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Eco Animal Health Group PLC
Annual Report 2022

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FY2022 Annual Report · Eco Animal Health Group PLC
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ECO ANIMAL 
HEALTH GROUP PLC
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS FOR 
THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 

ECO Animal Health Group Plc

ECO ANIMAL HEALTH GROUP PLC 

DIRECTORS 
AND ADVISERS

Directors

Andrew Jones

Non-Executive Chairman 

David Hallas

Chief Executive

Christopher  Wilks

Finance Director

Frank Armstrong

Non Executive Director

Tracey James

Non Executive Director

Secretary

Christopher  Wilks

Company Number

1818170

Registered Office

Registered Auditors

Registrars

Lawyers

Bankers

Nominated Adviser 
And Broker

Joint Broker

Joint Broker

78 Coombe Road 
New Malden, Surrey 
KT3 4QS

BDO LLP 
Level 12 
Thames Tower 
Station Road 
Reading
RG1 1LX

Share Registrars Limited 
3 The Millennium Centre
Crosby way
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7XX

Mills & Reeve LLP
24 King William Street 
London
EC4R 9AT

Natwest plc 
Tooting Branch, 30 High Street 
London 
SW17 0RG

Singer Capital Markets 
One Bartholomew Lane 
London 
EC2N 2AX

Peel Hunt LLP
100 Liverpool Street
London
EC2M 2AT

Investec
30 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7QP

2

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22

CONTENTS

4

6

Financial Highlights

Operations Highlights

10

Chairman’s Statement

12

Chief Executive’s Report

14

Finance Director’s Report

19

Strategic Report

23

Corporate Governance Report

52

Directors’ Report

55

Independent Auditor’s Report

62

Consolidated Income Statement

63

64

Consolidated Statement 
Of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement 
Of Changes In Equity

65

Statement Of Changes In Equity

66

Statements Of Financial Position 
(Co. Number: 01818170)

67

Statements Of Cash Flows

68

Notes To The Consolidated  
Financial Statements

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22

3

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SALES 

AT £82.2m
(2021: £105.6m)

GROSS MARGIN 

43%
(2021: 50%)

PROFIT BEFORE TAX 

TO £1.4m 
(2021 restated: £19.3m) 

4

ECO Animal Health Group Plc | Annual Report 2021/22

LOSS PER SHARE

1.01p
(2021 restated: 10.86p)

CASH GENERATION FROM OPERATIONS

AT £2.5m 
(2021: £15.8m)

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT 
EXPENDITURE 

AT £10.2m
(2021: £9.1m)

NET CASH 

AT £14.3m 
(2021: £19.5m)

ECO Animal Health Group Plc | Annual Report 2021/22

5

OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

AIVLOSIN® DEMAND REMAINS 
ROBUST WITH INCREASING 

market share in key markets

TWO NEW AIVLOSIN REGULATORY APPROVALS 
IN CHINA:
The first zero day drug withdrawal period anti-microbial for poultry
New swine respiratory disease marketing authorisation

REVENUE OUTSIDE CHINA AND JAPAN
INCREASED BY 15%

reflecting rising farm incomes and profitability

TWO NEW POULTRY
VACCINE PROJECTS PROGRESSED

to full development

APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DAVID 
HALLAS, AND NEW NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 
TRACEY JAMES

CONTINUED
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

enhancements including new ESG report

6

ECO Animal Health Group Plc | Annual Report 2021/22

David Hallas, CEO of ECO Animal 
Health Group plc, commented:

“

I am delighted to have 
joined ECO in April this 
year and I have seen so 
many promising signs within 
the Company since I have 
arrived.

Whilst the well documented 
China revenue performance 
has disappointed due to 
the extensively depressed 
pork prices, the underlying 
growth and continuing 
gains in other markets is 
impressive.

“

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Group to constitute inside 
information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 (“MAR”) as it 
forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 
2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service (“RIS”), this 
inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements 
reflect the knowledge and information available to the Company and Group during preparation and 
up to the publication of this announcement. By their very nature, these statements depend upon 
circumstances and relate to events that may occur in the future and thereby involving a degree of 
uncertainty. Therefore, nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast by the 
Company or Group.

Contacts
ECO Animal Health Group plc 
David Hallas (Chief Executive)
Christopher Wilks (Finance Director)

IFC Advisory 
Graham Herring
Zach Cohen

Singer Capital Markets (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) 
Mark Taylor
Peter Steel
Iqra Amin

Peel Hunt LLP (Joint Broker) 
James Steel
Dr Christopher Golden 

020 8447 8899

020 3934 6630

020 7496 3000 

020 7418 8900

ECO Animal Health Group Plc | Annual Report 2021/22

7

ECO GLOBAL OFFICES 

8

ECO Animal Health Group Plc | Annual Report 2021/22

SALES IN MORE THAN
70 COUNTRIES

Head Office

	• New Malden, London

Regional Offices

	•

	•

Southgate, London

Princeton, USA

	• Wilmington, USA

	• Ontario, Canada

	• Queretaro, Mexico

	•

	•

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Buenos Aires, Argentina

	• Dublin, Ireland

	•

	•

	•

Shanghai, China

Zhejiang, China

Johannesburg, South Africa

	• Tokyo, Japan

	• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

	•

Bangalore, India

ECO Animal Health Group Plc | Annual Report 2021/22

9

Sales of our core Aivlosin business delivered strong 
growth in North America, South East Asia and Latin 
America. Sales in Europe were slightly down due to 
supply chain and post Brexit importation difficulties. 
China, however, saw a major reduction in sales due 
to a very rapid and steep down cycle in the overall 
pig market. Market cycles are a feature of our 
market, and looking through these, we believe there 
are opportunities for continued growth of our core 
Aivlosin business in the coming years.

The combination of the impact of the China market 
decline and our continued substantial investment 
in R&D has resulted in a significant reduction in 
bottom line performance for the year. The Board 
believes that the significant investment in R&D is the 
most effective use of our cash flow and expects it 
to lead to a substantial and sustainable increase in 
shareholder value.

Our substantial investment in R&D has created a 
broad portfolio of vaccines and biologicals projects 
that offer competitive advantages over existing 
solutions in the market. Some of these projects 
moved into advanced stages of development 
during the year and, based on current plans, the first 
projects are likely to receive regulatory approval 
before the end of calendar year 2023. We made an 
initial presentation of the portfolio and its potential 
future value at our Capital Markets Day in January 
2022. The Board is excited about the transformative 
potential of the portfolio to drive a major increase in 
shareholder value. Further updates on R&D progress 
will be provided at the appropriate time in the 
coming year.

As we committed last year, we have laid out further 
information on our approach to ESG and will 
continue to develop and embed our strategy in this 
important area in the coming year.

We announced in July 2021 that Marc Loomes, 
the former Chief Executive (“CEO”) of ECO, had 
informed the Board of his wish to retire by the 
end of 2022. Marc joined ECO in 2004 and the 
contribution his leadership has made to the growth 
and development of the business cannot be 
understated. We sincerely thank him and wish him 
every success and happiness in the next phase of 
his life.

I am pleased to report that ECO continues to make strong 
progress on its journey towards building a broader and long 
term sustainable business.

1010

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22We announced in January 2022 the 
appointment, effective 1 April 2022, of David 
Hallas as the new CEO of ECO. David has more 
than 30 years of experience in the animal health 
sector and we are delighted to have been able 
to attract such a high calibre individual to lead 
ECO through the next phase of 
its development.

We were delighted to welcome Tracey James 
to the Board; she has now taken over as Chair 
of Audit Committee and will build on the 
foundations put in place by Tony Rawlinson 
who recently resigned from the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director. After nearly eight 
years’ service to the Board of ECO, I would like 
to personally thank him for his support and 
wisdom and wish him well for the future. We 
will in due course seek to add a further Non-
Executive Director to the Board.

The Board recognises the value of dividends 
to shareholders and balancing the need for 
prudent management of cash resources as 
well as funding the exciting pipeline of new 
products. We have however decided that the 
best use of the Group’s cash at the current 
time is in the new product development 
initiatives and accordingly no dividend will be 
recommended in respect of the year ended 
31 March 2022. 

COVID-19 has remained a challenge during the 
year. We are very appreciative and recognise 
that our people have shown great commitment 
and flexibility to keep ECO operating 
and progressing.

Finally, on behalf of the Board, I sincerely thank 
all our shareholders and stakeholders for the 
continued support you give to ECO, it is much 
valued and appreciated as we build out the 
next exciting phase for ECO.

Outlook

As anticipated, the first months of the new 
financial year has seen Chinese revenue at a 
subdued level when compared with the record 
sales of the equivalent prior year period. 
The first quarter coincided with a policy of 
extended urban lock-down within China in an 

We remain committed to a focused programme of 
new product development and are excited with the 
progress we are making

attempt to control the spread of COVID-19. 
This reduced pork consumption, prolonging 
the period during which major producers were 
trading at a loss and therefore dampened 
demand for Aivlosin®. However, gross margins 
in China were stronger due to the favourable 
customer mix and demand for Aivlosin® in this 
period was at a similar level to that experienced 
before the ASF outbreak.

Recently the Chinese pork to feed price ratio 
has increased to greater than 5; this is the 
first occasion in the last year and is a primary 
indicator of improved profitability within the 
ECO customer base and an improved trading 
environment. We believe that customers 
will remain cautious for the remainder of the 
calendar year; as winter disease outbreaks 
occur and the normal seasonal demand for 
pork increases, which is expected to lead to an 
increase in the demand for Aivlosin® during the 
fourth quarter.

Outside of China, the first quarter of our 
financial year ending 31 March 2023 saw strong 
year-on-year growth. This growth is particularly 
strong in our newer markets of South East Asia 
supported by the trends in USA and Brazil, 
which we currently expect to continue.

Like many businesses we are monitoring costs 
closely as the impact of increasing energy costs 
and general inflationary pressures will be felt by 
the business throughout this year. We remain 
committed to a focused programme of new 

NET CASH 
AT YEAR 
END OF 
£14.3m

product development and are excited with 
the progress we are making. We continue to 
focus our R&D activities on initiatives which 
will provide the greatest shareholder value 
whilst balancing the cost, return, risk and time 
to market.

We look forward to the rest of this financial 
year with cautious optimism and confidence.

Dr Andrew Jones
Non-Executive Chairman
30 August 2022

1111

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

This is my first report as Chief Executive, having succeeded Marc Loomes 
in April 2022. I am grateful to Marc for his leadership and considerable 
contribution to the growth and development of ECO.

The Group confronted a series of operational 
challenges during a year dominated by 
pork price volatility in China, and the global 
COVID-19 related disruption of work locations, 
international travel and supply chains. Despite 
the significant reduction in revenue from China, 
business in most other major markets advanced 
and the Group continued to invest in critical 
organisation development and strategically 
important R&D projects.

Operational Review

The difficult trading conditions in China which 
were primarily caused by low pork prices and 
subsequent negative profitability for swine 
producers, significantly impacted the Group’s 
performance as global revenue declined by 22% 
to £82.2m. Excluding China and Japan, revenue 
advanced by 15% to £53.8m reflecting the value 
of ECO’s global footprint (selling in more than 
seventy countries) and was an excellent and 
noteworthy performance.

Sales of Aivlosin®, our patented antimicrobial 
which is used under veterinary prescription 
for the treatment of economically important 
respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in pigs 
and poultry, reduced by 17% to £72.9m (2021: 
£87.5m) due to reduced Chinese sales and 
accounting for 89% of total revenue.

Sales of the smaller Ecomectin® anti-parasitic 
range increased by 31% to £5.5m (2021: £4.2m) 
and represented 7% of the Group’s revenue.

Sales of all other products were £3.7m (2021: 
£13.8m) and mainly comprised a range of 
supportive antimicrobial products for pigs 
in China.

1212

Exposure to Russia and Ukraine is minimal with 
remaining Russian orders being fulfilled on a 
payment before collection basis.

Product Approvals

Two Aivlosin® marketing authorisations were 
obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and 
Rural Affairs (“MOA”) of the People’s Republic 
of China for the use of Aivlosin® Water Soluble 
Granules. The first approval allows for the 
treatment of respiratory disease caused by 
Mycoplasma and other sensitive bacteria, in 
chickens laying eggs for human consumption 
and in breeding chickens. Aivlosin® is the first 
antimicrobial to be licensed by the Chinese 
MOA for laying birds with a zero day drug 
withdrawal period for eggs. China is the world’s 
largest producer of table eggs and accounts for 
more than a third of the world’s laying birds. 
The second approval was for swine respiratory 
disease (“SRD”) adding three important 
bacterial respiratory pathogens of swine, 
Haemophilus parasuis, Pasteurella multocida, 
and Streptococcus suis to the existing 
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae registration. 
Aivlosin® is approved for the treatment of 
SRD in other markets; it occurs worldwide 
and causes major economic losses to the pig 
industry due to mortality, reduction in growth 
rates and decreased feed efficiency.

Two poultry vaccine projects progressed to full 
development during the year. These vaccines 
protect against respiratory disease estimated 
to cost the poultry industry over £600m and 
will enter a vaccine market segment currently 
worth over £100m. First approvals are expected 
towards the end of calendar 2023.

The Company’s early-stage research and 
proof of concept activities are managed 
through collaborations with leading research 
institutions and universities with later stage 
full development work managed by ECO’s 
experienced project leaders through contract 
research organisations. This model mitigates 
the significant costs associated with in-house 
laboratories and Company owned 
research facilities.

ECO has a formidable team of scientists and is 
building a significant product portfolio pipeline 
with a mix of well-established concepts and 
novel, highly competitive technologies and 
approaches with the emphasis on vaccines 
and other new products to complement our 
existing antimicrobial business. The pipeline is 
focused on providing solutions to respiratory 
and gastrointestinal (gut) diseases of major 
economic importance in pigs and poultry and is 
constantly refreshed as new opportunities 
are identified.

Innovation through Research and 
Development

New product development expenditure in 
the year was £10.2m (2021: £9.1m) ensuring the 
acceleration of key projects.

ECO started a programme of significant 
investment in vaccine R&D and in building our 
capability and expertise around four years ago 
and has seen encouraging progress within the 
portfolio of projects.

A successful Capital Markets Day in early 2022 
provided details of the significant commercial 
value that exists within ECO’s pipeline of over 
12 active projects with the first two late-stage 
development vaccines set to achieve approvals 
by the end of 2023, and several programmes 

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22expected to progress to clinical proof of 
concept and early development in 2022 
and 2023.

Sustainable future and our 
ESG approach

We have made significant progress over the 
year on climate goals and on equity, diversity 
and inclusion. We include for the first time an 
ESG report. We have collected baseline metrics 
and will use these to track progress and to 
develop credible performance targets as part 
of a measurable climate transition plan.

By providing medicines and vaccines to pig 
and poultry producers, we improve the lives of 
both animals and the people who rely on them. 
The healthy animals that we help to produce 
assists the world with its sustainability goals of 
the alleviation of poverty and hunger.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 related restrictions on free 
movement have limited access to customers, 
most notably in China where travel remains 
severely curtailed, and created considerable 
supply chain disruption and uncertainty. 
Despite these constraints, the Company has 
successfully adopted a hybrid working model 
and has mitigated most COVID-19 related 
challenges through innovative ways of working.

People

Our people have demonstrated superb 
commitment and flexibility during a particularly 
challenging period for the business. We 
remain exceedingly grateful to our colleagues, 
customers, and suppliers in showing 
considerable resilience and engagement during 
a time of rapid and considerable change.

David Hallas
Chief Executive
30 August 2022

108 MARKETING 
AUTHORISATIONS FOR 
AIVLOSIN®

REVENUE EXCLUDING 
CHINA AND JAPAN

UP BY 15%

TWO NEW MARKETING 
AUTHORISATIONS FOR 
AIVLOSIN® IN CHINA

1313

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

The year ended 31 March 2022 has been impacted by a slowdown in 
China which, set against a record year in China last year, has resulted 
in reduced earnings. Nevertheless, good growth outside of China and 
progress in the R&D arena provides confidence.

Introduction

A geographical analysis of revenue is as follows:

The year ended 31 March 2022 has seen ECO 
further develop its long term aim of becoming 
a leader in the field of animal health, through 
the development of new and effective 
products that meet the needs of veterinary 
professionals caring for livestock. Targeted and 
effective research and development remains 
essential to achieving these goals. A Capital 
Markets Day, held earlier this year, presented 
more detail around the Group’s R&D activity 
to make sure research and development is 
consistently capitalised.

Supporting the commercial performance of our 
existing portfolio of businesses whilst ensuring 
a robust controls environment is in place to 
safeguard and maximise the return on assets 
is central to the ambition of the finance team, 
as well as supporting the strategic growth 
ambitions of the Group.

Trading

Previous years have seen a pattern of stronger 
trading in the second half of the year. This 
is associated with disease prevalence in pigs 
during the Northern Hemisphere winter. We 
finished the last quarter of the year ended 
31 March 2021 very strongly and the record pork 
prices in China continued into the first quarter 
of this financial year resulting in a strong start 
to the year ended 31 March 2022. Our outlook 
statement last year signalled a slowdown in 
China in the latter part of the year and, as 
a result the second half weighting was less 
evident with 53% of revenue in the second half 
(the Group’s second half revenue accounts for 
60% of the total in the year ended 31 March 21).

1414

Revenue Summary

China and Japan

North America (USA and Canada)

South and South East Asia

Latin America

Europe

Rest of World and UK

Revenue from China and Japan in the second 
half of the year was £12.7m compared to the 
first six months ended 30 September 2021 of 
£15.7m. This unusual pattern of trading in China 
(second half at 45% of full year) underscores 
the extent of the slowdown in the China swine 
industry and the economic difficulties that 
producers have faced. Japan represents less 
than 5% of the combined revenues.

Aside from China and Japan, most other 
markets have demonstrated sustained revenue 
growth, arising from improving market share 
and relatively stable producer margins. The 
total revenue excluding China and Japan 
increased by 15% to £53.8m in the year ended 
31 March 2022 compared with £46.7m in the 
year ended 31 March 2021.

Year ended 31 March 

2022 
(£’m)

28.4

16.4

11.8

15.8

6.4

 3.4 

82.2

2021 
(£’m)

58.9

13.9

9.1

14.3

6.6

 2.8 

105.6

% change

(52%)

18%

30%

10%

(3%)

 21% 

(22%)

Revenue in our key market of China (including 
Japan) was sharply down at £28.4m (2021: 
£58.9m) largely due to the record pork prices in 
2021 resulting in record ECO Group revenue in 
2021 followed by a sharp decline in pork prices 
and consequent difficult trading conditions for 
our customers. Revenue in China and Japan in 
the last full year of trading before the outbreak 
of African Swine Fever (“ASF”) (the year 
ended 31 March 2018) was £27.6m. The pork 
commodity price cycle in the last few years 
in China has exhibited more extreme peaks 
and troughs over a compressed timeline and 
this arose from the ASF outbreak in 2019. The 
restructuring of the Chinese pork production 
industry over the period from 2019 resulted in 
over capacity and over supply which exceeded 
the immediate consumer demand. This cycle 
had started to correct itself during the final 
quarter of our financial year, but a policy of 

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22COVID-19 lockdowns within major Chinese 
cities reduced demand for pork, extending the 
period of low pork prices. Recently pork prices 
appear to be increasing and we look forward 
with cautious optimism to stronger trading in 
China. 

North America and Latin America 
demonstrated continued strong growth of 14% 
in the year; stable markets in the USA provided 
opportunity for market share expansion and 
Brazil, in particular, benefitted from exports to 
China in the early part of the year.

The sales performance in South and South East 
Asia has again been strong; despite both ASF 
and COVID-19 impacting these markets. Notably 
strong revenues were recorded in Thailand 
(an increase from £4.5m to £7.1m). In addition, 
recovery in the Indian poultry market is signalled 
by some material orders received in the last 
quarter of the financial year.

Gross margins were 43% in the year ended 31 
March 2022 (2021 restated: 50%). This decline 
arose due to the combined effects of less volume 
through our key China market (certain elements 
of fixed cost within cost of sales) as well as less 
revenue from a high margin market. China and 
Japan represented 35% of the Group’s revenue in 
the year ended 31 March 2022 (2021: 56%).

Administrative expenses, at £22.9m, were lower 
than the year ended 31 March 2021 (£25.5m). 

Wages and salaries declined to £12.3m (2021: 
£13.8m) reflecting lower bonus accruals – 
specifically in China and in respect of the 
Executive Directors. Foreign exchange gains of 
£1.0m were recorded in the year (2021: foreign 
exchange loss of £2.2m). This arose in the main 
from the weakening of sterling compared with 
the US Dollar and the Chinese RMB. 

Excluding the foreign exchange effects from 
administrative expenses the costs in the year 
were slilghtly higher than the prior year at 
£23.9m (2021: £23.3m). As described in the 
Group’s Interim Report, two development 
projects, which had previously been capitalised, 
were impaired in the year resulting in a charge 
to the income statement of £2.1m. This 
impairment arose due to the prioritisation of 
certain other more promising R&D programmes.

Total expenditure on research and 
development in the year was £10.2m (2021: 
£9.1m). The total expenditure in R&D can be 
analysed as follows:

EXPENDITURE 
IN R&D £10.2m

Overall R&D expenditure in the year increased 
both in absolute terms (an increase of 12%) 
and as a percentage of revenue – cash 
expenditure was 12.4% of revenue in the year 
ended 31 March 2022 (2021: 8.6%). This increase 
in expenditure reflects the Group’s stated 
intention to invest in its promising pipeline 
of new technologies and new products. It 
should also be noted that the proportion of 
R&D expenditure capitalised in the year has 
increased from 11% to 14% as more programmes 
have moved from the early research phase 
into the later development phase. In particular, 
the Group’s poultry mycoplasma vaccines 
have entered the final development phase and 
expenditure has begun to be capitalised. 

EBITDA has historically represented a key 
performance measure for the Group; the 
removal of amortisation (which is a significant 
annual non-cash charge to profits), depreciation 
and exceptional items provides a good 
indication of the underlying cash trading 
performance of the business. The charge for 
amortisation of intangible assets in the year 
was £1.1m (2021: £0.9m). The adjusted EBITDA 
margin (excluding foreign exchange movements 
and expressed as a percentage of revenue 
in the period) was 6.6% in the year ended 
31 March 2022 compared with 22.3% in the year 
ended 31 March 2021 (restated). This decline in 
the adjusted EBITDA margin arises principally 
due to weaker sales in China; the operational 
gearing from decreasing revenue with largely 
fixed overheads.

Research and development expensed in the period

Development expenditure – capitalised in intangible assets

Total expenditure

Year ended 31 March

2022 
£000’s

2021 
£000’s 

8,762

1,421

10,183

8,072

 986

9,058

1515

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Audit

The tax issue leading to the prior year 
adjustment and the exceptional items caused a 
delay to the finalisation of our audit this year. 

The limitation in scope qualification in respect 
of non-attendance at stock takes at 31 March 
2020 remains in the audit report this year 
because 31 March 2020 reflected the opening 
position for the comparative year ended 
31 March 2021. We expect this to be the last 
year in which this qualification arises.

Profit before income tax has decreased to 
£1.4m in the year ended 31 March 2022 (2021 
restated: £19.3m), due principally to the same 
reasons – EBITDA is weaker, as well as the one 
off impact of the R&D impairment (£2.1m).

The Group continues to benefit from a 
low effective tax rate in the UK due to the 
significant expenditure in the R&D programme 
for which R&D tax credits are claimed. Historic 
tax losses result in zero tax payable in the UK 
in the year. For the Group overall, in the year 
ended 31 March 2022 the effective tax rate 
was 151% (2021 restated: 18%), reflecting the 
impairment charge for which no tax deduction 
is received, higher tax rates in overseas 
jurisdictions as well as withholding tax on 
dividends and royalties set against low overall 
profit before tax.

Loss after tax was £0.7m in the year ended 
31 March 2022 (2021 restated profit: £15.8m). 
Earnings per share (“EPS”) has declined from 
10.86 pence in the year ended 31 March 2021 
(restated) to a loss per share of 1.01 pence in 
the year ended 31 March 2022; the decrease 
in EPS arises from the decline in the Group 
portion of post-tax profits.

The consolidated cash position in the Group 
has decreased from £19.5m at 31 March 2021 to 
£14.3m at 31 March 2022. This consolidated cash 
position at 31 March 2022 includes £6.1m (2021: 
£13.7m) which is held in the Group’s subsidiary 
in China. A portion of this cash is repatriated 
from China once per annum by dividend 
declaration; the Group’s share of the China cash 
distribution which is received in the UK is 51%. 
During the year the dividend received from 
the Group’s holding in the China subsidiary was 
£2.3m – related to the China profitability in the 
year ended 31 December 2020 (2021: £0.6m – 
related to year ended 31 December 2019).

The cash generated from operations was 
significantly lower in the year ended 31 March 
2022 at £2.5m (2021: £15.8m) reflecting the 
decreased profitability of the Group and an 
increase in Group inventories of £8.6m. The 
increase in Group inventories arose from a 
slowdown in the efficiency of international 
shipping during the year; this affected all 
businesses trading globally during 2021 and 
2022, particularly those with procurement in 
China. Additionally, the inventories in China 
started to increase before the year end in 

1616

preparation for production stoppage over the 
summer of 2022 when production is switched 
to the new factory in China. This project will 
be complete by November 2022 and the 
excess stock holding is planned to unwind 
during the production stoppage period. Trade 
receivables declined by 24% reflecting the 
reduction in Group revenues and an unwind of 
an exceptionally high closing debtors position 
as at 31 March 2021. From operating cashflow, 
income tax of £3.0m was paid, £1.6m of 
property, plant and equipment was purchased, 
development expenditure of £1.3m was 
capitalised, dividends were paid to the minority 
interest in China and ECO Animal Health Group 
plc shareholders (£2.9m in total), the US Dollar 
and other foreign denominated cash balances 
generated a foreign exchange gain of £1.3m and 
other sundry cash outflows of £0.3m resulted in 
an overall net cash decline of £5.2m and a cash 
balance at 31 March 2022 of £14.3m. The Group’s 
£5m overdraft facility (undrawn at the year 
end) remains in place.

Prior Year Adjustment

It recently came to our attention that certain 
aspects of a sales tax related to imported 
products in a foreign jurisdiction where 
we operate through a subsidiary company, 
might have been applicable. ECO has been 
importing an increasing volume of product 
into this country in recent years. This issue is 
at an early stage and no tax payment has yet 
been determined. However, it is likely that a 
substantial tax settlement could be required 
in due course and an estimated sum of £3.4m 
has been provided for in the Statement 
of Financial Position. The sum has been 
apportioned to appropriate years, disclosed 
in Note 3 and charged to cost of sales within 
the Consolidated Income Statement. The 
impact of this item in the year ended 31 March 
2022 was an increase in cost of sales of £0.9m 
(2021 restated: £0.9m).

Exceptional items

In the Group’s Interim Report, we described 
the impairment of previously capitalised R&D 
expenditure in relation to two projects which 
were paused during the year. This impairment 
is shown as exceptional. Additionally, we have 
created a provision for a probable settlement 
of personnel related disputes. These disputes 
are not expected to settle for some time.

FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Key Performance Indicators

A summary of the KPIs is as follows:

Revenues (£’m)

105.6

82.2

FY 21

FY 22

Research & Development (£’m)

8.8

8.1

10.2

9.1

1.0

1.4

Expensed R&D

Capitalised R&D
FY 22

FY 21

Total R&D cash spend

Cash balances (£’m)

19.5

14.3

120
105
90
75
60
45
30
15
0

12.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0

21
18
15
12
9
6
3
0

60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
-2

Gross Margin (%)

50%

43%

FY 21

FY 22

Adjusted EBITDA margin (%)

22%

FY 21

EPS (Pence)

10.86

7%

FY 22

-1.01

FY 22

FY 21

FY 22

FY 21

An explanation of the various trends in the KPIs above is included in the CEO’s and Finance Director’s reports.

Post balance sheet events

Marc Loomes, who joined ECO in 2004, became Managing Director in 2005 and CEO in 2010, retired from the Board of Directors on 1 April 2022. David Hallas 
joined ECO Animal Health Group plc as CEO on 1 April 2022. Tony Rawlinson, Non-Executive Director, resigned from the Board on 9 August 2022 to pursue 
other business opportunities.

The Group put in place a £10m revolving credit facility with NatWest Bank on 9 July 2022. This facility is committed, subject to half yearly covenant 
compliance checks and bears interest at a fixed margin over SONIA base rate. The facility expires on 30 June 2026.

Christopher Wilks
Finance Director
30 August 2022

1717

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2218

ECO Animal Health Group Plc | Annual Report 2020/21

STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

ECO strives to provide best in class, scientifically proven ethical 
solutions to optimise the health, productivity and wellbeing of pigs and 
poultry. Our vision is to achieve this responsibly, working in partnership 
with veterinarians, animal health professionals and livestock producers 
bringing value to all by improving animal health around the world.

The business strategy is to generate shareholder value by achieving the 
maximum sales potential and profit from the existing product portfolio 
whilst investing in R&D for new products, particularly vaccines, and 
seeking to in-license new products. We will also seek to diversify by 
acquisition. The Group continues to invest in skilled people, embracing 
and believing in the benefits of diversity within the workplace and 
striving for equality of reward and opportunity.

Growth of existing  
product portfolio 

ECO prioritises sales and development activities 
for existing products through ECO operating 
companies in key growth markets, principally 
China, North America, South and South East Asia 
and selected Latin American countries. Third 
party distributors are used in smaller markets 
to contain costs, recognising that this approach 
does lead to margin sacrifice for ECO. The cost 
base is managed to reflect achievable growth 
rates particularly when individual markets 
experience slowdowns. In all markets, Key 
Account management frameworks are adopted 
with major producers. The primary competitive 
targets for our portfolio are branded, well-
established, first-generation products; we 
concentrate on the additional value added by 
our products.

Focus on investment in R&D 

ECO’s increase in R&D investment is focused on 
several late, mid and early stage projects which 
collectively provide a balanced mix of well-
established concepts and novel technologies 
and approaches. This investment in R&D staff 
and the pipeline is expected to lead to further 
approvals for Aivlosin® in key markets, an 
acceleration and broadening of the introduction 
potential for vaccines in pigs and poultry and 
to an expansion of the search for new products 
in collaboration with leading universities and 
research institutions where an exclusive position 
with worldwide commercial rights can 
be obtained.

Licensing and acquisition 

ECO seeks to both license-in new products for 
pigs and poultry and to diversify by acquisition 
to complement our organic growth and provide 
enhanced product portfolio breadth in 
core markets.

Skilled people 

ECO has highly professional, experienced and 
committed people throughout the business. 
Our strategy is to build on this core strength 
and to continue to develop an organisational 
culture that attracts and rewards top talent in a 
company that offers career challenge 
and opportunity.

Sustainability, Environmental and 
Other Social Issues

The Group’s enhanced report on environmental, 
social, human rights and community matters is 
set out in the Sustainability Report within this 
Annual Report.

Principal Risks and Risk 
management

The Group has an established process for the 
identification and management of risk, working 
within the governance framework. Ultimately, 
the management of risk is the responsibility 
of the Board of Directors and the Audit 
Committee, working through the business 
leadership team.

ECO HAS PROVED 
TO BE
HIGHLY
ADAPTABLE 
IN A CHANGING WORLD

The Board’s role in risk management includes 
promoting a culture that emphasises integrity 
at all levels of business operations and setting 
the overall policies for risk management 
and control. The programme to strengthen 
business controls has continued throughout 
this financial year and this is resulting in 
improvements in management information, 
timeliness of reporting and risk management.

During the year the Enterprise Risk 
Management framework was assessed by the 
Group’s Internal Audit department, seeking 
areas for improvements in how we identify 
and manage our risks. The business is now 
one year into a three-year plan to implement 
a solid framework throughout the entire 
business which includes effective mechanisms 
for identifying and capturing risks. During the 
current financial year, the business discussed 
and agreed objective metrics for measuring the 
impact and likelihood of risks. Subsequently, 
when the principal risks affecting the Group 
were comprehensively reviewed these metrics 
were utilised when determining the impact and 
likelihood ratings, as well as incorporating any 
contextual changes or new controls that have 
changed the significance of each risk. Careful 
consideration was given to identifying any 
other emerging risks. The risks were reviewed 
on a quarterly basis by the leadership team and 
periodically by the Board of Directors.

Each risk area continues to have priority 
controls allocated to it that are the 
responsibility of the Executive Directors 
to manage and review during the financial 
year. This process inherently manages risk by 
ensuring the principal risks are being mitigated 
by prioritised business activity as shown in the 
table below.

1919

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

The principal risks are listed on the following pages in order of significance by category. We have made this assessment by reference to the likelihood of 
each risk occurring and assessing the potential severity of impact it would have on the business from high to low. These ratings are tied directly to agreed 
and documented metrics within the Enterprise Risk Management framework. We have also assessed the future trend of each risk as far as we can predict. 
As there are a range of impacts in all areas which are mitigated to a high degree, the mitigations in the form of control structures are shown next to each 
identified risk.

During the year, we have reconsidered a previously identified risk of bank deposits being lost through a bank collapse as this particular risk is no longer 
relevant to ECO in the current climate. However, a related risk has been identified following the situation in Ukraine which pertains to banking or transaction 
failures leading to loss of monies. ECO’s exposure to this risk is managed and is considered minimal at this time.

