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Gunsynd Plc

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FY2020 Annual Report · Gunsynd Plc
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Gunsynd plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2020 

Company Number: 05656604 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONTENTS 

COMPANY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................ 1 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REVIEW) ....................................................................... 2 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT ................................................................................................................................................. 8 

INFORMATION ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ..................................................................................................... 12 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT ............................................................................................................... 13 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GUNSYND PLC ........................................................... 18 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 22 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2020 ........................................... 22 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 JULY 2020 ............................................................................... 23 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2020 ..................................................... 24 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2020 ................................................................. 25 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ........................................................................................................... 26 

 
 
 
 
COMPANY INFORMATION 

DIRECTORS 

REGISTERED OFFICE 

COMPANY WEBSITE 

Hamish Harris 
Donald Strang 
Peter Ruse 

(Executive Chairman) 
(Executive Director) 
(Non-Executive Director) 

78 Pall Mall, St James’s 
London 
SW1Y 5ES  

www.gunsynd.com 

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 

05656604 (England and Wales) 

NOMINATED ADVISER AND JOINT BROKER 

JOINT BROKER 

AUDITOR 

SOLICITOR 

BANKERS 

REGISTRAR 

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP 
Cheyne House, Crown Court 
62-63 Cheapside 
London 
EC2V 6AX 

Peterhouse Capital Limited 
3rd floor, 80 Cheapside 
London 
EC2V 6EE 

PKF Littlejohn LLP 
Statutory Auditor  
15 Westferry Circus 
London 
E14 4HD 

Hill Dickinson LLP 
The Broadgate Tower 
20 Primrose Street 
London 
EC2A 2EW 

Barclays Bank plc 
1 Churchill Place 
London 
E14 5HP 

Neville Registrars Limited 
Neville House 
18 Laurel Lane 
Halesowen 
B63 3DA 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REVIEW) 

I am pleased to present the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2020. 

Review of Investments  

Rincon Resources Pty Ltd 

The Company advised in late June 2020 that it had invested AUD$250,000 (approximately £140,000) in Rincon Resources Pty 
Ltd ("Rincon"), an Australian gold and base metals exploration company. At the time the Company investment represented 
approximately 28% of Rincon. 

Rincon Resources is a Western Australian ("WA") focused gold and base metals company and holds the rights to three highly 
prospective projects in WA, with a main focus on the South Telfer Project, covering 50,000-hectares in the Paterson province. 
The South Telfer Project is approximately 12km south of Newcrest Limited's Telfer mine. Rincon's Laverton and Kiwirrkurra 
Projects are also highly prospective gold and base metals projects. 

The funds raised by Rincon were used to progress activities including acquisition of a valuable historical magnetic database, 
commence Heritage clearance activities, and final preparations for initial drill programs at the South Telfer Project, WA. 

During November, Rincon issued a convertible loan note (“CLN”) to raise AUD$400,000 to assist it in executing its proposed 
Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”). Gunsynd participated in the CLN through a further 
investment of AUD$100,000 (approximately £55,000) which would convert at a 30% discount to the IPO price of Rincon. 

On 18 December 2020, Gunsynd announced that it had invested a further A$800,000 (approximately £450,000) in Rincon as 
part of Rincon’s IPO on ASX, subscribing for 4 million shares at a price of 20 AUD cents per share. Rincon subsequently listed 
on the ASX on 21 December 2020 with 51,336,754 shares following completion of a AUD$6 million raise as part of its IPO. 
Gunsynd holds 8,461,943 shares in Rincon representing circa 16.5%. Under ASX Listing Rules, Gunsynd has been required to 
sign an agreement which restricts disposal of 2,711,942 of its Rincon holding for a period of 24 months from the date of 
Rincon listing on ASX. 

Rincon owns a 100% interest in three highly prospective copper and gold projects in Western Australia, the South Telfer, 
Laverton  and  Kiwirrkurra  Projects.  Each  project  has  been  subject  to  historical  exploration  which  has  identified  large 
outcropping mineralised systems. Rincon intends on exploring the projects in order to delineate copper and gold resources. 
They intend drilling these three projects during the first half of 2021. 

Eagle Mountain Mining Limited 

The  Company  announced,  during  the  4-month  period  July-October  2020,  that  it  had  acquired  2,563,172  shares  in  Eagle 
Mountain  Mining  Limited  (“Eagle  Mountain”)  for  AUD$456,000  (approximately  £255,000)  representing  circa  1.8%  of  its 
issued  capital.  Eagle  Mountain  is  an  ASX  listed  copper-gold  exploration  and  development  company  (ASX:  EM2).  This 
investment provides Gunsynd with exposure to copper exploration which compliments the Company's recent investment in 
gold explorer Rincon Resources. 

The Company further announced on 11 August 2020 an update from Eagle Mountain regarding the commencement of its 
maiden drilling program which marked an exciting milestone for Eagle Mountain since it finalised the acquisition of the Oracle 
Ridge  Copper  project.  Eagle  Mountain  had  appointed  Boart  Longyear  Limited  ("Boart  Longyear")  to  undertake  a  maiden 
surface diamond drilling program. Boart Longyear is a global drilling company which has previously undertaken exploration 
programs  at  Oracle  Ridge  and  was  chosen  for  its  experience  onsite  and  safety  management  programme  which  includes 
stringent procedures for the management of COVID-19. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REVIEW) CONTINUED 

The  drilling programme targeted extensions to high-grade  portions of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") in 
three priority zones. The zones were supported by a combination of: 

• previous drilling outside the existing MRE which has intersected mineralisation; 
• unconstrained mineral resources; and 
• a magnetic anomaly. 

During November 2020, Eagle Mountain announced a further update detailing a new broad zone of copper mineralisation 
identified at Oracle Ridge following the maiden drilling programme. The copper mineralisation was encountered in partly 
assayed drill hole WT-20-05. Significant assay results included: 15.1m  @ 1.72% Cu, 16.87g/t Ag, 0.38g/t Au from 313.9m 
including:  

- 
- 

3.45m @ 1.89% Cu, 15.97g/t Ag, 0.35g/t Au from 313.9m; and   
8.41m @ 2.46% Cu, 25.09g/t Ag, 0.56g/t Au from 321.29m 

This newly identified zone of broad copper mineralisation is more than 100m from the nearest significant assay in a sparsely 
drilled  area.  Copper  sulphide  mineralisation  was  observed  in  the  recently  drilled  adjacent  hole  WT-20-10,  with  detailed 
logging and assays pending. 

In December 2020, Eagle Mountain announced a series of drilling results from Oracle Ridge, including the discovery of high-
grade breccia mineralisation with notable assay results of 3.57m at 2.18% Cu, 19.49g/t Ag and 0.89g/t Au from 245.43m (WT-
20-06).  Intersections in hole WT-20-06 are part of a 39m thick zone averaging >1% Cu. A 13.3m thick zone averaging 2.43% 
Cu, 52.6 g/t Ag and 0.94 g/t Au. 45m overall diluted mineralised zone from 317m averages 1.33% Cu, 25.0 g/t Ag and 0.38 g/t 
Au. Hole WT-20-10 intercepted some of the highest-grade copper, gold and silver encountered in all drilling at Oracle Ridge. 
These breccia occurrences illustrate the potential for a deeper porphyry system below the Leatherwood granitic intrusive.  

Considering these discoveries across holes WT-20-06 and WT-20-10 Eagle Mountain believes Breccia zones have the potential 
to run deep and the very high-grade nature of mineralisation encountered thus far set these breccias as priority exploration 
targets. Eagle Mountain plans for drilling to resume in early January after the festive period. 

In addition to this, Eagle Mountain released its Maiden JORC Resource Estimate for Oracle Ridge 12.2Mt at 1.51% Cu for 
184kt Contained Copper.  

Rogue Baron Limited ("Rogue Baron") 

The Company announced on 2 July 2020 that Rogue Baron had completed a share exchange agreement with Human Brands, 
a US-based premium spirits company in which Gunsynd had previously held a convertible loan note. 

Share exchange agreement 
On  2  July  2020,  Rogue  Baron  completed  a  share  exchange  agreement  with  Human  Brands  to  acquire  the  following 
subsidiaries: Shinju Whiskey LLC; Shinju Spirits Inc; Mazeray Corporation; STI Signature Spirits Group LLC and Legacy Retail 
Group LLC. These subsidiaries hold the Shinju, Mazeray and Copa Imperial Brands as well as a 52% interest in Bin 1301 wine 
bar in Washington DC. The consideration for the sale was 36,247,500 ordinary shares in Rogue Baron at a price of 7.8 pence 
per ordinary share. 

Deed of Novation 
A deed of novation was entered into which transferred Gunsynd's convertible loan note from Human Brands to Rogue Baron. 
It will accrue interest at 12% per annum, be unsecured and repayable on 31 March 2021. Gunsynd increased the convertible 
loan note by a further £120,000 and to its current amount of approximately £500,000 which can be converted at any time at 
the  election  of  Gunsynd  into  ordinary  shares  of  Rogue  Baron  at  a  price  per  share  determined  by  dividing  £1,616,304 
(representing the agreed valuation of the ordinary share capital of Rogue Baron) by the total number of ordinary shares in 
Rogue Baron in issue immediately  prior to conversion. Under the novation, various future capital raising  fees payable to 
Gunsynd have also been transferred to Rogue Baron. 

General Update 
In  spite  of  the  many  challenges  COVID-19  has  presented  in  2020,  Rogue  Baron’s  flagship  brand,  Shinju  Japanese  Whisky 
(“Shinju”), continues to grow at a rapid pace despite the unprecedented headwinds facing the hospitality sector in particular. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REVIEW) CONTINUED 

Shinju, which was launched at the end of 2018, sold circa 1,000 cases in 2019. In the first half of 2020, even with customer 
accounts shut down for nearly two months, sales of Shinju were up 57% on the same period in the prior year. Shortly after 
customer accounts began reopening, Rogue Baron sold its entire remaining stock of circa 250 cases in a matter of weeks. 
Even with COVID-19 related lockdowns, Rogue Baron had, by the end of September, sold the same number of cases as in the 
whole of 2019.  This was despite on-premises sales being decimated across the USA and not being totally offset by a rise in 
off-premises sales.  Industry issues were not just limited to sales: bottlers and distillers also shut in many cases causing supply 
issues.    These  issues  also  affected  Shinju.    After  completely  selling  out  of  Shinju  by  September,  Rogue  Baron’s  latest 
production  run  of  one  container  (circa  1,000  cases  of  six  bottles)  was  completed  on  6  December  2020.    We  have  been 
informed that pre-orders for this entire container have been made in the USA prior to the container arriving on American 
soil.  Rogue Baron is now in the process of ordering additional bottles and placing another order with its distillery. This growth 
is happening despite many key states in the USA, such as California, being in a strict lockdown.  

Shinju had previously received a large boost in publicity by being mentioned in the industry magazine www.liquor.com article 
“The 10 best Japanese Whiskies to drink in 2020”.  To be mentioned alongside such well known and highly regarded brands 
as Yamazaki 12-year-old and Hakushu 12-year is a considerable achievement for a new brand with comparatively small sales 
to such behemoths from Suntory. 

https://www.liquor.com/best-japanese-whiskies-5078590   

In November 2020, Rogue Baron hired Speakeasy Wine & Spirits (“Speakeasy”), which is a brand consultancy company with 
a speciality in helping specifically chosen brands expand distribution across the USA.  Shinju was sold in six USA states in 2020; 
Washington DC, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California. Starting in Q1 2021, Shinju is expected to be selling 
into  an  additional  six:  Connecticut,  Arizona,  Texas,  Illinois,  Colorado,  and  Nevada,  including  possibly  some  significant  
accounts in Las Vegas.  These twelve states account for over 47% of the USA population. 

Rogue  Baron  has  already  had  indicative  interest  via  the  Speakeasy  distribution  network  (and  not  including  its  current 
distribution network) in between 400 and 600 cases of a new subsequent container to be delivered in early 2021.  

