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Instem plc

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FY2010 Annual Report · Instem plc
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Instem Life Science Systems plc
Annual Report 
2010

Instem (AIM:INS.L) is a leading supplier of IT solutions to the early development healthcare

market. Instem’s solutions accelerate drug and chemical development by increasing productivity,

automating processes and enhancing practices that lead to safer and more effective drugs.

Instem has over 130 customers in North America, Europe, China, India and Japan, including

sixteen of the top twenty pharmaceutical and biotech companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and

AstraZeneca.

It is estimated that approximately half of the world’s pre-clinical drug safety data has been

collected over the last 20 years via Instem software.  

®

The Provantis solution incorporates a comprehensive suite of modules required for managing and

recording Early Development Safety Assessment (EDSA) studies, from receipt of the compound

through to the automated assembly of statistical analyses and final reports. The software allows

scientific staff to collect, analyse and share data across the organisation and externally.

Installed on-site or using SaaS, Provantis streamlines traditional paper or spreadsheet-based

workflow with intuitive functionality enforcing best practice, reducing the potential for errors and

providing documented validation at every step.

Centrus

TM

Launched in September of 2010, the Centrus suite provides a single, secure environment to

access,  harmonise  and  use  early  drug  development  information  from  a  variety  of  sources,

including current data acquisition systems, legacy systems, warehouses, partner and contract

research applications, to meet the rapidly-expanding needs of life science organisations for data-

driven decision making.

By having the ability to access various sources and formats of data, Centrus adds value to existing

systems;  collating  and  standardising  information  and  distributing  the  results  to  sponsors,

regulators and partners. The suite provides powerful pre-built applications as well as the ability

to utilise a range of sophisticated business intelligence and analysis tools.

The acquisition of BioWisdom greatly enhances the Centrus product suite capabilities and adds

another compelling dimension to the Instem offering.

Our clients include these fine organisations...

Contents

HIGHLIGHTS

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF INSTEM LIFE SCIENCE SYSTEMS PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

CONSOLIDATED AND COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COMPANY STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

DIRECTORS AND ADVISERS

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Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010 

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Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

Highlights 

Financial Highlights

Operational Highlights

•  Revenues steady at £10.00m (2009: £9.99m) 

• 

Successfully admitted to AIM in October 2010 to 
facilitate the growth strategy

•  Won the majority of new business placed in the 
Early Development Safety Assessment (EDSA) 
market. Notable new customers included:

•  US National Institute of Environmental Health 

Sciences (NIEHS)

• 

• 

Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories USA 

Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica

•  Customer retention rate remained at over 95%

• 

Launched new product suite, Centrus™, 
extending addressable market

•  Completed investment in a new Chinese operation

• 

Acquisition of BioWisdom Ltd, completed post 
year end on 3 March 2011, augmenting the 
Centrus suite

•  Recurring revenues accounted for 67% of total 

revenues (2009: 64%)

•  Operating profi t before amortisation and 

non-recurring costs increased by 2.0% to £2.23m           
(2009: £2.19m)

•  Closing cash balance as at 31 December 2010 of 

£3.26m

We have established a profi table, cash-
generative leading business in the niche 
market of early drug safety assessment. 
With fi scal and regulatory pressures driving 
the need for our solutions, we believe we 
now have a strong platform from which to 
achieve accelerated growth through the 
entry into complementary markets and 
geographies. Since our Admission to AIM 
in October 2010 we have made progress 
with both our organic and acquisitive growth 
strategies, acquiring BioWisdom in March 
2011. We look forward to the future with 
confi dence and will build on the successful 
execution of our strategy so far by continuing 
to drive growth through both internal 
investment and complementary acquisitions.

Phil Reason,
Chief Executive

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010 

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growth

“We now have a strong platform from which to 

achieve growth through entry into complementary 

markets and regions, as fiscal and regulatory 

pressures continue to drive the need for Instem’s 

solutions, and customers pursue consolidation of 

the fragmented EDA supplier base.”  

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Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

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Chairman’s       
Statement

2010 proved to be a successful year for Instem in what has clearly been 
a challenging economic climate for many of our customers, prospects and 
competitors.  

The progress we have achieved over recent years 
enabled us to consider taking the Company public, 
and in October we successfully raised £9.15m, before 
issue costs, from new investors and were admitted 
to trading on AIM, the London Stock Exchange’s 
international market for smaller, growing companies. 
The transformation into a public Company has 
served to strengthen our position within the Early 
Development Safety Assessment (EDSA) market, and 
will enable us to execute our strategy of advancing into 
the broader Early Development Applications (EDA) 
market. 

Revenues held steady at £10.00m, while operating 
profi t before amortisation and non-recurring costs 
increased 2% to £2.23m. 

This fi nancial performance was achieved through a 
focus on the delivery of operational targets, whilst 
investing in a number of initiatives aimed at the 
continued long term development of Instem. In 
particular these included the launch of our new product 
suite, Centrus, and the completion of our investment in 
a new operation in China. 

We were delighted to welcome many new customers 
during the year, including a division of the US 
Government and SNBL, one of the largest Contract 
Research Organisations in the US. We believe that 
we were successful in winning the majority of new 
business placed in the EDSA market in the period, 

pointing to the strength of our product offering and 
customer support.

Our successful admission to AIM has enabled us to 
embark upon our M&A programme, which is planned 
to augment our organic growth. We were delighted to 
be able to announce, post period end, the acquisition 
of BioWisdom Limited, which will supplement and 
strengthen our Centrus product range.

We now have a strong platform from which to achieve 
growth through entry into complementary markets and 
regions, as fi scal and regulatory pressures continue to 
drive the need for Instem’s solutions, and customers 
pursue consolidation of the fragmented EDA supplier 
base.  

I would like to thank Instem’s dedicated staff for their 
tremendous contribution in 2010 and look forward to 
sharing with them the anticipation and excitement we 
feel for 2011 and beyond.

David Gare
Chairman

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010 

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development

“We have made significant headway in the 

development of the business. As planned, we have 

expanded our customer base, grown our market 

share, entered new geographies and launched 

new products to support future growth.”  

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Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

Operational
Review

In these results, our fi rst since our successful IPO last year, we are pleased 
to report that we have made signifi cant headway in the development of the 
business. As planned, we have expanded our customer base, grown our market 
share, entered new geographies and launched new products to support future 
growth. 

Instem continues to win the majority of new business 
in the EDSA market; winning, we believe, at least 
two-thirds of that placed. 

Customer Wins

We have achieved some signifi cant new customer 
wins during the year. These included an order for 500 
users of Provantis from SNBL USA, one of the leading 
Contract Research Organisations (CROs) in the United 
States, replacing a competitor’s system. SNBL USA is 
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shin Nippon Biomedical 
Laboratories Ltd, one of the largest CROs in Japan, 
which has approximately 2,000 team members 
worldwide. 

Provantis was also selected by the US Government 
to assist in its National Toxicology Program in August 
2010. This Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) order from 
the US National Institute of Environmental Health 
Sciences (NIEHS) will see Instem’s software used 
in studies to be carried out at contract laboratories 
at various sites throughout the United States. It is a 
prestigious contract win for Instem, to be completely 
funded by the US federal government at a value of 

over £420,000 for an initial two year period.

We were also pleased to record several successes in 
our new markets of China and Japan:

• 

• 

The Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) 
purchased a subscription to Provantis in October 
2010, becoming the fi rst SaaS client in our 
newly established Shanghai data centre. SIMM, 
part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is 
highly ranked in China for its drug discovery and 
development activities with more than 70 drugs 
having been developed since its establishment.

In conjunction with our Japanese distributor we 
carried out a comprehensive implementation 
project during 2010 for Mitsubishi Chemical 
Medience Corporation (MCM), one of Japan’s 
largest CROs, who purchased Provantis 
in December 2009 following an extensive 
competitive evaluation. The implementation was 
for a wide range of Provantis modules for over 
200 users across two sites, one in Kashima 
and one in Kumamoto, ultimately replacing two 
separate competitor systems. Such a contract 
with a large and established CRO acts as a great 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010 

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OPERATIONAL REVIEW

endorsement for Provantis in both Japan and the 
wider Asia-Pacifi c region. 

• 

In June 2010, we secured business from the 
pharmaceutical organisation Shionogi & Co 
Limited as a new client. 

Recurring Revenues

It is a feature of the regulated market in which we 
operate that our customers require continuous 
support of their systems. Consequently the Group has 
maintained support contracts with all of its ongoing 
customers, and the customer retention rate remains 
high at over 95%. The level of renewals strongly 
underpins revenue expectations in 2011.

The Group has an average client relationship term 
exceeding 10 years and with customer numbers 
increasing each year, the level of these recurring 
revenues is expected to continue to provide 
an important contribution to our year-on-year 
performance.

The introduction of the SaaS delivery alternative in 
2006 has also increased recurring revenues, adding 
to the visibility of future business.

Market Developments

The worldwide drug development industry accounts 
for over US$65 billion of annual expenditure and 
had been growing at 9.1% a year as pharmaceutical 
companies (a) raced to combat a surge in patent 
expiration on a number of key drugs over the next 
two to three years, and (b) sought to cope with 
increasingly complex regulatory requirements. There 
is mounting pressure to achieve higher levels of 
productivity and effi ciency along all stages of the drug 
and chemical development process. 2010 has seen 
a varied response by pharmaceutical companies, 
with some reducing and others increasing R&D 
expenditure in the face of these looming revenue 
challenges. Most, though, continue to see increased 
out-sourcing of EDSA studies as the preferred 
strategic option.

According to studies and management estimates, 
the life science industry’s expenditure on IT solutions 
is estimated to have reached US$17 billion by the 
end of 2010 and the EDA market is currently worth 

approximately US$500 million per annum. Instem’s 
core EDSA subsector is worth approximately US$60 
million, giving Instem a market share of approximately 
25 per cent.

Expanding Addressable Market

Through the launch of Centrus in October 2010 
we have expanded our presence into the adjacent 
Data Document Management & Reporting market. 
The Centrus suite of products is an extension of the 
development work previously carried out for Provantis 
and whilst the two product suites can be seamlessly 
integrated, Centrus can also stand alone, integrating 
with competitor and complementary EDA systems. 
The successful launch has therefore considerably 
expanded our potential market.

We believe a key driver for the update of Centrus is 
the emergence of SEND (Standard for the Exchange 
of Non-clinical Data). SEND is a US FDA-sponsored 
initiative seeking to harmonise the presentation of vast 
amounts of data generated during early development, 
facilitating the retrieval and utilisation of that data both 
before and after regulatory submission. Centrus has 
the ability to add value to existing systems, and aids in 
the integration and sharing of current and historic data 
between sponsors and partners in a standardised 
form. 

SEND completed its formal public review in February 
2011. We expect the standard to progress to formal 
conclusion in the second half of 2011, followed by 
an indication by regulators that it is their preferred 
vehicle for electronic regulatory submissions. In 
anticipation, several pharmaceutical companies are 
now requesting that SEND data sets are created for 
current studies, resulting in new orders for Instem’s 
submit™ SEND solution.

Expanding Geographical Reach

We believe that it is strategically important to 
have a presence in all major markets where early 
development facilities are located. Traditionally this 
has been in North America, Europe and Japan. 
However, increasingly these facilities are being 
located in emerging economies such as the People’s 
Republic of China (PRC). 

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Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

China
The preclinical development market is growing most 
rapidly in emerging markets and in particular, in 
China. Instem is expanding into such markets and 
during 2010 a localised version of Provantis was 
developed and a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise 
(WFOE) established in Shanghai. Instem now has a 
complete full-service local Chinese offering. Instem 
has recruited local staff; four people in client facing 
roles providing local sales, sales support, service 
implementations and customer support. In a relatively 
short amount of time, this offi ce has had initial 
success with the securing of the fi rst fully domestic 
Chinese client, the Shanghai Institute of Materia 
Medica (SIMM), adding to a number of existing Instem 
clients in China secured as a consequence of their 
strong US relationships. 

improving our hosting capabilities and switching 
providers to DataPipe, whose data centre in 
Summit, New Jersey is much closer to Instem’s US 
headquarters in Pennsylvania. 

DataPipe also offers us a single global provider 
through its operations in Shanghai. This is 
increasingly important to Instem due to our growth 
in the Asia-Pacifi c region. The Shanghai-based data 
centre meets the highest standards for reliability, 
security and redundancy and is managed by 
experienced staff 365 days a year. This purpose built 
data centre features state-of-the-art network, power 
and environmental infrastructure and is ISO 9001 and 
SunTone™ certifi ed.

Technology Partners

In 2011 the Group will look to leverage the investment 
made throughout 2010, cement our presence in the 
region and add to the local client roster. 

We continue to partner with leading technology 
providers to offer augmented capabilities within our 
product families. 

Japan
Increasingly, Japanese preclinical organisations 
are performing FDA regulated studies and they are 
now demanding solutions that meet the required 
international regulatory standards.  

In 2006 Instem established a distributor relationship 
with CTCLS to capitalise on this market. CTCLS 
is one of Japan’s leading providers of integrated 
R&D support systems for the life sciences sector 
and they support Instem solutions through their full 
service offi ces in Tokyo and Osaka. During 2010 
this relationship proved very successful with the 
implementation of the major MCM order from late 
2009 and the winning of Shionogi & Co Limited.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

All our solutions and services are available via a 
traditional on-site licensing/support route or via the 
hosted SaaS model. We believe the SaaS model to 
be particularly pertinent to the smaller laboratories 
market, where we have historically had limited 
presence. In the year we saw the number of users 
choosing the SaaS subscription model rather than the 
perpetual licensing model increase considerably. This 
included 100 users from the NIEHS contract alone.

In the year we strengthened our internal infrastructure 
so as to bolster our SaaS delivery systems by 

We have worked closely with SAS® in the year, the 
leader in business and clinical data analytics software, 
to more cost effectively license our clients for the 
SAS® technology embedded within Provantis. This 
streamlines the deployment of Provantis and reduces 
the total cost of ownership for Instem clients. Instem 
continues to build on this relationship, which has had 
a highly successful fi rst year, exceeding revenue 
targets under the SAS® alliance agreement. The 
partnership also provides access to SAS®’s marketing 
and technical capabilities worldwide, supporting the 
Company’s international growth plans. 

Asta Development Limited’s Teamplan enterprise 
project portfolio and resource management solution is 
also integrated within the Provantis suite as part of our 
Toxicology Resource Planning module, TRP™. TRP 
had a strong 2010 with record sales and closed the 
year with a strong prospect pipeline.

Product Development

Provantis®
Instem continues to invest in Provantis, our market-
leading EDSA product suite, to further consolidate 
our position as the vendor of choice for solutions that 
support the identifi cation and development of safer 
drugs.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010 

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ACQUISITIONS

“An important aspect of the AIM flotation was 

our desire to supplement our organic growth with 

acquisitions of complementary businesses. Such 

acquisitions would consolidate the Group’s market 

position, complement our existing products, provide 

access to adjacent markets and increase efficiencies 

in the vertical supply chain. An early realisation of 

this objective was the acquisition, post period-end, of 

Cambridge-based BioWisdom.”  

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Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

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Potential acquisition targets include direct competitors, 
related EDA providers in the areas of workfl ow/study 
management, data acquisition and analysis, modeling/
predictive technologies and administrative solutions.

In order to ensure that we are best placed to execute 
this strategy we have allocated dedicated resources to 
this activity.

An early realisation of this objective was the 
acquisition, post period-end, of Cambridge-based 
BioWisdom Limited for an initial enterprise value of 
£0.90 million and a maximum total enterprise value 
of £1.50 million. BioWisdom is a leading provider of 
software solutions for extracting intelligence from R&D 
related healthcare data. The acquisition broadens 
and strengthens the Centrus product suite as well 
as providing opportunities for both organisations to 
cross sell solutions into complementary client bases. 
News of the acquisition has been very well received in 
the market and early integration of the businesses is 
progressing well.

