main risk areas.     

The Nomination Committee’s responsibilities include reviewing the structure, size and composition of the 
Board, making recommendations to the Board concerning membership of Board committees and identifying and 
nominating candidates for the Board for Board approval. Every director appointed by the Board is subject to re-
election by the shareholders at the AGM following their appointment and every third AGM thereafter. 

The Remuneration Committee’s responsibilities include determining the remuneration of the executive 
directors, reviewing the design of all share incentive plans and determining each year whether awards will be 
made, and if so, the overall amount of such awards, the individual awards to executive directors and the 
performance targets to be used. Annual performance evaluation is based on targets set at the outset of each 
year and bonuses paid, as appropriate, in line with the agreed incentive plan. 

16 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Remuneration Committee 

The Company has established a Remuneration Committee. The members of the Remuneration Committee are: 

Steven Powell (Chair) 
Richard Bungay 
Debra Leeves 

The Committee makes recommendations to the Board. No director plays a part in any discussion about his own 
remuneration. 

The Company is not required to publish a Directors’ Remuneration Report, but the below information is given in 
the interests of transparency and good governance. 

Components of Executive Directors’ remuneration 

Executive  remuneration  packages  are  prudently  designed to  attract,  motivate  and retain  directors  of  the  high 
calibre needed to enhance the Group’s market position and to reward them for increasing value to shareholders. 
The  performance  measurement  of  the  executive  directors  and  key  members  of  senior  management  and  the 
determination of their annual remuneration package are undertaken by the Committee. 

There are five main elements of the remuneration package for the executive directors and senior management: 
• Basic annual salary; 
• Benefits-in-kind; 
• Annual bonus payments; 
• Share option incentives; and  
• Pension arrangements. 

Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration 

The  remuneration  of  Non-Executive  Directors  is  determined  by  the  Board  and  reflects  their  anticipated  time 
commitment to fulfill their duties. The Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration is subject to the same principles of 
the Group Remuneration policy. The letters of appointment of Non-Executive Directors can be terminated with 
one month’s notice given by either party. 

Directors’ remuneration (audited) 
The remuneration of the Directors was as follows: 

Current Directors: 
Executive Directors: 
   Matthew Stork (1) 
   Nicholas Walters 
   Steven Powell (2) 
Non-Executive Directors: 
   Steven Powell (2) 
   Richard Bungay (3) 
   Eric Dodd (4) 
   Debra Leeves (5) 
   Michael Lewis (6) 
   Nicholas Kerton (6) 

Total 

Salary
/Fee 
£’000 

Benefits 

Bonus 

Pension 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

2020 
Total 
£’000 

2019 
Total 
£’000 

241 
48 
- 

45 
9 
18 
30 
- 
- 
391

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-

133 
22 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
155

14 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
14

388
70
-

45
9
18
30
-
-
560

155 
48 
59 

27 
- 
30 
15 
18 
12 
364

(1) Appointed to the Board 23 May 2019 
(2) Executive Director until 23 May 2019, Non-Executive Director thereafter 
(3) Appointed to the Board on 14 September 2020 
(4) Resigned from the Board on 28 July 2020 
(5) Appointed to the Board on 1 July 2019 
(6) Resigned from the Board on 23 May 2019 

Payments were also made to third parties for the services of Steven Powell and Nicholas Walters, not included 
in the table above. See note 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

17 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Share Options: 

Granted 

Steven Powell 

July 2015 

Number of 
Options 
62,500 

Performance 
criteria 
Vested (1) 

Exercise price 
in pence 
82.5 pence 

Exercise period 

To July 2025 

Matthew Stork  

Matthew Stork 

Matthew Stork 

Nicholas Walters 

October 
2019 
June 2020 

November 
2020 
June 2020 

392,858 

196,429 

103,774 

60,000 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(3) 

28 pence 

28 pence 

53 pence 

28 pence 

October 2022 to 
September 2023 
June 2023 to May 
2024 
November 2023 to 
October 2024 
June 2023 to May 
2024 

Performance Criteria 

(1) Options vest once the average of the closing price of shares in the Company over two consecutive 

dealing days, as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List, has equalled or exceeded 
120 pence. This condition was fulfilled on 4 May 2017. 

(2) 50% of these options will vest if the average closing mid-market price of an Ordinary Share for any 

three month period before 30 September 2022 exceeds 100 pence and on the last day of that period 
exceeds 90 pence.  50% of these options will vest if the average closing mid-market price of an 
Ordinary Share for any three month period before 30 September 2022 exceeds 150 pence and on the 
last day of that period exceeds 135 pence.  

(3) 50% of these options will vest if the average closing mid-market price of an Ordinary Share for any 
three month period before 31 May 2023 exceeds 77.5 pence and on the last day of that period 
exceeds 70 pence.  50% of these options will vest if the average closing mid-market price of an 
Ordinary Share for any three month period before 30 September 2022 exceeds 115 pence and on the 
last day of that period exceeds 105 pence.  

(4) 50% of these options will vest if the average closing mid-market price of an Ordinary Share for any 

three month period before 31 May 2023 exceeds 90 pence and on the last day of that period exceeds 
80 pence.  50% of these options will vest if the average closing mid-market price of an Ordinary Share 
for any three month period before 30 September 2022 exceeds 130 pence and on the last day of that 
period exceeds 115 pence.  

At the beginning of the year, the personal representatives of Dr. Nicholas Kerton held 75,000 vested 
options at an exercise price of 60 pence. The rules of the scheme permitted Dr Kerton’s personal 
representatives to exercise the options by August 2020. The options were not exercised and hence the 
options have been forfeited. 

18 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Opinion 

Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified 

We have audited the financial statements of Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc (the ‘parent company’) and its 
subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 31 December 2020, which comprise the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of changes in 
equity, the consolidated statement of cash flows, the parent company statement of financial position, the parent 
company statement of changes in equity and notes to the consolidated and parent company financial statements, 
including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in 
the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and international accounting standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

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 December 2020 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended; 
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with international accounting 
standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006; 
the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the ‘Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements’ section of our report. We are independent of the Group and the parent company in accordance 
with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 
basis for our opinion. 

Conclusions relating to going concern 

We are responsible for concluding on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of 
accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our report to the related 
disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify the auditor’s opinion. Our 
conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our report. However, future events or conditions 
may cause the Group or the parent company to cease to continue as a going concern. 

A description of our evaluation of management’s assessment of the ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis 
of accounting, and our results arising with respect to that evaluation is included in the key audit matters section of our 
report. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or 
conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s and the parent company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised 
for issue. 

19 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting 
in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.  

The responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the ‘Responsibilities of directors for 
the financial statements’ section of this report. 

Our approach to the audit 

Materiality

Key audit 
matters

Scoping

Overview of our audit approach 

Overall materiality:  

Group: £185,000, which represents approximately 2.75% of the 
Group’s revenue. 

Parent company: £76,000, which represents approximately 1% of 
the parent company’s total assets, capped at its component 
materiality.   

Key audit matters were identified as going concern and revenue 
recognition (same as previous year). 

We performed an audit of the financial information of the 
component using component materiality (full-scope audit 
procedures) on the financial information of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc and of Cambridge Cognition Limited. We performed 
an audit of one or more classes of transactions, account balances 
or disclosures relating to significant risks of material misstatement 
of the Group financial statements (specific-scope audit 
procedures) on Cambridge Cognition LLC. Analytical procedures 
at Group level (analytical procedures) were performed on 
CANTAB Corporate Health Limited, Cambridge Cognition 
Trustees Limited and Cognition Kit Limited. There were no 
changes in scope from prior year. 

In total, our audit procedures covered 95% of the Group’s net 
assets, 100% of the Group’s revenue and 98% of the Group’s loss 
before tax. 

Key audit matters 

Key  audit  matters  are  those  matters  that,  in  our 
professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our  audit  of  the  financial  statements  of  the  current 
period and include the most significant assessed risks 
of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
that we identified. These matters included those that 
had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; 
the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing 
the  efforts  of  the  engagement  team.  These  matters 
were  addressed  in  the  context  of  our  audit  of  the 
financial  statements  as  a  whole,  and  in  forming  our 
opinion  thereon,  and  we  do  not  provide  a  separate 
opinion on these matters.  

Description

Audit 
reponse

KAM

Disclosures Our results

20 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

In the graph below, we have presented the key audit matters, significant risks and other risks relevant to the audit. 

High

Potential 
financial 
statement 
impact

Low

Low

Revenue 
recognition

Going 
concern

Deferred 
revenue

Management override 
of controls

Trade 
receivables

Carrying amount 
of intercompany 
loans

Trade creditors

Share based 
payments

Carrying value 
of goodwill

Extent of management judgement

High

Key audit matter

Significant risk

Other risk 

Key Audit Matter – Group 

How our scope addressed the matter – Group 

Going concern 

We identified going concern as one of the most 
significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement due to fraud and error as a result of 
the judgement required to conclude whether there 
is a material uncertainty related to going concern. 

The Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern has been subject to increased audit 
scrutiny in line with the anticipated financial 
impact of Covid-19 and Brexit and their potential 
impact on the markets as a whole and the Group 
specifically. The directors have considered the 
impact of Covid-19 and Brexit and have 
sensitised their forecasts accordingly. 

As the full economic effect on the Group and the 
overall economic environment are still uncertain, 
there is a significant level of judgement involved 
in anticipating results. Due to the high level of 

In responding to the key audit matter, we 
performed the following audit procedures: 

  Obtained management’s assessment of going 
concern and supporting information, including 
budgets and cash flow forecasts. We 
assessed how the budgets and forecasts 
were compiled, including assessing their 
accuracy by validating the reasonableness of 
underlying assumptions;  

  Critically evaluated the revenue and cost 
projections underlying the model with 
reference to market information, past 
performance of the Group as well as any 
known post balance sheet events; 

  Assessed the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit 
on the cash-flow projections as well as the 
related assumptions and sensitivities; and   
  Assessed the adequacy of the going concern 
disclosures included within the financial 
statements. 