Shinju has also just been added to two of the largest Direct-to-Consumer outlets in the USA, ReserveBar and Drizly, which 
will make Shinju available to consumers in 35 USA States. The relaxing of liquor regulations due to COVID-19 has now made 
Direct-to-Consumer liquor sales more popular than ever. Rabobank estimates that USA online  alcohol sales reached USD 
2.6bn in 2019, growing by 22% year on year. Shinju plans to take advantage of this growth.  

With respect to the tequila market, American basketball player Lebron James has become the latest star to join the agave 
spirits sector through an investment in Lobos 1707 Tequila and mezcal.  Lobos 1707 Tequila Extra Añejo is priced at US$149.99 
per 750ml.  This gives an indication of the premium prices which can be charged for quality tequila.  He joins the likes of Justin 
Timberlake, George Clooney, Chris North, P Diddy, AC/DC and Carlos Santana to have invested in or promoted products in 
the tequila and mezcal space.  We believe this, alongside the strong growth in the tequila sub category in the last few years, 
bodes well for the future growth of the category and confirms that tequila is moving from a student shot drink to a premium 
(and even super premium) sipping drink.  This trend is welcome given the intended launch of Rogue Baron’s Copa Imperial 
extra anejo tequila in the second half of 2021. 

Peterhouse Capital has been appointed as corporate adviser and broker for the proposed admission to trading on the Aquis 
Stock Exchange Growth Market of Rogue Baron.  The admission document is in the final stages of drafting and submission to 
Aquis with admission to Aquis targeted for Q1 2021. 

Angold Resources Limited (“Angold”) 

Angold  is  an  exploration  and  development  company  targeting  large-scale  mineral  systems  in  the  proven  districts  of  the 
Ontario, Maricunga and Nevada. Angold owns a 100% interest in the South-Bay Uchi, Dorado and Cordillera projects, and 
certain claims that append the optioned Iron Butte project. 

On  30  September  2020,  the  Company  announced  that  it  had  invested  CAD$100,000  (approximately  £58,000)  into  gold 
exploration  company  Federal  Gold  Corp  which  was  subsequently  renamed  Angold  Resources  Limited  following  the 
completion of the reverse takeover of ZTR Acquisition Corp (ZTR.H: APH) (“ZTR”) in which Gunsynd had an existing holding. 
On 31 December 2020, the common shares of Angold began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), under the ticker 
symbol TSXV: AAU. 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REVIEW) CONTINUED 

Empress Royalty Corp (“Empress”)   

Empress  is  a  precious  metals  royalty  and  streaming  company  focussed  on  the  creation  of  financing  solutions  for  mining 
companies. In October 2020, Gunsynd announced that it has invested CAD$250,000 (approximately £146,000) in Empress 
which had an existing portfolio of 13 gold royalties and was in the process of conducting due diligence for the acquisition of 
three  near-term  cash  producing  gold  and  silver  investments.  Empress  successfully  raised  C$8,000,000  in  October  2020. 
Proceeds of the financing were to fund the new investments mentioned above, all of which are expected to be revenue 
generating within 12 months. 

During  November  2020,  Empress  announced  that  it  had  completed  the  acquisition  of  one  of  the  aforementioned 
investments, increasing its portfolio to 14 precious metal royalties,  a combined 1% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty on 
production from the Pinos gold and silver project in Mexico (“Pinos”) for an aggregate consideration of US$1,500,000.  The 
acquisition  was  a  combination  of  a  newly  created  0.5%  NSR  royalty  on  the  Pinos  project  from  Candelaria  Mining  Corp 
(“Candelaria”) (TSXV: CAND) for consideration of US$750,000 and the purchase of an additional 0.5% NSR royalty on the 
Project from an existing royalty holder on the same terms and conditions.  Empress’ royalties create a direct real property 
interest in the project that will continue in perpetuity and registered against title. 

Historical records indicate over 800,000 ounces of gold have been produced from the Pinos district. Candelaria currently has 
Indicated resource of 175,697 tonnes at a grade of 4.7 grams per tonne of gold equivalent estimated to contain 26,358 ounces 
of gold equivalent and the Inferred resource a further 529,267 tonnes at a grade of 4.6 grams per tonne gold equivalent 
estimated to contain 56,146 ounces of gold equivalent.  The 2018 Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) plans for average 
yearly production of circa 12,700 ounces gold equivalent for a life of mine of seven years with potential for growth, at both 
depth and along strike, and it is estimated that 80% of the district has yet to be explored.  

On 29 December 2020 Empress began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), under the ticker symbol TSXV: EMPR. 

Sunshine Minerals Limited ("Sunshine") 

On 21 August 2020, the Company announced that Malachite Resources Limited, which is listed on the ASX (renamed Pacific 
Nickel Mines Limited; ASX:PNM "Pacific Nickel"), made an announcement regarding the acquisition of the 85% of Sunshine 
Minerals Limited (a private company incorporated in the Solomon Islands) it did not already own (the "Transaction"). Pacific 
Nickel had previously acquired a 15% shareholding in Sunshine. 

In  the  announcement  of  21  August  2020,  Gunsynd  stated  it  would,  subject  to  completion  of  the  Transaction,  receive 
1,262,967 Upfront Consideration Shares in Pacific Nickel and, subject to further conditions, 1,641,856 Deferred Consideration 
Shares. Gunsynd has now received a holding statement for the Upfront Consideration Shares. These Upfront Consideration 
Shares  are  subject  to  an  escrow  period  which  applies  from  completion  until  the  earlier  of:  (a)  the  date  12  months  from 
completion; or (b) the date 10 business days after the Mines Department grants Sunshine Nickel Limited a mining lease for 
PL 01-18. 

Kolosori Nickel Limited ("Kolosori") 

As  announced  on  26  October  2020,  Gunsynd  has  conditionally  sold  its  stake  in  Kolosori  to  Malachite  Resources  Limited 
(renamed Pacific Nickel) and will, subject to completion of the Transaction, receive 682,790 Upfront Consideration Shares in 
Pacific Nickel and, subject to further conditions, 1,137,984 Deferred Consideration Shares in Pacific Nickel.  Conditional on 
issue, these shares will be subject to escrow. 

Low 6 Limited (“Low6) 

Gunsynd announced on 14 December 2020 it had invested £200,010 in Low6, a UK-based, influencer-led, B2B pool betting 
platform for franchises around the world. Low6 provides a white-labelled mobile platform to its partners which enables them 
to offer a pooled sports betting experience to their app users and allows users to bet with each other.  Under its B2B model, 
Low6 partners with a sports team/franchise, such as a UK football club.  The model reduces customer acquisition costs and 
strengthens brand and customer loyalty, which enhances customer retention.  Low6 can either embed its platform within its 
partners' apps or build the app for its partners.   

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REVIEW) CONTINUED 

Low6 has a number of significant partnerships including Yinzcam Inc. which has 90+ million installs of its mobile sports and 
events apps world-wide and currently serves 190+ professional teams, leagues, events and venues in the US, Canada, Spain 
and Australia. Low6 has raised over £8 million to date and expects to raise additional funds through a pre-IPO funding round 
with a view to completing an IPO at some stage throughout 2021. 

Oyster Oil and Gas Limited ("Oyster") 

The Company announced on 29 November 2019 that it had entered into a binding term sheet (“Term Sheet”) with Sajawin 
Pty Ltd ("Sajawin") to conditionally sell all of its shares in Oyster for a total consideration of approximately £260,000. Gunsynd 
received £20,000 of the consideration.  

The  Company  further  advised  in  May  2020  it  had  agreed  with  Sajawin  to  extend  the  deadline  for  the  unmet  Conditions 
Precedent of the Term Sheet, through a share purchase variation agreement term sheet from 30 April 2020 to 30 October 
2020.    The  Conditions  Precedent  have  not  been  met  as  the  Madagascar  government  has  yet  to  renew  the  licence.    The 
investment was written down by £96,000 to reflect the fall in the price oil over the last twelve months. The Company will 
provide further updates as they arise. 

Overview  

All of our investments are minority investments. Whilst we may offer advice to management of investee companies in this 
regard, they can and sometimes do ignore such advice. Similarly, private companies don’t have the disclosure requirements 
of public companies and are under no obligation to keep us constantly updated. it should be noted that the Company does 
not operate its investment projects/companies on a day-to-day basis and whilst the Board looks to structure investments in 
a format where Gunsynd can obtain a high level of oversight (including at board level) and use legal agreements to provide 
control mechanisms to protect the Company’s investments, there is a risk that the operator does not meet deadlines or 
budgets,  fails  to  pursue  the appropriate  strategy,  does  not  adhere  to  the  legal  agreements  in  place  or  does  not  provide 
accurate or sufficient information to Gunsynd.  Decisions are ultimately made by investee companies not by us. 

The level of administrative costs in the year can fluctuate significantly depending on the level of costs in the Company and 
can  fluctuate  significantly  depending  on  the  level  of  activity,  both  with  regard  to  the  due  diligence  work  carried  out  on 
acquisitions and disposals and in managing project investments.   

Finance Review  

The Company made a loss for the year of £991,000 (2019: loss £558,000) after taxation, which included an impairment charge 
of financial investments of £716,000 (2019: £106,000) being £400,000 in respect of Brazil Tungsten Ltd; £220,000 (2019: £nil) 
in respect of Sunshine Minerals and £96,000 (2019: £6,000) write down in the Oyster investment.  The Company had net 
assets of £2,470,000 (2019: £2,363,000) at 31 July 2020, and cash balances of £838,000 (2019: £568,000). 

Prior Year Restatement 

During the year, we have reviewed the prior year accounting treatment of the investment in Oyster Oil & Gas Ltd, which was 
classified as an investment in associate and equity accounted. Following this review, we have concluded that, as the Company 
meets the definition of an investment entity, equity accounting does not apply and the investment should be treated as a 
financial asset at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with IFRS 9. 

As a result of the above, a prior year restatement in respect of the classification of the investment in Oyster Oil & Gas Ltd has 
been reflected within the financial statements. See Note 23 for details of the impact on the financial statements. There was 
no impact on profit or loss. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REVIEW) CONTINUED 

Outlook 

The Gunsynd Board has been able to make progress in a number of areas, not least its new investments in Rincon, Eagle 
Mountain and others plus the disposal of the investments in Sunshine Minerals, Kolosori and Bunker Hill, the latter being at 
a very large premium to the cost price.  The Board is also particularly pleased that three of our private investments completed 
an IPO in Q4 2020 at significant premiums to our original entry point.   

Following the fundraisings announced during the year and post year end together totalling circa £2.3 million before expenses, 
the Company is now well funded for the foreseeable future.  

The Board is conscious of the economic dislocation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and expect that it may have an effect 
on parts of our investment portfolio at least in the short term.  Having said that, with so much liquidity in the market and a 
strong possibility of a robust economic recovery as the world looks towards mass vaccination against the COVID-19 virus we 
believe this is bullish for commodities.  A Biden controlled senate will possibly have major implications for the US regulatory 
and  tax  landscape  given  the  Democrats’  predilection  towards  large,  even  if  unaffordable,  spending  increases  and  higher 
business taxes.  Should this occur it would possibly be likely to lead to USD weakness which in turn would be even more 
bullish for commodities.  It is also often glossed over that whilst some commodities are near all- time highs, others like nickel 
are nowhere near such levels. 

The Company’s pivot away from a previous focus of oil and gas towards gold, copper and nickel has, at this time, paid benefits. 
Life, however, can throw up surprises.  Whilst we may think a commodity bull run may continue in the short to medium term, 
we recognise this is far from a one way bet.  To this end, whilst we have a heavy portfolio weight in natural resources, we also 
have diversified into other areas and have a healthy cash balance.   

