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The Conygar Investment
Company PLC
Report and accounts
30 September 2020
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
SUMMARY
l Net asset value per share 165.8p.
l Total cash deposits of £32.1 million (60.0p per share).
l No debt and no borrowings.
l Outline planning consent granted, with the signing of the section 106 agreement, for our 40 acre
mixed-use scheme at the Island Quarter in Nottingham city centre.
l Resolution to grant detailed planning permission passed for the first phase of the Island Quarter
development, incorporating a 20,000 square foot waterfront pavilion.
l Construction completed of both the Lidl store and Burger King restaurant and drive through at
Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire.
l £1.7 million reduction in the value of Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire as a result of COVID-19.
l Write down of land at Holyhead, Anglesey by £5.0 million, following the withdrawal of Hitachi
from the proposed nuclear development at Wylfa.
l Bought back 2.93 million shares (5.2% of ordinary share capital) at an average price of 135.3p per
share.
Group net assets summary as at 30 September 2020
Per share
£’m p
Properties 56.2 104.9
Cash 32.1 60.0
Other 0.5 0.9
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Net assets 88.8 165.8
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
Registered in England No. 04907617
CONTENTS
Page
Directors and advisers 3
Chairman’s & chief executive’s statement 4
Strategic report 7
Corporate governance report 16
Directors’ remuneration report 21
Directors’ report 24
Independent auditor’s report 27
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 32
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 33
Company statement of changes in equity 34
Consolidated balance sheet 35
Company balance sheet 36
Consolidated cash flow statement 37
Company cash flow statement 38
Notes to the accounts 39
Glossary of terms 58
Notice of annual general meeting 59
Form of proxy 65
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
DIRECTORS AND ADVISERS
The Board of Directors
N J Hamway (Non-Executive Chairman)
R T E Ware (Chief Executive)
F N G Jones (Property Director)
C J D Ware (Property Director)
B S Sandhu (Non-Executive Director)
Company Secretary
D Baldwin
Registered office
1 Duchess Street
London W1W 6AN
Auditor Solicitors
Saffery Champness LLP Gowling WLG (UK) LLP
71 Queen Victoria Street 4 More London Riverside
London EC4V 4BE London SE1 2AU
Nominated adviser & stockbroker Registrars
Liberum Capital Limited Share Registrars Limited
Ropemaker Place, Level 12 The Courtyard
25 Ropemaker Street 17 West Street
London EC2Y 9LY Farnham
Surrey GU9 7DR
Registered number
04907617
Website
www.conygar.com
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
CHAIRMAN’S & CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT
Results summary
We present the Group’s results for the year ended 30 September 2020.
The impact of COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions have been far reaching and have brought about
unprecedented challenges to both the UK and global economies. Whilst progress on a number of our
projects has been impacted, we have continued to move forward with our ongoing and planned
development programme.
Our approach to COVID-19 has been to support our staff, tenants and the communities in which we
operate, wherever it is possible and reasonable to do so. Such steps have included offering revised rental
payment terms to those tenants impacted by the pandemic, supporting the community of Nottingham by
setting up a COVID-19 testing centre on part of our site, and ensuring the wellbeing of our staff by enabling
them to work remotely.
Net asset value per share was 165.8p (2019: 178.2p) and the loss before tax for the year was £8.2 million
(2019: loss of £13.9 million). The main reasons for the loss were the re-evaluation of our projects in
Anglesey at Holyhead Waterfront and our industrial land at Rhosgoch, in addition to a reduction in the
valuation of our retail park at Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire.
The impact of Hitachi announcing their withdrawal from the proposed nuclear development at Wylfa, a
lack of alternative investors, the impact of COVID-19 on Wales and the response of the Wales Assembly
Government plus the undoubted pending recession has meant that we have reassessed the carrying values
of Holyhead Waterfront and Rhosgoch, leading to write downs of £5.0 million and £0.5 million
respectively. We believe that Wylfa will not happen without significant UK government support, both
financial and political, for a credible nuclear operator. In addition, the valuation of our retail park at Cross
Hands, Carmarthenshire has fallen in the year from £18.3 million to £16.5 million.
The retail market has been under severe pressure during the year not only as a result of COVID-19 but
also from structural shifts in shopping behaviour, political and economic uncertainty, and business rates.
Whilst a number of the Cross Hands tenants were able to continue to trade throughout the initial lockdown
period and all non-essential shops were allowed to re-open in June, footfall continues to be low. However,
in contrast to retail high streets, out of town retail parks have shown signs of resilience throughout the
pandemic, particularly in the non-fashion sectors.
At Cross Hands we have collected 81% of the rents due for the current quarter which increases to 86%
for the Group as a whole. Of the remainder, 5% have moved to monthly payments, which are expected to
be received in full by the end of the year, and 9% have been provided for in these financial statements
where, as a result of COVID-19, Peacocks Stores Limited have not paid their rent since March 2020.
Despite the economic and political volatility during the year, the Group has made good progress on the
rest of the portfolio and we shall briefly outline the highlights here.
At the Island Quarter, Nottingham, the outline planning permission was granted in the year with the
signing of the section 106 agreement. This was followed in September 2020 with the passing of a resolution
to grant permission for the first phase of the 40 acre mixed-use development to include a 20,000 square
foot waterfront pavilion featuring restaurants, events space and a rooftop terrace. The plans also feature
provision for a bandstand and an area of new public realm. Given the current COVID-19 situation there
is material uncertainty as to the value which would be created by undertaking this phase of the
development. However, it will help to enable the development of the remainder of the site. We have also
made good progress with the design of subsequent phases of the development and hope to submit further
applications over the coming year.
At Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, discussions are ongoing for our plan to build the first phase of 115
houses for which reserved matters consent was granted in September 2019. We have also completed the
section 38 and section 104 agreements that will enable us to start on site in due course with the
construction of the spine road planned to commence in December 2020.
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CHAIRMAN’S & CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT (continued)
In April 2019, we exchanged a conditional contract to sell our industrial property in Selly Oak,
Birmingham, on a subject to planning permission basis, to a specialist provider of student accommodation
who subsequently submitted an application in January 2020. Additional information and an amended
planning application have been submitted and we expect a determination of the application in the next
few months.
During the year we completed the 23,000 square foot Lidl food store at Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire
which opened for trading in January 2020. We also completed construction of a 2,750 square foot Burger
King restaurant and drive through in October 2020, let 1,300 square feet to Card Factory and are under
offer for a further 3,400 square feet to a gym operator. This is a very pleasing result given the current
volatility in the retail sector and reflects the quality of the park where 90,000 square feet out of a total of
100,000 square feet are now let or under offer, producing a rent roll of £1.15 million.
At the Holyhead Waterfront scheme in Anglesey, we continue to work on the detailed design and reserved
matters application in tandem with the marine consenting process. We expect to submit both applications
in addition to a harbour revision order in early 2021.
Dividend
The Board recommends that no dividend is declared in respect of the year ended 30 September 2020.
More information on the Group’s dividend policy can be found within the strategic report on page 11.
Share buy back
During the year, the Group acquired 2,930,845 ordinary shares, representing 5.2% of its ordinary share
capital, at a cost of £3.96 million which equates to an average price of 135.3p per share. As a result of the
buy backs, net asset value per share has been enhanced by 2.3p per share. The Group will seek to renew
the buy back authority of 14.99% of the issued share capital of the Company at the forthcoming AGM.
We consider the buy back authority to be a useful capital management tool and will continue to use it
when we believe the stock market value differs too widely from our view of the intrinsic value of the
Company.
Board changes
Michael Wigley and Ross McCaskill both stepped down from the Board during the year and we thank
them for their considerable contributions to the success of the Group. We were also delighted to announce
the appointment of Bim Sandhu as Non-Executive Director in March 2020.
Outlook
The outlook is highly uncertain. We expect the impact of COVID-19 to significantly affect the progression
of and carrying values for our investment and development properties over the coming year. While there
remains considerable uncertainty as to how the pandemic will play out, compounded by the impact of a
fast approaching Brexit, and pressures on market rents from business closures and rising unemployment,
it is extremely difficult confidently to predict the future.
However, since the summer there have been some encouraging signs of activity and the nature of the
property market is such that, irrespective of the number of lockdowns the country is subject to, it will not
remain quiet for long. Our strong balance sheet, with cash deposits in excess of £32 million and no debt,
should allow us to pursue opportunities when they arise whilst also further advancing our investment and
development portfolios. We will, though, need to raise substantial amounts either as debt, or through joint
ventures or asset sales in order to develop the Island Quarter site in Nottingham. This is a major
development and is central to the Company’s future.
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
CHAIRMAN’S & CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT (continued)
On behalf of the Board, we would like to thank the entire Conygar family of shareholders, advisers and
team for their resilience, focus and commitment during such testing times.
N J Hamway
Chairman
23 November 2020
R T E Ware
Chief Executive
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
The Group’s strategic report provides a review of the business for the financial year, discusses the Group’s
financial position at the year end and explains the principal risks and uncertainties facing the business and
how we manage those risks. We also outline the Group’s strategy and business model.
Strategy and business model
The Conygar Investment Company PLC (“Conygar”) is an AIM quoted property investment and
development group dealing primarily in UK property. Our aim is to invest in property assets and companies
where we can add significant value using our property management, development and transaction
structuring skills.
The business operates three major strands, being property investment, property development and
investment in companies which trade or invest in property or hold substantial property assets. We continue
to focus upon positive cash flow and are prepared to use modest levels of gearing to enhance returns.
Assets are recycled to release capital as opportunities present themselves and we will continue to buy back
shares where appropriate. The Group is content to hold cash and adopt a patient strategy unless there is
a compelling reason to invest.
Position of the Group at the year end
The Group net assets as at 30 September 2020 may be summarised as follows:
Per share
£’m p
Properties 56.2 104.9
Cash 32.1 60.0
Other 0.5 0.9
––––––––––– –––––––––––
Net assets 88.8 165.8
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
In spite of the impact from COVID-19, good progress has been made on our investment properties and
development projects since we last reported, the details of which are set out below. The Group’s balance
sheet remains both liquid and robust with cash deposits at 30 September 2020 of £32.1 million and no
borrowings. However, the size of the Island Quarter development in Nottingham will require us to seek
either debt funding, joint venture partners or to sell assets to take best advantage of the opportunities
presented by this development.
Key performance indicators
The key measures considered when monitoring progress towards the Board’s objective of providing
attractive shareholder returns include the headway made during the year on its development and
investment property portfolio, the movements in net asset value per share and levels of uncommitted cash,
each of which are considered below.
Investment properties and development projects
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
The Group acquired the 40 acre Island Quarter site in Nottingham city centre in December 2016 for
£13.5 million. The Island Quarter is an exciting mixed-use development comprising new homes, grade A
office space, creative market, a lifestyle hotel, retail units, student accommodation and a linear park. The
signing of the section 106 agreement and subsequent resolution by Nottingham City Council to grant
permission for Phase 1 (Canal Turn) enables us cautiously to commence the development, with work
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STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
scheduled to start on site in November 2020. Phase 1 will include a 20,000 square foot pavilion, for
restaurant and events space, as well as a new and substantial public realm to open up the canal basin area
and form a focal point for the project. It is important to start this development now, even in the current
environment, because it is an essential ‘pump primer’ for the rest of the site; necessary to achieve the longer
term benefits for the project.
Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire
The retail park at Cross Hands is one of few speculative retail developments to be undertaken in South
Wales in the last few years, successfully attracting leading brands including Lidl, B&M Retail, Costa Coffee,
Iceland Foods, Dominos Pizza and Pets At Home. The completion in the year of the developments for
and lettings to Lidl, Burger King and Card Factory demonstrate the strength of the location with 90,000
square feet of the park now let or under offer and one final unit now available.
Holyhead Waterfront, Anglesey
We continue to work on the detailed design and reserved matters application and hope to submit the
reserved matters and marine consent applications in early 2021. However, as reported in the chairman’s
and chief executive’s report, the Directors have reassessed this project and have written down the carrying
value of the property at 30 September 2020 by £5.0 million.
Parc Cybi business park and Rhosgoch, Anglesey
Following the decision by Horizon Nuclear Power to terminate their option for our 203 acre site in
Rhosgoch, and the subsequent announcement by Hitachi in September 2020 of its withdrawal from the
Wylfa nuclear power project, we are now considering alternative uses for the site. It is possible that the
potential use will be in the renewables sector and we are in early stage discussions with various operators
in this regard. As a result of this change in use, we have written down the carrying value at 30 September
2020 by £0.5 million.
Selly Oak, Birmingham
Selly Oak comprises two industrial units let to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
and Revolution Gymnastics Limited, currently generating income of £0.2 million per annum.
Following the exchange of a conditional contract in 2019 to sell the property, on a subject to planning
basis, to a specialist provider of student accommodation, the purchaser submitted a planning application
at the start of the year. Alterations and an amended planning application were requested by the local
authority and accordingly we hope the application will be determined favourably in the coming months.
Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
At Haverfordwest, where we have outline consent for 729 residential units and reserved matters consent
for the first phase comprising 115 residential units, we completed the section 38 and section 104
agreements in September 2020 which should enable us to start on site later in the year. Construction of
the spine road is planned to commence in December 2020.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
As previously reported, in October 2019 we completed the forward sale of the 27,500 square foot food
store and garden centre let to B&M Retail Limited realising a further £0.2 million profit in the year.
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STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
King’s Lynn, Norfolk
This is a six acre residential development site near to King’s Lynn. The Group has been in discussions at
various times to sell this land but regrettably none of the purchasers were able to complete; some even
after exchange of contract. This demonstrates the difficult nature of the current environment. Given the
planning permission has now lapsed, the Board has taken the decision to write down the carrying value of
the site to £0.53 million at 30 September 2020.
Summary of investment properties
2020 2019
£’m £’m
Nottingham – at cost (1) 19.80 –
Cross Hands – at valuation 16.50 18.30
Ashby-de-la-Zouch (2) – 3.13
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Total 36.30 21.43
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(1) The Group’s investment in Nottingham was transferred to investment properties under construction during the year.
(2) The sale of Ashby-de-la-Zouch completed in October 2019.
Summary of development projects
We remain confident that there is significant upside in these projects but this will only become evident
over the medium term.
2020 2019
£’m £’m
Nottingham (1) – 15.52
Haverfordwest 7.78 7.33
Holyhead Waterfront (2) 5.00 9.23
Selly Oak 3.57 3.57
Rhosgoch (2) 2.50 3.00
King’s Lynn (3) 0.53 0.78
Parc Cybi 0.50 0.50
Fishguard Lorry Stop 0.07 0.07
––––––––––– –––––––––––
Total 19.95 40.00
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
(1) As set out above, the Group’s investment in Nottingham has been transferred to investment properties under construction.