Similarly, the risk of failure of new product developments has been considered in greater depth and an additional risk has been identified which recognises 
the risk of a new product failing to achieve its projected success once it has been released to market. 

The risks to the Group associated with climate change have been considered in depth. We have analysed (as part of our ESG work) the impact that ECO has 
on its environment and the risks that the environment poses to ECO. The combination of the ECO business model, its global footprint, operating model and 
inventory management provide good mitigation assurance but this remains an area of active monitoring and analysis.

It is recognised that one of ECO’s core strengths is the passion and competency of its people. Accordingly, a further risk has been added to the risk register 
which underlines the need for the business to ensure all personnel are properly trained and undergo regular updates to their current learning to ensure the 
business is keeping pace with changing regulations..

TABLE KEY: H = HIGH M = MEDIUM L = LOW

Strategic risks

Risk

Likelihood

Controls

Impact

Forward Trend

Business interruption insurance with a target of 6 months strategic safety 
stock in place. 
Investigating supply to ensure supply source redundancy.

NomCom – succession plans being expanded, appointment of, and 
transition to, new CEO successfully performed.
New RemCom policies being implemented:
	•

Performance management, structured Bonus and LTIP for staff and 
executive Director’s.

	•

Salary benchmarking and people development.

	• Board has doubled in size to increase its capability.

Regulation-specific training is mandatory for all appropriate employees 
across the business, and its undertaking is documented by the business 
within employee files.
	• A training programme to centralise core training is currently being 

developed.

Innovation fund and development pipeline of new products:
	• Vaccines and other products. 
	• Generic defence plans.
	•

Significant investment in biologicals R&D pipeline

Generic defence strategy – combining strong regulatory and legal stance 
in country with patent and trademark infringement enforcement.
Ensure adequate supply and stock pressure in markets.
Experienced international and local management teams.

M

M

L

H

M

High reliance on one supplier 
for key products

Reliance placed on key 
directors, senior managers 
and staff members.

Employee training to 
maintain competencies and 
compliance with regulations.

High dependency on a single 
product

Potential threat from generic 
producers

M

L

L

L

H

2020

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Risk

Likelihood

Controls

Impact

Forward Trend

Disease impact on growth
(African Swine Fever, 
Coronavirus)

Failure to identify biologicals 
manufacturing resource – this 
being a key success factor for 
R&D project delivery

M

L

Operational risks

Global organisation driving strategy in other geographical territories. 
Strategy to increase focus on poultry.
Remote working capabilities established and proven.

Board approval of 5 year strategic plan which identifies a pathway to 
accessing Biologicals manufacturing capability.

M

L

Risk

Likelihood

Controls

Impact

Future Trend

Operational activities result 
in environmental pollution.

Failure to achieve/maintain 
Good Manufacturing 
Practice and quality      
standards leading to supply 
interruption.

Risk of trial failure impeding 
registration and approval of 
Pipeline products.

Risk that new products 
are not as commercially 
successful as predicted, upon 
release to the market.

Continuity of IT services.

Risk of business interruption 
due to fire, flood, explosion, 
natural disaster impacting 
ECO premises.

Risk of corporate 
manslaughter

Seasonal and unforecasted 
demand impact on supply 
chain responsiveness.

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

Virtual supply chain – use of third parties limits our own exposure. 
Internal and external audits of third party facilities. Training of Human 
resources.

Regular competent authority inspections. Independent and internal QA 
function. Audits of third party facilities. Track record of successful audits.
Multidisciplinary team to integrate marketing authorisations with change 
control processes and artwork for labels.

High calibre human resources recruited. Use of only reputable and well 
established laboratories and subcontractors. Regular replenishment of 
R&D pipeline to counteract effect of attrition.

Commercially trained people. Ensure trials accurately predict the 
performance of the product in the marketplace, and retrospective 
reviews of business cases to identify incorrect assumptions.

Retained IT consultancy monitor, investigate and improve the IT 
infrastructure. Servers hosted on Azure cloud based system with 
multiple daily back-ups to a second remote server. Active monitoring 
and correction of system issues. Roll out of laptop encryption.

Business risk insurance cover. Business continuity plan. Cloud based 
servers with immediate backup restoration. High level of people with 
remote working capability.
Team had demonstrated during the global Coronavirus pandemic that 
can operate remotely with the same level of efficiency. Safety stocks in 
strategic markets.

Maintain adequate health and safety procedures and insurances. Only 
responsible for one manufacturing plant, all other facilities are third 
party contracted services.

Forecasting Project: Implementation of MRP, monthly Regional S&OP 
meetings, increased manufacturing capacity in USA, strategic review 
of lead times/responsiveness and the value benefit of last minute 
customisation. Purchase order
lead time extended and multi- source supply chain implemented.

M

M

M

M

L

L

M

L

2121

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

New EU Veterinary 
Regulations entering into
force (End 2021/Start 2022)

M

Maintain proactive approach to understanding new requirements. Ensure 
measures in place to maintain compliance. Manufacturing sites currently 
maintain all appropriate licences.

L

Financial risks

Risk

Likelihood

Controls

Impact

Future Trend

H

L

L

L

M

L

Our global teams will continue to strengthen relationships and business 
with key customers and accounts.  A worldwide footprint in all major 
swine and poultry markets diversifies this risk.  Association with the food 
producing industry mitigates this inherent risk

Enhanced corporate governance. Implementing robust systems and 
controls. Keep international cash balances to a minimum. Daily/weekly 
monitoring of all bank account cash balances with explanations for 
material increases and depletions of balances.
Change overseas local bank accounts to international banks with internet 
access. Continuation of Internal Audit programme, with a particular focus 
on LATAM

Strong firewalls in place. Regular back up of data on duplicate servers.
Continual review and strengthening of controls and security.
Cyber security assessments/audits and cyber security awareness and 
training for personnel is in place

Cashflow and working capital management. Close monthly monitoring of 
budget to actual results. Robust credit facility is currently being increased 
which significantly reduces the likelihood of this risk.

Monitoring of exchange rates. Operationally transact in multiple 
currencies which are held and switched when appropriate. In house 
treasury function to hedge when necessary.

Monitoring of international tax rules, use of skilled knowledgeable local 
tax experts, annual compliance check, transfer price monitoring.

L

L

H

H

M

M

Mid term recession in major 
regions in the world (EU, NA, 
LATAM) Coronavirus effects 
to linger into 2022 in major 
economies in the world.

Fraud and depletion of 
company funds

Cyber attack

Insufficient funding for 
business growth

Currency and foreign 
exchange restrictions

International tax rule 
changes lead to restrictions 
in cashflow and possible non 
compliance

Dr Andrew Jones
Chairman
30 August 2022

2222

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

A strong business requires strong governance

We aim to continually update our approach 
to corporate governance and we have 
ensured that governance remains central to 
delivering on our strategy and the
successful operation of our business.

Corporate Governance Code, applicable 
to main market listed companies, to keep 
abreast of matters which we feel could also 
be embedded as best practice as part of a 
progressive approach. We also review the 
Investment Association guidelines and seek to 
comply with these where applicable.

In the sections that follow, we set out our 
governance structures, along with an overview 
of how the Company complies with the 
Principles of the QCA Code and the Board 
Committee reports.

Your support as shareholders is vital to the 
success of the Company and we intend to 
remain responsive to shareholder’s views and 
to engage with you so that the Company will 
deliver on its and your objectives.

Thank you for you continued support.

Yours sincerely

Dr Andrew Jones
Chairman
30 August 2022

Chairman’s introduction to 
governance

Dear Shareholders

I am pleased to introduce this section on 
governance, which describes the activities of 
the Board and its Committees during FY2021-22 
and in the period since the end of the year 
and how we have ensured governance remains 
central to delivering on our strategy and the 
successful operation of our business.

This year we have developed expanded our 
reporting of ESG to include further information 
on our performance and strategy on diversity 
and emissions. We recognise the importance 
of this area and will continue to develop our 
future activities and reporting.

We have also taken steps to broaden our 
communication with private and small investors 
through live on-line presentations through 
our collaboration with Equity Developments. 
We have been delighted with the investor 
feedback and engagement from these sessions 
and plan to continue and build on this activity 
where possible.

As an AIM quoted company, our governance 
framework is underpinned by the AIM Rules 
and we have adopted the Quoted Companies 
Alliance (QCA) Corporate Governance Code 
(the ‘QCA Code’) as the benchmark for 
measuring our adherence to good governance. 
In addition to the QCA Code, we monitor 
developments and guidance in the UK 

2323

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2224

ECO Animal Health Group Plc | Annual Report 2020/21

24

17

Board of Directors

Dr Andrew Jones 

David Hallas

Christopher Wilks

Chairman 
Nomination Committee Chairman 
Appointed 1 December 2017 
Year of Birth 1960

Andrew has over 35 years’ commercial 
experience in the life science sector and has 
held a range of senior positions, including 
CEO Europe for Arysta Lifescience, CEO 
Phoqus Pharmaceuticals plc, Principal at 
Cap Gemini Ernst and Young. He started his 
career in ICI Agrochemicals (now Syngenta 
AG). He is Non-Executive Chairman of 
Downland Marketing Limited, a distribution 
franchise group supplying animal health 
and nutrition products to grassland animal 
farmers in the UK., He is also Non-Executive 
Chairman of RootWave (Ubiqutek Ltd) a 
UK company developing technology and 
products that use electricity to kill weeds 
to provide a sustainable alternative to 
chemical herbicides. Andrew has a BSc 
degree and PhD in agricultural biology.

Chief Executive
Appointed 1 April 2022  
Year of Birth 1964 

Finance Director 
Appointed 3 September 2019
Year of Birth 1964

David Hallas has over 30 years of experience 
in the animal health industry and is a 
qualified veterinarian. He was previously 
managing director of Sure Petcare, a wholly 
owned subsidiary of Merck Inc. providing 
digital based solutions to the companion 
animal sector with sales of over US$170m. 
Prior to this role, he was Associate Vice 
President of MSD Animal Health with full 
P&L responsibility for mid Europe which 
comprised a group of 7 European countries 
with a combined revenue of over US$450m; 
he has also held senior global, regional and 
business unit management roles in other 
animal health businesses within Merck, 
Schering Plough and Pfizer (now Zoetis) 
and lived and worked overseas including in 
the USA. David has substantial experience 
managing profitable growth through the 
introduction of new products, including 
vaccines, and successful merger and 
acquisition integrations.

Chris has considerable experience in the fields 
of both finance and science. Chris began his 
career after graduating from the University 
of Durham with a BSc in Applied Physics and 
Electronics. Initially he joined Marconi Space 
Systems, applying his degree skills to the 
design of power systems for spacecraft. He 
then trained as a Chartered Accountant at 
Arthur Young (now EY), and after qualifying as 
a Chartered Accountant in audit, he became 
a manager in its Corporate Finance team. Mr 
Wilks is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in England and Wales.

He is also currently a non-executive director 
(and Chair of the Audit Committee) of 
Kromek Group plc, an AIM listed worldwide 
supplier of radiation detection technology 
and was previously Chief Financial Officer 
of Signum Technology Limited, a leading 
group of specialised engineering businesses 
operating in the safety and critical service flow 
control sector, which he co-founded. Prior 
to Signum Technology, Mr Wilks was Chief 
Financial Officer at Sondex plc, a specialist 
manufacturer of technical instruments for the 
oil and gas industry.

17

2525

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Anthony (Tony) Rawlinson

Dr Frank Armstrong

Tracey James

Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed 1 January 2015 
Resigned 9 August 2022 
Year of Birth 1957

Remuneration Committee Chairman  
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Appointed 1 May 2020 
Year of Birth 1957

Audit Committee Chair 
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Appointed 1 December 2021 
Year of Birth 1962

Tony is a Chartered Accountant with over 
30 years corporate finance experience 
advising smaller quoted companies. After 
spending 14 years at Henry Ansbacher & 
Co and Strand Partners, he co-founded 
Dowgate Capital Advisers in 2001 and 
led its growth and development. He was 
also Chairman of its AIM quoted parent 
Company, Dowgate Capital, which was 
sold to a competitor in a recommended 
transaction in 2009. In 2010 he co- founded 
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, a Nominated 
Adviser to a number of AIM companies and 
a corporate advisory firm. Tony retired from 
Cairn in November 2020.

Frank is a medical doctor, a Fellow of the 
Royal College of Physicians and a Fellow of 
the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine. He 
is currently Non-Executive Chair of Faron 
Pharmaceutical Oy (AIM), Non-Executive 
Chair of BioCaptiva Limited, Non-Executive 
Chair of Enhanc3D Ltd, Non-Executive 
Chair of Bloomsbury Genetic Therapies 
Limited (BGT), a Non-Executive Director of 
Newcells Biotech Ltd and a Member of the 
Court of the University of Edinburgh. He has 
previously held Non-Executive roles in listed 
companies with Summit Therapeutics (AIM 
and NASDAQ), Redx Pharma (AIM), Mereo 
Biopharma (AIM and NASDAQ) and Juniper 
Therapeutics (NASDAQ). He started his 
career at ICI Pharma/Zeneca Pharma before 
moving to Bayer AG where he became head 
of worldwide product development.

Tracey is a Chartered Accountant who has 
spent 26 years with Grant Thornton UK LLP, 
with the last 14 years as an Audit Partner. 
Tracey was a member of Grant Thornton’s 
Oversight Board and also served on the 
Audit & Risk and Pensions Committees. 
She was also previously Finance Director 
of Karl Storz Endoscopy Canada (1999-
2000). Tracey is currently a Non-Executive 
Director and Chair of the Audit Committee 
at specialist Engineering and Technology 
recruitment solutions business, Gattaca 
plc. She is also a Non-Executive Director 
and Chair of the Audit Committee at CT 
Automotive Group PLC.

2626

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Attendance at meetings

All Committee and Board meetings held in the year were quorate. Director’s attendance during the year ended 31 March 2022 was as follows:

Number of formal meetings held

Andrew Jones

Marc Loomes* (resigned as CEO on 1 April 2022)

Chris Wilks

Tony Rawlinson (resigned on 9 August 2022)

Frank Armstrong 

Tracey James (appointed 1 December 2021) 

*David Hallas was appointed as Chief Executive Officer on 1 April 2022.

Board

Audit Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

7

7

7

7

7

7

1

4

4

3

4

4

4

1

4

4

0

0

4

4

0

3

3

3

0

3

3

0

Directors’ service agreements set out the time commitment from each director. Executive Directors are expected to devote all or substantially all of their 
time to ECO and Non-Executive Directors are required to commit up to three days per month to ECO matters.

Compliance with the Principles of the QCA Code

The Company’s shares are traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and as such, the Company is subject to the continuing requirements of 
the AIM Rules for Companies. As stated in the Chairman’s introduction, the Board has adopted the QCA’s Corporate Governance Code. The following table 
summarises how we apply the ten principles of the QCA Code:

QCA Principle

Explanation

1

To establish a strategy and business model which promote long-term 
value for shareholders

The Board meets annually to review and approve the strategy for 
the Group. The strategic plan and business model are reviewed by 
the Executive Leadership Team on an ongoing basis with relevant 
operational and management updates being reported to demonstrate 
delivery and progress. Decisions of the Board are made in line with the 
strategic plan and business model for the Group. Further details of the 
Group’s strategy can be found in the Strategic Report

2727

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22QCA Principle

Explanation

2

To seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations

3

To take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and 
their implications for long-term success

The Directors are committed to open communication with the Group’s 
shareholders to ensure that they clearly understand its business, 
strategy and performance. The Board actively seeks dialogue with its 
shareholders via investor roadshows, one-to-one meetings and regular 
reporting. The Board believes that open communication with investors 
and analysts is the best way to ensure it understands what is expected 
of the Group in order to allow it to drive its business forward.

The Company has an established programme of engaging openly with 
shareholders. Communications with shareholders are via its website, the 
publication of the Annual Report and the Interim Statement, trading 
and other announcements made on RNS and at the Annual General 
Meeting where the Board encourages investors to participate.

The Group’s website contains information on the Group’s business, 
corporate information and specific disclosures required under AIM 
Rules for Companies and the QCA Code. Following the announcement 
of the Group’s full year and half year results the Company makes 
presentations to institutional shareholders, private client brokers 
and investment analysts. Periodic meetings are held with existing and 
prospective institutional and other investors. Formal feedback from 
shareholder meetings is provided by the Group’s broker and discussion 
of this feedback is an item on the Board’s agenda.

The Board values the opinions of key stakeholders in the business and 
regularly seeks to ensure that the views of its employees, suppliers, 
customers and partners are known and where relevant to the success 
of our business they are acted upon.

The Group recognises its responsibility to promote its success for 
the benefit of its stakeholders and understands that the business 
has a responsibility towards its shareholders, employees, partners, 
customers, suppliers and to the local community. The Board is also 
conscious that the tone and culture that it sets will impact all aspects 
of the Group and the way employees behave and operate. The 
importance of sound ethical values and behaviours is crucial to the 
ability of the Group to successfully achieve its corporate objectives 
whilst, in particular, meeting the demands of a sophisticated customer 
base. The Company has close on-going relationships with a broad 
range of its stakeholders; monitors feedback from them and uses this 
to develop future policy.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22QCA Principle

Explanation

4

To embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities 
and threats, throughout the organisation

The Board is responsible for overseeing management’s activities in 
identifying, evaluating and managing the risks facing the Group and 
records them on the Group risk register.

The Board is responsible for the Company’s system of internal 
controls and for reviewing its effectiveness. The system is designed 
to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve the 
execution of the Company’s strategic objectives and business model. 
The Board monitors financial controls through the setting and 
approval of an annual budget and the regular review of management 
accounts. Management accounts contain a number of indicators that 
are designed to reduce the possibility of misstatement in the 
financial statements.

The Board reviews the effectiveness of these systems. This is achieved 
primarily by a comprehensive review of risks which cover both 
financial and non-financial issues potentially affecting the Group and 
from discussions with the external auditor. Details of these risks, and 
their management, are contained in the Strategic Report.

The Board has established an internal audit function to provide an 
independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to 
add value and improve the operations of the Group.

Where the management of operational risk requires outside advice, 
this is sought from expert parties, and the Company has put measures 
in place to protect itself against supplier failure including insurance 
and buffer stock.

Further details of our risk management, risks and internal; controls can 
be found in the Strategic Risk section of the Strategic Report.

2929

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22QCA Principle

Explanation

The Board keeps under review its current balance and composition 
in order to ensure that it has a sufficiently wide range of skills and 
experience to enable it to pursue its strategic goals and address 
anticipated issues in the foreseeable future. The Board is supported 
by the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees.

The purpose of the Board is to ensure that the business is managed 
for the long- term benefit of all shareholders, whilst at the same time 
having regard for employees, customers, suppliers and our impact on 
the environment and the communities in which the Group operates. 
The full Board is responsible and accountable to the shareholders for 
the management and success of the Group and to provide effective 
controls to assess and manage risks in the Group.

There is a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for the 
Board that includes matters relating to strategy & management; 
structure & capital; financial reporting & controls; internal controls; 
contracts; communications; board membership and other 
appointments; delegation of authorities and corporate governance.

The Company has four non-executive Directors (from 9 August three, 
and it is intended that the number will return to four in due course), 
each considered to be independent by the Board. The Board meets 
on a minimum of 6 occasions with board meetings spread across each 
year which tie in as far as possible with the Group’s financial reporting 
and trading calendars.

The Board has an audit committee, a remuneration committee 
and a nomination committee each with delegated duties and 
responsibilities. Further details of the role of the board and the 
committees and how they operate can be found in the Chairman’s 
introduction to governance and the Board Committee reports that 
follow this section.

The Nomination Committee reviews at least annually the balance 
and composition of the Board and its Committees to ensure the skill 
and experience needed for successful operation are in place. Update 
training is undertaken periodically.

The skills and experience of the Board are set out in their biographical 
details included within this corporate governance report and the 
Company’s website and are considered by the Board as representing 
an appropriate range of capabilities needed to deliver the strategy of 
the Company for the benefit of its shareholders over the medium to 
long term. The experience and knowledge of each of the Directors 
gives them the ability to constructively challenge strategy and to 
scrutinise performance. The Company Secretary is assisted by an 
external professional company secretarial services provider.

5

To maintain the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by 
the Chair

6

To ensure that between them the Directors have the necessary 
up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22QCA Principle

Explanation

7

To evaluate Board performance based on clear and relevant 
objectives, seeking continuous improvement

8

To promote a culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours

The Chairman evaluates the performance of the Board through a 
combination of questionnaires and one-to-one meetings with each 
Director. This process offers Directors an opportunity to discuss 
their contribution in terms of their skills and experience as well as 
identifying improvements or development to enhance the capabilities 
of the Board as a whole. Further details of the board performance 
review undertaken in the year are set out in this corporate governance 
report. Succession planning is recognised as a material topic for the 
Company and is the responsibility of the Nomination Committee that 
makes recommendations to the Board concerning 
Board appointments..

The Board aims to lead by example and make decisions that are in 
the best interests of the Group and its stakeholders as a whole. Our 
culture is underpinned by a clear set of values, which guide decision 
making at all levels in the business. The Board reviews and approves 
the Group’s policies which are then implemented and communicated 
internally and externally to those who are expected to adhere 
to them.

The Board recognises that its decisions will impact the corporate 
culture of the Group as a whole and that this will affect the 
performance of the business. The Board is also very conscious that 
the tone and culture that it sets will greatly impact all aspects of the 
Group and the way employees behave and operate. The importance 
of sound ethical values and behaviours is crucial to the ability of 
the Group to successfully achieve its corporate objectives whilst, in 
particular, meeting the exacting demands of a sophisticated customer 
base. The Company’s ethical approach to business is reflected in the 
way the Company has been able to develop long term and fruitful 
relationships with its clients.

The Company seeks to ensure that responsible business practice is 
fully integrated into the management of all its operations and into 
the culture of all parts of its business. It believes that the consistent 
adoption of responsible business practice is essential for operational 
excellence, which in turn is expected to ensure the delivery of its core 
objectives of sustained real growth in future profitability.

3131

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22QCA Principle

Explanation

9

To maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for 
purpose and support good decision- making by the Board

10

To communicate how the Company is governed and is performing 
by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other relevant 
stakeholders

3232

The Board undertook a review of its governance and framework to 
ensure that the Group’s governance structures remain appropriate and 
are fit for purpose in May 2022. This framework sets out leadership 
and embeds delegated responsibilities to enable informed and 
confident decision-making.

The Company maintains appropriate governance structures and 
processes according to its size and complexity.

There is a clear division of responsibility between the Non-Executive 
Chairman and the Chief Executive. The Chairman is responsible for 
running the business of the board and for ensuring appropriate 
strategic focus and direction. The Chief Executive is responsible for 
proposing the strategic focus to the Board, implementing it once it 
has been approved and overseeing the management of the Group.

The role of the Independent Non-Executive Directors includes 
questioning and challenging the Executive Director and assisting where 
possible in developing strategic proposals, reviewing and commenting 
on the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting systems and the 
information they provide; recommending appropriate standards of 
corporate governance; reviewing internal control systems; ensuring 
that risk management systems are robust and reviewing corporate 
performance and ensuring that performance is reported 
to shareholders.

Compliance with the QCA Code and corporate governance 
requirements generally are reviewed on an on-going basis by the 
Board as well as part of the annual Board Effectiveness review process.

The Board ensures that all stakeholders across the business are 
actively engaged through the relevant areas of responsibility. This 
includes making sure that the business as a whole upholds its values 
and monitors behaviour for acceptability.

The Company recognises that meaningful engagement with its 
shareholders is integral to the continued success of the Group and the 
Company has actively engaged with shareholders through meetings, 
presentations and roadshows.

The Board considers that the Annual Report and the Interim Report 
published at the half-year, play an important part in presenting all 
shareholders with an assessment of the Company’s position and 
prospects. All RNS press releases are published on the Company’s 
website. The Annual General Meeting is an opportunity for 
shareholders to meet and discuss the Company’s business with 
the Directors.

The Board is supported by the audit, remuneration and nomination 
committees, each of which has access to information, resources and 
advice that it deems necessary, at the Group’s cost, to enable the 
committees to discharge their duties.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Leadership and the Board

The Role of the Board

The Board comprises two Executive Directors 
and four independent Non-Executive Directors 
(including the Chairman).

The Board is responsible for providing effective 
leadership to promote the long term success of 
the Company. There is a formal list of matters 
reserved for the Board, that may only be 
amended by the Board. The key responsibilities 
of the Board include:

	•

	•

setting the Company’s vision and strategy;

ensuring the necessary financial and 
human resources are in place to support 
implementation of the strategy;

	• maintaining the policy and decision-making 

process through which the strategy 
is implemented;

	• providing entrepreneurial leadership within 
a framework of good governance and 
risk management;

	• monitoring performance against key 
financial and non-financial indicators;

	•

	•

responsibility for risk management and 
systems of internal control; and

setting values and standards in corporate 
governance matters.

Division of Responsibilities

The responsibilities of both the Chairman and 
CEO are clearly defined and understood:

	• The Non-Executive Chairman, Andrew 
Jones, has primary responsibility for 
leading the Board, facilitating the effective 
contribution of all members and ensuring 
that it operates effectively in the interests 
of the shareholders. In addition, he 
maintains a strong focus on governance 
to ensure good practice is embedded 
in the day to day operations with good 
flows in communication and reporting. He 
maintains a regular dialogue with the CEO 
to ensure the business receives the support 
from the Board necessary to progress the 
strategy. The Chairman also meets with 
the Non-executive Directors as required. 
Shareholders have an opportunity to 

engage with the Chairman and the Board at 
the Company’s AGM.

	• The CEO, David Hallas, is responsible for the 
day-to-day running of the business which 
includes implementation of the strategy. 
He is supported by an Executive Leadership 
Team (“ELT”) who have management 
responsibility for the business operations 
and support functions. Relevant matters are 
reported to the Board by the CEO and, as 
appropriate, the FD and other 
ELT members.

The role of the independent Non-Executive 
Directors is to:

	• provide oversight and scrutiny of the 

performance of the Executive Directors;

	•

	•

	•

	•

	•

constructively challenge to help develop 
and execute on the agreed strategy;

satisfy themselves as to the integrity of 
the financial reporting systems and the 
information they provide;

satisfy themselves as to the robustness of 
the internal controls;

ensure that the systems of risk management 
are robust and defensible; and

review corporate performance and the 
reporting of performance to shareholders.

Board Committees

The Board has delegated and empowered 
three Committees: an Audit Committee, a 
Remuneration Committee, and a Nomination 
Committee. Each Committee has written 
terms of reference set by the Board, which 
are reviewed annually and are available on 
the Company’s website. Membership of each 
Committee is determined by the Board on 
the recommendation of the Nomination 
Committee. Each Committee Chair reports 
to the Board on the activities considered and 
determined by the relevant Committee. A 
summary of the Committees’ responsibilities and 
their work during the year can be found in the 
reports from the Committees appearing later 
in this section. The Committees are entitled to 
engage specific advisors as required to discharge 
their duties. In anticipation of the recruitment of 
the new CEO, during the year the Remuneration 
Committee engaged the services of AON 
Executive Compensation to benchmark the 
salary and other benefits of the CEO.

Board Activities

The Board held five scheduled meetings during 
the year at which it considered all matters of a 
routine nature, structured through clear agenda 
setting, written reports and presentations 
from both internal members of staff as well as 
external advisors and consultants. In addition, 
there were two ad-hoc meetings of the Board 
to deal with non-routine business.

Board support, meeting management and 
attendance

The Board and its Committees meet regularly 
on scheduled dates. In leading and controlling 
the Company, the Directors are expected 
to attend all meetings and their attendance 
for the financial year 2021-22 is shown in the 
Corporate Governance section of this report, 
immediately before the Compliance with the 
Principles of the QCA Code.

The Company Secretary plays a vital role 
in ensuring good governance, assisting 
the Chairman. Procedures are in place for 
distributing meeting agendas and reports so 
that they are received in good time, with the 
appropriate information. Ahead of each Board 
meeting, the Directors each receive reports 
which include updates on strategy, finance, 
including management accounts, operations, 
commercial activities, business development, 
risk management, legal and regulatory, people 
and infrastructure and on investor relations.

The Directors may have access to independent 
professional advice, where needed, at the 
Company’s expense.

Board Effectiveness

The Board conducts an assessment of 
effectiveness each year through a questionnaire 
in a process led by the Chairman. The 
questionnaire provides Directors with the 
opportunity to express their views on a 
variety of topics including: board leadership, 
effectiveness and accountability. The detailed 
findings of the evaluation are reviewed and 
actions generated. In addition, the Chairman 
has regular one-to-one meetings with Directors. 
A Board performance review was held in the 
financial year led by the Chairman where it was 
determined that the Board, its Committees and 
individual directors were felt to be working 
well with recommendations being made 

3333

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22in relation to how the Board’s agenda and 
performance could be evolved. In compliance 
with the QCA Code, succession planning was 
considered as part of the board effectiveness 
process. The Board appointed a new non-
executive director in the period and a new CEO 
with effect from 1 April 2022. Appointments are 
made based on required expertise to match the 
needs of the business while bearing in mind the 
need to introduce diversity into the 
Board composition.

Strategic Resources

The ELT includes representation from a wide 
range of disciplines, each leader identifies and 
manages the key resources and relationships in 
their respective areas.

Ethical Behaviours

The Board ensures ethical values and behaviours 
are recognised and respected, promoting a 
strong culture of supporting our core values. 
These values are incorporated into our 
various codes which are made available on 
the Company Intranet and which the Board 
regularly reviews and updates. These codes 
include Employee code of conduct, human 
resources policies, Anti Bribery and Corruption, 
Modern Slavery policy, Health and Safety 
policies and Social Media policies.

Board Induction, Training and 
Development

When appointed, new Directors are provided 
with a full and tailored induction in order 
to introduce them to the business and 
management of the Group. Throughout 
their tenure, Directors are given access 
to the Group’s operations and personnel, 
and receive updates on relevant issues as 
appropriate, taking into account their individual 
qualifications and experience. This allows 
the Directors to function effectively with 
appropriate knowledge of the Group.

The Board is satisfied that each Director has 
sufficient time to devote to discharging his 
responsibilities as a Director of the Company.

The composition of the board of the directors 
in relation to diversity is set out in the 
Nomination Committee Report.

Stakeholder engagement

The Board and its Committees recognise 
their responsibilities to shareholders and 
other stakeholders.

The Company communicates with shareholders 
through the Annual Report and Accounts, 
regulatory announcements, the AGM as 
well as meetings with existing or potential 
new shareholders. Annual reports as well as 
other regulatory announcements and related 
information are all available on the Company’s 
website. The Company’s brokers also publish 
research from time to time.

A list of the Company’s significant shareholders 
can be found in the Directors’ Report and in 
the investor section of the Company’s website 
which is updated following formal notifications 
of movements to the Company.

The Company maintains regular communication 
and dialogue with other stakeholders such as 
employees, customers, suppliers and regulators 
to understand their needs and concerns and 
factors these requirements into its decisions 
and activities.

Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’)

This year’s AGM will take place on Monday 
26 September 2022 at 11.30am at The Grange, 
100 High Street, London, N14 6BN. Details of 
the resolutions to be considered at the AGM 
are contained in the Notice of Annual 
General Meeting.

Voting Outcomes

The Company held its Annual General Meeting 
on 16 September 2021 following the financial 
year ended 31 March 2021. All resolutions 
proposed to the meetings were duly passed on 
a poll. There were no significant objections.

Re-election of Directors

Internal controls

All directors are put forward for re-election on 
a three-year rotational basis as set out in the 
articles of association of the Company.

There is a clearly defined delegation of 
authority from the Board to the Executive 
Leadership Team, with appropriate reporting 

lines to individual Executive Directors. There are 
procedures for the authorisation of Research 
and Development, capital expenditure and 
other investments. Board review of progress 
in these investment initiatives, together with 
“milestone” achievement assessment is a regular 
feature of the Board agenda.

Internal controls are in place which are 
intended to provide reasonable assurance of 
the custodianship of assets, the recognition and 
measurement of liabilities, the maintenance of 
proper accounting records and the reliability of 
financial information used within the business.

The Group finance team manages the financial 
reporting process to ensure that there is 
appropriate control and review of the financial 
information including the production of timely 
financial information for Board meetings as 
well as for annual and half-yearly financial 
reporting responsibilities. Group Finance is 
supported by the operational finance team 
throughout the Group, who have responsibility 
and accountability for providing information in 
compliance with the policies, procedures and 
internal best practices.

The Company has in place a suite of codes and 
policies to promote good governance principles 
and ensure strong internal control processes 
throughout the Company. These include an 
overall code of conduct, and policies on anti-
bribery and corruption, fraud, modern slavery, 
share dealing in ECO securities, the use of 
social media and business travel arrangements. 
These policies are communicated directly to 
all personnel by email, are re-enforced through 
periodic training and are available on the 
Group’s intranet site.

Although the Board itself retains the ultimate 
power and authority in relation to decision 
making, the Audit Committee meets at least 
twice a year with external auditors to review 
specific accounting, reporting and financial 
control matters. The Committee also reviews 
the interim and final accounts and has primary 
responsibility for making a recommendation on 
the appointment, reappointment and removal 
of external auditors.