As Warren Buffet said: "Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful," advice we keep in mind.  The 
utter decimation of the hospitality industry arising from COVID-19 lockdowns is a case in point.  In a volatile world we are 
confident opportunities in line with our investment policy will appear and we are in a strong position to take advantage of 
them. 

Gunsynd continues to look at investments in line with its investment policy.  Such investment(s) if undertaken may or may not 
lead to a reverse takeover. 

The  Board  would  also  like  to  take  this  opportunity  to  thank  shareholders  for  their  continued  support  in  a time  of  stress, 
uncertainty and hardship for so many in the country.  

s172 Statement 

The  Directors  continue  to  act  in  a  way  that  they  consider,  in  good  faith,  to  be  most  likely  to  promote  the  success  of  the 
Company for the benefits of the members as a whole, and in doing so have regard, amongst other matters to:  

• the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;  
• the interests of the Company’s employees; 
• the need to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others; 
• the impact of the Company’s operations on the community as well as the environment; 
• the need to act fairly as between members of the Company, and 
• the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct 

The Board has always recognised the relationships with key stakeholders as being central to the long-term success of the 
business  and  therefore  seeks  active  engagement  with  all  stakeholder  groups,  to  understand  and  respect  their  views,  in 
particular of those with the communities in which it invests, its host governments, employees and suppliers.  

Details of the Board’s decisions for the year ending 31 July 2020 to promote long-term success, and how it engaged with 
stakeholders  and  considered  their  interests  when  making  those  decisions,  can  be  found  throughout  the  Chairman’s 
Statement, Directors’ Report and Corporate Governance Statements.  

Hamish Harris  
Chairman  
15 January 2021 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

The Directors present their annual report on the Company and its audited financial statements for the year ended 31 July 
2020. 

Principal activity 
As at 31 July 2020 the principal activity of the Company is that of investing by seeking to acquire companies and/or projects 
within the natural resources sector which the Board considers, in its opinion, have potential for growth.  The Company will 
consider opportunities in all relevant sectors as they arise if the Board considers there is an opportunity to generate potential 
value for Shareholders.  The geographical focus is primarily in Europe, however, investments may also be considered in other 
regions to the extent that the Board considers that valuable opportunities exist and potential value can be achieved. 

Results and dividends 
The statement of comprehensive income is set out on page 22 and has been prepared in Pounds Sterling, the functional and 
reporting currency of the Company. 

The Company’s net loss after taxation attributable to equity holders of Gunsynd plc for the year was £991,000 (2019: loss 
£558,000). 

No dividends have been paid or proposed. 

Review of the business and future developments 
A  full  review  of  the  Company’s  performance,  financial  position  and  future  prospects  is  given  in  the  Chairman’s  Report 
(Incorporating the Strategic Review). 

Directors and their interests 
The Directors who served during the year were: 

H Harris  
D Strang  
P Ruse - appointed 6 November 2019 
G Garnett - resigned 26 November 2019 

The interests of the serving Directors at 31 July 2020 or at date of resignation, in the ordinary share capital of the Company 
(all beneficially held) were as follows 

No. shares 

3,161,476 
10,820,211 
3,164,706 
- 

31 July 2020 
No. of 
options 
1,764,706  
1,764,706  
6,350,000 
352,941  

No. of 
warrants 
666,666  
2,123,078  
800,000 
- 

No. shares 

1,161,476 
3,764,706 
- 
- 

31 July 2019 
No. of 
options 
1,764,706  
1,764,706  
- 
352,941  

No. of 
warrants 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Hamish Harris  
Donald Strang 
Peter Ruse 
George Garnett 

Directors’ remuneration 
The remuneration of the Executive Directors paid during the year was fixed on the recommendation of the Remuneration 
Committee. The remuneration of the Non-executive Director paid during the year was fixed on the recommendation of the 
Executive Directors. This has been achieved acknowledging the need to maximise the effectiveness of the Company’s limited 
resources during the year. 

Fees paid to each Director for the year ended 31 July 2020 are set out in Note 6 to the financial statements. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED 

Substantial shareholdings 
Other than as summarised below, the Directors have not been advised of any individual interest, or group or interests held 
by persons acting together, which at 31 December 2020 exceeded 3% of the Company’s issued share capital. 

Number of ordinary 
shares held 

% of issued 
share capital 

Hargreaves Lansdown (Nominees) Limited Des:HLNOM 

JIM Nominees Limited Des:JARVIS 

Pershing Nominees Limited Des:CCCLT 

Hargreaves Lansdown (Nominees) Limited Des:15942 

Oberon Investments – Discretionary Clients 

The Bank OF New York (Nominees) Limited Des:672938 

Interactive Investor Services Nominees Limited Des:SMKTNOMS 

Chris Akers 

ABN AMRO Bank NV Des:7KKAVTE 

Vidacos Nominees Limited Des:FGN 

Donald Strang 

Hargreaves Lansdown (Nominees) Limited Des:VRA 

David Brown 

Employees 
The Company has only one direct employee. 

Creditor payment policy 
The policy of the Company is to: 

27,752,212 

27,116,707 

26,006,789 

25,609,943 

21,767,870 

19,705,371 

17,219,649 

15,000,000 

13,801,956 

13,536,967 

12,820,211 

12,572,701 

12,100,000 

7.55% 

7.38% 

7.08% 

6.97% 

5.93% 

5.36% 

4.69% 

4.08% 

3.76% 

3.68% 

3.49% 

3.42% 

3.29% 

(a) 

Agree the terms of payment with suppliers when settling the terms of each transaction; 

(b) 

Ensure that suppliers are made aware of the terms of payment by inclusion of the relevant terms in contracts; and 

(c) 

Pay  in  accordance  with  its  contractual  and  other  legal  obligations  provided  suppliers  comply  with  the  terms  and 
conditions of supply. 

Directors’ liability 
As permitted by the Companies Act 2006, the Company has purchased insurance cover for the Directors against liabilities in 
relation to the Company. 

Charitable donations 
During the period, the Company made no charitable donations (2019: £Nil). 

Financial reporting 
The  Board  has  ultimate  responsibility  for  the  preparation  of  the  annual  audited  accounts.    A  detailed  review  of  the 
performance  of  the  Company  is  contained  in  the  Chairman’s  report  (incorporating  Strategic  Review).    Presenting  the 
Chairman’s  report  (incorporating  Strategic  Review)  and  Director’s  Report,  the  Board  seeks  to  present  a  balanced  and 
understandable assessment of the Company’s position, performance and prospects. 

Internal control 
A  key  objective  of  the  Directors  is  to  safeguard  the  value  of  the  business  and  assets  of  the  Company.    This  requires  the 
development  of  relevant  policies  and  appropriate  internal  controls  to  ensure  proper  management  of  the  Company’s 
resources and the identification and mitigation of risks which might serve to undermine them.  The Directors are responsible 
for the Company’s system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness.  It should, however, be recognised that such 
a system can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED 

Events after the reporting period 
Events after the reporting period are set out in Note 22 to the financial statements. 

Auditor 
The Directors will place a resolution before the Annual General Meeting to re-appoint PKF Littlejohn LLP as auditor for the 
coming year. 

Risk management 
The Directors have in place a process of regularly reviewing risks to the business and monitoring associated controls, actions 
and contingency plans. 

The Company’s principal risks and uncertainties, including financial risk management policies, are set out in the Corporate 
Governance Statement and in Note 18. 

Corporate Governance 
Gunsynd is committed to undertaking its activities in accordance with the highest international social, environmental and 
operational standards. For detailed information please refer to the corporate governance statement on page 13. 

Going concern 
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, notwithstanding the loss for the year ended 31 July 
2020.  This basis assumes that the company will have sufficient funding to enable it to continue to operate for the foreseeable 
future and the Directors have taken steps to ensure that they believe that the going concern basis of preparation remains 
appropriate. 

The Company made a loss for the year of £991,000 (2019: loss £558,000) after taxation.  The Company had net assets of 
£2,470,000 (2019: £2,363,000) and cash balances of £838,000 (2019: £568,000) at 31 July 2020.  The Directors have prepared 
financial forecasts which cover a period of at least 12 months from date that these financial statements are approved to 31 
January 2022.  These forecasts show that the Company expects to have sufficient financial resources to continue to operate 
as a going concern. 

In forming the conclusion that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis the Directors 
have made the following assumptions that are relevant to the next twelve months: 
– 
– 

in the event that the Company’s investments require further funding, sufficient funding can be obtained; and 
in  the  event  that  operating  expenditure  increases  significantly  as  a  result  of  successful  progress  with  regards  to  the 
Company’s investments, sufficient funding can be obtained. 

The cost structure of the Company comprises a high proportion of discretionary spend and therefore in the event that cash 
flows become constrained, costs can be quickly reduced to enable the Company to operate within its available funding.  As a 
junior investment exploration company, the Directors are aware that the Company must go to the marketplace to raise cash 
to meet its investment plans, and/or consider liquidation of its investments and/or assets as is deemed appropriate. The 
Company has previously constantly demonstrated its ability to raise further cash by way of completing placings during the 
prior years, and are confident of further equity fund raising should the company require such cash injection. Therefore they 
are confident that existing cash balances, along with the any new funding would be adequate to ensure that costs can be 
covered. 

The Directors are therefore of the opinion that the Company has adequate financial resources to enable it to continue in 
operation for the foreseeable future. For this reason, it continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial 
statements.  

The Company's employees can carry out their duties remotely, via the network infrastructure in place. As a result, there was 
no disruption to the operational activities of the Company during the COVID-19 social distancing and working from home 
restrictions.  All  key  business  functions  continue  to  operate  at  normal  capacity.  Within  the  Company’s  portfolio  are 
investments  that  have  experienced  a  slowdown  within  their  own  operations  during  the  COVID-19  crisis,  however  the 
operating performance of those investments is not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s cash flows. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED 

Statement of directors’ responsibilities  
Company  law  requires  the  Directors  to  keep  reliable  accounting  records  which  correctly  explain  the  transactions  of  the 
Company, enable the financial position of the Company to be determined with reasonable accuracy at any time and allow 
financial statements to be prepared.  The shareholders have resolved, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the 
Articles of Association, that the Directors prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its profit or loss for that period. 

On this basis the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements for the Company in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. 

International Accounting Standard 1 requires that accounts present fairly for each financial period the Company’s financial 
position, financial performance and cash flows.  This requires the faithful representation of the effects of transactions, other 
events and conditions in accordance with the definitions and recognition criteria for assets, liabilities, income and expenses 
set out in the International Accounting Standards Board’s ‘Framework for the preparation and presentation of accounts’.  In 
virtually all circumstances, a fair presentation will be achieved by compliance with all applicable IFRSs.  However, Directors 
are also required to: 

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 
•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 
•  state whether applicable IFRSs have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 

accounts; and 

•  prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in 

business. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006.  
They  have  a  general  responsibility  for  taking  such  steps  as  are  reasonably  open  to  them  to  safeguard  the  assets  of  the 
Company  and  to  prevent  and  detect  fraud  and  other  irregularities.    Legislation  in  the  United  Kingdom  governing  the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

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

Statement of disclosure to auditors 
So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware. 

Additionally, the Directors have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make 
themselves  aware  of  all  relevant  audit  information  and  to  establish  that  the  Company’s  auditors  are  aware  of  that 
information. 

By order of the Board of Directors 

Hamish Harris 
Director 

15 January 2021 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INFORMATION ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Hamish Harris – Executive Chairman 
Hamish  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Commerce  and  has  held  positions  within  market  risk  management  at  a  number  of  financial 
institutions including Nomura Group, Deutsche Bank AG and BZW plc in Singapore, Hong Kong and London.  Hamish is also a 
Director on other AQSE listed companies.  Hamish is a member of both the Audit and Remuneration committees. 