21 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

Key Audit Matter – Group 

How our scope addressed the matter – Group 

judgement involved in these assessments, there 
exists a risk that inappropriate assumptions might 
be utilised in the determination of the Group’s 
ability to continue as a going concern. 

Relevant disclosures in the Annual Report and 
Accounts

The financial statements explain in note 3.2 how 
the directors have formed a judgement that it is 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of 
preparation for the Group financial statements. 

Revenue recognition  

We identified revenue recognition as one of the 
most significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement due to fraud and error as a result of 
the significant judgements made by management 
in identifying the separate performance 
obligations and selecting an appropriate method 
for measuring progress. 

Under International Standard on Auditing (UK) 
240 ‘The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to 
Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements’, there 
is a rebuttable presumed risk that there are risks 
of fraud in revenue recognition. 

The nature of the Group’s revenue includes 
providing multiple products or services as part of 
a single arrangement. These products and 
services may include, but are not limited to, 
licences of IP, sale of hardware, study set up, 
data management services, study management 
services, support services, training, and other 
maintenance services. 

Management apply judgement to: 

 

 

 

identify the separate performance obligations 
in an arrangement based on the terms of the 
contract and the Group’s customary business 
practices 
determine whether the performance 
obligation is satisfied over time or at a point 
in time; and 
select an appropriate method for measuring 
progress of that performance obligation if it is 
satisfied over time. 

Our results 
Based on the work we have performed, we have 
not identified any material uncertainties relating to 
events or conditions that, individually or 
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the 
Group’s and the parent company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern for a period of at 
least twelve months from when the financial 
statements are authorised for issue. 

In responding to the key audit matter, we 
performed the following audit procedures: 

  Obtained management’s assessment of 

income recognition in accordance with IFRS 
15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ 
and evaluated the revenue recognition 
policies for consistency and compliance with 
IFRS 15. 

  For a sample of contracts, we: 

checked that the performance 
obligations have been appropriately 
identified in accordance with the Group’s 
accounting policy; 

checked that revenue recognised in the 
year relates to amounts allocated to 
performance obligations that were 
satisfied in the year;  

inspected evidence of delivery of 
products or rendering of services, such 
as delivery of licence keys, number of 
assessments completed in the period, 
and notifications that the assessments 
have been completed; 

evaluated the judgements made by 
management in identifying the separate 
performance obligations and selecting 
an appropriate method for measuring 
progress; 

inspected evidence that invoices raised 
relate to milestones met in the period in 
accordance with the payment schedule 
agreed with the customer; and 

 

 

 

 

 

22 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

Key Audit Matter – Group 

How our scope addressed the matter – Group 

A number of the products or services may be sold 
together as a bundled contract. Determining 
whether the products or services are distinct from 
other goods and services in an arrangement is 
key to the appropriate recognition of revenue.  

 

recalculated the revenue recognised for 
performance obligations delivered over 
time and checked the accuracy of 
deferred revenue and accrued income. 

  Obtained an understanding of the 

performance and progress of material 
contracts through discussions with the 
internal study managers to corroborate that 
revenue has been recognised as 
performance obligations have been satisfied; 

  Obtained management’s assessment of 
revenue recognised under bill and hold 
arrangements, critically challenging the 
judgements made and corroborating facts to 
supporting documentation; and  

  Recalculating the deferred income element of 
a sample of revenue contracts to test the 
completeness of the deferred income creditor 
at year end. 

Relevant disclosures in the Annual Report and 
Accounts 

The Group's accounting policy on revenue 
recognition is set out in note 3.3 to the financial 
statements and related disclosures are included 
in note 5. 

Our results 
Based on our audit work, we did not identify any 
material misstatement in the revenue recognised 
in the year to 31 December 2020. We consider 
the Group's disclosure to be in accordance with 
IFRS 15. 

Our application of materiality 

We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing the audit, and in evaluating the effect of identified 
misstatements on the audit and of uncorrected misstatements, if any, on the financial statements and in forming the 
opinion in the auditor’s report. 

Materiality was determined as follows: 

Materiality measure 

Group 

Parent company 

Materiality for financial 
statements as a whole

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial 
statements that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of the users of these financial 
statements. We use materiality in determining the nature, timing and extent 
of our audit work. 

Materiality threshold 

£185,000, which is approximately 
2.75% of the Group’s revenue.  

£76,000, which is approximately 1% 
of the parent company’s total assets, 
capped at its component materiality.  

Significant judgements 
made by auditor in 

In determining materiality, we made 
the following significant judgements: 

In determining materiality, we made 
the following significant judgements: 

23 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

Materiality measure 

Group 

Parent company 

determining the 
materiality 

  We selected revenue as the 

  We selected total assets as 

benchmark as it is less volatile 
and reflective of the activity levels 
and scale of the Group’s business. 
Revenue is also a key 
performance measure for the 
Group and is therefore of most 
interest to stakeholders. 

  We used 2.75% as an appropriate 
benchmark percentage as the 
Group has no debt and the 
business is relatively stable and 
not complex.  

Materiality for the current year is 
higher than the level that we 
determined for the year ended 31 
December 2019 to reflect the 
increase in the Group’s revenue for 
the year. 

benchmark as the parent company 
is not a trading entity. Therefore, 
total assets are of most relevance 
to users of the financial 
statements. 

  We determined 1% as an 
appropriate benchmark 
percentage due to the size of the 
parent company’s total assets. 

Materiality for the current year is 
lower than the level that we 
determined for the year ended 31 
December 2019 to reflect the change 
in the measurement percentage from 
2% of total assets last year to 1% 
this year, and the capping applied in 
the current year at its component 
materiality, referred to above.   

Performance 
materiality used to 
drive the extent of our 
testing

We set performance materiality at an amount less than materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole to reduce to an appropriately low level the 
probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements 
exceeds materiality for the financial statements as a whole. 

Performance 
materiality threshold 

£129,500, which is 70% of financial 
statement materiality. 

£53,200, which is 70% of financial 
statement materiality. 

Significant judgements 
made by auditor in 
determining the 
performance 
materiality 

In determining performance 
materiality, we considered: 

In determining performance 
materiality, we considered: 

  our risk assessment – there have 
been no significant changes to the 
finance team, functions or 
systems; and  

  our risk assessment – there have 
been no significant changes to the 
finance team, functions or 
systems; and  

  the strength of the control 

  the strength of the control 

environment and our experience 
auditing the financial statements of 
the Group, including the effect of 
misstatements identified in 
previous audits.  

environment and our experience 
auditing the financial statements of 
the parent company, including the 
effect of misstatements identified 
in previous audits.  

Specific materiality 

We determine specific materiality for one or more particular classes of 
transactions, account balances or disclosures for which misstatements of 
lesser amounts than materiality for the financial statements as a whole could 

24 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

Materiality measure 

Group 

Parent company 

reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken 
on the basis of the financial statements. 

Specific materiality 
threshold 

We determined a lower level of 
specific materiality for certain areas 
such as directors’ remuneration, 
related party transactions and audit 
fees. 

We determined a lower level of 
specific materiality for certain areas 
such as directors’ remuneration and 
related party transactions. 

Communication of 
misstatements to the 
Audit Committee 

We determine a threshold for reporting unadjusted differences to the Audit 
Committee.   

Threshold for 
communication 

£9,300 and misstatements below that 
threshold that, in our view, warrant 
reporting on qualitative grounds. 

£3,800 and misstatements below that 
threshold that, in our view, warrant 
reporting on qualitative grounds. 

The graph below illustrates how performance materiality interacts with our overall materiality and the tolerance for 
potential uncorrected misstatements. 

Overall materiality – Group 

Overall materiality – Parent company 

Group revenue
£6,741,000

PM 
£129,500,  
70%

FSM
£185,000, 
2.75%

Total assets
£9,761,000

PM 
£53,200,  
70%

FSM
£76,000, 
1%

TFPUM 
£55,500,
30%

TFPUM 
£22,800,
30%

FSM: Financial statements materiality, PM: Performance materiality, TFPUM: Tolerance for potential uncorrected misstatements 

An overview of the scope of our audit 

We performed a risk-based audit that requires an understanding of the Group’s and the parent company’s business 
and in particular matters related to: 

Understanding the Group, its components, and their environments, including Group-wide controls 

  We obtained an understanding of the Group and its environment, including Group-wide controls as follows:  

25 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

 

 

The Group’s accounting process is structured around the centralised Group finance function based at the 
Group’s head office in Cambridge, UK, which provides accounting and administrative support for the 
Group’s operations; and 

The Group has two trading subsidiaries, Cambridge Cognition Limited (registered in UK) and Cambridge 
Cognition LLC (registered in USA), and a non-trading parent company based in UK. Other entities within 
the Group are not involved in the core operations of the Group. 

Identifying significant components

  We identified and evaluated the components to assess their significance and to determine the planned audit 

response based on a measure of materiality. We determined significance as a percentage of the Group’s total 
assets, revenue and loss before taxation.  

Type of work to be performed on financial information of parent and other components (including how it addressed the 
key audit matters) 

  Based on our assessment of the Group as above, we focused our Group audit scope primarily on the two trading 

subsidiaries, which were the significant components, and the parent company. 

  Audit of the financial information of the component using component materiality (full-scope audit) was 
performed on the financial information of the parent company and Cambridge Cognition Limited; and  

  Audit of one or more account balances, classes of transactions or disclosures of the component (specific-
scope audit) was performed on the financial information of Cambridge Cognition LLC, where the extent of 
our testing was based on our assessment of the risks of material misstatement and of the size of the 
Group’s operations at that location.  

  At the Group level we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures for the 

remaining three components (CANTAB Corporate Health Limited, Cambridge Cognition Trustees Limited and 
Cognition Kit Limited) to confirm our conclusion that there were no significant risks of material misstatement of the 
aggregated financial information of those remaining components. 

  We identified the going concern assumption and revenue recognition as key audit matters and the procedures 

performed in respect of these have been included in the key audit matters section of our report. 