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

This year saw advances across the product suite 
to improve the effectiveness and effi ciency of our 
customers’ operations. Of particular note was 
the delivery of our Chinese product that enables 
indigenous Chinese product safety organisations to 
leverage the advantages that have been available in 
other geographies for a considerable period. As the 
only international EDSA vendor with a local Chinese 
offi ce, we have been able to leverage the experience 
and knowledge of our local personnel to ensure 
that our translations are accurate and appropriate 
to support the Chinese user community. We were 
gratifi ed to see this investment vindicated by the early 
adoption of the product by local customers.

In other areas of the suite we have advanced our 
sophisticated reporting capabilities by further extending 
the range and complexity of analyses that the system 
can handle. This means that customers have more 
power to shape the required analyses as they adopt 
new technologies in the search for new drugs.

Centrus™
The Centrus submit™ product has been further 
developed to address the requirements of the 
developing CDISC SEND standard for regulatory 
submissions to the US FDA. With the approaching 
publication of the fi nal version of this standard, we 
believe the product is well-positioned for an anticipated 
increase in interest from the non-clinical development 
community.

Since the acquisition of BioWisdom, we have started to 
incorporate the relevant elements of its product set into 
the Centrus product suite. Early indications are that 
Omniviz®, for example, provides an excellent platform 
for the visualisation of SEND data sets and that other 
elements of the product set will play a signifi cant 
role in adding value to our customers as they move 
into an increasingly electronic submissions and data 
interchange environment.

Acquisition Strategy

Pharmaceutical companies are acutely focused on 
productivity and are now looking to consolidate the 
number of suppliers they use. An important aspect of 
the AIM fl otation was our desire to supplement our 
organic growth with acquisitions of complementary 
businesses. Such acquisitions would consolidate the 
Group’s market position, complement our existing 
products, provide access to adjacent markets and 
increase effi ciencies in the vertical supply chain. 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010 

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EXPANSION

“The business continued to expand in our 

developing markets with revenue from outside 

North America and Europe increasing to 6% of 

revenues (2009: 3%) with significant wins in 

Japan and China.”  

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Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

Financial          
Review  

Revenue

Operating Costs

The fi nancial results demonstrate a year of solid 
performance. Total revenues were steady at £10.00m 
(2009: £9.99m) The business continued to expand 
in our developing markets with revenue from outside 
North America and Europe increasing to 6% of 
revenues (2009: 3%) with signifi cant wins in Japan 
and China. In Instem’s more traditional markets 58% of 
revenues were derived in North America (2009: 61%), 
36% in Europe (2009: 36%).

Instem’s business model consists of licence fees, 
annual support fees, SaaS subscription fees and 
professional services fees. Our sales mix has gradually 
changed in recent years. In 2009 approximately 64% 
of revenue was of a recurring nature, principally from 
annual renewal fees and hosting fees via SaaS and 
a small proportion of professional fees. This has 
increased yet further in 2010, to 67%, enhancing our 
level of visibility over future revenue and allowing us to 
invest confi dently in future business initiatives.

The renewal of the annual support contracts was 
strong in 2010 with customer renewal rates in excess 
of 95%; this includes a signifi cant multi-year deal 
with one of our major customers, refl ecting their 
commitment to Instem and its existing and future 
products.

As a software solutions business, the majority of our 
costs are employee related and typically represent 
approximately two thirds of total operating costs. In 
2010 employee related costs were £5.19m of total 
costs of £7.77m. In 2009 these were £5.22m and 
£7.80m respectively.

There was an increase in our average employee 
number to 103 in 2010 (2009: 90), refl ecting our 
investment in Centrus and the opening of our 
Shanghai offi ce. We ended 2010 with 110 employees. 
Consequently we would expect an increase in our 
overall costs in 2011 as we continue to invest in these 
areas.

Profit from Operations 

In 2010, profi t from operations before amortisation and 
non-recurring costs was £2.23m (2009: £2.19m) an 
increase of 2%.

During 2010 our profi t from operations was impacted 
by start up costs, including management time, of 
£0.24m associated with the establishment of our 
operation in China. Excluding these costs would result 
in an adjusted EBITA, before fl oat costs, of £2.43m, 
an 11.5% increase over 2009.  £0.04m of the costs 
associated with the establishment of our operation 
in China are included in the non-recurring costs of 
£0.39m.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    13

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Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

Outlook

2010 has been a year of substantial strategic 
development for Instem. The achievement of the 
successful AIM IPO in October provides the platform 
to implement our ambitions for the future growth of 
the business. We have successfully executed on 
the strategy outlined at the time of our IPO last year 
and will continue to drive growth through internal 
investment and complementary acquisitions. 

Importantly, we have maintained our leading position 
in our niche EDSA market, expanded our addressable 
market through the launch of a new product suite, 
Centrus, and grown our impressive blue-chip 
customer base. 

With plans to launch additional products, enhance 
customer relationships and increase product 
penetration with existing clients, we look forward to 
the future with confi dence.

Phil Reason
Chief Executive

FINANCIAL REVIEW

After taking these non-recurring costs into account, 
Group profi t from operations was £1.81m (2009: 
£2.14m).

The business continues to generate more than 58% 
of its revenue in US dollars and therefore we continue 
to closely monitor the exchange rate. In 2010 we have 
not seen a signifi cant impact through exchange rate 
movements with the average exchange rate in the 
year of $1.5474 (2009: $1.5647).

Pension Scheme

There was an increase in the defi ned benefi ts pension 
scheme liability as calculated under IAS 19 to £1.48m 
(2009: £1.08m).

Cash Flow

During the year the Group generated £0.72m (2009: 
£3.8m) from its operations. In addition, the Company 
raised £3.44m of new money, net of expenses and 
repayment of loan notes through the issue of new 
shares at the IPO. In January 2010 the Group repaid 
the outstanding loan note of £2.55m to Alchemy 
Partners.

As a result, the Group had net cash reserves of 
£3.26m as at 31 December 2010, compared with 
£2.72m at 31 December 2009.   

The board has not recommended the payment of a 
dividend.

Admission to AIM

Instem was admitted to AIM on 13 October 2010, 
following the raising of £9.15m (prior to expenses) 
through a placing by Brewin Dolphin of 5,228,376 
new Ordinary Shares at the placing price of 175p per 
share. The funds raised have been utilised to repay 
loan notes of £4.89m to existing shareholders and 
the balance will be used to facilitate future strategic 
acquisitions.

Share Capital and Reserves

The total issued share capital amounted to £1.17m 
(2009: Nil) representing 11,714,286 shares of 10p 
nominal value and the share premium account has 
increased to £7.81m (2009: Nil) as a result of the 
issue of the shares during the year. 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    15

 
 
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Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Gare
aged 67 – Non-executive Chairman
David was a founder member of the Company’s former parent, Instem Limited and led the resulting 
businesses through most of their history. David successfully achieved a succession of strategic 
developments for Instem Limited, including its sale to Kratos Inc. in 1976, its MBO in 1983, its fl otation 
on the USM in 1984, its fl otation on the Offi cial List in 1996, its public to private and demerger in 
1998 and the buyout of Instem LSS Limited from Alchemy Partners in 2002. Throughout David has 
concentrated on value creation through achievement of a strong market position. 

Phil Reason
aged 49 – Chief Executive Offi cer
Phil is an experienced chief executive who has developed a number of IT businesses in the life 
sciences and nuclear industries, both organically and through acquisition. Phil joined the former 
parent Company, Instem Limited, in 1982 and was appointed Managing Director of the Life Sciences 
division in 1995 and Chief Executive Offi cer of Instem LSS Limited on the demerger from Instem 
Limited. Given the importance of the North American market to Instem’s organic and acquisitive 
growth, Phil relocated from the UK to the US in 2003 and established a new headquarters in 
the Philadelphia area. Phil previously ran Instem Limited’s Nuclear and Laboratory Information 
Management Systems integration businesses.

Jim McLauchlan
aged 54 – Chief Financial Offi cer
Jim is a qualifi ed Chartered Accountant with wide experience in leading accounting, information 
technology and other businesses. He has an MBA from Bradford University. He joined Instem LSS 
Limited in 2003 and has executive responsibility for Finance & Administration, Human Resources and 
IT. Jim brings considerable experience to the role and has been instrumental in enhancing systems 
and practices across the business. His prior positions include four years with Touche Ross in Canada 
and six years with IT outsourcing business Digica, where he was part of a VC-backed management 
buyout team.

Mike McGoun
aged 63 – Non-executive Director
Mike has a wealth of management experience within the IT industry. He spent 10 years at IBM prior 
to co-founding a successful ComputerLand franchise in 1984. In 1994 Mike moved to SkillsGroup plc 
as a main board director, with responsibility for corporate development and later as a non-executive 
director. Mike is the founder of and was appointed non-executive Chairman of Tikit Group plc in 2001. 
Mike has been Chairman of Peakdale Molecular plc, a chemistry research organisation, since 2002.

David Sherwin
aged 54 – Non-executive Director
David is a qualifi ed Management Accountant and holds an MBA from Staffordshire University. He 
joined Instem Limited as a trainee accountant in 1973 and was appointed Chief Financial Offi cer in 
1979. He has worked closely with David Gare on all of the subsequent transactions involving Instem 
Limited and Instem LSS Limited including participating in the management buyout of Instem Limited 
in 1983, the fl otation on the USM in 1984, the fl otation on the Offi cial List in 1996 and the demerger of 
the business in 1998.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    17

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18 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The directors submit their report and the Group and 
Company fi nancial statements on Instem Life Science 
Systems plc for the 52 week period ended 31 December 
2010.

Principal Activities

The principal activity of the Group is the provision of 
world-class information solutions for Life Sciences 
research and development.  The principal activity of the 
Company is that of a holding Company.

Review of the Business

3.  New product orders
In 2010 the value of orders from new products developed 
and new markets entered during the preceding three 
years amounted to £0.90m (2009: £0.96m).

Future Developments

The directors consider that the continued investment in 
product and market development will allow the business 
to grow organically in its core markets. Investment in 
business growth initiatives will also allow the business 
to move into new product and market areas. The 
combination of organic growth along with strategic 
acquisitions will support the expected growth as outlined 
in the Chairman’s statement and the Operational Review.

A full review of the business is given on pages 5 to 17.

Risks and Uncertainties

The Company was incorporated on 5 February 2010.

On 1 October 2010 the Company acquired the entire 
issued share capital of Instem LSS Group Limited. The 
acquisition of Instem LSS Group Limited does not qualify 
as a business combination under IFRS 3 ‘Business 
Combinations’ as Instem Life Science Systems plc does 
not meet the defi nition of a business within that standard.  
As a consequence the transaction is being treated as 
a pooling of interests to refl ect the substance of the 
transaction as described more fully in the accounting 
policies.

On 13 October 2010 the Company was admitted to the 
Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) raising funds 
before expenses of £9.15m. The funds raised have 
been utilised to repay loan notes of £4.89m to existing 
shareholders and the balance will be used to facilitate 
future strategic acquisitions.

In measuring the successful development of the 
business, the directors focus on three important 
performance indicators which strongly underwrite the 
future performance of the Group:

1.  Total number of customers
In 2010 the Group had a total of 77 customers (2009: 66 
customers) for continuing products.

2.  Recurring revenue
The Group generates a substantial proportion of revenue 
from fees in respect of annual support and routine 
upgrade services. The value of these recurring fees in 
2010 was £6.7m  (2009: £6.4m).

The directors consider that the global pharmaceutical 
market is likely to continue to provide growth 
opportunities for the business. The combination of  the 
high level of annual support renewals and low levels 
of customer  attrition provides revenue visibility to 
underpin the Company strategy on product and market 
development.

The Group seeks to mitigate exposure to all forms of risk 
through a combination of regular performance review and 
a comprehensive insurance programme.

The global nature of the market means that the Group 
is exposed to currency risk as a consequence of the 
signifi cant proportion of its revenue being recognised in 
US Dollars. The Group continually assesses the most 
appropriate approach to managing its currency exposure 
in line with the overall goal of achieving predictable 
earnings growth.

Research and Development Activities

The Group continues its development programme of 
software for the global pharmaceutical market including 
the research and development of new products and 
enhancement to existing products. The directors consider 
the investment in research and development to be 
fundamental to the success of the business in the future.

In 2010 development expenditure was £1.65m 
(2009:£1.66m) before capitalised expenditure of £0.36m 
(2009:£0.07m).

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    19

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Dividends

Political and Charitable Contributions

The directors do not recommend the payment of a 
dividend.

Directors

The Group made charitable contributions in the year 
of £819 (2009: £900), matching contributions made by 
employees to a Give As You Earn scheme. No political 
donations were made in 2010 or 2009.

The following directors have held offi ce since 5 
February 2010:

Policy on Payment of Suppliers

It is the Company’s policy to make payments to 
suppliers in accordance with the agreed terms and 
conditions of supply, provided that the supplier has 
performed in accordance with the terms of supply. 
Trade payables at 31 December 2010 represented 36 
days purchases (2009: 39 days).

Financial Instruments

The Group’s objectives and policies on fi nancial 
instruments are set out in note 18 to the fi nancial 
statements.

Indemnity of Officers and Directors

Under the Company’s Articles of Association and 
subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the 
Company may and has indemnifi ed all directors or 
other offi cers against liability incurred in the execution 
or discharge of their duties or the exercise of their 
powers, including but not limited to any liability for 
the costs of any legal proceedings. The Company 
has purchased and maintains appropriate insurance 
cover against legal action brought against directors or 
offi cers.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Company 
will be held on 31st May 2011 at the offi ces of 
Brewin Dolphin, Manchester.  The resolutions 
to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting, 
together with explanatory notes appear in a separate 
notice of Annual General Meeting which is sent 
to all shareholders. The proxy card for registered 
shareholders is distributed along with the notice. 

D Gare (appointed 15 September 2010)
M F McGoun (appointed 15 September 2010)
D M Sherwin (appointed 15 September 2010)
P J Reason (appointed 15 September 2010)
J McLauchlan (appointed 15 September 2010)
M S Thorne (appointed 5 February 2010, resigned 15 
September 2010)
M P Harris (appointed 5 February 2010, resigned 15 
September 2010)

Details of the directors’ service contracts and 
their respective notice terms are detailed in the 
Remuneration Committee report on page 26. 

Directors and Their Interests

The interests of the directors, who held offi ce at 31st 
December 2010 and up to the date of this report, were 
as follows:

No. of Shares

2010

2009

David Gare

2,278,427

David Sherwin

1,580,066

Phil Reason

665,287

Jim McLauchlan

144,936

Mike McGoun

14,286

-

-

-

-

-

Directors’ interests in share options are detailed in the 
Remuneration Committee report on page 26.

Employee Involvement

The general policy of the Company is to welcome 
employee involvement as far as it is reasonably 
practicable. Employees are kept informed of 
progress by regular Company meetings and monthly 
management reports. 

20 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Statement as to Disclosure of 
Information to Auditors

The directors who were in offi ce on the date 
of approval of these fi nancial statements have 
confi rmed, as far as they are aware, that there is no 
relevant audit information of which the auditors are 
unaware.  Each of the directors has confi rmed that 
they have taken all the steps that they ought to have 
taken as directors in order to make themselves aware 
of any relevant audit information and to establish that 
it has been communicated to the auditors.

Auditors

Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP, Chartered Accountants, 
were appointed auditors by the Company.  Pursuant to 
section 487 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution 
to appoint Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP as auditors will be 
put to the members at the forthcoming AGM.