(2) As set out in the chairman’s and chief executive’s report, the carrying values of Holyhead Waterfront and Rhosgoch have been
written down in the year by £5.0 million and £0.5 million respectively.
(3) As set out in the strategic report, the carrying value for King’s Lynn has been written down in the year by £0.2m.
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STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
Financial review
Net asset value
The net asset value at 30 September 2020 was £88.8 million (2019: £100.7 million). The primary
movements in the year were £1.7 million of net rental income plus £0.2 million from completion of the
sale of our investment property at Ashby-de-la Zouch offset by £5.6 million of development costs written
off, a £1.7 million reduction in the valuation of Cross Hands, £2.6 million of administrative costs and
£4.0 million spent purchasing our own shares.
Cash flow and financing
At 30 September 2020, the Group had cash of £32.1 million and no debt (2019: cash of £39.9 million
and no debt).
During the year, the Group used £6.3 million cash in operating activities (2019: used £2.0 million).
The primary cash outflows in the year were £4.0 million to buy back shares and capital costs of
£6.3 million, including development costs for the Burger King restaurant and drive through at Cross
Hands, planning and professional fees to progress the early phase developments at Nottingham, costs to
complete the B&M store in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and professional and statutory fees to advance the proposed
developments at Haverfordwest and Holyhead Waterfront.
The cash outflows were partly offset by cash proceeds of £3.7 million from the completion of the forward
sale of the B&M store at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, resulting in a net cash outflow in the year of £7.8 million
(2019: cash outflow of £9.4 million).
Net income from property activities
2020 2019
£’m £’m
Rental and other income 1.7 1.8
Direct property costs (0.2) (0.2)
––––––––––– –––––––––––
1.5 1.6
Sale of investment property 3.7 5.5
Cost of investment property sold (3.5) (5.5)
––––––––––– –––––––––––
Total net income arising from property activities 1.7 1.6
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Administrative expenses
The administrative expenses for the year ended 30 September 2020 were £2.6 million (2019: £2.6 million),
The major items were salary costs of £1.9 million (2019: £1.6 million), including an ex gratia payment of
£0.3 million to R H McCaskill who stepped down in the year, and various costs arising as a result of the
Group being listed on AIM.
Taxation
Current tax is payable, at a rate of 19% for UK registered companies and 20% for those registered in
Jersey, on net rental income after deduction of finance costs and administrative expenses. The tax credit
for the year of £0.2 million arose from an overprovision in the prior year.
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STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
Capital management
Capital risk management
The Board’s primary objective when managing capital is to preserve the Group’s ability to continue as a
going concern, in order to safeguard its equity and provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other
stakeholders whilst maintaining an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.
The Group does not currently have any borrowings, but may utilise borrowing in the future to fund
development projects. When doing so the Group will seek to ensure that it can stay within agreed covenants
with its lenders.
Treasury policies
The objective of the Group’s treasury policies are to manage the Group’s financial risk, secure cost effective
funding for the Group’s operations and to minimise the adverse effects of fluctuations in the financial
markets on the value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities, reported profitability and cash flows.
The Group finances its activities with a combination of cash and short term deposits. Other financial assets
and liabilities, such as trade receivables and trade payables, arise directly from the Group’s operations. The
Group may also finance its activities with bank loans and enter into derivative transactions to manage the
interest rate risk arising from its operations and sources of finance. Throughout the year, and as at the
balance sheet date, no group undertakings were party to any bank loans or derivative instruments.
The management of cash is monitored weekly with summary cash statements produced on a monthly
basis and discussed regularly in management and board meetings. The approach is to provide sufficient
liquidity to meet the requirements of the business in terms of funding developments and potential
acquisitions. Surplus funds are invested with a broad range of institutions. At any point in time, at least
half of the Group’s cash is held on instant access or short term deposits of less than 30 days.
Dividend policy
The Board recommends that no dividend is paid in respect of the year ended 30 September 2020
(2019: £nil).
Our dividend policy is consistent with the overall strategy of the business: namely to invest in property
assets and companies where we can add significant value using our property management, development
and transaction structuring skills.
In previous years we have used the surplus cash flow from the investment property portfolio to enhance
these properties by refurbishment, re-letting and extending tenancies, fund the operations of the business,
create a medium term pipeline of development opportunities, pay a modest dividend and buy back shares
where appropriate.
The Board will continue to review the dividend policy each year. Our focus is, and will primarily continue
to be, growth in net asset value per share.
Share buy backs
During the year, the Group acquired 2,930,845 ordinary shares at an average price of 135.3p, costing
£4.0 million, which represented 5.2% of its ordinary share capital. As a result of the share buy backs, the
net asset value per share has been enhanced by approximately 2.3p per share. The Group will seek to renew
the buy back authority of 14.99% of the issued share capital of the Company at the forthcoming AGM.
We consider it to be a vital capital management tool and believe it is prudent to have maximum flexibility
given the level of uncertainty we see in the wider economy.
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STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
Principal risks and uncertainties
Managing risk is an integral element of the Group’s management activities and a considerable amount of
time is spent assessing and managing risks to the business. Responsibility for risk management rests with
the Board, with external advisers used where necessary.
Strategic risks
Strategic risks are risks arising from an inappropriate strategy or through flawed execution of a strategy.
By definition, strategic risks tend to be longer term than most other risks and, as has been amply
demonstrated in the last few years, the economic and wider environment can alter quickly and significantly.
Strategic risks identified include global or national events, regulatory and legal changes, market or sector
changes and key staff retention.
The Board devotes a considerable amount of time and resource to continually monitoring and discussing
the environment in which we operate and the potential impacts upon the Group. We are confident we have
sufficiently high calibre Directors and managers to manage strategic risks.
We are content that the Group has the right approach toward strategy and our strong balance sheet is good
evidence of that.
Operational risks
Operational risks are essentially those risks that might arise from inadequate internal systems, processes,
resources or incorrect decision making. Clearly, it is not possible to eliminate operational risk, however a
considerable amount of time and resource is applied towards ensuring we have the right calibre of staff
and external support to minimise such risks, as most operational risks arise from people-related issues.
Our Executive Directors are very closely involved in the day-to-day running of the business to ensure
sound management judgement is applied.
Market risks
Market risks primarily arise from the possibility that the Group is exposed to fluctuations in the values of,
or income from, its cash deposits, investment properties and development projects. This is a key risk to
the principal activities of the Group and the exposures are continuously monitored through timely financial
and management reporting and analysis of available market intelligence.
Where necessary, management takes appropriate action to mitigate any adverse impact arising from
identified risks and market risks continue to be monitored closely.
The full repercussions of the unprecedented disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic remain uncertain.
It is undeniable that social distancing restrictions and multiple lockdowns continue to impact on the extent
of business closures and tenant defaults which in turn have a negative impact on the Group’s cash flows,
property values and ability to progress its development programme. Continuing low interest rates make
our liquidity position a drag on income. However, the Group has income derived from a range of assets
and investments providing a diversity of income, is not party to any debt facilities and the management
team have adapted to the ongoing restrictions to advance the development portfolio.
Estimation and judgement risks
To be able to prepare accounts according to generally accepted accounting principles, management must
make estimates and assumptions that affect the asset and liability items and revenue and expense amounts
recorded in the accounts. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions
that management and the Board believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these
considerations form the basis for making judgements about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that
are not readily available from other sources.
The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are the following:
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STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
Investment properties
The fair values of investment properties are based upon open market value and calculated, where
applicable, using a third party valuation provided by an external valuer. Note 11 of these financial
statements includes a statement from the external valuer setting out how COVID-19 has impacted on
their valuation assumptions at 30 September 2020. Where it is not possible to reliably measure fair value,
cost is used instead.
Development properties
The net realisable value of properties held for development requires an assessment of fair value of the
underlying assets using property appraisal techniques and other valuation methods. Such estimates are
inherently subjective and actual values can only be determined in a sales transaction. Where it is not
possible to reliably measure fair value, cost is used instead.
Investment properties under construction
The fair value of investment properties under construction rests in planned developments, and is difficult
to estimate before the completion of their construction, particularly in the current highly uncertain
environment, and hence has been stated at cost.
Financial assets
The interest rate profile of the Group’s cash at the balance sheet date was as follows:
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Fixed rate term deposit* 10,009 –
Floating rate 22,117 39,911
––––––––––– –––––––––––
32,126 39,911
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
* Term deposit expiring on 30 December 2020.
Fixed and floating rate financial assets comprise cash and short term deposits held with banks whose credit
ratings are acceptable to the Board.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations.
The Group’s principal financial assets include its financial interest in property assets, cash deposits and
trade and other receivables. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements
represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account of the value of any
collateral obtained.
In the event of default by an occupational tenant, the Group will suffer a rental shortfall and incur
additional costs. The Directors continually monitor tenant arrears in order to anticipate, and minimise the
impact of, defaults by occupational tenants and if necessary will apply rigorous credit control procedures
to facilitate the recovery of trade receivables.
Under IFRS 9, the Group is required to provide for any expected credit losses arising from trade
receivables. For all assured shorthold tenancies, credit checks are performed prior to acceptance of the
tenant. Regulated tenants are incentivised through the benefit of their tenancy agreement to avoid default
on their rent and a rent deposit is held in respect of one lease. Taking these factors into account, the risk
to the Group of individual tenant default and the credit risk of trade receivables are considered low, albeit
the risk has increased as a result of the impact of COVID-19, as is borne out by the level of trade receivables
written off in this year and in prior years.
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STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
As a result of the impact of COVID-19, the Directors have provided for rental and other arrears due from
Peacocks Stores Limited amounting to £49,000 at 30 September 2020 and which remain outstanding at
the date of signing these financial statements. A further £49,000 of accrued rent, in connection with a
rent spreading adjustment for the income receivable from Peacocks Stores Limited, has also been written
back at the balance sheet date. The impaired receivables are based on a review of expected credit losses.
Impaired receivables and receivables not considered to be impaired are not material to the financial
statements and, therefore, no further analysis is provided.
The credit risk on cash deposits is managed through the Company’s policies of monitoring counterparty
exposure and the use of counterparties of good financial standing. At 30 September 2020, the credit
exposure from cash held with banks was £32.1 million which represents 36.2% of the Group’s net assets.
As at 30 September 2020, the Group had a single balance of £53,000 (2019: £54,000) where the counter-
party had failed to honour a notice deposit and a full impairment provision has been recorded against the
balance. All cash deposits are placed with banks whose credit ratings are acceptable to the Board with
£10 million held on a fixed rate term deposit which expires on 30 December 2020 and £22.1 million on
instant access accounts. Should the credit quality or the financial position of the banks currently utilised
significantly deteriorate, cash deposits would be moved to another bank.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.
The Group seeks to manage its liquidity risk by ensuring that sufficient cash is available to meet its
foreseeable needs. The Group has cash deposits at the balance sheet date of over £32 million. However,
we will need to raise substantial amounts either as debt, or through joint ventures or asset sales in order
to develop the Island Quarter site in Nottingham.
Section 172 statement
Directors’ duty to promote the success of the Company under Section 172 Companies Act 2006
This is a new reporting requirement for public companies for accounting periods commencing after
1 January 2019. After that date, a strategic report is required to include a statement that describes how
the Directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172(1) (a) to (f) of the Companies Act
2006 when performing their duty under section 172. Some of the matters identified in Section 172(1) are
already covered by similar provisions in the QCA Code and have thus been previously reported by the
Company in the corporate governance statement, the corporate governance report and the QCA statement
of compliance on our website. In order to avoid unnecessary duplication, the relevant parts of those
documents are identified below and are to be treated as expressly incorporated by reference into this
strategic report. Under section 172(1) of the Companies Act 2006, each individual Director must act in
the way he considers, in good faith, would be the most likely to promote the success of the Company for
the benefit of its members as a whole, and in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to six matters
detailed in the section. In discharging their duties, the Directors seek to promote the success of Conygar
for the benefit of members as a whole and have regard to all the matters set out in Section 172(1), where
applicable and relevant to the business, taking account of its size and structure and the nature and scale
of its activities in the commercial property market. The following paragraphs address each of the six matters
in Section 172(1) (a) to (f).
(a) The likely consequences of any decision in the long term: The commercial property market is
cyclical by nature. Investing in commercial property is a long term business. The decisions taken
must have regard to long term consequences in terms of success or failure and managing risks and
uncertainties. The Directors cannot expect that every decision they take will prove, with the benefit
of hindsight, to be the best one – external factors may affect the market and thus change conditions
in the future, after a decision has been taken. However, the Directors consider that their record of
decisions on acquisitions, disposals and active management of the portfolio is very strong. This is
reflected in the long term performance of Conygar over the years in terms of increases in rental
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STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
income and net asset value. In recent years, decisions by the Directors to dispose of higher-risk
assets and to invest in property assets where the Group can add significant value, were taken with
a view to improving the overall quality and long term performance of the portfolio and thus the
success of Conygar for the benefit of its shareholders.
(b) The interests of the Company’s employees: The Company has five full time employees, including
the Chief Executive and two Property Directors. They sit on the Board with the Non-Executive
Directors.
(c) The need to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others: The
Directors have regularly reported in the Company’s annual reports on the constructive relationships
that Conygar seeks to build with its tenants and the mutual benefits that this brings to both parties;
and this reporting has been extended over the past two years following Principle 3 of the QCA Code
to include suppliers and others. This is therefore addressed under Principle 3 in the QCA compliance
statement. In the past year, it has been vital to foster our business relationships with tenants given
external factors affecting business and the economy, such as political uncertainty, the general election
and latterly the COVID-19 pandemic.
(d) The impact of the Company’s operations on the community and the environment: This is also
addressed under Principle 3 of the QCA Code in the QCA compliance statement. Due to its size
and structure and the nature and scale of its activities, the Board considers that the impact of
Conygar’s operations as a landlord on the community and the environment is low. Conygar’s assets
are used by its tenants for their own operations rather than by Conygar itself. In the past year, the
Company has not been made aware of any tenant operations that have had a significant impact on
the community or the environment. In relation to planned developments, Conygar seeks to ensure
that designs and construction comply with all relevant environmental standards and with local
planning requirements and building regulations so as not to adversely affect the community or the
environment.
(e) The desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct:
This is addressed under Principle 8 of the QCA Code in the corporate governance statement and
in the QCA compliance statement. The Board considers that maintaining Conygar’s reputation for
high standards of business conduct is not just desirable – it is a valuable asset in the competitive
commercial property market.
