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Instem plc

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FY2011 Annual Report · Instem plc
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Instem plc (formerly Instem Life Science Systems plc)
Annual Report 
2011

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

market.  Instem's  pre-clinical  study  management  solutions  accelerate  drug  and  chemical

development by increasing productivity, automating processes and enhancing practices that lead

to safer and more effective drugs. 

In March 2011 Instem acquired BioWisdom Limited, subsequently renamed Instem Scientific

Limited (“Instem Scientific”), a leading provider of software solutions for extracting intelligence

from  R&D  related  healthcare  data.  The  acquisition  broadened  and  strengthened  Instem's

Centrus™ product suite, accelerating the product development roadmap. 

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

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

GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca. The Group employs over 110 people in seven offices in the

US, UK, China and India; with a full service distributor in Japan. 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.

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 AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF INSTEM PLC (FORMERLY 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 plc Annual Report, 2011  

Highlights 

Financial Highlights

Operational Highlights

•	

Strong level of Provantis customer wins, with nearly 
half being secured in the final quarter of the year. 
New customers included:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Battelle, the world’s largest independent 
research and development organisation

National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs 
(NCSED), a subsidiary of the Chinese State Food 
& Drug Administration (SFDA)

Champions Oncology, the first deployment of 
Provantis in a drug efficacy rather than safety 
application

The Jackson Laboratory, one of the world’s 
largest not-for-profit, biomedical research 
institutions

SRI International, a renowned independent, 
non-profit research institute

Provantis customer retention rate remained high at 
over 95% 

Increased presence in emerging markets:

•	

•	

Further Asia Pacific market expansion with 
six new clients in China, Japan, Singapore and 
Australia

Instem India established post-period end 
to provide flexible software development 
capability 

Strong performance from BioWisdom, which was 
acquired in March 2011 (now renamed Instem 
Scientific)

Centrus product fully compliant with the recently 
released US government sponsored Standard for the 

Exchange of Non-clinical Data (SEND)

•	

•	

•	

•	

* Operating profit before amortisation, share based payment and 
non-recurring items.

•	

Revenues increased 7.9% to £10.8m (2010: 
£10.0m)

•	

•	

Recurring revenues accounted for 70% of total 
revenues (2010: 67%)

SaaS revenue for 2011 up 29% to £1.02m 
(2010: £0.79m)

Adjusted operating profit* £2.0m (2010: £2.3m)

Reported profit before tax £1.5m (2010: £1.4m)

Basic earnings per share 8.6p (2010 adjusted: 7.7p)

Cash generated from operations £1.4m (2010: 
£0.7m)

Closing cash balance as at 31 December 2011 of 

£3.4m (2010: £3.3m) 

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While revenues for the year were lower than 
originally anticipated, this was a strong 
performance in a difficult market and the outturn 
is marginally ahead of revised expectations. 
Our pre-clinical product, Provantis, increased 
its market leading position, benefiting from our 
investments into SaaS deployment and increased 
geographic coverage. We saw signs, particularly 
towards the end of the year, that the Contract 
Research Organisation sector of our market is 
starting to recover from a difficult few years and 
we expect this to continue slowly in 2012. Two of 
the contracts which were delayed from the second 
half of 2011 have now been signed in the first 
quarter of 2012.

The Group remains highly profitable, cash 
generative and has a strong pipeline of 
opportunities for the current year. While the 
Board is conscious of market conditions, our high 
level of renewals and a substantial contracted 
order book, combined with a full year’s 
contribution from Instem Scientific underpin 
our confidence in the year ahead. We continue 
to pursue additional acquisition opportunities 
to extend our product offering, new customer 
relationships and market coverage.

Phil Reason,
Chief Executive

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      3  

 
growth

“The Group grew its client roster in its core 

markets, expanded further into international 

markets, most notably China, Singapore and 

Japan, and developed a strong pipeline of sales 

opportunities for Centrus.” 

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

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Chairman’s       
Statement

Against a difficult market backdrop, 2011 was a year of steady progress for Instem. 

Whilst we did not achieve the level of growth originally 
anticipated, we are pleased to report that the Group 
consolidated its leading position in its core market 
and saw a significant increase in its customer base. 
In addition, we were particularly encouraged by the 
strong contribution made by Instem Scientific (formerly 
BioWisdom Limited), which we acquired in March 
2011. This acquisition was part of the next step in 
our long term strategy to consolidate the fragmented 
pharmaceutical software supplier base and we are 
therefore delighted that it is proving to be such a 
success. The Board continues to actively pursue similar 
opportunities.