On behalf of the board
Jim McLauchlan
Director

Diamond Way
Stone Business Park
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0SD 

27 April 2011

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    21

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

The board fully supports the underlying principles of 
corporate governance contained in the Corporate 
Governance Code, notwithstanding that, as its 
securities are not listed on the Offi cial List, it is not 
required to comply with such recommendations. 
It has sought to comply with the provisions of the 
Corporate Governance Code, insofar as is practicable 
and appropriate for a public Company of its size and 
nature, taking account of the QCA guidelines for 
smaller quoted companies. The board recognises its 
overall responsibility for the Company’s systems of 
internal control and for monitoring their effectiveness.

The main features of the Company’s corporate 
governance procedures, which do not constitute full 
compliance with the Corporate Governance Code, are 
as follows:

Attendance at Board and Committee 
Meetings

Attendances of directors at board and committee 
meetings convened in the period since fl otation, along 
with the number of meetings they were invited to 
attend are set out below:

No of meetings 
in the period

Board 
meetings

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Executive 
directors

Phil Reason

Jim McLauchlan

Non Executive 
directors

David Gare

David Sherwin

Mike McGoun

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

-

-

1/1

1/1

1/1

-

-

-

-

-

the board has one independent non-executive 
director who takes an active role in board matters;

Audit Committee

a. 

b. 

the Company has an Audit Committee, a 
Remuneration Committee and a Nomination 
Committee, each of which consists of the 
non-executive directors, and meets regularly with 
executive directors in attendance by invitation. 
The Audit Committee has unrestricted access 
to the Group’s auditors and ensures that auditor 
independence has not been compromised;

The Audit Committee comprises Mike McGoun 
(Chairman), David Gare and David Sherwin, all of 
whom are non-executive directors of the Company. 
The board is satisfi ed that the Audit Committee has all 
the recent and relevant fi nancial experience required 
to fulfi l the role. 

Appointments to the Audit Committee are made by the 
board in consultation with the Nomination Committee 
and the chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit 
Committee meets at least three times a year and any 
other time as required by either the chairman of the 
Audit Committee or the Chief Financial Offi cer of the 
Company or the external auditors of the Company. 
In addition, the Audit Committee shall meet with the 
external auditors of the Company (without any of the 
executives attending) at least once a year. 

The Audit Committee:

a.  monitors the fi nancial reporting and internal 
fi nancial control principles of the Company;

b.  maintains appropriate relationships with 

external auditors including considering the 
appointment and remuneration of external 
auditors and reviews and monitors the external 
auditor’s independence and objectivity and the 
effectiveness of the audit process;

c.  all business activity is organised within a defi ned 
structure with formal lines of responsibility and 
delegation of authority, including a schedule of 
“matters referred to the board”; and

d. 

regular monitoring of key performance indicators 
and fi nancial results together with comparison of 
these against expectations.

22 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

reviews all fi nancial results of the Company and 
fi nancial statements, including all announcements 
in respect thereof before submission of the 
relevant documents to the board;

Remuneration Committee meets at least once a year 
and any other time as required by either the chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee or the Chief Financial 
Offi cer of the Company. 

c. 

d. 

reviews and discusses (where necessary) any 
issues and recommendations of the external 
auditors including reviewing the external auditors’ 
management letter and management’s response;

e.  considers all major fi ndings of internal operational 
audit reviews and management’s response 
to ensure co-ordination between internal and 
external auditors;

f. 

reviews the board’s statement on internal 
reporting systems and keep the effectiveness of 
such systems under review; and

g.  considers all other relevant fi ndings and audit 

programmes of the Company.

The Audit Committee is authorised to:

a. 

investigate any activity within its terms of 
reference;

b.  seek any information it requires from any 

employee of the Company; and

c.  obtain, at the Company’s expense, outside 

legal or other independent professional advice 
and to secure the attendance of such persons 
to meetings as it considers necessary and 
appropriate.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee comprises Mike 
McGoun (Chairman), David Gare and David Sherwin, 
all of whom are non-executive directors of the 
Company.

The members of the Remuneration Committee are 
appointed by the board on recommendation from the 
Nomination Committee. The Chief Executive Offi cer 
of the Company is normally invited to meetings of the 
Remuneration Committee to discuss the performance 
of other executive directors but is not involved in any 
of the decisions. The Remuneration Committee invites 
any person it thinks appropriate to join the members 
of the Remuneration Committee at its meetings. The 

The Remuneration Committee:

a.  ensures that the executive directors are fairly 

rewarded for their individual contributions to the 
overall performance of the Company but also to 
ensure that the Company avoids paying more 
than is necessary for this purpose;

b.  considers the remuneration packages of the 

executive directors and any recommendations 
made by the Chief Executive Offi cer for changes 
to their remuneration packages including in 
respect of bonuses (including associated 
performance criteria), other benefi ts, pension 
arrangements and other terms of their service 
contracts and any other matters relating to 
the remuneration of or terms of employment 
applicable to the executive directors that may be 
referred to the Remuneration Committee by the 
board;

c.  oversees and reviews all aspects of the 

Company’s share option schemes including 
the selection of eligible directors and other 
employees and the terms of any options granted;

d.  demonstrates to the Company’s shareholders that 

the remuneration of the executive directors is set 
by an independent committee of the board; and

e.  considers and makes recommendations to the 

board about the public disclosure of information 
about the executive directors’ remuneration 
packages and structures in addition to those 
required by law or by the London Stock 
Exchange.

The chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
reports formally to the board on its proceedings 
after each meeting on all matters within its duties 
and responsibilities. The Remuneration Committee 
produces an annual report which is included in the 
Company’s annual report and accounts.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    23

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

The Remuneration Committee is authorised to:

c. 

a. 

investigate any activity within its terms of 
reference;

b.  seek any information it requires from any 

employee of the Company;

c.  assess the remuneration paid by other UK listed 

companies of a similar size in any comparable 
industry sector and to assess whether changes 
to the executive directors’ remuneration 
is appropriate for the purpose of making 
their remuneration competitive or otherwise 
comparable with the remuneration paid by such 
companies; and

d.  obtain, at the Company’s expense, outside 

legal or other independent professional advice, 
including independent remuneration consultants, 
when the Remuneration Committee reasonably 
believes it is necessary to do so and to secure 
the attendance of such persons to meetings as it 
considers necessary and appropriate. 

Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee comprises David Gare 
(Chairman), Mike McGoun and David Sherwin, all of 
whom are non-executive directors of the Company.

Appointments to the Nomination Committee are made 
by the board, in consultation with the chairman of the 
Nomination Committee. 

The Nomination Committee may invite any 
person it thinks appropriate to join the members 
of the Nomination Committee at its meetings. The 
Nomination Committee meets at least once per year.

The Nomination Committee:
a. 

regularly reviews the structure, size and 
composition (including skills knowledge and 
experience) required of the board compared to its 
current position and makes recommendations to 
the board with regard to any changes;

b.  gives full consideration to succession planning 
for directors and other senior executives in 
the course of its work, taking into account the 
challenges and opportunities facing the Company, 
and what skills and expertise are needed on the 
board in the future;

24 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

is responsible for identifying and nominating for 
the approval of the board, candidates to fi ll board 
vacancies as and when they arise;

d.  evaluates the balance of skills, knowledge and 

experience on the board before an appointment 
is made and, in light of this evaluation, prepares 
a description of the role and capabilities required 
for a particular appointment.

The chairman of the Nomination Committee reports 
formally to the board on its proceedings after 
each meeting on all matters within its duties and 
responsibilities. 

The Nomination Committee also makes 
recommendations to the board concerning:

a. 

formulating plans for succession for both 
executive and non-executive directors and in 
particular the key roles of Chairman of the board 
and Chief Executive Offi cer;

b.  membership of the Audit and Remuneration 

Committees, in consultation with the chairmen of 
those committees;

c. 

d. 

the re-appointment of any non-executive director 
at the conclusion of their specifi ed term of offi ce 
having given due regard to their performance and 
ability to continue to contribute to the board in 
the light of the knowledge, skills and experience 
required;

the re-election by shareholders of any director 
under the “retirement by rotation” provisions in 
the Company’s articles of association having 
due regard to their performance and ability to 
continue to contribute to the board in the light of 
the knowledge, skills, and experience required;

e.  matters relating to the continuation in offi ce of 

any director at any time including the suspension 
or termination of service of an executive director 
as an employee of the Company subject to the 
provisions of the law and his/her service contract; 
and

f. 

the appointment of any director to executive 
or other offi ce other than to the positions of 
Chairman of the board and Chief Executive 
Offi cer, the recommendation for which would be 
considered at a meeting of the full board.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

The Nomination Committee is authorised to:

a. 

investigate any activity within its terms of 
reference;

b.  seek any information it requires from any 

employee;

c.  obtain outside legal or other independent 

professional advice at the Company’s expense 
when the Nomination Committee reasonably 
believes it is necessary to do so; and

d. 

instruct external professional advisers to attend 
any meeting at the Company’s expense if the 
Nomination Committee considers this reasonably 
necessary or appropriate.

Internal Controls

The directors are responsible for establishing and 
maintaining the Group’s system of internal control and 
reviewing its effectiveness. The system of internal 
control is designed to manage rather than eliminate 
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives 
and can only provide reasonable but not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The board and senior executives meet to review 
both the risks facing the business and the controls 
established to minimise those risks and their 
effectiveness in operation on an ongoing basis. 
The aim of these reviews is to provide reasonable 
assurance that material risks and problems are 
identifi ed and appropriate action taken at an early 
stage.

Going Concern

The directors have prepared and reviewed fi nancial 
forecasts. After due consideration of these forecasts 
and current cash resources, the directors consider 
that the Company and the Group have adequate 
fi nancial resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future (being a period 
of at least twelve months from the date of this report), 
and for this reason the fi nancial statements have been 
prepared on a going concern basis.

On behalf of the board

Jim McLauchlan
Company Secretary

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    25

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 
REPORT

Instem Life Science Systems plc is not required to 
comply with Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium 
Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008 relating to directors’ remuneration 
reports or the Listing Rules, as a company on AIM.  
The disclosures contained within this report are, 
therefore, made on a voluntary basis and in keeping 
with the board’s commitment to best practice.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee (‘the Committee’) is 
composed entirely of non-executive directors. The 
committee was formed upon the public listing of the 
Company 13th October 2010. The Chairman of the 
Committee is Mike McGoun. The terms of reference 
for the committee are to determine the Company’s 
policy on Executive remuneration and to consider and 
approve the remuneration packages for directors and 
key executives of the Company, subject to ratifi cation 
by the board. During the period 13th October to 31st 
December 2010, the Committee met once. Full details 
of the elements of each director’s remuneration are 
set out on page 27. Details of share-based payments 
to directors are shown in note 6 to the fi nancial 
statements.

Policy on Executive Director 
Remuneration

The Company’s current and ongoing policy aims to 
ensure that executive directors are rewarded fairly 
for their individual contributions to the Company’s 
overall performance and is designed to attract, retain 
and motivate executives of the right calibre. The 
Committee is responsible for recommendations on 
all elements of Executive remuneration including, in 
particular, basic salary, annual bonus, share options 
and any other incentive awards. In implementing 
the remuneration policy, the Committee has 
regard to factors specifi c to the Company, such as 
salary and other benefi t arrangements within the 
Company and the achievement of the Company’s 
strategic objectives. The Committee determines the 
Company’s Policy on Executive remuneration with 
reference to comparable companies of similar market 
capitalisation, location and business sector.

Basic Salary

The basic salaries of Executive directors are reviewed 
annually having regard to individual performance and 
position within the Company and are intended to be 
competitive but fair using information provided from 
both internal and external sources.

Performance Related Annual Bonus

Executive directors are eligible for a performance 
related bonus based on Company performance, 
in particular, the achievement of profi t and cash 
targets. The performance related annual bonus 
forms a signifi cant part of the level of remuneration 
considered appropriate by the Committee. In addition 
to the formal bonus scheme, the Committee has 
the discretion to recommend the payment of ad hoc 
awards to refl ect exceptional performance. 

Pensions

Contributions are made to the Executive directors’ 
personal pension schemes up to a maximum of 16.5% 
of basic salary.

Benefits

Benefi ts comprise private healthcare and critical 
illness cover. No director receives additional 
remuneration or benefi ts in relation to being a director 
of the board of the Company or any subsidiary of the 
Company.

Service Contracts

The executive directors have service contracts with a 
maximum notice period of 12 months.

The board determines the Company’s policy on 
non-executive directors’ remuneration.

David Gare, David Sherwin and Mike McGoun each 
have a 3 year contract starting October 2010 with a 
notice period of 3 months during or after expiry of the 
fi xed term.

26 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

The actual emoluments paid to directors in the year ended December 31st 2010 are as follows:

Salary (inc bonus)

Benefits

Pension

2010 Total

2009 Total

Executives

P. Reason

J. McLauchlan

Non-executives

D. Gare

D.M. Sherwin

M. McGoun

Total

158

72

240

128

5

603

4

11

5

2

-

22

24

16

-

-

-

40

186

99

245

130

5

665

212

119

53

52

-

436

Directors’ and Employees’ Share Options

No of meetings 
in year

Exercise 
price(£)

Issue date

Held at 
31/12/09

Granted 
During Year

Exercised 
during Year

Lapsed 
during Year

Held at 
31/12/2010

Phil Reason
Ordinary shares

Jim McLauchlan
Ordinary shares

Employees
Ordinary shares

Total

1.75

13/10/2010

1.75

13/10/2010

1.75

13/10/2010

-

-

-

187,428

93,714

304,569

585,711

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

187,428

93,714

304,569

585,711

Further detail of the terms of the option agreements is given in note 6.

Approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:

Mike McGoun
Independent non-executive director

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    27

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are suffi cient to show and 
explain the Group’s and the Company’s transactions 
and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
fi nancial position of the Group and the Company and 
enable them to ensure that the fi nancial statements 
comply with the Companies Act 2006.  They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group 
and the Company and hence for taking reasonable 
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance 
and integrity of the corporate and fi nancial information 
included on the Instem Life Science Systems plc 
website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of fi nancial statements 
may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN 
THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

The directors are responsible for preparing the 
Directors’ Report and the fi nancial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group 
and Company fi nancial statements for each fi nancial 
year.  The directors are required by the AIM Rules 
of the London Stock Exchange to prepare Group 
fi nancial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)  as adopted 
by the European Union (“EU”) and have elected 
under Company law to prepare the Company fi nancial 
statements in accordance with IFRS  as adopted by 
the EU.

The fi nancial statements are required by law and 
IFRS adopted by the EU to present fairly the fi nancial 
position of the Group and the Company and the 
fi nancial performance of the Group. The Companies 
Act 2006 provides in relation to such fi nancial 
statements that references in the relevant part of that 
Act to fi nancial statements giving a true and fair view 
are references to their achieving a fair presentation.

Under Company law the directors must not approve 
the fi nancial statements unless they are satisfi ed that 
they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of 
the Group and the Company and of the profi t or loss 
of the Group for that period. 

In preparing the Group and Company fi nancial 
statements, the directors are required to:

a.  select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

b.  make judgements and accounting estimates that 

are reasonable and prudent;

c.  state whether they have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs adopted by the EU;

d.  prepare the fi nancial statements on the going 
concern basis unless it is inappropriate to 
presume that the Group and the Company will 
continue in business.

28 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

                                      
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 
TO THE MEMBERS OF INSTEM LIFE 
SCIENCE SYSTEMS PLC

We have audited the Group and parent Company 
fi nancial statements (“the fi nancial statements”) on 
pages 30 to 77.  The fi nancial reporting framework 
that has been applied in their preparation is applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and, as 
regards the parent Company fi nancial statements, 
as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

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

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion: 
• 

the fi nancial statements give a true and fair view 
of the state of the Group’s and the parent’s affairs 
as at 31 December 2010 and of the Group’s profi t 
for the period then ended;
the Group fi nancial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union
the parent fi nancial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union and as applied in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and
the fi nancial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006.