(f) The need to act fairly as between members of the Company: The Company has only one class of
shares, thus all shareholders have equal rights and, regardless of the size of their holding, every
shareholder is, and always has been, treated equally and fairly. Relations with shareholders are further
addressed under Principles 2, 3 and 10 of the QCA Code in the corporate governance report and
the QCA compliance statement. We have been reviewing how we communicate with shareholders
and are in the process of encouraging shareholders to adopt electronic communications and proxy
voting in place of paper documents where this suits them, as well as to raise questions in writing if
they are unable to attend AGMs.
This report was approved by the Board on 23 November 2020 and signed on its behalf by:
R T E Ware
Chief Executive
23 November 2020
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
Corporate governance code
The Directors consider it important that appropriately high standards of corporate governance are
maintained. In compliance with the AIM rules, the Company has therefore chosen to comply with the
QCA Code.
The workings of the Board and its committees
The Board
The Board currently comprises the Chief Executive, two Property Directors and two independent
Non-Executive Directors, one of whom is Chairman, N J Hamway and the other is B S Sandhu. The Board
is responsible to shareholders for the proper management of the Company. A statement of going concern
and a statement of the Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the financial statements is given on pages 25
and 26.
Biographies
Non-Executive Chairman – Nigel Hamway
Nigel Hamway qualified as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
with Peat Marwick after obtaining a degree from Cambridge University. He joined Dubilier PLC as Chief
Financial Accountant, leaving to take up a position in international corporate finance at Charterhouse
Bank in 1986, becoming a Director in 1990.
From 1991 to 2016, he was a Director of Charterhouse Development Capital. For several years he was
responsible for Charterhouse’s international investment business. He has had extensive board experience
in many countries and businesses.
Chief Executive – Robert Ware
Robert Ware qualified as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales with
Peat Marwick. He served as a Director of Development Securities PLC between 1988 and 1994, filling
the roles of Joint Managing Director and Finance Director in the latter stage of his tenure.
He joined MEPC Plc in June 1997, serving first as Corporate Development Director and then as Deputy
Chief Executive until June 2003. He is also Chairman of Marwyn Value Investors Limited which is quoted
on the London Stock Exchange.
Property Director – Freddie Jones
Freddie Jones graduated from St Andrews University before going on to Cass Business School where he
completed an MSc in Real Estate Finance and graduated from there in 2007. He joined Conygar in 2008
and has since then managed multiple investment and development projects for the Group.
Property Director – Christopher Ware
Christopher Ware graduated from the University of Exeter before completing a Masters degree in Real
Estate at Reading. He started his career at Colliers International, working in the Central London
investment team and becoming a Chartered Surveyor during that time before joining Conygar in 2012.
Christopher is also a CFA charterholder.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (continued)
Non-Executive Director – Bim Sandhu
Bim Sandhu is a graduate of the LSE and was Secretary of the KPMG UK Property & Construction
Group after qualification as a Chartered Accountant. He left to become Finance Director and then
Managing Director of the UK operations of a client, Hudson Conway, an Australian listed developer. Bim
was co-founder and CEO of UK developer Raven Mount plc and co-founder of Raven Russia Limited, a
developer of logistics warehouses, and co-founder and Chairman of Raven Audley Court plc, a developer
and operator of assisted living facilities. He is currently CEO of The Santon Group and Non-Executive
Director of AEW UK REIT plc and Africa Logistics Properties Holdings Limited.
Workings of the Board
The Board has a formal schedule of matters to consider. All Directors have access to the advice and services
of the Company Secretary who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board procedures are followed
and that applicable rules and regulations are complied with. In addition, the Company Secretary ensures
that the Directors receive appropriate training as necessary. The appointment and removal of the Company
Secretary is a matter for the Board as a whole.
The Board met formally seven times in the year, reviewing trading performance, ensuring adequate
funding, setting and monitoring strategy, examining major acquisition possibilities and reporting to
shareholders. The Non-Executive Directors have a particular responsibility to ensure that the strategies
proposed by the Executive Directors are fully considered. The Chairman ensures that the Directors may
take independent professional advice as required at the Company’s expense.
The following committees deal with specific aspects of the Group’s affairs.
Remuneration committee
The Company’s remuneration committee is chaired by N J Hamway and its other member is B S Sandhu.
It is responsible for making recommendations to the Board, within agreed terms of reference, on the
Company’s framework of executive remuneration and its cost. The committee determines the contract
terms, remuneration and other benefits for each of the Executive Directors, including performance related
bonus schemes, pension rights and compensation payments. The Board itself determines the remuneration
of the Non-Executive Directors. The Non-Executive Directors are not involved in any discussions or
decisions about their own remuneration.
Further details of the Company’s policies on remuneration, service contracts and compensation payments
are included in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 21 to 23.
Audit committee
The audit committee is chaired by N J Hamway and its other member is B S Sandhu, and it meets not
less than twice annually. The committee also provides a forum for reporting by the Company’s external
auditor. Meetings are also attended, by invitation, by the Chief Executive and the Financial Controller.
The audit committee is responsible for reviewing a wide range of matters including the half-year and
annual financial statements before their submission to the Board and monitoring the controls which are
in force to ensure the integrity of the information reported to the shareholders. The audit committee
advises the Board on the appointment of the external auditor and on their remuneration both for audit
and non-audit work, and discusses the nature, scope and results of the audit with its external auditor. The
audit committee keeps under review the cost effectiveness and the independence and objectivity of the
external auditor. Saffery Champness LLP were appointed as the Group’s external auditor in the current
year following a formal competitive tender process.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (continued)
Key activities of the audit committee for the year under review
1. Reviewing the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2020 and
the unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 March 2020 to ensure they are fair, balanced
and understandable for shareholders and other users of the accounts.
2. Holding committee meetings with the Group’s auditor to discuss the findings of the audit to include:
l An assessment of the effectiveness of the audit process;
l A review of the key accounting judgements, including the impact of COVID-19, on the
financial statements;
l Discussing any material issues that arose during the audit; and
l Assessing the overall control environment.
3. Assessing the remuneration, independence, objectivity and effectiveness of the external auditor.
4. Reviewing the system of internal controls and risk management.
Meetings and attendance
The Directors attended the following meetings during the year:
Audit Remuneration
Board committee committee
N J Hamway 6/7 3/3 1/1
R T E Ware 7/7 – –
F N G Jones 7/7 – –
C J D Ware 6/7 – –
B S Sandhu* 4/4 1/1 –
R H McCaskill** 2/3 1/1 –
M D Wigley*** 7/7 2/2 1/1
* B S Sandhu was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 3 March 2020.
** R H McCaskill was invited to attend Audit Committee meetings and stepped down from the Board on 6 April 2020.
*** M D Wigley stepped down from the Board on 30 September 2020.
Independent Non-Executive Directors
Bim Sandhu became a Director of the Company in March 2020, he has been a shareholder in the Company
since inception and currently holds a 7.6% interest in the shares of the Company. Bim has extensive
relevant experience as a public company Director both as an Executive and as a Non-Executive Director,
particularly in finance and property and has substantial stakes in a number of listed and unlisted
companies. Nigel has been a Director since inception and he and his family own 2.0% of the Company’s
shares. Nigel is an experienced investor and Company Director across many sectors. These Non-Executive
Directors demonstrate a range of experience and sufficient calibre to bring independent judgement on
issues of strategy, performance, resources and standards of conduct which are vital to the success of the
Company. Furthermore, the shareholdings of both Nigel and Bim align their interest in the Company with
those of shareholders and their board directorships elsewhere gives them extensive experience of ensuring
that the interests of all stakeholders are considered.
Bim and Nigel are not employed by the Company and neither receives any remuneration above the fees
set out in the Directors’ remuneration report.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (continued)
Evaluating Board performance
Assessment of the Board’s performance and that of its committees is undertaken by the Board as a whole,
led by the Company’s Chairman. Although the Company has no formal procedure for measuring the
effectiveness of the Board, the Board carefully reviews its effectiveness by reference to financial
performance, adherence to budgets, succession planning and the overall growth of the Company and taking
account of the opinions and insights of its auditors, nominated adviser, broker, legal and other advisers.
The method of assessing Board effectiveness and performance will be reviewed on a continuous basis.
Training and development
An induction programme is arranged for newly appointed Directors which includes papers and meetings
on the business, current strategy and shareholder expectations. Guidance is also given on the duties,
responsibilities and liabilities of a Director of a listed company and key Board policies and procedures.
Directors have access to training as required and are encouraged to continue their own professional
development through attendance at seminars and briefings.
Promoting ethical values and behaviours
The Board is committed to ensuring that the Company operates according to the highest ethical standards
for which it has primary responsibility. The Directors believe that the main determinant of whether a
business behaves ethically and with integrity is the quality of its people. As the Board currently fulfils the
responsibilities that might otherwise be assumed by a nominations committee, the Directors have
responsibility for ensuring that individuals employed by the Company demonstrate the highest levels of
integrity and undertake reviews of its employees regularly. In addition, the Company has a formal bribery
and anti-corruption policy and a share dealing code.
Relations with shareholders
Communications with shareholders are given high priority. Pages 7 to 15 of these financial statements
include a detailed review of the business and future developments. There is regular dialogue with
shareholders. The Company’s website is found at www.conygar.com.
The Board uses the AGM and results meetings to communicate with private and institutional investors
and welcomes their participation. Details of resolutions to be proposed at the AGM on 18 December 2020
can be found in the notice of the meeting on pages 59 to 64.
Internal control
The Directors acknowledge that they are responsible for the Company’s systems of internal control and
for reviewing its effectiveness. The systems are designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure
to achieve the Company’s strategic objectives, and can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance
against material misstatement or loss.
The Company’s key risk management processes and system of internal control procedures include the
following:
l Management structure: Authority to operate is delegated to Executive Directors within limits set
by the Board. The appointment of executives to the most senior positions within the Group requires
the approval of the Board.
l Identification and evaluation of business risks: The major financial, commercial, legal, regulatory
and operating risks within the Group are identified through annual reporting procedures.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (continued)
l Information and financial reporting systems: The Group’s planning and financial reporting
procedures include detailed operational budgets for the year ahead which are reviewed and approved
by the Board.
l Investment appraisal: A budgetary process and authorisation levels regulate capital expenditure. For
expenditure beyond specified levels, detailed written proposals have to be submitted to the Board.
Commercial, legal and financial due diligence work is, where possible, carried out if a business is to
be acquired.
l Audit committee: The audit committee monitors the controls which are in place and any perceived
weakness in the control environment. The audit committee also considers and determines relevant
action in respect of any control issues raised by external auditors.
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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
Remuneration committee
The Company’s remuneration committee is chaired by N J Hamway and its other member is B S Sandhu.
The committee makes recommendations to the Board, within agreed terms of reference, on an overall
remuneration package for Executive Directors and any other Senior Executives.
Remuneration policy and review
The Company’s policy on Directors’ remuneration remains that the overall remuneration package should
be sufficiently competitive to attract, retain and motivate high quality executives capable of achieving the
Group’s objectives and thereby enhancing shareholder value. The package consists of a basic salary with
the potential for significant performance-related bonuses aligned to growth in shareholder value, as
represented by net assets per share. All Group employees are employed by the Company.
The details of individual components of the executive remuneration package and service contracts are
summarised below.
Basic salary and benefits: The salary and benefits are reviewed annually at the complete discretion of the
remuneration committee. At present, the Directors receive no benefits.
Profit sharing plan: The profit sharing plan (“The plan”) is an annual plan in which Executive Directors
and Senior Executives will be entitled to an allocation of a profit sharing pool. The plan requires that the
fully diluted net asset value per share must be at least 250p, and the mid-market share price must average
at least 230p in the three months prior to any payment. When the asset value hurdle is passed the
remuneration committee can accrue a profit sharing pool, however this will not be allocated or paid out
until the share price criterion is met, and the committee is satisfied that the net asset value is based on
realised profits.
The plan is based upon the increase in the audited fully diluted net asset value per share of the Company.
The profit sharing pool is 20% of any increase in the net asset value per share at 30 September over the
previous highest audited diluted net asset value per share (“high watermark”) which was 196.3p. This
ensures that Executive Directors cannot accrue any profit share twice in respect of the same net asset value
growth. The previous high watermark was at 30 September 2014.
A schedule showing the calculation will be published in the financial statements should any profit share
accrue.
The remuneration committee has absolute discretion over participation, pool allocation and determination
of performance conditions, save in a limited number of circumstances covering change in control and
certain good leaver provisions.
Pensions: The Company does not make contributions to Directors’ pension plans other than as required
through the Company’s workplace pension scheme.
Service contracts: The Company’s policy is for all Executive Directors to have contracts of employment
with provision for termination on no more than 12 months’ notice.
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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
Non-Executive Directors
Neither of the Non-Executive Directors have service contracts. Letters of appointment provide for a period
of three years which may be extended by mutual agreement for a further three years. B S Sandhu was
appointed on 3 March 2020 and N J Hamway’s letter of appointment was extended on 22 October 2019.
The remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors takes the form solely of fees, which are set by the Board,
having taken advice on appropriate levels. The Non-Executive Directors are not involved in any discussions
or decision about their own remuneration.
Service contracts
The service contracts and letters of appointment of the Directors include the following terms:
Unexpired term Notice period
Date of contract (months) (months)
Executive Directors
R T E Ware 25 October 2007 N/A 12
F N G Jones 26 January 2018 N/A 12
C J D Ware 26 January 2018 N/A 12
Non-Executive Directors
N J Hamway 25 October 2007 23 6
B S Sandhu 3 March 2020 29 6
B S Sandhu stands for election and C J D Ware and F N G Jones retire by rotation at the AGM and, being
eligible, offer themselves for re-election.
Directors’ emoluments
2020
2019
Payment
Basic in lieu Basic
salary of notice Fees Total salary Fees Total
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Executive Directors
R T E Ware 400 – – 400 400 – 400
F N G Jones 155 – – 155 155 – 155
C J D Ware 155 – – 155 155 – 155
R H McCaskill* 150 305 – 455 300 – 300
Non-Executive Directors
N J Hamway – – 90 90 – 90 90
M D Wigley** – – 45 45 – 45 45
B S Sandhu*** – – 29 29 – – –
–––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– ––––––
860 305 164 1,329 1,010 135 1,145
–––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– ––––––
–––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– ––––––
* R H McCaskill stepped down on 6 April 2020.
** M D Wigley stepped down on 30 September 2020.
*** Fees paid to B S Sandhu from his date of appointment on 3 March 2020.
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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
No non-cash benefits were paid to Directors.
This report was approved by the Board on 23 November 2020 and signed on its behalf by:
R T E Ware
Director
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DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Directors’ report
The Directors present their report, of which the corporate governance report forms a part, and the accounts
of the Group and the Company for the year ended 30 September 2020.