The Board has established an internal audit 
function to provide an independent, objective 
assurance and consulting activity designed to 
add value and improve the operations of the 

3434

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the 
Directors have, at the time of approving the 
financial statements, formed a judgement 
that there is a reasonable expectation that 
the Company and Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the 
Directors continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the financial statements.

This conclusion is based on a review of the 
resources available to the Group, taking 
account of the Group’s financial projections 
together with available cash and a committed 
borrowing facility.

In reaching this conclusion, the Board has 
considered the magnitude of potential impacts 
resulting from uncertain future events or 
changes in conditions, the likelihood of their 
occurrence and the likely effectiveness of 
mitigating actions that the Directors would 
consider undertaking.

Dr Andrew Jones
Non-Executive Chairman
30 August 2022

The activities of the Company have been 
described further in the various reports from 
the Chairman, Chief Executive, Committee 
Chairs and the ESG report. In each case 
employee impact, supplier and customer 
benefit and shareholder interests have 
weighed upon decisions made. Shareholder 
engagement this year has been active. The top 
10 investors represent approximately 66% of 
the Company shares and investor meetings, 
investor calls together with regular trading 
updates throughout the year assisted with 
communication. The Company’s stockbrokers 
provide feedback from shareholders and 
this feedback is discussed at the subsequent 
Board meeting.

The Group employed an average of 221 people 
during the financial year ended 31 March 2022 
(2021 – 207). All company announcements were 
simultaneously circulated to all personnel. 
Communications of note during the year 
included the arrangements for remote and safe 
working during the Coronavirus pandemic, key 
new product announcements, new colleagues 
and retirements, new procedures and 
governance processes. In addition, all members 
of staff were invited to technical webinars, 
product launch discussions and presentations.

The Group is considering other ways to reduce 
its environmental impact; the Group’s business 
model (largely outsourced manufacturing 
and research) is low impact. The Group has 
successfully traded through the “lockdown” 
period, utilising to a much greater extent 
electronic communications and these tools will 
continue to be exploited further helping with 
the Group’s carbon footprint. Further details 
are contained in the ESG Report.

Group. Activities of the internal audit function 
in the financial year are detailed further in the 
Audit Committee Report.

Section 172 Statement

Under s172 of the Companies Act 2006, 
Company Directors have a duty to act in good 
faith that is likely to promote the success of 
the Company. This duty is for the benefit of 
the members as a whole, having regard to the 
likely consequences of decisions for the long- 
term. In addition, the Directors’ duty must have 
regard to:

a.  The interests of the Company’s employees

b. 

 The need to foster the company’s business 
relationships with suppliers, customers and 
others

c. 

 The impact of the company’s operations on 
the community and the environment

d. 

 The desirability of the company maintaining 
a reputation for high standards of business 
conduct, and

e. 

 The need to act fairly as between members 
of the company.

The Group actively engages with its 
stakeholders, taking account of and responding 
to their interests. Included within this active 
engagement are the stakeholders referred to 
in (a) to (e) above, regulatory bodies, taxation 
inspectorates, industry bodies and other 
compliance organisations.

As set out in the Corporate Governance report, 
the Directors have met on several occasions 
during the year ended 31 March 2022. Discussion 
topics at each meeting included the Group’s 
response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, 
Research and Development, health, safety and 
environment, investor feedback, staff welfare 
concerns, customer and supplier feedback, 
capital investment and tax policy. 

3535

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22ESG REPORT

SOCIAL

ECO’s purpose is to develop, register and 
supply high quality veterinary medicines and 
vaccines to improve the health and welfare 
of pigs and poultry providing sustainable 
livelihoods to producers.

We are committed to sustainability as 
an integral component of the Group’s 
commitment to acting with the highest 
standards in its business dealings.

Core to our conduct is a set of ethical 
principles designed to:

1. 

 Respect, protect and keep safe our people, 
customers, suppliers, collaborators, 
stakeholders and shareholders,

2.  Protect the environment and

3. 

 Enhance the reputation of the Group in its 
chosen field of business, animal health.

These principles ensure that we provide a 
safe and fulfilling work environment, create 
a business with whom other like-minded 
businesses will wish to collaborate, make a 
positive contribution to the communities in 
which we work, and enhance shareholder value.

ESG is recognised as being of key importance 
and is the responsibility of the Board of 
Directors, working through the business 
leadership team.

This inaugural ESG Report is divided into the 
three key areas of Social, Environment and 
Business Governance following on from last 
year’s Sustainability Report. Details of ECO’s 
approach to corporate governance is set out in 
the Corporate Governance Report.

Significant advances have been made in the 
ESG arena during the past year, fulfilling 
the commitments made in last year’s 
report, specifically in the areas of voluntary 
environmental reporting, evaluating a baseline 
for DEI and Fair Tax Mark accreditation. 
2022/23’s objectives include working with 
specialist consultants to further establish the 
current position for the global business and to 
develop clear objectives and metrics for the 
next financial year working with the Board and 
the ELT.

3636

We maintain regular communication and 
dialogue with our stakeholders such as 
employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers 
and regulators to understand their needs and 
concerns and factor these requirements into 
our decisions and activities. The ECO Employee 
Health and Wellbeing document is awaiting 
approval of the Board.

Our People

At ECO, we recognise that our people are our 
most important asset. We aim to attract and 
retain unique and diverse professionals by 
offering them a great place to work and the 
opportunity to grow, both professionally 
and personally.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is 
strongly rooted in our respect for local culture 
and practices It is our practice to employ 
local teams to work with local people rather 
than head-office people working abroad on 
assignment which has created a unique sense of 
belonging among our employees. The Company 
follows the UK and relevant local laws including 
the Equality Act 2010 and the National 
Minimum Wage Act to ensure fair employment 
practices and complies with national legal 
requirements regarding pay, working hours 
and annual leave for our employees who are 
highly skilled individuals with specific training, 
expertise and experience.

We invest in healthy and safe workplaces and 
employee policies that protect our people 
which include the Employee Privacy Notice, 
GDPR Data Privacy Notice, Antiharassment and 
Bullying Policy, Flexible Working Policy, Business 
Travel, Health and Safety Policy Statement, 
Lone Working Policy, Parental Leave Policy and 
Display Screen Equipment Use Guidelines.

Further policies provide guidance for ethical 
work practices and include the Employee Code 
of Conduct, Anti-Bribery and Corruption and 
the Company’s Modern Slavery Act Statement.

In addition, the Whistleblowing Policy and 
Fraud Policy support ethical work practices. 
There have been no incidents of whistle 
blowing or fraud during the current 
financial year.

The Board of Directors has overall 
responsibility for ensuring that the Fraud Policy 

complies with our legal and ethical obligations, 
and that all those under our control comply 
with it. The CEO has primary and day-to-day 
responsibility for implementing this policy, 
monitoring its use and effectiveness, dealing 
with any queries about it, and auditing internal 
control systems and procedures to ensure they 
are effective in countering fraud. Management 
at all levels are responsible for ensuring those 
reporting to them understand and comply with 
this policy and are given adequate and regular 
training on it. The ELT safeguards the Group 
from fraud and corruption by establishing and 
maintaining a comprehensive system of internal 
controls to discourage perpetuation of fraud 
and to detect instances of fraud. Internal Audit 
is responsible for examining and evaluating 
the adequacy and effectiveness of internal 
controls, as audit procedures alone are not 
designed to guarantee the detection of fraud.

The Fraud Policy encourages the reporting 
of ethical concerns and actual or potential 
breaches of our policies or the law to 
the Group. Concerns are raised with line 
management unless they entail a potential 
breach of law or serious non-compliance with 
ECO policies in which case they should be 
reported to the CEO, the FD, the head of HR or 
the Chair of the Audit Committee.

To ensure engagement with the wider business, 
all ECO people are notified and provided full 
information by the CEO when interim and 
full-year annual reports are published, and new 
regulatory approvals are achieved as well as by 
the ELT or CEO when new starters join 
the company.

The spread of COVID-19 has caused the 
Company to modify its business practices 
(including instituting remote and hybrid work 
for many of the Company’s employees), and 
the Company may take further actions as may 
be required by government authorities or 
as the Company determines are in the best 
interests of our customers, employees and 
business partners. Our continued growth has 
only been possible due to our ability to recruit 
and retain talented people representing diverse 
backgrounds, experiences, and skill 
sets. Our Group trading companies employ 
local nationals.

A new process for personnel training has 
been developed and implemented during the 
year. Training needs related to specific job 
roles have been identified by the ELT for all 
functions. This year, 98 signed training records 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22were returned out of just over 100 potential 
returns. Next year, the system will include the 
incorporation of these training records into 
the eQMS to further increase visibility and the 
potential for monitoring.

Mandatory pharmacovigilance training was 
expanded globally to include personnel 
in LATAM, SE Asia, China and Japan. ECO 
has approximately 110 Standard Operating 
Procedures (SOPs) across the business including 
Regulatory, Quality, IT and R&D; these are 
updated on an ongoing basis to meet both 
internal commitments and those of external 
regulatory authorities. Of these, 54 have been 
reviewed and/or updated, 10 retired and 41 are 
in the process of being reviewed. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”)

ECO’s DEI strategy falls under the remit of 
the Board along with the CEO, HR and the 
Executive Leadership Team. This first DEI report 
serves as a baseline to inform the upcoming 
year’s ESG programme intended to increase 
diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels in 
the Company. 

As outlined in the ECO Corporate Governance 
Report, the Nomination Committee is 
responsible for the Board’s policy on diversity. 
ECO is a global company with a diverse and 
inclusive workforce. The Board recognises 
the benefits of diversity in its broadest sense 
and diversity of skills, background knowledge, 
international and industry experience, race and 
gender, amongst many other qualities, are taken 
into consideration when seeking to appoint 
new Directors to the Board.

ECO is committed to creating an inclusive 
environment for employees as outlined in the 
Equal Opportunities Statement and Diversity, 
Equity and Inclusion Policy. These policies aim 
to achieve equality by removing any potential 
discrimination in the way that employees 
are treated by fellow employees or the 
Company, including people of different sexual 
orientations, transgendered and transsexual 
people, people on the grounds of their sex and 
people of different races.

Gender Breakdown

ECO recognises the value of gender diversity 
in business. Using internal data from March 
2022, the female:male ratio within specific ECO 
groups was analysed to serve as a baseline. This 
data will inform the DEI strategy for the next 

year, which will critically evaluate the various 
means by which ECO intends to increase 
gender diversity.

At Board level, Tracey James was appointed 
during the past year as a Non-Executive 
Director of the Board, making the female:male 
ratio 1:5 with 17% female and 83% male 
representation. On the Executive Leadership 
Team, there were no females on the team 
of eight. The commitment to promotion of 
gender diversity has already been signalled with 
the appointment of a female to the Executive 
Leadership Team shortly after the end of this 
financial year.

been male-dominated. ECO is committed to 
improving gender diversity across all regions, 
levels and functions of the Company and this 
will be through a combination of recruiting, 
retention and training programmes.

In the Global Operations Team, there are two 
male managers overseeing a team of eight filled 
positions. Of these, there are five females and 
one male resulting in a total team gender ratio 
of 5 females:3 males (63% females:37% male).

In the PDRA Team, there are 14 members with 
the Head being male. There are 7 females and 7 
males in the team.

Within the ECO Animal Health Limited 
workforce, which includes Customer Services 
and Finance functions not captured elsewhere 
along with ECO Animal Health plc, Executive 
Leadership Team, LATAM, SE ASIA and EUMEAF 
which are also included in the relevant group 
and regional data, the gender breakdown is 
virtually evenly split between male and female 
employees.

Within the Sales Teams, the gender breakdown 
varies as shown in the graphs below.

In all but ECO Japan, the regions have more 
male than female employees. Traditionally, 
the pig and poultry sectors, and the veterinary 
surgeons and key accounts serving these, have 

Other DEI elements

A survey of employees was carried out to 
develop a DEI baseline for this first ESG 
report. There were 68 responses from the 
109 invited to participate, which was a 62% 
response rate. The survey will be repeated 
next year to measure the change from this 
baseline following the strategic actions taken 
to improve diversity. This data will serve as a 
baseline for the identification and development 
of objectives for the next financial year along 
with the metrics for measuring them.

Ethnicity

Of the 68 respondents, 67% are White, 24% 
are Asian, 6% are Mixed or multiple ethnic 
backgrounds, 4% are Hispanic and Latino and 
1% are Black. 

3737

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Gender Orientation

Forty respondents identified as men and 28 
as women, with no respondents identifying as 
genderqueer or non-binary or as agender. One 
of 68 respondents identified as transgender or 
any other non-cis gender.

Sexual Orientation

Sixty-four respondents identified as straight, 
two as bisexual, one as asexual and one 
preferred not to answer.

Disability

Asked if they were a person living with a 
disability, there were 67 responses. Of these, 
3 responded yes, 63 no and one preferred not 
to answer.

Language

The majority (40 of 68) of respondents do not 
speak English as a first language. Some of the 
most prominently spoken languages at home 
include English, Spanish, French, Portuguese 
and Japanese.

Religion

Half of the respondents identify as Christian, 
followed by almost 15% classifying themselves 
as Agnostic. In contrast, 10% have identified as 
Atheist. Hinduism and Buddhism constitutes 7% 
each, followed by approximately 3% identifying 
with Islam. 7% have preferred not to respond.

Caretaker Status

Twelve of 68 respondents are caretakers of 
adults, with two preferring not to answer. 
Forty-two of 68 respondents are caretakers of 
children, with three preferring not to answer.

The Board is committed to improving diversity, 
equity and inclusion at all levels within the 
Group. Our intention is to establish a gender 
diversity support programme over the coming 
months and to continue to update stakeholders 
as progress is made.

Our Community

Shareholders:

The Group communicates regularly with 
shareholders through the Annual Report and 
Accounts, Interim Statements, regulatory 
announcements, the AGM and other meetings. 

3838

Annual reports, regulatory announcements 
and related information are available to all 
stakeholders on the website.

The Board believes in responsible tax conduct 
and in paying our fair share of corporation tax. 
Discussions with the Fair Tax Foundation have 
taken place during the year and the ECO Animal 
Health draft tax policy has been updated to 
reflect the necessary changes to achieve the 
Fair Tax Mark accreditation. ECO is proud to 
have achieved Fair Tax Mark accreditation mid-
July 2022.

Business Partners – Veterinary Surgeons, 
Producers and Distributors:

We recognise that our product and customer 
offerings to veterinary surgeons and producers 
must be of consistently high quality. We offer 
educational opportunities and programmes to 
veterinary surgeons and large pig and poultry 
producers. The topics are those which support 
a wider animal health and welfare agenda such 
as prevention and management of disease, 
biosecurity, Antimicrobial Resistance (“AMR”) 
and industry updates as well as how our 
products fit with these themes using globally 
recognised experts and our people with 
specialist knowledge. Many of these training 
sessions are hands-on, practical and delivered 
locally and include subjects such as poultry 
hatchery audits and respiratory lung lesion 
scoring workshops.

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
lessened, value-added services were continued 
through a hybrid mix of virtual meetings and 
events and face-to-face meetings.

The Group’s third party distributors are an 
integral part of our success. We have close 
relationships and offer technical and marketing 
support, training and educational customer 
events. In line with our values, our distributors 
must comply with local pharmaceutical laws 
and sector industry regulations including 
but not limited to those around bribery and 
corruption and pharmacovigilance.

Our Antibribery and Corruption Policy is 
available to all employees. The Board has 
overall responsibility for ensuring this policy 
complies with our legal and ethical obligations, 
and that all those under our control comply 
with it. The CEO has primary and day-to-day 
responsibility for implementing this policy, 
monitoring its use and effectiveness, dealing 

with any queries about it, and auditing internal 
control systems and procedures to ensure 
they are effective in countering bribery and 
corruption. Management at all levels are 
responsible for ensuring those reporting to 
them understand and comply with this policy 
and are given adequate and regular training 
on it. Training in the areas of bribery and 
corruption for the sales managers who work 
with the Group’s distributors is planned for the 
next financial year.

The Wider Community:

The Group, like all businesses, has a 
responsibility to the wider communities in 
which we operate. Healthy pigs, poultry and 
laying hens make significant contributions to 
the protein volumes that feed the world. In 
addition to the negative welfare consequences, 
diseased animals, whether clinical or subclinical, 
grow more slowly, consume more feed 
and water, need more accommodation and 
space and require more treatments if not 
administered the most appropriate medication 
from the start than do healthy animals.

The Group manufactures and sells a novel 
antimicrobial containing the active product 
ingredient (API) tylvalosin under the registered 
tradenames Aivlosin® and Valosin®. We do 
not support or promote increased use of 
antibiotics but focus instead on awareness that 
if a macrolide antibiotic is the best treatment 
option (based on diagnostics and veterinary 
surgeon experience) then Aivlosin® is likely to 
be an ideal choice requiring a low milligram of 
medication per kilogram bodyweight use over 
a treatment course because of its low effective 
therapeutic dose and short treatment duration 
and having a very short withdrawal period.

Aivlosin® is available only by veterinary 
prescription and is not licensed for use 
in human medicine. It is licensed for the 
treatment and metaphylaxis (disease control) 
of economically important diseases in pigs and 
poultry following strict regulatory procedures 
insisted upon by regional and local authorities.

The Group’s response to the globally 
important issue of AMR especially in the areas 
of Stewardship, Marketing and Distribution, 
Research and Development (R&D) and 
Manufacturing and Production are laid out in 
detail in an ‘ECO Animal Health Position Paper – 
Approach to AMR’ which is available 
on request.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22During the COVID-19 lockdowns when business 
travel was not possible and our people were 
remotely working, the company’s energy 
footprint was lowered even further which 
could pave the way for exploring new ways of 
working to continue this trend.

Manufacturing and research functions are 
mainly outsourced which reduces our direct 
impact. This requires us to put in place a 
robust Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure 
the companies with which we work take their 
responsibilities as seriously as we do. 

The Company’s tylvalosin API manufacturer 
has developed an industry-leading wastewater 
treatment system that exceeds local regulatory 
requirements and is now marketing the system 
to other producers who also wish to reduce 
their environmental impact on watercourses. 
The Group’s manufacturer conforms with the 
Chinese legislation requirements to stream-dry 
then incinerate biomass remaining at the end of 
API manufacture.

Introduction, Context and Methodology

Under changes introduced by the 
Environmental Reporting Guidelines: Including 
streamlined energy and carbon reporting 
guidance, March 2019, large unquoted 
companies and large LLPs are obliged to report 
their UK energy use and associated greenhouse 
gas emissions as a minimum relating to gas, 
electricity and transport fuel, as well as an 
intensity ratio and information relating to 
energy efficiency action, through their annual 
reports. Limitations regarding energy reporting 
in Group subsidiaries has resulted in the 
current omission of reported global energy use. 
The SECR roadmap includes plans for future 
reporting of global energy use.

Scope Of Works

The sites within scope were the 78 Coombe 
Road, New Malden, Surrey, UK, KT3 4QS and 
The Grange, 100 The High Street, Southgate, 
London, UK N14 6BN offices, referred to as 
‘Surrey’ and ‘London’, respectively.

The establishment of minimum order quantities 
for shipments of finished goods has helped to 
reduce the amount of packaging and energy 
used for land, water and air transportation.

In addition, business mileage undertaken 
during the period in company-owned cars was 
converted to a carbon footprint.

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Report

This inaugural report will serve as a baseline for 
the further development of an environmental 
programme at the global level. ECO is a low 
energy user and thus exempt from mandatory 
climate reporting. However, in recognition 
of the importance of the environmental area 
and as a commitment to creating a baseline 
from which to improve, ECO has undertaken 
a voluntary, initial climate assessment focused 
on the UK operations in collaboration with an 
external climate consultancy, Enistic.

The Group is a member of the UK National 
Office of Animal Health (“NOAH”), in turn 
a National Association Member of Animal 
Health Europe and Health for Animals, and an 
active member of the Livestock One Health 
Subcommittee which includes AMR in its 
remit. We recognise the vital importance of 
antimicrobials to both human and veterinary 
medicine and of the recommendations 
and classifications within the World Health 
Organisation, World Organisation for Animal 
Health and the European Medicines Agency 
antibiotic lists.

ENVIRONMENT 

We recognise the importance of incorporating 
environmental factors, alongside social, 
governance and commercial factors, into 
our overall investment and risk management 
framework. We also recognise the potential 
impact of our business operations on the 
environment and are committed to making a 
fair contribution to reducing this impact.

We aim to keep use of consumables to a 
minimum by promoting the effective and 
efficient usage of equipment, facilities, supplies 
and services. We encourage all our people to 
reduce wastage, not to print unnecessarily, 
to turn off excessive lights or heating/
cooling equipment, to use water resources 
appropriately and to switch off any electronic 
equipment which is not in use. Confidential 
papers are shredded and recycled using an 
external recycling company. Batteries, including 
laptop batteries, are recycled. IT equipment is 
either revived and reused or collected by an 
external recycling company.

As part of our commitment to drive forward 
our climate journey, the Southgate office 
was recently refurbished which has helped to 
reduce the company’s energy footprint. These 
included installation of raised access floor 
particle board with greater thermal insulation 
rating, ceiling tiles with greater thermal 
insulation rating, new and more efficient 
hot water heater, Daikin VRV 2 pipe system 
with heat recovery system throughout the 
office to provide heating and cooling and LED 
lighting switched via presence detectors. In 
the bathrooms, new modern flushing systems 
provide which provide better water control 
were installed. In the kitchen, modern Bosch 
appliances with better EPC ratings than the old 
appliances were installed along with a boiling 
water tap.

3939

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22ECO’s Offices Contributions

Site

London

Surrey

Total applicable estate size (excludes 
out of scope properties)

Total estate size (including out of 
scope properties)

Number of sites

Site

Surrey

London

Carbon Intensity Measure

Size (square feet)

Size (% of estate)

Description

Tenure

Sites Within Scope

5,630

1,697

7,327

7,327

2

General Office 
Offices

General Office 
Offices

350,000

Owned, in scope

Owned, in scope

77%

23%

100%

100%

Notes

Office

Office

Type of building

Size (sqm)

Benchmarks of ECO’s Energy Use

Energy 
used (kWh)

Energy 
used (kWh/ 
sqm/year)

UK average 
(kWh/sqm 
/year)

General Office/
Offices

General Office/
Offices

158

523

4,453

24,836

28

47

95

95

Percentage 
of average

ECO Rating

30%

A – 
Excellent

50%

B – Good

Combined, the two ECO offices are 7.3 thousand square feet. The ECO carbon footprint during this financial year was 20 tCO2e. Therefore, the ECO carbon 
intensity is 2.7 tCO2e per 1000 square feet.

tCO2e emitted by ECO car fleet

Fleet Details (000’s kWh)

Factors Driving ECO’s Fleet Carbon Emissions

Source

Electricity

 Hybrid car

Medium car 1.4-2.0 litre petrol

Medium car 1.7-2.0 litre diesel

Total

Total 
tCO2e

8.5

5.8

5.1

0.4

19.8

Category

Subcategory

Total

Transport – 
company vehicles

Hybrid car

Transport – 
company vehicles

Medium car 1.4-2.0 
litre petrol

Transport – 
company vehicles

Medium car 1.7-2.0 
litre diesel

Total

19

16

1

36

4040

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Fuel type

London

Surrey

Offices TOTAL 

Transport – company vehicles

TOTAL kWh

Statement Of Carbon Emissions

Total Energy Consumption (Offices and Fleet)

Electricity kWh

Transport (kWh 
p.a.)

24,836

4,453

–

29,289

–

–

35,709

35,709

TOTAL

24,836

4,453

29.289

35,709

64,998

Statement of carbon emissions compliant with UK legislation set out in the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), 21 January 2021 covering energy 
use and associated greenhouse gas emissions relating to gas, electricity and transport, intensity ratios and energy efficiency actions.

Total electricity use (Scope 2) 

Total transport fuel (Scope1)

Total energy use (all sources)

Total carbon emissions (Scope2)

Total carbon emissions (Scope 1)

Total carbon emissions

Total estate

Carbon intensity ratio

Carbon And Energy Efficiency Actions

This reporting 
period (Apr 2021 – 
Mar 2022)

Prior reporting 
period (Apr 2020 – 
Mar 2021)

29,289 kWh

35,709 kWh

64,998 kWh

9 tCO2e

11 tCO2e

20 tCO2e

7,327 sq ft

2.7 kgCO2e per 
sq ft

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

We are committed to responsible carbon management and will practise energy efficiency throughout our organisation, wherever it’s cost effective. We 
recognise that climate change is one of the most serious environmental challenges currently threatening the global community and we understand we have 
a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

ECO has implemented the following policies in response to COVID-19 which increased the businesses’ energy efficiency in the financial year.

	• Moved to remote home working and then a hybrid model as restrictions eased.

	•

Implemented and encouraged the use of video conferencing.

	• Reduced business travel

Methodology used in the calculation of disclosures

ESOS methodology (as specified in Complying with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme version 6, published by the Environment Agency, 21.01.21) used 
in conjunction with Government GHG reporting conversion factors.

For carbon only related matters, the SECR methodology as specified in “Environmental reporting guidelines: including Streamlined Energy and Carbon 
Reporting and greenhouse gas reporting” was used in conjunction with Government GHG reporting conversion factors.

4141

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Business Governance:

We are committed to meeting high standards of business governance and risk management practices. This applies both to our own operations and our business 
partners. We have developed, and continue to update, strategies and procedures specific to our business for managing the main risk categories identified by our 
Board of Directors.

We recognise that in our industry, reputation and trust are of utmost importance. We strive to cultivate a strong culture of ethics throughout the company to 
ensure our clients’ interests are always at the forefront of our activities. We are committed to preserving our high legal, ethical and moral standards and aim to 
foster and encourage a culture of strict compliance with local and international laws and regulations. Our Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the behaviours and 
responsibilities expected of our suppliers across the entire business. 

We strive to provide best-in-class, scientifically proven, ethical solutions to optimise the health, productivity and wellbeing of pigs and poultry. We aim to do this 
sustainably, working in partnership with animal health professionals and livestock producers bringing value to all by improving animal husbandry around the world.

Our flagship product Aivlosin® is marketed and distributed in more than 70 countries around the world. Promotion and communications with distributors, 
subsidiaries and customers highlight the need for diagnosing infection before treatment, using preventative methods such as management and vaccines to reduce 
the risk of animals becoming sick and using antimicrobials responsibly when they are needed.

With the end-user in mind, the R&D pipeline is focused on preventative vaccines and biologicals along with further claims and variations for Aivlosin®. In this way, 
we will contribute to making available a wider range of options for veterinary surgeons, pig and poultry producers and their animals in the future. 

Product Development:

We develop medicines and vaccines to improve the health and welfare of pigs and poultry. Product development for both new products and significant changes 
to existing products is initiated by the Global Project Leader with the development of a Business Case. This is presented to the Executive Leadership Team for 
approval of an initial project assessment. The project then progresses through the process under the supervision of the Global Project Leader and Project Team. 
Examples include new marketing authorisations for Aivlosin® in China and a poultry vaccine licensing deal between ECO and Ghent University.

The scientific studies required to obtain marketing authorisations are determined by the regulatory authorities and supported by published literature and 
laboratory testing where possible. Protocols for trials placed at Universities and Contract Research Organisations are reviewed by animal welfare committees 
focused on the health of animals. All stakeholders subscribe to the application of the principles of reduce, refine and replace for animal testing.

Manufacturing:

The Group complies with all the requirements of operating within the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry. The contract manufacturers are under the direct 
control of the Group with contractual obligations and operate in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. For example, we work with 
an exclusive API contract manufacturer in the production of tylvalosin. This manufacturing plant is registered to the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) 
standards and by many other national authorities. It has passed routine inspections every two to three years since first being FDA-registered in 2009. We perform 
manufacturing plant audits and inspections at a minimum of every three years either directly or via an independent, qualified third-party. UK-based manufacturing 
personnel visit the plant twice per year and while in the plant make observations in line with the Modern Day Slavery Statement.

Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, we have been unable to send UK-based personnel to the plant. However, members of staff based in China have continued 
to perform routine GMP audits and to carry out training on topics including quality, production, etc. at least once a quarter. During this financial period, at least 
three GMP audit visits were made. In addition, training courses were performed for plant employees on topics such as data integrity (MHRA Guidance), cleaning 
validation (FDA/EMA/ISPE/PDA Guidance) and remote evaluation (FDA/EMA/PDA Guidance). A European, independent consultant company is hired to conduct 
a GMP audit inspection of the site once every two to three years. Over the past year, because of COVID-19 restrictions, this company used the team from their 
Chinese subsidiary to carry out the GMP audit inspection in June 2021; following the audit visit, the auditor concluded that the ECO quality management system is 
well-managed and follows the Chinese, EU and US regulatory requirements. Observations made during the visit are addressed through a managed CAPA system. 

All batches of API are subject to third-party independent Quality Control laboratory testing when entering countries for manufacture into final Aivlosin® product.

The Chinese joint venture Zhejiang ECO-Biok Animal Health Products Co. Ltd is currently building a new plant which will manufacture finished goods to supply the 
Chinese market. The new plant will comply with updated animal medicine GMP regulations coming into force during 2022.

4242

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Product Promotion:

We are members of our UK industry professional body NOAH and comply with their Code of Practice. Product information provided to our customers is aligned 
to the Summary of Product Characteristics (“SPCs”) and is factual, fair and not designed to mislead. All customer materials including brochures, posters and 
publications go through an internal review process involving technical and regulatory review with final sign-off by the CEO.

4343

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Membership of the Committee 

Dear Shareholder

On behalf of the Audit Committee (the 
‘Committee’), I am pleased to introduce the 
Audit Committee Report. As a company 
admitted to AIM, we are guided by the QCA’s 
Audit Committee Guide and, when appropriate 
to do so, look to the UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2018 and to investor guidelines for 
best practice. 

In this report we set out the Committee’s 
responsibilities and report on the activities of 
the Committee during the year.

Aims and objectives 

The Committee monitors the integrity of the 
Financial Statements of the Interim and Annual 
Reports and formal announcements relating to 
the Group’s financial performance, including 
advising the Board that the Annual Report taken 
as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable. 
It reviews significant financial reporting issues, 
key judgements and accounting policies and 
disclosures in financial reports, reviews the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal control 
procedures and risk management systems 
and considers how the Group’s internal 
audit requirements shall be satisfied, making 
recommendations to the Board. It reviews 
the independent auditor’s audit strategy and 
implementation plan and its findings in relation 
to the Annual Report and Interim Financial 
Statements. It monitors the relationship with 
the Group’s independent auditor including the 
consideration of audit fees and independence. 

Members of the Committee have access to the 
Company Secretary who attends and minutes all 
meetings. To enable the Committee to discharge 
its duties effectively, the Company Secretary 
is responsible for ensuring the Committee 
receives high-quality, timely information. The 
Chairman of the Committee works closely with 
the FD and the finance department to ensure 
papers for meetings are comprehensive and 
comprehensible. When appropriate to do so, 
the Committee seeks the support of external 
advisers and consultants. 

4444

During the year to 31 March 22, the 
responsibilities of the Committee Chair were 
transferred to Tracey James from February 
2022, who joined the Group as Independent 
Non-Executive Director in December 2021. Until 
his resignation on 9 August 2022, Tony Rawlinson 
retained responsibility as independent Non-
Executive Director on the Audit Committee 
alongside Frank Armstrong and Andrew Jones. 

Appointments to the Committee are made by 
the Board following recommendations from the 
Nomination Committee. Only members of the 
Committee have the right to attend meetings. 
All four members of the Committee have a mix 
of knowledge and skills gained through their 
experience of business, management practices 
including risk, the industry sector and have 
recent and relevant financial experience. The 
CEO, FD and the Internal auditor are invited to 
attend all meetings, while other senior financial 
people will attend as appropriate. The external 
auditor also attends the meetings to discuss the 
planning and conclusions of their work and meet 
with the members of the Committee without 
any members of the executive team present 
after each meeting. The Committee can call for 
information from management and consults 
with the external auditor directly if required. 

Operation of the Committee

The Committee reviews and updates the Terms 
of Reference regularly, to conform to best 
practice, which are subject to approval by the 
Board. The Terms of Reference are available 
on the Group’s website as well as in hard copy 
format from the Company Secretary. Each year, 
the Committee works to a planned programme 
of activities, which are focused on key events 
in the annual financial reporting cycle and other 
matters that are considered in accordance with 
its Terms of Reference. 

It provides oversight and guidance to contribute 
to the ongoing good governance of the 
business, particularly by providing assurance 
that shareholders’ interests are being properly 
protected by appropriate financial management, 
reporting and internal controls. The Committee 
approves the terms of all audit and non-audit 
services provided by the Group’s Auditors to 
ensure audit objectivity is maintained. 

The main activities of the Committee during the 
period since the last Report were as follows: 

	• Reviewing the management and reporting of 

financial matters including key 
accounting policies. 

	• Reviewing the Annual Report and Accounts 
and advising the Board on whether, when 
take as a whole, it is fair, balanced, and 
understandable and provides shareholders 
with the information necessary to assess 
the Company’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy. 

	• Considering the appointment of external 

auditors and the frequency of re-tendering 
and rotation of the audit. 