The results for the year were impacted by the continued 
uncertainty and budgetary restraints within the broader 
pharmaceutical market and the Contract Research 
Organisation (CRO) sub-sector, with conditions in the EU 
being particularly challenging. Nonetheless, we won the 
overwhelming majority of new Early Development Safety 
Assessment (EDSA) business placed worldwide, securing 
a record level of new customers for Provantis, our core 
study management software. We believe this success 
is due to the quality of the suite of products, our ability 
to deliver this software as both an on-premise and SaaS 
solution, enabling a greater flexibility of pricing, and our 
global geographic presence. 

We continued to invest in the capabilities of our 
product sets and will be launching a major new version 
of Provantis in 2012, for which we are already seeing 
a good level of interest from current and prospective 
customers. While sales of Centrus in 2011 were not as 
high as anticipated, the long-awaited formal adoption 
of the Standard for the Exchange of Non-clinical Data 
(SEND) by the FDA in June 2011 is expected to be a key 
driver for future business.

As anticipated at the time of the Interim Results, the final 
quarter of the year was particularly strong, suggesting a 
degree of confidence returning to the market. The timing 

of these contracts means the Group has entered 2012 
with a strong opening order book.

We were saddened by the sudden death of our much 
respected and well-liked Chief Financial Officer, Jim 
McLauchlan, in August 2011. He provided invaluable 
services to the Company, particularly through the IPO 
process and he continues to be missed by us all. David 
Sherwin, a Non-executive Director of the Company, 
temporarily fulfilled the role while we sought a full-time 
replacement and we thank him for his efforts during that 
difficult time. We were pleased to secure the services of 
Nigel Goldsmith in November 2011, joining the Board 
as Chief Financial Officer. Nigel brings a high level of 
public company experience and pharmaceutical industry 
knowledge from his previous positions, including three 
years as Finance Director at IS Pharma plc (now Sinclair 
IS Pharma plc), during which he oversaw two equity 
fundraisings and completed two corporate acquisitions. 
Nigel is a welcome addition to the Board.   

We believe that the dynamics of the global R&D market 
provide Instem with good organic growth prospects, 
particularly in the US and emerging markets, with 
indications that study volumes in these regions are 
slowly starting to increase. Additionally, the strength 
of Instem’s product portfolio and geographic reach 
provides a strong position in what is a fragmented 
software supplier marketplace and we continue to assess 
opportunities for further market consolidation. We 
therefore view the future with confidence.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff, 
customers and partners for their ongoing support.

David Gare
Chairman

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      5  

 
strength

“The strength of Instem’s product portfolio and 

geographic reach provides a strong position 

in what is a fragmented software supplier 

marketplace and we continue to assess 

opportunities for further market consolidation.”

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

Operational
Review

We are pleased to report that during the year, in spite of difficult global 
economic conditions which resulted in a lower outturn than originally 
anticipated, the Group has made significant progress in all areas of its business, 
reporting results marginally ahead of revised expectations.

During 2011, as in 2010, Instem won the majority of 
new business placed in the EDSA market worldwide, 
testament to both the competitive strengths of Provantis 
and the Group’s ability to offer global services and 
support. The Group grew its client roster in its core 
markets, expanded further into international markets, 
most notably China, Singapore and Japan, and developed 
a strong pipeline of sales opportunities for Centrus. 

In addition, in March 2011, the Company acquired 
BioWisdom Limited (now called Instem Scientific 
Limited). This acquisition is proving extremely beneficial 
to Instem, delivering strong results while adding 
functionality to our Centrus suite and increasing our 
addressable market.

Customer Wins and Renewals

Instem maintained its high level of Provantis renewals 
in the year, with the rate once again above 95%. As 
anticipated at the time of the Interim Results, the second 
half of the year saw a significant increase in the amount 
of new business secured, with the final quarter of 2011 
being the strongest. We believe this is an indication 
that the workflow pattern experienced earlier in 2011 is 
now normalising and that the CRO sector is beginning to 
slowly recover from a difficult few years. 

Traditional perpetual licensees for on-premise 
deployment signed during the year include: US-based 
Battelle, one of the world’s largest independent research 
and development organisations; Japan-based ASKA 

Pharmaceutical, a pharmaceuticals manufacturing 
company; Beijing-based NCSED, a subsidiary of the 
Chinese State Food & Drug Administration (SFDA); and 
Genius Pharmaceutical Technology Ltd (Beijing Union), a 
CRO formed by the commercial offshoot of the Chinese 
Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical 
College.