Performance of our audit 

  As documented above, the Group has a centralised finance function based at the Group’s head office in 

Cambridge, UK. All procedures were performed by the Group engagement team, there are no component 
auditors. 

 

In total, our full scope and specific-scope audit procedures covered 95% of the Group’s net assets, 100% of the 
Group’s revenue and 98% of the Group’s loss before tax. 

 

The audit was performed wholly remotely given the restrictions on travel arising from Covid-19. 

Changes in approach from previous period 

 

There has been no change in our assessment of scoping the Group audit from prior year. 

Other information 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the 
annual report and accounts, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the 
financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our 
report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

26 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing 
so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge 
obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or 
apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the 
financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we 
conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.  

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 

 

 

the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for 
which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 
the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with 
applicable legal requirements. 

Matter on which we are required to report under the Companies Act 2006 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the parent company and its environment obtained in 
the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which 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.  

Responsibilities of directors for the financial statements 

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of 
the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the 
directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the parent company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with 
ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and 
are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

27 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud   

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line 
with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. 
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that material misstatements in the financial 
statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with ISAs 
(UK).  

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-
compliance with laws and regulations, we have considered the following:  

  We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the parent company and the 
Group and the industry in which they operate. We determined that the following laws and regulations were most 
significant: international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, 
Companies Act 2006, AIM Rules for Companies, QCA Corporate Governance Code and the relevant tax 
compliance regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates. In addition, we concluded that there are 
certain significant laws and regulations that may have an effect on the determination of the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements, including laws and regulations relating to employment matters, data security 
and protection, and clinical trials regulations. 

  We obtained an understanding of how the parent company and the Group is complying with those legal and 

regulatory frameworks by making inquiries of management, those responsible for legal and compliance procedures 
and the company secretary. We corroborated our inquiries through our review of board minutes and minutes of 
Audit Committee meetings.  

  We enquired of management and the Audit Committee, whether they were aware of any instances of non-

compliance with laws and regulations or whether they had any knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud.  
We corroborated this through our review of professional fees incurred during the year; 

  We assessed the susceptibility of the parent company’s and the Group’s financial statements to material 

misstatement, including how fraud might occur. Audit procedures performed by the Group engagement team 
included:  

 

 

 

 

 

identifying and assessing the design effectiveness of controls management has in place to prevent and 
detect fraud; 

challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in making its significant accounting 
estimates;  

utilising a valuation specialist to test the discounted cashflow model used in management’s impairment 
calculation;  

identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any large or unusual journal entries recorded in the 
general ledger and other adjustments made in the preparation of the financial statements; and  

assessing the extent of compliance with direct laws and regulations that may have an effect on the 
determination of the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  

  We reviewed the Group’s press releases and performed a search of any related information in the public domain. 

  We communicated relevant laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all Group engagement team members 
and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.  

  The Group’s management and Audit Committee have not noted any matters of non-compliance with laws and 

regulations or fraud that were communicated with the Group engagement team.  

28 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Cambridge Cognition 
Holdings plc 

  We completed audit procedures to conclude on the compliance of disclosures in the annual report and financial 

statements with applicable financial reporting requirements. 

  These audit procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free 

from fraud or error. However, detecting irregularities that result from fraud is inherently more difficult than detecting 
those that result from error, as those irregularities that result from fraud may involve collusion, deliberate 
concealment, forgery or intentional misrepresentations. 

 

It is the Group engagement partner’s assessment that the Group engagement team collectively had the appropriate 
competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with laws and regulations. 

Use of our report 

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. 

Paul Brown 
Senior Statutory Auditor 
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP 
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants 
Cambridge 
6 April 2021 

29 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income   

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Administrative expenses 

Other operating income 

Operating loss 

Interest received 

Finance costs 

Loss before tax 

Tax received  

Loss for the year  

Notes 

Year to
31 December 
2020

Year to
31 December 
2019

5 

6 

7 

10 

10 

11 

£’000

6,741

(1,324)

5,417

(6,093)

32

(644)

4

(9)

(649)

211

£’000

5,042 

(1,149) 

3,893 

(7,011) 

- 

(3,118) 

5 

(4) 

(3,117) 

216 

(438)

(2,901) 

Other comprehensive income

Items that may subsequently be reclassified to profit or 
loss 

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 

21 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

93

(345)

87 

(2,814) 

Earnings per share (pence)

Basic and diluted earnings per share 

12 

(1.5)

(12.4) 

All items of income are attributable to the equity holders in the Parent. 

The above results relate to continuing operations. 

30 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Consolidated statement of financial position  

Assets 

Non-current assets  

Intangible assets  

Property, plant and equipment 

Total non-current assets 

Current assets 

Inventories

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets

Liabilities 

Current liabilities  

Trade and other payables  

Total liabilities  

Equity 

Share capital  

Share premium

Other reserves  

Own shares  

Retained earnings  

Total equity  

Notes 

At 31 December 
2020

At 31 December 
2019

£'000

£’000

13 

14 

16 

17 

22 

379

138

517

51

2,648

3,047

385 

117 

502 

53 

1,703 

901 

5,746

2,657 

6,263

3,159 

19 

6,206

4,103 

20 

20

21 

21 

6,206

4,103 

312

11,151

6,111

(78)

242 

9,943 

6,018 

(81) 

(17,439)

(17,066) 

57

(944) 

Total liabilities and equity

6,263

3,159 

The financial statements on pages 30 to 53 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue 
on 6 April 2021 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Matthew Stork 
Chief Executive Officer 

31 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Balance at  
1 January 2019  

Loss for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income for 
the year 

Issue of new share capital 

Share issue costs 
Transfer on allocation of shares 
in trust 
Charge to equity for equity-
settled share-based payments 

Balance at  
1 January 2020 

Loss for year 

Other comprehensive income 
Total comprehensive income for 
the year 

Issue of new share capital 

Share issue costs 
Transfer on allocation of shares 
held in trust 
Credit to equity for equity-
settled share-based payments 

Share 
capital

£'000

Share 
premium

Other 
reserves

Own 
shares

Retained 
earnings

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Total

£'000

207 

7,707 

5,931 

(94) 

(14,277) 

(526)

- 

- 

- 

35 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2,465 

(229) 

- 

- 

-

-

-

70

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,330

(122)

-

-

- 

87 

87 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

13 

- 

13 

(2,901) 

(2,901)

- 

87

(2,901) 

(2,814)

- 

- 

(13) 

125 

112 

2,500

(229)

-

125

2,396

-

93

93

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3

-

3

(438)

(438)

-

93

(438)

(345)

-

-

(3)

68

65

1,400

(122)

-

68

1,346

Transactions with owners  

35 

2,236 

242

9,943

6,018

(81)

(17,066)

(944)

Transactions with owners  

70

1,208

Balance at  
31 December 2020  

312

11,151

6,111

(78)

(17,439)

57

32 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Net cash flows from operating activities  

22 

1,010

(2,320) 

Notes 

Year to
 31 December 
2020

Year to
 31 December 
2019

£'000

£’000

Investing activities  

Interest received 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment  

Purchase of intangible asset 

Net cash flow used in investing activities 

Financing activities  

Proceeds from the issue of share capital

Share issue costs 

Lease payments 

4

(42)

-

(38)

1,400

(122)

(113)

5 

(15) 

(40) 

(50) 

2,500 

(229) 

(113) 

Net cash flows from financing activities  

1,165

2,158 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year  

Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents 

2,137

901

9

(212) 

1,110 

3 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

22 

3,047

901 

33 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

1. General information 

Cambridge  Cognition  Holdings  plc  (‘the  Company’)  and  its  subsidiaries  (together,  ‘the  Group’)  develops  and 
markets digital solutions to assess brain health. 

The  Company  is  a  public  limited  company  which  is  listed  on  the  AIM  market  of  the  London  Stock  Exchange 
(symbol:  COG)  and  is  incorporated  and  domiciled  in  the  UK.  The  address  of  its  registered  office  is  Tunbridge 
Court, Tunbridge Lane, Bottisham, Cambridge, CB25 9TU.  

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International accounting 
standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The accounting policies adopted are 
consistent with those followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 
December 2019. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The 
accounts are presented in Pounds Sterling (“£”), and to the nearest £1,000. 

The subsidiary undertakings included within the Consolidated Financial Statements as at 31 December 2020 are 
given in note 15. 

2. Outlook for adoption of future Standards (new and amended) 

At the date of authorisation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the standards and amendments that are 
in issue but not yet effective are considered to have no impact on the Group as they do not apply to the Group 
at present. 

3. Significant accounting policies 

3.1 Basis of consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of the Company and of its subsidiaries. All intra-
group  transactions,  balances,  income  and  expenses  are  eliminated  in  full  on  consolidation.  All  of  the  Group’s 
subsidiaries are wholly owned.  

3.2 Going concern 
The Directors have assessed the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. As noted in the Strategic Review, 
the  business  has  remained  fully  operational  to  date  and  order  intake  in  2020  was  excellent.  The  Group  also 
benefitted from the £1.4m gross equity fundraise in March 2020.

The Group has a base case forecast for the period to 31 March 2022 with a growth case and worst case also 
being forecast. The base case is built on the current view of orders to be taken and the recognition of revenue 
and billing milestones associated with orders already taken. 

The base case shows strong performance, driven by existing orders and supports a positive and comfortable 
cash balance right through the going concern review period, with a positive outlook thereafter. The worst case 
also shows positive cash through the going concern review period and would allow for further expenditure 
modifications not yet budgeted. 

Whilst having proper regard to the continuing uncertainties brought by the pandemic, the Directors believe that 
the Group will remain a going concern for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the accounts have been prepared 
on the going concern basis.