Principal activities and review of the business
The principal activity of the Group and the Company during the year was property trading, property
investment, acquiring property assets with development and investment potential, and investing in
companies with significant property assets. The Company’s principal subsidiaries are listed in note 13 to
the accounts. Details of the share buy backs during the year are included in the strategic report.
A review of the Company’s activities and likely future developments during this year is dealt with in the
chairman’s and chief executive’s statement and the strategic report.
Significant events since the balance sheet date
There are no significant events since the balance sheet date that require disclosure in the financial
statements.
Results and dividends
The Group’s trading results for the year and the Group’s and Company’s financial position at the end of
the year are reported in the attached financial statements.
The Directors do not recommend a dividend in respect of the year ended 30 September 2020 (2019: £nil).
Directors’ interest in shares
The Directors’ interests in the shares of the Company, together with their beneficial and family interests,
were as follows:
Ordinary shares
30 September 2020 30 September 2019
N J Hamway 1,089,700 1,089,700
R T E Ware 4,602,500 4,500,000
F N G Jones 164,200 164,200
C J D Ware 1,079,335 1,079,335
B S Sandhu 4,062,500 n/a
R H McCaskill* n/a 2,000
M D Wigley* n/a 330,000
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
* R H McCaskill and M D Wigley stepped down from the Board in the year.
There have been no changes in the Directors’ shareholdings since the year end.
Directors’ indemnities
The Company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its Directors which
remain in force at the date of this report.
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DIRECTORS’ REPORT (continued)
Major interests in shares
At 23 November 2020, the Directors have been notified that the following shareholders have an interest
of 3% or more in the Company’s issued share capital:
Name No of shares %
Premier Miton Group PLC 9,896,218 18.47
R T E Ware 4,602,500 8.58
B S Sandhu 4,062,500 7.58
Political contributions
The Group made no political donations during the year (2019: £nil).
Financial instruments
Details of the Group’s financial instruments are given in note 22.
Going concern
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and regulations. The Directors are required to prepare financial statements for the
Group in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European
Union (‘IFRS’) and have elected to prepare financial statements for the Company in accordance with
IFRS. Company law requires the Directors to prepare such financial statements in accordance with IFRS,
the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 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 the affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.
International Accounting Standard 1 requires that the financial statements present fairly for each financial
year the Company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This requires the faithful
representation of the effect of transactions, other events and conditions in accordance with the definitions
and recognition criteria for assets, liabilities, income and expenses set out in the International Accounting
Standards Board’s ‘Framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements’. In virtually
all circumstances, a fair presentation will be achieved by compliance with all the applicable IFRS. Directors
are also required to:
l select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
l make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
l state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures
disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
l prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the Company and Group 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 the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with
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DIRECTORS’ REPORT (continued)
the Companies Act 2006. The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company
and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
The Directors have chosen, in accordance with S414c (11) of the Companies Act 2006, to include principal
risks and uncertainties within the strategic report.
Electronic publication
The Directors are also responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the investor information contained
on the website. Legislation in the UK concerning the preparation and dissemination of financial statements
may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Disclosure of information to auditor
All of the Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any
information needed by the auditor for the purposes of their audit and to establish that the auditor is aware
of that information. The Directors are not aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditor is
unaware.
Auditor
Blick Rothenberg LLP, trading as Rees Pollock, resigned as the Group’s auditor on 25 March 2020. On
the same day the Company appointed Saffery Champness LLP as the Group’s new external auditor.
Saffery Champness LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office and a resolution to appoint
them as auditor for the ensuing year will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM.
Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Company will be held on Friday 18 December 2020 at 11.30am. The formal notice of
the meeting and the resolutions to be proposed at that meeting are attached on pages 59 to 64.
In addition to ordinary business, there are resolutions to give a Director’s authority to disapply pre-
exemption rights and allot equity securities together with a resolution to give share buy back authorities.
As a result of the current restrictions in connection with COVID-19, in particular on public gatherings,
the Board has taken the decision to hold the AGM as a closed meeting pursuant to the provisions of the
Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020. As they cannot attend in person, shareholders are
encouraged to vote on the resolutions to be considered at the meeting by appointing the chairman of the
meeting as their proxy instead. Further information and instructions on voting by proxy are set out on
pages 61 to 63 as well as in the notes and the proxy form.
All resolutions will be decided on a poll.
The situation relating to COVID-19 is constantly evolving and the UK Government may change current
restrictions in connection with COVID-19 and/or implement further measures which affect the holding
of shareholder meetings. Any changes to the AGM will be communicated to shareholders through the
Company’s website and, where appropriate, by announcement through a regulatory information service.
By order of the Board
R T E Ware
Director
23 November 2020
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE CONYGAR INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Conygar Investment Company PLC (the ‘parent
company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 30 September 2020 which comprise the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated and company statement of changes in
equity, the consolidated and company balance sheets, the consolidated and company cash flow statements
and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial
reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.
In our opinion, the financial statements:
l give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the parent company as at
30 September 2020 and of the Group’s loss for the period then ended;
l have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and
l 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 SME 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 have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require
us to report to you where:
l the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial
statements is not appropriate; or
l the Directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties
that may cast significant doubt about the Group’s or parent company’s ability to continue to adopt
the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the
financial statements are authorised for issue.
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE CONYGAR INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC (continued)
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) we identified, including those which 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.
Key audit matter How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Revenue recognition
retail park at Cross Hands
Revenue for the year was £1.7m, consisting
predominantly of rental income derived from the
Group’s
in
Carmarthenshire. There is a risk this may not be
recognised in accordance with IFRS 15 or may be
incomplete.
The Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases for the first
time and the Directors concluded that the impact
of adoption from a lessor’s perspective did not affect
their existing revenue recognition policy.
Due to the significance of revenue to the
consolidated
revenue
recognition is a key audit matter.
statements,
financial
Valuation of investment property
the
impact of
The Group’s investment property at Cross Hands
represents a significant asset and in accordance with
IAS 40 is measured at fair value in line with IFRS
13 on the Statement of Financial Position.
The value of investment property held within the
Group financial statements at the year end is
£16.5m. The valuation is exposed to significant
uncertainty caused by
the
Coronavirus pandemic on retail. The Directors
obtained a third-party valuation to assist their
assessment of the fair value of the investment
property.
A further investment property, located in Ashby-de-
la-Zouch, was disposed of in the year and at the time
of disposal was held at a carrying value of £3.5m. A
gain of £168k was recorded in the statement of
comprehensive income as a result of the sale.
Due to the significance of investment property to
the financial statements, the valuation of investment
property is a key audit matter.
28
Our audit procedures included the following:
l Reconciling managing agent statements
through to the revenue recorded and received
in the bank;
l Selecting a sample of leases and agreeing the
rent per the lease through to the managing
agent statements;
l Recalculating lease incentives based on the
underlying lease agreements to ensure its
accounting treatment is in accordance with
IFRS15; and
to
rent
actual
l Forming an expectation of rental income and
received,
comparing
investigating any significant variances.
Based on our procedures, we noted no material
exceptions and considered that revenue has been
recognised appropriately and is in accordance with
the Group’s revenue recognition policy and
IFRS 16.
Our audit procedures included the following:
l Agreeing the investment property valuation
to the external valuation report;
l Challenging the assumptions used in the
preparation of the valuation report, including
benchmarking the key assumptions to
external market data and comparable
property transactions, in particular the yield;
l Assessing the competence, independence and
integrity of the external valuer;
and
l Obtaining
reviewing documents
supporting the disposal of the Group’s
investment property at Ashby-de-la-Zouch
and recalculating the recorded gain; and
l Checking that the treatment of fair value
movement is in accordance with IFRS 13 and
IAS 40.
Based on our procedures, we noted no material
exceptions and considered the accounting and
disclosure of investment property to be appropriate.
260026 Conygar pp21-pp31.qxp 27/11/2020 09:00 Page 29
The Conygar Investment Company PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE CONYGAR INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC (continued)
Key audit matter How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Impairment of development and trading
properties
Our audit procedures included the following:
l Reviewing management’s consideration of
impairment, verifying and challenging any
assumptions or contentions, such as the use
of market yield, to supporting external
evidence;
l Reviewing the treatment of development and
trading property in the financial statements
against the requirements of IAS 40 as an
investment property under construction,
carried at cost; and
l Reviewing whether the transfer to investment
properties under construction constituted a
‘change in use’ as required by IAS 40.
Based on our procedures, we noted no material
exceptions and considered the accounting and
disclosure of development and trading properties to
be appropriate.
We concluded that the carrying values of the
development and trading properties are not
materially misstated.
Included in the Group financial statements are
development and trading properties held at
£20.1m.
During the year an impairment loss of £5.6m was
charged
statement of
the consolidated
to
comprehensive income
At each reporting date the Directors assess whether
there is any indication that the development and
trading properties held are impaired.
These impairment assessments incorporate a range
of assumptions and judgements, such as land value
and rental yield.
During the year, development and trading property
of £19.8m, relating to the Group’s assets in central
Nottingham, was transferred from development and
trading property to investment properties under
construction.
Due
these
to
judgements to the Group and Company financial
statements, impairment of development and trading
properties is a key audit matter.
the potential significance of
Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing our audit, in evaluating the effect of any
identified misstatements and in forming our audit opinion. Our overall objective as auditor is to obtain
reasonable assurance that the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether
due to fraud or error. We consider a misstatement to be material where it could reasonably be expected to
influence the economic decisions of the users of the financial statements.
We determined a materiality of £1,900,000 for the Group financial statements and £1,680,000 for the
Company financial statements. This is based on 2% of gross assets per draft financial information at the
planning stage. We did not consider there to be any reason to revise materiality during the audit.
An overview of the scope of our audit
Our audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including controls,
and assessing the risks of material misstatement.
We carried out a full scope audit of all the significant components of the Group. These components were
subject to specific audit procedures where the extent of our audit work was based on our assessment of
the risks of material misstatement. All audit work to respond to the risks of material misstatement was
performed directly by the audit engagement team.
Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information
included in the annual report, 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.
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE CONYGAR INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC (continued)
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.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
l 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
l the strategic report and the Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal
requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the parent company and their
environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the
strategic report or the Directors’ report.
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:
l 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
l the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and
returns; or
l certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
l we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement set out on pages 25 and 26, 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 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.
30
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE CONYGAR INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC (continued)
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.
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.
Michael Di Leto (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Saffery Champness LLP
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditors
71 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 4BE
23 November 2020
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 30 September 2020
Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
Note £’000 £’000
Rental income 1,675 1,661
Other property income – 116
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Revenue 1,675 1,777
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Direct costs of:
Rental income 233 179
Development costs written off 14 5,611 19,084
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Direct costs 5,844 19,263
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Gross loss (4,169) (17,486)
(Deficit)/surplus on revaluation of investment properties 11 (1,722) 5,996
Profit on sale of investment property 167 –
Other gains – 1
Administrative expenses (2,623) (2,616)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Operating loss 3 (8,347) (14,105)
Finance costs 6 (5) –
Finance income 6 187 252
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Loss before taxation (8,165) (13,853)
Taxation 8 210 (119)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Loss and total comprehensive charge for the year (7,955) (13,972)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Basic and diluted loss per share 10 (14.73)p (24.57)p
All amounts are attributable to equity shareholders
All of the activities of the Group are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 39 to 57 form part of these accounts
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 30 September 2020
Attributable to the equity holders of the Company
Capital
Share redemption Treasury Retained Total
capital reserve shares earnings equity
Group £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Changes in equity for the year
ended 30 September 2019
At 1 October 2018 2,988 3,565 – 113,731 120,284
Loss for the year – – – (13,972) (13,972)
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
Total comprehensive
charge for the year – – – (13,972) (13,972)
Purchase of own shares – – (5,582) – (5,582)
Cancellation of treasury shares (162) 162 5,582 (5,582) –
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
At 30 September 2019 2,826 3,727 – 94,177 100,730
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
Changes in equity for the year
ended 30 September 2020
At 1 October 2019 2,826 3,727 – 94,177 100,730
Adjustment on implementation
of IFRS 16 (note 7) – – – 23 23
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
2,826 3,727 – 94,200 100,753
Loss for the year – – – (7,955) (7,955)
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
Total comprehensive
charge for the year – – – (7,955) (7,955)
Purchase of own shares – – (3,965) – (3,965)
Cancellation of treasury shares (146) 146 3,965 (3,965) –
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
At 30 September 2020 2,680 3,873 – 82,280 88,833
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
The notes on pages 39 to 57 form part of these accounts
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 30 September 2020
Capital
Share redemption Treasury Retained Total
capital reserve shares earnings equity
Company £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Changes in equity for the year
ended 30 September 2019
At 1 October 2018 2,988 3,565 – 95,306 101,859
Loss for the year – – – (16,257) (16,257)
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
Total comprehensive
charge for the year – – – (16,257) (16,257)
Purchase of own shares – – (5,582) – (5,582)
Cancellation of treasury shares (162) 162 5,582 (5,582) –
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
At 30 September 2019 2,826 3,727 – 73,467 80,020
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
Changes in equity for the year
ended 30 September 2020
At 1 October 2019 2,826 3,727 – 73,467 80,020
Adjustment on implementation
of IFRS 16 (note 7) – – – 23 23
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
2,826 3,727 – 73,490 80,043
Loss for the year – – – (2,268) (2,268)
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
Total comprehensive
charge for the year – – – (2,268) (2,268)
Purchase of own shares – – (3,965) – (3,965)
Cancellation of treasury shares (146) 146 3,965 (3,965) –
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
At 30 September 2020 2,680 3,873 – 67,257 73,810
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
The notes on pages 39 to 57 form part of these accounts
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
at 30 September 2020
Company Number: 04907617
30 Sep 2020 30 Sep 2019
Note £’000 £’000
Non-current assets
Investment properties 11 16,500 21,429
Investment properties under construction 12 19,761 –
Right of use asset 7 146 –
–––––––––– ––––––––––
36,407 21,429
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Current assets
Development and trading properties 14 19,952 39,999
Trade and other receivables 15 1,655 1,470
Tax asset 31 –
Cash and cash equivalents 32,126 39,911
–––––––––– ––––––––––
53,764 81,380
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Total assets 90,171 102,809
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 16 1,215 788
Lease liability for right of use asset 7 89 –
Tax liabilities – 141
–––––––––– ––––––––––
1,304 929
Non-current liabilities
Provision for liabilities and charges 17 – 1,150
Lease liability for right of use asset 7 34 –
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Total liabilities 1,338 2,079
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Net assets 88,833 100,730
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Equity
Called up share capital 18 2,680 2,826
Capital redemption reserve 3,873 3,727
Retained earnings 82,280 94,177
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Total equity 88,833 100,730
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
The accounts on pages 32 to 57 were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 23 November
2020 and are signed on its behalf by:
R T E WARE
F N G JONES }
The notes on pages 39 to 57 form part of these accounts
35
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
at 30 September 2020
Company number: 04907617
30 Sep 2020 30 Sep 2019
Note £’000 £’000
Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiary undertakings 13 16 16
Right of use asset 7 146 –
–––––––––– ––––––––––
162 16
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Current assets
Development and trading properties 14 7,165 7,915
Trade and other receivables 15 44,204 39,859
Cash and cash equivalents 31,185 39,439
–––––––––– ––––––––––
82,554 87,213
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Total assets 82,716 87,229
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 16 8,783 7,209
Lease liability for right of use asset 7 89 –
–––––––––– ––––––––––
8,872 7,209
Non-current liabilities
Lease liability for right of use asset 7 34 –
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Total liabilities 8,906 7,209
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Net assets 73,810 80,020
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Equity
Called up share capital 18 2,680 2,826
Capital redemption reserve 3,873 3,727
Retained earnings 67,257 73,467
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Total equity 73,810 80,020
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption within section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not
to present its own profit and loss account. The loss for the year dealt with in the financial statements of the
Company was £2,268,000 (2019: loss of £16,257,000). As at 30 September 2020, the entire balance of
£67,257,000 in retained earnings represents distributable reserves.