	• Overseeing the relationship with, and 

the independence and objectivity of, the 
external auditors. 

	•

Setting policy in relation to the use of the 
external auditors for non-audit services. 

	• Advising the Board on the Group’s appetite 
for and tolerance of risk and the strategy in 
relation to risk management and reviewing 
any non-conformances with these. 

	• Reviewing the Group’s risk management and 

internal control systems and 
their effectiveness. 

	• Reviewing the Group’s procedures for 

detecting fraud, bribery and corruption and 
ensuring arrangements are adequate for 
employees to raise concerns. 

Internal Audit 

The Internal Audit function within ECO was 
formed in January 2020, with the aim of seeking 
to improve processes within the business 
and identify areas where the greatest risks lie. 
Internal Audit acts independently to evaluate 
and improve the effectiveness of operations, 
risk management, control and 
governance processes.

Internal Audit was heavily involved in three 
significant off-Audit Plan pieces of work: 
mapping the financial processes across the 
business for the purposes of use within the 
Financial Position and Prospects Procedures 
Memorandum; facilitating the external audit; 
and working with senior management to build a 
robust Enterprise Risk Management Framework. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Internal Audit Completed the Financial 
Controls UK Audit and the Overseas review 
is in progress. Internal Audit followed up on 
corrective actions from previous reviews with 
only one major findings outstanding relating 
to the completeness and review of the bank 
register. The plan for the current year includes 
a review of the Financial Controls at the Joint 
Venture in China, Employee Framework and 
GDPR, with an external specialist review of 
Cyber and Information Security.

The committee review the findings of the 
internal audit reviews, ensuring findings are 
scrutinised and remediation plans are regularly 
reviewed by the Committee where appropriate. 

Risk management and Internal 
Controls

The Board has primary responsibility for the 
Group’s overall approach to risk management 
and systems of internal control and has 
delegated its oversight to the Committee. 

During the year, the Committee has reviewed 
and reported on the identification, evaluation 
and management of risks facing the business 
and has considered the effectiveness of 
associated processes and controls to ensure 
a healthy balance between the risk we 
face and harnessing the opportunities that 
align with strategy to grow a strong and 
sustainable business. At least once a year, 
the Board also reviews risk management and 
those risks the Board is not prepared to take 
are either avoided or, as far as possible, are 
mitigated and/or transferred to insurers. The 

responsibilities surrounding risk management 
and internal control systems are designed to 
meet the needs of the size and complexity 
of the business. It takes into account the 
applicable requirements of regulators in the 
various markets in which the business operates 
as well as the legal requirements of being a UK 
company admitted to AIM. Internal controls 
are designed to manage rather than eliminate 
risk and provide reasonable but not absolute 
assurance against material loss or misstatement. 

The key components of the current systems of 
internal controls are: 

	• Clearly communicating Eco’s values and 
strategy to ensure these are understood 
and people know what is expected. 

	• Developing business and financial plans that 

support the strategy. 

	• Reviewing policies and procedures to 
ensure these remain fit for purpose. 

	•

Strengthening controls and internal 
processes. 

	• Regular reporting of actual performance 
relative to goals, budgets and forecasts. 

	•

Ensuring there is a structure of 
accountability 

	• Training and monitoring. 

Whistleblowing 

The Group has a Whistleblowing Policy and 
procedures to help with the detection and 
prevention of fraud. Published on the Group’s 

Intranet, the Policy provides all employees 
access to a confidential forum in which it is 
possible to raise concerns about potential 
and perceived improprieties. Provided it is 
appropriate to do so, the process is managed 
by the Company Secretary. The outcomes of 
any investigations carried out in accordance 
with the Policy is reported to the Committee. 
There were no whistleblowing notifications or 
events during the year ended 31 March 2022.

Fair, balanced and understandable

The content and disclosures made in the 
Annual Report are subject to a verification 
exercise by management to ensure that no 
statement is misleading in the form and context 
in which it is included, no material facts are 
omitted which may make any statement of fact 
or opinion misleading, and implications which 
might be reasonably drawn from the statement 
are true. The Committee was satisfied that 
it was appropriate for the Board to approve 
the Financial Statements and that the Annual 
Report taken as a whole is fair, balanced and 
understandable such that it allows shareholders 
to assess the Group’s position and performance 
against the Group’s strategy and 
business model. 

There is a repeat of the qualification in the 
Audit Report relating to non-attendance 
at certain stock counts in respect of the at 
31 March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

4545

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Significant issues 

The Committee reviewed the key judgements applied to a number of significant issues in the preparation of the Financial Statements. The review included 
consideration of the following: 

Issue

How the committee addresses

Revenue 
Recognition 
and discount 
accounting

The Group has well-developed accounting policies for revenue recognition in compliance with IFRS15 as shown in Note 2 and 
4 to the Financial Statements. The Group has one main source of revenue representing direct sales of animal pharmaceutical 
products into UK, European and global markets. The Group recognises revenue at the point its performance obligation is met, 
which may occur at different points in the revenue cycle dependent on contractual terms and shipping methods. Certain revenue 
arrangements include the offering of volume and other discounts to customers. 

The Committee receives reports from management and from the auditors to evidence that the policies are complied with across 
the Group. 

Prior Year 
Adjustment

During the close of the year ended 31 March 2022, the Group became aware of material foreign tax liabilities that fall due in a foreign 
jurisdiction on the import of goods, and would have fallen due in previous periods. The Group was not previously aware of these 
foreign taxes, nor had it recognised a cost and liability in the financial records for the years ended 31 March 2021, 31 March 2020 or 
periods prior. These liabilities are deductible for foreign corporation tax purposes.

The Group has estimated the total liabilities due, including interest, and the related foreign corporation tax impact, and their effect 
on the prior periods’ consolidated financial statements, on the basis that full disclosure is made to the relevant tax authority. 

These adjustments are detailed in note 3 of the financial statements.

Intangible assets 
capitalised and 
development 
expenditure

The Group’s accounting policy for intangible assets is included within the accounting policies in note 2 and the components of 
intangible assets are set out in note 12.  

In practice, work that is undertaken to build towards regulatory approval for a new treatment claim using Aivlosin, existing 
approved vaccines or other technologies, or an approval for marketing existing technologies or applications in a new geographical 
market can be viewed as starting at the full development phase and are likely to meet the capitalisation criteria whereas costs 
in relation to some of the Group’s recently announced projects, on vaccine development, for example, are likely to meet the 
capitalisation requirements once they are approved internally to commence the full development phase, subject to careful 
consideration of residual technical feasibility/risk.

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment calculations (including assumptions about future performance of the Group) and 
sensitivities are undertaken at least annually by management and reviewed by the Board and the Committee. Based on the 
impairment reviews as at 31 March 2022 and reflecting on the decisions arising from management’s detailed review of operations, 
the Committee agreed with management’s recommendation that the impairment of three R&D projects, comprising a horse 
paste anti-parasitic project and two minor legacy Aivlosin® programmes was appropriate. The projects, whilst viable, were of 
lower return than other programmes and were therefore de-prioritised. The total impairment in the year ended 31 March 2022 
was £2.1m (2021 - £Nil).

The Committee also considered and agreed the appropriateness of the sensitivity analysis disclosures. 

Accounting for and 
disclosure of non-
underlying items 

The Committee considered the accounting for and disclosure of non-underlying items (see note 6 to the Financial Statements). 
The Committee reviewed with management and discussed the accounting and disclosure with the Group’s auditors. The 
Committee concluded it was content with the accounting for and disclosure of non-underlying items. 

Going Concern 

The Group continues to prepare its Financial Statements on a going concern basis, as set out in Note 2.1 to the Financial 
Statements on page 68. Management produces working capital forecasts on a regular basis. The Board reviews those forecasts, 
particularly ahead of the publication of Interim and Annual results. The Board continue to scrutinise the Group’s detailed 
economic forecasts in light of the changing economic conditions created by the current crisis in Ukraine and the COVID-19 
pandemic to ensure that all relevant events and conditions are being incorporated that might affect both short, medium and 
long-term performance. Having reviewed the forecasts as at the date of this Report, the Committee concluded that it was 
appropriate for the Group to continue to prepare its Financial Statements on a going concern basis. 

Further headroom is provided in the Group’s assessment of going concern as a result of putting a £10m Revolving Credit Facility in 
place which is in addition to the existing £5m overdraft facility. The RCF expires in 2026.

4646

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22	• An internal controls report to the 

Committee, following its audit, highlighting 
to management any areas of weakness or 
concern highlighted through the course of 
their external audit work 

The Committee regularly reviews all fees for 
non-audit work paid to the independent auditor. 
Details of these fees can be found in Note 6 
to the Financial Statements. Non-audit fees 
were £nil in both 2022 and 2021. The Committee 
concluded that the level of non-audit fees, 
which represent 0% (2021: 0%) of the audit fees 
for the Group, did not have a negative impact 
on BDO’s independence. The Committee will 
continue to keep the area of non-audit 
work under close review, particularly in the 
context of developing best practice on 
auditors’ independence. 

The Committee regulates the appointment of 
former colleagues of the independent auditor 
to positions in the Group. The independent 
external auditor also operates procedures 
designed to safeguard its objectivity and 
independence. These include the periodic 
rotation of the senior statutory auditor, use 
of independent concurring partners, use of a 
technical review panel (where appropriate) and 
annual independence confirmations by all 
our people. 

The independent external auditor reports to the 
Committee on matters including independence 
and non-audit work on an annual basis. 

Tracey James 
Audit Committee Chair
30 August 2022

Shareholders’ attention is drawn to the 
section titled ‘Responsibilities for the financial 
statements and the audit’ in the Report from the 
independent auditor on pages 55 to 61 about 
specific areas as reported by the independent 
auditor to provide its opinion on the Financial 
Statements as a whole. 

Independent auditor: 
reappointment 

The appointment of the independent external 
auditor is approved by shareholders annually. 
The independent auditor’s audit of the Financial 
Statements is conducted in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs’), 
issued by the Auditing Practices Board. There are 
no contractual obligations that act to restrict the 
Committee’s choice of external auditor. 

In September 2021, the Board proposed and 
shareholders approved at the AGM, the 
reappointment of BDO LLP as the Group’s 
registered independent public accounting firm 
for the financial year ended 31 March 2022. 

The assessment of the effectiveness of external 
auditors is an ongoing process involving 
regular discussion with key stakeholders within 
the Group, engagement with and feedback 
from the external auditors themselves, and 
consideration by the committee of the 
performance of the external auditors. Having 
considered the effectiveness and performance 
of the independent auditor, the Committee 
recommended to the Board the reappointment 
of BDO LLP as independent auditor of the 
Company for the next financial year. 

Independent auditor: services, 
independence and fees

The independent auditor provides the following 
deliverables as part of its statutory 
audit services: 

	• A report to the Committee giving an 
overview of the results, significant 
contracts, estimates, judgements and 
observations on the control environment 

	• An opinion on whether the Group and 
Company Financial Statements are true 
and fair 

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 
REPORT

Dear Shareholder,

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee, 
I am pleased to introduce the Remuneration 
Committee Report. As a company admitted to 
AIM, we are guided by the QCA’s Remuneration 
Committee Guide and, when appropriate to do 
so, look to the UK Corporate Governance Code 
and to investor guidelines for best practice. 

In this report we set out the Committee’s 
responsibilities and report on the activities of 
the Committee during the year.

Membership of the Committee

The Remuneration Committee comprises 
Dr Frank Armstrong (Chairman), Dr Andrew 
Jones, Tracey James and Tony Rawlinson 
(resigned 9 August 2022). Tracey joined the 
Committee on her appointment as a Non-
Executive Director on 1 December 2021. 

Role of the Remuneration 
Committee

On behalf of the Board , the Remuneration 
Committee reviews and determines the pay, 
benefits and other terms of service of the 
Company’s Executive Directors (CEO and FD) 
and the ELT. The Committee also keeps under 
review the broad compensation strategy with 
respect to all other Company employees.

The terms of reference of the Committee are 
set out on the Company’s website.

Strategic alignment and 
Remuneration Policy

The Committee’s aim, as in previous years, is 
that the rewards that can be earned provide 
a competitive level of incentive and are 
appropriate for a Company of comparable size 
and complexity at each level of performance. 
To this end, the Committee considers 
appropriate goals from time to time which 
it believes will best ensure delivery of the 
Company’s short and long term objectives and 
ensure alignment with stakeholder interests.

4747

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Remuneration in practice

Executive Directors are covered under the 
Company’s life assurance policy.

opportunities for face to face meetings or 
country visits.

The basic structure of remuneration comprises 
a basic salary, Annual Bonus Plan and a share 
based incentive and a pension plan. From 1 April 
2021, the share based incentive arrangements 
for the ELT and Executive Directors comprises 
awards from the new LTIP and to members 
staff of market priced share options from the 
Company’s established Share Option Scheme. 
The Executive Directors are also eligible to 
participate in the Company’s Deferred Bonus 
Plan (“DBS”) that has been established to allow 
the Remuneration Committee to require a 
significant part of the annual bonuses awarded 
to the Executive Directors to be deferred in 
exchange for nominal cost share awards. 

Executive directors, the ELT and members of 
staff also benefit from private medical and 
permanent health insurance. In addition, all 

Directors’ remuneration

The Group also makes contributions to 
defined contribution pension schemes for 
the benefit of members of staff, executive 
directors and the ELT. The assets of the scheme 
are held separately from the Group and are 
independently administered by insurance 
companies. The Group also operates a legacy 
defined benefit scheme in the UK. Further 
information on these pension arrangements is 
set out in note 24 to these accounts.

Remuneration during the year 
ended 31 March 2022

The financial year ended 31 March 2022 
continued to be challenging, operating in a 
global pandemic and running the business 
remotely in a hybrid environment with few 

The Remuneration Committee considered 
the performance of the Executive Directors 
in the financial year against the criteria of 
the Annual Bonus Scheme that comprised a 
70% element of basic salary according to the 
financial performance of the Company and 
a 30% element of basic salary according to 
performance against personal objectives.

The Executives’ personal goals were set 
in consideration of operating during the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

In the financial year the Company 
underperformed against the financial goals set 
out in the Annual Bonus Scheme and this was 
reflected by the Remuneration Committee in 
the Executive’s bonus award.

The aggregate remuneration payable to the Directors in respect of the period was as follows:

Salary or Fees

Other

Pension

Bonus

Total 
Remuneration

Share Based 
Payments

Total

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

M. Loomes

C. Wilks

A.Jones

A.Rawlinson

F. Armstrong

T. James

306

236

75

60

41

311

240

77

50

46

15

3

1

4

1

9

23

10

23

42

12

220

148

540

409

75

60

41

374

276

77

50

46

15

1

65

47

541

409

75

60

41

430

323

77

50

46

15

The Remuneration Committee has determined that the deferral arrangements of a portion of the Executive Directors’ bonuses in accordance with the 
Annual Bonus Plan should be adopted and applied to the bonuses awarded in respect of the year ended 31 March 2022. 

Accordingly, one third of the bonus amount set out above in respect of Chris Wilks for the period will be settled in an award of nominal price shares, 
subject to a three year vesting condition and malus and claw-back provisions. In addition, 20% of the bonus amounts payable to ELT members will be 
deferred and settled in an award of nominal price shares subject to the same provisions. 

In relation to Marc Loomes who resigned as CEO and as a director on 1 April 2022, and retired from the Company on 30 June 2002, the Remuneration 
Committee has determined that the above deferral arrangements will not apply to the FY2022 annual bonus payable to Marc Loomes and that, in the 
relation to the award of 22,973 nominal paid shares made on 24 September 2021 to Marc Loomes under the terms of the Deferred Bonus Plan (“Share 
Award”) concerning the deferral of one-third of Marc Loomes FY2021 annual bonus, such Share Award shall vest in full and be capable of exercise within 
12 months of retirement date.

4848

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
 
Directors’ interests

Details of Shareholdings as at 30 June 2022 was as follows:

Number of shares

Marc Loomes

David Hallas

Christopher Wilks

Andrew Jones

Frank Armstrong

233,244

33,000

150,095

7,500

3,000

Cost

384,999

38,610

241,829

24,750

9,720

Notes

1

2

1 An interest in 200,000 ordinary shares was transferred to M Loomes on 7 March 2022, pursuant to the grant of an option over these shares by persons 
connected with Peter Lawrence, the former Chairman of the Company on 7 March 2019. The transfer value at the time of vesting is included in this table and 
was the basis for PAYE assessment.

2 David Hallas was appointed as CEO on 1 April 2022 and these shares were purchased by him on 12 May 2022

No Director held any shares in the company on 31 March 2021.

Details of share option awards, awards under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and awards under the Deferred Bonus Plan (“DBS”) at 31 March 
2022 and 31 March 2021 are set out below:

Date of grant

Number of shares

Option price per 
share (p)

31-Mar-22

31-Mar-21

3,900

400,000

350,000

12-Apr-18

15-Sep-16

18-Dec-15

28-Apr-21

28-Apr-21

24-Sep-21

24-Sep-21

3,900

400,000

350,000

87,901

64,824

22,973

14,782

545.00

435.00

312.50

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00

Share options

Marc Loomes

LTIP’s

Marc Loomes

Christopher Wilks

Deferred bonus plan 
shares

Marc Loomes

Christopher Wilks

4949

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22under Letters of Appointment. Non-Executive 
director appointments may be terminated by 
either the Company or the individual giving 3 
months’ notice, or immediately in the event that 
the director is not re-elected by shareholders at 
an AGM.

The Executive Directors’ service agreements 
and the Non-Executive Directors’ appointment 
letters are available for inspection by 
shareholders at the Company’s registered office 
and at the Company’s AGM.

Dr Frank M Armstrong 
Remuneration Committee Chairman
30 August 2022

Remuneration Structure for Year 
ended 31 March 2022

The key elements of the Company remuneration 
structure are as follows:

Overview

The Company’s remuneration structure has 
been designed to bring the Company into 
line with best remuneration practice and to 
improve the alignment of senior leadership with 
shareholder interests, thereby supporting future 
value creation. In particular the share incentive 
arrangements will in due course bring the share 
dilution limits back into alignment with 
best practice.

Annual bonus plan

	• The Annual Bonus Plan applies to both 

executive directors and the ELT;

	• Maximum and on-target awards will, as 
previously, be kept in line with those of 
comparable companies as shown in recent 
AIM remuneration surveys. On target 
awards are set at 60% of base salary and 
maximum possible awards are capped at 
100% of base salary;

	•

Performance assessments are split as to 
35% linked to growth in profit before 
tax, 35% linked to ROCE with the 30% 
remainder linked to the achievement of 
personal targets set by the committee. The 
committee may change these objectives 
from year to year. The proposed personal 
objectives for the CEO and FD in the 
current year (FY22) are focused around 
business performance, growth and 
corporate governance;

	• Awards to the Executive Directors under 
the Annual Bonus Plan include a deferred 
element (33 % of any such award) that will 
be settled in shares which will vest after 
3 years subject to malus provisions in the 
year of the award and clawback provisions 
during the 3 year vesting period for the 
deferred element. Awards under the 
Annual Bonus Plan (non-deferred element, 
being 67% of the award) are settled in cash 
through the payroll after the AGM. The 
deferred element of any bonuses awarded 
to the ELT is 20% with 80% settled in cash 
after the relevant Annual audit 
is completed.

5050

Long term incentives

	• The LTIP applies to both executive directors 

and the Executive Leadership Team

	• Vesting of awards made under the new 
LTIP will be over a 3 year period and will 
be subject to achievement of performance 
conditions; these conditions include 
a comparison of the Company’s Total 
Shareholder Return (“TSR”) to an absolute 
TSR growth target set by the Committee 
(75% weighting) and achievement of R&D 
targets (25% weighting). 

	•

LTIP awards will be subject to malus (during 
the vesting period) and clawback (in the 3 
years following vesting) provisions.

	• All other members of staff will continue 
to be eligible to be awarded market 
priced options. The terms of the existing 
unapproved staff share option scheme 
rules (“USOS”) have been amended for 
future grants to allow for any future gains 
to be settled in shares or cash (at the 
Committees’ discretion) to reduce dilution 
of the Company’s share capital.

Share ownership

Executive directors are subject to share 
ownership targets to achieve over time. These 
targets, in line with market guidance, have 
been set by the Remuneration Committee at 
125% of basic salary for the CEO and 100% of 
salary for the FD. This percentage is 120% (CEO, 
Marc Loomes) and 101% in respect of the FD 
(Christopher Wilks), at 30 June 2022.

Other Information

Remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors 
is determined by the Chairman and the CEO. 
The Non-Executive Directors are not entitled 
to annual bonuses, employee benefits or 
participation in share option schemes. However, 
they may be paid additional fees in the event 
that their workloads are significantly in excess 
of their contractual obligations. No changes are 
proposed for the current financial year.

The Chairman’s remuneration is determined by 
Remuneration Committee in conjunction with 
the CEO. However, the Chairman is not entitled 
to vote on the matter.

The Executive Directors are employed under 
rolling service contracts. The services of all 
Executive Directors may be terminated by the 
Company or the individual giving 12 months’ 
notice. Non-Executive Directors are retained 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22NOMINATION COMMITTEE 
REPORT

The Nomination Committee comprises all the 
Non-Executive Directors and the CEO.

Activities during the year

The Committee met three times during 
the year.

Main responsibilities

The terms of reference of the Committee are 
set out on the Company’s website. The main 
responsibilities of the Committee are 
as follows;

	• Regularly reviewing the structure, size 
and composition (including the skills, 
knowledge, experience and diversity) of 
the Board.

	• Giving full consideration to succession 

planning.

	• Keeping under review the leadership needs 

of the organisation.

	•

Being responsible for identifying and 
nominating for the approval of the Board, 
candidates to fill Board vacancies as and 
when they arise.

	• Reviewing the results of the Board 

performance evaluation process that relate 
to the composition of the Board.

	•

Formulating plans for succession for both 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors.

	• Nominating membership of the Audit and 

Remuneration Committees.

	• The re-election by shareholders of 

Directors under the annual re-election 
provisions and of the retirement by 
rotation provisions in the Company’s 
Articles of Association.

	• Any matters relating to the continuation in 
office of any Director at any time including 
the appointment or removal of any Director 
to Executive or other office.

Before any appointment is made by the Board, 
the Nomination Committee evaluates the 
balance of skills, knowledge, experience and 
diversity on the Board, and, in the light of 
this evaluation, prepares a description of the 
role and capabilities required for a particular 
appointment.

A major activity for Committee was the process 
for search and recruitment of a successor to 
Marc Loomes, whose intention to retire was 
announced on the 26 July 2021. The Committee 
developed a specification for the role based 
on a consideration of the strategy and future 
needs of the Company. The extensive process 
was supported by a leading executive search 
consultancy. Following a recommendation by 
the Nomination Committee, the Board was 
pleased to announce the appointment of David 
Hallas as the new CEO on 18 January 2022. He 
took up his appointment on 1 April 2022 and 
brings with him extensive experience managing 
profitable growth through the introduction 
of new products, including vaccines, and 
successful merger and acquisition integrations.

The Committee had also identified the 
need for extra Non-executive resource with 
relevant financial expertise to continue to 
improve corporate governance to take over 
as chair of the Audit Committee when the 
existing chair stood down. Following a search 
and recruitment process, again supported 
by an external search firm, the Company was 
pleased to announce on 1 December 2021, the 
appointment with, immediate effect, of Tracey 
James as Non-executive Director. Tracey is a 
highly experienced Chartered Accountant who 
has spent 26 years with Grant Thornton UK LLP, 
with the last 14 years as an Audit Partner and is 
also an experienced Non-executive Director. 
She assumed the Role of chair of the Audit 
Committee in February 2022. 

The Nomination Committee is very pleased 
that the addition of Tracey James to our Board 
has improved our gender diversity at 
Board level. 

The Nomination Committee and Board noted 
the findings of the initial ESG report and 
recognise the importance and benefits of 
diversity and will continue to ensure we look 
for opportunities to develop and improve our 
approach throughout the Company

Dr Andrew Jones
Nomination Committee Chairman
30 August 2022

5151

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The Directors present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Directors

The following Directors have held office since 1 April 2021:

Andrew Jones

Non-Executive Chairman

Anthony Rawlinson (resigned 9 August 2022)

Non-Executive Director

Frank Armstrong

Non-Executive Director

Tracey James (appointed 1 December 2021)

Non-Executive Director

Marc Loomes (resigned 1 April 2022)*

Christopher Wilks

Chief Executive

Finance Director

*David Hallas was appointed Chief Executive with effect from 1 April 2022

Principal activities

in the UK comprise two offices.  Consequently, the emissions from ECO 
Group premises in the UK are disclosed in the ESG report.

The principal activities of the Group in the year under review were those 
of manufacturers and suppliers of animal health products. These activities 
were conducted on a global scale, through a network including both regional 
offices, (notably in Shanghai and Princeton) and overseas subsidiaries.

Post balance sheet events

Post balance sheet events are detailed in note 33 to these financial statements.

Results and dividends

Substantial shareholdings

The consolidated income statement for the year is set out on page 62.

The loss for the year after tax was £0.6m (2021 restated: £15.9m). The 
Company does not propose to pay a dividend for the year ended 31 March 
2022 (year ended 31 March 2021 – 1p per share).

Future developments

The likely future development of the business is covered in the Chairman’s 
Statement and in the Strategic Report.

Financial risk management

Information on the use of financial instruments by the Group and its 
management of financial risk is disclosed in note 32 to the financial 
statements. Further details of the Group’s financial risks and controls are set 
out in the Strategic Report.

Energy and carbon emission

An analysis of energy consumption and carbon emissions is included in the 
Sustainability Report. The ECO Group in the UK has an outsourced business 
model.  All warehouses and production facilities are contracted to specialist 
regulated and approved companies.  As such the premises occupied by ECO 

5252

At 30 June 2022 the Company had been notified of the following holdings 
of 3% of more of its issued share capital:

Shareholder

AXA Framlington Investment 
Managers

P A Lawrence and Family

Chelverton Asset Management

Schroder Investment Management

Danske Bank Asset Management

Soros Fund Management

Canaccord Genuity Wealth 
Management (Inst)

Amati Global Investors

Artemis Investment Management

Invesco

Shares

% of issued 
share capital

8,369,527

6,958,694

4,525,000

4,340,829

4,253,409

4,170,095

3,650,000

3,188,099

2,897,015

2,386,982

12.36

10.28

6.68

6.41

6.28

6.16

5.39

4.71

4.28

3.53

DIRECTORS’ REPORTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Group research and development 
activities

The Group is continually researching into and 
developing new products and markets. Details 
of expenditure incurred and written off during 
the year are shown in the notes to the financial 
statements. The Group remains committed to 
obtaining further authorisations of its Aivlosin® 
products in other key territories and for additional 
disease applications, while at the same time 
expanding its product offering to include vaccines 
and other biologicals relevant to the swine and 
poultry markets.

Directors’ insurance

The Company maintains Directors’ and Officers’ 
liability insurance for the benefit of its Directors 
which remained in place at 31 March 2022 and 
throughout the preceding year.

Financial instruments

The Group’s accounting policies for financial 
instruments and strategy for management of 
those financial instruments are given in notes 2.6 
and 32 to the financial 
statements respectively.

Internal financial controls

The Board of Directors is responsible for the 
Group’s system of internal financial control. 
Internal control systems are designed to 
meet the particular needs of the companies 
concerned and the risks to which they are 
exposed. This provides reasonable, but 
not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. Strict financial and other 
controls are exercised by the Group over its 
subsidiary companies by day to day supervision 
of the businesses by the Directors.

Stockbrokers

Singer Capital Markets were the Company’s 
nominated advisor and stockbroker at the year 
end. Peel Hunt and Investec are joint brokers. 
The closing share price on 31 March 2022 was 
165p per share (2021: 322.5p). During the year the 
average share price was 272.4 p (2021: 253.1p).]

Auditors

The auditors BDO LLP are being proposed for 
reappointment at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting of the Company.

Statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the 
Annual Report and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations. 
Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law the Directors have prepared 
the Group and Company financial  statements 
in accordance with UK adopted international 
financial reporting standards. Under Company 
law the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they 
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of 
the Group and the Company and of the profit or 
loss of the Group for that period.

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

	•

select suitable accounting policies and then 
apply them consistently;

	• make judgements and accounting estimates 

that are reasonable;

	•

state whether applicable UK-adopted 
international accounting standards subject 
to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements;

	• prepare the financial statements on 
the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the 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. They 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 are responsible for ensuring the 
annual report and the financial statements 
are made available on a website. Financial 
statements are published on the Company’s 
website in accordance with legislation in the 
United Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements, which may 
vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The 
maintenance and integrity of the Company’s 
website is the responsibility of the directors. 
The directors’ responsibility also extends to the 
ongoing integrity of the financial statements 
contained therein. 

Statement of disclosure to 
auditors

So far as each of the Directors at the date of 
approval of this report are aware;

(a)  there is no relevant audit information 

of which the Group and the Company’s 
auditors are unaware; and

(b)  they have taken all the steps that they ought 
to have taken as Directors in order to make 
themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Group 
and the Company’s auditors are aware of 
that information.

Parent Company Guarantee

ECO Animal Health Group PLC has given 
statutory guarantees against all the outstanding 
liabilities of ECO Animal Health Ltd, thereby 
allowing its subsidiary to be exempt from the 
annual audit requirement under Section 479A of 
the Companies Act, for the year ended 
31 March 2022.

Cautionary statement and 
Forward-Looking Statements

Under the Companies Act 2006, a company’s 
Directors’ Report is required, among other 
matters, to contain a fair review by the Directors 
of the Group’s business through a balanced and 
comprehensive analysis of the development 
and performance of the business of the Group 
and the position of the Group at the year end, 
consistent with the size and complexity of 
the business.

5353

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

The Directors’ Report set out above, including the Chair’s Statement, the 
Chief Executive’s Review and the Finance Director’s Report incorporated 
into it by reference, has been prepared only for the shareholders of the 
Company as a whole, and its sole purpose and use is to assist shareholders 
to exercise their governance rights. In particular, the Directors’ Report has 
not been audited or otherwise independently verified. The Company and its 
Directors and colleagues are not responsible for any other purpose or use or 
to any other person in relation to the Directors’ Report.

The Directors’ Report contains indications of likely future developments and 
other forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated 
with, among other things, the economic and business circumstances 
occurring from time to time in the countries, sectors and business segments 
in which the Group operates. These factors include, but are not limited to, 
those discussed under principal risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking 
statements reflect the knowledge and information available to the Company 
and Group during preparation  and up to the publication of this document. 
By their very nature, these statements depend upon circumstances and 
relate to events that may occur in the future and thereby involving a degree 
of uncertainty. Therefore, nothing in this document should be construed as a 
profit forecast by the Company or Group.

On behalf of the Board.

Dr Andrew Jones
Chairman
30 August 2022

5454

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR REPORTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ECO ANIMAL HEALTH GROUP PLC 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Qualified opinion on the financial 
statements

In our opinion, except for the possible effects 
on the corresponding figures of the matter 
described in the basis for qualified opinion 
section of our report:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 the financial statements give a true and fair 
view of the state of the Group’s and of the 
Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 March 2022 
and of the Group’s loss for the year then 
ended;

 the Group financial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with UK 
adopted international accounting standards;

 the Parent Company financial statements 
have been properly prepared in accordance 
with UK adopted international accounting 
standards and as applied in accordance with 
the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; 
and

 the financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements of 
ECO Animal Health Group Plc (the ‘Parent 
Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for 
the year ended 31 March 2022 which comprise 
the consolidated income statement, the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, the consolidated and company 
statement of changes in equity, the consolidated 
and company statements of financial position, 
the consolidated and company statements of 
cash flow, 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 UK adopted international 
accounting standards and, as regards the Parent 
Company financial statements, as applied 
in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Basis for qualified opinion

We were not able to observe the counting of 
physical inventories around the Group, except 
for the China locations, (“non-China Group 
inventories”) held at 31 March 2020 due to 
restrictions and control measures arising as a 
result of the COVID 19 pandemic. We were 
unable to satisfy ourselves by alternative means 

concerning the non-China Group inventories 
quantities held at 31 March 2020, which were 
included in the consolidated statement of 
financial position at a value of £14,003,000 
(representing 82% of total inventory) by using 
other audit procedures. Consequently, we 
were unable to determine whether there was 
any consequential effect on the cost of sales 
and recorded tax amounts in the statement of 
comprehensive income, for the year ended 31 
March 2021. Our audit opinion on the financial 
statements for the year ended 31 March 2021 
was modified accordingly. Our opinion on 
the current year’s financial statements is also 
modified because of the possible effect of this 
matter, on the comparability of the current 
year’s figures and the corresponding figures.

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 believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our qualified opinion. 

Independence

We remain independent of the Group and 
the Parent Company in accordance with the 
ethical requirements that are relevant to our 
audit of the financial statements in the UK, 
including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied 
to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 
requirements. 

Conclusions relating to going 
concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have 
concluded that the Directors’ use of the going 
concern basis of accounting in the preparation 
of the financial statements is appropriate. Our 
evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the 
Group and the Parent Company’s ability to 
continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting included:

• 

 Evaluating the Directors’ method of 
assessment, including the relevance and 
reliability of underlying data used to make 
the assessment, and whether assumptions 
and changes to assumptions from prior 
years are appropriate and consistent with 
each other.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Reviewing the reverse stress test, testing 
the arithmetic accuracy of the model, 
challenging the assumptions applied and 
where possible agreeing the model to 
supporting documentation. 