3.3 Revenue recognition 
Revenue is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers. 

To determine whether to recognise revenue, the Group follows a five-step process: 

Identifying a contract with a customer 
Identifying the performance obligations 

1.
2.
3. Determining the transaction price 
4. Allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations 
5. Recognising revenue when or as performance obligations are satisfied 

The Group often enters into contracts where a bundle of products or services are provided. Contracts are assessed 
and obligation(s) are separated by applying the five steps to each element of the contract to decide how revenue 
should  be  recognised.    The  Group’s  portfolio  of  products  and  services  each  have  defined  characteristics  and 
performance obligations that inform revenue recognition decisions and the policy applied. 

Management  assesses  the  value  of  the  standalone  transaction  prices  of  each  unbundled  element  and  believe 
them to be appropriately reflected in the contract prices for the respective element, which are the result of arm’s 
length market price negotiations with customers.  Each are capable of being sold and used by customers  

34 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.3 Revenue recognition (continued) 

individually,  and  each  are  clearly  identified  within  the  contract.  These  values  are  then  used  for  revenue 
recognition judgements related to the performance of obligations which fall within one of the accounting policies 
stated below depending upon the specific characteristic of that contract.  Each of these are described below.  

The timing of payments received from customers is based on contractual terms, is typically received at multiple 
points throughout a contract and does not necessarily match the timing of revenue recognition.  To the extent 
that  payments  are  received  ahead  of  income  recognition,  these  amounts  are  carried  within  the  statement  of 
financial  position  within  trade  and  other  payables  as  deferred  income  on  contracts  with  customers.  Where 
payments are received after revenue recognition these are carried in the statement of financial position within 
trade and other receivables as accrued income from contracts with customers.      

Software: 
The Group sells licences to use its software and/or its software hosting platform. These licences can take different 
forms, which are described in turn below: 

Software licences hosted on our servers: 
Where software is hosted on our servers the revenue is recognised over a period of time, as we have a continuing 
performance obligation to provide services (e.g. to ensure our servers are available). Customers will also benefit 
from  software  and  service  enhancements  which  improve  the  functionality  of  the  software  during  the  licence 
period. These improvements are not standalone products and are included in the originally contracted price and 
so are not accounted for separately.  







For contracts where the software value is greater than or equal to £20,000, and software is sold on a 
cost  per  assessment  basis,  the  Group  uses  the  assessment  price  to  recognise  revenue  as  the 
assessments are used, as this represents the customers’ consumption of their benefits of the contract, 
and the Group’s simultaneous performance of its obligations.  

For  contracts  where  the  software  value  is  less  than  £20,000,  and  software  is  sold  on  a  cost  per 
assessment basis, the Group uses a portfolio estimate of the revenue being recognised over 12 months. 
This period has been chosen as it best represents the average life of this portfolio of contracts. 

For contracts where the licence is sold for unlimited uses over a limited period of time, the revenue is 
taken equally over the course of the licence period. 

Software breakage: 
Software is generally sold as non-refundable and so at the end of a contract any remaining deferred software 
revenue is taken to the income statement. In addition, breakage will also be taken where software assessments 
on a project have not been used for 12 months, and management is not able to establish that the related project 
is ongoing. 

Software licences not hosted on our servers: 
Where software is not hosted on our servers, it is used as it exists at the point in time the licence is granted and 
as such revenue is recognised at that point in time. The time of recognition is once the licence has been delivered 
to the customer, either through delivery of a physical software key or installation on the client systems, as this 
is when the customer takes control of the asset and can direct its use. It is also when the Group’s performance 
obligations are satisfied as the Group is not responsible for hosting the software and is unable to make further 
software enhancements. 

Services: 
The Group provides a range of services that include supporting clinical studies, bespoke software development 
and scientific consultancy. Some services will be ongoing services provided over a period of time, whilst some 
will be clearly tied to a deliverable or other project milestone. 

Services delivered at a point in time: 
Some services, such as training and delivery of scientific reports will be delivered at a point in time and as such 
will be recognised at a point in time, as the performance obligation is discharged on delivery, as this is when the 
customer obtains control of the related asset or consumes the benefit. 

Services delivered over a period of time: 
When services are delivered over a period of time (e.g. study support services) the revenue is recognised equally 
over the relevant period, using the output method. In some instances, the period in question may be for the life 
of the contract, and in these instances management will estimate the length of the contract for this purpose, and 
hence can measure the proportion of time passed to measure the value of revenue that can be recognised. When 
that estimate changes, revenue that has not yet been recognised will be adjusted prospectively to match the  

35 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.3 Revenue recognition (continued) 

revised  estimate.  Study  support  services  can  be  separated  into  set-up,  ongoing  management  and  close  out 
phases  with  separate  performance  obligations.  Where  material  and  clearly  identifiable,  these  phases  will  be 
recognised  separately.  Where  immaterial  or  not  clearly  identifiable,  these  revenues  will  be  recognised  evenly 
over the course of the total relevant period.  

In some cases, whilst the end product is a specific deliverable, it may be that the work required is executed over 
an  extended  period  of  time.  In  these  cases,  management  may  make  an  estimate  of  revenue  earned  to  date 
considering the progress towards satisfying the performance obligation. This will normally be measured by the 
output method – i.e. what proportion of the deliverable has been completed.  This is measured by observable 
milestones, for example story-points completed in a software build or over time where such observable milestones 
do not exist.   

Customer support services: 
Aside from any specific services contracted, our customers have access to our customer support team should 
they  have  problems  with  their  software.  The  life  of  this  support  matches  the  life  of  the  software  licence  (as 
support can only be required whilst a licence is held), and as such this support is not separated from the software 
licence revenue recognition as described above.  

Hardware: 
The Group does not manufacture hardware, but will acquire, configure and sell hardware to customers as part of 
the  Group’s  offering.  Hardware  revenue  is  recognised  when  hardware  is  despatched  to  the  customer,  as  the 
performance obligation is discharged at this point. 

Bill and hold arrangements: 
On some occasions, a customer may ask that we purchase and configure hardware on their behalf and then store 
the  hardware  awaiting  specific despatch  instructions.  In  these  cases,  the  customer  assumes  ownership of  the 
assets even though they may still be in our physical possession. Once all of the specific criteria under IFRS 15 
are met, the Group will recognise this hardware revenue, even though the hardware has not yet been despatched.  

The Group will normally bill ahead of revenue recognition, and so it is common that a contract liability is created. 
In  particular,  software  amounts  are  normally  billed  on  contract  signature.  These  amounts  are  held  on  the 
Statement  of  Financial  Position  within  ‘Deferred  income  on  contracts  with  customers’.  Where  revenue  is 
recognised  in  the  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income  but  not  yet  invoiced,  a  contract  asset  is  held  on  the 
Statement of Financial Position within ‘Accrued income on contracts with customers’. 

3.4 Grants 
Grants of a revenue nature are credited to profit and loss to match with the expenses incurred. Where the grant 
relates directly to the Group’s principal activities, it is taken as revenue. Where the grant relates to payments for 
the use of the Group’s products or resources to support broader projects, the grant is taken as other income. 

3.5 Sales commissions 
Commissions are accrued and subsequently paid based on the contractual terms reached with the salesperson. 
Commissions relate to the whole of the respective customer contract and so are apportioned on the same basis 
as  revenue  recognition  Where  commissions  are  paid  related  to  revenues  that  are  not  expected  in  the  same 
accounting period, the commission amount is capitalised and held as an asset on the balance sheet, before being 
expensed in proportion with the related revenue, which will be recognised in accordance with the policy in 3.3 
above. 

3.6 Costs of sales 

Cost of sales includes costs arising in meeting our obligations to customers. The most significant items include 
third party costs for services and hardware, sales commissions, and the costs of hosting customer data.  All other 
costs  are  included  within  administration  costs  unless  separate  presentation  on  the  face  of  the  statement  of 
comprehensive income is mandated.  

3.7 Leasing 

A contract contains a lease if the contract gives the Group the right to control the use of an asset for a period of 
time. On commencement of a lease, the lease liability is measured at the present value of the contracted lease 
payments, using an estimation of the Group’s incremental cost of borrowing, or a rate implicit in the contract if 
that  can  be  determined.  Right-of-use  assets  are  measured  at  cost  compromising  the  amount  of  the  initial 
investment of the lease liability and restoration costs. 

36 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.7 Leasing (continued)

Subsequent to initial recognition, the lease liability is increased for the related finance charges and reduced for 
instalments paid. The asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the length of the lease or 
the asset’s useful life. Upon any subsequent modifications to the lease, the values are reassessed in line with the 
process  outlined  for  commencement  above.  Where  a  lease  ends  it  is  eliminated  from  the  recorded  cost  and 
depreciation values. 

Should the Group enter into any leases with a period of under 12 months, or for assets with a low value, these 
costs would be recognised directly into the income statement. For 2020, there are no such assets. 

3.8 Foreign currencies 
The  individual  financial  statements  of  each  subsidiary  are  presented  in  the  currency  of  the  primary  economic 
environment  in  which  it  operates  (its  functional  currency).  The  UK  pound  is  the  functional  currency  of  the 
Company and presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements. 

In  preparing  the  financial  statements  of  the  individual  companies,  transactions  in  currencies  other  than  the 
entity’s functional currency (foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates 
of the transactions, with differences recorded in the income statement. At each reporting date, monetary assets 
and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date.  

On consolidation, assets and liabilities have been translated into the UK pound at the closing rate at the reporting 
date.  Income  and  expenses  have  been  translated  into  the  UK  pound  at  the  average  monthly  rates  over  the 
reporting period. Exchange differences are charged or credited to other comprehensive income and recognised 
in the currency translation reserve in equity. 

3.9 Post employment benefit costs 
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. 

3.10 Taxation 
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax. 

Current tax 
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported 
in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other 
years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is 
calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. 

Deferred tax 
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets  and  liabilities  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the  corresponding  tax  bases  used  in  the 
computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities 
are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it 
is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. 
However,  such  assets  and  liabilities  are  not  recognised  if  the  temporary  difference  arises  from  the  initial 
recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and 
liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit. 