Donald Strang – Executive Director 
Donald is a member of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants and has been in business over 20 years, holding 
senior financial and management positions in both publicly listed and private enterprises in Australia, Europe and Africa.  He 
has considerable corporate and international expertise and over the past decade has focussed on mining and exploration 
activities.  He is currently a director of Cadence Minerals plc and a director of other ASX and AQSE listed companies. 

Peter Ruse – Non-Executive Director 
Peter  is  a  finance  professional  with  over  12  years  of  extensive  experience  in  Equity  Funds  Management  and 
Private/Institutional Wealth Management specialising in Mining/Minerals and Industrial related sectors. Peter is a member 
of both the Audit and Remuneration committees. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 

All  members  of  the  Board  believe  strongly  in  the  value  and  importance  of  good  corporate  governance  and  in  our 
accountability to all stakeholders including staff, shareholders and clients. In order to meet the requirements of AIM Rule 26 
we  have  chosen  to  follow  the  Quoted  Companies  Alliance’s  (“QCA”)  Corporate  Governance  Code  for  Small  and  Mid-Size 
Quoted Companies. 

As Chairman, I lead the Board and take ultimate responsibility for ensuring that there is absolute clarity in our strategy and 
our quantitative and qualitative objectives and the collective and individual responsibilities of the Directors. 

Importantly my responsibilities include ensuring that the Company maintains its strong values of delivery, integrity, trust, 
client service and good corporate governance and in so doing deliver value for shareholders over the medium to long term. 

In the following statement we give a summary of how our Board and its committees operate and how we are applying the 
ten principles of the QCA Code. 

1. Principle One 
Business Model and Strategy 

The Board has concluded that the highest medium and long term value can be delivered to its shareholders by the adoption 
of an investing strategy for the Company. Gunsynd plc is an investing company with a focus to acquire a diverse portfolio of 
direct and indirect interests in exploration and producing projects and assets in the natural resources sector in addition to 
acquisitions in the in all sectors as they arise if the Board considers there is an opportunity to generate potential value for 
Shareholders. The geographical focus will primarily be Europe, however, investments may also be considered in other regions 
to the extent that the Board considers that valuable opportunities exist and potential value can be achieved. 

2. Principle Two 
Understanding Shareholder Needs and Expectations 

The Board is committed to maintaining good communication and having constructive dialogue with its shareholders. The 
Company has close ongoing relationships with its private shareholders and analysts have the opportunity to discuss issues 
and provide feedback at meetings with the Company. In addition, all shareholders are encouraged to attend the Company's 
Annual  General  Meeting.  Investors  also  have  access  to  current  information  on  the  Company  though  its  website, 
www.gunsynd.com, and via Hamish Harris, Executive Chairman, who is available to answer investor relations enquiries. 

3. Principle Three 
Considering wider stakeholder and social responsibilities 

The Board recognises that the long term success of the Company is reliant upon the efforts of the directors of the Company 
and its investors, investee companies, regulators and other stakeholders. The Board has regular discussions and meetings 
with shareholders, regulators and investee companies to ensure that there is close oversight and contact.  

For example, the Company conducts AGM each year and other general meetings with shareholders whereby they are able 
to voice any concerns they have with the Company. These feedback processes help to ensure that the Company can respond 
to  new  issues  and  opportunities  that  arise  to  further  the  success  of  the  Company.  The  Company  has  close  ongoing 
relationships  with  a  broad  range  of  its  stakeholders  and provides  them  with  the  opportunity  to  raise  issues  and  provide 
feedback to the Company. 

4. Principle Four 
Risk Management 

In  addition  to  its  other  roles  and  responsibilities,  the  Audit  Committee  is  responsible  to  the  Board  for  ensuring  that 
procedures are in place and are being implemented effectively to identify, evaluate and manage the significant risks faced by 
the Company. The risk assessment matrix below sets out those risks, and identifies their ownership and the controls that are 
in place. This matrix is updated as changes arise in the nature of risks or the controls that are implemented to mitigate them. 
The Audit and Compliance Committee reviews the risk matrix and the effectiveness of scenario testing on a regular basis. The 
following principal risks and controls to mitigate them, have been identified: 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED 

Activity 
Financial 

Risk 
Liquidity, market and credit 
risk 

Impact 
Inability to continue as going 
concern 

Control(s) 
Robust capital management 
policies and procedures 

Reduction in asset values 

Inappropriate  controls  and 
accounting policies 

Incorrect reporting of assets 

The  board  agrees  and  signs 
all  annual  reports  which 
details accounting policies. 

Due to size of the company - 
The  board  discusses  and 
agrees all payments 

Audit 
Committee 

and 

Compliance 

Covid-19 

Affect 
operations 
companies 

continuing 
investee 

of 

Possible  affect  on 
carrying 
investments 

values 

the 
of 

Regular  impairment  review 
of all investments 

Regulatory adherence 

Breach of rules 

Censure 

Strategic 

Damage to reputation 

Inability 
capital or investments 

to  secure  new 

Strong  compliance  regime 
instilled  at  all  levels  of  the 
Company 

Effective 
communications 
with  shareholders  coupled 
with  consistent  messaging 
to potential investees 

Management 

Management  Recruitment 
and retention of key staff 

Reduction 
capability 

in 

operating 

Stimulating 
working environment 

and 

safe 

Balancing salary with longer 
term incentive plans 

The  Directors  have  established  procedures,  as  represented  by  this  statement,  for  the  purpose  of  providing  a  system  of 
internal control. An internal audit function is not considered necessary or practical due to the size of the Company and the 
close day to day control exercised by the Executive Director. However, the Board will continue to monitor the need for an 
internal audit function. The Board works closely with and has regular ongoing dialogue with the Company financial controller 
and has established appropriate reporting and control mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of its control systems. 

5. Principle Five 
A Well Functioning Board of Directors 

As  at  the  date  hereof,  the  Board  comprised  a  Chairman,  Hamish  Harris,  an  Executive  Director,  Donald  Strang,  and  one 
Independent Non-Executive Director, Peter Ruse. Biographical details of the current Directors are set out within Principle Six 
below. Executive and Non-Executive Directors are subject to re-election at intervals of no more than 3 years. The Directors 
are considered to be part time but are expected to provide as much time to the Company as is required. The Board elects a 
Chairman to chair every meeting. 

The Board meets formally at least 3 times per annum but regular contact is maintained to deal with relevant matters as they 
arise. It has established an Audit Committee and a Remuneration Committee, particulars of which appear hereafter. The 
Board has agreed that appointments to the Board are made by the Board as a whole and so has not created a Nominations 
Committee. The Non-Executive Director is part time and is expected to provide as much time to the Company as is required. 
The Board considers that this is appropriate given the Company's current stage of operations. It shall continue to monitor the 
need to match resources to its operational performance and costs and the matter will be kept under review going forward. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED 

Peter Ruse is considered to be an  Independent Director. The Board notes that the QCA recommends a balance between 
executive and non-executive directors and recommends that there be two independent non-executives. As it has only one 
independent  non-executive  director,  the  Board  does  not  currently  fully  comply  with  this  requirement  and  will  consider 
making further appointments as the scale and complexity of the Company grows, which is expected to be when the Company 
achieves a market capitalisation of over £10 million. 

Attendance at Board and Committee Meetings 

The Board met 6 times in the period. The remuneration committee met once, and the audit committee met twice during the 
year. 

Meetings 

Board 
Hamish Harris 
Don Strang 
Peter Ruse 

Attendance 
6 
6 
6 

Remuneration Committee 
Hamish Harris 
Don Strang 
Peter Ruse 

Audit Committee 
Hamish Harris 
Don Strang 
Peter Ruse 

1 
1 
0 

2 
2 
2 

6. Principle Six 
Appropriate Skills and Experience of the Directors 

The Board currently consists of three Directors. The Company believes that the current balance of skills in the Board as a 
whole reflects a very broad range of commercial and professional skills across geographies and industries, and each of the 
Directors has experience in public markets. 

The Board recognises that it currently has limited diversity and this will form a part of any future recruitment consideration 
if the Board concludes that replacement or additional directors are required. At this stage due to the current size of the 
Company this is not seen as a material point. 

The Board reviews annually the appropriateness and opportunity for continuing professional development whether formal 
or informal. Currently each of the Board are involved in financial markets and increase their awareness and skills via reading 
and participation in commercial transactions from time to time. 

Mr Hamish Harris 
Chairman and Executive Director 

Hamish  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Commerce  and  has  held  positions  within  market  risk  management  at  a  number  of  financial 
institutions including Nomura Group, Deutsche Bank AG and BZW plc in Singapore, Hong Kong and London. Hamish is also a 
Director on AQSE listed companies. 

Mr Donald Strang 
Executive Finance Director 

Donald is a member of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants and has been in business for over 20 years, holding 
senior financial and management positions in both publicly listed and private enterprises in Australia, Europe and Africa. He 
has considerable corporate and international expertise and over the past decade has focussed on mining and exploration 
activities. He is currently a director of various AIM companies. 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED 

Mr Peter Ruse 
Independent Non-Executive Director 

Peter  is  a  finance  professional  with  over  12  years  of  extensive  experience  in  Equity  Funds  Management  and 
Private/Institutional Wealth Management specialising in Mining/Minerals and Industrial related sectors. Peter is a member 
of both the Audit and Remuneration committees. 

7. Principle Seven 
Evaluation of Board Performance 

Internal evaluation of the Board, the Committee and individual Directors is undertaken on an annual basis in the form of 
discussions. Due to the current size of the Company, these discussions and the criteria for assessment are general and brief. 

The annual report details the progress which the board and Company has made for the year. 

No  succession  planning  is  deemed  necessary  at  this  point  due  to  the  current  size  of  the  Company.  Each  Director  is  also 
assessed by shareholders at AGM on a three year rotating basis when their re-appointment is due. 

8. Principle Eight 
Corporate Culture 

The Board recognises that its decisions regarding strategy and risk will impact the corporate culture of the Company as a 
whole and that this will impact the performance of the Company. The Board is aware that the tone and culture set by the 
Board  will  greatly  impact  all  aspects  of  the  Company  as  a  whole  and  the  way  that  employees  behave.  The  corporate 
governance arrangements that the Board has adopted are designed to ensure that the Company delivers long term value to 
its shareholders and that shareholders have the opportunity to express their views and expectations for the Company in a 
manner that encourages open dialogue with the Board. 

A large part of the Company's activities are centred upon what needs to be an open and respectful dialogue with investee 
companies and investors and other stakeholders. Therefore, the importance of sound ethical values and behaviours is crucial 
to the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its corporate objectives. The Board places great import on this aspect 
of corporate life and seeks to ensure that this flows through all that the Company does. 

The Directors consider that at present the Company has an open culture facilitating comprehensive dialogue and feedback 
and enabling positive and constructive challenge. The Company has adopted a code for Directors' and employees' dealings 
in  securities  which  is  appropriate  for  a  company  whose  securities  are  traded  on  AIM  and  is  in  accordance  with  the 
requirements of the Market Abuse Regulation which came into effect in 2016. 

9. Principle Nine 
Maintenance of Governance Structures and Processes 

Ultimate  authority  for  all  aspects  of  the  Company's  activities  rests  with  the  Board,  the  respective  responsibilities  of  the 
Chairman and Executive Director arising as a consequence of delegation by the Board. The Board has adopted appropriate 
delegations  of  authority  which  set  out  matters  which  are  reserved  to  the  Board.  The  Chairman  is  responsible  for  the 
effectiveness of the Board, while management of the Company's business and primary contact with shareholders has been 
delegated by the Board to the Executive Directors. 