• 

• 

• 

Opinion on other matter prescribed by 
the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ 
Report for the fi nancial year for which the fi nancial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the 
fi nancial statements.

Respective responsibilities of directors 
and auditor

Matters on which we are required to 
report by exception

As more fully explained in the Directors’ 
Responsibilities Statement set out on page 28, the 
directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
fi nancial statements and for being satisfi ed that they 
give a true and fair view.  Our responsibility is to audit 
and express an opinion on the fi nancial statements 
in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).  Those 
standards require us to comply with the Auditing 
Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for 
Auditors.

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

adequate accounting records have not been kept 
by the parent Company, or returns adequate for 
our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or
the parent Company fi nancial statements are not 
in agreement with the accounting records and 
returns; or
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 
specifi ed by law are not made; or

• 

• 

Scope of the audit of the financial 
statements

•  we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit.

A description of the scope of an audit of fi nancial 
statements is provided on the APB’s website at www.
frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.

Geoff Wightwick FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of BAKER TILLY UK AUDIT LLP, 
Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
3 Hardman Street
Manchester
M3 3HF 
27 April 2011

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    29

  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the 52 week period ended 31 December 2010

52 week period ended

53 week period ended

Note

 31 December 2010

31 December 2009

REVENUE 

Operating expenses

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE AMORTISATION AND 

EXCEPTIONAL COSTS

Amortisation of intangibles

PROFIT BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL COSTS

Non-recurring costs

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS

Non-recurring flotation costs

Finance income

Finance costs

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

Income tax expense

1

2

2

2

3

4

8

PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE)

Actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligations

21

Deferred tax on actuarial gain

Currency translation differences on foreign currency net investment

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE)

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD

Profit attributable to Equity Holders  of the Parent Company

Total comprehensive income attributable to Equity Holders of the 

Parent Company

Earnings per share                Basic

Diluted

23

23

£000

10,001

(7,768)

2,233

(34)

2,199

(388)

1,811

(295)

263

(364)

1,415

(514)

901

(576)

147

18

(411)

490

901

490

11.7p

11.7p

£000

9,989

(7,802)

2,187

(47)

2,140

-

2,140

-

735

(407)

2,468

(762)

1,706

(158)

44

(266)

(380)

1,326

1,706

1,326

26.3p

26.3p

30 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

              
              
              
              
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Note

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

31 December 2008

ASSETS

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred taxation

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Current taxation

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Current taxation

Financial liabilities

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

Retirement benefit obligations

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

EQUITY 

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Translation reserve

Retained earnings

9

11

20

12

13

14

15

16

17

15

21

22

24

24

24

24

6,417

166

321

137

1,595

3,263

-

5,536

85

253

-

-

1,477

1,171

7,813

(932)

377

(3,881)

6,090

127

297

6,072

154

345

6,904

6,514

6,571

4,995

11,899

62

1,832

2,716

-

6,310

300

2,552

4,610

11,124

61

2,900

-

30

5,659

-

558

2,991

9,562

5,874

9,162

6,217

1,477

7,351

29

-

1,081

649

-

4,218

359

(4,374)

1,110

10,272

93

2,577

1,149

649

-

4,218

625

(5,966)

3,819

10,036

TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO 

EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

4,548

852

474

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

11,899

11.124

9,562

The fi nancial statements on pages 30 to 77 were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 27 April 2011 and are 
signed on its behalf by:

Phil Reason 
Director 

Jim McLauchlan
Director and Company Secretary 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    31

 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

Note

31 December 2010                     

ASSETS

£000

£000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Investments

10

16,500

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

16,500

CURRENT ASSETS

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

EQUITY 

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Retained earnings

13

14

15

17

22

24

24

24

64

3,100

66

253

1,171

7,813

10,702

(341)

TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 

HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

3,164

19,664

319

19,345

19,664

32 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

              
              
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the 52 week period ended 31 December 2010

Note

52 week period ended

53 week period ended

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

£000

£000

£000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Result before taxation

1,415

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangibles 

Share based payments

Retirement benefit obligations

Finance income

Finance costs

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE CHANGES 

IN WORKING CAPITAL 

Changes in working capital:

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

Finance costs

Income tax paid

NET CASH (USED IN)/GENERATED FROM OPERATING 

ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Finance income received

Income tax paid

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

75

34

21

(206)

(263)

364

263

(95)

(361)

(111)

1,440

(75)

266

(915)

716

(296)

(510)

(90)

2,468

66

47

-

(316)

(735)

407

322

(237)

(65)

(47)

1,937

(1)

1,090

790

3,816

(317)

(103)

3,396

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

(304)

(27)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 

Share issue costs

Stamp duty

Series A Loan notes repaid

Payment of finance lease liabilities

Alchemy loan note repayment

9,150

(731)

(83)

(4,897)

(3)

(2,550)

-

-

-

-

(9)

-

NET CASH GENERATED FROM/(USED IN) FINANCING 

ACTIVITIES

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of period

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

14

886

492

2,716

55

3,263

(9)

3,360

(549)

(95)

2,716

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    33

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the 52 week period ended 31 December 2010

Note

52 week period ended                      

31 December 2010

£000

£000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Result before taxation

Finance income

Finance cost 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE 

CHANGES IN WORKING CAPITAL 

Changes in working capital:

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

CASH USED IN OPERATIONS

Finance costs

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Finance income

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

NET CASH GENERATED FROM INVESTING 

ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Share issue proceeds

Share issue costs

Stamp duty

Loan note repayment

NET CASH GENERATED FROM FINANCING 

ACTIVITIES

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of period

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF 

PERIOD

14

(6)

3

(64)

66

-

6

-

9,150

(731)

(83)

(4,897)

(341)

(344)

(342)

(3)

(345)

6

3,439

3,100

-

3,100

34 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

              
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Called 

up share 

capital

Share 

Premium

Merger

Reserve

Translation

Reserve

Retained 

Earnings

Total

 Equity

£000

649

-

-

-

-

649

522

-

-

-

-

-

-

£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

8,628

(815)

-

-

-

-

-

£000

4,218

-

-

-

-

4,218

-

-

(5,150)

-

-

-

-

£000

625

-

(266)

(266)

-

359

-

-

-

-

18

18

-

£000

(5,966)

1,706

(114)

1,592

-

(4,374)

-

-

-

901

(429)

472

21

£000

(474)

1,706

(380)

1,326

-

852

9,150

(815)

(5,150)

901

(411)

490

21

Balance as at 31 December 2008

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share based payments

Balance as at 31 December 2009

New share capital

Costs of issue

Loan notes issued on acquisition

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share based payments

Balance as at 31 December 2010

1,171

7,813

(932)

377

(3,881)

4,548

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Called 

up share 

capital

Share 

Premium

Merger

Reserve

Translation

Reserve

Retained 

Earnings

Total

 Equity

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Balance as at 31 December 2008

New share capital

Total comprehensive income

Balance as at 31 December 2009

-

-

New share capital

1,171

Cost of issue

Merger relief

Loss and total comprehensive income for 

the year 

-

-

-

-

-

8,628

(815)

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,702

-

Balance as at 31 December 2010

1,171

7,813

10,702

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9,799

(815)

10,702

(341)

(341)

(341)

19,345

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    35

accounting policies

General Information

The principal activity of the Group is the provision of world class 
information solutions for life sciences research and development.  
Instem Life Science Systems Plc is a Company incorporated 
in England and Wales under the Companies Act 2006 and 
domiciled in the UK.  The registered offi ce is Diamond Way, 
Stone Business Park, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0SD.

Basis of Accounting  

The fi nancial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards and IFRIC 
interpretations as endorsed by the EU (“IFRS”) and the 
requirements of the Companies Act applicable to companies 
reporting under IFRS.

The Group’s accounting reference date is 31 December.  

The acquisition of the Instem LSS Group does not qualify as a 
business combination under IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ as 
Instem Life Science Systems Plc does not meet the defi nition 
of a business within that standard.  As a consequence the 
transaction is being treated as a pooling of interests to refl ect the 
substance of the transaction which is that of the continuation of 
the existing Instem LSS Group.

Under the pooling of interests basis the legal shares and share 
premium of Instem Life Science Systems plc are shown in 
the current year and comparative year as if they had existed 
throughout the periods shown.  The comparative trading results 
and retained earnings, together with the full year trade to 31 
December 2010, are those of the Instem LSS Group as if that 
trade had continued throughout.  The difference between the 
consideration given on the acquisition and the share capital 
and share premium of the Instem LSS Group at that date 
has been recognised in the merger reserve, together with the 
merger relief taken by the Company. The loan notes issued in 
exchange for the shares in Instem LSS Group Limited have been 
treated as a distribution.  The liability for those loan notes has 
been recognised in the current period when the company was 
contractually obligated to pay it and the cost of the distribution 
has been recognised directly in equity.  

The fi nancial statements have been  prepared on the historical 
cost basis except for the revaluation of certain fi nancial 
instruments.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise 
stated, been applied consistently to all years presented in these 
consolidated fi nancial statements.

Basis of Consolidation 

The consolidated fi nancial statements incorporate those of the 
parent Company, Instem Life Science Systems Plc, and its 
subsidiary undertakings made up to 31 December 2010 and  31 
December 2009.

In preparing the consolidated fi nancial statements, any intra-
group balances, unrealised gains and losses or income and 
expenses arising from intra-group trading are eliminated.  Where 
accounting policies used in individual fi nancial statements of a 
subsidiary Company differ from Group policies, adjustments are 
made to bring these policies in line with Group policies.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the power 
to govern the fi nancial and operating policies so as to obtain 
economic benefi ts from their activities.  Subsidiaries are 
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the 
Group up until the date that control ceases.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for 
the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group.  The cost of an 
acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given, 
equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at 
the date of exchange. Costs directly attributable to the acquisition 
are recognised in profi t or loss as they are incurred.  Identifi able 
assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed 
in a business combination are initially measured at fair 
value at the acquisition date irrespective of the extent of any 
non-controlling interest.

In accordance with Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 
the company has elected not to present its own profi t and 
loss account. The loss for the period of the parent company is 
£341,000.

Going Concern

Having made appropriate enquiries, the directors consider that 
the Group has adequate resources to enable it to continue in 
operation for the foreseeable future.  The Group has a signifi cant 
proportion of recurring revenue from a well established global 
customer base, supported by a largely fi xed cost base. A Group 
working capital facility has been put in place to support the 
working capital needs in 2011.

The fi nancial position of the Group, its cash fl ows and liquidity 
position are set out in the primary statements of these fi nancial 
statements.  Detailed projections have been made for the 12 
months following the approval of the fi nancial statements and 
sensitivity analysis undertaken.  This work gives the directors 
confi dence as to the future trading performance of the Group. 
Accordingly the directors continue to adopt the going concern 
basis for the preparation of the fi nancial statements.

Revenue Recognition

The Group follows the principles of IAS 18 ‘Revenue 
Recognition’, in determining appropriate revenue recognition 
principles.  In principle revenue is recognised to the extent that 
it is probable that the economic benefi ts associated with the 
transaction will fl ow to the Group.

Revenue comprises the value of software licence sales, 
installation, training, maintenance and support services.  
Revenue is recognised when (i) persuasive evidence of an 
arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred or services have 
been rendered; (iii) the sales price is fi xed and determinable and 
(iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

For software arrangements with multiple elements revenue is 
recognised dependent on whether vendor-specifi c objective 
evidence (‘VSOE’) of fair value exists for each of the elements. 
VSOE is determined by reference to sales made to customers 
on a stand-alone basis. Where there is no VSOE revenue is 
recognised over the full term of each contract.

36 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

accounting policies

Revenue Recognition (continued)

Revenue from licence based products is recognised when the 
risks and rewards of ownership of the product are transferred to 
the customer.

Revenue from software maintenance and other time based 
contracts are recognised over the invoiced contract period.

Revenue from installation and training is recognised on a 
percentage completion basis on fi xed price contracts or as 
services are provided in respect of time and materials contracts.

The excess of amounts invoiced over revenue is included 
in accruals and deferred income.  If the amount of revenue 
recognised exceeds the amounts invoiced the excess amount is 
included within prepayments and accrued income.

Profit from Operations Before Amortisation

Profi t from operations before amortisation is profi t arising from 
the Group’s normal trading activities stated before amortisation of 
intangible assets and non-recurring items, interest and taxation.  

Profit from Operations

Profi t from operations is profi t from the Group’s ordinary activities 
stated before costs of admission to AIM, fi nance costs and 
income, and income taxes.

Segmental Reporting

IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ provides segmental information for 
the Group on the basis of information reported internally to the 
chief operating decision-maker for decision-making purposes. 
The Group considers that the role of chief operating decision-
maker is performed by the Group’s board of directors.  

Since the Group is primarily providing goods and services to the 
global life sciences market there is only one operating segment 
which is monitored by the business.

Foreign Currencies 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign 
exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction.  Monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the 
reporting date are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling 
at that date.  Foreign exchange differences arising on translation 
are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.  
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms 
of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the 
exchange rate at the date of the transaction.  Non-monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are 
stated at fair value are translated at foreign exchange rates ruling 
at the date the fair value was determined.  

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including 
goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are 
translated at foreign exchange rates ruling at the reporting date.  
The revenue and expenses of foreign operations are translated 
at an average rate for the year where this rate approximates to 
the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions.  

Exchange differences arising from the translation of foreign 
operations are taken directly to the translation reserve.  They are 
released into profi t or loss upon disposal of the foreign operation.

The presentational currency adopted by the Group is Sterling (£).  
The functional currencies of the principal companies in the Group 
are as follows:

Instem LSS Group limited - Sterling (£)
Instem LSS Limited - Sterling (£)
Instem LSS (North America) Limited - US Dollars ($)
Instem LSS Asia Limited - Sterling (£)
Instem Information Systems (Shanghai) Limited - Renminbi

The exchange rates used to translate the fi nancial statements 
into Sterling (£) are as follows:

US Dollar ($)

Average rate for period ended 31 December 2008:

1.8032

Closing rate at 31 December 2008: 

1.4709

Average rate for period ended 31 December 2009:

1.5647

Closing rate at 31 December 2009: 

1.6147

Average rate for period ended 31 December 2010: 

1.5474

Closing rate at 31 December 2010: 

1.5657

Finance Income

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the 
principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, 
which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash 
receipts through the expected life of the fi nancial asset to that 
asset’s net carrying amount.  Finance income includes exchange 
gains on the translation of intra group funding balances.

Finance Costs

Net fi nance costs comprise interest payable, exchange losses on 
the translation of intra group funding balances, fi nance charges 
on fi nance leases and interest on pension scheme liabilities.  
Interest payable is recognised in the statement of comprehensive 
income as it accrues, using the effective interest method.

Leasing

Where assets are fi nanced by leasing agreements that give 
rights approximating to ownership (“fi nance leases”), the assets 
are treated as if they had been purchased outright.  The amount 
capitalised is the fair value or, if lower, the present value of the 
minimum lease payments payable during the lease term.  The 
corresponding leasing commitments are shown as fi nance lease 
obligations to the lessor. 

Lease payments are apportioned between fi nance charges and 
reduction of lease obligations so as to achieve a constant rate 
of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.  Finance 
charges are charged to fi nance costs in the Statement of 
Consolidated Income.

All other leases are “operating leases” and the annual rentals are 
charged to the statement of comprehensive income on a straight 
line basis over the lease term. 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    37

 
accounting policies

Share-Based Payment Transactions

to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled.

The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 Share-Based 
Payment.  In accordance with the transitional provisions, IFRS 
2 has been applied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 
November 2002 that were unvested as of 31 December 2006.