Deferred  tax  liabilities  are recognised for  taxable  temporary differences  arising  on  investments  in subsidiaries 
except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the 
temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it 
is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or 
the asset is realised based on tax laws and rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting 
date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or 
credited in other comprehensive income, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in other comprehensive 
income. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets 
against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the 
Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. 

37 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.10 Taxation (continued)

Research and Development tax credits 

The  Group  applies  for  Research  and  Development  tax  credits  in  respect  of  each  financial  year.  The  credit  is 
recognised when the application is submitted, as the Group has an established history of successful claims, and 
this is the point where an estimated value is reliable. The tax credit is accounted for within the taxation charge 
or credit for the year.  

3.11 Goodwill 
Goodwill  arising  in  a business  combination  is  recognised  as  an  asset  at  the  date  that  control  is  acquired  (the 
acquisition date). Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of 
any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest (if 
any) in the entity over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities 
assumed. 

Goodwill is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment at least annually. For the purpose of impairment testing, 
goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units expected to benefit from synergies arising from 
the  combination.  Cash-generating  units  to  which  goodwill  has  been  attributed  under  IFRS  3  Business 
Combinations are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit 
may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the 
unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and 
then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. An 
impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period. For impairment review purposes 
the value in use is assessed with reference to cash flows arising from the Board approved three-year plan using 
a 7.5% discount rate. If this calculation suggests the recoverability of goodwill is sensitive to any of these factors, 
appropriate scenario modelling is performed.  

3.12 Tangible and intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment 
loss. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual 
value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases: 

Leased buildings (right of use)  
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 
Leasehold improvements 

- 
- 
- 

Period of contracted use (i.e. length of lease) 
25% - 33% per annum straight line 
straight line over the lesser of 5 years or over the term of the lease 

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying 
amount of the asset and is recognised in profit and loss on the transfer of the risks and rewards of ownership. 

Purchased licences 

Where a licence for software used in the provision of services to customers is purchased and controlled by the 
Group, the amount is capitalised and amortised over the period of the licence as long as future economic benefits 
are expected. The amortisation charge is charged to cost of sales. 

Internally-generated intangible assets – research and development expenditure 

The Group undertakes research and development expenditure in view of developing new products. Expenditure 
on research activities is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. An internally generated 
intangible asset arising from the Group’s development is recognised only if the Group can demonstrate all of the 
following: 










the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale 
its intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it 
its ability to use or sell the intangible asset 
how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits. Among other things, the entity 
can demonstrate the existence of a market for the output of the intangible asset or the intangible asset 
itself or, if it is to be used internally, the usefulness of the intangible asset 
the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and 
to use or sell the intangible asset 
its ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development 

38 

 
Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.12 Tangible and intangible assets (continued) 

Internally-generated intangible assets – research and development expenditure (continued) 

Where no internally generated intangible asset can be recognised, development expenditure is recognised as an 
expense in the period in which it is incurred. Costs are allocated to research and development activities based on 
estimates of the proportion of time incurred by the relevant employees on such activities, plus third-party costs 
and consumables. 

3.13 Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials and, where 
applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their 
present  location  and  condition.  Cost  is  calculated  using  the  First-In-First-Out  method.  Net  realisable  value 
represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, 
selling and distribution. 

3.14 Financial instruments 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s Statement of Financial Position when the 
Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and financial liabilities 
are initially measured at fair value, plus or minus directly attributable transaction costs. 

Financial assets 
Financial assets are subsequently measured at amortised cost. The Group currently holds no assets at fair value 
through profit and loss or fair value through other comprehensive income. Accordingly, where the Group believes 
that  there  is  a  change  in  the  fair  value  of  a  financial  instrument  (e.g.  a  trade  receivable  is  considered 
unrecoverable)  this  amount  will  be  adjusted  through  the  income  statement.  A  financial  asset  is  derecognised 
once the contractual rights expire (e.g. when cash has been received for a trade receivable). 

Expected credit losses on trade receivables 
The  Group  applies  the  IFRS  9  simplified  approach  to  measuring  expected  credit  losses  which  uses  a  lifetime 
expected loss allowance for all trade receivables and contract assets. The Group estimates expected credit losses 
by  taking  the  credit  losses  over  the  preceding  36  months  and  comparing  this  to  the  revenue  over  the  same 
period. The historical rates are adjusted to reflect current conditions and the Group’s view of economic conditions 
over  the  expected  lives  of  the  receivables.  The  percentage  derived  is  then  applied  to  the  outstanding  trade 
receivables. This has resulted in an immaterial amount and as such no provision has been booked. 

Financial liabilities 
All  the  Group’s  financial  liabilities  are  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest 
method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis. Financial liabilities are derecognised when 
the related obligation is discharged, cancelled or expires. 

Equity instruments 
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting 
all  of  its  liabilities.  Equity  instruments  issued  are recognised  as  the proceeds  are  received,  net  of direct  issue 
costs. 

Hedge accounting 
The Group does not have any relationships that qualify for hedge accounting. 

3.15 Share-based payments 
Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and others providing similar services are measured at the 
fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date. The fair value excludes the effect of non-market-based 
vesting  conditions.  Details  regarding  the  determination  of  the  fair  value  of  equity-settled  share-based 
transactions are set out in note 24. 

The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-
line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest. 
At each reporting date, the Group revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest as 
a result of the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, 
if  any,  is  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  such  that  the  cumulative  expense  reflects  the  revised  estimate,  with  a 
corresponding adjustment to equity reserves. 

39 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued) 

3.16 Employee Benefit Trust
In order to facilitate the exercise of share options the Group maintains an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT). This is 
consolidated in accordance with IFRS10. The costs of purchasing own shares held by the EBT are deducted from 
equity under the ‘Own Shares’ reserve. Neither the purchase nor sale of own shares leads to a gain or loss being 
recognised  in  the  Group’s  profit  and  loss  or  other  comprehensive  income.  When  shares  are  subsequently 
transferred to employees for less than their purchase price the difference is a realised loss recognised directly in 
reserves. 

4. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 

In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 3, the Directors are required to 
make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not 
readily  apparent  from  other  sources.  The  estimates  and  associated  assumptions  are  based  on  historical 
experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

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

Revenue recognition 
As noted in section 3.3 above, many of the judgements in relation to revenue recognition are directed by the 
characteristics  of  the  contractual  obligation  being  discharged.  Accordingly,  a  limited  amount  of  management 
judgement is required. Whilst these judgements do not carry a significant level of estimation uncertainty, they 
are nonetheless described below. 



The extent to which, and the way in which, contracts are separated into their component parts and the 
values attributed to those parts. This is based on the detail as per the contract, but other methods could 
be used that would yield different results; 

 Whether software licences are granted to allow the customer the benefit of use of the Group’s intellectual 
property  over  a period of  time  (including benefitting  from future  maintenance  and  improvements) or 
whether that right is given as the intellectual property exists at the point of time the licence is granted. 
In  the  case  of  the  former,  software  is  recognised  over  the  period  of  use,  for  the  latter  revenue  is 
recognised when the customer receives control of the licence; 
The  adoption  of  the  portfolio  approach  for  lower  value  sales  and  the  recognition  criteria  applied 
judgements of the upper limit (£20,000) and the period of recognition (12 months) impact the method 
of valuation and hence the amount recognised in the financial statements; 



 Where performance obligations are satisfied over time, the length of time remaining for performance, 
and whether this needs revising over time. These judgements are based on best available information 
from customers at any given point in time, but can change given the nature of the customer’s business; 
and 
The deferral and subsequent recognition of commissions in cost of sales, which is recognised in the same 
proportion as the revenue it is associated with. 



Critical judgements in applying the Group’s accounting policies 
The following are the critical judgements that the Directors, supported by management have made in the process 
of  applying  the  Group’s  accounting  policies.  Where  estimation  uncertainty  exists,  the  Directors,  supported  by 
management, take account of all available information in forming their judgement. 

Goodwill 
The Group reviews the carrying value of its goodwill balances by carrying out impairment tests at least on an 
annual basis. These tests require estimates to be made of the value in use of its CGUs which are dependent on 
estimates of future cash flows and long-term growth rates of the CGUs. See note 13.

Capitalisation of development costs 
The point at which development costs meet the criteria for capitalisation is critically dependent on management 
judgement of the probability of future economic benefits. No development was completed in the year which met 
the requirements for capitalisation under IAS 38 Intangible Assets. The research and development expenditure 
primarily relates to ongoing research as outlined in the Strategic Report. Therefore, no development costs have 
been capitalised during 2020 (2019: £nil). 

Recovery of deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised for deductible temporary differences, share options and tax losses 
as management considers that there is not sufficient certainty on when future taxable profits will be available to 
utilise those temporary differences and tax losses. This judgement is reviewed at each balance sheet date and 
made based upon forecasts of taxable profit, considering the inherent uncertainties in these forecasts. 

40 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

5. Revenue 

An analysis of the Group’s revenue for each major product and service category is as follows: 

   Software  
   Services 
   Hardware 

2020
£'000

2,751
3,679
311
6,741

2019
£'000

2,526
2,339
177
5,042

Costs cannot be directly attributed to the products and services above so profit measures are not presented.  

Geographical information 

The revenue from external customers by geographical location is detailed below: 

United Kingdom 
United States of America 
European Union 
Rest of world 

All non-current assets are located in the United Kingdom. 

Information about major customers 

2020
£'000

425
4,606
984
726
6,741

2019
£'000

508
2,522
1,325
687
5,042

In  2019  revenue of £992,000  was  attributed  to  one  customer  who  accounted for  more  than 10% of reported 
revenue. No single customer accounts for more than 10 per cent of reported revenue in 2020.  

Revenue from contracts with customers 

All  revenue  in  2020  comes  from  contracts  with  customers.  In  2019  an  amount  of  £63,000  which  came  from 
contracts with grant issuing bodies. This amount is included in the Services and United Kingdom sections in the 
above tables for 2019. 