Audit Committee 
The Audit Committee is comprised of Hamish Harris (Chairman), Peter Ruse and Donald Strang. This committee has primary 
responsibility for monitoring the quality of internal controls and ensuring that the financial performance of the Company is 
properly measured and reported. It receives reports from the executive management and auditors relating to the interim 
and annual accounts and the accounting and internal control systems in use throughout the Company. The Audit Committee 
shall meet not less than once in each financial year and it has unrestricted access to the Company's auditors. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED 

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee is comprised of Hamish Harris (Chairman), Peter Ruse and Donald Strang, excluding whichever 
relevant  Director  whose  performance,  remuneration  and  employment  terms  are  being  discussed.  The  Remuneration 
Committee  reviews  the  performance  of  the  executive  directors  and  makes  recommendations  to  the  Board  on  matters 
relating to their remuneration and terms of employment. The Remuneration Committee also considers and approves the 
granting  of  share  options  pursuant  to  the  share  option plan  and  the  award  of  shares  in  lieu  of  bonuses  pursuant to  the 
Company's Remuneration Policy. 

Nominations Committee 
The  Board  has  agreed  that  appointments  to  the  Board  will  be  made  by  the  Board  as  a  whole  and  so  has  not  created  a 
Nominations Committee. 

Non-Executive Directors 
The Board has appointed a Non-Executive Director. 

As stated above, due to the current size of the Company, it is deemed not necessary to appoint further independent non-
executive directors until the Company’s market capitalisation reaches £8 million. 

In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Board complies with: a duty to act within its powers; a duty to promote the 
success of the Company; a duty to exercise independent judgement; a duty to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence; a 
duty to avoid conflicts of interest; a duty not to accept benefits from third parties and a duty to declare any interest in a 
proposed transaction or arrangement. All matters pertaining to the Company are reserved for the Board. There are no plans 
at  this  stage  to  increase  the  governance  framework  until  the  Company  achieves  a  minimum  market  capitalisation  of  £8 
million. 

10. Principle Ten 
Shareholder Communication 

The Board is committed to maintaining good communication and having constructive dialogue with its shareholders. The 
Company has close ongoing relationships with its private shareholders and analysts have the opportunity to discuss issues 
and provide feedback at meetings with the Company. In addition, all shareholders are encouraged to attend the Company's 
Annual General Meeting. 

Investors also have access to current information on the Company though its website, www.gunsynd.com, and via Hamish 
Harris, Chairman, who is available to answer investor relations enquiries. The Company’s website details various information: 
annual  reports,  AGM  notice  of  meetings  and  RNS  announcements  detailing  results  of  meetings  and  other  relevant 
information. 

Hamish Harris 
Director 

15 January 2021 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GUNSYND PLC 

Opinion  

We have audited the financial statements of Gunsynd plc (the ‘company’) for the year ended 31 July 2020 which comprise 
the  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income,  the  Statement  of  Financial  Position,  the  Statement  of  Changes  in  Equity,  the 
Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The 
financial  reporting  framework  that  has  been  applied  in  their  preparation  is  applicable  law  and  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.  

In our opinion, the financial statements:  

• 

• 
• 

give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 31 July 2020 and of its loss for the year then 
ended;  
have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and  
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.  

Basis for opinion  

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

Conclusions relating to going concern  

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you 
where:  

• 

• 

the  directors’  use  of the going  concern  basis  of  accounting  in  the  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  is  not 
appropriate; or  
the  directors  have  not  disclosed  in  the  financial  statements  any  identified  material  uncertainties  that  may  cast 
significant doubt about the company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis  of accounting for a period 
of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.  

Our application of materiality  

We apply the concept of materiality in both planning and performing the audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements. 
At the planning stage, materiality is used to determine the financial statements areas that are included within the scope of 
the audit and the extent of the sample sized during the audit. 

The materiality applied to the financial statements was £74,000. This was set at 3% of net assets on the basis that it is from 
these  net  assets  that  the  group  seeks  to  deliver  returns  for  shareholders,  in  particular  the  value  of  its  investments. 
Performance materiality was set at 70% of overall materiality, and the threshold for which we communicate errors to those 
charged with governance was 5% of overall materiality.  We also agreed to report any other audit misstatements below that 
threshold that we believe warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.  

Materiality was  reassessed  at  the  closing  stages  of  the  audit,  taking  into  consideration  new  information which  arose.  No 
alterations were made to materiality either during or at the conclusion of the audit. 

An overview of the scope of our audit  

The scope of our audit was influenced by our evaluation of materiality and our assessment of audit risks. Specifically, we 
assessed  the  areas  of  the  financial  statements  which we deemed  to  involve  significant  judgement  and  estimation  by  the 
directors as risks for our audit. This included the carrying value and classification of investments, which we judged to be a 
key audit matter, as well as the valuation of share-based payments. We designed appropriate procedures to address the risks 
we identified and for the most significant assessed risk of material misstatement, the procedures performed are outlined in 
the key audit matters section of our report below.  

18 

 
 
 
 
Key audit matters  

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

Key Audit Matter 

How  the  scope  of  our  audit  responded  to  the  key  audit 
matter 

Carrying Value and Classification of Investments (Note 11) 

The financial investments reported in the statement of 
financial position as at 31 July 2020 of £1,493k consists of 
equity instruments in both listed and unlisted entities. 
These assets are assessed as the most significant balances 
in the financial statements.  

Given the continuing losses in the underlying entities to 
which these investments relate, including the delays in 
advancing developments in the underlying projects, there 
is a risk that the investment balances cannot be 
recovered. 

In addition, there is the risk that financial assets are not 
classified in accordance with IFRS given the nature of the 
entity’s principle activity, which is to operate as an 
investment vehicle. 

We performed the following procedures to address this 
risk: 

▪  Obtained the agreements underpinning the 
investments to understand the key terms; 

▪  Obtained share certificates as proof of 

ownership; 

▪  Reviewed the accounting treatment applied by 
management to ensure investments were 
appropriately classified in accordance with IFRS;  

▪  Reviewed the accounting entries made in 
respect of fair value adjustments for listed 
investments to ensure basis of valuation was 
appropriate and fair value adjustments had 
been recorded correctly;  

▪  Discussing the basis for valuation of unlisted 

investments and corroborating this to relevant 
supporting documentation; and 

▪  Reviewed management’s impairment 

assessment, challenging the assumptions made 
therein. 

As a result of the procedures performed above, a prior 
year restatement in respect of the classification of the 
investment in Oyster Oil & Gas Ltd was reflected within the 
financial statements.  

We consider that management’s judgement in respect of 
the carrying value and classification of financial 
investments is materially reasonable. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other information  

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

We have nothing to report in this regard.  

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006  

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

• 

• 

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.  

Matters on which we are required to report by exception  

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the 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, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 
branches not visited by us; or  
• 
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or  
• 
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or  
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.  

Responsibilities of directors  

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.  

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the 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 company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.  

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements  

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

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

20 

 
 
 
Use of our report 

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies 
Act 2006.  Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are 
required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not 
accept or assume responsibility to anyone, other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit 
work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Zahir Khaki (Senior Statutory Auditor)  
For and on behalf of PKF Littlejohn LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
15 January 2021

15 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf
London E14 4HD

21 

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2020 

Continuing operations 

Income  
Unrealised gain/(loss) on financial investments  

Realised (loss)/gain on financial investments  

Administrative expenses 
Salaries and other staff costs 
Other costs 
Share based payment charge 
Total administrative expenses 

Impairment of financial investments 
Other income 
Finance income 
(Loss) before tax 
Taxation 
(Loss) for the period attributable to equity shareholders of the Company 

Other comprehensive (expenditure) for the period net of tax 
Total comprehensive (expenditure) for the period 

(Loss) per ordinary share 
Basic (pence) 
Diluted (pence) 

2020 

£000 

2019 
(restated) 
£000 

Note 

11 
11 

6 
8 
19 

11 
7 

9 

10 

176 
(9) 
167 

(186) 
(278) 
(7) 
(471) 

(716) 
- 
29 
(991) 
- 
(991) 

- 
(991) 

(224) 
35 
(189) 

(176) 
(171) 
- 
(347) 

(106) 
50 
34 
(558) 
- 
(558) 

- 
(558) 

(1.064) 
(1.064) 

(0.931) 
(0.931) 

The notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 JULY 2020 

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Financial investments 
Trade and other receivables 
Total non-current assets 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 

Total current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the company 
Ordinary share capital 
Deferred share capital 
Share premium reserve 
Share based payments reserve 
Retained earnings 
Total equity 

Note 

11 
12 

12 
17 

13 

14 
14 
14 

2020 

£000 

1,493 
56 

1,549 

181 
838 
1,019 

2019 

(restated) 
£000 

1,588 
- 

1,588 

333 
568 
901 

2,568 

2,489 

(98) 

(98) 

(98) 

(126) 

(126) 

(126) 

2,470 

2,363 

216 
2,299 
11,828 
192 
(12,065) 
2,470 

633 
1,729 
10,890 
205 
(11,094) 
2,363 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 15 January 2021 and were 
signed on its behalf by: 

Hamish Harris 
Chairman 

Company number: 05656604 

Donald Strang 
Director 

The notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2020 

Share 
capital 
£000 
489 

Deferred  
Share 
capital 
£ 000 
1,729 

Share  Share-based 
payments 
reserve 
£000 
234 

premium 
reserve 
£000 
10,536 

- 

- 

144 
- 
- 
633 

- 

- 

(570) 
153 
- 
- 
- 
216 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
1,729 

- 

- 

570 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,299 

- 

- 

393 
(39) 
- 
10,890 

- 

- 

- 
1,016 
(78) 
- 
- 
11,828 

- 

- 

- 
- 
(29) 
205 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
7 
(20) 
192 

Retained 
earnings 
£000 
(10,565) 

(558) 

(558) 

- 
- 
29 
(11,094) 

(991) 

(991) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
20 
(12,065) 

At 31 July 2018 

Loss for the year  
Total comprehensive income for 
the period 

Transactions with owners: 
Issue of share capital 
Share issue costs 
Share options lapsed 
At 31 July 2019 

Loss for the year  
Total comprehensive income for 
the period 

Transactions with owners: 
Share split 
Issue of share capital 
Share issue costs 
Share options issued 
Share options lapsed 
At 31 July 2020 

Details of the nature of each component of equity are set out in Note 15. 

The notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 

Total 
£000 
2,423 

(558) 

(558) 

537 
(39) 
- 
2,363 

(991) 

(991) 

- 
1,169 
(78) 
7 
- 
2,470 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2020 

Cash flow from operating activities 
(Loss) after tax 
Tax on losses 
Finance income net of finance costs 
Unrealised (gain)/loss on revaluation of financial investments 

Realised loss/(gain) on sale of financial investments 
Share based payment 
Impairment provision  
Foreign exchange movements 
Changes in working capital: 

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 
(Decrease) in trade and other payables 

Cash outflow from operations 
Taxation received 
Net cash outflow from operating activities 

Cash flow from investing activities 

Payments for financial investments 
Disposal proceeds from sale of financial investments 
Unsecured loans to investee company 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities  
Proceeds on issuing of ordinary shares 
Cost of issue of ordinary shares 
Net cash inflow from financing activities  

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

Note 

11 
11 

14 

18 

18 

2020 

£000 

(991) 
- 
(29) 
(176) 
9 
7 
716 
7 

45 
(28) 
(440) 
- 
(440) 

(509) 
154 
(26) 

(381) 

1,169 
(78) 
1,091 

270 
568 
838 

The notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 

2019  
(restated) 
£000 

(558) 
- 
(34) 
224 
(35) 
- 
106 
- 

(30) 
(182) 
(509) 
- 
(509) 

(358) 
600 
- 

242 

537 
(39) 
498 

231 
337 
568 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1  Presentation of the financial statements 

Description of business & Investing Policy 
Gunsynd plc is public limited  company domiciled in the  United Kingdom. The Company’s registered office is 78  Pall  Mall, 
London SW1Y 5ES. 

The  Company's  Investing  Policy  is  to  invest  in  and/or  acquire  companies  and/or  projects  principally  within  the  natural 
resources sector which the Board considers, in its opinion, has potential for growth.  The Company will consider opportunities 
in all sectors as they arise if the Board considers there is an opportunity to generate potential value for Shareholders.  The 
geographical focus will primarily be in Europe, however, investments may also be considered in other regions to the extent 
that the Board considers that valuable opportunities exist and potential value can be achieved. 