 Challenging the Directors on  whether 
the reverse stress test is appropriate and 
appropriately stresses the business. We did 
this by reviewing the scenarios used by the 
Directors in their assessment, challenging 
assumptions and performing further 
sensitivity analysis.

 Reviewing the period assessed by the 
Directors checking that they have 
considered a period of at least 12 months 
from the date of approval of the financial 
statements, as well checking that the 
Directors have considered any events or 
conditions that may exist beyond that 
period.

 Reviewing the adequacy and 
appropriateness of disclosures in the 
financial statements regarding the going 
concern assessment.

 Comparing the level of available financial 
resources with the Group’s financial 
forecasts, including taking account of 
reasonably possible (but not unrealistic) 
adverse effects that could arise from risks, 
both individually and collectively, relating 
to the Group. We have also reviewd the 
accuracy of historical forecasting against 
actual results.

• 

 Verifying the revolving credit facility (RCF) 
and overdraft facilities entered into, in July 
2022, to the signed banking agreements.

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

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of 
the Directors with respect to going concern are 
described in the relevant sections of this report.

5555

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF ECO ANIMAL HEALTH GROUP PLC 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Overview

Coverage

84% (2021: 94%) of Group profit before tax

87% (2021: 83%) of Group revenue

99% (2021: 106%) of Group net assets, due to a combination of net assets and net liabilities in non-significant components

Key audit matters

2022

2021

1.   Revenue recognition relating to year 

end cut off

2.   Intangible assets – capitalised 
development expenditure

3.    Revenue recognition and discount 

accounting

✓

✓

✓

✓

KAM 3 is no longer considered to be a key audit matter as the significant risk for revenue has been isolated to cut-off at the 
year end (KAM 1).

Materiality

Group financial statements as a whole

£700,000 (2021: £750,000) based on 0.85% of revenue (2021: 3.7% of profit before tax for the year).

An overview of the scope of our 
audit

Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an 
understanding of the Group and its environment, 
including the Group’s system of internal control, 
and assessing the risks of material misstatement 
in the financial statements. We also addressed 
the risk of management override of internal 
controls, including assessing whether there was 
evidence of bias by the Directors that may have 
represented a risk of material misstatement.

At March 2022, the Parent, the UK trading entity, 
the sub-Group in China and the Brazil trading 
entity were deemed to be the significant 
components of the Group. The audits of the 
Parent Company, ECO Animal Health Limited 
and the Brazil trading entity were carried out by 
the Group audit team for the purposes of this 
opinion. The audits of the sub-Group, headed 
by Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products 
Limited were conducted by BDO China under 
instruction from and reporting to BDO LLP as 
the Group auditor. Our involvement with the 
component auditor is discussed below.

A wholly owned foreign entity in China, Zhejiang 
ECO Animal Health Company Limited and a US 
joint operation, Pharmgate Animal Health LLC 
were determined to contain significant balances 
and specific procedures were performed 
on these balances with reference to group 
materiality. The audit of the US joint operation 
was carried out by the Group audit team for the 
purposes of this opinion. The audit of the wholly 
owned foreign entity in China was conducted 
by BDO China under instruction from BDO LLP 
as the Group auditor, as with the sub-Group 
referenced above. The remaining entities were 
deemed insignificant to the Group due to the 
size of operations and balances within each 
entity. Audit work on these components has 
been limited to analytical review, verification of 
bank balances to third-party confirmations and 
sample revenue cut-off procedures carried out 
by the Group audit team. 

Our involvement with the component 
auditor

For the work performed by the component 
auditor, we determined the level of involvement 
needed in order to be able to conclude whether 

sufficient appropriate audit evidence has been 
obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group 
financial statements as a whole. Our involvement 
with the component auditor included the 
following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Internal planning discussions with the 
component auditor. The component 
auditor is a BDO member firm, ensuring 
consistent audit methodology and quality. 

 Issue of reporting instructions and 
appendices for clarity on reporting 
requirements and for the documentation 
of reporting responses to the Group 
engagement team.

 Specific discussions surrounding significant 
audit risk areas, including the Key Matter 
relating to revenue recognition for year-end 
cut-off identified above. 

 Remote review of audit files and work 
performed, along with review of internal 
reporting documents. 

5656

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22• 

 Remote attendance at the component 
audit completion meeting, along with group 
management. 

auditor’s file was performed, findings were 
discussed, and additional work was instructed as 
necessary.

The Group audit team were unable to visit 
the component location due to Covid-19 
related travel restrictions, however regular 
Microsoft Teams calls were undertaken with the 
component auditors throughout the planning, 
execution and completion stages of the work, 
where remote review of the component 

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in 
our professional judgement, were of most 
significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include 
the most significant assessed risks of material 

misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that 
we identified, 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 THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT  
ADDRESSED THE KEY AUDIT MATTER

Revenue recognition relating to year 
end cut off

The Group’s revenue recognition policy is included 
within the accounting policies in note 2 and the 
components of revenue are set out in note 4. 

The Group has one main source of revenue representing 
direct sales of animal pharmaceutical products into UK, 
European and global markets. The Group recognises 
revenue at the point its performance obligation is met, 
which will occur at different points in the revenue cycle 
dependent on contractual terms.

Given the potential for misstatement of revenue 
specifically around year end cut off, whether due to 
fraud or error, we consider revenue cut-off a significant 
risk of material misstatement in the financial statements.

We reviewed the revenue recognition policy applied 
by the Group and considered its compliance with IFRS 
15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’. Our work 
included review of management’s identification of 
performance obligations and assessment of contractual 
terms to determine when these performance 
obligations were met, both throughout the year and 
around year-end.

We tested a sample of the Group’s revenue and 
credit note transactions around the year end to verify 
that revenue was accurately recorded in the correct 
accounting period. This testing was performed through 
agreement of revenue recognised to documentation 
validiating that the performance obligation had been 
satisfied in line with the contract. 

The period over which cut-off procedures were 
performed was determined by reference to location 
specific delivery timeframes across the group’s 
international operations. 

Key observations:

Based on the work performed, we consider that 
revenue has been recognised in accordance with the 
Group’s revenue recognition accounting policy and in 
the appropriate period. 

5757

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF ECO ANIMAL HEALTH GROUP PLC 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

KEY AUDIT MATTER

HOW THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT  
ADDRESSED THE KEY AUDIT MATTER

Intangible Assets – capitalised 
development expenditure

The Group’s accounting policy for intangible assets is 
included within the accounting policies in note 2 and the 
components of intangible assets are set out in note 12. 

The Group’s policy is to capitalise development 
expenditure in accordance with IAS 38 Intangible Assets. 

Given the potential for misstatement of capitalised 
development expenditure, as well as the identified 
misstatements in prior periods (see note 3), we 
considered development expenditure capitalisation a 
key audit matter. 

Management are required to determine whether there 
are indicators of impairment in identified intangible 
assets and perform impairment assessments if they 
are identified. Annual formal impairment reviews are 
required for all intangible assets not yet available for use.

The animal pharmaceutical marketplace is subject to 
regional regulation and procedures which can impact 
the ongoing feasibility of development projects. 
Development outcomes can also change the assessment 
of the future economic viability of past capitalised 
development costs.

In addition to this, impairment assessments can also 
be complex and include judgements over significant 
unobservable inputs and assumptions utilised.

We agreed a sample of capitalised additions to 
underlying supporting documentation to determine 
whether the cost met the criteria of IAS 38 at the point 
of capitalisation. 

We reviewed management’s assessments of ongoing 
projects, including current status and viability in light of 
regional regulation, particularly for those projects jointly 
undertaken with third parties, and determined whether 
the status of the projects recorded was appropriate for 
the costs to be capitalised under IAS 38. 

We reviewed management’s annual impairment 
assessment at 31 March 2022, for capitalised 
development costs not yet available for use. We 
challenged the estimates used in forecast discounted 
cash flows by considering the appropriateness of 
each input used by management through comparison 
to industry knowledge, Group performance and 
historic results and use of valuation specialists where 
appropriate. Discounted cash flows have been verified 
for consistency to cash flow forecasts utilised by 
management for their going concern assessment.

We challenged whether or not technical feasibility 
continued to be highly probable by review of the latest 
development status, discussion with and challenge of 
ECO development experts and assessment of wider 
market conditions. 

We also sampled amortisation entries for the period 
1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 to check amortisation 
commenced in the correct period and was recorded 
over the useful life in accordance with the Group 
policy. We reviewed the appropriateness of the useful 
lives applied by corroborating the historical period 
during which the Group’s products have been sold 
and considering the periods over which competitor’s 
products have been marketed.

Key Observations

We did not identify anything to suggest that the 
judgements applied by management, in respect of 
capitalisation, amortisation or impairment assessment at 
31 March 2022, were inappropriate.

5858

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Our application of materiality

We apply the concept of materiality both 
in planning and performing our audit, and in 
evaluating the effect of misstatements.  We 
consider materiality to be the magnitude by 
which misstatements, including omissions, could 
influence the economic decisions of reasonable 
users that are taken on the basis of the financial 
statements. 

In order to reduce to an appropriately low 
level the probability that any misstatements 
exceed materiality, we use a lower materiality 
level, performance materiality, to determine 
the extent of testing needed. Importantly, 
misstatements below these levels will not 
necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we 
also take account of the nature of identified 
misstatements, and the particular circumstances 
of their occurrence, when evaluating their effect 
on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we 
determined materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole and performance 
materiality as follows:

Materiality

Basis for determining materiality

Rationale for the benchmark applied

Group financial 
statements

2022 
£

700,000

0.85% of Revenue. 
Due to the significant 
reduction in profit 
before tax and focus 
on research into 
new animal health 
products, a change of  
basis for materiality 
was considered to be 
more appropriate. 

Revenue is considered 
the most appropriate 
measure while the 
Group is investing the 
majority of profits 
into research and 
development.

Parent company 
financial statements

2021 
£

750,000

2022 
£

495,000

2021 
£

340,000

3.7% of Profit before 
tax for the year

Capped at 71% of 
Group materiality 
given the assessment 
of the components’ 
aggregation risk.

Capped at 45% of 
Group materiality 
given the assessment 
of the components’ 
aggregation risk. 

Profit before tax is 
considered the most 
appropriate measure 
in assessing the 
performance of the 
Group.

The company is the Group parent holding 
company, holding investments in other group 
entities. 

Performance materiality

400,000

450,000

282,000

204,000

Basis for determining performance materiality

57% of materiality, 
on the basis of 
adjustments identified 
in prior periods, 
the location of 
components and the 
planned nature of 
testing.

60% of materiality, 
on the basis of 
adjustments identified 
in prior periods, 
the location of 
components and the 
planned nature of 
testing.

57% of materiality, 
on the basis of 
adjustments identified 
in prior periods and 
the planned nature of 
testing.

60% of materiality, 
on the basis of 
adjustments identified 
in prior periods and 
the planned nature of 
testing.

5959

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF ECO ANIMAL HEALTH GROUP PLC 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Component materiality

threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting 
on qualitative grounds.

We set materiality for each component of the 
Group based on a percentage of between 56% 
and 75% (2021: 40% to 80%) of Group materiality 
dependent on the size and our assessment 
of the risk of material misstatement of that 
component.  Component materiality ranged 
from £390,000 to £525,000 (2021: £340,000 to 
£600,000). In the audit of each component, 
we further applied performance materiality 
levels of 57% (2021: 60%) of the component 
materiality to our testing to ensure that the risk 
of errors exceeding component materiality was 
appropriately mitigated.

Reporting threshold  

We agreed with the Audit Committee that 
we would report to them all individual audit 
differences in excess of £21,000 (2021: £22,000).  
We also agreed to report differences below this 

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. 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 course of 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 this gives rise to a material 
misstatement in the financial statements 
themselves. 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.

As described in the basis for qualified opinion 
section of our report, where the other 
information refers to inventories, cost of 
sales or related balances the current year and 
corresponding figures may not be comparable.

Other Companies Act 2006 
reporting

Based on the responsibilities described below 
and our work performed during the course of 
the audit, we are required by the Companies Act 
2006 and ISAs (UK) to report on certain opinions 

and matters as described below.  

Strategic report and 
Directors’ report 

Except for the possible effects of the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, in our 
opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are 
required to report by 
exception

• 

 the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• 

 the Strategic report and the Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Except for the possible effects of the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report,  in the light 
of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the 
audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the Directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to 
report to you if, in our opinion:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not 
been received from branches not visited by us; or

 the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

 certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities

As explained more fully in the statement of 
Directors’ responsibilities, , 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.

6060

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the 
audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial 
statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, 
and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our 
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of 
assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit 
conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will 

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22always detect a material misstatement when it 
exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or 
error and are considered material if, individually 
or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions 
of users taken on the basis of these financial 
statements.

Extent to which the audit was capable of 
detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of 
non-compliance with laws and regulations. 
We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect 
material misstatements in respect of 
irregularities, including fraud. The extent to 
which our procedures are capable of detecting 
irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

• 

 In identifying and assessing risks of material 
misstatement in respect of irregularities, 
including fraud and non-compliance with 
laws and regulations, our procedures 
included the following:

o 

o 

o 

 The nature of the industry, 
including the design of the Group’s 
remuneration policies;

 Obtaining an understanding of the 
legal and regulatory framework in 
which the Group operates, including:

o 

o 

o 

o 

 Companies Act 2006

 The accounting framework

 Relevant tax legislation to local 
jurisdictions

 Relevant medical regulators to 
local jurisdictions

 Enquiries of management, including 
obtaining and reviewing supporting 
documentation, concerning the 
Group’s policies and procedures in 
relation to:

o 

o 

 Identifying, evaluating and 
complying with laws and 
regulations and whether they 
were aware of any instances of 
non-compliance;

 Detecting and responding to the 
risks of fraud and whether they 
have knowledge of any actual, 
suspected or alleged fraud; and

The internal controls established to mitigate 
risks relating to fraud or non-compliance with 
laws and regulations. .

• 

Discussing amongst the engagement team 
regarding how and where fraud might occur 
in the financial statements and any potential 
indicators of fraud. As part of this discussion, 
we identified potential for fraud in revenue 
recognition, specifically in relation to revenue 
cut-off, as well as the potential for management 
override of controls specifically in relation to 
the posting of journal adjustments and the 
inappropriate use of estimates.

• 

 We have responded to risks identified 
by performing procedures including the 
following:

o 

o 

o 

o 

 Performance of sample cut-off 
procedures over revenue recognition 
around the year-end;

 Enquiry of in-house management and 
external legal counsel concerning 
actual and potential litigation and 
claims;

 Performing analytical procedures to 
identify any unusual or unexpected 
relationships which may indicate risks 
of misstatement due to fraud; and

 Reading the minutes of meetings of 
those charged with governance.

• 

 We have also considered the risk of fraud 
through management override of controls 
by:

o 

o 

 Testing the appropriateness of 
atypical journal entries and other 
adjustments, choosing journals to 
test based on criteria assessment 
of the nature of journals and the 
associated risks and verifying  
those journals to supporting 
documentation; and

 Assessing whether the judgements 
made in making accounting estimates 
are indicative of potential bias, 
in particular assumptions used in 
determining the defined benefit 
pension liability.

• 

 Our testing was performed at a level we 
deemed capable of identifying material 
error.

 We communicated relevant identified 
laws and regulations and potential fraud 
risks to all engagement team members and 
discussed how and where these might occur 
and remained alert to any indications of 
fraud and non-compliance with laws and 
regulations throughout the audit, including 
the component audit team.

Our audit procedures were designed to respond 
to risks of material misstatement in the financial 
statements, recognising that the risk of not 
detecting a material misstatement due to 
fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting 
one resulting from error, as fraud may involve 
deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, 
misrepresentations or through collusion. There 
are inherent limitations in the audit procedures 
performed and the further removed non-
compliance with laws and regulations is from the 
events and transactions reflected in the financial 
statements, the less likely we are to become 
aware of it.

A further description of our responsibilities 
is available 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 Parent 
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 Parent 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 Parent Company and the 
Parent Company’s members as a body, for our 
audit work, for this report, or for the opinions 
we have formed.

Ian Oliver (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutory Auditor
Reading
United Kingdom
30 August 2022

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership 
registered in England and Wales (with registered 
number OC305127).

6161

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2022

2021

£000’s

82,195 

(47,059)

£000’s 
Restated

105,607 

(52,858)

35,136

52,749 

65 

(8,762)

(22,914)

(2,085)

319 

(8,072)

(25,547)

-

1,440 

19,449 

190 

(284)

(94)

43 

43 

1,389

(2,094)

(705) 

(686) 

(19)

(705) 

(1.01) 

(1.01) 

129 

(302)

(173)

38 

38 

19,314

(3,486)

15,828

7,337

8,491 

15,828 

10.86

10.85

5,406

23,532

Notes

4

5

6

12

6

7

7

16

9

27

8

8

6

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other income

Research and development expenses

Administrative expenses

Impairment of intangible assets

Profit from operating activities

Finance income

Finance costs

Net finance expense

Share of profit of associate

Profit before income tax

Income tax charge

(Loss)/Profit for the year 

(Loss)/Profit attributable to:

Owners of the parent Company

Non-controlling interest

(Loss)/Profit for the year

(Loss)/Earnings per share (pence)

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence)

Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortisation, Revaluation, Impairment, Legal provision, 
Share Based Payments and Foreign Exchange Differences 

The notes on pages 68 to 130 form part of these financial statements.

6262

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22(Loss)/Profit for the year

(705) 

15,828

2022

2021

Notes

£000’s

£000’s 
Restated

Other comprehensive income/(losses):

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Foreign currency translation differences

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Deferred tax on property revaluations

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes

Other comprehensive income/(losses) for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Owners of the parent Company

Non-controlling interest

The notes on pages 68 to 130 form part of these financial statements.

2,195

11

1 

24 

2,220

84 

(32)

63

1,515

15,891

435 

1,080

1,515

7,681

8,210 

15,891

24

27

6363

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTOF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Share 
Capital

Share 
Premium 
Account

Revaluation 
Reserve

Other 
Reserves

Foreign  
Exchange 
Reserve

Retained 
Earnings

Total

Non-
controlling 
Interest

Total 
Equity

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

3,377

62,882

572

106

800

5,982

73,719

5,766

79,485

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

2 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

376 

- 

- 

376 

-

- 

84 

- 

84

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

7,337

7,337

8,491

15,828

292 

- 

- 

- 

- 

292 

84 

(32)

(32)

(281)

- 

- 

11

84 

(32)

292 

7,305

7,681

8,210 

15,891

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

123 

- 

123 

378 

123 

- 

501 

- 

- 

(562)

(562)

378 

123 

(562)

(61)

3,379 

63,258 

656 

106 

1,092 

13,410

81,901

13,414 

95,315

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

61 

- 

- 

61 

- 

- 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(686) 

(686) 

(19)

(705) 

1,096

- 

- 

- 

- 

24 

1,096

1,099 

2,195

1 

24 

- 

- 

1 

24 

1,096

(662) 

435 

1,080

1,515

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

342 

(677)

(335)

63 

342 

(677)

(272)

- 

- 

63 

342 

(2,210)

(2,887)

(2,210)

(2,482)

Balance as at 31 March 2020 
(restated)

Profit for the year (restated)

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency differences

Deferred tax on property 
revaluations

Actuarial gains on pension scheme 
assets

Total comprehensive income for 
the year

Transactions with owners:

Issue of shares in the year

Share-based payments

Dividends

Transactions with owners

Balance as at 31 March 2021 
(restated)

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency differences

Deferred tax on property 
revaluations

Actuarial gains on pension scheme 
assets

Total comprehensive income for 
the year

Transactions with owners:

Issue of shares in the year

Share-based payments

Dividends

Transactions with owners

Balance as at 31 March 2022

3,381 

63,319 

657 

106 

2,188

12,413

82,064

12,284 

94,348

The notes on pages 68 to 130 form part of these financial statements

6464

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

COMPANY

Share  
Capital

Share 
Premium 
Account

Revaluation 
Reserve

Other 
Reserves

Retained 
Earnings

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Balance as at 31 March 2020

3,377 

62,882 

302 

106 

11,138 

77,805 

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Deferred tax on property revaluations

Actuarial loss on pension scheme assets

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners

Issue of shares in the year

Share-based payments

Dividends

Transactions with owners

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

376 

- 

- 

376 

- 

83 

- 

83 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(903)

(903)

- 

(32)

(935)

- 

123 

- 

123 

83 

(32)

(852)

378 

123 

- 

501 

Balance as at 31 March 2021

3,379 

63,258 

385 

106 

10,326 

77,454 

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Deferred tax on property revaluations

Actuarial loss on pension scheme assets

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners

Issue of shares in the year

Share-based payments

Dividends

Transactions with owners

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

61 

- 

- 

61 

- 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,586)

(1,586)

- 

24 

1 

24 

(1,562)

(1,561)

- 

342 

(677)

(335)

63 

342 

(677)

(272)

Balance as at 31 March 2022

3,381 

63,319 

386 

106 

8,429 

75,621 

The notes on pages 68 to 130 form part of these financial statements.

6565

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CO. NUMBER: 01818170) 

AS AT 31 MARCH 2022

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Right-of-use assets

Investments

Amounts due from subsidiary Company

Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Income tax recoverable

Other taxes and social security

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

TOTAL ASSETS

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Borrowings

Income tax payable

Other taxes and social security

Lease liabilities

Dividends

Current liabilities

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax

Lease liabilities

TOTAL ASSETS LESS TOTAL LIABILITIES

EQUITY

Issued share capital

Share premium account

Revaluation reserve

Other reserves

Foreign exchange reserve

Retained earnings

Shareholders' funds

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Group

Company

2022

2021

2020

2022

2021

Notes

£000’s

£000’s 
Restated

£000’s 
Restated

£000’s

£000’s

12

13

14

15

16

18

17

18

20

21

23

22

19

22

26

28

28

27

34,304

3,465

227

1,773

212

-

523

36,108

36,020 

2,181

305

1,399

180

-

266

2,426 

305 

1,658 

166 

- 

164 

40,504

40,439

40,739 

30,142

25,969

1,596

1,075

14,314

73,096

113,600

(12,954)

(3,875)

-

(224)

(239)

(397)

(50)

20,504

32,452

3,475

496

19,523

76,450

116,889

(14,521)

(1,782)

-

(3,015)

(501)

(311)

(50)

17,264 

28,353 

1,265 

652 

11,877 

59,411 

100,150 

(14,486)

(1,128)

(2,032)

(940)

-

(342)

(50)

(17,739)

(20,180)

(18,978)

55,357

95,861

-

(1,513)

94,348

3,381

63,319

657

106

2,188

12,413

82,064

12,284

94,348

56,270

96,709

(183)

(1,211)

95,315

3,379

63,258

656

106

1,092

13,410

81,901

13,414

95,315

40,433 

81,172 

(263)

(1,424)

79,485 

3,377 

62,882 

572 

106 

526 

5,982 

73,719 

5,766 

79,485 

-

748

227

59

20,032

53,940

50

75,056

-

338

-

386

279

1,003

76,059

- 

651 

305 

37 

20,032 

55,909 

- 

76,934 

- 

281 

- 

27 

819 

1,127 

78,061 

(326)

(524)

-

-

-

-

(13)

(50)

(389)

614

75,670

-

(49)

-

-

- 

- 

(7)

(50)

(581)

546 

77,480 

6 

(32)

75,621

77,454 

3,381

63,319

386

106

-

8,429

75,621

-

75,621

3,379 

63,258 

385 

106 

- 

10,326 

77,454 

- 

77,454 

Approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 30 August 2022.
Dr Andrew Jones, Chairman. 
The notes on pages 68 to 130 form part of these financial statements.

6666

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Adjustment for:

Finance income

Finance cost

Foreign exchange (gain)/loss

Depreciation

Amortisation of right-of-use assets

Revaluation of investment property

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets

Share of associate's results

Share based payment charge

Dividends received

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

Notes

£000’s

£000’s 
Restated

£000’s

£000’s 
Restated

7 

7 

13 

15 

14 

12 

12

16 

1,389

19,314

(1,611)

(190)

284

(989)

455 

398 

78 

1,140 

2,085 

(43)

342 

- 

(129)

(832)

302 

559 

430 

403 

- 

898 

- 

(38)

123 

- 

71 

(2)

28 

16 

78 

- 

- 

- 

342 

(177)

(916)

(875)

65 

(3)

15 

24 

- 

- 

-

- 

8 

(46)

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

4,949

21,862

(2,087)

(1,728)

Change in inventories

Change in receivables

Change in payables

Movement in provisions

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

Interest paid

Income tax

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangibles

Finance income

Dividends received

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of share capital 

Interest paid on lease liabilities

Principal paid on lease liabilities

Dividends paid

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Foreign exchange movements

Balance at the beginning of the period

Balance at the end of the period

The notes on pages 68 to 130 form part of these financial statements.

(8,585)

7,630

(2,868)

1,392

2,518

(106)

(2,960)

(548)

(1,624)

3 

(1,263)

190 

- 

(2,694)

63 

(111)

(371)

(2,886)

(3,305)

(6,547)

1,338 

19,523 

14,314 

(3,698)

(3,959)

753

868 

15,826 

(79)

(3,766)

11,981 

(212)

11 

(861)

129 

- 

(933)

378 

(122)

(378)

(562)

(684)

10,364 

(686)

9,845 

19,523 

- 

2,385

(174)

-

124

(60)

(17)

47

(125)

- 

- 

- 

177 

52

63 

(11)

(14)

(677)

(639)

(540)

- 

819 

279 

23

13 

13 

12 

7 

22

22

20

- 

4,044

33 

- 

2,349

(54)

(5)

2,290

(37)

- 

- 

- 

46 

9 

378 

(11)

(23)

- 

344 

2,643 

- 

(1,824)

819 

6767

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

1. 

General information

ECO Animal Health Group plc (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries (together “the Group”) manufacture and 
supply animal health products globally.

The Company is traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and is incorporated and domiciled 
in the UK. The address of its registered office is 78 Coombe Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4QS.

2. 

Summary of the Group and Company’s significant accounting policies

2.1 

Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Financial 
Reporting Standards. There were no changes to accounting policies on adoption of UK IFRSs.

The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards, 
requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at 
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting 
period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, event or 
actions, actual results ultimately may differ from those estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting 
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period 
or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. 
Further details of estimates and judgements are provided in note 2.30.

The principal accounting policies are set out below and have been applied consistently in dealing with items 
which are considered material in relation to the financial statements. They are prepared under the historical 
cost convention with the exception of certain items which are measured at fair value as described in the 
accounting policies below.

Going Concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, 
formed a judgement that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company and Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Directors 
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

This conclusion is based on a review of the resources available to the Group, taking account of the Group’s 
financial projections together with available cash and committed borrowing facilities, which include a £10m 
Revolving Credit Facility effective from July 2022 to June 2026 on top of the existing £5m overdraft facility. 
The Directors have performed a reverse stress test on the business, by considering what quantum of revenue 
and gross margin reduction would be required to exhaust all available funds within 12 months of the date of 
approving the accounts. The Directors concluded that the likelihood of such a reduction was remote, and 
therefore that no material uncertainty exists with respect of going concern.

2.2  Adoption of new and revised standards

The following new standards, amendments and interpretations for existing standards became effective in the 
financial year. These standards have been applied in preparing these financial statements but did not have a 
material effect.

•  Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37);

•  Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16);

•  Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 (Amendments to IFRS 1, IFRS 9, IFRS 16 and IAS 41); and

•  References to Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3).

6868

ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22There are a number of standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations which have been issued by 
the IASB that are effective in future accounting periods that have been adopted early.

The following standard is effective from 1 January 2023.

• 

IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts

The following amendments are effective for the period beginning 1 January 2023:

•  Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2;

•  Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1);

•  Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to IAS 8); and

•  Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12).

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the Standards and Interpretations listed above will have a 
material impact on the financial statements in future periods.

Beyond the information above, it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of these 
standards until a detailed review has been completed.

2.3 

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries drawn up 
to 31 March 2022.

An entity is classed as a subsidiary of the Company when as a result of contractual arrangements, the 
Company has the power to govern its financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from 
its activities.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. 
The cost of an acquisition is measured, as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued 
and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. Identifiable assets acquired and contingent 
liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date, 
irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the 
fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of 
acquisition is less than the fair value, the difference is recognised directly in the income statement.

Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where material to ensure consistency with the policies 
adopted by the Group. Although the subsidiaries in Brazil and China and the joint operations in the USA and 
Canada all have December year ends, the Group uses management accounts to the end of March to prepare 
the Group accounts.

Subsidiaries are wholly consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are 
deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are 
eliminated on consolidation.

The Group initially recognised any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the non-controlling interest’s 
proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets. For each business combination, the Group elects whether 
to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of 
the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included in 
administrative expenses. The Group has not elected to take the option to use fair value in acquisitions 
completed to date.

Profit or loss and each component of Other Comprehensive Income are attributed to the equity holders 
of the parent of the Group and to the non-controlling interests, even if this results in the non-controlling 
interests having a deficit balance.

2.4 

Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting to the chief operating 
decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing 
performance of the operating segments has been identified as the Board.

6969

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/222.5 

Foreign currency translation

(a) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of 
the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“functional currency”). The consolidated 
and company financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling, which is the Group and the Company’s 
functional currency.

(b) Transactions and balances

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Pounds Sterling at the 
rates of exchange ruling at the date of the financial statements.

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing 
at the date of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such 
transactions and from the translation at period end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement within administrative expenses.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowing and cash and cash equivalents are presented in 
the income statement within administrative expenses. 

(c) Group companies

The results and financial position of all Group entities that have a functional currency different from the 
Group’s functional and presentation currency are translated into the Group’s functional and presentation 
currency as follows:

• 

• 

 assets and liabilities for each Statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing 
exchange rate at the date of the Statement of financial position;

 income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates unless this 
average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the 
transaction dates, in which case the income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the 
transaction; and

• 

 all resulting exchange differences are recognised through other comprehensive income as a separate 
component of equity.

When a foreign operation is partially disposed or sold, exchange differences that were recognised in 
equity are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale. Goodwill and fair value 
adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
entity and translated at the closing exchange rate.

2.6 

Financial instruments

Financial assets

Financial assets comprise mainly trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents in the 
consolidated statement of financial position. These financial assets arise principally from the provision of 
goods to customers and are measured at amortised cost.

Impairment provisions for current and non-current trade receivables are recognised based on the simplified 
approach within IFRS 9 using a provision matrix in the determination of the lifetime expected credit losses. 
During this process, the probability of the non-payment of the trade receivables is assessed. This probability 
is then multiplied by the amount of the expected loss arising from default to determine the lifetime 
expected credit loss for the trade receivables. For trade receivables, which are reported net, such provisions 
are recorded in a separate provision account with the loss being recognised within Administrative expenses 
in the consolidated income statement. On confirmation that the trade receivable will not be collectable, the 
gross carrying value of the asset is written off against the associated provision.

Impairment provisions for receivables from related parties and loans to related parties are recognised based 
on a forward looking expected credit loss model. The methodology used to determine the amount of the 
provision is based on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition of 
the financial asset. For those where the credit risk has not increased significantly since initial recognition of 
the financial asset, twelve month expected credit losses along with gross interest income are recognised. For 

7070

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22those for which credit risk has increased significantly, lifetime expected credit losses along with the gross 
interest income are recognised. For those that are determined to be credit impaired, lifetime expected credit 
losses along with interest income on a net basis are recognised.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities comprise mainly trade and other payables and bank overdrafts in the consolidated 
statement of financial position. These financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortised cost in accordance with IFRS 9.

2.7  Goodwill

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of an entity represents the excess of the costs of acquisition over the 
Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the entity 
recognised at the date of acquisition.

Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated 
impairment losses. Goodwill is not subject to amortisation but is tested for impairment annually.

Negative goodwill arising on an acquisition is recognised directly in the income statement. On disposal of a 
subsidiary or a jointly controlled entity, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination 
of the profit or loss recognised in the income statement on disposal. Goodwill arising before the date of 
transition to IFRS, on 1 April 2004, has been retained at the previous UK GAAP amounts, subject to being 
tested for impairment at that date. Goodwill written off to reserves under UK GAAP prior to 1998 has not 
been reinstated and is not included in determining any subsequent profit or loss on disposal.

2.8  Other intangible assets

IAS 38 – Intangible Assets includes guidance on the accounting for Research and Development expenditure. 
Such an intangible asset is a resource that is controlled by the entity as a result of past events (for example, 
purchase or self-creation) and from which future economic benefits (inflows of cash or other assets) are 
expected. The three critical attributes of an intangible asset are:

• 

Identifiability;

•  control (power to obtain benefits from the asset); and

• 

future economic benefits (such as revenues or reduced future costs).

Identifiability

An intangible asset is identifiable when it:

• 

• 

 is separable (capable of being separated and sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, either 
individually or together with a related contract); or

 arises from contractual or other legal rights, regardless of whether those rights are transferable or separa-
ble from the entity or from other rights and obligations.