Timing of revenue recognition  

As explained in note 3.3, some software and services are recognised over a period of time, and some at a point 
in time. The split of revenue in line with these factors is as follows: 

Software – delivered over a period of time 

  Software – delivered at a point in time 

Services – delivered over a period of time 
Services – delivered at a point in time 
Hardware – recognised at despatch or on satisfaction of bill and hold criteria 

2020
£'000

2,279
472
2,868
811
311
6,741

2019
£'000

2,167
359
1,605
734
177
5,042

Of the £2,746,000 deferred revenue at 31 December 2019, £2,198,000 was recognised as revenue in 2020. Of 
the £2,847,000 deferred revenue at 31 December 2018, £1,948,000 was recognised as revenue in 2019.  

Payment terms can vary from customer to customer and are subject to negotiation. Normally, software will be 
invoiced  at  the  point of  initial  sale  and services  invoiced  as delivered.  This  will  mean  that  a  deferred revenue 
balance is created in respect of software which will be reduced as the software is used.  

41 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

5. Revenue (continued)

Deferred commissions 

Deferred commissions are presented as part of ‘other receivables’ in note 17. Management does not consider 
any of these amounts impaired. The movement of this account specifically is as follows: 

  Opening balance 
 Amount of opening balance recognised in year  
Net addition from sales in year 

  Closing balance 

6. Other operating income 

Other operating income is made up of the following: 

Grant income 

7. Operating loss 

Operating loss has been arrived at after charging: 

Net foreign exchange losses 
Research and development costs 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Amortisation of intangibles 
Staff costs (see note 9) 

8. Auditor’s remuneration  

The analysis of the auditor’s remuneration is as follows: 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of:  
the Company’s annual accounts 
the subsidiaries’ annual accounts 
Total audit fees 

Audit-related assurance services  
Taxation compliance services 
Total non-audit fees 

Fees payable to affiliate firms of the Company’s auditor: 
Taxation compliance services 
Total fees payable to affiliate firms of the Company’s auditor 

42 

2020
£'000

273
(127)
294

440

2019
£'000

320
(158)
111

273

2020
£'000

2019
£'000

32
32

- 
- 

2020
£'000

130
1,453
132
6
4,444

2019
£'000

70 
1,715 
157 
5 
4,916 

2020
£'000

2019
£'000

28
26
54

-
8
8

-
-

22
25
47

11
9
20

12
12

2020
Number

2019
Number 

40 
7
11
58

50 
9
12
71

2020
£'000

2019
£'000

3,811
352
213

4,208
336
247
              68             125
4,916

4,444

2020
£'000

2019
£'000 

4

5

2020
£'000

2019
£'000

9

4

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

9. Staff costs 

The average monthly number of employees (including executive directors) was: 

Operations 
Sales and business development 
Administrative support 

Their aggregate remuneration comprised: 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs (see note 25) 
Share-based payments charge (see note 24) 

10. Interest receivable and finance costs 

Interest receivable comprises: 

Interest on bank deposits 

Finance costs comprise: 

Unwinding of discount on lease creditor 

43 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

11. Taxation 

Corporation tax: 
Current year 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Deferred tax (see note 18) 
Total tax credit 

2020
£'000

2019
£'000

2 
(213)
(211)
- 
(211)

3 
(219)
(216)
- 
(216)

Corporation tax is calculated at 19.00% (2019: 19.00%) of the estimated taxable loss for the year. 

The tax credit for each year reconciles to the loss before tax as follows: 

Loss before tax on continuing operations    

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19.00%  
(2019: 19.00%) 

Difference in foreign tax rates 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

Deduction on exercise of share options 

Movement in unprovided deferred tax on losses 

Adjustment in respect of prior years 

Foreign tax charge 

Tax credit for the year 

2020
£’000

2019
£'000

(649)

(3,117) 

(123)

(592) 

5 

3 

(2)

117 

(8) 

27 

(1) 

574 

(213)

(219) 

2 

3 

(211)

(216) 

The adjustment in respect of prior years relates to the receipt of R&D tax credits in respect of 2019 (2019: in 
respect of 2018).  No claim has yet been made for 2020 and no credit has been recognised in the financial 
statements.  

12. Earnings per share 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) is based on the following data: 

Earnings 

Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted EPS per share being net loss 
attributable to owners of the Company 

Number of shares 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic EPS 

2020
£'000

2019
£'000

(438)

(2,901)

2020
'000

29,776

2019
'000

23,414

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted EPS 

29,776

23,414

For 2020 and 2019, the effect of options would be to reduce the loss per share and as such the diluted loss per 
share is the same as the basic loss per share.  

44 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

13. Intangible assets 

Cost 

Goodwill
£'000

Licences
£'000

At 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 

352

Amortisation 
At 1 January 2020 
Charge for the year 
At 31 December 2020 

Net Book value 

At 31 December 2020 

At 31 December 2019 

- 
- 
-

352

352 

40

7 
6 
13

27

33 

Total
£'000

392

7 
6 
13

379

385 

The goodwill held by the Group is held within Cambridge Cognition Limited and was recognised when the initial 
trade and assets for Cambridge Cognition Limited were acquired in 2002. The initial amount recognised was the 
difference between the amount paid for the trade and assets by Cambridge Cognition Limited and the fair value 
of those assets. The goodwill represents Cambridge Cognition’s proprietary software. This software is used 
across the Group’s product offerings, and the group monitors the value of the goodwill at the Cambridge 
Cognition Limited level. Accordingly, the cash generating unit (“CGU”) for the purposes of testing impairment 
under IAS 36 is the statutory entity of Cambridge Cognition Limited.  

The recoverable value of the goodwill and other assets in Cambridge Cognition Limited has been assessed on a 
value in use basis considering the three-year future forecasts for Cambridge Cognition Limited. These budgets 
are a result of the overall Group budgeting process, and the key assumptions include sales order volumes, 
business costs, and the related cash flows. This process considers both prior performance and future 
projections based on both external and internal factors. A terminal value is calculated based on the third year 
of forecasts with a nil growth rate. The discount rate used was 7.5%, consistent with the prior year.  

As well as the scenario based on these forecasts, management has run alternative scenarios with reasonable 
downside assumptions to test the valuation, in particular a reduction in sales orders taken by over 20% and 
consequential impacts on results and cashflow. In all scenarios, the goodwill amount is recovered within the 
initial three-year period. Accordingly, no impairment has been recorded. 

14. Property, plant and equipment 

Leased 
Buildings 
£’000

Leasehold 
Improvements
£'000

Fixtures 
and fittings
£'000

Cost 

At 1 January 2020 
Additions 
Eliminated on expiry of lease 
At 31 December 2020 

Depreciation 
At 1 January 2020 
Charge for the year 
Eliminated on expiry of lease 
At 31 December 2020 

Net Book value 

At 31 December 2020 

At 31 December 2019 

39 
- 
- 
39

38 
- 
- 
38

1

1 

586 
42 
- 
628

556 
29 
- 
585

43

30 

201 
126 
(201) 
126 

115 
103 
(186) 
32

94

86 

45 

Total
£'000

826 
168 
(201) 
793

709 
132 
(186) 
655

138

117 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

15. Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates at 31 December 2020 are as follows: 

Name 

Place of 
incorporation 
(or registration) 
and operation 

Cambridge Cognition Limited 

United Kingdom 

Cambridge Cognition Trustees Limited

United Kingdom 

Cambridge Cognition LLC

Delaware, United 
States of America 

Proportion 
of 
ownership 
interest 
% 
100% 

100% 

100% 

Cantab Corporate Health Limited 

United Kingdom 

100% 

Cognition Kit Limited 

Monument Therapeutics Limited 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

50% 

20% 

Proportion 
of 
voting 
power held 
% 
100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

50% 

20% 

The results and assets of Cognition Kit Limited and Monument Therapeutics Limited are immaterial to the 
Group. Accordingly, detailed disclosures have not been presented. 

All the above companies, except Cambridge Cognition Limited and Monument Therapeutics Limited, are held 
via Cambridge Cognition Limited. All UK entities have their Registered Office at the Company’s registered office. 
The Registered Office of Cambridge Cognition LLC is 510 S. 200 W. Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA. 

All holdings are in ordinary shares. 

16. Inventories 

Finished goods and goods for resale 

2020
£'000

2019
£'000

51

53

During the year inventories with a total value of £184,000 (2019: £131,000) were included in the income 
statement as an expense. 

46 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

17. Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables from contracts with customers 
Accrued income from contracts with customers 
Prepayments  
Deferred commissions 
Other receivables 

2020
£'000
1,368
57
551
440
232
2,648

2019
£'000
690
148
298
273
294
1,703

Trade receivables 
Trade receivables disclosed above are classified as financial assets and are measured at amortised cost. 

The average credit period offered on sales of goods varies from 30 days to 90 days.  

Trade  receivables  disclosed  above  include  amounts  which  are  past  due  at  the  year-end  (see  below  for  aged 
analysis) but against which the Group has not recognised an impairment loss. There has not been a significant 
change in credit quality and the amounts are still considered recoverable.  

Aging of past due but not impaired receivables:  

31-60 days  
61-90 days 
91-120 days 
121 or more days 

2020
£'000
10
27
-
4
41

2019
£'000
28
3
18
23
72

There is a provision for a credit loss of £13,000 (2019: nil). This loss is against a specific project from which 
recovery is not presently anticipated. In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable the Group will also 
consider any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to 
the reporting date. The concentration of credit risk is limited due to the customer base being large and unrelated.  
Management considers that all the above financial assets that are not impaired or past due are of good credit 
quality.  Under  IFRS  9,  we  consider  the  expected  credit  losses  on  our  receivables  with  reference  to  our  past 
experiences of credit losses and calculate an expected credit loss.  The expected credit loss for the Group would 
be immaterial and has not been booked in this or the prior year. 

No bad debts were written off in this or the prior year. A provision for credit loss of £13,000 was charged to the 
income statement (2019: nil).  

18. Deferred Tax 

At the reporting date, the Group has unused tax losses of £13.8 million (2019: £10.5 million) available for offset 
against future profits. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of these losses as there is uncertainty 
over the timing of future taxable profits. Losses may be carried forward indefinitely.  No deferred tax asset has 
been recognised in respect of share options.