Where appropriate, the Board may seek to invest in businesses where it may influence the business at a board level, add their 
expertise to the management of the business, and utilise their industry relationships and access to finance. 

The Company’s interests in an investment and/or acquisition may range from a minority position to full ownership and may 
comprise one investment or multiple investments.  The investments may be in either quoted or unquoted companies; be 
made by direct acquisitions or farm-ins; and may be in companies, partnerships, earn-in joint ventures, debt or other loan 
structures, joint ventures or direct or indirect interests in assets or projects.  The Board may focus on investments where 
intrinsic value may be achieved from the restructuring of investments or merger of complementary businesses. 

The Board expects that investments will typically be held for the medium to long term, although short term disposal of assets 
cannot be ruled out if there is an opportunity to generate a return for Shareholders.  The Board will place no minimum or 
maximum limit on the length of time that any investment may be held.  The Company may be both an active and a passive 
investor depending on the nature of the individual investment.  There is no limit on the number of projects into which the 
Company  may  invest,  and  the  Company’s  financial  resources  may  be  invested  in  a  number  of  propositions  or  in  just  one 
investment, which may be deemed to be a reverse takeover under the AIM Rules.  The Board  intends to mitigate risk by 
appropriate due diligence and transaction analysis.  Any transaction constituting a reverse takeover under the AIM Rules will 
also require Shareholder approval.  The Board considers that, as investments are made and new investment opportunities 
arise, further funding of the Company may also be required. 

Where the Company builds a portfolio of related assets, it is possible that there may be cross holdings between such assets.  
The Company does not currently intend to fund any investments with debt or other borrowings but may do so if appropriate.  
Investments in early stage assets are expected to be mainly in the form of equity, with debt potentially being raised later to 
fund the development of such assets.  Investments in later stage assets are more likely to include an element of debt to equity 
gearing.  The Board may also offer New Ordinary Shares by way of consideration as well as cash, thereby helping to preserve 
the Company’s cash for working capital and as a reserve against unforeseen contingencies including, for example, delays in 
collecting accounts receivable, unexpected changes in the economic environment and operational problems. 

Investments may be made in all types of assets and there will be no investment restrictions on the type of investment that 
the  Company  might  make  or  the  type  of  opportunity  that  may  be  considered.    The  Company  may  consider  possible 
opportunities anywhere in the world. 

The  Board  will  conduct  initial  due  diligence  appraisals  of  potential  business  or  projects  and,  where  they  believe  further 
investigation is warranted, intend to appoint appropriately qualified persons to assist.  The Board believes its expertise will 
enable  it  to  determine  quickly  which  opportunities  could be  viable  and  so  progress  quickly  to  formal  due  diligence.    The 
Company will not have a separate investment manager. 

Compliance with applicable law and IFRS 
The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  Companies  Act  2006  and  International  Accounting 
Standards  (IAS)  and  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  and  related  interpretations,  as  adopted  by  the 
European Union. 

Composition of the financial statements 
The Company financial statements are drawn up in Sterling, the functional currency of Gunsynd plc and in accordance with 
IFRS accounting presentation.  The level of rounding for financial information is the nearest thousand pounds. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

1  Presentation of the financial statements continued 

Accounting convention 
The financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain 
items, as stated in the accounting policies. 

Basis of preparation – Going concern 
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, notwithstanding the loss for the year ended 31 July 
2020.  This basis assumes that the company will have sufficient funding to enable it to continue to operate for the foreseeable 
future and the Directors have taken steps to ensure that they believe that the going concern basis of preparation remains 
appropriate. 

The Company made a loss for the year of £991,000 (2019: loss £558,000) after taxation.  The Company had net assets of 
£2,470,000 (2019: £2,363,000) and cash balances of £838,000 (2019: £568,000) at 31 July 2020.  The Directors have prepared 
financial forecasts which cover a period of at least 12 months from date that these financial statements are approved to 30 
December 2021.  These forecasts show that the Company expects to have sufficient financial resources to continue to operate 
as a going concern. 

In forming the conclusion that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis the Directors 
have made the following assumptions that are relevant to the next twelve months: 
– 
– 

In the event that the Company’s investments require further funding, sufficient funding can be obtained; and 
In  the  event  that  operating  expenditure  increases  significantly  as  a  result  of  successful  progress  with  regards  to  the 
Company’s investments, sufficient funding can be obtained. 

The cost structure of the Company comprises a high proportion of discretionary spend and therefore in the event that cash 
flows become constrained, costs can be quickly reduced to enable the Company to operate within its available funding.  As a 
junior investment exploration company, the Directors are aware that the Company must go to the marketplace to raise cash 
to meet its investment plans, and/or consider liquidation of its investments and/or assets as is deemed appropriate. The 
Company has previously constantly demonstrated its ability to raise further cash by way of completing placings during the 
prior years, and are confident of further equity fund raising should the company require such cash injection.  Therefore they 
are confident that existing cash balances, along with the any new funding would be adequate to ensure that costs can be 
covered. 

Consequently, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue to 
operate for the foreseeable future and that it remains appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going 
concern basis. 

Financial period 
These financial statements  cover the financial year from 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020, with comparative figures for the 
financial year from 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019. 

Accounting principles and policies 
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management 
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent 
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the 
reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies approved by the Board 
and signed on their behalf by Hamish Harris and Donald Strang, and described in Note 2, ‘Accounting principles and policies’.  
Information on the application of these accounting policies, including areas of estimation and judgement is given in Note 3, 
‘Key accounting judgements and estimates. Where appropriate, comparative figures are reclassified to ensure a consistent 
presentation with current year information. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

2  Accounting principles and policies 

Revenue 
Revenue is recognised when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of products has occurred or services have 
been rendered, prices are fixed or determinable and there is a probability that economic benefits will flow to the Company. 

Segment reporting 
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision 
maker.  The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Board of Directors.  Further details are set out in Note 
5. 

Share capital 
Financial instruments issued by the Company are treated as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the definition of 
a financial liability.  The Company’s ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments. 

Share-based payments  
Where equity settled share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to 
the statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period.  Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by 
adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each balance sheet date so that, ultimately, the cumulative 
amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. 

Market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options granted.  As long as all other vesting conditions are 
satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied.  The cumulative expense is not 
adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition. 

Prior year restatement 
During the year, the prior year accounting treatment of the investment in Oyster Oil & Gas Ltd, which was classified as an 
investment in associate and equity accounted, has been revisited. As the Company meets the definition of an investment 
entity, equity accounting does not apply and the investment should be treated as a financial asset at fair value through profit 
or loss in accordance with IFRS 9. As a result, a prior year restatement in respect of the classification of the investment in 
Oyster Oil & Gas Ltd has been reflected within the financial statements. See Note 23 for details of the impact on the financial 
statements.  

Foreign exchange 
Transactions in currencies other than Sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. 
At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the 
rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in the income statement for 
the period. 

Fair value measurement 
IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance for all fair value measurements. IFRS 13 does not change when an entity is 
required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required 
or permitted. The resulting calculations under IFRS 13 affected the principles that the Company uses to assess the fair value, 
but the assessment of fair value under IFRS 13 has not materially changed the fair values recognised or disclosed. IFRS 13 
mainly impacts the disclosures of the Company. It requires specific disclosures about fair value measurements and disclosures 
of fair values, some of which replace existing disclosure requirements in other standards. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

2  Accounting principles and policies continued 

Financial instruments 

Financial investments 
Non-derivative  financial  assets  comprising  the  Company’s  strategic  financial  investments  in  entities  not  qualifying  as 
subsidiaries, associates or jointly controlled entities.  These assets are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit 
or loss. They are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognised through the income statement.  Where there is a 
significant  or  prolonged  decline  in  the  fair  value  of  a  financial  investment  (which  constitutes  objective  evidence  of 
impairment), the full amount of the impairment is recognised in the income statement.   

Listed investments are valued at closing bid price on 31 July 2020.  For measurement purposes, financial investments are 
designated at fair value through income statement.  Gains and losses on the realisation of financial investments are recognised 
in the income statement for the period.  The difference between the market value of financial instruments and book value to 
the Company is shown as a gain or loss in the income statement for the period. 

Trade and other receivables 
Trade receivables are measured at initial recognition at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest rate method. Trade and other receivables are accounted for at original invoice amount less any provisions 
for doubtful debts.  Provisions are made where there is evidence of a risk of non-payment, taking into account the age of the 
debt, historical experience and general economic conditions.  If a trade debt is determined to be uncollectable, it is written 
off, firstly against any provisions already held and then to the statement of comprehensive income.  Subsequent recoveries 
of amounts previously provided for are credited to the statement of comprehensive income. 

Appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts are recognised in profit or loss in accordance with the expected 
credit loss model under IFRS 9. For trade and other receivables which do not contain a significant financing component, the 
Company applies the simplified approach. This approach requires the allowance for expected credit losses to be recognised 
at  an  amount  equal  to  lifetime  expected  credit  losses.  For  other  debt  financial  assets  the  Company  applies  the  general 
approach to providing for expected credit losses as prescribed by IFRS 9, which permits for the recognition of an allowance 
for  the  estimated  expected  loss  resulting  from  default  in  the  subsequent  12-month  period.  Exposure  to  credit  loss  is 
monitored on a continual basis and, where material, the allowance for expected credit losses is adjusted to reflect the risk of 
default during the lifetime of the financial asset should a significant change in credit risk be identified. 

The majority of the Company's financial assets are expected to have a low risk of default. A review of the historical occurrence 
of credit losses indicates that credit losses are insignificant due to the size of the Company's clients and the nature of its 
activities. The outlook for the natural resources industry is not expected to result in a significant change in the Company's 
exposure to credit losses. As lifetime expected credit losses are not expected to be significant the Company has opted not to 
adopt the practical expedient available under IFRS 9 to utilise a provision matrix for the recognition of lifetime expected credit 
losses on trade receivables. Allowances are calculated on a case-by-case basis based on the credit risk applicable to individual 
counterparties. 

Trade and other payables 
Trade and other payables are held at amortised cost which equates to nominal value. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, current balances with banks and similar institutions and liquid investments 
generally  with  maturities  of  3  months  or  less.    They  are  readily  convertible  into  known  amounts  of  cash  and  have  an 
insignificant risk of changes in values. 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

2  Accounting principles and policies continued 

Taxation 

The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax.  Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the 
extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.  In this case the tax is also 
recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. 

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 
date in the countries where the company’s subsidiaries and associates operate and generate taxable income.  Management 
periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to 
interpretation  and  establishes  provisions  where  appropriate  on  the  basis  of  amounts  expected  to  be  paid  to  the  tax 
authorities. 

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of 
assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.  However, the deferred income tax 
is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination 
that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit nor loss.  Deferred income tax is determined 
using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to 
apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled. 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against 
which  the  temporary  differences  can  be  utilised.    Deferred  income  tax  is  provided  on  temporary  differences  arising  on 
disallowed expenses, expect where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the company and 
it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same 
taxation authority on either the taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances 
on a net basis. 

Impairment of non-current assets 
The carrying values of all non-current assets are reviewed for impairment when there is an indication that the assets might 
be impaired.  Any provision for impairment is charged to the statement of comprehensive income in the year concerned. 

Impairment losses on other non-current assets are only reversed if there has been a change in estimates used to determine 
recoverable amounts and only to the extent that the revised recoverable amounts do not exceed the carrying values that 
would have existed, net of depreciation or amortisation, had no impairments been recognised. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

3  Key accounting judgements and estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses.  The 
estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be 
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of 
assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. 