Development expenditure – whether purchased or self-created (internally generated) is an example of an 
intangible asset, governed under IAS 38. 

Recognition criteria

IAS 38 requires an entity to recognise an intangible asset (at cost) if, and only if:

• 

 it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity; 
and

• 

the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.

IAS 38 includes additional recognition criteria for internally generated intangible assets.

Expenditure on the research phase of an internal project is expensed as incurred. Expenditure in the 
development phase of an internal project is capitalised if the entity can demonstrate:

7171

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

e) 

f) 

the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale.

its intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it.

its ability to use or sell the intangible asset.

 how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits. Among other things, 
the entity can demonstrate the existence of a market for the output of the intangible asset or the 
intangible asset itself or, if it is to be used internally, the usefulness of the intangible asset.

 the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and 
to use or sell the intangible asset.

 its ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during 
its development.

The probability of future economic benefits must be based on reasonable and supportable assumptions 
about conditions that will exist over the life of the asset.

If an entity cannot distinguish the research phase of an internal project to create an intangible asset from the 
development phase, the entity treats the expenditure for that project as if it were incurred in the research 
phase only.

The Group context of IAS 38

Since the early start-up stages of the business, the Group has and continues to invest significant expenditure 
in research and development into new animal treatments and therapies. This has resulted in a significant 
family of pharmaceutical treatments for pigs and poultry. Branded as Aivlosin, this product has developed 
over 20 years into treatments for multiple respiratory and intestinal infections – each of which have separate 
regulatory and marketing approvals in each target market. The work to bring Aivlosin from the laboratory to 
the commercial farm has moved through the classical phases of pharmaceutical development and the ECO 
Animal Health R&D model can be described by the following broad phases:

•  The discovery phase – in vitro, in laboratory.

•  The proof of concept phase – key efficacy trials in small groups of animals.

•  The exploratory development phase – optimisation of dose, economic validation.

•  The full development phase – building the data set for dossier submission.

•  Submission of an application for regulatory approval.

•  Marketing and regulatory approval granted – commercial revenue begins.

The application of the principles of IAS 38 to the above model is to treat expenditure on Research and 
Development as an expense until the likely commercial benefits that will flow from the project can be 
judged to be highly probable. This means that the technical feasibility (judged by reference to efficacy) must 
be certain, the economic feasibility (judged by reference to manufacturing methodology, market intelligence, 
overall programme cost) has to be highly probable and the likelihood of gaining regulatory approval must 
be judged to be highly probable. The Directors consider that capitalisation will generally commence once a 
project enters the full development phase.

In practice, work that is undertaken to build towards regulatory approval for a new treatment claim using 
Aivlosin, existing approved vaccines or other technologies, or an approval for marketing existing technologies 
or applications in a new geographical market can be viewed as starting at the full development phase and are 
likely to meet the capitalisation criteria whereas costs in relation to some of the Group’s recently announced 
projects, on vaccine development, for example, are likely to meet the capitalisation requirements once 
they are approved internally to commence the full development phase, subject to careful consideration of 
residual technical feasibility/risk.

Amortisation of capitalised expenditure is determined with reference to the point at which regulatory 
approval is given to the product to which the expenditure relates. For historic periods, the approach adopted 
has been to amalgamate the expenditure incurred on all projects relating to the same product, since the last 
regulatory approval and then identify the next nearest regulatory approval given for that product in either 
the same or a subsequent half-year. Amortisation begins in the half-year following the receipt of regulatory 
approval. A full six months of amortisation is charged in the first half-year for which costs are amortised.

7272

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Where the Group has capitalised costs which relate to multiple products, a proportional method is adopted 
to determined what ratio of costs capitalised to date should be subject to amortisation. This method first 
looks at capitalised costs that relate to specific products and identifies the proportion of such costs that are 
subject to amortisation at the end of any given half-year period. The ratio thus calculated is then applied to 
those costs that relate to multiple products to determine the portion that should be subject to amortisation.

These approaches have been modified where it is possible to allocate an individual capitalised cost to a single 
identifiable project. In these cases the start date for amortisation is the half-year following the half-year 
period in which the project receives regulatory approval. Where regulatory approval has not been received 
for a project, the amortisation has not started.

Amortisation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset 
over its expected useful life, as follows:

Aivlosin

5% on cost

Ecomectin

10% on cost

Vaccines

5% on cost

Trade marks and 
patents 

10% on cost

2.9 

Property, plant and equipment and depreciation

Plant and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write 
off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Plant and machinery

10%-20% on cost

Fixtures, fittings and 
equipment

10%-20% on cost

Motor vehicles

25% on cost

Leasehold 
Improvement

18%-25% on cost

 Freehold land and buildings valuations are measured as 
a level 3 recurring fair value measurement. The property 
is professionally valued by a qualified surveyor at least 
once every three years. Surpluses (which are not reversals 
of previous deficits) arising from the periodic valuations 
are taken to other comprehensive income, and deficits 
(which are not reversals of previous surpluses) are taken 
to the income statement within administrative expenses. 
Depreciation is provided at a rate calculated to expense the 
valuation less estimated residual value over the remaining 
useful life of the building at a rate of 2% per annum on a 
straight line basis. Land is not depreciated

2.10 

Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of assets are reviewed at each year end, to determine whether there is any indication 
of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated in order to 
determine the impairment loss if any. The recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value and its value 
in use. For intangible assets with an indefinite useful life or not available for use, an impairment test is 
performed at each year end.

In assessing value in use, the expected future cashflows from the asset are discounted to their present value 
using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the 
risks specific to the asset. 

An impairment loss is recognised in the income statement whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its 
cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount.

A previously recognised impairment loss for costs other than goodwill is reversed if the recoverable amount 
increases as a result of a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount, but not to an 
amount higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation) had no 
impairment loss been recognised in prior years and no reversal of impairment losses recognised on goodwill.

7373

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
2.11 

Investment property

Investment property is held either to earn rental income or for capital appreciation or for both, but not 
for sale in the ordinary course of business, use in the production or supply of goods or services or for 
administrative purposes. Investment property is measured at fair value as a level 3 recurring fair 
value measurement.

The property is professionally valued by a qualified surveyor at least once every three years. Surpluses and 
deficits arising from the periodic valuations are taken to the income statement within 
administrative expenses.

2.12 

Investments in subsidiaries

An investment in a subsidiary is where the Group own a controlling interest in an entity. Investments in 
subsidiaries are stated at cost less impairment in the Parent Company’s statement of financial position.

Other non-current asset investments are stated at fair value. They are recognised or derecognised on the 
date when the contract for acquisition or disposal requires the delivery of that investment.

Investments are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period. An impairment is recognised in 
profit or loss when the recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying amount, with the value of any 
impairment being the difference between the recoverable amount and carrying amount .

Impairments can be reversed in subsequent periods where there is any indication that the impairment loss 
recognised in a prior period may no longer exist or have decreased.

2.13 

Joint Arrangements

A joint arrangement is a contractual arrangement whereby the Group and other parties undertake an 
economic activity that is subject to joint control; that is, when the strategic financial and operating policy 
decisions relating to the activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

The group classifies its interests in joint arrangements as either:

• 

• 

Joint ventures: where the group has rights to only the net assets of the joint arrangement.

 Joint operations: where the group has both the rights to assets and obligations for the liabilities of the 
joint arrangement.

In assessing the classification of interests in joint arrangements, the Group considers:

•  The structure of the joint arrangement.

•  The legal form of joint arrangements structured through a separate vehicle.

•  The contractual terms of the joint arrangement agreement.

•  Any other facts and circumstances (including any other contractual arrangements).

The Group has interests in joint operations. The Group recognises its share of the assets, liabilities, income, 
expenses and cashflows of joint operations combined with the equivalent items in the consolidated financial 
statements on a line by line basis.

2.14 

Investments in Associates

An associate is an entity in which an investor has significant influence but not control or joint control. 
Significant influence is defined as “the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions but 
not to control them”.

The Group reports its interests in associates using the equity method of accounting. Under this method, an 
equity investment is initially recorded at cost (subject to initial fair value adjustment if acquired as part of the 
acquisition of a subsidiary) and is subsequently adjusted to reflect the Group’s share of the net profit or loss 
of the associate. If the Group’s share of losses of an associate equals or exceeds its “interest in the associate”, 
the Group discontinues recognising its share of further losses. If the associate subsequently reports profits, 
the investor resumes recognising its share of those profits only after its share of the profits equals the share 
of losses not recognised.

7474

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/222.15  Leasing

The Group assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. That is, if the contract 
conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

The Group applies a single recognition and measurement approach for all leases under IFRS 16, except for 
short-term leases and leases of low-value assets.

Right-of-use assets

The Group recognises right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease, which is the date 
the underlying asset is available for use. Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated 
depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any re-measurement of lease liabilities. The cost of 
right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognised, initial direct costs incurred, and lease 
payments made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives received. Right-of-use assets 
are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

If ownership of the leased asset transfers to the Group at the end of the lease term or the cost reflects the 
exercise of a purchase option, depreciation is calculated using the estimated useful life of the asset.

The right-of-use assets are also subject to impairment. Refer to the accounting policies in the section 2.10 for 
further details.

Lease liabilities

At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value 
of the lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease liabilities include the present value of the 
following lease payments:

• 

• 

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable;

 variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as 
at the commencement date;

•  amounts expected to be payable by the Group under residual value guarantees;

• 

• 

the exercise price of a purchase option if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and

 payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising that 
option.

Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the 
measurement of the liability.

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be readily 
determined, the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the individual lessee would 
have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a 
similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions. In addition, the carrying amount 
of lease liabilities is re-measured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in the lease 
payments (for example, changes to future payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to 
determine such lease payments) or a change in the assessment of an option to purchase the underlying asset.

The Group is exposed to potential future increases in variable lease payments based on an index or rate, 
which are not included in the lease liability until they take effect. When adjustments to lease payments 
based on an index or rate take effect, the lease liability is reassessed and adjusted against the right-of-use 
asset.

Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss 
over the lease period to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability 
for each period.

Extension and termination options

Extension and termination options are included in a number of property and equipment leases across the 
Group. These are used to maximise operational flexibility in terms of managing the assets used in the Group’s 
operations. The majority of extension and termination options held are exercisable only by the Group and 
not by the respective lessor.

7575

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The Group applies judgement in evaluating whether it is reasonably certain whether or not to exercise the 
option to renew or terminate the lease. That is, it considers all relevant factors that create an economic 
incentive for it to exercise either the renewal or termination. After the commencement date, the Group 
reassesses the lease term if there is a significant event or change in circumstances that is within its control 
and affects its ability to exercise or not to exercise the option to renew or to terminate. 

Recognition exemptions

The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases, being those leases 
that have a lease term of twelve months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a 
purchase option.

The Group also applies the recognition exemption to leases of which the underlying asset is of low value, 
comprising assets below the Group’s capitalisation threshold. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases 
of low-value assets are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Practical expedients

The Group applies a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics.

2.16 

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the historical 
batch price of the principal raw materials and the weighted average cost for other ingredients and other 
product costs. The cost of finished goods comprises raw materials, packaging costs and sub-contracted 
manufacturing costs. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less 
any costs which would be incurred in completing the goods ready for sale.

2.17  Trade receivables

Trade receivables are initially measured at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest rate method. Trade receivables are presented net of discounts or other variable 
consideration adjustments earned, where the expectation and intention is to settle the balance net. 
Impairment provisions are recognised based on the simplified approach in accordance with IFRS 9 using 
a provision matrix in the determination of the lifetime expected credit losses. See impairment section in 
section ‘2.6 Financial instruments’ for more details.

2.18  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held on call with banks, other short term highly 
liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. For the purpose of the statement of cash 
flows, bank overdrafts are included in the presentation of cash and cash equivalents.

2.19  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 assets 
after deducting all of its liabilities.

2.20  Bank borrowings and loans

Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are recorded as the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs 
(which equate to fair value). Finance charges including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and 
direct issue costs are accounted for on an amortised cost basis in profit or loss using the effective interest 
rate method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled 
in the period in which they arise.

7676

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  | Annual Report 2021/222.21  Trade payables

Trade payables are initially measured at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest rate method.

2.22  Provisions

Provisions are recognised when there is a present obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable 
that the an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are measured at the 
Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation outstanding at the year end and 
are discounted to present value where the effect is material.

2.23  Revenue recognition

Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods in the 
ordinary course of the Group’s activities. The Group’s revenue is principally derived from selling goods with 
revenue recognised at a point in time when control of the goods has transferred to the customer.

Revenue is shown net of value added tax, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the 
Group. Transaction price is determined by the contract and variable consideration relating to discounts, free 
goods or volume rebates have been constrained in estimating contract revenue that is highly probable by 
using the most likely amount method.

The Group’s contracts for delivery of goods are less than 12 months, there are no warranties within its 
sales contracts.

Revenue is recognised when the performance obligation is fulfilled and the amount can be measured reliably. 
The performance obligation is fulfilled when control of the goods passes to the customer, which is normally 
in accordance with Incoterms or receipt by customer. No goods are dispatched on a sale or return basis. 
Distributors trade on their own account and not as agents.

The Group also receives interest and royalty income, which are recognised on an accruals basis.

2.24  Pensions

Defined Contribution Scheme

The pension costs charged against operating profits represent the amount of the contributions payable to 
the schemes in respect of the accounting period.

Defined Benefit Scheme

The regular cost of providing retirement pensions and related benefits is charged to the income statement 
over the employees’ service lives on the basis of a constant percentage of earnings. The present value of 
the defined benefit obligation less the fair value of the plan assets is disclosed as an asset or liability in 
the statement of financial position in accordance with IAS 19. The disclosure of a net defined benefit asset 
is limited to the present value of any economic benefit available in the form of refunds from the plan 
or reductions in future contributions to the plan. Actuarial gains or losses are recognised through other 
comprehensive income.

2.25  Share-based payments

The Group issues equity-settled share options to certain employees in exchange for services from those 
employees. Equity-settled share options are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non -market 
based vesting conditions) at the date of grant.

The fair value determined at the grant date of such equity-settled share options is expensed on a 
straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest and 
adjusted for the effect of non-market based vesting conditions (with a corresponding movement in equity).

Fair value is measured by use of the Black-Scholes model for those options granted with non-market 
performance conditions. The expected life used in the model has been established based on management’s 
best estimate of the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behaviour considerations. 

7777

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22In addition a Monte Carlo simulation model has been used to model future market outcomes for those 
options granted with a market performance condition. 

Further details of the inputs to the Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo simulation models can be found in 
note 25 to the accounts. 

Share-based payment charges are credited to retained earnings. 

2.26  Taxation

Tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax.

Current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or 
recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the year end. Tax 
expenses are recognised in profit or loss or other comprehensive income according to the treatment of the 
transactions which give rise to them.

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the 
tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount in the financial statements.

Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted, or substantially 
enacted, by the date of the statement of financial position and are expected to apply when the related 
deferred tax asset is realised or deferred tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be 
available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

IFIRC 23 provides guidance on the accounting for current and deferred tax liabilities and assets in 
circumstances in which there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The interpretation requires:

• 

• 

• 

 the Group to determine whether uncertain tax treatments should be considered separately, or together 
as a group, based on which approach provides better predictions of the resolution;

 the Group to determine if it is probable that the tax authorities will accept the uncertain tax treatment; 
and

 if it is not probable that the uncertain tax treatment will be accepted, measure the tax uncertainty based 
on the most likely amount or expected value, depending on whichever method better predicts the res-
olution of the uncertainty. The measurement is required to be based on the assumption that each of the 
tax authorities will examine amounts they have a right to examine and have full knowledge of all related 
information when making those examinations.

2.27  Equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or 
options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Amounts arising on the restructuring of equity and reserves to protect creditor interests are credited to the 
capital redemption reserve.

Amounts arising from share-based payment expenses are recorded within retained earnings.

The cost of its own shares bought into treasury is debited to retained earnings as required by the Companies 
Act 2006. A subsequent sale of these shares would result in this entry being wholly or partly reversed with 
any profit on the sale being credited to Share Premium.

Amounts arising from the revaluation of non-monetary assets and liabilities held in foreign subsidiaries, and 
joint operations are held within the foreign exchange revaluation reserve.

7878

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  | Annual Report 2021/222.28  Non-controlling interest

For each business combination, the Group elects to measure any non-controlling interest in the acquiree 
either at fair value or at their proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Changes in the 
Group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as transactions with 
owners in their capacity as owner. Adjustments to non-controlling interests are based on a proportionate 
amount of the net assets of the subsidiary. No adjustments are made to goodwill and no gain or loss is 
recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

2.29  Dividend distribution

Dividends are recorded when they become a legal obligation of the Company. For final dividends, this will be when 
they are approved by the shareholders at the AGM. For interim dividends, this will be when they have been paid. 

2.30  Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, 
by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant 
risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial 
year are as follows:

Capitalisation and impairment review of intangible assets

The Group assesses development costs incurred for capitalisation in accordance with the requirements of 
IAS38 and the Group’s accounting policy described in note 2.8. The stage of development and assessment of 
technical and commercial feasibility, in particular, require the use of judgements and estimates in consultation 
with the new product development team.

The Group tests annually whether intangible assets with indefinite life, or not yet available for use, have 
suffered any impairment. Other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when an indication of 
potential impairment exists. Impairment provisions are recorded as applicable based on Directors’ estimates 
of recoverable values.

The recoverable amounts of the Cash Generating Units (CGU’s) to which intangible assets are allocated are 
determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those 
regarding discount rates, growth rates and the estimated remaining useful life of the asset. The Group also 
reviews and quantifies the tax implications related to any recognised impairments and these are included 
within tax calculations as appropriate.

Further details of the impairment reviews performed can be found in note 12 of the financial statements.

Income taxes

The Group is subject to income taxes in all jurisdictions in which it operates.

Significant judgements are required in determining the provision for income taxes including the use of 
tax losses and in estimating deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses or credits. There are some 
transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain, including tax credits 
for research and development expenditures the treatment of some specific overseas transactions, and tax 
impact of the price of goods traded between group entities. Therefore, the Group recognises assets and 
liabilities based on estimates of the final agreed position.

Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, 
such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such 
determination is made.

Deferred tax assets on timing differences are recognised to the extent by which the Directors estimate that 
future profits will be generated to utilise the underlying costs or losses to which they relate.

Pension scheme

The Group maintains one defined benefit pension scheme which has been accounted for according to the 
provisions of IAS 19. Although the assumptions were determined by a qualified actuary, any change in those 
assumptions may materially impact the financial position and results of the Group. Details of the assumptions 
used can be found in note 23 of the financial statements.

7979

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Share-based payments

The charge to the Income Statement in respect of share-based payments has been externally calculated 
using management’s best estimates of the amount of options expected to vest and various other inputs to 
the Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo simulation valuation models, as disclosed in note 24. Variations in those 
assumptions in the model may have a material impact on the Group’s results and financial position at the 
time of valuation.

Leases – estimating the incremental borrowing rate

Where the Group cannot readily determine the interest rate implicit in the lease, it uses its incremental 
borrowing rate (IBR) to measure lease liabilities. The IBR is the rate of interest that the Group would have 
to pay to borrow over a similar term, and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a 
similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment. The IBR therefore reflects what the 
Group ‘would have to pay’, which requires estimation when no observable rates are available or when they 
need to be adjusted to reflect the terms and conditions of the lease.

In practice, the Group considered the following aspects in the assessment of IBR. Once decided, the IBR will 
remain unchanged unless there are modifications in lease terms or changes in the assessment of an option to 
purchase the underlying asset.

A base rate that reflects economic environment and the term of the lease. This is mainly derived from the 
yield of a government bond issued by the country in which the Group has in scope leases. Where the term 
of the lease does not conform with the maturity period of the bond, the Group considered other available 
information such as yields on the bonds with the nearest maturity period, or the yield curve published by 
the country’s treasury department. Considering there is often a difference in the cash flow profile between a 
lease and government bond, the Group has decided to reduce the base rate by 0.05% to 0.10%. 

Financing factors that reflect the lessee companies’ risk premium on borrowing. Management considered the 
financial strength and credit risk of the lessee companies and has estimated the credit spread to be in the 
range of 1.50% to 5.00%.

Asset factors that reflect the quality of hypothetical security. Depending on the location and type of 
underlying assets, the Group expects the quality of security in this hypothetical borrowing transaction to 
vary. For example, the right to use a warehouse in rural areas may provide less relevant security compared to 
commercial office in a major city’s central business district. Based on the Group’s assessment, the asset factor 
ranges between – 0.45% to – 0.50%. 

The weighted average of the discount rates applied by the Group is as follows:

Property

Vehicle

Other

Weighted average

Fair value measurement

2022

2021

4.3%

29.0%

4.0%

5.7%

5.9%

29.0%

4.0%

7.2%

A number of assets and liabilities included in the Group’s financial statements require measurement, and/or 
disclosure of, fair value.

8080

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  | Annual Report 2021/22The fair value measurement of the Group’s financial and non-financial assets and liabilities utilises market 
observable inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in determining fair value measurements are 
categorised into different levels based on how observable the inputs used in the valuation technique utilised 
are (the ‘fair value hierarchy’):

– 

– 

– 

Level 1 : Quoted prices in active markets for identical items (unadjusted).

Level 2 : Observable direct or indirect inputs other than Level 1 inputs.

Level 3 : Unobservable inputs (i.e. not derived from market data).

The classification of an item into the above levels is based on the lowest level of inputs used that has a 
significant effect on the fair value measurement of the item.

The Group measures a number of items at fair value, including:

• 

• 

land and buildings (note 13);

investment property (note 14);

•  Pension and other post-retirement benefit commitments (note 23)

• 

• 

share-based payments (note 25); and

initial recognition of financial instruments (note 32).

For more detailed information in relation to the fair value measurement of the items above please refer to 
the applicable notes.

3. 

Prior Year Restatement

The Group has become aware of tax liabilities in a foreign jurisdiction associated with the importation of 
goods and which would have fallen due in previous periods. The Group had not previously recognised a 
liability, nor had it recognised a cost, in the financial records for the years ended 31 March 2021, 31 March 2020 
or periods prior.

The Group has estimated the total liabilities, the related foreign corporation tax impact, and their effect 
on the prior periods’ consolidated financial statements. As the Group has only recently become aware of 
the liability, it has yet to confirm the exact amounts payable and it is not clear when a settlement of these 
obligations will occur, however precedent suggests that this may be up to 7 years.

The tax is related to the importation of goods and therefore charged to cost of sales. The associated 
corporation tax impact is shown in the Group’s corporation tax charge and deferred tax asset.

The prior years’ restatement in respect of these tax liabilities did not have an effect on the individual financial 
statements of the Company.

The impact of the prior years’ restatement on the Group’s financial statements is detailed below.

8181

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Impact on the Group consolidated income statement for the year to 31 March 2021

As 
reported

Adjustments

As  
restated

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other income

Research and development expenses

Administrative expenses

Profit from operating activities

Finance income

Finance costs

Net finance expense

Share of profit of associate

Profit before income tax

Income tax charge

Profit for the year 

Profit attributable to:

Owners of the parent Company

Non-controlling interest

Profit for the year

Earnings per share (pence)

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

105,607

(51,990)

53,617

319

(8,072)

(25,547)

20,317

129

(200)

(71)

38

38

20,284

(3,635)

16,649

8,158

8,491

16,649

12.08 

12.07 

–

(868)

(868)

–

–

–

(868)

–

(102)

(102)

–

–

(970)

149

(821)

(821)

–

(821)

(1.22)

(1.22)

105,607

(52,858)

52,749

319

(8,072)

(25,547)

19,449

129

(302)

(173)

38

38

19,314

(3,486)

15,828

7,337

8,491

15,828

10.86

10.85

Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, 
Amortisation, Share Based Payments and Foreign 
Exchange Differences 

24,400

(868)

23,532

8282

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  | Annual Report 2021/22 
Impact on the Group statement of comprehensive income for the year to 31 March 2021

As 
reported

Adjustments

As  
restated

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Profit for the year

16,649

(821)

15,828

Other comprehensive income/(losses):

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Foreign currency translation differences

(258)

269

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Deferred tax on property revaluations

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension 
schemes

Other comprehensive income/(losses) for the 
year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Owners of the parent Company

Non-controlling interest

84

(32)

(206)

16,443

8,233

8,210

16,443

–

–

269

(552)

(552)

–

(552)

11

84

(32)

63

15,891

7,681

8,210

15,891

8383

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
 
 
 
 
 
Impact on consolidated statement of financial position

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Right-of-use assets

Investments

Amounts due from subsidiary Company

Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Income tax recoverable

Other taxes and social security

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

TOTAL ASSETS

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Borrowings

Income tax payable

Other taxes and social security

Lease liabilities

Dividends

Current liabilities

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax

Lease liabilities

TOTAL ASSETS LESS TOTAL LIABILITIES

EQUITY

Issued share capital

Share premium account

Revaluation reserve

Other reserves

Foreign exchange reserve

Retained earnings

Shareholders' funds

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

8484

2021 
as reported

Adjustments

2021  
as restated

2020  
as reported

Adjustments

2020  
as restated

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

36,108

2,181

305

1,399

180

- 

- 

40,173

20,504

32,452

3,475

496

19,523

76,450

116,623

(14,521)

-

- 

(3,015)

(501)

(311)

(50)

(18,398)

58,052

98,225

(183)

(1,211)

96,831

3,379

63,258

656

106

549

15,469

83,417

13,414

96,831

-

-

-

-

-

-

266

266

-

-

-

-

-

-

266

-

(1,782)

-

-

-

-

-

(1,782)

(1,782)

(1,516)

-

-

(1,516)

-

-

-

-

543

(2,059)

(1,516)

-

(1,516)

36,108

36,020

2,181

305

1,399

180

-

266

2,426

305

1,658

166

- 

- 

40,439

40,575

20,504

32,452

3,475

496

19,523

76,450

116,889

(14,521)

(1,782)

-

(3,015)

(501)

(311)

(50)

17,264

28,353

1,265

652

11,877

59,411

99,986

(14,486)

-

(2,032)

(940)

- 

(342)

(50)

(20,180)

(17,850)

56,270

96,709

(183)

(1,211)

95,315

3,379

63,258

656

106

1,092

13,410

81,901

13,414

95,315

41,561

82,136

(263)

(1,424)

80,449

3,377

62,882

572

106

526

7,220

74,683

5,766

80,449

-

-

-

-

-

-

164

164

-

-

-

-

-

-

36,020

2,426

305

1,658

166

-

164

40,739

17,264

28,353

1,265

652

11,877

59,411

164

100,150

-

(1,128)

-

-

-

-

-

(1,128)

(1,128)

(964)

-

-

(964)

-

-

-

-

274

(1,238)

(964)

-

(964)

(14,486)

(1,128)

(2,032)

(940)

-

(342)

(50)

(18,978)

40,433

81,172

(263)

(1,424)

79,485

3,377

62,882

572

106

800

5,982

73,719

5,766

79,485

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Impact on consolidated statement of cashflows

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Adjustment for:

Finance income

Finance cost

Foreign exchange (gain)/loss

Depreciation

Amortisation of right-of-use assets

Revaluation of investment property

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets

Share of associate’s results

Share based payment charge

Dividends received

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

Change in inventories

Change in receivables

Change in payables

Movement in provisions

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

Interest paid

Income tax

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangibles

Finance income

Dividends received

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of share capital 

Interest paid on lease liabilities

Principal paid on lease liabilities

Dividends paid

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Foreign exchange movements

Balance at the beginning of the period

Balance at the end of the period

2021 
As 
reported

Adjustments

2021 
As 
restated

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

20,284

(970)

19,314

(129)

200

559

430

403

-

898

-

(38)

123

- 

22,730

(3,698)

(3,959)

753

-

15,826

(79)

(3,766)

11,981

(212)

11

(861)

129

- 

(933)

378

(122)

(378)

(562)

(684)

10,364

(686)

9,845

19,523

-

102

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(868)

-

-

-

868

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(129)

302

559

430

403

-

898

-

(38)

123

-

21,862

(3,698)

(3,959)

753

868

15,826

(79)

(3,766)

11,981

(212)

11

(861)

129

-

(933)

378

(122) 

(378)

(562)

(684)

10,364

(686)

9,845

19,523

8585

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
 
 
 
Impact on consolidated statement of changes in equity

Share 
Capital

Share 
Premium 
Account

Revaluation 
Reserve

Other 
Reserve

Foreign 
Exchange 
Reserve

Retained 
Earnings

Total

Non-
controlling 
Interest

Total Equity

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

3,377

62,882

572

106

800

5,982

73,719

5,766

79,485

– 

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

2 

– 

– 

2 

– 

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

376 

– 

– 

376 

– 

–

–

– 

84 

– 

84

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

292

– 

– 

8,158 

8,158 

8,491 

16,649

(821)

(821)

–

(821)

7,337

7,337

8,491

15,828

– 

– 

292

(281)

84 

11

84

(32)

– 

– 

(32)

(32)

292 

 7,305

7,681

8,210 

15,891

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

123 

– 

123 

378 

123 

– 

– 

378

123

– 

(562)

(562)

501 

(562)

(61)

3,379 

63,258 

656 

106 

1,092 

13,410

81,901

13,414 

95,315

Balance as at 
31 March 2020 
(restated)

Profit for the year

Adjustment for 
overseas sales 
taxes

Profit for the 
year (restated)

Other 
comprehensive 
income:

Foreign currency 
differences 
(restated)

Deferred tax 
on property 
revaluations

Actuarial gains on 
pension scheme 
assets

Total 
comprehensive 
income for the 
year

Transactions with 
owners:

Issue of shares in 
the year

Share-based 
payments

Dividends

Transactions 
with owners

Balance as at 31 
March 2021

Management have identified a misclassification in the cash flow statement of the Company for finance 
income that was accrued rather than received as cash. There was no impact on the Company profit or 
statement of financial position.

8686

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The impact on the Company statement of cashflows

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Adjustment for:

Finance income

Finance cost

Foreign exchange (gain)/loss

Depreciation

Amortisation of right-of-use assets

Revaluation of investment property

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets

Movement in provisions

Share of associate’s results

Share based payment charge

Dividends received

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

Change in inventories

Change in receivables

Change in payables

Cash generated from/(used in) operations

Interest paid

Income tax

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangibles

Finance income

Dividends received

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of share capital

Interest paid on lease liabilities

Principal paid on lease liabilities

Dividends paid

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Foreign exchange movements

Balance at the beginning of the period

Balance at the end of the period

2021 
As 
reported

Adjustments

2021 
restated

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

(916)

(875)

65

(3)

15

24

-

-

-

-

-

8

(46)

(1,728)

-

3,169

33

1,474

(54)

(5)

1,415

(37)

-

-

875

46

884

378

(11)

(23)

-

344

2,643

-

(1,824)

819

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

875

-

875

-

-

875

-

-

-

(875)

-

(875)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(916)

(875)

65

(3)

15

24

-

-

-

-

-

8

(46)

(1,728)

-

4,044

33

2,349

(54)

(5)

2,290

(37)

-

-

-

46

9

378

(11)

(23)

-

344

2,643

-

(1,824)

819

8787

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
 
 
 
4. 

Segment information

Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the Board to make 
strategic decisions. The Board considers the business from a geographical perspective. Geographically, 
management considers the performance in the Corporate/UK, China and Japan, North America, South and 
South East Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Rest of the World.

Revenues are geographically allocated by the destination of customer.

The performance of these geographical segments is measured using Earnings before Interest, Tax, 
Depreciation and Amortisation (“Adjusted EBITDA*”), adjusted to exclude share based payments, revaluation, 
impairment and personnel related litigation matters.

Year ended 31 March 2022

Revenue from external 
customers

Sale of goods

Royalties

Corporate/
U.K.

China & 
Japan

North 
America

S & SE Asia

Latin 
America

Europe

Rest of 
Word

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

1,525 

28,385 

16,402 

11,816 

15,775 

6,430 

1,862 

82,195

1,525 

28,385 

16,402 

11,816 

15,775 

6,430 

1,623 

81,956

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

239 

239

1,525 

28,385 

16,402 

11,816 

15,775 

6,430 

1,862 

82,195

Adjusted EBITDA**

(18,623)

10,260

5,546

4,632

3,035 

841 

Total Assets

30,040

50,526

11,958 

4,978 

13,653 

2,684 

704

(239)

6,395

113,600

Year ended 31 March 2021

Revenue from external 
customers

Sale of goods

Royalties

1,471 

58,906 

13,887 

9,118 

14,265 

6,580 

1,380 

105,607

1,471 

58,906 

13,887 

9,118 

14,265 

6,580 

1,204 

105,431

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

176 

176

1,471 

58,906 

13,887 

9,118 

14,265 

6,580 

1,380 

105,607

Adjusted EBITDA** (restated)

(17,644)

26,080 

Total Assets (restated)

33,136 

59,568 

4,973 

8,109 

3,390 

3,165 

2,392 

9,641 

1,597 

2,250 

515 

754 

21,303

116,623

During the year ended 31 March 2021 the revenue from sales to one particular customer in the ‘China & Japan’ 
segment was £15,692,000, which was greater than 10 percent of the revenue of the Group. There have been 
no similar cases in the Group in the current financial year.