The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to 
certain employees. Equity-settled share-based payments 
are measured at fair value at the date of grant by reference 
to the fair value of the equity instruments granted.  The fair 
value determined at the grant date of equity-settled share-
based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the number 
of instruments that will eventually vest with a corresponding 
adjustment to equity.  Fair values are measured by use of 
the Black-Scholes and the Monte-Carlo simulation models 
depending on the existence of market based vesting conditions.  
The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on 
management’s best estimate, for the effect of non-transferability, 
exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Non-vesting and market vesting conditions are taken into 
account when estimating the fair value of the option at grant 
date. Service and non-market vesting conditions are taken into 
account by adjusting the number of options expected to vest at 
each reporting date.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets purchased separately from a business are 
capitalised at their cost.

The Group makes an assessment of the fair value of intangible 
assets arising on acquisitions.  An intangible asset will be 
recognised as long as the asset is identifi able and its fair value 
can be measured reliably.  An intangible asset is identifi able if 
it is separable or if it was obtained through contractual or legal 
rights.  Amortisation is provided on the fair value of the asset and 
is calculated on a straight line basis over its useful life.

Goodwill

Goodwill on acquisitions, being the excess of the fair value of the 
cost of acquisition over the Group’s interest in the fair value of 
the identifi able assets and liabilities acquired, is capitalised and 
tested for impairment on an annual basis.  

Any impairment is recognised immediately in profi t or loss and 
is not subsequently reversed.  For the purpose of impairment 
testing goodwill is allocated to cost generating units of Instem 
LSS, which represent the smallest identifi able group of assets 
that generates cash infl ows that are largely independent of the 
cash infl ows from other assets of groups of assets.

Options over the Company’s shares granted to employees of 
subsidiaries are recognised as a capital contribution by the 
Company to the subsidiaries.

Computer Software

Taxation 

Taxation expense includes the amount of current income tax 
payable and the charge for the year in respect of deferred 
taxation.

The income tax payable is based on an estimation of the 
amount due on the taxable profi t for the year.  Taxable profi t is 
different from profi t before tax as reported in the statement of 
comprehensive income because it excludes items of income or 
expenditure which are not taxable or deductible in the year as a 
result of either the nature of the item or the fact that it is taxable 
or deductible in another year.  The Group’s liability for current 
tax is calculated by using tax rates that have been enacted or 
substantially enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is accounted for on the basis of temporary 
differences arising from the differences between the tax base 
and accounting base of assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax is recognised for all taxable temporary differences, 
except to the extent where it arises from the initial recognition 
of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business 
combination.  Deferred tax assets are recognised only to 
the extent that it is probable that future taxable profi ts will be 
available against which temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred tax is charged or credited to the statement of 
comprehensive income, except when it relates to items charged 
or credited directly to equity, in which case it is dealt with within 
equity.  It is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply 

Computer software is carried at cost less accumulated 
amortisation and any impairment loss.  Externally acquired 
computer software and software licences are capitalised and 
amortised on a straight line basis over their useful economic lives 
of 3 years.  Costs relating to development of computer software 
for internal use are capitalised once the recognition criteria of IAS 
38 “Intangible Assets” are met.  When the software is available 
for its use, these costs are amortised over the estimated useful 
life of the software.

Other intangible assets 

Internally generated intangible assets 

Expenditure on research activities is recognised in profi t or loss 
as incurred.

Expenditure arising from the Group’s development of software 
for sale to third parties is recognised only if all of the following 
conditions are met:

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

an asset is created that can be identifi ed;
it is probable that the asset created will generate future 
economic benefi ts; 
the development cost of the asset can be measured 
reliably;
the Group has the intention to complete the asset and the 
ability and intention to use or sell it;
the product or process is technically and commercially 
feasible; and 
suffi cient resources are available to complete the 
development and to either sell or use the asset.

38 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

accounting policies

Intangible Assets (continued)

Where these criteria have not been achieved, development 
expenditure is recognised in profi t or loss in the period in which it 
is incurred.

Internally-generated intangible assets are amortised, once the 
product is available for use, on a straight-line basis over their 
useful lives (fi ve to eight years)

to its recoverable amount.  An impairment loss is recognised as 
an expense immediately.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying 
amount of the assets is increased to the revised estimate of 
its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying 
amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have 
been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for 
the asset in prior years.  A reversal of an impairment loss is 
recognised in profi t or loss immediately.

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Inventory 

Property, plant and equipment are stated in the statement of 
fi nancial position at cost less accumulated depreciation and 
provision for impairments.

Depreciation is provided on all assets so as to write off the cost 
less estimated residual value on the following basis:

Short leasehold property - Over term of lease 
Plant and equipment - 12½% - 25% per annum 
Motor vehicles - 25% per annum 

The expected useful lives of property, plant and equipment are 
reviewed on an annual basis and, if necessary, changes in useful 
lives are accounted for prospectively.  

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment is reviewed 
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.  

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset 
is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and 
the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in profi t or 
loss.

Impairment of Assets Excluding Goodwill

At each reporting date the Group reviews the carrying value of its 
property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered 
an impairment loss.  If any such indication exists the recoverable 
amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent 
of the impairment loss.

Where the asset does not generate cash fl ows that are 
independent from other assets the Group estimates the 
recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the 
asset belongs.  A cash generating unit is the smallest identifi able 
group of assets that generates cash infl ows that are largely 
independent of the cash infl ows from other assets or groups of 
assets.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell 
and value in use.  In assessing value in use the estimated future 
cash fl ows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount rate that refl ects current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the risks specifi c to the asset, for which 
the estimates of future cash fl ows have not been adjusted.  

If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than 
its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced 

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  

Provision is made where necessary for obsolete and slow 
moving inventory.

Financial Instruments

Classifi cation of fi nancial instruments 

Financial instruments are classifi ed as fi nancial assets, fi nancial 
liabilities or equity instruments.

Recognition and valuation of fi nancial assets

Financial assets are initially recorded at their fair value net of 
transaction costs.  At each reporting date, the Group reviews 
the carrying value of its fi nancial assets to determine whether 
there is objective evidence of an indication of impairment.  If any 
such indication exists the recoverable amount is estimated and 
any identifi ed impairment loss is recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and cash 
deposits which are readily convertible to a known amount of 
cash.  For the purposes of the cash fl ow statement, cash and 
cash equivalents include bank overdrafts which are repayable 
on demand as these form an integral part of Group cash 
management.  

Trade receivables

Trade receivables are classifi ed as loans and receivables and 
are initially recognised at fair value.  They are subsequently 
measured at their amortised cost using the effective interest 
method less any provision for impairment.  A provision for 
impairment is made where there is objective evidence that 
amounts will not be recovered in accordance with original terms 
of the agreement.  A provision for impairment is established when 
the carrying value of the receivable exceeds the present value 
of the future cash fl ows discounted using the original effective 
interest rate.  The carrying value of the receivable is reduced 
through the use of an impairment provision account and any 
impairment loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive 
income.  

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    39

accounting policies

Financial Instruments (continued)

Defi ned benefi t schemes

Financial liabilities and equity

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classifi ed 
according to the substance of the contractual arrangements 
entered into.  An equity instrument is any contract that evidences 
a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all 
of its liabilities.

Bank borrowings and loan notes

A defi ned benefi t scheme is a pension plan under which the 
Group pays contributions in order to fund a defi ned amount of 
pension that the employees under the scheme will receive on 
retirement.  The cost of providing the benefi ts is determined 
using the projected unit credit method with actuarial valuations 
being carried out regularly. 

An asset or liability is recognised equal to the present value of 
the defi ned benefi t obligation, adjusted for unrecognised past 
service costs and reduced by the fair value of plan assets.

Interest-bearing loan notes and bank overdrafts are recorded 
initially at their fair value, net of direct transaction costs. 
Such instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised 
cost and fi nance charges are recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income over the term of the instrument using an 
effective rate of interest.  Finance charges are accounted for on 
an accruals basis to the statement of comprehensive income.  
Overdrafts are offset against cash and cash equivalents when 
the Company has a legal right of off-set.

Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the statement of 
other comprehensive income in the year in which they occur, 
whilst expected returns on plan assets, servicing costs and 
fi nancing costs are recognised in profi t and loss.

The rate used to discount the benefi t obligations is based on 
market yields for high quality corporate bonds with terms and 
currencies consistent with those of the benefi t obligations.

Trade payables

Provisions

Trade payables are not interest bearing and are stated at their 
cost.

Ordinary share capital

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present 
obligation as a result of a past event which it is probable will 
result in an outfl ow of economic benefi ts that can be reliably 
estimated.

For ordinary share capital, the par value is recognised in share 
capital and the premium in the share premium reserve.

The time value of money is not expected to be material and 
therefore future outfl ows have not been discounted.

Derivative fi nancial instruments

First Time Adoption of IFRS

The Group’s activities expose it primarily to foreign currency 
risk.  The Group uses forward contracts to hedge this exposure. 
The Group does not use derivative fi nancial instruments for 
speculative purposes.

The Group and Company fi nancial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with IFRS, IASs and International 
Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRICs) effective 
as at the 31 December 2010.  The Group and Company have not 
chosen to adopt any amendments or revised standards early.

The Group has not applied IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of IFRS 
in the current year as it is in substance a continuation of the 
Group headed by Instem LSS Group Limited.  Instem LSS Group 
Limited’s fi nancial statements for the period ended 31 December 
2009 were converted from UK GAAP to EU-adopted IFRS for 
the purposes of the Company’s admission to AIM in October 
2010 along with its comparatives for 2008 and 2007.  The Group 
considers its fi rst fi nancial statements prepared under IFRS to 
be those for the period ended 31 December 2009.  The date of 
transition is considered to be the beginning of the earliest period 
presented ie 1 January 2007.  For information purposes, the 
reconciliations of equity and profi t for 2009, 2008 and 2007 in 
respect of Instem LSS Group Limited have been provided in note 
30 along with the equity position as at the date of transition.  

The Group does not adopt the hedge accounting provisions and 
as such, these derivatives are classifi ed as fi nancial instruments 
held for trading in accordance with IAS 39.  They are initially 
and subsequently measured at fair value with gains and losses 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Retirement Benefits 

Defi ned contribution schemes

A defi ned contribution scheme is a pension plan under which 
the Group pays a fi xed contribution to a scheme with an 
external provider.  The amount charged to the statement of 
comprehensive income in respect of pension costs and other 
post retirement benefi ts is the contributions payable in the year.  
Differences between contributions payable in the year and 
contributions actually paid are shown as either other payables 
or other receivables in the statement of fi nancial position.  The 
Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions 
have been paid.

40 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

accounting policies

IFRSs Issued but Not Yet Effective

The following IFRSs, IASs and IFRICs have been issued, are 
not yet effective, and have not been adopted by the Group or 
the Company in these fi nancial statements.  The directors do not 
believe the adoption will have a material impact on the business.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

IFRS 1 ‘First-time Adoption of IFRS - Amendment; Limited 
Exemption from Comparative IFRS 7 Disclosures for First-
time Adopters’ effective for periods commencing on or after 
1 July 2010.

IFRS 1 ‘First-time Adoption of IFRS - Amendment; Severe 
Hyper Infl ation and Removal of Fixed Dates for fi rst time 
adopters’ effective for periods commencing on or after 1 
July 2011 (not yet EU endorsed).

IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures - Amendment; 
Transfer of Financial Assets’ effective for periods 
commencing on or after 1 July 2011 (not yet EU endorsed).

IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes - Amendment; Deferred Tax Recovery 
of Underlying Assets’ effective for periods commencing on 
or after 1 January 2012 (not yet EU endorsed).

IAS 24  ‘Revised IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures’ was 
issued on 4 November 2009 and is effective for periods 
commencing on or after 1 January 2011.

IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation – Amendment; 
Classifi cation of Rights Issues’ was issued on 8 October 
2009 and is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 
February 2010.

IFRIC 14 ‘Amendment – Prepayments of a Minimum 
Funding Requirement’ was issued on 26 November 2009 
and is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 
January 2011.

IFRIC 19 ‘Extinguishing Financial Liabilities With Equity 
Instruments’ effective for periods commencing on or after 1 
July 2010.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ was issued on 12 November 
2009 and is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 
January 2013 (not yet EU endorsed).

Improvements to IFRS (May 2010) – Amendments to 
standards effective for periods commencing on or after 1 
January 2011.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    41

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  Segmental Reporting

For management purposes, the Group is currently organised into one operating segment – Global Life Sciences.

Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a 
reasonable basis.

THIRD PARTY REVENUE

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended  

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

1,953

5,933

789

1,203

123

10,001

£000

2,085

5,803

502

992

607

9,989

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended  

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

1,339

2,231

5,822

609

10,001

£000

1,131

2,438

6,125

295

9,989

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended  

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

6,353

-

205

25

6,583

£000

6,004

-

213

-

6,217

INFORMATION BY PRODUCT TYPE

Licence fees

Annual support fees

SaaS subscription fees

Professional services

Funded development initiatives

THIRD PARTY REVENUE

INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

UK

Rest of Europe

USA and Canada

Rest of World

   NON-CURRENT ASSETS EXCLUDING DEFERRED TAXATION       

INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

UK

Rest of Europe

USA and Canada

Rest of World

42 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

 
       
             
  
  
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Significant Customers

The Group generates external revenue from one customer which individually amounts to more than 10% of the Group revenue.  
Revenue in respect of this customer for the period ending 31 December 2010 amounted to £1.46m (2009: £2.06m) and is refl ected 
across all of the reportable locations.  

2.  Profit from Operations

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended 

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

£000

Profit from operations includes the following significant items:

Depreciation and amounts written off property, plant and 

equipment:

 Charge for the year:

   Owned assets

   Leased assets

Amortisation of intangible assets

Research and development costs

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses recognised in operating expenses

Operating lease rentals: 

Plant and machinery

Land and buildings

Amounts payable to Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP and their associates 

in respect of both audit and non-audit services:

Audit services:

Statutory audit of parent and consolidated financial information

Other services:

Audit of subsidiaries where such services are provided by Baker 

Tilly UK Audit LLP or its associates

67

8

34

1,287

37

136

310

4

29

Taxation services

36                  

Services pursuant to companies legislation

Corporate finance services

Other services

4

67

17

157

58

8

47

1,595

110

187

271

7

22

5

-

-

-

34

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    43

    
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.  Profit from Operations (continued)

The following table analyses the nature of expenses:-

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (see notes 9 and 10)

Staff costs (see note 5)

Premises costs

Marketing expenses

Professional fees

Other expenses

Total operating expenses

2010

£’000

5,190

75

417

141

82

1,863

7,768

2009

£’000

5,219

66

378

51

77

2,011

7,802

Non-Recurring Costs

During the year the Group paid a non-recurring bonus of £0.35m (2009: Nil) to the directors of Instem LSS Group Limited in respect of 
past service.

The Group incurred costs of £0.30m in respect of professional advice received in connection with the fl otation of the business.

In addition the Group paid £0.04m in respect of non-recurring third party legal and professional expenses for the incorporation of Instem 
Information Systems (Shanghai) Limited in China.

44 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. 

FINANCE INCOME

Bank interest

Foreign exchange gains

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended  

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

263

-

263

£000

322

413

735

4. 

FINANCE COSTS

5. 

EMPLOYEES

Bank loans and overdrafts

Foreign exchange losses

Expected returns on pension scheme assets

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Other

Average monthly number (including executive directors)

By role:

Directors, administration, and supervision

Software design, sales and customer service

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended  

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

297

37

(326)

356

-

364

£000

309

-

(237)

327

8

407

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended  

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

Number

Number

28

75

103

21

69

90

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended  

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

Employment costs:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Retirement benefits

£000

4,297

414

479

5,190

£000

4,285

403

531

5,219

In 2010 an additional non-recurring payment to shareholder/directors of £0.35m was made, which is not included in the above table.