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

Significant  estimates  and  assumptions  that  may  have  a  significant  risk  of  causing  a  material  adjustment  to  the  carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities at 31 July 2020 are set out below: 

Share Based Payments 
The  Company issued 6.35 million options over its unissued share capital to the directors during the year to 31 July 2020.  
(2019:£nil)  

The fair value of share based payments is calculated by reference to Black Scholes model.  Inputs into the model are based 
on management's best estimates of appropriate volatility, dividend yields, discount rate and share price.  During the year, the 
Company incurred £7,000 share based payment charge (2019: £nil charge). 

Unlisted investments 
The Company is required to make judgments over the carrying value of investments in unquoted companies where fair values 
cannot be readily established and evaluate the size of any impairment required. It is important to recognise that the carrying 
value of such investments cannot always be substantiated by comparison with independent markets and, in many cases, may 
not be capable of being realised immediately. Management’s significant judgement in this regard is that the value of their 
investment  represents  their  cost  less  previous  impairment.  Further  details  relating  to  management’s  assessment  of  the 
carrying value of unlisted investments can be found in the Chairman’s Report (incorporating the Strategic Review).  

Recoverability of receivables 
The Company makes assumptions when implementing the forward-looking ECL model under IFRS 9. The model is used to 
assess material loans receivable for impairment.  Estimates are made regarding the credit risk and underlying probability of 
default in each of the relevant credit loss scenarios. The Directors makes judgements on the expected likelihood and outcome 
of each of the scenarios and these expected values are applied to the loan balances. 

4  New accounting requirements 

These  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  and IFRIC 
interpretations as adopted by the European Union and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies 
reporting under IFRS. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

Adoption of new and revised standards: 

During  the  financial  year,  the  Company  has  adopted  the  following  new  IFRSs  (including  amendments  thereto)  and  IFRIC 
interpretations that became effective for the first time.  

Standard 

IFRS 16 Leases 
IFRIC Interpretation 23 – Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments 
Amendments to IFRS 9 – Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation 
Amendments to IAS 28 – Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures 
Annual improvements 2015-2017 cycle 
Amendments to IAS 19 – Plan amendment, Curtailment or Settlement 

Effective date, annual period 
beginning on or after 
1 January 2019 
1 January 2019 
1 January 2019 
1 January 2019 
1 January 2019 
1 January 2019 

Their adoption has not had any material impact on the disclosures or amounts reported in the financial statements. 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

4  New accounting requirements continued 

Standards issued but not yet effective: 

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations relevant to the 
Company and which have not been applied in these financial statements, were in issue but were not yet effective. 

Standard 

Conceptual Framework and Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in 
IFRS Standards 
Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations 
Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material 
Reference to the Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations) 
Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16) 
Onerous  Contracts  –  Cost  of  Fulfilling  a  Contract  (Amendments  to  IAS  37  Provisions, 
Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets) 
Annual improvements 2018-2020 cycle 
Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current: Amendments to IAS 1 

*Not yet endorsed for use in the European Union  

Effective date, annual period 
beginning on or after 
1 January 2020 

1 January 2020 
1 January 2020 
1 January 2022* 
1 January 2022* 
1 January 2022* 

1 January 2022* 
1 January 2023* 

The adoption of these standards is not expected to have any material impact on the financial statements of the Company.  

5  Segmental analysis 

Segmental analysis is not applicable as there is only one operating segment of the continuing business – investment activities.  
The performance measure of investment activities is considered by the Board to be profitability and is disclosed on the face 
of the statement of comprehensive Income.  The Board will continually review the segmental analysis of the business on an 
ongoing basis and at each reporting date. 

32 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

6 

Information regarding Directors and employees 

Included within continuing operations 
Fees and salaries 
Social security costs 
Share based payment expense 

2020 
£000 

183 
3 
7 
193 

2019 
£000 

174 
2 
- 
176 

2020 
Number 

2019 
Number 

Average number of persons employed by the Company (including Directors) during the 
year 
Directors 
Administrative staff 
Total 

The compensation of the Directors, in aggregate, was as follows: 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Share based payment expense 

3 
1 
4 

2020 
£000 
163 
1 
7 
171 

Full details of the remuneration of individual directors, including the highest paid director, are set out below: 

Fees & 
salary 
£000 

Share Based 
Payments 
£000 

80 
72 
16 
(4) 
164 

- 

- 
7 
- 
7 

Total 
2020 
£000 

80 
72 
23 
(4) 
171 

Directors 
Mr H Harris  
Mr D Strang  
Mr P Ruse 2 
Mr G Garnett 1 & 3 

1 appointed 16 January 2018 
2 appointed 6 November 2019 
3 resigned 26 November 2019 

No Directors fees have been accrued (2019: £53,000) and £3,000 remain unpaid at 31 July 2020 (2019: £7,000). 

3 
1 
4 

2019 
£000 
153 
1 
- 
153 

Total 
2019 
£000 

72 
72 
- 
9 
153 

7  Other income 

Other fees & services 
Total other income 

2020 
£000 
- 
- 

2019 
£000 
50 
50 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

8 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

The following items have been included in operating (loss)/profit: 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors: 
Audit and assurance services: 
- Audit of parent Company financial statements  

Total auditor’s fees 

Analysis of other costs:  
Legal and professional fees 
Foreign exchange (gains) 
Other general overheads 

9  Taxation 

Taxation charge based on losses for the year 
UK Corporation tax 
Deferred taxation 
Total tax expense 

Factors affecting the tax charge for the year: 
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before taxation 
Loss on ordinary activities at the average UK standard rate of 19% (2019: 19%) 
Effect of non-deductible expenses 
Unutilised losses carried forward 
Other deductions for tax purposes including prior year losses 
Current tax charge 

2020 
£000 

2019 
£000 

17 
17 

1 
3 
274 
278 

2020 

£000 
- 
- 
- 

(991) 
(188) 
5 
183 
- 
- 

10 
10 

5 
- 
164 
169 

2019 

£000 
- 
- 
- 

(558) 
(106) 
22 
84 
- 
- 

As set out in Note 2, the Company has not recognised a deferred tax asset in the financial statements as there is no certainty 
that taxable profits will be available against which these assets could be utilised. 

10  (Loss) per share 

(Loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders 

The calculation of loss per share is based on the loss after taxation divided by the 
weighted average number of shares in issue during the period: 
(Loss) from operations (£000) 
Total (£000) 

Number of shares 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic (loss)/earnings 
per share (millions) 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted 
(loss)/earnings per share (millions) 

Basic (loss) per share (expressed in pence) 
Diluted (loss) per share (expressed in pence) 

2020 

2019 
(Restated) 

(991) 
(991) 

(558) 
(558) 

93.32 

103.39 

(1.064) 
(1.064) 

59.80 

63.82 

(0.931) 
(0.931) 

As the inclusions of the potential Ordinary Shares would result in a decrease in the loss per share, they are considered to be 
anti-dilutive and not included. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

11  Financial investments 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss: 

Fair Value at 31 July 2018 
Additions 
Fair value changes 
(Loss)/Gains on disposals 
Disposal 
Impairment provision  
Fair Value at 31 July 2019 - restated 
Additions 
Fair value changes 
(Loss)/Gains on disposals 
Disposal 
Impairment provision  
Foreign Exchange 
Fair Value at 31 July 2020 

The financial assets splits are as below: 
Non-current assets - listed 
Non-current assets - unlisted 
Non-current assets – unlisted convertible loans 
Total 

  Gains on investments held at fair value through profit or loss 
  Fair value gain on investments 
  Realised gain on disposal of investments 
  Net gain on investments held at fair value through profit or loss 

£000 
Level 1 
382 
675 
(224) 
(140) 
(550) 
- 
143 
193 
176 
(9) 
(154) 
- 
(9) 
340 

340 
- 
- 
340 

176 
(9) 
167 

£000 
Level 2 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

£000 
Level 3 
1,716 
260 
- 
175 
(600) 
(106) 
1,445 
423 
- 
- 
- 
(716) 
1 
1,153 

- 
577 
576 
1,153 

- 
- 
- 

£000 
Total 
2,098 
935 
(224) 
35 
(1,150) 
(106) 
1,588 
616 
176 
(9) 
(154) 
(716) 
(8) 
1,493 

340 
577 
576 

1,493 

176 
(9) 
167 

Level 1  
Level 2 

Level 3 

represents those assets, which are measured using unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets. 
applies inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets either directly (as prices) or indirectly 
(derived from prices). 
applies inputs, which are not based on observable market data. 

The Directors carried out an impairment review as at 31 July 2020, and determined a further impairment charge of £716,000 
(2019: £106,000) was required. £400,000 (2019: £100,000) in respect of Brazil Tungsten Ltd; £220,000 (2019: £nil) in respect 
of Sunshine Minerals and £96,000 (2019: £6,000) was required with regard to its investment in Oyster Oil & Gas Ltd, as a 
result of the valuation implied by Oyster’s proposed disposal to Sajawin Pty Limited ("Sajawin"). More details regarding the 
companies’ progress are detailed within the strategic review. 

Financial investments comprise investments in listed and unlisted Companies, of which the listed investments are traded on 
stock markets throughout the world, and are held by the Company as a mix of strategic and short term investments.  The 
listed investments have been valued at bid price, as quoted on their respective Stock Exchanges, at 31 July 2020.  The market 
value of the listed investments at 30 November 2020 was circa £515,000. 

Fair value hierarchy of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

12  Trade and other receivables 

Non current assets 
Loan to Investee Company 

Current assets 
Other receivables 
Prepayments 

The carrying value of receivables approximates their fair value. 

13  Trade and other payables 

Amounts due within one year 
Trade payables 
Other creditors 
Accruals and deferred income 

14  Share capital and share premium account 

Share capital issued and fully paid 
At 31 July 2018 
Issue of new ordinary shares on 10 June 2019 
Less: costs of share placing 
Issue of new ordinary shares on 21 June 2019 
At 31 July 2019 
Share Split 
Share Consolidation (1 for 85) 

Issue of new ordinary shares on 5 June 2020 
Issue of new ordinary shares on 1 July 2020 
Issue of new ordinary shares on 6 July 2020 
Issue of new ordinary shares on 7 July 2020 
Less: costs of share placing 
At 31 July 2020 

Number 
of shares 

4,882,924,490 

1,351,351,351 
- 
100,000,000 
6,334,275,841 
- 
74,520,893 
74,520,893  
17,786,799  
71,538,462  
16,000,000  
- 
254,367,047 

Ordinary 
share 
capital 
£000 
489 
134 
- 
10 
633 
- 
(570) 
63 
15 
61 
14 
- 
216 

2020 
£000 
56 
56 

2020 
£000 
157 
24 
181 

2020 
£000 
52 
26 
20 
98 

Deferred 
share 
capital 
£000 
1,729 
- 
- 
- 
1,729 
- 
570 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,299 

2019 
£000 
- 
- 

2019 
£000 
196 
137 
333 

2019 
£000 
46 
9 
71 
126 

Share 
premium 

£000 
10,536 
366 
(39) 
27 
10,890 
- 
- 
421 
101 
404 
90 
(78) 
11,828 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

15  Movements in equity 

Share  capital  represents  the  nominal  value  of  the  amount  subscribed  for  shares.  Share  premium  represents  the  amount 
subscribed for shares in excess of their nominal value less costs of subscription.  Ordinary shares carry the rights to one vote 
per share at general meetings of the Company and the rights to share in any distributions of profits or returns of capital and 
to share in any residual assets available for distribution in the event of a winding up. 

The share-based payment reserve represents amounts arising from the requirement to expense the fair value of share-based 
remuneration in accordance with IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payments’. 

Retained earnings are the cumulative net losses recognised in the income statement and other comprehensive income. 

Movements on these reserves are set out in the statement of changes in equity. 