Goodwill and other intangible assets are initially allocated to the geographical segments on the basis of the 
proportion of sales achieved by each segment.

8888

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
 
 
A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments to profit from operating activities is provided 
as follows:

Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments

Depreciation

Amortisation of right-of-use assets

Revaluation of investment property

Personnel related litigation matters

Amortisation

Impairment

Share-based payment charges

Profit from operating activities

2022

2021 
(restated)

£000’s

£000’s

6,395 

(455)

(398)

(78)

(457)

(1,140)

(2,085)

(342)

1,440

21,303

(430)

(403)

–

–

(898)

–

(123)

19,449

**Adjusted EBITDA reported for the segments includes foreign exchange gains and losses. The Adjusted 
EBITDA for the Group is presented in note 6.

Product Revenues

Aivlosin

Ecomectin

Others

Total

Contract Balances

Within one year or on demand

At 1 April

Amounts included in contract liabilities that was recognised as 
revenue during the period

Cash received in advance of performance and not recognised 
as revenue during the period

At 31 March

2022

£000’s

72,939 

5,543 

3,713 

82,195 

2022

£000’s

2,155 

(2,155)

203 

203 

2021

£000’s

87,549

4,234

13,824

105,607

2021

£000’s

594

(594)

2,155

2,155

The Group recognised contract liabilities of £203,000 at 31 March 2022 (2021: £2,155,000). The Group does 
not hold any long term sales contracts and any rebates, discounts or free goods incentives are settled and 
recognised as revenue within the next accounting period. Contract balances are reported within trade and 
other payables on the Statement of Financial Position.

8989

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/225.  Other income

Sundry income

Total

6. 

Result from operating activities

2022

£000’s

65 

65 

2021

£000’s

319

319

Notes

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

Result from operating activities is stated after charging/(crediting):

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense

Employee benefits expenses

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation

Amortisation of right-of-use assets

Revaluation of investment property

Gain/(Loss) on foreign exchange transactions

Research and development

Impairment losses on trade receivables

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the parent Company and Group 
annual accounts

Fees payable to the Company's auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company's 
subsidiaries

Total fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the parent Company and Group annual 
accounts, for the year ended 31 March 2022, were £581,000 (2021: £350,000), and total fees payable to the 
Company’s auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries were £26,000 (2021: £48,000).

30

11

12

14

13

17

46,482 

14,054 

1,140 

455 

398 

78 

989

8,762 

(167)

452

41

51,864 

14,867 

898 

430 

403 

- 

(2,229) 

8,072 

(65)

442 

475 

9090

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, revaluation, impairment, Personnel related 
litigation matters, share-based payments and foreign exchange differences (adjusted EBITDA)

Profit from operating activities

Depreciation 

Amortisation of right-of-use assets

Revaluation of investment property 

Amortisation

Impairment 

Personnel related litigation matters

Share-based payments

Foreign exchange differences

Adjusted EBITDA

Management believe that adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure of the Group’s performance as it is the 
initial source for all re-investment and for all returns to shareholders. Investors, bankers and analysts all focus 
on this important measure of underlying performance because it enables them to make judgements about 
the Group’s ability to generate sufficient cash to meet all the re-investment needs of the business while still 
providing adequate returns to shareholders. Therefore, adjusted EBITDA has a direct relationship with the 
value of the Group and is seen by our investors as a Key Performance Indicator for management.

2022

2021 
(restated)

£000’s

£000’s

1,440 

19,449 

455 

398 

78 

1,140 

2,085 

457 

342 

6,395 

(989)

5,406 

430 

403 

- 

898 

- 

- 

123 

21,303 

2,229 

23,532 

9191

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The following items are adjusted for in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA as defined by the Group.

Item

Rationale for Adjustment

Depreciation and 
Amortisation

These items are a result of past investments and therefore, although they 
are correctly recorded as a cost of the business, they do not reflect current 
or future cash outflows.

Additionally, Depreciation and Amortisation calculations are subject to 
judgement regarding useful lives and residual values of particular assets and 
the adjustment removes the element of judgement.

These are subject to judgement and do not reflect cash flows.

These items are a result of past investments and therefore, although they 
are correctly recorded as income or cost of the business, they do not reflect 
current or future cash outflows.

Revaluation of 
Investment Property

Gains and Losses on 
Disposal of Fixed Assets 
and Impairment of 
Intangibles

Personnel related 
litigation matters

Amount in respect of a probable settlement of personnel related litigation 
matters.

Share Based Payments

This item is subject to judgement and will never be reflected in the Group’s 
cash flows.

Foreign Exchange 
differences

Since the key driver of this figure is the revaluation of monetary assets 
denominated in foreign currency at the period end, which may reverse prior 
to settlement, taking this figure out of the EBITDA figure removes volatility 
from the performance measure. Foreign exchange movements are largely 
outside of the Group’s control, so this gives a better measure of the Group’s 
progress than statutory profit measures which include them.

7. 

Finance income/(expense)

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

Finance income

Interest received on short term bank deposits

190 

129 

Finance costs

Interest paid

Interest paid on lease liabilities

Net finance costs

(173)

(111)

(284)

(94)

(181)

(121)

(302)

(173)

9292

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  | Annual Report 2021/228. 

Earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the post-tax profit for the year divided by the 
weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.

2022

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares

Earnings

2021

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares

Per share 
amount

Per share 
amount

Earnings

£000’s

000’s

pence

£000’s

000’s

pence

(686)

67,717 

(1.01) 

7,337 

67,559 

10.86

Earnings attributable to ordinary 
shareholders on continuing operations 
after tax

Dilutive effect of share options

- 

- 

-

- 

44 

Diluted earnings per share 

(686)

67,717

(1.01)

7,337

67,603 

(0.01)

10.85

Diluted earnings per share takes into account the dilutive effect of share options. As the Group’s result for the year ending 31 March 2022 was a loss there is 
no dilutive effect on the earnings per share.

9. 

Taxation

Current tax

Foreign corporation tax on profits for the year

Foreign withholding tax 

Research and development tax credits claimed in the year

Research and development tax credits - adjustment for prior year

Deferred tax

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Income tax charge

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

3,284

406 

(1,594)

437

(439)

2,094

5,772 

31 

(1,569)

(752)

4 

3,486 

9393

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
Factors affecting the tax charge for the year

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation multiplied by the applicable rate of UK corporation tax of 19% 
(2021: 19%)

Effects of:

Non-deductible expenses

Non-chargeable credits

Right-of-use assets depreciation

Withholding tax on inter-company dividends

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

1,389

19,314

264

3,669

1,345

(69)

(37)

406 

374

(141)

(40)

31 

Enhanced allowance on research and development expenditure

(1,208)

(1,741)

Adjustment in respect of prior years

Different tax rate for foreign subsidiaries

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Unused tax losses carried forward

Tax effect of share based payments arrangements

Income tax charge

456 

844 

114

(109)

88

2,094

2022

%

- 

1,261

(116)

189 

-

3,486

2021

%

Applicable tax rate per UK legislation

19.00 

19.00 

Effects of:

Non-deductible expenses

Non-chargeable credits

Right-of-use assets depreciation

Withholding tax on inter-company dividends

Enhanced allowance on research and development expenditure

Adjustment in respect of prior years

Different tax rate for foreign subsidiaries

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Unused tax losses carried forward

Tax effect of share based payment arrangements

Income tax charge

Future tax changes
On 5 March 2021 it was announced that the rate of UK corporation tax would be increased to 25% from 
1 April 2023. This change was substantively enacted in April 2021 and as the UK deferred tax assets and 
liabilities have been calculated based on the enacted rate of 25% (2021: 19%).

At the year ended 31 March 2022 the Group had unused overseas tax losses amounting to £1,003,000  
(2021: £nil) for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised.

9494

96.84

(4.97)

(2.66)

29.23

(86.97)

32.83

60.76

8.21

(7.85)

6.34

150.76

1.93

(0.73)

(0.21)

0.16 

(9.01)

-

6.53

(0.60)

0.98 

-

18.05 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  | Annual Report 2021/22 
10.  Loss for the financial year

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

Parent Company’s (loss) for the financial year

(1,586)

(903)

The Company has elected to take the exemption under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to 
present the Parent Company income statement.

11.  Dividends

Cash dividends on ordinary shares declared and paid:

Final dividend for the year end 31 March 2021 at 1.0p per 
ordinary share (settled 22 October 2021)

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

677 

- 

The Board of Directors does not propose that a dividend be paid for the year ended 31 March 2022 
(2021: £0.01).

Proposed dividends on ordinary shares are subject to approval at the annual general meeting and are not 
recognised as a liability as at the date of the Statement of Financial Position.

9595

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2212. 

Intangible fixed assets

Group

Cost

At 31 March 2020

Additions

At 31 March 2021

Additions

Impairment

At 31 March 2022

Amortisation

At 31 March 2020

Charge for the year

At 31 March 2021

Charge for the year

Written back on impairment

At 31 March 2022

Net Book Value

At 31 March 2022

At 31 March 2021

At 31 March 2020

Goodwill

Distribution 
rights

Drug 
registrations, 
patents and 
licence costs

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

17,930 

- 

17,930 

- 

- 

17,930 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

17,930 

17,930 

17,930 

407 

- 

407 

- 

- 

407 

(120)

(19)

(139)

(19)

- 

(158)

249 

268 

287 

22,977 

986 

23,963 

1,421 

(2,092)

23,292 

(5,174)

(879)

(6,053)

(1,121)

41,314 

986 

42,300 

1,421 

(2,092)

41,629

(5,294)

(898)

(6,192)

(1,140)

7 

7 

(7,167)

(7,325)

16,125 

17,910 

17,803 

34,304 

36,108 

36,020 

The amortisation and impairment charges are included within 
administrative expenses in the income statement.

Entity

Date of acquisition

2022 & 2021

Distribution rights are amortised over their estimated useful life of 
20 years and reviewed for impairment when any indication of potential 
impairment exists. The remaining amortisation period at the date of the 
financial statements ranged from 4 to 20 years.

The carrying value of goodwill is attributable to the following cash 
generating units:

ECO Animal Health Limited 

1 October 2004

Zhejiang Eco Biok Animal Health 
Products Limited

1 April 2007

ECO Animal Health Japan Inc

24 December 2009

£000’s

17,359 

94 

477 

17,930 

9696

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated at acquisition to the cash generating units (CGU’s) 
that are expected to benefit from the business combination. 

The recoverable amounts of the CGU’s are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions 
for the value in use calculations are those regarding discount rates, growth rates and the estimated remaining 
useful life of the asset.

The Group prepares cashflow forecasts that cover the two year period after the Statement of Financial 
Position date and then extrapolates them assuming a 3% annual growth rate which is well below the past 
performance of the business. Forecasts for new products under development have been included based on 
board approved plans for the next five years. The Directors believe that the long-term growth rate assumed 
does not exceed the average long-term growth rate for the relevant markets. 

Management estimates discount rates using the pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of 
the time value of money and the risks specific to the CGU’s. In the current year management estimated the 
applicable rate to be 7% (2021: 8%) due to changes in the relative weighting of elements of the Group’s capital 
structure. Management considers that there is adequate headroom when comparing the net present value 
of the cashflows to the carrying value of goodwill to conclude that no impairment is necessary this year. The 
Directors consider that no reasonably possible change in assumptions, requiring disclosure, would result in 
impairment. 

The net book value of Drug registrations, patents and license costs can be broken down as follows:

Aivlosin

Ecomectin

Vaccines

Others

2022

£000’s

13,945 

754 

1,296

130 

16,125 

2021

£000’s

15,161 

2,466 

267

16 

17,910 

Aivlosin is a highly effective antibiotic that treats a range of specific enteric (gut) and respiratory diseases in 
pigs and poultry, ensuring a rapid return to health. In addition to the welfare benefits, healthy animals gain 
weight faster, digest food more efficiently and get to market earlier which all bring economic benefit to 
the farmer. Substantial ongoing product development covering more formulations, species and diseases is 
expected to substantially further increase its revenue generating potential. The remaining useful life is from 
4 to 20 years.

Ecomectin is an endectocide that controls worms, ticks, lice and mange in grazing stock and pigs. The 
remaining useful life is 0 to 10 years.

At 31 March 2022 Intangible assets included £3,355,000 (2021: £5,791,000) of assets capitalised that had not 
commenced their useful life, of which approximately £2,044,000 (2021: £4,909,000) were Aivlosin related 
products. 

Drug registrations and licences are amortised over their estimated useful lives of 10 to 20 years, which is 
the Directors’ estimate of the time it would take to develop a new product allowing for the Group’s patent 
protection and the exclusivity period which comes with certain registrations. All such costs are recorded in 
the UK/Corporate reporting segment.

The Group continuously reviews the status of its research and development activity, paying close attention 
to the likelihood of technical success and the commercial viability of development projects. In the year 
to March 2022 there were indications that certain development projects for which costs have previously 
been capitalised were unlikely to achieve technical success or commercial viability. Net capitalised costs of 
£2,085,000 in respect of these projects have been impaired through the income statement during the period 
reducing the carrying value of the impaired assets to nil. The capitalised costs had previously been recognised 
within the Group’s UK/Corporate segment.

9797

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2213.  Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost or valuation

At 31 March 2020

Additions

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2021

Additions

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2022

Depreciation

At 31 March 2020

Charge for the year

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2021

Charge for the year

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2021

Net Book Value

At 31 March 2022

At 31 March 2021

At 31 March 2020

Freehold 
Land and 
Buildings

Leasehold 
improve-
ments 

Plant and 
Machinery

Fixtures, 
Fittings and 
Equipment

Motor 
Vehicles

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

668 

555 

- 

- 

(1)

667 

36 

- 

6 

- 

- 

- 

555 

50 

- 

- 

986 

64 

(247)

(16)

787 

1,305 

(19)

114 

1,650 

153 

(34)

(21)

1,748 

233 

(26)

57 

709 

605 

2,187 

2,012 

(9)

(14)

- 

- 

(23)

(16)

- 

(1)

- 

(103)

- 

- 

(103)

(112)

- 

- 

(710)

(47)

244 

10 

(503)

(54)

17 

(31)

(812)

(238)

29 

10 

(1,011)

(250)

24 

(26)

311 

2 

(29)

(15)

269 

- 

- 

18 

287 

(213)

(28)

26 

10 

(205)

(24)

- 

(17)

4,170 

219 

(310)

(53)

4,026 

1,624 

(45)

195 

5,800 

(1,744)

(430)

299 

30 

(1,845)

(456)

41 

(75)

(40)

(215)

(571)

(1,263)

(246)

(2,335)

669 

644 

659 

390 

452 

555 

1,616 

284 

276 

749 

737 

838 

41 

64 

98 

3,465 

2,181 

2,426 

The freehold land and buildings at Coombe Road, New Malden was valued at £615,000 at 31 March 2020 by 
Colliers International Valuation UK LLP (external independent qualified valuers). The fair value of the freehold 
property was determined by applying a 7.5% discount rate to the annual rental value of the property as 
determined by local market conditions. The Group considers the fair value of the property determined. This 
property will continue to be valued on a regular basis.

9898

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Valuation Technique used

Significant unobservable inputs

Inter-relationship between key unobservable 
inputs and fair value

RICS Valuation – Global Standards (‘Red Book 
Global Standards’) 

 •

Estimated market rent

 • Capital Value

Reduced marketability and hence rent 
achievable by the property.

 •

Price per square foot in local market.

 • Yield in local market

 • General condition

 •

 •

Statutory searches

Environmental matters

In determining the fair value of freehold land and buildings level-3 fair value inputs are used. The significant 
unobservable inputs used in establishing the fair value of freehold land and buildings are the estimated 
market rent and capital value. The Directors believe that the fair value of freehold land and buildings reflects 
the carrying value and a significant change in unobservable inputs would not significantly increase or reduce 
the fair value of the freehold land and buildings.

The freehold property of 78 Coombe Road, New Malden is subject to a legal charge held by the Company’s 
bankers dated 20 March 1987.

The value of the freehold property would have been recorded at £229,000 (2021: £239,000) on a historical 
cost basis.

Depreciation has been included in the administrative expenses line in the income statement, except for £158,000 
(2021: £118,000) of depreciation of production equipment in the Chinese subsidiary ECO Biok and for £7,000 
(2021: £6,000) of depreciation in Pharmgate Animal Health USA LLC, which are included within cost of sales.

Company

Cost or valuation

At 31 March 2020

Additions

At 31 March 2021

Additions

At 31 March 2022

Depreciation

At 31 March 2020

Charge for the year

At 31 March 2021

Charge for the year

At 31 March 2022

Net Book Value

At 31 March 2022

At 31 March 2021

At 31 March 2020

Freehold 
Land and 
Buildings

Fixtures, 
Fittings and 
Equipment

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

615 

- 

615 

- 

615 

- 

(12)

(12)

(12)

(24)

591 

603 

615 

14 

44 

58 

125 

183 

(7)

(3)

(10)

(16)

(26)

157 

48 

7 

629 

44 

673 

125 

798 

(7)

(15)

(22)

(28)

(50)

748 

651 

622 

9999

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2214. 

Investment property

Group and Company

At 31 March 2020

Revaluation in 2021

At 31 March 2021

Revaluation in 2022

At 31 March 2022

Freehold 
Land and 
Buildings

£000’s

305 

- 

305 

(78)

227 

The property in Western Road, Mitcham was valued at £305,000 as at 31 March 2020 by Colliers International 
Valuation UK LLP (external independent qualified valuer). The fair value of the investment property was 
determined by applying a 7.75% discount rate to the annual rental value of the property as determined by 
local market conditions. 

The value of the investment property would have been recorded at £130,000 on a historical cost basis.

Valuation Technique used

Significant unobservable inputs

Inter-relationship between key unobservable 
inputs and fair value

RICS Valuation – Global Standards (‘Red Book 
Global Standards’) 

 •

Estimated market rent

 • Capital value

Reduced marketability and hence rent 
achievable by the property.

 •

Price per square foot in local market.

 • Yield in local market

 • General condition

 •

 •

Statutory searches

Environmental matters

In determining the fair value of investment property level-3 fair value inputs are used. The significant 
unobservable inputs used in establishing the fair value of investment property are the estimated market rent 
and capital value. The Directors believe that the fair value of investment property reflects the carrying value 
and a significant change in unobservable inputs would not significantly increase or reduce the fair value of 
the investment property.

Following the year end, the Group decided to dispose of the property and agreed to sell the property for 
consideration of £227,000. This value is lower than the carrying value at the balance sheet date and as such 
indicated that the property should be revalued. This revaluation is noted as a post balance sheet event in 
Note 33 to these financial statements.

100100

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2215.  Right-of-use assets

Group

Cost or valuation

At 31 March 2020

Additions

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2021

Additions

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2022

Depreciation

At 31 March 2020

Charge for the year

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2021

Charge for the year

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2022

Net Book Value

At 31 March 2022

At 31 March 2021

At 31 March 2020

Property

Vehicles

£000’s

£000’s

Other

£000’s

Total

£000’s

2,113 

129 

- 

(41)

2,201 

615 

(366)

105 

2,555 

(542)

(347)

- 

11 

(878)

(355)

366 

(21)

(888)

198 

58 

(109)

- 

147 

66 

(18)

- 

195 

(119)

(52)

96 

- 

(75)

(38)

18 

- 

(95)

1,667 

100 

1,323 

1,571 

72 

79 

23 

- 

- 

(1)

22 

7 

(22)

- 

7 

(15)

(4)

- 

1 

(18)

(5)

22 

- 

(1)

6 

4 

8 

2,334 

187 

(109)

(42)

2,370 

688 

(406)

105 

2,757 

(676)

(403)

96 

12 

(971)

(398)

406 

(21)

(984)

1,773 

1,399 

1,658 

101101

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Vehicles

£000’s

Other

£000’s

Total

£000’s

95 

40 

(67)

- 

68 

38 

- 

- 

106 

(72)

(23)

63 

- 

(32)

(16)

- 

- 

(48)

58 

36 

23 

7 

- 

- 

- 

7 

- 

(7)

- 

- 

(5)

(1)

- 

- 

(6)

- 

7 

- 

1 

1 

1 

2 

102 

40 

(67)

- 

75 

38 

(7)

- 

106 

(77)

(24)

63 

- 

(38)

(16)

7 

- 

(47)

59 

37 

25 

Company

Cost or valuation

At 31 March 2020

Additions

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2021

Additions

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2022

Depreciation

At 31 March 2020

Charge for the year

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2021

Charge for the year

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 March 2022

Net Book Value

At 31 March 2022

At 31 March 2021

At 31 March 2020

102102

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2216.  Fixed asset investments

Group

At 31 March 2020

Share of associate's result for the year

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 March 2021

Share of associate's result for the year

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 March 2022

Company

Cost

At 31 March 2020

Disposed

At 31 March 2021

Disposed

At 31 March 2022

Impairment

At 31 March 2020

Impairment charge

Disposal

At 31 March 2021

Impairment charge

Disposal

At 31 March 2022

Net Book Value

At 31 March 2022

At 31 March 2021

At 31 March 2020

Investment in 
Associate

Unlisted 
investments

£000’s

£000’s

157 

38 

(24)

171 

43 

(11)

203 

9 

- 

- 

9 

- 

- 

9 

Unlisted 
investments

(subsidiaries) 
£000’s

20,077 

(25)

20,052 

- 

20,052 

(45)

- 

25 

(20)

- 

- 

(20)

Total

£000’s

166 

38 

(24)

180 

43 

(11)

212 

Total

£000’s

20,077 

(25)

20,052 

- 

20,052 

(45)

- 

25 

(20)

- 

- 

(20)

20,032 

20,032 

20,032 

20,032 

20,032 

20,032 

103103

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The Company holds more than 20% of the share capital of the following companies:

Subsidiary undertakings held by the Company

Company

Registered office address

Country of 
registration or 
incorporation

Class

Shares held %

Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health 
Products Limited

Zhongguan Industrial Area, Deqing, Zhejiang Province

P. R. China

Ordinary

3*

ECO Animal Health Limited

78 Coombe Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4QS

Great Britain

Ordinary

100

Subsidiary undertakings held by the Group

ECO Animal Health Southern Africa (Pty) 
Limited.

Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health 
Products Limited.

Shanghai ECO Biok Veterinary Drug Sale 
Company Ltd. (via Zhejiang ECO Biok 
Animal Products Ltd.)

228 Athol Road, Highlands North, Johannesburg 2192

South Africa

Ordinary

100

Zhongguan Industrial Area, Deqing, Zhejiang Province

P. R. China

Ordinary

51*

Room 1502-3, Imago Plaza, No. 99 Wuning Road, Ptro 
District, Shanghai 200063

P. R. China

Ordinary

51

Zhejiang ECO Animal Health Limited

Zhongguan Industrial Area, Deqing, Zhejiang Province

P. R. China

Ordinary

ECO Animal Health do Brasil Comercio 
de Produtos Veterinarios Ltda.

Av. Dr. Cardoso de Melo, 1470, Cl311, Villa Olimpia, CEP 
04548-005, Sao Paulo

ECO Animal Health Japan Inc.

1-2-1, Hamamatsu-cho, Minato-Ku, Tokyo

ECO Animal Health USA Corp.

344 Nassau Street, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540

Interpet LLC.

3775 Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland, 21043

Brazil

Japan

U.S.A.

U.S.A.

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

ECO Animal Health de Mexico, S de R.L. 
de C.V.

Av Techologico Sur 134-4, Unidad Habitacional 
Moderna, Queretaro, 76030

Mexico

Ordinary

ECO Animal Health de Argentina S.A.

Calle 4 E 43/44 N: 581 P.6 D:B La Plata, Buenos Aires

Argentina

Ordinary

ECO Animal Health Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

10th Floor, Menara Hap Seng, No 1 & 3, Jalan P Ramlee, 
50250 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Ordinary

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

ECO Animal Health India (Private) Ltd

No 33/5, Second Floor, Mount Kailash Building, 
Meanee Avenue Road, Ulsoor Bangalore, Karnataka, 
560042

ECO Animal Health Europe Ltd

6 Northbrook Road, Dublin 6, Eire

India

Ordinary

100

Republic of 
Ireland

Ordinary

100

* The Group’s control over its China based subsidiary Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited is 

achieved via a joint holding of 51% of the entity’s Ordinary share capital between the Company (3%) and its 
UK based trading subsidiary ECO Animal Health Limited (48%).

104104

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The principal activity of these undertakings for the last relevant financial year was as follows:

Company Name

ECO Animal Health Limited

Principal activity

Distribution of animal drugs

ECO Animal Health Southern Africa (Pty) Limited

Non-trading

Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited

Shanghai ECO Biok Veterinary Drug Sale Company Ltd.

Zhejiang ECO Animal Health Limited

Manufacture of animal drugs

Distribution of animal drugs

Procurement of raw materials

ECO Animal Health do Brasil Comercio de Produtos Veterinarios Ltda

Distribution of animal drugs

ECO Animal Health Japan Inc.

ECO Animal Health USA Corp.

Interpret LLC

Distribution of animal drugs

Distribution of animal drugs 

Non-trading

ECO Animal Health de Mexico, S. de R. L. de C. V.

Distribution of animal drugs

ECO Animal Health de Argentina S.A.

ECO Animal Health Malaysia Sdn. Bhd

ECO Animal Health India (Private) Ltd

ECO Animal Health Europe Ltd

Non-trading

Non-trading

Non-trading

Non-trading

The aggregate amount of capital and reserves and the results of these undertakings for the last relevant 
financial year were:

2022

2021 (restated)

Equity

Profit/(loss)
for the year

Equity

Profit/(loss)
for the year

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

ECO Animal Health Limited

(5,461)

(373)

(5,088)

(1,816)

315 

25,069 

35 

(37)

280 

4 

27,384 

17,340 

6,196 

4,886 

- 

ECO Animal Health Southern 
Africa (Pty) Limited

Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal 
Health Products Ltd

Zhejiang ECO Animal Health 
Limited

ECO Animal Health do Brasil 
Comercio de Produtos 
Veterinarios Ltda.

ECO Animal Health Japan Inc.

ECO Animal Health de 
Mexico, S. de R. L. de C. V.

(691)

1,300

729 

473 

(963) 

(103)

124 

411 

(12)

- 

1,398 

578 

(1,382)

(1)

-

ECO Animal Health USA Corp.

(1,029)

ECO Animal Health India 
(Private) Ltd

ECO Animal Health Europe Ltd

(13)

-

- 

(26) 

(16)

151 

111 

(2)

-

105105

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The equity and results of Shanghai ECO Biok Veterinary Drug Sale Company Ltd are included within those 
disclosed for Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited.

All of the subsidiaries listed above were included in the consolidation for the year.

Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited, Zhejiang ECO Animal Health Limited and ECO Animal 
Health do Brasil Comercio de Produtos Veterinarios Ltda all have 31 December year ends. The Group receives 
management accounts for the three months to 31 March for these subsidiaries for use in preparing the 
consolidated financial statements.

Interpet LLC has been excluded from consolidation as it holds no assets or liabilities and has ceased trading.

The following trading subsidiaries have no requirement for audit under local legislation:

 •

ECO Animal Health do Brasil Comercio de Produtos Veterinarios Ltda.

 •

ECO Animal Health Japan Inc.

 •

ECO Animal Health USA Corp.

 •

ECO Animal Health de Mexico, S. de R. L. de C. V.

ECO Animal Health Group PLC has given statutory guarantees against all the outstanding liabilities of ECO 
Animal Health Ltd, thereby allowing its subsidiary to be exempt from the annual audit requirement under 
Section 479A of the Companies Act, for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Non-controlling interests

Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited (Zhejiang ECO Biok) and Shanghai ECO Biok Veterinary 
Drug Sale Company Limited (Shanghai ECO Biok), both 51% owned subsidiaries of the Group, have material 
non-controlling interests (NCI). Summarised financial information in relation to these two subsidiaries is 
presented below together with amounts attributable to NCI.

Please note that as Shanghai ECO Biok is a 100% owned subsidiary of Zhejiang ECO Biok, the summarised 
results below are consolidated on Zhejiang ECO Biok level, before wider group eliminations.

Summarised statement of comprehensive income 
For the year ended 31 March

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross Profit

Administrative expenses

Operating (loss)/profit

Other income

Finance income

(Loss)/profit before tax

Tax expense

(Loss)/profit after tax

(Loss)/profit allocated to NCI

Other comprehensive income/(loss) allocated to NCI

106106

26,803 

(17,192)

9,611 

(8,875)

736

34 

84 

854

(891)

(37)

(19)

1,099

56,179 

(25,527)

30,652 

(7,619)

23,033 

6 

31 

23,070 

(5,730)

17,340 

8,491 

(281)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Summarised balance sheet 
As at 31 March

Assets:

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Deferred tax assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities:

Trade and other payables

Contract liabilities

Lease liabilities - short term

Lease liabilities - long term

Summarised cash flows 
For the year ended 31 March

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Foreign exchange movements

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Joint Operations

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

1,960 

1,080 

3 

14,081 

6,300 

6,148 

29,572 

4,489 

11 

144 

1,040 

5,684 

626 

755 

- 

4,967 

18,161 

13,651 

38,160 

7,785 

2,155 

82 

753 

10,775 

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

(2,818)

(810)

(4,565)

690

(7,503)

10,359 

20 

(1,310)

(757)

8,312 

The Group also holds (by means of its ownership of ECO Animal Health USA Corp.), a 50% interest in 
Pharmgate Animal Health LLC, which is resident in the U.S.A. Pharmgate Animal Health LLC distributes the 
Group’s products in the U.S.A. 

The Group also holds (by means of its ownership of ECO Animal Health Ltd) a 50% interest in Pharmgate 
Animal Health Canada Inc, which distributes its products into Canada.

The Group also holds (by means of its ownership of ECO Animal Health Europe Ltd) a 50% interest in 
ECO-Pharm Limited, based in the Republic of Ireland. ECO-Pharm Limited has not yet commenced trading.

Both Pharmgate Animal Health LLC and Pharmgate Animal Health Canada Inc. have accounting years which 
end on 31 December.

107107

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The Group’s holdings in each of the joint operations’ share capital is given in the table below:

Pharmgate Animal Health Canada Inc

Holding (shares)

Shares in issue

Common Shares

Class A Shares

Class B Shares

100

100

-

200

100

100

Pharmgate Animal Health USA LLC

Holding (shares)

Shares in issue

Common Shares

Class A Shares

Class B Shares

100

100

-

200

100

100

ECO-Pharm Limited

Holding (shares)

Shares in issue

Common Shares

Class A Shares

Class B Shares

25,000

50,000

1

-

1

1

Holding  
%

50

100

-

Holding  
%

50

100

-

Holding  
%

50

100

-

In the case of Pharmgate Animal Health Canada Inc and Pharmgate Animal Health USA LLC, A shares carry the 
rights to dividends payable out of profits attributable to the Group. These are made up of profits made by 
products supplied by the ECO Group plus 50% of any profit relating to new products developed jointly by 
the partners to the joint operation.

In the case of ECO-Pharm Limited, profits attributable to the Group are made up of profits made by 
products supplied by the ECO Group plus 33% of any profit relating to new products developed jointly by 
the partners to the joint operation.

The following amounts included in the Group’s financial statements are related to its interest in these joint 
operations.

Pharmgate Animal Health LLC

Pharmgate Animal Health 
Canada Inc

2022

£000’s

11 

1,871 

(1,855)

12,640 

- 

2021

£000’s

18 

1,055 

(1,047)

10,745 

- 

2022

£000’s

- 

631 

(630)

3,756 

- 

2021

£000’s

- 

545 

(544)

3,300 

-

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Sales

Profit after tax

108108

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Associated Company

The Group also holds (by means of its ownership of ECO Animal Health Japan Inc.) a 47.62% interest in 
EcoPharma.com which is resident in Japan. This Company distributes Animal Health products and other 
general merchandise within Japan.

ECO Animal Health Japan Inc’s holding in EcoPharma.com is 10,000,000 shares out of a total of 
21,000,000 shares.

The following amounts included in the Group’s financial statements are related to its interests in this 
associated Company.

Investments (share of net assets)

At 1 April 

Share of results for the year

Foreign exchange movement

At 31 March 

Summarised financial information

At 31 March

Current assets

Non-current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets (100%)

Group share of net assets (47.62%)

Year ended 31 March

Revenue

Net profit

2022

£000’s

171 

43 

(10)

204 

2022

£000’s

744 

27 

(222)

(120)

429 

204 

1,897 

90 

2021

£000’s

157 

38 

(24)

171 

2021

£000’s

938 

44 

(208)

(415)

359 

171 

1,704 

80 

109109

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2217. 

Inventories

Raw materials and consumables

Finished goods and goods for resale

Work in progress

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

9,772 

13,277 

7,093 

11,488 

5,433 

3,583 

30,142 

20,504 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales in the financial year amounted 
to £46,782,000 (2021: £51,864,000).

18.  Trade and other receivables

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

Non-current:

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Amounts owed by group undertakings

- 

- 

53,940 

55,909 

The intercompany debt is due on demand, however the company has classified the receivable as a 
non-current asset as it does not expect to realise the asset within 12 months after the reporting period.