The accounts on pages 32 to 57 were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 23 November
2020 and are signed on its behalf by:
R T E WARE
F N G JONES }
The notes on pages 39 to 57 form part of these accounts
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the year ended 30 September 2020
Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating loss (8,347) (14,105)
Development costs written off 5,611 19,084
Deficit/(surplus) on revaluation of investment properties 1,722 (5,996)
Profit on sale of investment property (167) –
Depreciation of right of use assets 93 –
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital (1,088) (1,017)
Increase in trade and other receivables (107) (45)
Additions to development and trading properties (4,901) (932)
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (253) 93
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows used in operations (6,349) (1,901)
Tax received/(paid) 38 (88)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows used in operating activities (6,311) (1,989)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of and additions to investment properties (1,369) (7,531)
Proceeds from sale of investment property 3,673 5,499
Finance income 187 252
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows generated from/(used in) investing activities 2,491 (1,780)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of own shares (3,965) (5,582)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows used in financing activities (3,965) (5,582)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (7,785) (9,351)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 October 39,911 49,262
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 32,126 39,911
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
As the Group is currently funded wholly through equity instruments, no reconciliation of changes in
liabilities arising from financing activities is presented.
The notes on pages 39 to 57 form part of these accounts
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
COMPANY CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the year ended 30 September 2020
Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating loss (2,449) (16,510)
Provision against loan to subsidiary undertaking – 15,117
Development costs written off 668 516
Depreciation of right of use assets 93 –
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital (1,688) (877)
Decrease in trade and other receivables 3 405
Additions to development and trading properties 83 (141)
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (282) 37
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows used in operating activities (1,884) (576)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows from investing activities
Movement in balances with group entities (2,591) (3,948)
Acquisition of and additions to investment properties – (2,982)
Proceeds from the sale of investment property – 5,499
Finance income 186 253
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows used in investing activities (2,405) (1,178)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of own shares (3,965) (5,582)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash flows used in financing activities (3,965) (5,582)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (8,254) (7,336)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 October 39,439 46,775
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 31,185 39,439
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
As the Company is currently funded wholly through equity instruments, no reconciliation of changes in
liabilities arising from financing activities is presented.
The notes on pages 39 to 57 form part of these accounts
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
for the year ended 30 September 2020
1. General information and accounting policies
1a General information
The Conygar Investment Company PLC (“the Company”) is incorporated in the United Kingdom
and domiciled in England and Wales, is registered at Companies House under registration number
04907617, listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and limited by shares.
The Company’s subsidiaries are shown in note 13. The Company and its subsidiaries are collectively
referred to below as “the Group”.
The nature and scope of the Group’s operations and principal activities are described in the strategic
report on pages 7 to 15. Further information about the Group can be found on its website,
www.conygar.com.
1b Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies of the Group are set out below. These policies have been consistently
applied in the preparation of these financial statements.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements are presented in sterling as this is the Group’s functional currency. Amounts
are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds, unless otherwise stated.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted for use in the European Union and with those parts of the Companies
Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS (except as otherwise stated).
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and therefore continue to adopt the
going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except where stated otherwise
in the accounting policies below.
Adoption of new and revised standards
IFRS 16 Leases (as issued by the IASB in January 2016) is effective for all accounting periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2019, and in accordance with the transition requirements, comparative
information for the year ended 30 September 2019 has not been restated and transitional adjustments
have been accounted for through retained earnings at 1 October 2019, the date of initial application.
IFRS 16 introduces new or amended requirements with respect to lease accounting. It introduces
significant changes to the lease accounting by removing the distinction between operating and finance
leases, and requires the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at commencement for
all leases, except short-term leases and leases of low value.
IFRS 16 changes how the Company accounts for leases previously classified as operating leases under
IAS 17, which were off balance sheet. The Company now recognises right-of-use assets and lease
liabilities in the statement of financial position, initially measured at the present value of future lease
payments.
Depreciation on right-of-use assets and interest on lease liabilities is recognised within the income
statement.
For short term leases and leases of low value assets, the Company has opted to continue to recognise
the lease expense within administrative expenses, on a straight line basis as permitted by IFRS 16.
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
1. General information and accounting policies (continued)
The impact on the income statement for the year ended 30 September 2020 is as follows:
£
Increase in finance costs 5,029
Increase in depreciation expense 93,152
Decrease in administrative expenses (90,842)
––––––––––
Increase in loss for the year 7,339
––––––––––
––––––––––
The impact on assets, liabilities and equity at 1 October 2019 is as follows:
£
Right of use asset 239,499
Lease liabilities (216,630)
––––––––––
Increase in retained earnings 22,869
––––––––––
––––––––––
An incremental borrowing rate of 2.7% was applied to all lease liabilities recognised in the statement
of financial position at the time of initial application.
The Group has also adopted all new amendments to standards and interpretations, which came into
effect for the current financial year, but these have not had a material impact on the disclosures or
amounts reported in the financial statements.
Standards and interpretations in issue not yet adopted
The following IFRSs have been issued but are not effective as at the balance sheet date and so have
not been applied in the preparation of these financial statements:
Amendments to IFRS 3, IFRS 4, IFRS 7, IFRS 9, IFRS 16, IFRS 17, IAS 1, IAS 8, IAS 16, IAS 37
and IAS 39.
The future adoption of these standards and interpretations is not expected to have a material effect on
the financial statements of the Group.
Basis of consolidation The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements
of the Company and all its entities, all of which are controlled by the Company. Control is achieved
when the Company:
l has the power over the investee;
l is exposed, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
l has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.
The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that
there are changes to one or more of the elements of control listed above.
The results of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date
of acquisition to the effective date of disposal. Adjustments are made when necessary to the financial
statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies in line with those of the Group.
All intra Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
1. General information and accounting policies (continued)
Revenue Property revenue comprises rental and other income exclusive of VAT, which is recognised
in the statement of comprehensive income on an accruals basis and a straight line basis, together with
sales of trading, development and investment properties. Rental income receivable in the period from
lease commencement to the earlier of lease expiry and any tenant’s option to break is spread evenly
over that period. Any incentive for lessees to enter into a lease agreement are spread over the same
period.
Turnover is attributable to the principal activity of the Company and arises wholly within the United
Kingdom. Revenue includes amounts of £280,000 and £261,000 from individual customers and are
derived from investment property.
Disposals of properties are recognised when the buyer obtains control of the property by way of
obtaining the legal title or possession of the property or when the significant risks and returns have
been transferred to the buyer. For conditional exchanges, sales are recognised when the conditions are
satisfied.
Finance income comprises bank interest recognised on an effective interest rate basis.
Expenses All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. They are charged through the statement
of comprehensive income with the exception of share issue expenses, which are charged to the share
premium account.
Profit sharing plan The Group has a profit sharing plan which is an annual plan in which Executive
Directors and Senior Executives will be entitled to an allocation of a profit sharing pool based upon
the increase in the net asset value of the Company.
Taxation The taxation charge represents the sum of tax currently payable and deferred tax. The charge
for current taxation is based on the results for the year as adjusted for non-assessable or disallowed
items. It is calculated using rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet
date.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities in the 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 generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax
assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against
which the asset can be utilised.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance
sheet date and are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised.
Investment in subsidiaries Investment in subsidiaries are held in the Company balance sheet at
cost and reviewed annually for impairment.
Investment properties Investment properties comprise properties owned by the Group which are
held for capital appreciation, rental income or both. They are initially recorded at cost and subsequently
valued at each balance sheet date at fair value as determined by professionally qualified external valuers.
Acquisitions of investment properties are recognised on unconditional exchange of contracts where it
is reasonable to assume at the balance sheet date that completion of the acquisition will occur. After
initial recognition, investment properties are measured at fair value, with unrealised gains and losses
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. Valuations are calculated by applying
capitalisation rates to future rental cash flows with reference to data from comparable market
transactions, together with an assessment of the security of the income.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
1. General information and accounting policies (continued)
Investment properties under construction Investment properties under construction are reported
in the balance sheet at cost less impairment. This methodology has been adopted because the value of
these properties is dependent upon a detailed knowledge of the planning status, the competitive
position of the assets and a range of complex development appraisals. The fair value of these properties
rests in the planned developments, and is difficult to estimate pending confirmation of designs,
planning permissions and uncertain market conditions, and hence, in accordance with IAS 40, have
been measured at cost until either the fair value becomes readily determinable or construction is
complete.
An impairment loss is calculated as the difference between an asset’s carrying amount and the present
value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. When
the Group considers that there are no realistic prospects of recovery of the asset, the relevant amounts
are written off. If the amount of impairment loss subsequently decreases and the decrease can be
related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, then the previously
recognised impairment loss is reversed through the statement of comprehensive income.
Development and trading properties Development and trading properties are reported in the
balance sheet at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises the original purchase price
of the property together with directly attributable costs. Net realisable value represents the estimated
selling price less all estimated costs of completion.
Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and deposits with
maturities of three months or less held with banks and financial institutions.
Trade and other receivables Trade and other receivables are measured on initial recognition at fair
value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less
any impairment. Impairment is calculated using an expected credit loss model.
Trade and other payables Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value, and are
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Financial liabilities and equity Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according
to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract
that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities.
Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation
as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the
obligation and the amount can be readily estimated.
Equity instruments Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds
received, net of directly attributable issue costs. Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders
are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which the dividend is
approved by the Company’s shareholders and subsequently paid.
Treasury shares Shares which have been repurchased are classified as treasury shares and shown as
a separate item within equity. They are recognised at the trade date for the amount of consideration
paid, together with directly attributable costs. This is presented as a deduction from total equity.
Capital redemption reserve Upon cancellation of treasury shares the nominal value of each
cancelled share is transferred to the capital redemption reserve with any premium paid for those shares,
over their nominal value, treated as a deduction from retained earnings.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
1. General information and accounting policies (continued)
Leasing The Group has entered into commercial property leases as lessor of its investment and
development and trading property portfolios. As the terms of these leases do not transfer substantially
all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee they are classified as operating leases. Rentals
receivable under operating leases are credited to income on a straight line basis over the term of the
relevant lease. Benefits granted as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are also spread on a
straight line basis over the lease term.
The Group leases its office premises. In accordance with IFRS 16, the Group recognises a right of use
asset and corresponding lease liability for its office lease, which are depreciated and amortised
respectively over the lease term. However, where leases are low value or of less than 12 months, the
expense is recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term.
1c Accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Directors to make
judgements, estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of asset and liabilities at
each balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the year. These
estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management believe
are reasonable under the circumstances.
The principal areas of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment
to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are:
l investment property valuations, where the opinion of external valuers has been obtained at each
reporting date using recognised valuation techniques and the principles of IFRS 13 “Fair Value
Measurement”. The significant methods and assumptions used by the valuers in estimating the
fair value of investment properties and the impact of COVID-19 are set out in note 11.
l the net realisable value of properties held for development which requires an assessment of fair
value for the underlying assets using property appraisal techniques and other valuation methods.
Such estimates are inherently subjective and actual values can only be determined in a sales
transaction.
The principal areas of judgement are as follows:
l Following on from the progress made towards commencing the development at Nottingham, in
addition to the anticipated benefit of retaining this asset for the long term for both rental income
and capital appreciation, the Directors have concluded that the property should be transferred in
the year from a trading property to an investment property under construction.
l The Directors have assessed the carrying values of the Group’s trading and development properties
and investment properties under construction at the balance sheet date. Consideration has been
given to such factors as market conditions, cash flow projections and comparable transaction
evidence. Where a property’s carrying value is considered to be impaired an adjustment has been
made to write down the asset to the Director’s assessment of its net realisable value. As set out in
the chairman’s and chief executive’s report and strategic report the carrying values of Holyhead
Waterfront, Rhosgoch and King’s Lynn have been written down in the year by £5.0 million,
£0.5 million and £0.2 million respectively.
l The Company has exchanged a conditional contract, on a subject to planning basis, to sell the
industrial units at Selly Oak. Due to the conditionality contained in the contract, which remained
outstanding at the balance sheet date, no revenue or uplift in value has been recognised in these
financial statements.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
1. General information and accounting policies (continued)
l Under IFRS 16 the Directors have had to make the following judgements and accounting policy
decisions for the Group’s office premises lease, to determine the value of the right of use asset and
lease liability:
The lease contains a break clause which the Directors have assumed will not be triggered during the
lease term.
In calculating the incremental borrowing rate for discounting the lease payments, the Directors have
discussed with third party lenders, the rate it would expect to pay to borrow over a similar term and
with a similar security and the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right of use
asset in a similar economic environment.
The transition choices available to lessees, on implementation of IFRS 16, are the full retrospective
approach or the modified retrospective approach. The Directors have applied the modified retrospective
approach such that the cumulative impact of applying IFRS 16 is accounted for as an adjustment to
equity at the start of the current financial year.
2. Segmental information
IFRS 8 “Operating Segments” requires the identification of the Group’s operating segments which
are defined as being discrete components of the Group’s operations whose results are regularly reviewed
by the Board. The Group divides its business into the following segments:
l Investment properties held for capital appreciation, rental income or both; and,
l Development properties, which includes sites and developments under construction held for sale
in the ordinary course of business.