A charge of £0.02m (2009: £nil) arises in respect of share based payments. 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    45

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.  Share-Based Payments

Equity-Settled Share Option Plan
Under the approved and unapproved option schemes, the Remuneration Committee can grant options to employees of the Group. 
Options are granted with a fi xed exercise price which is equal to the market price at the date of grant. The contractual life is generally 
ten years from the date of grant. Options become exercisable after three years. Certain options issued to directors and senior 
employees carry market based performance conditions.  

Outstanding at the beginning of the period

Granted 

Outstanding at end of the period 

Exercisable at 31 December 

Options

-

585,711

585,711

-

2010

Weighted average exercise price (£)

-

1.75

-

1.75

The options outstanding at December 2010 had an exercise price of £1.75 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 9.75 
years.

Options are valued using the Black-Scholes and Monte-Carlo option-pricing models and the fair market value has been estimated using 
the following key assumptions:

Average exercise price

£1.75

Average market price

£1.75

Total number of options under grant

585,711

Average vesting period (years)

3

Expected volatility

22%-26%

Option life (years)

Expected life

10

6

Risk free rate

1.9%

Expected dividend yield

Expected lapse rate

0%

0%

Fair value of options

£0.38-£0.51

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of a comparable business, prior to the period when the 
Company’s shares were listed on the AIM market.  Volatility since listing has been calculated using the daily mid market share price. The 
expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based upon the management’s best estimate for the effects of non-transferability, 
exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Options over 351,426 shares incorporate a market performance condition based on the Company’s share price.

46 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.  DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS

Amounts payable by Instem Life Science Systems plc:

Emoluments

Amounts payable by subsidiary companies:

Emoluments

Money purchase pension contributions

Total emoluments

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended  

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

£000

23

602

40

665

-

395

41

436

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended  

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

Number

Number

Number of directors to whom retirement benefits

are accruing under:

Defined contribution schemes

2

2

The highest paid director is shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 27.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    47

                                                           
                                                           
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8.  Taxation

Current tax:

UK corporation tax on profits of the period

Double tax relief

Foreign tax

Adjustments in respect of previous periods

Total current tax

Deferred tax:

Origination and reversal of timing differences

Adjustments in respect of previous periods

Pension scheme

Total deferred tax

Income tax charge 

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended 

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

379

(212)

274

(50)

391

73

-

50

123

514

£000

604

 (189)

330

(75)

670

31

(2)

63

92

762

Factors affecting tax charge for the period:

£000

£000

52 week period ended 

53 week period ended 

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

The tax assessed for the period is higher than the 

standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 28%.  The 

differences are explained below:

Profit before tax

1,415

2,468

Profit before tax multiplied by standard rate of 

corporation tax in the UK 28% 

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Differences in overseas tax rates

Prior period adjustments

Total income tax charge for the period

396

84

84

(50)

514

691

6

140

(75)

762

48 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. 

Intangible Assets

Group

31 December 2009

Cost at beginning of year 

Additions

Cost at end of period

Amounts written off

At beginning of year 

Charged in the year

Amortisation at end of period

Group

31 December 2010

Cost at beginning of year

Additions

Cost at end of period

Amounts written off

At beginning of year

Charged in the period

Amortisation at end of period

Goodwill

£000

Software 

£000

5,858

-

5,858

-

-

-

5,858

-

5,858

-

-

-

362

65

427

148

47

195

232

427

361

788

195

34

229

559

Total

£000

6,220

65

6,285

148

47

195

6,090

Total

£000

6,285

361

6,646

195

34

229

6,417

Net book value at end of period

5,858

Goodwill

£000

Software 

£000

Net book value at end of period

5,858

Impairment of goodwill

All the goodwill, amounting to £5.86m, relates to a single cash generating unit, being the Instem business acquired  on the management 

buyout of Instem LSS Limited on 27 March 2002. During the period, goodwill was tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 
36 “Impairment of Assets”.  The recoverable amounts for the cash generating unit exceeded the carrying amount of goodwill.  The 
recoverable amount for the cash generating unit has been measured on a value in use calculation.

The key assumptions used, which are based on management’s past experience, for the value in use calculations are those regarding 

the discount rates, growth rates and direct costs during the period.  The value in use calculations are based on the future cashfl ows 

from approved forecasts for one year which has then been extrapolated to cover a period of fi ve years, being the maximum  period 

which management considers can reliably be forecast.  At 31 December 2010 a pre tax discount rate of 8.33% was used in the value in 

use calculation based on the Company’s cost of capital.  In determining the value in use, cashfl ows have not been increased to refl ect 

potential growth.

Projected cashfl ows were based on detailed Company profi t and cashfl ow projections through to 2012 with no assumption of growth 

beyond 2012. The projections were based on reasonable assumptions in respect of business growth rates, payroll and other cost 

increases and related cashfl ow impacts.Based on the expected value in use compared to the carrying value of goodwill the directors did 
not consider that a sensitivity analysis was necessary at the reporting date.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    49

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10.  Investments

Company-cost and net book value

£000’s

At 31 December 2009

-

Investment in Instem LSS Group Limited

16,500

At 31 December 2010

16,500

On 1 October 2010 the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of Instem LSS Group Limited.

The Company has one wholly-owned subsidiary and four wholly-owned sub-subsidiaries, details of which are as follows:

Company

Activity

Ownership

Instem LSS Group Limited

(Company number 04339129)

Holding Company

England and Wales

100% by Instem Life Science 

Systems plc

Instem LSS Limited

Software development, sales, 

(Company number 03548215)

sales support and administrative 

England and Wales

support

100% by Instem LSS Group 

Limited

Instem LSS (North America) Limited

(Company number 02126697)

England and Wales

Instem LSS (Asia) Limited

Sales, sales support and 

administrative support

100% by Instem LSS Limited

(Company number 1371107)

Holding Company

100% by Instem LSS Limited

Hong Kong

Instem Information Systems (Shanghai) Limited

(Company number 310115400257075)

Sales, sales support and service

Shanghai, PRC

100% by Instem LSS (Asia) 

Limited

50 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.  Property, Plant and Equipment

Group

Short leasehold 

Plant and                      

31 December 2009

property

equipment

Cost 

At beginning of year

Additions

Exchange adjustment

Cost at end of period

Depreciation

      At beginning of year

Charged in the year

Exchange adjustment

Depreciation at end of period

Net book value at end of period

£000

30

-

-

30

17

1

-

18

12

£000

2,980

47

(38)

2,989

2,840

64

(30)

2,874

115

Motor vehicles

£000

13

-

(1)

12

12

1

(1)

12

-

Group

 Short leasehold 

Plant and           

31 December 2010

property

equipment

Motor vehicles

Cost 

Additions

Exchange adjustment

Disposals

Cost at end of period

Depreciation                                            

Charged in the period

Exchange adjustment

Disposals

Depreciation at end of period

Net book value at end of period

£000

30

15

-     

-

45

18

2

-

-

20

25

£000

2,989

96

13

(251)

2,847    

2,874

73

10

(251)

2,706

141

£000

12

-

-

-

12                  

12

-

-

-

12

-

Total

£000

3,023

47

(39)

3,031

2,869

66

(31)

2,904

127

Total

£000

3,031

111

13

(251)

2,904

2,904

75

10

(251)

2,738

166

The net book value of plant and equipment includes £Nil in respect of assets held under fi nance leases.  Depreciation for the period on 
these assets was £8,000 (2009:£8,000)

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    51

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12.  Inventories

Group

Work in progress

Total gross inventories

Inventory impairment

Inventory impairment:

At beginning and end of period

13. Trade and Other Receivables

Group

Trade receivables

Other receivables   

Prepayments and accrued income

Company

Other receivables   

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

137

£000

62

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

137

-           

137

£000

75

(13)

62

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

-

£000

13

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

959

32

604

1,595

64

64

£000

1,104

4

724

1,832

-

-

An allowance has been made for estimated irrecoverable amounts from the sale of goods and services as shown below.  This allowance 
has been based on the knowledge of the fi nancial circumstances of individual customers at the period end. 

A provision for impairment is made where there is objective evidence of impairment which is usually indicated by a delay in the expected 
cash fl ows or non payment from customers.  

An analysis of the provision for impairment of 

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

receivables is as follows:

£000

£000

At beginning of year

(Credit)/charge for the period

At end of period

2

-

2

-

2

2

The average credit period taken on sale of goods is 33 days (31 December 2009: 37 days).  

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

52 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13. Trade and Other Receivables (continued)

The age profi le of the net trade receivables for the Group at the year-end was as follows:

31 December 2009

Current

Debt age – “days overdue”

0-30 

days

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

Trade receivables

Value (£000)

%

923

84

152

14

27

2

2

-

Debt age – “days overdue”

Total

1,104

100

31 December 2010

Current

0-30 

days

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

Total

Trade receivables

Value (£000)

%

834

87

98

10

16

2

11

1

959

100

An analysis of trade and other receivables by currency is as follows:

Sterling

Euro

US Dollar

Renminbi

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

714

31               

838

12

1,595

£000

885

5

942

-

1,832

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    53

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Group

Cash at bank

Bank overdraft 

Company

Cash at bank

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

£000

12,085

(8,822)

3,263

11,479

(8,763)

2,716

3,100

-

The Group overdraft facility has a net limit of £1,200,000 and gross facility of £9,000,000.  Interest is charged on the bank overdraft 
at 3% above base rate up to the above limit and 6% above base rate on any remainder.  The bank overdraft is secured by fi xed and 
fl oating charges over certain of the Group’s assets.  All balances are denominated in Sterling.  

The overdraft facility is renewable annually in March.

An analysis of cash and cash equivalents by currency is as follows:

Sterling

Euro

US Dollar

Other

The carrying amount of these assets approximate to their fair value. 

15.  Trade and Other Payables

Group

Current

Trade payables

Other taxation and social security costs

Other payables

Accruals and deferred income

Non Current

Other payables

Company

Trade payables

Group payables

54 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

2,654

136

394

79   

3,263

£000

1,208

142

1,362

4

2,716

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

£000

257

123

29

5,127

5,536

-

37

29

66

291

171

72

5,776

6,310

29

-

-

-

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15.  Trade and Other Payables (continued)

An analysis of trade and other payables by currency is as follows:

Sterling

US Dollar

Renminbi

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

2,444

3,022

70

5,536

£000

3,042

3,297

-

6,339

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximate to fair value due to their short maturities.  
Trade payables are mainly due to be paid within one month.

16.  Current Taxation

The current tax payable of £85,000 (31 December 2009: £300,000) represents the amount of income taxes payable in respect of current 
and prior periods.

17.  Financial Liabilities

31 December 2009

Total

Less than 

One to 

one year

two years

Two to 

three 

years

Three to 

Four to 

More than 

four years

five years

five years

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Group

Loan notes

£000

2,549

Finance leases

3

2,552

£000

2,549

3

2,552

-

-

-

31 December 2010

Total

Less than 

One to 

one year

two years

-

-

-

Two to 

three 

years

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Three to 

Four to 

More than 

four years

five years

five years

Group and Company

£000

Series B Loan notes

253

253

£000

253

253

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    55

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

17.  Financial Liabilities (continued)

Loan notes

The loan note obligations can be analysed as below:

12.5%  Fixed Rate Loan Notes

Discounted value

Accrued interest

The loan notes were redeemed in full on 26 January 2010.  

Series B Loan Notes

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

-

-

-

£000

1,300

1,249

2,549

The Series B Loan Notes were issued on October 5th 2010. The note is unsecured and bears interest at the rate of 1.75% above bank 
base rate. The loan note plus accrued interest is repayable in full on 13th October 2011.

Due to the short maturity the directors believe the carrying value approximates to fair value.

Obligations under finance leases

Amounts payable under finance leases

Within 1 year

Within 2-5 years inclusive

After 5 years

Less: future finance charges

Present value of lease obligations

Disclosed as:

Current

Non-current

Minimum lease 

payments

31 December 

2010

£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Present value of 

minimum lease 

payments

31 December 

2010

£000

-

--

--

-

Minimum lease 

payments 

31 December

2009

£000

3

-

-

-

3

3

-

3

Present value of 

minimum lease 

payments

31 December

2009

£000

3

3

56 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

                                    
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18. Financial Instruments

All fi nancial instruments held by the Group, as detailed in this note, are classifi ed as “Loans and Receivables” (trade and other 
receivables, excluding prepayments, and cash and cash equivalents), “Financial Liabilities Measured at Amortised Cost” (trade and 
other payables, excluding statutory liabilities, and fi nancial liabilities) and “Fair value through profi t and loss” (other fi nancial liabilities 
which refl ect derivative contracts) under IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’.

Financial Risk Management

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of fi nancial risks including market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Market risk includes 
interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk and price risk. The main fi nancial risks managed by the Group, under policies approved by 
the board, are interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. 

The Group has in place risk management policies that seek to limit the adverse effects on the fi nancial performance of the Group by 
using various instruments and techniques.  Derivative fi nancial statements are only used to hedge exposures arising in respect of 
underlying business requirements and not for any speculative purpose.  

Foreign exchange risk

The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign currency risk on transactions denominated in a currency other than the 
functional currency and on the translation of the statement of fi nancial position and statement of comprehensive income of foreign 
operations into sterling.  The currencies giving rise to this risk are primarily US dollars.  The Group has both cash infl ows and outfl ows in 
this currency that create a natural hedge.  

In managing currency risks the Group aims to reduce the impact of short-term fl uctuations on the Group’s cash infl ows and outfl ows in 
a foreign currency.  The Group also hedges any material foreign currency transaction exposure. During the year the Group entered into 
US dollar hedging arrangements with fi xed forward contracts which all expired prior to the reporting date and an American Ratio forward 
accrual contract. 

Over the longer term, changes in foreign exchange could have an impact on consolidation of foreign subsidiaries earnings.  The 
assumption in 2010 was based on a forecast that the US Dollar to sterling rate would be 1.60. A 10% decrease in the value of sterling 
against the US dollar would result in an increase in the Group’s profi t before tax by approximately £0.30m.

Interest rate risk 

The Group operates an interest rate policy designed to minimise interest costs and reduce volatility in reported earnings.

The Group bank facility does not allow the US Dollar cash balances to generate interest therefore the Group transfers funds from the 
US dollar account into the sterling account.  This is achieved using currency swaps which maximise the interest gains whilst minimising 
foreign exchange risks.

As at 31 December 2010 indications are that the UK bank rate will increase by 0.5% over the next 12 months.  On the basis of the 
fl oating net cash position at 31 December 2010 and assuming no other changes occur (such as changes in currency exchange rates) 
and that no further interest rate management action is taken, an increase in interest rates of 0.5% would increase pre-tax net interest 
income by £14,000. 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    57

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18. Financial Instruments (continued)

31 December 2009

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade payables

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

Loan notes

(2,549)

Obligations under finance leases

-

Floating

Non-interest 

 rate

£000

-

1,207

-

-

-

bearing

£000

1,385

1,509

(1,417)

-

(3)

(2,549)

1,207

1,474

31 December 2010

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade payables

Loan notes

Obligations under finance leases

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

Floating

Non-interest 

 rate

£000

-

3,067

-

(253)

-

2,814

bearing

£000

1,250

196

(908)

-

-

538

Total

£000

1,385

2,716

(1,417)

(2,549)

(3)

132

Total

£000

1,250

3,263

(908)

(253)

-

3,352

Credit risk

Management aim to minimise the risk of credit losses.

The Group’s fi nancial assets are bank balances and cash and trade and other receivables, which represent the Group’s maximum 
exposure to credit risk in relation to fi nancial assets.

The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables and the Group has policies in place to ensure that sales of 
products and services are made to customers with appropriate creditworthiness. 

The amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Position are net of impairment provisions, estimated by the Group’s management 
based on prior experience and their assessment of the present value of estimated future cash fl ows. An allowance for impairment is 
made where there is an identifi ed loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction in the recoverability of the 
cash fl ows. The Group has signifi cant concentration of credit risk, with signifi cant exposure relating to a number of counterparties:

31 December 2009
Customer A - £190,814 (17%)

31 December 2010
Customer A - £ 223,220  (23%)

The Group’s exposure to losses from defaults on trade receivables is reduced due to contractual terms which require support fees to be 
invoiced and paid annually in advance.   

58 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18. Financial Instruments (continued)

Note 13 sets out the impairment provision for credit losses on trade receivables and the ageing analysis of overdue trade receivables.  
There are no impairment losses recognised on other fi nancial assets.

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its fi nancial commitments as they fall due.

The Group’s objective is to ensure that adequate facilities are available through use of bank overdrafts and fi nance leases.  The Group 
manages liquidity risk through regular cash fl ow forecasting and monitoring of cash fl ows, management review and regular review of 
working capital and costs.

The Group regularly monitors its available headroom under its borrowing facilities.  At 31 December 2010 £1.2m of undrawn facilities 
was available (31 December 2009: £0.24m).

In respect of the Group’s interest-bearing fi nancial liabilities, the table in note 17 includes details at the reporting date of the periods in 
which they mature.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    59

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19.  Derivative Financial Instruments

The Group utilises derivatives to hedge its foreign currency exposure arising from future transactions and cash fl ows.  During the year 
the Group entered in to an accrual forward contract to exchange $25,000 per month at an agreed rate of $1.456/£ for a 19 month 
period.  If the exchange rate rises above $1.635, the contract terminates and if the exchange rate falls below $1.395/£1, the Company is 
committed to exchange a further $25,000 at $1.395/£.

The fair value of the derivative at 31 December 2010 is £488 which has been calculated using option pricing models that take into 
account historical USD/GBP volatility.  It falls under level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as its valuation has been based on observable 
inputs.  The derivative and the fair value gain have not been recognised in the fi nancial statements on the grounds of immateriality.

At the reporting date, the total notional amount outstanding on foreign exchange forward contracts that the Group has committed to are 
as follows:

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

$000

$000

US Dollars

275

-

20.  Deferred Tax

Deferred tax assets

 - amounts due to be recovered within 12 months

 - amounts due to be recovered after 12 months

Deferred tax liabilities

 - amounts due to be settled within 12 months

 - amounts due to be settled after 12 months

Net position 

The movement in the period in the Group’s net deferred tax position was as follows:

At beginning of the period

Charge/(Credit) to income for the year

(Charge)/credit to other comprehensive income for the period

Effect of change in tax rate – equity

At end of the period

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

-

431

-

(110)

321

£000

-

362

-

(65)

297

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

297

(123)

157

(10)

321

£000

345

(92)

44

-

297

60 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20.  Deferred Tax (continued)

The following are the major deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised by the Group and the movements thereon during the period:

Deferred tax asset/(liabilities)

depreciation

Accelerated tax 

At 31 December 2008

Charge to profit or loss for the period

Charge to equity for the period

At 31 December 2009

Charge to profit or loss for the period

Charge to equity for the period

£000

(30)

(20)

-

(50)

(54)

-

At 31 December 2010

(104)

Tax losses

£000

Retirement 

benefit 

obligations

£000

54

(9)

-

45

(19)

-

26

321

(63)

44

302

(50)

147

399

Total

£000

345

(92)

44

297

(123)

147

321

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    61

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21.  Retirement Benefit Obligations

Defi ned contribution pension scheme

The Company has 3 active defi ned contribution schemes and a closed defi ned contribution scheme:

Group Personal Pension Plan- the scheme was created on 31 December 2008.  The Scheme is a contributory money purchase 
scheme with the employer matching employee contributions to a maximum of 5%. The employer also contributes to the Scheme for 
former members of the Instem LSS Pension Scheme at rates varying from 5% to 18%.  Employer contributions for the period ended 31 
December 2010 were £0.37m (31 December 2009: £0.37m).

Contracted In Money Purchase Scheme (CIMP) - the Scheme was created on 31 December 2008.  The Scheme is a non-contributory 
scheme created for former members of the Instem LSS Pension Scheme who are US residents.  Employer contributions for the year 
ended 31 December 2010 were £0.03m (31 December 2009: £0.04m).

Instem LSS (North America) Limited 401k Plan - the scheme was created for the benefi t of employees of Instem LSS (North America) 
Limited in the USA.  The Scheme is a contributory money purchase scheme with the employer matching contributions to the scheme to 
a maximum of 4.8%.  

Instem LSS Stakeholder Scheme - the Scheme was a contributory money purchase scheme which closed on 31 December 2008.   
Employer contributions for the year ended 31 December 2010 were £ Nil (31 December 2009: £3,000).

Defi ned benefi t pension scheme

The Group also operates a pension scheme providing benefi ts based on fi nal pensionable pay.  This scheme was closed to new 
members with effect from 8 October 2001 and the rate of future benefi t accrual reduced from 1/60th of fi nal pensionable pay per year of 
service to 1/80th with effect from 6 April 2003.  The scheme closed to future accrual on 31 December 2008.  

The latest full actuarial valuation was carried out at 5 April 2008 and was updated to 31 December 2010 by a qualifi ed independent 
actuary.  

62 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

The expected return on plan assets was determined by considering the expected returns available on the assets underlying the current 
investment portfolio.  Expected yields on bonds are based on gross redemption yields at the balance sheet date whilst the expected 
returns on the equity and property investments refl ect the long-term real rates of return experienced in the respective markets.

Discount rate

Expected return on plan assets

Inflation

Rate of increase in salaries

Rate of increase in pensions in payment

Rate of increase in pensions in deferment

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

%

5.8

6.1

3.6

N/A

3.6

3.6

%

6.1

6.7

3.4

N/A

3.4

3.4

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT CHARGED TO THE STATEMENT OF 

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

£000

£000

Current service cost

Past service cost

Total operating charge

-

-

-

-

-

-

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT CREDITED TO OTHER FINANCE 

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

COSTS

Expected returns on pension scheme assets

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Net finance charge

£000

326

(356)

(30)

£000

237

(327)

(90)

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT RECOGNISED IN OTHER 

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Actual return less expected return on pension scheme 

assets

Experience losses arising on scheme liabilities

Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of 

the scheme liabilities

Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in other comprehensive 

income

£000

235

(77)

(734)

(576)

£000

557

(18)

(697)

(158)

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    63

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

CHANGES IN THE PRESENT VALUE OF THE DEFINED 

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

BENEFIT OBLIGATION

Opening defined benefit obligation

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial (gain)/loss

Benefits paid

Closing defined benefit obligation

CHANGES IN THE FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS

Opening plan assets

Expected return

Actuarial (loss)/gain

Contributions by employer

Benefits paid

Closing plan assets

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Deficit

Related deferred tax asset

Net pension liability

£000

5,893

-

356

811

(104)

6,956

£000

4,901

-

327

715

(50)

5,893

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

4,812

326

235

210

(104)

5,479

£000

3,752

237

557

316

(50)

4,812

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

(6,956)

5,479

(1,477)

399

(1,078)

£000

(5,893)

4,812

(1,081)

302

(779)

64 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

ANALYSIS OF CUMULATIVE AMOUNT RECOGNISED IN 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Actual return less expected return on pension scheme 

assets

Experience gains and losses arising on scheme liabilities

Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of 

the scheme liabilities

Cumulative actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in other 

comprehensive income

Cumulative

Cumulative

 31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

(51)

(910)

590

(371)

£000

(286)

(833)

1,324

205

MAJOR CATEGORIES OF PLAN ASSETS AS A PERCENTAGE OF FAIR VALUE OF TOTAL PLAN ASSETS

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

Equities

Property

Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Cash

Other

£000

4,054

110

438

219

603

55

%

74

2

8

4

11

1

The fi ve year history of experience adjustments are as follows:

5,479

100

£000

3,512

100

473

525

202

-      

4,812

%

73

2

10

11

4

-

100

31 December 

31 December

31 December 

31 December 

31 December 

2010

£000

2009

£000

2008

£000

2007

£000

2006

£000

Present value of defined 

benefit obligation

(6,956)

(5,893)

(4,901)

(6,303)

(6,078)

Fair value of plan assets

5,479

Deficit

(1,477)

Experience adjustments on 

plan liabilities

Experience adjustments on 

plan assets

(77)

235

4,812

(1,081)

(18)

557

3,752

(1,149)

(431)

(1,390)

4,335

(1,968)

(31)

(7)

3,646

(2,432)

(71)

176

The Company expects to contribute £310,500 to its defi ned benefi t plans in the next fi nancial year (31 December 2010: £210,000).

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    65

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22.  Share Capital

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

£000

£000

Allotted, called up and fully paid

11,714,286 ordinary shares of 10p each

1,171

-

The following share capital movements occurred in the period:

• 
• 
• 
• 

On incorporation one ordinary share of £1 was incurred at par.
On 5 October 2010 the one ordinary share of £1 was sub-divided into 10 ordinary shares of 10p each.
On 5 October 2010 6,485,900 ordinary shares of 10p each were issued at a premium of £10,701,735.
On 13 October 2010 5,228,376 ordinary shares of 10p each were issued at a premium of £8,626,820.

Under the pooling of interests basis the share capital as at 5 October 2010 is deemed to have been in existence throughout the periods 
presented.

23.  Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profi t attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares in issue during the year . Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted number of ordinary shares 
outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential shares arising from the share option scheme. The dilutive impact of the share 
options is calculated by determining the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average 
market share price of the Company’s shares) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to the outstanding share 
options.

Profit after tax 

(£000’s)

2010

Weighted 

average 

number of 

shares (000’s)

Earnings per 

Profit after tax 

2009

Weighted 

average 

Earnings per 

share  (pence)

(£000’s)

number of 

share  (pence)

shares (000’s)

Earnings per share-

basic

Potentially dilutive 

shares

Earnings per share-

diluted

901

7,698

23

901

7,721

11.7

-

11.7

1,706

6,486

-

-

1,706

6,486

26.3

-

26.3

66 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

23.  Earnings Per Share (continued)

Adjusted earnings per share

2010

Weighted 

average 

Profit after tax

Earnings per 

Profit after tax

2009

Weighted 

average 

Earnings per 

(£000’s)

number of 

share (pence)

(£000’s)

number of 

share (pence)

shares (000’s)

shares (000’s)

901

21

683

(191)

1,414

7,698

11.7

1,706

6,486

26.3

-

-

-

-

23

0.3

8.9

(2.5)

18.4

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,414

7,721 

18.4

1,706

6,486

26.3

Earnings per share-

basic

Effect of share-based 

payments

Effect of non-recurring 

items

Effect of tax on non-

recurring items

Adjusted earnings per 

share

Potentially dilutive 

shares

Adjusted earnings per 

share-diluted

24.  Reserves

Called up share capital

The share capital account includes the par value for all shares issued and outstanding.

Share premium account

The share premium account is used to record amounts received in excess of the nominal value of shares on issue of new shares less 
the costs of new share issues.

Translation reserve

The translation reserve incorporates the cumulative net exchange gains and losses recognised on the translation of subsidiary 
Company fi nancial information to the presentational currency of Sterling (£).  Under IFRS 1 the translation reserve was deemed to be 
£nil at the date of transition.

Retained earnings

The retained earnings reserve includes the accumulated profi ts and losses arising from the consolidated ‘Statement of Comprehensive 
Income’ and certain items from ‘Other Comprehensive Income’ attributable to equity shareholders net of distributions to shareholders.

Merger reserve

The merger reserve represents the difference between the consideration payable at the date of acquisition, net of merger relief, and the 
share capital and share premium of Instem LSS Group Limited.

Capital management

The Group’s main objective when managing capital is to protect returns to shareholders by ensuring the Group will continue to trade 
profi tably in the foreseeable future.  The Group also aims to maximise its capital structure of debt and equity so as to minimise its cost of 
capital.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    67

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24.  Reserves (continued)

The Group manages its capital with regard to the risks inherent in the business and the sector within which it operates by monitoring its 
gearing ratio on a regular basis. 

The Group considers its capital to include share capital, share premium, translation reserve, retained earnings, and net debt as noted 
below. 

Net debt includes short and long-term borrowings (including overdrafts, redeemable preference shares and lease obligations) net of 
cash and cash equivalents.  

The Group has not made any changes to its capital management during the year.

25.  Capital Commitments

There were no capital commitments at the end of the fi nancial period.

26. Operating Leases Payable

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised as 

an expense in the period

At the balance sheet date, the Group has outstanding 

commitments under operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Land and buildings

  Within one year

  In the second to fifth year inclusive

  After five years

Plant and machinery

  Within one year

  In the second to fifth year inclusive

  After five years

31 December 

31 December

2010

£000

446

2009

£000

458

31 December 

31 December

2010

£000

334

1,220 

1,411

119

65

-

2009

£000

271

952

1,396

142

207

17

3,149 

2,985

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for certain equipment.  Leases have varying terms and renewal 
rights.  The above leasing arrangements do not contain any restrictive covenants, contingent rents or purchase options.

The operating leases in relation to the properties at Stone and Liverpool contain dilapidation clauses whereby Instem LSS Group 
Limited must make good any damage to the demised premises on expiration of the leases. The directors estimate that the current 
liability is not material to warrant provision at the period end.

68 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

27.  Related Party Transactions

Transactions between Group companies have not been disclosed as these have all been eliminated in the preparation of the fi nancial 
information. During the year the Company has traded in its normal course of business with shareholders and consultancy businesses in 
which directors have a material interest as follows;

Key management compensation:

2010

£000

Fees for services provided as non-executive directors

Salaries and short term benefits

380

Executive directors

Salaries and short term benefits

285

Other key management

Salaries and short term employee benefits

227

2009

£000

105

331

321

In addition the Company paid £0.02m (2009: Nil) to Instem Ventures, a company owned by Adrian Gare, a shareholder. The balance 
outstanding at the end of the year was £Nil (2009: Nil)

Key management are considered to be the directors together with the Senior Vice-President of Client Services and the Senior Vice-
President of Product Development

28.  Accounting Estimates and Judgements

Some asset and liability amounts reported in the fi nancial information are based on management estimates and assumptions.  There 
is therefore a risk of signifi cant changes to the carrying amounts for these assets and liabilities within the next fi nancial year.  The 
estimates and assumptions are made on the basis of information and conditions that exist at the time of the valuation.

Inventory impairment provisions

The Group makes provision for work in progress deemed to be irrecoverable.  This provision is established on a specifi c contract by 
contract basis based on management’s prior experience and their assessment of the present value of estimated future cash fl ows.

Receivables impairment provisions

The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables, estimated by the Group’s management 
based on prior experience and their assessment of the present value of estimated future cash fl ows.

Pension valuation assumptions

Assumptions are used in the actuarial valuation of the Group’s defi ned benefi t pension schemes. Details of these assumptions are 
disclosed in note 21.

Goodwill impairment

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any 
indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated 
in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash fl ows that are independent from 
other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    69

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

29.  Post Balance Sheet Events

On March 4th 2011 the Company acquired BioWisdom Ltd (“BioWisdom”), a leading provider of software solutions for extracting 
intelligence from R&D related healthcare data, for an initial enterprise value of £0.90 million and a maximum total enterprise value of 
£1.50 million, subject to certain performance criteria. Initial cash consideration paid was £0.2m plus £0.7m of unsecured creditors which 
were taken on. The additional performance related consideration will be paid equally in cash and by the issue of shares.

At the date of approval of the fi nancial statements, the initial accounting for this acquisition is incomplete and therefore full information 
required by IFRS 3 (revised) relating to the acquisition cannot be disclosed.