16  Related party transactions 

The Company had the following transactions with related parties: 

Name of related party 

Relationship 

Nature of 
transaction 

Transactions with  
related party 
At 31 July 
2019 
£000 

At 31 July 
2020 
£000 

Amounts owed from 
related party 
At 31 July 
2019 
£000 

At 31 July 
2020 
£000 

Horse Hill Developments 
Ltd (“HHDL”) 

Investee Company 

Cash call Loan to 
HHDL 

- 

(190) 

Rogue Baron 

Investee Company  Short term Loan 

56 

- 

- 

56 

- 

- 

Terms and conditions of transactions with related parties 
Outstanding balances that relate to trading balances are unsecured, interest free and settlement occurs in cash. There have 
been no guarantees provided or received for any related party receivables or payables.  

The Company has the outstanding amounts due as at 31 July 2020 as disclosed in the table above.  The loans outstanding are 
included within trade and other receivables, Note 12. 

The loan to HHDL was made in accordance with the terms of the investment agreement whereby it accrued interest daily at 
the Bank of England base rate and was repayable out of future cashflows.  On disposal of the Company’s interest in HHDL, the 
shareholder loan was novated to the acquiring company, and no further loan balance is repayable. 

Compensation of key management personnel of the Company 
The Company considers the directors to be its key management personnel.  Full details of the remuneration of the directors 
are shown in Note 6. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

17  Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds 

Net funds at beginning of the year 
Increase in cash 
Net funds at end of the year 

Analysis of changes in net funds 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Net funds 

Significant non-cash transactions 

2020 
£000 
568 
270 
838 

Cash 
Flow 
£000 
270 
270 

2019 
£000 
337 
231 
568 

At 31 
July 
2020 
£000 
838 
838 

At 31 
July 
2019 
£000 
568 
568 

During the year the significant non-cash transactions during the year were as follows: 

• 

• 
• 
• 

£400,000 impairment provision in regards to Brazil Tungsten Holdings Limited was expensed through the income 
statement. 
£220,000 impairment provision in regards to Sunshine Minerals Limited was expensed through the income statement 
£96,000 impairment provision in regards to Oyster Oil & Gas Ltd was expensed through the income statement 
£217,000 of unrealised gains in movement in the market value of the Company’s listed financial investments were 
revalued through the income statement 

18  Financial instruments and related disclosures 

General objectives, policies and processes 

The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Company’s risk management objectives and policies and, 
whilst retaining ultimate responsibility for them, it has delegated authority for designing and operating processes that ensure 
the effective implementation of the objectives and policies to the Company’s finance function.  The Board receives monthly 
reports through which it reviews the effectiveness of the processes put in place and the appropriateness of the objectives 
and policies it sets. 

The overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as possible without unduly affecting the 
Company’s competitiveness and flexibility. 

The  Company  reports  in  Sterling.    Internal  and  external  funding  requirements  and  financial  risks  are  managed  based  on 
policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors.  The Company does not use derivative financial instruments such 
as forward currency contracts, interest rate and currency swaps or similar instruments.  The Company does not issue or use 
financial instruments of a speculative nature. 

Capital management  
The Company’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. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

18  Financial instruments and related disclosures continued 

Capital management  
The capital structure of the Company consists of total shareholders’ equity as set out in the ‘Statement of changes in equity’.  
All working capital requirements are financed from existing cash resources. 

Capital is managed on a day to day basis to ensure that all entities in the Company are able to operate as a going concern.  
Operating  cash  flow  is  primarily  used  to  cover  the  overhead  costs  associated  with  operating  as  an  AIM  and  NEX-listed 
company. 

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity  risk  arises  from  the  Company’s  management  of  working  capital.    It  is  the  risk  that  the  Company  will  encounter 
difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due. 

The  Directors consider that there is no significant liquidity risk faced by the Company.  The Company maintains sufficient 
balances in cash to pay accounts payable and accrued expenses. 

The Board receives forward looking cash flow projections at periodic intervals during the year as well as information regarding 
cash balances.  At the balance sheet date the Company had cash balances of £838,000 and the financial forecasts indicated 
that  the  Company  expected  to  have  sufficient  liquid  resources  to  meet  its  obligations  under  all  reasonably  expected 
circumstances and will not need to establish overdraft or other borrowing facilities. 

Interest rate risk 
As the Company has no borrowings, it only has limited interest rate risk.  The impact is on income and operating cash flow 
and arises from changes in market interest rates.  Cash resources are held in current, floating rate accounts. 

Market risk 
Market price risk arises from uncertainty about the future valuations of financial instruments held in accordance with the 
Company’s investment objectives.  These future valuations are determined by many factors but include the operational and 
financial performance of the underlying investee companies, as well as market perceptions of the future of the economy and 
its impact upon the economic environment in which these companies operate.  This risk represents the potential loss that the 
Company  might  suffer  through  holding  its  financial  investment  portfolio  in  the  face  of  market  movements,  which  was  a 
maximum of £1,233,000 (2019: £1,238,000). 

The investments in equity of quoted companies that the Company holds are less frequently traded than shares in more 
widely traded securities.  Consequently, the valuations of these investments can be more volatile.  

Market price risk sensitivity 
The table below shows the impact on the return and net assets of the Company if there were to be a 20% movement in overall 
share prices of the financial investments held at 31 July 2020. 

Decrease if overall share price falls by 20%, with all other variables held constant 
Decrease in other comprehensive earnings and net asset value per Ordinary share (in 
pence) 

2020 
Other 
comprehensive 
income and  
Net assets 

£000 
(68) 

2019 
Other 
comprehensive 
income and  
Net assets 
(restated) 
£000 
(29) 

(0.073)p 

(0.048)p 

Increase if overall share price rises by 20%, with all other variables held constant 
Increase in other comprehensive earnings and net asset value per Ordinary share (in 
pence) 

68 

29 

0.073p 

0.048p 

The impact of a change of 20% has been selected as this is considered reasonable given the current level of volatility observed, 
and assumes a market value is attainable for the Company’s unlisted investments. 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

18  Financial instruments and related disclosures continued 

Currency risk 
The Directors consider that there is no significant currency risk faced by the Company.  The only current foreign currency 
transactions the Company enters into are denominated in US$ in relation to transactions with or relating to its loan to Human 
Brands Inc., and no balances at 31 July 2020 are denominated in foreign currencies. 

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will fail to discharge an obligation or commitment that it has entered into with the 
Company.  The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is: 

Cash at bank 
Other receivables 

2020 
£000 
838 
252 
1,090 

2019 
£000 
568 
333 
901 

The Company’s cash balances are held in accounts with Barclays Bank plc, and with its Investment Broker accounts. 

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities 
Financial assets and liabilities are carried in the Statement of Financial Position at either their fair value (financial investments) 
or at a reasonable approximation of the fair value (trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and cash at bank). 

The fair values are included at the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between 
willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. 

Trade and other receivables  
The following table sets out the fair values of financial assets within Trade and other receivables.   

Financial assets (Note 12) 
Trade and other receivables - Non interest earning 
Loan to investee company - Non interest earning 
Loan to investee company – interest earning @ 12% p.a. 

2020 
£000 
181 
56 
- 

2019 
£000 
217 
- 
116 

There are no financial assets which are past due and for which no provision for bad or doubtful debts has been made. 

Trade and other payables 
The following table sets out financial liabilities within Trade and other payables.  These financial liabilities are predominantly 
non-interest  bearing.    Other  liabilities  include  tax  and  social  security  payables  and  provisions  which  do  not  constitute 
contractual obligations to deliver cash or other financial assets. 

Financial liabilities (Note 13) 
Trade and other payables 

2020 
£000 
98 

2019 
£000 
126 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

19  Share schemes 

The Company has a share option scheme for all employees (including Directors).  Options are exercisable at a price agreed at 
the date of grant.  The vesting period is usually between zero and five years.  The exercise of options is dependent upon 
eligible employees meeting performance criteria.  The options are settled in equity once exercised. 

If  the  options  remain  unexercised  after  their  expiry  date,  the  options  expire.    Options  lapse  if  the  employee  leaves  the 
Company before the options vest. 

Options issued, cancelled, & outstanding for the year ended 31 July 2020 

At 31 July 2018 

Options lapsed 

At 31 July 2019 

Options lapsed 
Consolidation (1 for 85) 
Issued 

At 31 July 2020 

Range of exercise prices 

Weighted average remaining contractual life 

Options outstanding & exercisable at 31 July 2020 

Date of grant 
1 December 2010 
7 August 2017 
12 February 2018 
29 July 2020 
Total 

Number  
342,650,840 

(1,031,990) 

341,618,850 

(10,000,000) 
(327,717,451) 
6,350,000 

10,251,399 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
0.11p 

0.0865p 

0.08p 

0.22p 

1.00p 

3.06p 

1.00p – 446.25p 

2.60 years 

Number 
19,046  
3,529,412  
352,941  
6,350,000  
10,251,399 

Exercise 
price (p) 
446.25  
4.25  
4.25  
1.00  

Expiry 
date 
30/11/2020 
30/06/2022 
11/02/2023 
29/07/2023 

A modified Black-Scholes model has been used to determine the fair value of the share options on the date of grant.  The fair 
value is expensed to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is determined annually.  The 
model assesses a number of factors in calculating the fair value.  These include the market price on the date of grant, the 
exercise price of the share options, the expected share price volatility of the Company’s share price, the expected life of the 
options, the risk-free rate of interest and the expected level of dividends in future periods. 

For those options granted where IFRS 2 "Share-Based Payment" is applicable, the fair values were calculated using the Black-
Scholes model.  The inputs into the model were as follows: 

Risk free rate 

Share price volatility 

Expected life 

29 July 2020 

0.1% 

30.54% 

3 years 

Share price at date of 
grant 
£0.00790 

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company's share price for 12 months prior to 
the date of grant.  The expected life used in the model is the term of the options. 

Charges to the statement of comprehensive income 

Share based payment charges 

2020 
£000 
7 

2019 
£000 
- 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

19  Share schemes continued 

Warrants issued, cancelled, & outstanding for the year ended 31 July 2020 

At 31 July 2019 
Issued 
At 31 July 2020 

Range of exercise prices 

Weighted average remaining contractual life 

Warrants outstanding & exercisable at 31 July 2020 

Date of grant 
30 June 2020 
13 July 2020 
Total 

20  Commitments and contingencies 

Number 
33,538,462  
29,179,488  
62,717,950 

Exercise 
price (p) 
1.30 
1.30  

Number  
- 
62,717,950 
62,717,950 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
- 
1.30p 
1.30p 

1.30p 

1.47 years 

Expiry 
date 
30/06/2022 
13/07/2021 

The Directors have confirmed that there were no contingent liabilities or capital commitments which should be disclosed at 
31 July 2020. 

21  Ultimate controlling party 

There is not considered to be an ultimate controlling party of the company. 

22  Events after the end of the reporting period 

On 26 August 2020, the Company announced it had awarded 8 million options each to Hamish Harris and Donald Strang, 
directors of the company and 3 million options to company consultants. These options vest immediately, have an exercise 
price of 1p and expire 3 years from date of grant. 

On 13 November 2020, the Company announced it had raised £1,130,000 from a share placing involving the issue of 113 
million  new  ordinary  shares  at  1  pence  per  share.  Of  the  113  million  placing  shares,  56,393,211  shares  were  issued 
immediately and the balance of 56,393,211 shares were conditional on approval at a general meeting of shareholders which 
was obtained on 2 December 2020. Subscribers to this placing also received 56,500,000 Placing warrants exercisable at 2 
pence expiring on the 18 month anniversary of the date of issue.  

On 15 December 2020, the Company announced it had received  warrant exercise notices to subscribe for 3,589,743 new 
ordinary shares in the Company at an exercise price of 1.3 pence per share totalling £46,667. 

23  Prior year restatement 

The impact of the prior year restatement in respect of the classification of the investment in Oyster Oil & Gas Ltd is as follows: 

Investment in associate 
Financial investments (Oyster) 

2019 – As 
presented 
350 
- 

Restatement  

(350) 
350 

2019 – As 
restated 
- 
350 

42