Revenue Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Investment properties 936 646
Development and trading properties 739 1,131
–––––––––– ––––––––––
1,675 1,777
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Balance Sheet
30 Sep 2020 30 Sep 2019
Investment Development Group Investment Development Group
properties properties Other total properties properties Other total
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Investment properties 36,261 – – 36,261 21,429 – – 21,429
Development and
trading properties – 19,952 – 19,952 – 39,999 – 39,999
––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– –––––––
36,261 19,952 – 56,213 21,429 39,999 – 61,428
Other assets 1,279 45 32,634 33,958 1,040 86 40,255 41,381
––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– –––––––
Total assets 37,540 19,997 32,634 90,171 22,469 40,085 40,255 102,809
Liabilities (884) (215) (239) (1,338) (1,649) (146) (284) (2,079)
––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– –––––––
Net assets 36,656 19,782 32,395 88,833 20,820 39,939 39,971 100,730
––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– –––––––
––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– ––––––– –––––––
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
3. Operating loss
Operating loss is stated after charging:
Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Audit of the Company’s consolidated and individual financial
statements 39 33
Audit of subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation 15 16
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for tax services 13 11
Amortisation of right of use asset 93 –
Operating lease rentals – land and buildings – 196
4. Particulars of employees
The aggregate payroll costs were:
Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Wages and salaries 1,673 1,435
Social security costs 215 189
–––––––––– ––––––––––
1,888 1,624
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
The average monthly number of persons, including Executive Directors, employed by the Company
during the year was seven (2019: seven).
5. Directors’ emoluments
Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Basic salary and total emoluments* 1,329 1,145
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Emoluments of the highest paid Director* 455 400
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
The Board comprises the only persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and
controlling the activities of the Group.
*
includes an ex gratia payment of £0.3m to R H McCaskill who stepped down in the year.
6. Finance income and cost
Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Bank interest receivable 187 252
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Interest cost under IFRS 16 5 –
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
7. Leases
Group and Company as lessor:
The Group and Company receive income from investment properties and existing tenants located at
several development sites. At 30 September 2020, the minimum lease payments receivable under non-
cancellable operating leases were as follows:
Group Company
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19 30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Less than one year 1,223 1,237 227 190
Between one and five years 5,254 4,601 801 880
Over five years 6,668 6,016 307 456
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
13,145 11,854 1,335 1,526
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
The amounts above represent total rental income up to the next tenant only break date for each lease.
Group and Company as lessee:
The Group and Company are party to a lease which terminates on 28 April 2022. The lease includes
a break clause which the Directors have assumed will not be triggered.
IFRS 16, which was effective for the Group from 1 October 2019, requires lessees to record all leases
on the balance sheet as liabilities along with an asset reflecting the right of use of the asset over the
lease term.
At the start of the year, the lease liability was calculated as the present value of the remaining lease
payments, discounted at an incremental borrowing rate of 2.7%. The right of use asset was measured
at the amount equal to the lease liability adjusted for rent prepaid on the date of implementation.
Depreciation of the right of use asset is on a straight line basis over the lease term.
The modified retrospective approach has been adopted for transition purposes such that comparatives
are not restated and the difference between the right of use asset and lease liability at the start of the
year is recognised within the Group’s opening retained earnings.
Right of use asset £’000
At 1 October 2019 239
Depreciation (93)
––––––––––
At 30 September 2020 146
––––––––––
––––––––––
Lease liability £’000
At 1 October 2019 217
Lease payments (99)
Interest on lease liability 5
––––––––––
At 30 September 2020 123
––––––––––
––––––––––
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
7. Leases (continued)
Lease liability maturity analysis
Gross lease payments due: £’000
Within one year 91
Within two to five years 34
––––––––––
Total gross lease payments 125
Less future financing charges (2)
––––––––––
At 30 September 2020 123
––––––––––
––––––––––
Current 89
––––––––––
––––––––––
Non-current 34
––––––––––
––––––––––
Movement in lease liability £’000
Operating lease commitments at 30 September 2019 as disclosed under
IAS 17 in the Group’s consolidated financial statements 156
Increase in lease commitments as a result of break clause not being actioned 68
––––––––––
Adjusted operating lease commitments under IAS 17 224
Discount at 1 October 2019 using the incremental borrowing rate (7)
––––––––––
Lease liability recognised at 1 October 2019 217
––––––––––
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
8. Tax
Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Current tax (credit)/charge (210) 119
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
The tax assessed on the loss for the year differs from the standard rate of tax in the UK of 19% (2019:
19%). The differences are explained below:
Year ended Year ended
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
Loss before tax (8,165) (13,853)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Loss before tax multiplied by the standard rate of UK tax (1,551) (2,632)
Effects of:
Investment property revaluation not taxable 327 (1,198)
Movement in tax losses carried forward 1,244 3,883
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 31 11
Capital allowances utilised (65) (1)
Impact of differing tax rates for offshore entities 14 56
Overprovision of prior year tax (210) –
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Current tax (credit) / charge for the year (210) 119
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
As at 30 September 2020, the Group has unused tax losses of £41.0 million (2019: £34.5 million) for
which no deferred tax asset has been recognised in the consolidated balance sheet.
9. Dividends
No dividend will be paid in respect of the year ended 30 September 2020 (2019: £nil).
10. Loss per share
Loss per share is calculated as the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company for the
year of £7,955,000 (2019: loss of £13,972,000) divided by the weighted average number of shares in
issue throughout the year of 54,007,994 (2019: 56,860,879). There are no diluting amounts in either
the current or prior years.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
11. Investment properties
Freehold investment properties
Group Company
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19 30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
At the start of the year 21,429 3,570 – 3,570
Additions 305 4,767 – –
Disposals (3,512) – – –
Revaluation (deficit) / surplus (1,722) 5,996 – –
Transfer from investment
properties under construction – 10,666 – –
Transfer to trading properties – (3,570) – (3,570)
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
At the end of the year 16,500 21,429 – –
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
As at 30 September 2020, Cross Hands was valued by Knight Frank LLP in their capacity as external
valuers. The valuation was prepared on a fixed fee basis, independent of the property value and
undertaken in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards 2018 on the basis of fair value,
supported by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties. It assumes a
willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction and reflects usual deductions in respect
of purchaser’s costs and SDLT as applicable at the valuation date. The independent valuer makes
various assumptions including future rental income, anticipated void costs and the appropriate discount
rate or yield.
The valuers have confirmed that the valuation as at 30 September 2020 includes the following
statement on market conditions and the impact of COVID-19:
“The outbreak of COVID-19, declared by the World Health Organisation as a “Global Pandemic” on the 11th
March 2020, has and continues to impact many aspects of daily life and the global economy – with some real
estate markets having experienced lower levels of transactional activity and liquidity. Travel restrictions have
been implemented by many countries and “lockdowns” applied to varying degrees. Whilst restrictions have now
been lifted in some cases, local lockdowns may continue to be deployed as necessary and the emergence of
significant further outbreaks or a “second wave” is possible.
The pandemic and the measures taken to tackle COVID-19 continue to affect economies and real estate markets
globally. Nevertheless, as at the valuation date some property markets have started to function again, with
transaction volumes and other relevant evidence returning to levels where an adequate quantum of market
evidence exists upon which to base opinions of value. Accordingly, and for the avoidance of doubt, our valuation
is not reported as being subject to “material valuation uncertainty” as defined by VPS 3 and VPGA 10 of the
RICS Valuation – Global Standards.
The fair value of Cross Hands has been determined using an income capitalisation technique whereby
contracted rent and market rental values are capitalised with a market capitalisation rate. This technique
is consistent with the principles in IFRS 13 and uses significant unobservable inputs, such that the
fair value has been classified in all periods as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS 13.
For Cross Hands, the key unobservable inputs are the net initial yields and expiry void periods. Net
initial yields have been estimated for the individual units at between 5.25% and 10.00% and expiry
void periods are projected at 6 months. The principal sensitivity of measurement to variations in the
significant unobservable outputs is that decreases in net initial yields and void periods will increase
the fair value.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
11. Investment properties (continued)
The historical cost of the Group’s investment properties as at 30 September 2020 was £13,451,000
(2019: £14,283,000).
The Group’s revenue for the year includes £1,635,000 derived from properties leased out under
operating leases (2019: £1,315,000).
12. Investment properties under construction
Freehold land and buildings
Group Company
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19 30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
At the start of the year – 34,663 – 6,296
Additions – 4,151 – 2,982
Disposals – (5,499) – (5,499)
Transfer to investment properties – (10,666) – –
Transfer from / (to) trading properties 19,761 (22,649) – (3,779)
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
At the end of the year 19,761 – – –
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
Investment properties under construction comprise freehold land and buildings held for current or
future development as investment properties which are reported in the balance sheet at cost.
Following on from the progress made towards commencing the first phase of the development at
Nottingham, in addition to the anticipated benefit of retaining this asset for the long term for both
rental income and capital appreciation, the Directors have concluded that the property should be
transferred in the year from a trading property to an investment property under construction.
The fair value of this property rests in the planned developments, and is difficult to estimate pending
confirmation of designs and planning permissions, and hence, in accordance with IAS 40, has been
measured at cost until either the fair value becomes readily determinable or construction is complete.
13. Investment in subsidiary undertakings
Company 30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000
At 30 September 16 16
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
13. Investment in subsidiary undertakings (continued)
The companies listed below are the subsidiary undertakings of the Group at 30 September 2020, all
of which are wholly owned.
Country of % of
Company name Principal activity registration equity held
Conygar Holdings Ltd** Holding Company England 100%
Conygar Haverfordwest Ltd** Property trading and development England 100%*
Conygar Holyhead Ltd** Property trading and development England 100%*
Conygar Nottingham Ltd** Property trading and development England 100%*
Parc Cybi Management
Company Limited** Management Company England 100%
Conygar Developments Ltd** Dormant England 100%*
Conygar Wales PLC** Dormant England 100%*
The Nottingham Island Site
Management Company Ltd** Dormant England 100%*
Nohu Limited** Dormant England 100%*
Lamont Property Holdings Ltd*** Holding Company Jersey 100%*
Conygar Ashby Ltd*** Property investment Jersey 100%*
Conygar Cross Hands Ltd*** Property investment Jersey 100%*
*
Indirectly owned.
**
Subsidiaries with the same registered office as the Company.
*** Subsidiaries incorporated in Jersey with a registered office at One Waverley Place, Union Street, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1AX.
14. Development and trading properties
Group Company
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19 30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
At the start of the year 39,999 31,931 7,915 941
Additions 5,325 933 (82) 141
Transfer from investment properties – 3,570 – 3,570
Transfer (to)/from investment properties
under construction (19,761) 22,649 – 3,779
Development costs written off (5,611) (19,084) (668) (516)
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
At the end of the year 19,952 39,999 7,165 7,915
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
As set out in note 12, the Directors have transferred the Island Quarter site in Nottingham from a
development and trading property to an investment property under construction during the year. As
at 30 September 2020, the Group’s remaining development and trading properties comprise
Haverfordwest, Holyhead Waterfront, Selly Oak, King’s Lynn, Parc Cybi Business Park and Rhosgoch.
Development and trading properties are reported in the balance sheet at the lower of cost and net
realisable value. The net realisable value of properties held for development requires an assessment of
the underlying assets using property appraisal techniques and other valuation methods. Such estimates
are inherently subjective as they are made on assumptions which may not prove to be accurate and
which can only be determined in a sales transaction.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
14. Development and trading properties (continued)
The impact of Hitachi announcing their withdrawal from the proposed nuclear development at Wylfa,
a lack of alternative investors, the impact of COVID-19 on Wales and the response of the Wales
Assembly Government plus the undoubted pending recession has meant that we have reassessed the
carrying values of Holyhead Waterfront and Rhosgoch, leading to write downs of £5.0 million and
£0.5 million respectively. Further details on progress for each of the development and trading
properties is set out in both the chairman’s and chief executive’s statement and the strategic report.
15. Trade and other receivables
Group Company
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19 30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Trade receivables 107 74 39 38
Amounts owed by group undertakings – – 43,786 39,515
Other receivables 613 494 172 104
Prepayments and accrued income 935 902 207 202
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
1,655 1,470 44,204 39,859
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
Trade and other receivables are measured on initial recognition at fair value, and are subsequently
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less any impairment. Impairment
is calculated using an expected credit loss model.
16. Trade and other payables
Group Company
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19 30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Amounts owed to group undertakings – – 8,605 6,927
Social security and payroll taxes 56 65 56 65
Trade payables 611 164 26 20
Accruals and deferred income 548 559 96 197
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
1,215 788 8,783 7,209
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value, and are subsequently measured at
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
17. Provision for liabilities and charges
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £,000
Amount payable from development profit – 1,150
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
17. Provision for liabilities and charges (continued)
The Group is party to a profit share agreement which would become payable on the earlier of the
disposal of its retail park at Cross Hands or the date upon which the open market value of Cross Hands
is agreed between the parties following completion of the development. The profit share provision has
been calculated by reference to the open market value of the property at each balance sheet date after
deducting applicable costs. As a result of the reduction in the value of Cross Hands during the year no
profit share is payable as at 30 September 2020.
There are no provisions within the Company in the current or previous years.
18. Share capital
Authorised share capital:
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£ £
140,000,000 (2019: 140,000,000) ordinary shares of 5p each 7,000,000 7,000,000
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
Allotted and called up:
No £’000
As at 30 September 2018 59,761,435 2,988
Cancellation of treasury shares (3,239,000) (162)
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
As at 30 September 2019 56,522,435 2,826
Cancellation of treasury shares (2,930,845) (146)
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
As at 30 September 2020 53,591,590 2,680
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
In December 2010, the Group began a share buyback programme and during the year ended 30
September 2020 purchased 2,930,845 (2019: 3,239,000) shares on the open market at a cost of
£3,965,000 (2019: £5,582,000). On 10 September 2020, 2,930,845 ordinary shares of 5p each were
transferred out of treasury and cancelled (2019: 3,239,000 ordinary shares of 5p each).
19. Capital commitments
As at 30 September 2020, the Group had contracted capital commitments of £326,000 (2019:
£965,000) on its existing properties.
As at 30 September 2020, the Company had contracted capital commitments of £nil (2019: £102,000)
on its existing properties.
These costs were committed but not provided for in the financial statements.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
20. Related party transactions
The Company has made advances to and received advances from the following subsidiaries in order
to provide both long term and additional working capital funding. All amounts are repayable upon
demand, non-interest bearing and will be repaid from the trading activities of each group undertaking.
The amount owed to the Company by Conygar Haverfordwest Limited is net of a £15,117,000 (2019:
£15,117,000) provision following the write down in the carrying value of Haverfordwest in the previous
year.