30.  Reconciliation to IFRS

The effects of the transition from UK GAAP to IFRS are shown in the reconciliation statements on the following pages.

The UK GAAP columns included in the reconciliations represent the numbers previously reported.  However the presentation has been 
amended to comply with IAS 1 (Revised). There were no material adjustments to the statement of cash fl ows.

The adjustments relate to the following:

Intangible assets

Under IFRS 3, goodwill is not amortised on a straight line basis but instead is subject to annual impairment testing.  Consequently the 
goodwill balances were reviewed for impairment at 31 December 2007, 26 December 2008 and 31 December 2009 and no impairment 
adjustments were identifi ed.

The Company has elected not to apply IFRS 3 Business Combinations retrospectively to business combinations prior to date of 
transition.  Amortisation expensed under UK GAAP since the date of transition has been added back to the carrying value of goodwill in 
the statement of fi nancial position and amortisation of intangibles for the period reduced.

Purchase software and licences

Under UK GAAP, purchased software and licences were included within tangible fi xed assets on the Balance Sheet.  Under IAS 38 
‘Intangible Assets’ such items are disclosed as intangible assets and are amortised over their remaining useful lives.  A reclassifi cation 
from property, plant and equipment to intangible assets has been accounted for.

Internal Development Costs

Development costs under UK GAAP have been expensed.  Development costs meeting the criteria of IAS 38 for capitalisation have 
been capitalised and amortised over their useful lives with a corresponding adjustment to operating expenses.  

Financial liabilities

A number of leases have been reclassifi ed between operating and fi nance leases.  Although the fi nance lease test under UK GAAP is 
broadly similar to IFRS, on review of the lease contracts, a number of leases met the criteria under IAS 17 for capitalisation as fi nance 
leases which were previously recognised as operating leases under UK GAAP.  These have therefore been capitalised within the 
statement of fi nancial position within property, plant and equipment with their relevant liability being included in fi nancial liabilities.   The 
assets are being depreciated over their remaining useful lives.

Deferred tax (IAS 12)

In accordance with IAS 12 the deferred taxation relating to the defi ned benefi t pension scheme obligation has been reclassifi ed to be 
shown separately from the retirement benefi t obligation at the end of each period.  In addition, deferred tax has been re-presented and 
shown as non-current on the face of the statement of fi nancial position in accordance with IAS 1 (Revised) Presentation of fi nancial 
statements.

The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates (IAS 21)

UK GAAP permitted exchange differences arising on retranslation of overseas operations to be recognised against retained earnings.  
IAS 23 requires a separate translation reserve to be created within equity.  Under IFRS 1 the translation reserve was deemed to be £nil 
at the date of transition.

70 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30   a)  Reconciliation of consolidated statement of fi nancial position as at 1 January 2007

As previously 

reported UK 

Adjustments 

GAAP

£000

£000

ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

5,858

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax

132

-

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

5,990

CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred tax

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

276

1,212

7,339

202

9,029

TOTAL ASSETS

15,019

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Current taxation

Financial liabilities

4,634

370

8,126

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

13,130

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

Retirement benefit obligations

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

211

1,951

1,702

3,864

-

-

-

-

-

-

(7,339)

-

(7,339)

(7,339)

 17

-

(7,339)

(7,322)

-

-

-

-

TOTAL LIABILITIES

16,994

(7,322)

EQUITY 

Share capital

Share premium

Translation reserve

 1

4,866

-

Retained earnings

 (6,842)

EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 

HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

(1,975)

-

-

-

(17)

(17)

As restated UK 

GAAP

£000

5,858

132

-

5,990

276

1,212

-

202

1,690

7,680

4,651

370

787

5,808

211

1,951

1,702

3,864

9,672

1

4,866

-

(6,859)

(1,992)

Effect of 

transition to 

IFRS

£000

43

(17)

  923

949

-

-

-

(202)

(202)

747

-

-

1

1

-

1

730

731

732

-

-

-

15

15

Restated under 

IFRS

£000

5,901

115

923

6,939

276

1,212

-

-

1,488

8,427

4,651

370

788

5,809

211

1,952

2,432

4,595

10,404

1

4,866

-

(6,844)

(1,977)

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

15,019

(7,339)

7,680

747

8,427

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    71

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30   b)  Reconciliation of consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the 52 weeks ended 31 December 2007

As previously 

IAS 19 

reported UK 

Holiday pay 

GAAP

£000

7,990

REVENUE 

Operating expenses

(6,219)

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE 

AMORTISATION 

1,771

Amortisation of intangibles

(1,116)

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS

Finance income

Finance costs

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

Income tax expense

(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR

Other comprehensive income

Actuarial gain on retirement benefit 

obligations

655

563

(992)

226

(638)

(412)

208

Deferred tax on actuarial gain

(103)

Currency translation differences on 

foreign currency net investment

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(36)

69

provision

£000

-

(2)

(2)

-

(2)

-

-

(2)

-

(2)

-

-

-

-

As restated 

UK GAAP

£000

7,990

(6,221)

1,769

(1,116)

653

563

(992)

224

(638)

(414)

208

(103)

(36)

69

Effect of 

transition to 

IFRS

 £000

-

24

24

1,092

1,116

-

-

1,116

1

1,117

-

-

-

-

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE (EXPENSE) /  

INCOME FOR THE YEAR

(343)

(2)

(345)

1,117

Restated 

under IFRS

£000

7,990

(6,197)

1,793

(24)

1,769

563

(992)

1,340

(637)

703

208

(103)

(36)

69

772

72 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30   c)  Reconciliation of consolidated statement of fi nancial position as at 31 December 2007

As previously 

reported UK 

Adjustments

As restated 

UK GAAP

£000

£000

GAAP

£000

ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

4,742

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax

116

-

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

4,858

CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred tax

148

2,093

8,242

168

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

10,651

-

-

-

-

-

-

(8,242)

-

-

TOTAL ASSETS

15,509

(8,242)

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Current taxation

Financial liabilities

5,351

81

8,604

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

14,036

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

Retirement benefit obligations

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

173

2,201

1,417

3,791

19

-

(8,242)

(8,223)

-

-

-

-

TOTAL LIABILITIES

17,827

(8,223)

EQUITY 

Share capital

1

Share premium

4,866

Translation reserve

-

Retained earnings

(7,185)

EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 

HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

(2,318)

-

-

-

(19)

(19)

Effect of 

transition to 

IFRS

£000

1,171

3

711

1,885

(12)

-

(168)

(180)

1,705

-

-

10

10

-

12

551

563

573

-

-

(36)

1,168

Restated 

under IFRS

£000

5,913

119

711

6,743

136

2,093

-

-

2,229

8,972

5,370

81

372

5,823

173

2,213

1,968

4,354

10,177

1

4,866

(36)

(6,036)

4,742

116

-

4,858

148

2,093

-

168

2,409

7,267

5,370

81

362

5,813

173

2,201

1,417

3,791

9,604

1

4,866

-

(7,204)

(2,337)

1,132

(1,205)

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

15,509

(8,242)

7,267

1,705

8,972

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    73

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30   d)  Reconciliation of consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the 52 weeks ended 31 December 2008

As previously 

IAS 19 

reported UK 

Holiday pay 

GAAP

£000

8,808

REVENUE 

Operating expenses

(7,030)

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE 

AMORTISATION 

1,778

Amortisation of intangibles

(1,116)

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS

Finance income

Finance costs

(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

Income tax expense

662

522

(2,287)

(1,103)

(464)

(LOSS) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR

(1,567)

Other comprehensive income

Actuarial gain on retirement benefit 

obligations

588

Deferred tax on actuarial gain

(165)

Currency translation differences on 

foreign currency net investment

661

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

1,084

provision

£000

-

(2)

(2)

-

(2)

-

-

(2)

-

(2)

-

-

-

-

As restated 

UK GAAP

£000

8,808

(7,032)

1,776

(1,116)

660

522

(2,287)

(1,105)

(464)

(1,569)

588

(165)

661

1,084

Effect of 

transition to 

IFRS

£000

-

163

163

1,090

1,253

-

-

1,253

(37)

1,216

-

-

-

-

Restated 

under IFRS

£000

8,808

(6,869)

1,939

(26)

1,913

522

(2,287)

148

(501)

(353)

588

(165)

661

1,084

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR 

THE YEAR

(483)

(2)

(485)

1,216

731

74 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30   e)  Reconciliation of consolidated statement of fi nancial position as at 31 December 2008

As previously 

reported UK 

Adjustments

As restated 

UK GAAP

IFRS 3 

business 

combinations

Restated 

under IFRS

£000

£000

£000

£000

GAAP

£000

ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

3,626

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax

195

-

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

3,821

CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Current taxation

Deferred tax

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

61

2,900

8,163

30

96

11,250

15,071

Trade and other payables

5,638

Current taxation

Financial liabilities

Deferred tax

-

8,712

27

-

-

-

-

-

-

(8,163)

-

-

(8,163)

(8,163)

21

-

(8,163)

-

3,626

195

-

3,821

61

2,900

-

30

96

3,087

6,908

5,659

-

549

27

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

14,377

(8,142)

6,235

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

Retirement benefit obligations

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

93

2,574

828

3,495

-

-

-

-

TOTAL LIABILITIES

17,872

(8,142)

EQUITY 

Share capital

1

Share premium

4,866

Translation reserve

-

Retained earnings

(7,668)

EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 

HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

(2,801)

-

-

-

(21)

(21)

93

2,574

828

3,495

9,730

1

4,866

-

(7,689)

2,446

(41)

345

2,750

-

-

-

-

(96)

(96)

2,654

-

-

9

(27)

(18)

-

3

321

324

306

-

-

625

1,723

6,072

154

345

6,571

61

2,900

-

30

-

2,991

9,562

5,659

-

558

-

6,217

93

2,577

1,149

3,819

10,036

1

4,866

625

(5,966)

(2,822)

2,348

(474)

TOTAL  EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

15,071

(8,163)

6,908

2,654

9,562

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    75

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30   f) 

Reconciliation of consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the 53 weeks ended 31 December 2009

As previously 

IAS 19 

reported UK 

Holiday pay 

GAAP

£000

9,815

REVENUE 

Operating expenses

(7,692)

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE 

AMORTISATION 

2,123

Amortisation of intangibles

(1,116)

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS

Finance income

Finance costs

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

Income tax expense

PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR

Other comprehensive income

Actuarial loss on retirement benefit 

obligations

1,007

735

(407)

1,335

(757)

578

(158)

Deferred tax on actuarial loss

44

Currency translation differences on foreign 

currency net investment

(266)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE

(380)

provision

£000

-

(2)

(2)

-

(2)

-

-

(2)

-

(2)

-

-

-

-

TOTAL COMPRENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

198

(2)

As restated 

Transition to 

UK GAAP

£000

9,815

(7,694)

2,121

(1,116)

1,005

735

(407)

1,333

(757)

576

(158)

44

(266)

(380)

196

IFRS

£000

-

66

66

1,069

1,135

-

-

1,135

(5)

1,130

-

-

-

-

1,130

Restated 

under IFRS

£000

9,815

(7,628)

2,187

(47)

2,140

735

(407)

2,468

(762)

1,706

(158)

44

(266)

(380)

1,326

76 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30   g)  Reconciliation of consolidated statement of fi nancial position for the 53 weeks ended 31 December 2009

As previously 

reported UK 

Adjustments

As restated 

UK GAAP

£000

£000

GAAP

£000

ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

2,510

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax

176

-

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

2,686

CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

28

1,866

-

-

-

-

34

(34)

Cash and cash equivalents

11,479

(8,763)

Current taxation

Deferred tax

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Current taxation

-

72

13,445

16,131

6,287

300

-

-

(8,763)

(8,763)

23

-

Financial liabilities

11,312

(8,763)

Deferred tax

27

-

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

17,926

(8,740)

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Retirement benefit obligations

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

29

779

808

-

-

-

2,510

176

-

2,686

62

1,832

2,716

-

72

4,682

7,368

6,310

300

2,549

27

9,186

29

779

808

TOTAL LIABILITIES

18,734

(8,740)

9,994

EQUITY 

Share capital

1

Share premium

4,866

Translation reserve

-

Retained earnings

(7,470)

EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 

HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

(2,603)

-

-

-

(23)

(23)

1

4,866

-

(7,493)

(2,626)

Effect of 

transition to 

IFRS

£000

3,580

(49)

297

3,828

-

-

-

(72)

(72)

3,756

-

-

3

(27)

(24)

-

302

302

278

-

-

359

3,119

3,478

Restated 

under IFRS

£000

6,090

127

297

6,514

62

1,832

2,716

-

-

4,610

11,124

6,310

300

2,552

-

9,162

29

1,081

1,110

10,272

1

4,866

359

(4,374)

852

TOTAL  EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

16,131

(8,763)

7,368

3,756

11,124

The equity structure above represents that of the trading subsidiary Group prior to the reconstruction.  Since the consolidated fi nancial 
statements have been prepared using the pooling of interests basis, the share capital and related share premium at acquisition have 
deemed to have been in existence throughout the periods presented.  This has created a difference in the equity capital structure of the 
Group shown in the comparative period to that presented above. 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    77

Company Statement of Comprehensive Income

52 week period ended 31 

 Note

December 2010

REVENUE 

1

Operating expenses

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE AMORTISATION 

Amortisation of intangibles

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

Finance income

Finance costs

3

4

LOSS BEFORE TAXATION

Income tax expense

LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE)

Actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligations

Deferred tax on actuarial gain/(loss)

Currency translation differences on foreign currency net investment

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE)

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR

(LOSS)/PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT COMPANY

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE (EXPENSE)/INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO  EQUITY 

HOLDERS OF THE PARENT COMPANY

This page does not form part of the statutory fi nancial statements.

£000

-

(344)

(344)

-

(344)

6

(3)

(341)

-

(341)

-

-

-

-

(341)

(341)

(341)

78 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

NOTES

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010    79

NOTES

80 

Instem Life Science Systems plc Annual Report, 2010     

Directors and Advisers

DIRECTORS
D Gare (Non-executive Chairman)
MF McGoun (Independent Non-executive)
DM Sherwin (Non-executive)
PJ Reason
J McLauchlan

SECRETARY
J McLauchlan 

REGISTERED OFFICE
Diamond Way
Stone Business Park
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0SD
Tel: +44 1785 825600
Fax: +44 1785 825633
www.instem.com

Company No: 07148099

AUDITORS
Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP
Chartered Accountants
3 Hardman Street
Manchester 
M3 3HF

SOLICITORS
DWF LLP
1 Scott Place, 
2 Hardman Street, 
Manchester 
M3 3AA

BANKERS
Nat West Bank
1 Spinningfields Square
Manchester
M2 3AP

NOMINATED ADVISER AND BROKER
Brewin Dolphin
12 Smithfield Street,  
London 
EC1A 9BD

REGISTRARS
Computershare
The Pavilions, 
Bridgwater Road, 
Bristol 
BS13 8AE

FINANCIAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
Threadneedle Communications
3rd Floor, Aldermary House
10-15 Queen Street
London 
EC4N 1TX

Our clients include these fine organisations...

UK
Global Headquarters -
UK & European Operations
Diamond Way
Stone Business Park
Stone
Staffordshire, ST15 0SD
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1785 825600

USA
North American Headquarters
Eight Tower Bridge
161 Washington Street
Suite 1550, 15th Floor
Conshohocken, PA 19428
United States
Tel: (610) 941 0990

China
Asia-Pacific Headquarters
Room 205, Building 16
88 Darwin Road
Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, Pudong District
Shanghai
China, 201203
Tel: +86 (0) 21 5131 2080

The Company employs over 110 people in six offices in the US,

UK, and China; with additional resource locations in India and a

full service distributor in Japan.

e-mail
investors@instem.com

instem.com