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

Current:

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Amounts owed by group undertakings

Prepayments and accrued income

23,388

29,838 

660 

-

1,921

1,688 

-

926 

25,969

32,452 

-

80 

48

210 

338 

- 

69 

-

212 

281 

110110

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22As at 31 March 2022, trade receivables of £2,733,000 (2021: £3,170,000) due to the Group and £nil (2021: £nil) 
due to the Company were past due but not impaired. These relate to long standing distributors with whom 
we have agreed settlement terms and with whom there is no history of default. The ageing analysis of these 
trade receivables is as follows:

Up to 3 months past due

3 to 6 months past due

Over 6 months past due

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

1,772 

346 

615 

2,733 

2,098 

468 

604 

3,170 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

As at 31 March 2022, impairment provisions of £194,000 on gross receivables of £889,000 (2021: £351,000 on 
gross receivables of £729,000) were recognised. The impaired receivables mainly relate to debt for which 
recovery is still being sought. The Group mitigates its exposure to credit risk by extensive use of commercial 
credit reference agencies, close management of its customers’ trading against terms offered and use of 
retention of title clauses wherever possible. 

The Group has experienced minimal bad debt history and considered this in arriving at the impairment 
provision recognised. This consideration includes the potential risks arising from COVID-19 on its customers. 
Its experience with customers since 31 March 2022, is consistent with those considerations that credit risk has 
not increased. No collateral is held against customer receivable balances.

The ageing analysis of the impaired balances is as follows:

Current debt

Up to 3 months past due

3 to 6 months past due

Over 6 months past due

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

- 

21 

- 

173 

194 

6 

97 

1 

247 

351 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

Movement on the Group provision for impairment of trade receivables is as follows:

Group

Balance at 1 April 

Additional provision made

Recovered in the year

Written off during year

Foreign exchange movements

Balance at 31 March

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

351 

13

(59) 

(121) 

10 

194 

419 

71 

(136)

-

(3)

351 

111111

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

British Pounds Sterling

U S Dollars

Euros

Chinese RMB

Japanese Yen

Brazilian Real

Canadian dollars

Mexican Pesos

Other currencies

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

1,776

9,743 

2,072 

6,300 

622 

1,970 

630 

2,701 

155 

1,192 

8,067 

1,749 

18,161 

175 

363 

545 

1,997 

203 

288 

281 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

25,969

32,452 

288 

281 

The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables are not significantly different to their fair values.

19.  Deferred tax

Group

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Net

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

Trade related temporary differences

(2,586)

(2,294)

Overseas trade related temporary differences

Freehold property

Investment property

Plant and equipment

Deferred tax on share options

Tax losses carried forward

Amount receivable/(payable) after more than one year

3 

9 

18 

(109)

43 

3,145 

523 

3 

8 

(1)

(12)

120 

2,259

83

112112

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The movement on the deferred tax account can be summarised as follows:

Trade- 
related 
temporary 
differences

Tax losses 
carried 
forward

Freehold 
property

Investment 
property

Plant and 
machinery

Share 
options

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

At 31 March 2021 – as restated

(2,291)

2,259

(Charge) for the year through 
income statement

Credit for the year through 
income statement

Credit for the year through 
reserves

(292) 

- 

- 

-

886

-

At 31 March 2022

(2,583) 

3,145

8 

- 

- 

1 

9 

(1)

- 

19 

- 

18 

(12)

(97)

- 

- 

(109)

120 

(77)

- 

- 

43 

83

(466)

905 

1 

523 

Trade related temporary differences relate predominantly to research and development tax deductions 
claimed in advance of expense recognition in the income statement, carried forward trading losses and a 
provision for unrealised profit arising on consolidation. The tax losses carried forward are not expected to 
expire under current legislation.

Any future dividend received from the Chinese subsidiary Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited 
will be subject to a 5% withholding tax. The deferred tax liability in respect of this has not been recognised.

Company

At 31 March 2020

Credit for the year through income statement

Credit for the year through reserves

At 31 March 2021

Credit for the year through income statement

Credit for the year through reserves

At 31 March 2022

Freehold 
property

Investment 
property

Share 
options

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

(76)

- 

84 

8 

- 

1 

9 

(19)

17 

- 

(2)

20 

- 

18 

- 

- 

- 

- 

23 

- 

23 

At the year ended 31 March 2022 the Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset in relation to unused 
overseas tax losses amounting to £1,003,000 (2021: £nil), and unused UK tax losses amounting to £2,725,000 
(2021: £1,082,000). These tax losses are not expected to expire.

(95)

17 

84 

6 

43 

1 

50 

113113

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2220.  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash, short-term deposits held by the Group net of amounts outstanding 
on bank overdraft. The carrying amount of these assets are not significantly different to their fair value.

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Cash and cash equivalents

14,314 

19,523 

Cash and cash equivalents presented in the 
statement of cash flows

14,314 

19,523 

279 

279 

819 

819 

Balances drawn on the bank overdraft facility are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the cash 
management of the Group and Company. In the statement of cash flows, the Group and the Company have 
presented cash and cash equivalents net of balances outstanding on bank overdrafts. Amounts drawn and 
repaid on the overdraft facility are therefore considered as part of changes in cash and cash equivalents and 
are not presented as financing cash flows. As at 31 March 2022, none of the Group’s facilities were drawn.

Significant non-cash transactions from investing activities are as follows:

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
by means of leases or not yet paid at year end

Acquisition of intangible assets not yet paid 
at year end

688 

158 

187 

125 

38 

- 

40 

- 

21.  Trade and other payables

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

9,415

203 

926 

2,410

12,954

7,918 

2,155 

683 

3,765 

14,521 

50 

- 

70 

206 

326 

58 

- 

147 

319 

524 

Trade payables

Contract liabilities

Other payables

Accruals and deferred income

114114

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2222.  Borrowings

Cash and cash equivalents

Lease liabilities

Net Cash

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

14,314 

(1,910)

19,523 

(1,522)

12,404 

18,001 

279 

(62)

217 

819 

(39)

780 

The Group has an overdraft facility in certain currencies in respect of a pool of bank accounts held with 
NatWest Bank plc. 

The interest rate for all currency overdrafts is 1.8% over the relevant currency base rate and the borrowings 
are secured by two debentures held over the assets of the Group. Any drawdown of this facility is repayable 
on demand. The Company and ECO Animal Health Limited have each given a guarantee to the Group’s 
bankers for the overdraft facility. The facility has a gross and net limit of £5,000,000, which may be borrowed 
and repaid at will.

At 31 March 2022, the undrawn facility was £5,000,000 (2021: £5,000,000).

The Group put in place a £10m revolving credit facility with Natwest bank on 9 July 2022. This facility is 
interest bearing and can be drawn by the Group on demand, The facility expires on 30 June 2026. This has 
been disclosed in Note 33, Post Balance Sheet Events.

Reconciliation of Lease Liabilities

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Opening lease liabilities

New lease liabilities

Repayment

Lease liabilities interest

Disposal

Foreign exchange

Closing lease Liabilities

Current lease liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

(1,522)

(1,766)

(672)

482

(111)

- 

(87)

(188)

500 

(122)

18 

36 

(1,910)

(1,522)

(397)

(1,513)

(311)

(1,211)

(39)

(37)

25 

(11)

- 

- 

(62)

(13)

(49)

The Group leases a number of properties and motor vehicles in the jurisdictions it operates in. At 31 March 
2022 there were no termination or extension options on leases. 

The Group expensed £64,000 for the year ended 31 March 2022 (2021: £55,000) for short term leases.

(29)

(43)

35 

(11)

6 

3 

(39)

(7)

(32)

115115

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Group Leases Maturity

At 31 March 2022 the Group held the following number of leases in each of the maturity categories below.

At 31 March 2022

Up to 1 year

Between 1 - 5 years

Over 5 years

Total number of leases

Average remaining lease term (in years)

At 31 March 2021

Up to 1 year

Between 1 - 5 years

Over 5 years

Total number of leases

Property 
Number

Vehicle 
Number

Other 
Number

Total 
Number

1 

9 

2 

12 

6.5 

3 

2 

- 

5 

- 

1 

- 

1 

4

12 

2 

18 

1.6 

4.7 

4.9 

Property 
Number

Vehicle 
Number

Other 
Number

Total 
Number

5 

2 

2 

9 

5 

5 

- 

10 

1.3 

3 

- 

- 

3 

0.7 

13 

7 

2 

22 

3.6 

Average remaining lease term (in years)

7.1 

The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities recognised in the statement of 
financial position was 7.49% at 31 March 2022 (2021: 7.20%).

Weighted average incremental borrowing rate:

Group

Property

Vehicle

Other

Weighted average

2022

2021

6.25%

29.0%

4.0%

7.49%

5.9%

29.0%

4.0%

7.2%

Amounts payable under lease arrangements for the Group

The undiscounted contractual cash flows payable under the existing lease arrangements at 31 March are 
analysed into the following maturity categories.

Group

Up to 1 year

Between 1 - 5 years

Over 5 years

Total

116116

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

523 

1,104 

1,391 

3,018 

415 

768 

768 

1,951 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2223.  Provisions 

Group

At 31 March 2020

Charge for the year through income statement

Foreign exchange

At 31 March 2021

Charge for the year through income statement

Foreign exchange

At 31 March 2022

Personnel 
related 
litigation 
matters

Overseas 
tax 
liabilities

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

-

- 

-

- 

456 

-

456 

1,128

970

(316)

1,782

1,003

634

3,419

1,128

970

(316)

1,782

1,459

634

3,875

Provisions include an amount of £456,000 in respect of personnel related litigation matters. Management has 
assessed the range of possible outcomes to these claims and  the provision made represents a best estimate, 
and is mid-range of the possible outcomes, having taken legal advice. ECO management is  vigorously 
defending the claims and the timing of any settlement is uncertain due to the varying nature of the claims 
and the availability of the relevant courts if required.

Provisions also include an amount of £3,419,000 in respect of overseas tax liabilities. The Group has estimated 
the total liabilities that may be due. As the Group has only recently become aware of the liability, it has yet 
to confirm the exact amounts that may be payable and it is not clear when a settlement of these obligations 
will occur, however precedent suggests that this may be up to 7 years.

24.  Pension and other post-retirement benefit commitments 

Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes. The assets of the schemes are held separately 
from the Group and independently administered by insurance companies. The pension cost charge 
represents contributions payable to the funds in the year and amounted to £96,850 (2021: £105,000).

Defined Benefit Pension Scheme

The Group operates a defined benefit scheme in the UK for a number of ex-employees which is closed to 
new members. A full actuarial valuation was carried out at 6 April 2021 and updated to 31 March 2022 for IAS 
19 purposes by a qualified independent actuary. The major assumptions used by the actuary were:

Discount rate

Pension revaluation

Inflation assumption with a maximum of 5% p.a.

31-Mar 2022

31-Mar 2021

2.75%

3.95%

3.95%

1.90%

3.40%

3.40%

117117

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Mortality rates

No pre-retirement mortality is assumed (2021: none). Post retirement mortality is based on 100% of the SAPS 
“S2” normal tables, based on the members’ year of birth, improving in line with CMI 2021 projections with a 
1.25% long term trend rate (2021: 1.25%).

Under these mortality assumptions, the expected future lifetime for a member retiring at age 65 at the 
year-end would be 22.2 years for males (2021: 22.1 years) and 24.3 years for females (2021: 24.2 years). For 
members retiring in 20 years’ time, the expectation of life would be 23.5 years for males (2021: 23.4 years) 
and 25.8 years for females (2021: 25.7 years).

The weighted average term of the liabilities is 10 years (2021: 11 years).

The scheme is exposed to a number of risks including:

 •

 •

 •

Interest rate risk: Movements in the discount rate used could affect the present value of the defined benefit pension obligations.

Longevity risk: Changes in the estimated mortality rates of former employees could affect the present value of the defined benefit pension obligations.

Investment risk: Variations in the actual return from the scheme’s investments could affect the scheme’s ability to meet its future pension obligations. 

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

Assets at start of year

1,795 

1,787 

Defined benefit obligation at start of year

(1,799)

(1,814)

Net (liability) at 1 April 

Return on assets

Interest cost

Past service cost

Gain/(loss) on asset return

(Loss)/gain on changes in assumptions

Statement of other comprehensive income

Employer contributions (gross)

Net asset/(liability) at 31 March

(4) 

33 

(33)

- 

-

(5)

29 

24

59

79 

(27)

42 

(42)

(4)

(4)

(4)

(28)

(32)

59 

(4)

Actual assets at end of year

1,648

1,795 

Actual defined benefit obligation at end of year

(1,569)

(1,799)

Gain/(loss) on changes in assumptions was nil (2021: £3,000 gain) relating to changes in demographic 
assumptions and a gain of £29,000 (2021: £31,000 loss) relating to changes in financial assumptions.

The pension fund assets (principally made up of annuities for the benefit of active pensioners) are all held 
within a policy managed by an insurance company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the 
United Kingdom and the United Kingdom Pensions Regulator. By law, the trustees are required to act in 
the best interests of participants to the schemes. Responsibility for governance of the plans – including 
investment decisions and contributions schedules lies with trustees.

118118

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22 
Reconciliation of changes in the asset value during the year

Fair value of assets at 1 April

Return on assets

Gain/(loss) on asset return

Employer contributions (gross)

(Decrease)/increase in secured pensioners’ value due to 
scheme experience

Benefits paid

Fair value of assets at 31 March

Reconciliation of changes in the liability value during the 
year

Defined benefit obligation at 1 April

Interest cost

Past service cost

(Gain)/loss on changes in assumptions

(Decrease)/increase in secured pensioners’ value due to 
scheme experience

Benefits paid

Defined benefit obligation at 31 March

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

1,795 

1,787 

33 

(5)

59 

(234)

-

1,648 

1,799 

33 

- 

(29)

(234)

-

1,569 

42 

(4)

59 

(89)

- 

1,795 

1,814 

42 

4 

28 

(89)

- 

1,799 

The amount of annual contribution to be paid by the employer of £59,000 (2021: £59,000) is expected to 
continue until December 2022. 

Year ended 31 March

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Fair value of plan assets

1,648 

1,795 

1,787 

1,802 

2,503 

Present value of defined benefit 
obligation

(Deficit)/Surplus in plan

Experience (losses)/gains on plan 
liabilities

Plan Assets

Assets under management

Annuities

Total

1,569 

1,799 

1,814 

1,899 

2,603 

79 

-

(4)

- 

(27)

(2)

(97)

(38)

(100)

(7)

2022

£000’s

259 

1,389 

1,648 

2021

£000’s

205 

1,590 

1,795 

119119

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Assets under management composition

Corporate Bonds

Overseas Equities

UK Equities

Property

Cash

Derivatives

Gilts

2022

42.6%

27.7%

17.8%

10.5%

1.4%

-

-

2021

43.4%

28.4%

17.8%

8.9%

1.2%

0.3%

-

100.0%

100.0%

Defined benefit obligation – sensitivity analysis

The following amounts are the effect (on the defined benefit obligation) of reasonably possible changes to 
the key actuarial assumptions, as required by IAS 19.

Actuarial assumptions

Reasonably 
Possible Change

(Decrease)/Increase in Defined Benefit 
Obligation

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Discount rate

Members’ life expectancy

+/- 0.1% 

+/- 1 year

(15)

(81)

15 

84 

(20)

(100)

20 

100 

The above sensitivity analyses are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions 
constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. 
When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions the 
same method (present value of the defined benefit obligation calculated with the projected unit credit 
method at the end of the reporting period) has been applied as when calculating the defined benefit liability 
recognised in the Statement of financial position.

The methods and types of assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis did not change compared to 
the prior period. 

The Company has given a floating charge dated 1 December 2006 over all of its assets to the trustees of the 
pension fund to secure all present and future obligations and liabilities to the pension fund.

120120

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2225.  Share-based payments

The expense recognised for share-based payments made during the year is shown in the following table:

Group

Company

2022

2021

2022

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Total expense arising from equity settled share-
based payments transactions

342 

123 

120

8

The share-based payment plans are described below:

Movements in issued share options during the year

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (WAEP) of, and movements 
in, share options during the period:

Options

Options

2022

2022

2021

2021

000’s

WAEP

000’s

WAEP

(£)

3.73 

3.50 

0.05 

0.05 

2.01 

2.42 

(£)

3,519 

3.68 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(149)

2.54 

3,370 

327 

279 

38 

(122)

(26)

Outstanding at 1 April

Granted during the year - Employee scheme

Granted during the year - LTIPs

Granted during the year - Deferred bonus

Cancelled during the period

Exercised during the period

Outstanding at 31 March

3,866 

3.47 

3,370 

3.73 

3,223,400 options were exercisable at 31 March 2022 (2021: 3,004,500). The WAEP of exercisable options at 
31 March 2022 was 381.0p (2021: 372.0p).

The average share price during the year was 272.4p (2021: 253.1p).

The maximum aggregate number of shares over which options may currently be granted cannot exceed 10% 
of the nominal share capital of the Company on the grant date. The options outstanding at 31 March 2022 
had a weighted average exercise price of £3.47 (2021: £3.73) and a weighted average remaining contractual life 
of 2.8 years (2021: 2.6 years).

ECO Animal Health Group plc Executive Share Option Scheme

In accordance with the Executive Share Option Scheme, approved and unapproved share options are 
granted to Directors and employees who devote at least 25 hours per week to the performance of duties or 
employment with the Company.

326,679 share options have been granted in the year under this scheme (2021: none). In addition 278,500 
options have been issued under the group’s Long Term Incentive Plan (2021: none) and 37,755 under the 
group’s deferred bonus arrangements (2021: none).

121121

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The exercise price of the options is equal to the market price of the shares at the date of grant. The options 
vest three years from the date of grant and if the option holder ceases to be a Director or employee of the 
Company due to injury, disability, redundancy or retirement on reaching pensionable age or any other age at 
which they are bound to retire at in accordance with the terms of their contract of employment, the option 
may be exercised within a period of six months after the option holders so ceasing, although the Board may, 
at its discretion, extend this period by up to 36 months after the date of cessation.

If the option holder ceases employment for any other reason, the option may not be exercised unless the 
Board permits. The approved and unapproved options will be forfeited where they remain unexercised at 
the end of their respective contractual lives of ten and seven years respectively.

An analysis of the expiry dates of the outstanding options at 31 March 2022 is given below:

Date of grant

Unapproved

Approved

 Exercise price 

 Expiry date 

09 October 2013

21 August 2014

13 February 2015

26 August 2015

26 August 2015

18 December 2015

19 January 2016

19 January 2016

17 February 2016

17 February 2016

01 March 2016

01 March 2016

12 September 2016

12 September 2016

15 September 2016

15 September 2016

21 September 2017

21 September 2017

12 April 2018

23 October 2018

23 October 2018

19 December 2018

19 December 2018

28 April 2021

28 April 2021

28 April 2021

24 September 2021

122122

 11,100 

 14,400 

 34,500 

 24,850 

 10,200 

 19,600 

 9,600 

 25,100 

 £ 1.960 

 £ 1.615 

 £ 2.005 

 £ 2.650 

 £ 2.650 

 £ 3.125 

 £ 3.150 

 £ 3.150 

 £ 3.125 

 £ 3.125 

 £ 3.125 

 £ 3.125 

 £ 4.325 

 £ 4.325 

09 October 2023

21 August 2024

13 February 2025

26 August 2025

26 August 2022

18 December 2022

19 January 2026

19 January 2023

17 February 2026

17 February 2023

01 March 2026

01 March 2023

12 September 2026

12 September 2023

 5,900 

 £ 4.350 

15 September 2026

 £ 4.350 

15 September 2023

 53,475 

 £ 6.200 

21 September 2027

 3,900 

 75,200 

 £ 6.200 

21 September 2024

 £ 5.450 

 £ 3.800 

 £ 3.800 

12 April 2028

23 October 2028

23 October 2025

 7,800 

 £ 3.800 

19 December 2028

 154,149 

 £ 3.800 

19 December 2025

 £ 0.050 

 £ 3.495 

 £ 3.495 

28 April 2031

28 April 2031

28 April 2028

 £ 0.050 

24 September 2031

 511,650 

 600,000 

 240,800 

 400 

 40,400 

 423,900 

 544,100 

 287,525 

 276,800 

 2,200 

 326,679 

 124,351 

 37,755 

 3,416,560 

 449,774 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The market price of the shares at 31 March 2022 was 165.0p (2021: 322.5p) with a range in the year of 127.5p to 
395.0p (2021: 198.0p to 371.0p).

The Company uses a Black-Scholes model to value share-based payments for options with service conditions and/
or non-market performance conditions and the following table lists the inputs to this model for the last five years. 

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Vesting period (years)

Option expiry (years)

Dividends expected on the shares

Risk free rate (average)

Volatility of share price

Weighted average fair value (pence)

3 - 4

7 - 10

1.00%

0.18%

40%

101.0 - 
316.0

n/a

n/a

3

7 - 10

1.90%

1.00%

3

7 - 10

1.10%

1.00%

20.00%

20.00%

51.0 

98.6 

The risk-free rate has been based on the yield from UK Government Treasury coupons. The volatility of the 
share price was estimated based on standard deviation calculations on the historic share price.

Long term incentive plan

Under this plan share options may be granted to certain Executive Directors and members of the Company’s 
Executive Leadership Team. The share options awarded under the LTIP are subject to an exercise price 
of £0.05 per share and performance conditions being achieved that have been set by the Remuneration 
Committee and relate to total shareholder return (TSR) and research and development targets. 

Subject to the performance conditions being met, the share Options will vest after the end of a three 
year vesting period from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2024. The proportion of share options relating to each 
performance condition is: (i) 75% in relation to the TSR conditions; and (ii) 25% in relation to the R&D targets. 

The TSR conditions mean that the share options subject to these conditions will vest subject to the following: 
(i) 25% of the share options will vest if the annual compound TSR over the performance period equals 7.5%; 
(ii) 50% of the share options will vest if the annual compound TSR over the performance period equals 10%; and 
(iii) 100% of the share options will vest if the annual compound TSR over the performance period equals 20%. 

The R&D targets mean that the share options subject to these targets will vest subject to the following: 
(i) 25% of the shares options will vest if specified R&D targets agreed between Executive Management and 
the Remuneration Committee during the performance period are achieved; and (ii) 100% of the shares 
options will vest if specified R&D targets agreed between Executive Management and the Remuneration 
Committee during the performance period are achieved. 

A Monte Carlo simulation model has been used to value these share options.

26.  Share capital

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

Authorised

68,100,000 ordinary shares of 5p each

3,405 

3,405 

10,790 deferred ordinary shares of 10p each

32,334 convertible preference shares of £1 each

1 

32 

1 

32 

3,438 

3,438 

Allotted, called up and fully paid

67,721,916 (2021: 67,696,416) ordinary shares of 5p each 

3,381 

3,379 

123123

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22During the year 25,500 shares were issued at a premium of £61,000 as a result of the exercise of options by 
employees. (2021: 148,790 shares at a premium of £367,000).

All share issued are non-redeemable and rank equally in terms of voting rights (one vote per share); rights to 
participate in all approved dividend distribution for that class of shares; and right to participate in any capital 
distribution on winding up. 

The shares in the original or any increased capital of the Company may be issued with such preferred, 
deferred or other special rights or restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital as the 
Company may from time to time determine.

27.  Non-controlling (minority) interests

Group

2022

£000’s

2021

£000’s

13,414 

5,766 

(19)

1,099 

1,080 

(2,210)

12,284 

8,491 

(281)

8,210 

(562)

13,414 

Balance as at 1 April

Share of subsidiary’s (loss)/profit for the year

Share of foreign exchange gain/(loss) on net investment

Share of dividend paid by subsidiary

Balance as at 31 March 

28.  Other reserves

The Group and Company held a Capital redemption reserve of £106,000 as at 31 March 2022 (2021: £106,000).

Included in the Group’s foreign exchange reserve are the following exchange movements on consolidation of 
the subsidiaries and joint operations listed below:

At 31 March  
2021 
(Restated)

Movement in 
the year

At 31 March 
2022

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

635 

- 

131

4 

88 

226 

8 

750

186 

180

10

(37)

11

(4)

1,385 

186 

311

14

51 

237 

4

1,092 

1,096 

2,188 

In respect of:

Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited

Zhejiang ECO Animal Health Limited

ECO Animal Health do Brasil Comercio de 
Produtos Veterinarios Ltda

ECO Animal Health Japan Inc.

ECO Animal Health USA Corp.

ECO Animal Health de Mexico, S. de R. L. de C. V.

Pharmgate LLC

Foreign exchange reserve movements charged 
to Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income

124124

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2229.  Directors’ emoluments

Emoluments for qualifying services

Company pension contributions to money purchase schemes

Share-based payments

Benefits in kind

2022

£000’s

793 

32 

112 

4 

941 

2021

£000’s

1,086 

34 

1 

5 

1,126 

During the year no directors exercised share options (2021: none) realising a gain of £nil (2021: £nil).

The highest paid director received £430,000 (2021: £541,000) including £65,000 (2021: £1,000) of share-based 
payments and £9,000 (2021: £10,000) of pension contributions.

30.  Employees

Number of employees

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

Directors

Production and development

Administration

Sales

Employment costs (including amounts capitalised)

Wages and salaries

Share-based payments

Social security costs

Other pension costs

2022

2021

Number

Number

5 

72 

49 

95 

221 

2022

£000’s

12,251

341

1,185

277

5 

66 

48 

88 

207 

2021

£000’s

13,776 

123 

863 

105 

14,054 

14,867 

125125

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2231.  Related party transactions

In the year ended 31 March 2021, former director Julia Trouse repaid £322,109 to the group following an 
internal audit investigation on unauthorised cash withdraws. This was recognised as other income in the 
group’s consolidated income statement of the same period.

During the year Mr P Lawrence (a significant shareholder) and his family received dividends to the value of 
£2,926 (2021: £nil).

The other Directors and their families received dividends to the value of £nil (2021: £nil).

Interest and management charges from Parent to the other Group companies

During the year the Company made management charges on an arm’s length basis to ECO Animal 
Health Limited amounting to £687,267 (2021: £775,000) and charged interest of £832,000 (2021: £875,000) to the 
subsidiary company. Both of these transactions were made through the inter-company account and were 
eliminated on consolidation.

During the year Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited paid dividends of £176,717 (RMB 1,489,600) 
to ECO Animal Health Group plc (2021: £45,000) and £2,122,406 (RMB 17,890,400) to ECO Animal Health Limited 
(2021: £540,000). 

Key management compensation

The Group regards the Board of Directors as its key management.

Salaries and short-term benefits

Retirement benefits

Share-based payments

2022

£000’s

797

32

112 

941 

2021

£000’s

1,091 

34 

1 

1,126

The number of Directors for which retirement benefits were accruing was 2 (2021: 2).

32.  Financial instruments

The Group uses financial instruments comprising borrowings, cash and cash equivalents and various items, 
such as trade receivables, trade payables etc. that arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of 
these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations. The Directors are responsible for 
the overall risk management.

The main risks arising from the Group’s use of financial instruments are capital and liquidity risk, credit 
risk and foreign currency risks and they are summarised below. The policies have remained unchanged 
throughout the year.

Capital and liquidity risk

The Group manages its capital to ensure continuity as a going concern whilst maximising returns through 
the optimisation of debt and equity. As part of this, the Board considers the cost and risk associated with 
each class of capital. The capital structure of the Group consists of cash and cash equivalents in note 20, 
borrowings in note 22 and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent comprising issued capital, 
reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the Group’s statement of changes in equity.

Liquidity risk is managed by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities with continuous monitoring 
of the latest developments by management.

126126

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The Group’s objectives when maintaining capital are:

• 

• 

 to safeguard the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns 
for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; and

 to provide an adequate return to shareholders by pricing products and services commensurately with the 
level of risk.

The Group sets the amount of capital it requires in proportion to risk. The group manages its capital structure 
and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the 
underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of 
dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets to reduce debt.

As an AIM quoted company, our governance framework is underpinned by the AIM Rules and the Quoted 
Companies Alliance (QCA) Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the ‘QCA Code’). In addition to the QCA Code, 
we monitor developments and guidance in the UK Corporate Governance Code, applicable to main market 
listed companies, to keep abreast of matters which we feel could also be embedded as best practice as part 
of a progressive approach. We also review the Investment Association guidelines and seek to comply with 
these where applicable. 

At 31 March 2022, the Group was contractually obliged to make repayments as detailed below:

Within one year or on demand

Trade payables

Other payables

Accruals

Credit Risk

2022

£000’s

9,415

926 

2,410

12,751

2021

£000’s

7,918 

683 

3,765 

12,366 

Credit risk is that of financial loss as a result of default by a counterparty on its contractual obligations. The 
Group’s exposure to credit risk arises principally in relation to trade receivables from customers and on short 
term bank deposits. Customers’ creditworthiness is wherever possible checked against independent rating 
databases and filing authorities, or otherwise assessed on the basis of trade knowledge and experience. 
Exposure and customer credit limits are continually monitored both on specific debts and overall.

The credit risk in relation to short term bank deposits is limited because the counterparties are banks with 
good credit ratings.

The Group operates in certain geographical areas which are from time to time subject to restrictions in the 
free movement of funds. The Board seeks to minimise the Group’s exposure to these markets but the nature 
of our business makes it impossible to eliminate this exposure completely.

None of those receivables has been subject to a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition 
and, consequently, 12-month expected credit losses have been recognised, and there are no non-current 
receivable balances lifetime expected credit losses.

Currency risk

The Group operates in overseas markets particularly through its subsidiaries in China, Brazil, Mexico, the 
USA and Japan as well as its joint operation in Canada and is therefore subject to currency exposure on 
transactions undertaken during the year. The Group does some simple economic hedging of receivables 
when the Board feels it is appropriate to do so and foreign exchange differences on retranslation of foreign 
monetary items are recorded in administrative expenses in the income statement.

127127

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22The table below shows the extent to which the Group companies have monetary assets and liabilities in 
currencies other than in Sterling

2022

US 
Dollar

Euros

Chinese 
RMB

Japanese 
Yen

Brazilian 
Real

Canadian 
Dollar

Mexican 
Peso

Other

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Trade and other receivables

9,027

2,068

6,789

Trade and other payables

(3,912)

(425)

(4,701)

Cash and cash equivalents

4,752

366

8,261

9,867

2,009

10,349

123

(158)

120

85

1,964

(97)

145

2,012

806

(426)

208

588

2,648

(350)

311

2,609

108

(67)

92

133

Total

2021

US 
Dollar

Euros

Chinese 
RMB

Japanese 
Yen

Brazilian 
Real

Canadian 
Dollar

Mexican 
Peso

Other

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Trade and other receivables

8,063 

1,749 

17,783 

Trade and other payables

(3,773)

(757)

(5,273)

Cash and cash equivalents

2,331 

248 

14,140 

Total

6,621 

1,240 

26,650 

160 

(64)

271 

367 

359 

(74)

1,165 

1,450 

533 

1,849 

(498)

305 

340 

(87)

217 

1,979 

175 

(134)

58 

99 

At 31 March 2022 the Group was mainly exposed to the US Dollar, Euro, Chinese RMB, Japanese Yen, Brazilian 
Real, Canadian Dollar and Mexican Peso. The following table details the effect of a 10% movement in the 
exchange rate of these currencies against sterling when applied to outstanding monetary items denominated 
in foreign currency as at 31 March 2022.

2022

£000’s

1,096

223

1,150

9

224

65

290

2021

£000’s

736 

138 

2,961 

41 

161 

38 

220 

U S Dollar

Euro

Chinese RMB

Japanese Yen

Brazilian Real

Canadian Dollar

Mexican Peso

128128

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Analysis of financial instruments by category

Group

2022

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Amounts due under leases

Financial assets 

Financial 
liabilities 

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

24,048 

14,314 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(12,801)

(1,910)

24,048 

14,314 

(12,801)

(1,910)

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Amounts due under leases

Company

2022

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Amounts due under leases

31,526 

19,523 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(12,416)

(1,522)

Financial assets 

Financial 
liabilities 

31,526 

19,523 

(12,416)

(1,522)

Total

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

128 

279 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(376)

(62)

- 

128

279 

(377)

(62)

53,940 

Amounts due from group undertakings

53,940 

2021

£000’s

£000’s

£000’s

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Amounts due under leases

69 

819 

- 

- 

Amounts due from group undertakings

55,909 

- 

- 

(574)

(39)

- 

69 

819 

(574)

(39)

55,909 

All financial assets and liabilities in the Group’s and Company’s statements of financial position are classified 
as held at amortised cost for both the current and previous year.

129129

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/2233.  Post balance sheet events

Valuation of investment property in Mitcham 

The Group agreed in principle to sell the investment property located at Western Road, Mitcham for around £227,000. As at 31 March 2022 the carrying value 
of the property has been reduced from £305,000 to £227,000 with a corresponding expense in the Group’s income statement. 

Retirement of the Chief Executive Officer and appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer

Marc Loomes, who joined ECO Animal Health Group plc in 2004, became Managing Director in 2005 and CEO 
in 2010, stepped down on 1 April 2022. David Hallas joined ECO Animal Health Group plc as CEO on 1 April 
2022. 

Establishment of Revolving Credit Facility

The Group put in place a £10m revolving credit facility with Natwest bank on 9 July 2022. This facility is 
interest bearing and can be drawn by the Group on demand, The facility expires on 30 June 2026.

130130

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022ECO Animal Health Group Plc  |  Annual Report 2021/22Produced by Perivan

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