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
Subsidiaries £’000 £’000
Conygar Nottingham Limited 19,157 15,225
Conygar Cross Hands Limited 13,452 12,806
Conygar Haverfordwest Limited 8,161 7,344
Conygar Holyhead Limited 3,011 2,354
Parc Cybi Management Company Limited 5 2
Conygar Holdings Limited (6,871) (6,877)
Conygar Ashby Limited (1,684) 1,784
Conygar Wales PLC (50) (50)
–––––––––– ––––––––––
35,181 32,588
–––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– ––––––––––
During the year, the Company received a management fee of £50,000 (2019: £50,000) from Conygar
Holyhead Limited in respect of management services.
During the year, the Company charged a management fee of £250,000 (2019: £1,000,000) to Conygar
Cross Hands Limited, for management services in connection with the retail park development, of
which £62,500 is included within trade and other receivables on the Company balance sheet as at
30 September 2020.
21. Loss of parent company
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss account of the Company
is not presented as part of these financial statements. The parent company’s loss for the year amounts
to £2,268,000 (2019: loss of £16,257,000).
22. Financial instruments
The policies and risk management arrangements, as set out in this note 22, apply to both the Group
and Company.
Treasury policies
The objective of the Group’s treasury policies is to manage the Group’s financial risk, secure cost
effective funding for the Group’s operations and to minimise the adverse effects of fluctuations in the
financial markets on the value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities, on reported profitability
and on the cash flows of the Group.
The Group finances its activities with a combination of cash and short term deposits. Other financial
assets and liabilities, such as trade receivables and trade payables, arise directly from the Group’s
operations. The Group may also finance its activities with bank loans and enter into derivative
transactions to manage the interest rate risk arising from the Group’s operations and its sources of
finance. Throughout the year, and as at the balance sheet date, no group undertakings were party to
any bank loans or derivative instruments.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
22. Financial instruments (continued)
The management of cash is monitored regularly with summary cash statements produced on a monthly
basis and discussed in management and board meetings. The approach is to provide sufficient liquidity
to meet the requirements of the business in terms of funding developments and potential acquisitions.
Surplus funds are invested with a broad range of institutions. At any point in time, at least half of the
Group’s cash is held on instant access or short term deposits of less than 30 days.
Financial risk management
The main risks associated with the Group’s financial assets and liabilities are set out below, together
with the policies currently applied by the Board for their management.
Market risk
Market risk in financial assets and liabilities is defined as the risk that the fair value or future cash
flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. The Group’s market
risk arises from open positions in interest bearing assets.
Market risk – interest rate risk
The Group’s interest bearing assets comprise cash and cash equivalents, all of which are held on either
instant access accounts with floating interest rates or three-month deposit accounts at fixed interest
rates. Changes in market interest rates therefore affect the Group’s finance income.
Market risk – currency risk
All the Group’s assets and liabilities are denominated in sterling therefore the Group has no exposure
to currency risk.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a counterparty fails to meet its contractual
obligations. The Groups’ principal financial assets include its financial interest in property assets, cash
deposits and trade and other receivables. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the
financial statements represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account
the value of any collateral obtained.
In the event of default by an occupational tenant, the Group will suffer a rental shortfall and incur
additional costs. The Directors continually monitor tenant arrears in order to anticipate, and minimise
the impact of, defaults by occupational tenants and if necessary will apply rigorous credit control
procedures to facilitate the recovery of trade receivables.
Under IFRS 9, the Group is required to provide for any expected credit losses arising from trade
receivables. For all assured shorthold tenancies, credit checks are performed prior to acceptance of
the tenant. Regulated tenants are incentivised through the benefit of their tenancy agreement to avoid
default on their rent and a rent deposit is held in respect of one lease. Taking these factors into account,
the risk to the Group of individual tenant default and the credit risk of trade receivables are considered
low, albeit the risk has increased as a result of the impact of COVID-19, as is borne out by the level of
trade receivables written off in this year and in prior years.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
22. Financial instruments (continued)
As a result of the impact of COVID-19, the Directors have provided for rental and other arrears due
from Peacocks Stores Limited amounting to £49,000 at 30 September 2020 and which remain
outstanding at the date of signing these financial statements. A further £49,000 of accrued rent, in
connection with a rent spreading adjustment for the income receivable from Peacocks Stores Limited,
has also been written back at the balance sheet date. The impaired receivables are based on a review
of expected credit losses. Impaired receivables and receivables not considered to be impaired are not
material to the financial statements and, therefore, no further analysis is provided.
The credit risk on cash deposits is managed through the Company’s policies of monitoring
counterparty exposure and the use of counterparties of good financial standing. At 30 September 2020,
the credit exposure from cash held with banks was £32.1 million which represents 36.2% of the
Group’s net assets. As at 30 September 2020, the Group had a single balance of £53,000 (2019:
£54,000) where the counter-party had failed to honour a notice deposit and a full impairment
provision has been recorded against the balance. All cash deposits are placed with banks whose credit
ratings are acceptable to the Board with £10 million held on a fixed rate term deposit which expires
on 30 December 2020 and £22.1 million on instant access accounts. Should the credit quality or the
financial position of the banks currently utilised significantly deteriorate, cash deposits would be moved
to another bank.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial commitments as they fall
due. The Group seeks to manage its liquidity risk by ensuring that sufficient cash is available to meet
its obligations for a period of at least 12 months.
The following tables set out the Group’s and Company’s financial assets and liabilities all of which are
due within one year. The tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial
liabilities, based on the earliest date on which the Group and Company can be required to pay.
Financial assets:
Group Company
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19 30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Cash and cash equivalents 32,126 39,911 31,185 39,439
Trade and other receivables 339 264 208 122
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
32,465 40,175 31,393 39,561
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
Financial liabilities:
Group Company
30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19 30 Sep 20 30 Sep 19
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Trade payables and other accrued expenses 993 486 136 232
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– ––––––––––
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
22. Financial instruments (continued)
Capital risk management
The Board’s primary objective when managing capital is to preserve the Group’s ability to continue
as a going concern, in order to safeguard its equity and provide returns for shareholders and benefits
for other stakeholders, whilst maintaining an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital
and sustain the future development of the business.
The Group does not currently have any borrowing, but may utilise borrowing in the future to fund
development projects. When doing so the Group will seek to ensure that it can stay within agreed
covenants with its lenders.
At both 30 September 2020 and 30 September 2019, the capital structure of the Group consisted of
cash and cash equivalents, and equity attributable to the shareholders of the Company (comprising
share capital, retained earnings and capital redemption reserves).
In managing the Group’s capital structure, the Board considers the Group’s cost of capital. In order
to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group keeps under review the amount of any dividends,
share buy backs or other returns to shareholders.
Details of significant accounting policies adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of
measurement and the basis on which income and expenditure are recognised, in respect of each class
of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in the accounting policies in
note 1.
At each balance sheet date, all financial assets and liabilities were measured at amortised cost. The fair
value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities is not considered to vary from historic cost due to
the short term nature of these financial assets and liabilities.
23. Events after the balance sheet date
There are no significant events since the balance sheet date that require disclosure in the financial
statements.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AGM
AIM
Conygar
EPS
IFRS
Loan to value
NAV
Net initial yield
Passing rent
PBT
QCA Code
Tenant break
UK
Annual General Meeting
The AIM market of the London Stock Exchange PLC
The Conygar Investment Company PLC
Earnings per share, calculated as the earnings for the year after
tax attributable to members of the parent Company divided by
the weighted average number of shares in issue in the year
International Financial Reporting Standards adopted for use in
the European Union
The amount of borrowing divided by the value of investment
property expressed as a percentage
Net asset value
Annual net rents expressed as a percentage of the investment
property valuation
The annual gross rental income excluding the effects of lease
incentives
Profit before taxation
The UK’s quoted companies alliance corporate governance
guidelines for small and mid-size quoted companies.
An option in a lease for a tenant to terminate that lease early
United Kingdom
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
(Company Number 04907617)
(the “Company”)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2020 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at
11:30am on Friday, 18 December 2020 to consider and, if thought fit, pass the resolutions below. The
meeting will be held as a closed meeting via telephone pursuant to the provisions of the Corporate
Insolvency and Governance Act 2020:
Resolutions 1 to 8 are proposed as ordinary resolutions and resolutions 9 and 10 are proposed
as special resolutions.
ORDINARY BUSINESS
Ordinary Resolutions
1 To receive and adopt the Company’s annual accounts for the financial year ended 30 September
2020 together with the directors’ report and the auditors’ report on those accounts.
2 To approve the directors’ remuneration report for the financial year ended 30 September 2020.
3 To appoint Saffery Champness LLP as auditor of the Company to hold office from the conclusion
of this meeting to the conclusion of the next meeting at which accounts are laid before
the Company.
4 To authorise the Directors of the Company to agree the remuneration of the auditors.
5 To elect Bimaljit Singh Sandhu as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.
6 To re-appoint Christopher James David Ware, who retires by rotation, as a Director of
the Company
7 To re-appoint Frederick Nicholas Gruffudd Jones, who retires by rotation, as a Director of
the Company.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
8 (a)
That the Directors be and are generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of
section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) to exercise all the powers of the
Company to allot shares in the Company and grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any
security into shares in the Company provided that this authority shall be limited to the
allotment of up to an aggregate nominal amount of £250,000 (comprising 5,000,000
Ordinary Shares) and provided that this authority (unless renewed, varied or revoked by the
Company in a general meeting) is for a period expiring on the earlier of (i) the conclusion
of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or (ii) the expiry of 15 months from
the passing of this resolution; and
(b)
the Company may, before such expiry of this authority, make an offer or agreement which
would or might require the shares to be allotted or rights to subscribe for, or convert any
security into shares to be granted after such expiry and the Directors may allot shares or
grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any security into shares in pursuance of such offer
or agreement notwithstanding that the authority conferred by this resolution has expired.
This authority is in substitution for all subsisting authorities to allot any shares in the Company
and to grant rights to subscribe for or convert any security into shares in the Company to the extent
unused.
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (continued)
Special Resolutions
9 That subject to the passing of resolution 8 above, the Directors be and are hereby generally and
unconditionally empowered pursuant to sections 570(1) and 573 of the Act to allot equity
securities (within the meaning of section 560(1) of the Act) wholly for cash pursuant to the
authority conferred by resolution 8 and / or by way of a sale of treasury shares as if section 561(1)
of the Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to the
allotment of equity securities:
(a)
in connection with an offer of such securities by way of rights to holders of Ordinary Shares
in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings of such shares,
but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary
or expedient in relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements or any legal or practical
problems under the laws of any territory, or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock
exchange;
(b)
otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above up to an aggregate nominal amount of
£250,000 (comprising 5,000,000 Ordinary Shares);
and this power (unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in a general meeting) shall
expire on the earlier of (i) the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company
after the passing of this resolution and (ii) the date falling 15 months after the date of the passing
of this resolution, save that the Company may, before such expiry make an offer or agreement
which would or might require equity securities to be allotted, or treasury shares to be sold after
such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities, or sell treasury shares, in pursuance of
any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by this resolution has
expired. The authority granted by this resolution shall replace all existing authorities previously
granted to the Directors to allot equity securities for cash or by way of a sale of treasury shares as
if section 561(1) of the Act did not apply.
10 That the Company be and is generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section
701(1) of the Act to make one or more market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of
the Act) on the London Stock Exchange of ordinary shares of £0.05 each (each an “Ordinary
Share”) in the Company provided that:
(a)
the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares authorised to be purchased is 14.99%
of the Ordinary Shares in issue immediately following the Annual General Meeting at which
this authority to purchase is granted;
(b)
the minimum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid for such shares is £0.05
per share;
(c)
the maximum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid for an Ordinary Share shall not
be more than an amount equal to the higher of (i) 105% of the average of the middle market
quotations for an Ordinary Share as derived from The London Stock Exchange Daily
Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the date on which the Ordinary
Share is purchased and (ii) the higher of the price of the last independent trade of and the
highest current independent bid for, an Ordinary Share on the London Stock Exchange, as
stipulated by Regulatory Technical Standards adopted by the European Commission
pursuant to Article 5(6) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse, as amended from time to time;
(d)
unless previously renewed, varied or revoked, the authority conferred shall expire on the
earlier of the conclusion of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting or 15 months from
the date of passing this resolution; and
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (continued)
(e)
the Company may make a contract or contracts to purchase Ordinary Shares under the
authority conferred prior to the expiry of such authority which will or may be executed
wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority and may make a purchase of Ordinary
Shares in pursuance of any such contract or contracts.
Registered Office By Order of the Board
1 Duchess Street R T E Ware
London Director
W1W 6AN 23 November 2020
COVID-19
In accordance with current government instructions and guidance regarding COVID-19 and the restrictions on social contact,
public gathering and non-essential travel, regrettably, the Board has taken the decision to hold the Annual General Meeting as a
closed meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020. As such, shareholders will not
be able to attend the AGM in person. We will make arrangements to ensure that the legal requirements to hold the meeting can be
satisfied and the format of the meeting will be purely functional. The meeting will comprise only the formal votes without any
business update. Shareholders are therefore strongly encouraged to vote on all of the resolutions online or by appointing the
chairman of the AGM as a proxy in advance of the meeting (appointing the chairman of the AGM as your proxy, rather than another
named person, ensures your vote will be counted in the meeting).
The COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving and the UK Government may change current restrictions or implement further
measures relating to the holding of general meetings during the affected period. Accordingly, unless there is any material change in
circumstances which causes the Company to notify changed arrangements (which it will do so via a regulatory information service),
any shareholder (other than those required to form a quorum) who attempts to physically attend the AGM in person will be refused
admission. The Company’s attendance at the AGM in person will be limited to satisfy the requirements for a quorum.
We strongly urge you to follow government instructions in respect of the evolving situation regarding COVID-19 and the
restrictions on social contact, public gatherings and non-essential travel.
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (continued)
Notes
These notes should be read in conjunction with the notes on the form of proxy.
1. At law, save as amended by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020, a shareholder entitled to attend and vote
at this Annual General Meeting may appoint one or more persons as his/her proxy to attend, speak and vote on his/her
behalf at the Annual General Meeting, although the appointment of a proxy will not prevent a shareholder from attending
the annual general meeting and voting in person if he/she so wishes. A proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company. If
multiple proxies are appointed they must not be appointed in respect of the same Shares. However, as a result of the current
restrictions on attendance in connection with COVID-19, in particular on public gatherings, the Board has taken the
decision to hold the Annual General Meeting as a closed meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Corporate Insolvency
and Governance Act 2020. As they cannot attend in person, shareholders are encouraged to vote on the resolutions to be
considered at the Annual General Meeting by proxy instead. In order for their vote to count, shareholders should appoint
the chairman of the meeting as their proxy. This is because of the closed nature of the Annual General Meeting described
above, meaning that any other person appointed will not be able to attend the meeting and will therefore be unable to vote.