47 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements 

19. Trade and other payables 

Amounts falling due within one year 

Trade payables 
Accruals 
Deferred income on contracts with customers 
Social security and other taxes 
Lease liabilities 
Other payables 

2020
£'000

298
864
4,833
85
98
28
6,206

2019
£'000

775 
363 
2,746 
94 
92 
33 
4,103 

Trade payables and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. 
For all suppliers no interest is charged on the trade payables. Group policy is to ensure that payables are paid 
within  the  pre-agreed  credit  terms  and  to  avoid  incurring  penalties  and/or  interest  on  late  payments.  The 
Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates their fair value. 

Deferred income on contracts with customers has increased during the year due to the volume of sales orders 
received, and the amount of orders for which payments have been received ahead of revenue recognition. 

20. Share capital 

Issued and fully paid 
31,170,093 (2019: 24,170,093) Ordinary Shares of £0.01 each 

2020 
£’000 

2019 
£’000 

312 

242 

All ordinary shares carry equal voting and distribution rights. There are no other classes of shares. 

On 10 March 2020, 7,000,000 Ordinary Shares were issued in a placing that raised net proceeds of £1.3m. 

21. Own Shares Reserve and Other Reserve 

Own Shares Reserve 

2020 
£’000 

2019 
£’000 

78 

81 

The  Own  Shares  Reserve  represents  the  cost  of  shares  acquired  by  the  two  Cambridge  Cognition  Employee 
Benefit Trusts to satisfy options under the Group’s share options schemes. The number of shares held by the UK 
Employee Benefit Trust at 31 December 2020 was 67,715 (2019: 72,893). The number of shares held by the 
Jersey-based Employee Benefit Trust at 31 December 2020 was 48,250 (2019: 48,250). 

During the year employees exercised 5,178 (net) share options at an exercise price of £0.01 each which were 
satisfied by the UK Employee Benefit Trust.  

Other reserve – merger reserve 
Other reserve – cumulative translation adjustment 
Total other reserve 

2020 
£’000 

5,981 
130 
6,111 

2019 
£’000 

5,981 
37 
6,018 

The Other Reserve in the consolidated statement of changes in equity is made up of £5,981,000 which arose 
when the Company became the new Group holding company in April 2013, and £130,000 of cumulative exchange 
differences on the translation of foreign operations.

48 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements

22. Notes to the cash flow statement 

Loss before tax 

Adjustments for: 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Amortisation of software licences 
Share-based payment expense 
Finance costs 
Interest receivable 
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 

Decrease/(increase) in inventories 
(Increase)/decrease in receivables 
Increase in payables 
Cash generated by operations 

Tax credit received less tax paid 

Net cash from operating activities 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and bank balances 

2020
£'000

2019
£'000

(649)

(3,117) 

132
6
68
9
(4)
(438)

2
(1,010)
2,243
797

157 
5 
125 
4 
(5) 
(2,831) 

(27) 
148 
110 
(2,600) 

213

280 

1,010

(2,320) 

2020
£'000

3,047

2019
£'000

901

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months 
or less. The carrying amount of these assets is approximately equal to their fair value. 

23. Lease arrangements 

The Group holds leases for its headquarters and one additional storage building on the same site. These are the 
Group’s only leases. A summary of the lease asset is within note 14, being the column ‘Leased Buildings’.  

The changes in the lease liability are as follows:  

Liability outstanding at the beginning of the year 
Renewal lease signed 
Lease repayments 
Finance costs 

Liability outstanding at year-end 

2020
£'000

92 
110 
(113) 
9 

98 

All remaining lease payments are due within one year. Included within the liability above is an amount of 
£16,000 for restoration of the property at the lease’s end. 

49 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements

24. Share-based payments 

Equity-settled share option scheme 
The Company has a share option scheme for key employees of the Group. The vesting periods vary between 0 
and 3 years. Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest. Details of the share 
options outstanding during the year are as follows: 

2020 

2019 

Number of 
share 
options 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
(in £) 

Number of 
share 
options 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
(in £) 

Outstanding at beginning of year 
Exercised during the year 
Granted during the year 
Forfeited during the year 
Outstanding at the end of the year 

1,316,321
(6,000)
1,286,815
(309,500)
2,287,636

0.46 
0.01 
0.30 
0.58 
0.35 

809,406
(29,800)
944,215
(407,500)
1,316,321

0.36 
0.04 
0.35 
0.01 
0.46 

Exercisable at the end of the year 

288,106

0.81 

378,106

0.75 

The options outstanding at 31 December 2020 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.2 years 
(2019 3.8 years). The exercise prices of share options outstanding at the period end was as follows: 

2020 

2019 

Number of 
share 
options 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
(in £) 

Number of 
share 
options 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
(in £) 

Exercise price of one penny 
Exercise price of 28 pence 
Exercise price between 53 and 82.5 pence 
Exercise price between 136 and 272 pence 
Outstanding at the end of the year 

200,602
1,592,144
456,958
37,932
2,287,636

0.01 
0.28 
0.66 
1.63 
0.35 

71,490
750,715
456,184
37,932
1,316,321

0.01 
0.28 
0.74 
1.63 
0.46 

Options were granted on 8 June 2020 and 2 November 2020. The performance conditions attached to some of 
these options  are  such  that options vest dependent  on  the  Group  achieving  certain performance  hurdles.  The 
performance  conditions,  which  are  both  market  and  non-market  conditions,  have  been  incorporated  into  the 
measurement by actuarial modelling. The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted in June 
is £56,000, and for those granted in November is £51,000. The inputs into the Monte Carlo stochastic model for 
the performance related options were as follows: 

Share price at date of issue 
Exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk-free rate 
Expected dividend yields 

Share price at date of issue 
Exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk-free rate 
Expected dividend yields 

June 2020

26.5p
28p
67%
3 years
0.02%
0.0%

November 2020

53.75p
53p
69%
3 years
-0.10%
0.0%

Expected volatility was determined by considering the expected share price movements and other comparable 
listed companies in the sector. For each option tranche a minimum share price hurdle for the options to vest was 
set in accordance with the individual terms in the option contracts.  

The  Group  recognised  a  total  charge  of  £68,000  (2019:  £125,000)  in  relation  to  equity-settled  share-based 
payment transactions. 

50 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements

25. Post-employment benefit schemes 

Defined contribution schemes 
The Group operates a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of 
the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in funds under the control of independent trustees.  

The  total  cost  charged  to  income  of  £213,000  (2019:  £247,000)  represents  contributions  payable  to  these 
schemes by the Group at agreed rates. As at 31 December 2020, contributions of £26,000 (2019: £30,000) due 
in respect of the current reporting year had not been paid over to the schemes. 

26. Financial instruments 

Capital risk management 
The Group manages its capital to ensure the Group is able to continue as a going concern while maximising the 
return to stakeholders through optimising the balance between the Group debt and equity. The Group had no 
borrowings  at  31  December  2020  (2019:  nil).  The  Group  is  not  subject  to  any  externally  imposed  capital 
requirements. 

The current capital structure of the Group consists of cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity 
holders of the Parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as follows: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Equity shareholders funds  

2020
£'000

3,047
57

2019
£'000

901
(944)

Significant accounting policies 
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted (including the criteria for recognition, the basis 
of measurement and the bases for recognition of income and expenses) for each class of financial asset, financial 
liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 3. 

Categories of financial instruments 

Financial assets classified at amortised cost 
Cash and bank balances 
Trade and other receivables  

Financial liabilities at amortised cost 

Trade and other payables 

2020
£'000

3,047
1,521

2019
£'000

901
847

1,373

1,355

Financial risk management objectives 
The Group’s Finance function is responsible for all aspects of corporate treasury. It co-ordinates access to financial 
markets and monitors and manages the financial risks relating to the operations of the Group through internal 
reports which  analyse  exposures  by  degree  and  magnitude.  The  risks  reviewed  include market risk  (including 
currency risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. 

Liquidity Risk 
Liquidity risk is that the Group might be unable to meet its obligations. The Group manages its liquidity needs by 
monitoring cash outflows due in day-to-day business. The Board reviews an annual 12 month financial projection 
as well as information regarding cash balances on a monthly basis, which includes projections of at least a further 
12 months.   

At 31 December 2020, the Group’s financial liabilities had contractual maturities which are summarised below: 

Trade payables 
Other payables 
Lease liability 

51 

2019
£'000
Within 1 year Within 1 year

2020
£'000

298
977
98

775
488
92

1,373

1,355

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements

26. Financial instruments (continued) 

Market risk 
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates (see 
below). The Group has limited exposure to foreign currency exchange rates and did not use  financial derivatives 
in 2019 or 2020..  

There  has  been  no  change  to  the  Group’s  exposure  to  market  risks  or  the  manner  in  which  these  risks  are 
managed and measured. 

Foreign currency risk management 
The Group undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currencies; consequently, exposures to exchange rate 
fluctuations arise.  

The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at 
the year-end were as follows: 

US Dollar 
Euro 
Qatari Riyal 

                     Liabilities 

              Assets 

2020
£'000

83
39
-

2019
£'000

9
427
-

2020
£'000

2,922
766
45

2019
£'000

819
469
52

A movement in the £/$ exchange rate of +/- 5% from 31 December 2020 to the date of realising the US dollar 
net asset position would result in a gain/loss of £142,000 (2019: £41,000).  Similarly with the Euro, the gain/loss 
would be £36,000 (2019: £2,000). With the Qatari Riyal, the gain/loss would be £2,000 (2019: £3,000).  

Credit risk management 
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial 
loss to the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining 
sufficient collateral where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group 
makes appropriate enquiries of the counterparty and independent third parties to determine credit worthiness. 
Use of other publicly available financial information and the Group’s own trading records is made to rate its major 
customers. The Group’s exposure and the credit worthiness of its counterparties are continuously monitored and 
the aggregate value of transactions is spread amongst approved counterparties. Credit exposure is also controlled 
by counterparty limits that are reviewed and approved by Group management continuously. 