Further information and instructions on voting by proxy are set out in this section and printed on the accompanying proxy
form. To be effective, the enclosed form of proxy, together with any power of attorney or other authority under which it is
signed or a certified copy thereof, should be lodged at the office of the Company's Registrar at the address printed on the
form of proxy no later than 11:30am on Wednesday, 16 December 2020 or, if the meeting is adjourned, 48 hours before
the time of the adjourned meeting (excluding United Kingdom non-working days). Shareholders may instead submit their
proxy form electronically by scanning and emailing to voting@shareregistrars.uk.com. For an electronic proxy to be valid,
the appointment must be received by the Company's Registrar, Share Registrars Limited, by no later than 11:30 am on
Wednesday, 16 December 2020 or, if the meeting is adjourned, 48 hours before the time of the adjourned meeting
(excluding UK non-working days). A shareholder may not use any electronic address provided to communicate with the
Company for any purpose other than that stated. A shareholder present in person or by proxy shall have one vote on a show
of hands and, on a poll, every shareholder present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every Share of which he/she
is the holder. The termination of the authority of a person to act as proxy must be notified to the Company in writing.
Amended instructions must be received by the Company's Registrar by the deadline for receipt of proxies.
2. To appoint more than one proxy, shareholders will need to complete a separate proxy form in relation to each appointment,
stating clearly on each proxy form the number of Shares in relation to which the proxy is appointed. A failure to specify the
number of Shares to which each proxy appointment relates or specifying an aggregate number of Shares in excess of those
held by the shareholder will result in the proxy appointment being invalid. Please indicate if the proxy instruction is one of
multiple instructions being given. All proxy forms must be signed and should be returned together in the same envelope if
possible. However, shareholders are reminded that as a result of the current restrictions in connection with COVID-19, in
particular on public gatherings, the Board has taken the decision to hold the Annual General Meeting as a closed meeting.
Accordingly, in order for their vote to count, shareholders should appoint the chairman of the meeting as their proxy.
3. In the case of joint shareholders, in voting on any question, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote (whether in person or
by proxy) shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders. For this purpose, seniority is determined
by the order in which the names of the joint shareholders appear in the Company's register of members in respect of the
joint holding (the first-named being the most senior). Therefore, where more than one of the joint shareholders completes
a form of proxy, only the appointment submitted by the most senior shareholder will be accepted.
4. Only those shareholders registered in the register of shareholders of the Company as at close of business on 16 December
2020 (the ‘‘specified time”) shall be entitled to attend or vote at the aforesaid Annual General Meeting in respect of the
number of Shares registered in their name at that time. Changes to entries on the relevant register of securities after the
specified time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the Annual General Meeting.
If the Annual General Meeting is adjourned to a time not more than 48 hours after the specified time applicable to the
original Annual General Meeting, that time will also apply for the purpose of determining the entitlement of shareholders
to attend and vote (and for the purpose of determining the number of votes they may cast) at the adjourned Annual General
Meeting. If, however, the Annual General Meeting is adjourned for a longer period then, to be so entitled, shareholders
must be entered on the Company's register of shareholders at the time which is 48 hours (excluding UK non-working days)
before the time fixed for the adjourned Annual General Meeting, or if the Company gives notice of the adjourned Annual
General Meeting, at the time specified in that notice. However, shareholders are reminded that as a result of the current
restrictions in connection with COVID-19, in particular on public gatherings, the Board has taken the decision to hold the
Annual General Meeting as a closed meeting. As they cannot attend in person, shareholders are encouraged to vote on the
resolutions to be considered at the Annual General Meeting by proxy instead appointing the chairman of the meeting.
5. Shareholders who hold their Shares electronically may submit their votes through CREST. Instructions on how to vote
through CREST can be found by accessing the following website: www.euroclear.com/CREST.
6. CREST shareholders who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies by utilising the CREST electronic proxy appointment service
may do so for this Annual General Meeting and any adjournment thereof by following the procedures described in the
CREST manual (available via www.euroclear.com/CREST). CREST personal shareholders or other CREST sponsored
shareholders, and those CREST shareholders who have appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to their CREST
sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf. In order for a proxy
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (continued)
appointment or instruction made by means of CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a "CREST Proxy
Instruction") must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited's ("Euroclear")
specifications and must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST manual. The
message, in order to be valid, must be transmitted so as to be received by the Company's agent (ID 7RA36) by the latest
time for receipt of proxy appointments specified in note 1 above. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be
the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the
Company's agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time,
any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other
means. CREST shareholders and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers, should note that
Euroclear does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and
limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST
shareholder concerned to take (or, if the CREST shareholder is a CREST personal shareholder or sponsored shareholder
or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s) such
action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time.
In this connection, CREST shareholders and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are
referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system
and timings.
7. The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5) (a) of the
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.
8. A person to whom this notice is sent who is a person nominated under section 146 of the Act to enjoy information rights
(a “Nominated Person”) may, under an agreement between him/her and the shareholder by whom he/she was nominated,
have a right to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy for the Annual General Meeting. If a
Nominated Person has no such proxy appointment right or does not wish to exercise it, he/she may, under any such
agreement, have a right to give instructions to the shareholder as to the exercise of voting rights. The statements of the rights
of shareholders in relation to the appointment of proxies in note 1 above do not apply to a Nominated Person. The rights
described in those notes can only be exercised by registered shareholders of the Company.
9. Shareholders (and any proxies or representatives they appoint) agree, by attending the Annual General Meeting, that they
are expressly requesting and that they are willing to receive any communications (including communications relating to the
Company's securities) made at the Annual General Meeting. However, shareholders are reminded that as a result of the
current restrictions in connection with COVID-19, in particular on public gatherings, the Board has taken the decision to
hold the Annual General Meeting as a closed meeting.
10. Any corporation which is a shareholder may appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf
all of its powers as a shareholder provided that they do not do so in relation to the same Shares. To be able to attend and
vote at the Annual General Meeting, corporate representatives will be required to produce prior to their entry to the Annual
General Meeting evidence satisfactory to the Company of their appointment. Corporate shareholders may also appoint one
or more proxies in accordance with note 1. However, shareholders are reminded that as a result of the current restrictions
in connection with COVID-19, in particular on public gatherings, the Board has taken the decision to hold the Annual
General Meeting as a closed meeting.. As they cannot attend in person, shareholders are encouraged to vote on the
resolutions to be considered at the Annual General Meeting by proxy instead. In order for their vote to count, shareholders
should appoint the chairman of the meeting as their proxy.
11. Information regarding the meeting, including the information required by section 311A of the Act, is available on the
Company's website: www.conygar.com.
12. As at 20 November 2020 (the latest practicable date prior to the date of this notice), the Company's issued share capital
amounted to 53,591,590 Shares carrying one vote each and the Company held no Shares in treasury. Therefore, the total
voting rights of the Company as at 20 November 2020 (the latest practicable date prior to the date of this notice) were
53,591,590.
13. At law, save as amended by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020, any shareholder (or his/her proxy)
attending the Annual General Meeting has the right to ask questions. The Company must answer any question a
shareholder (or his/her proxy) asks relating to the business being dealt with at the Annual General Meeting unless:
(cid:129) answering the question would interfere unduly with the preparation for the Annual General Meeting or involve the
disclosure of confidential information;
(cid:129) the answer has already been given on a website in the form of an answer to a question; or
(cid:129) it is undesirable in the interests of the Company or the good order of the Annual General Meeting that the question be
answered.
63
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (continued)
14. Under sections 338 and 338A of the Act, members may (i) require the Company to give to members entitled to receive
notice of the Annual General Meeting, notice of a resolution which may properly be moved and is intended to be moved
at the meeting; and (ii) request the Company to include in the business to be dealt with at the Annual General Meeting
any matter (other than a proposed resolution) which may be properly included in the business, provided that it is not
defamatory, frivolous or vexatious or, in the case of a resolution only, it would, if passed, be ineffective (whether by reason
of inconsistency with any enactment or the Company's constitution or otherwise). The Company will include such matter
if sufficient requests have been received by members who have at least 5 per cent. of the total voting rights or by at least
100 members who hold Shares on which there has been an average sum, per member, of at least £100 paid up and
submitted in the manner detailed in sections 338 and 338A of the Act.
15. Under section 527 of the Act, a shareholder or shareholders that meet(s) the criteria and who submit(s) a request as set
out in that section, may require the Company to publish on a website a statement setting out any matter relating to (a) the
audit of the Company's accounts (including the auditor's report and the conduct of the audit) that are to be laid before the
next accounts meeting, or (b) any circumstances connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing to hold office since
the previous accounts meeting, that such shareholders propose to raise at the meeting. Where the Company is required to
publish such a statement on its website:
(cid:129) it may not require the shareholders requesting website publication to pay its expenses in complying with section 527
or section 528 of the Act;
(cid:129) it must forward the statement to the Company's auditors not later than the time when it makes the statement available
on the website; and
(cid:129) the statement may be dealt with as part of the business of the accounts meeting.
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The Conygar Investment Company PLC
(Company Number 04907617)
(the “Company”)
Annual General Meeting
FORM OF PROXY
I/We ..........................................................................................................................................................................................
of ..............................................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
being (a) member(s) of the Company, hereby appoint the Chairman of the meeting OR the following person ..............................
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
of ..............................................................................................................................................................................................
as my/our proxy to attend, speak and vote in respect of my/our full voting entitlement on my/our behalf at the Annual General
Meeting of the Company to be held at 11.30am on 18 December 2020 and at any adjourned meeting. I/we request such proxy to
vote on the following resolutions as indicated below. If no indication is given, my/our proxy will vote or abstain from voting at his
or her discretion and I/we authorise my/our proxy to vote (or abstain from voting) as he or she thinks fit in relation to any other
matter which is put before the meeting.
Resolution
Number Resolution For Against Vote Withheld
Ordinary Resolutions
1 To receive and adopt the Company’s annual accounts for the
financial year ended 30 September 2020 together with the
directors' report and the auditors’ report on those accounts.
2 To approve the directors’ remuneration report for the financial
year ended 30 September 2020.
3 To appoint Saffery Champness LLP as auditor of the Company.
4 To authorise the Directors to agree the remuneration of
the auditors.
5 To elect Bimaljit Singh Sandhu as Non-Executive Director of the
Company.
6 To re-appoint Christopher James David Ware, who retires by
rotation, as a Director of the Company.
7 To re-appoint Frederick Nicholas Gruffudd Jones, who retires by
rotation, as a Director of the Company.
8 To give Directors’ authority to allot shares in the Company or
grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any security into shares in
the Company up to an aggregate nominal amount of £250,000.
Special Resolutions
9 To give Directors’ authority to disapply pre-emption rights and
allot equity securities.
10 To give a share buyback authority of up to a maximum aggregate
number of ordinary shares of 14.99% of the Ordinary Shares in
issue immediately following the Annual General Meeting.
Names of joint holders (if any) ...................................................................................................................................................
Date ..........................................................................................................................................................................................
Signed .......................................................................................................................................................................................
$
260026 Conygar pp65-END.qxp 27/11/2020 09:12 Page 65
Notes:
1 Under normal circumstances, every holder has the right to appoint some other person(s) of their choice, who need not be a
shareholder, as their proxy to exercise all or any of their rights, to attend, speak and vote on their behalf at the meeting. Due
to the current restrictions in connection with COVID-19, the Company’s annual general meeting (“AGM” or “Annual
General Meeting”) is being held as a closed meeting in accordance with the provisions of the Corporate Insolvency and
Governance Act 2020. As shareholders cannot attend in person, you are encouraged to vote by proxy. In order for your vote
to count, you should appoint the chairman of the meeting as your proxy, as any other person appointed will not be able to
attend the meeting. To appoint the chairman of the meeting, please only reference the ‘Chairman of the AGM’ as your proxy
(and do not specifically name any other individual). If returned without an indication as to how the Chairman shall vote on
any particular matter, the Chairman will exercise their discretion as to whether, and if so how, they vote, (or if this proxy form
has been issued in respect of a designated account for a shareholder, the Chairman, as the shareholder’s proxy will exercise
their discretion as to whether, and if so how, they vote).
2 You may appoint more than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares. You
may not appoint more than one proxy to exercise rights attached to any one share. To appoint more than one proxy, you may
photocopy this form. Please indicate next to the proxy holders name the number of shares in relation to which they are
authorised to act as your proxy. All forms must be signed and should be returned together in the same envelope. However,
you are reminded that due to the current restrictions in connection with COVID-19, the AGM is being held as a closed
meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020. In order for your vote to count,
you should appoint the chairman of the meeting as your proxy.
3 The ‘Vote Withheld’ option is provided to enable you to abstain on any particular resolution. However, it should be noted that
a ‘Vote Withheld’ is not a vote in law and will not be counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes ‘For’ and ‘Against’
a resolution.
4 Pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, entitlement to attend and vote at the meeting
and the number of votes which may be cast thereat will be determined by reference to the register of members of the Company
(the “Register of Members”) at close of business on the day which is two days before the day of the meeting. Changes to
entries on the Register of Members after that time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend and
vote at the meeting. Shareholders are reminded that the AGM is being held as a closed meeting pursuant to the provision of
the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 and, as a result, shareholders or their proxy cannot attend the AGM in
person.
5 To appoint one or more proxies or to give an instruction to a proxy (whether previously appointed or otherwise) via the
CREST system, CREST messages must be received by the issuer’s agent (ID number 7RA36) not later than 48 hours before
the time appointed for holding the meeting. For this purpose, the time or receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined
by the timestamp generated by the CREST system) from which the issuer’s agent is able to retrieve the message. The
Company may treat as invalid a proxy appointment sent by CREST in circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001. You are reminded that due to the current restrictions in connection with COVID-
19, the AGM is being held as a closed meeting pursuant to the provision of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act
2020. In order for you vote to count, you should appoint the chairman of the meeting as your proxy, as any other person
appointed will not be able to attend the meeting.
6 Any alterations made to this form should be initialled. If you submit more than one valid proxy appointment, the appointment
received last before the latest time for receipt of proxies will take precedence. For details on how to change your proxy
instructions or revoke your proxy appointment please see the notes to the notice of meeting.
7 Under normal circumstances, the completion and return of this form would not preclude a member from attending the
meeting and voting in person. However, shareholders are reminded that the AGM is being held as a closed meeting pursuant
to the provision of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 and, as a result, shareholders cannot attend the AGM
in person.
8 This Form of Proxy has been sent to you by post. It may be returned in hard copy form by post or by hand to the Company’s
Registrars, Share Registrars Ltd, The Courtyard, 17 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DR. In each case, the proxy
appointment must be received no later than 11.30am on 16 December 2020 together with any authority (or a notarially
certified copy of such authority) under which it is signed.
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