The Group does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or group of counterparties 
having  similar  characteristics.  The  Group  defines  counterparties  as  having  similar  characteristics  if  they  are 
related entities.  

The  carrying  amount  recorded  for  financial  assets  in  the  Statement  of  Financial  Position  is  net  of  impairment 
losses and represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. The Group has calculated its expected credit 
losses and the amount is immaterial. No guarantees have been given in respect to third parties. 

Fair value of financial instruments 
The  Directors  consider  that  the  carrying  amounts  of  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  recorded  in  the 
Statement of Financial Position approximate their fair values. 

52 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the financial statements

27. Related party transactions 

Balances  and  transactions  between  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries,  which  are  related  parties,  have  been 
eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Transactions between the Group and other related 
parties are disclosed below. 

Transactions with Cognition Kit Limited 

Cognition Kit Limited is the Group’s 50% owned joint venture.  

During the year the Group invoiced £66,000 (2019: £16,000) in respect of the value of time and expenses of the 
Group committed to the activities of Cognition Kit Limited - this has been recognised in revenue. At year-end a 
balance of £nil (2019: £nil) was owed to the Group by Cognition Kit Limited. The Group has also accrued income 
of  £nil  representing  the  value  of  time  and  expenses  of  the  Group  (2019:  £99,000)  –  this  was  recognised  in 
accrued income from contracts with customers.  

Further, the Group was invoiced £41,000 with respect to Cognition Kit Limited in the year (2019: £75,000) – this 
has  been  recognised  as  a  cost  of  sale.  A  balance  of  £38,000  was  outstanding  at  31  December  2020  (2019: 
£178,000) in respect of licence fees – this has been included in trade payables. The Group has also accrued costs 
in respect of licence fees and other services payable to Cognition Kit Limited of £8,000 (2019: £74,000) – this 
has been included in accruals. 

Transactions with Monument Therapeutics Limited 

Monument Therapeutics Limited became a 20% associate of the Group in November 2020 following the allotment 
of additional shares diluting the Group’s interest from 100%. The Group has been providing short term funding 
for Monument Therapeutics Limited. At 31 December 2020 this amounted to £21,000, and has been included 
within other receivables in note 17. 

Remuneration of directors and key management personnel 

The remuneration of 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.  The  key  management  personnel  of  the  Group  at  31 
December 2020 consist of the Directors and five additional senior staff (2019: the Directors and four additional 
senior staff). 

Short-term employee benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Termination benefits 
Share-based payments 

2020
£'000

1,190
47
-
44
1,281

2019
£'000

786
37
-
12
835

Payments in respect of each director are set out in the Remuneration Report. The audited section of that Report 
forms part of the financial statements. 

Other transactions 

In addition to the above, during 2020 the Group incurred consultancy fees of £24,000 (2019: £24,000) from MCR 
Holdings, a partnership of which Nicholas Walters is a partner and consultancy fees of £22,394 (2019: £33,000) 
from The Truffaldino Partnership, a company of which Steven Powell is a director. At 31 December 2020 a balance 
of £2,418 (2019: £2,699) was outstanding to MCR Holdings. 

53 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Parent Company statement of financial position

Assets 

Non-current assets 

Investments  

Total non-current assets 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities 

Equity 

Share capital  

Share premium

Retained earnings  

Total equity 

Notes 

At 31 December 
2020

At 31 December 
2019

£'000

£’000

2 

3 

4 

5 

506

506

8,738

517

9,255

9,761

251

251

312

11,151

(1,953)

475 

475 

6,804 

23 

6,827 

7,302

81 

81

242 

9,943 

(2,964) 

9,510

7,221

Total liabilities and equity

9,761

7,302

No profit and loss account is presented for Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc as provided by section 408 of the 
Companies  Act  2006.    The  Company’s  profit  after  tax  for  the  financial  year  was  £943,000  (2019:  loss  of 
£1,095,000). 

The financial statements of Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc on pages 54 to 57 were approved and authorised 
for issue by the Board on 6 April 2021 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Matthew Stork 
Chief Executive Officer

54 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Parent Company statement of changes in equity

Balance at 1 January 2019 

Loss for the year 

Issue of new share capital 

Share issue costs 

Credit to equity of equity-settled share-
based payments 

Transactions with owners 

Share 
capital
£’000
207

Share 
premium
£’000
7,707 

Retained 
earnings
£’000
(1,994) 

Total

£’000
5,920 

-

35

-

-

35

- 

(1,095) 

(1,095) 

2,465 

(229) 

- 

- 

- 

125 

2,500 

(229) 

125 

2,236 

125 

2,396 

Balance at 1 January 2020 

242

9,943

(2,964)

7,221

Profit for the year 

Issue of new share capital 

Share issue costs 

Credit to equity of equity-settled 
share-based payments 

-

70

-
-

-

1,330

(122)
-

Transactions with owners 

70

1,208

943

-

-

68

68

943

1,400

(122)

68

1,346

Balance at 31 December 2020 

312

11,151

(1,953)

9,510

55 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements 

1. Significant accounting policies 

1.1 Basis of accounting 

The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. They 
have  been  prepared  under  the  historical  cost  convention  and  in  accordance  with  applicable  United  Kingdom 
Accounting Standards and law. The Company has elected to use Financial Reporting Standard – ‘The Reduced 
Disclosure  Framework’  (FRS  101).  The  Company  has  taken  advantage  of  the  following  disclosure  exemptions 
afforded by FRS 101: 

-  Disclosure exemption allowing no cash flow statement or related notes to be presented 
-  Disclosure exemption allowing the Company not to disclose related party transactions when transactions 

are entered into wholly within the Group 

-  Disclosure exemption around Key Management Personnel compensation (though see note 27 of the Group 

accounts and the Directors’ Remuneration Report) 

-  Capital management disclosures (though see note 26 of the Group accounts) 
-  Disclosure exemption on the effect of future accounting standards 
-  Disclosure exemption on share-based payment information disclosures (IFRS 2), as this information has 

been presented for the Group in note 24 of the consolidated financial statements  

-  Disclosure exemption on financial instrument disclosures (IFRS 7) as this information has been presented 

for the Group in note 26 of the consolidated financial statements.   

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. They have all been applied consistently throughout the 
year. The accounts are presented in Pounds Sterling (“£”), and to the nearest £1,000. 

1.2 Investments 

Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries are shown at cost less provision for impairment. The Company accounts 
for share options granted to the employees of subsidiary undertakings by recognising an increased investment 
in the subsidiary, with the corresponding credit recognised in reserves. 

1.3 Financial instruments 

The Company’s financial instruments accounting policy is as per the Group’s policy (see note 3.14). 

Additionally, with respect to intercompany loans, these are assessed for expected credit losses and provision is 
made where the recoverable value is less than the book value of the receivable. 

1.4 Going concern 

The Directors have assessed the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. As noted in the Strategic Review, 
the  business  has  remained  fully  operational  to  date  and  order  intake  in  2020  was  excellent.  The  Group  also 
benefitted from the £1.4m gross equity fundraise in March 2020.

The Group has a base case forecast for the period to 31 March 2022with a growth case and worst case also 
being forecast. The base case is built on the current view of orders to be taken and the recognition of revenue 
and billing milestones associated with orders already taken. 

The base case shows strong performance, driven by existing orders and supports a positive and comfortable 
cash balance through the end of the going concern review period, with a positive outlook thereafter. The worst 
case also shows positive cash through the going concern review period and would allow for further expenditure 
modifications not yet budgeted. 

Whilst having proper regard to the continuing uncertainties brought by the pandemic, the Directors believe that 
the Group will remain a going concern for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the accounts have been prepared 
on the going concern basis. 

1.5 Employee Benefit Trust 

Two Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs) are maintained in order to facilitate the exercise of employee share options. 
Assets and shares of the EBTs are not consolidated into the Parent company.  

56 

Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc 

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements 

2. Investments 

Cost and net book value 
At 1 January 2020 
Additions 
At 31 December 2020 

Investment in 
Subsidiaries
£'000

475 
31 
506

The subsidiary undertakings at the end of the year were as follows: 

Name 

Cambridge Cognition Limited 

Monument Therapeutics Limited 

Country 
of 
Operation 
United 
Kingdom 

United 
Kingdom 

Proportion of 
Ownership and 
Voting Power Held 
100% 

Nature of Business 

Development and sale of 
computerised 
neuropsychological tests 

20% 

Digital phenotyping 

During the year, additional shares in Monument Therapeutics Limited were subscribed for, diluting the 
Company’s interest. There was no gain or loss for the Company on this transaction. Other Group subsidiaries, 
all of which are owned indirectly through Cambridge Cognition Limited are detailed in note 15 of the Group 
accounts. All subsidiaries have been included in the consolidated accounts. 

3. Trade and other receivables 

Amounts due from subsidiary undertaking 
Provision against amounts due from subsidiary undertaking 
Amounts due from associates 
Other receivables 

2020
£’000

8,696
-
21
21
8,738

2019
£'000

7,769
(983)
-
18
6,804

£8,500,000  of  the  amounts  due  from  subsidiary  undertakings  are  considered  a  long-term  loan  to  Cambridge 
Cognition Limited, but are technically repayable on demand. The Company receives interest at a rate of 7.5% 
per annum on this amount. At 31 December 2020, it was considered that Cambridge Cognition Limited has the 
ability  to  repay  the  debt  if  it  were  called,  and  as  such  any  impairment  would  be  immaterial.  Accordingly  the 
expected credit loss of £983,000 recorded in 2019 was reversed.  

4. Trade and other payables 

Trade payables 
Social security and other taxes 
Accruals 

5. Share capital 

2020 
£’000

2019
£'000

29
21
201
251

29 
16 
36 
81 

The details on the share capital of the Company are provided at note 20 to the Group’s accounts. 

6. Employment costs 

The only employees of the Company are the Directors. Payments in respect of each director are set out in the 
Remuneration Report. The audited section of that Report forms part of the financial statements.

57