As well as securing customers for traditional licences, 
Instem also saw a good uptake of its software deployed 
via the SaaS business model both within the smaller 
laboratory market, for which SaaS provides a lower cost 
of entry, and for the first time into larger organisations. 
One such example was Roche, a long-standing client 
of Instem, who signed a four-year SaaS agreement in 
October 2011 which extends their use of Provantis, by 
consolidating several key application areas, harmonising 
their sites worldwide and replacing several incumbent 
suppliers.

Total SaaS revenue for 2011 was up 29% to £1.02m 
(2010: £0.79m). Other new SaaS customers during the 
year include Chicago-based Experimur, a full-service 
toxicology testing and research laboratory; Australia-
based TetraQ, a highly skilled pre-clinical contract 
research organisation; a US-based multinational 
biopharmaceutical company; Shanghai-based Medicilon 
Inc (“Medicilon”), a widely recognised drug discovery 
contract research organisation; and US-based Jackson 
Laboratory, one of the world’s largest not-for-profit, 
biomedical research institutions.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      7  

 
OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Instem Scientific

There is a growing need for sophisticated, shared 
access to information to improve both the scientific 
and economic efficiency of R&D. The acquisition of 
BioWisdom significantly strengthened Instem’s position 
in this data mining and data sharing market. We believe 
Instem Scientific’s innovative intelligence solutions 
for the extraction, integration and analysis of medical 
knowledge is particularly well suited to our market 
and we have been pleased with the response from 
customers to this addition to our capabilities.  

Instem Scientific had a strong year, maintaining its 
significant customer relationships. It secured sales of 
its market leading SRS data integration product and 
powerful visual analytics platform Omniviz, as well as 
delivering solutions based on its newer technologies 
such as MetaWise. 

In the twelve months since the acquisition, BioWisdom 
has been integrated successfully into the Group. Back 
office processes have been harmonised across the Group 
and the re-branding to “Instem Scientific” is largely 
complete. Instem’s sales force has been trained on the 
full range of products now available and processes 
are in place to facilitate lead generation to the Instem 
Scientific team. Furthermore, we are now able to 
showcase new product capabilities to potential new 
customers, based on Instem Scientific’s powerful core 
competencies.  

Increased Presence in Emerging Markets 

In 2011 Instem continued to widen its presence beyond 
the more traditional markets of North America, Europe 
and Japan to the emerging economies, signing five 
orders in the emerging Asia Pacific markets. These 
economies have become strategically important due to 
their increasing number of early development facilities 
and the move towards a greater level of automation 
within established facilities. As the de facto standard 
in western facilities, Provantis offers compliance 
to national and western standards, dual language 
operation and proven protocol-driven automation that 
produces high quality study output in greatly reduced 
timescales. 

We were pleased with our performance in this market 
and have made particular headway in the People’s 
Republic of China, where our local presence has proven 
to be a significant differentiator, as well as in Singapore, 
Australia and India, where we have subsequently 
announced the establishment of a new technical 
support operation.  

In June 2011, Shanghai Medicilon purchased a SaaS 
subscription to the Provantis pre-clinical software 
solution suite. The purchase incorporates a range 
of Provantis modules across the areas of general 
toxicology, clinical pathology and pathology. 

In December 2011, the influential NCSED, purchased 
the Integrated General Toxicology, Clinical Pathology 
and Pathology modules. NCSED is a subsidiary of the 
Chinese State Food & Drug Administration (SFDA), which 
manages and sponsors government and commercial 
contract research studies throughout China. Also 
in December, Genius Pharmaceutical Technology 
Ltd (Beijing Union), based in Beijing, purchased the 
Provantis preclinical software solution following a 
comprehensive competitive evaluation of domestic and 
western products. 

Other new customers signed during the year in this 
region included TetraQ in Australia and a leading multi-
national organisation with a research and development 
facility located in Singapore. Both signed contracts for 
the Provantis pre-clinical software solution suite. They 
are being supported by Instem from its operations 
based in Shanghai, China, underpinning the strategic 
investment into a localised version of Provantis and 
the establishment of a full-service offering, complete 
with local sales support, service implementation and 
customer support staff – with the ability to also provide 
support to the broader Asia-Pacific region. 

Launch of Indian Office

The Company has for a number of years employed two 
full time contractors in India. However, based on its 
initial success in the region, the Board has now approved 
the launch of local operations, as announced on 26 
March 2012. Instem India is expected to be launched in 
the first half of 2012 and will provide the Group with 
the ability to scale-up development resources flexibly in 
response to demand. In the longer term this operation 
will also enable the Group to provide sales and services 
locally in the region.

Product Development

Provantis®
Instem is the vendor of choice for solutions that support 
the identification and development of safer drugs 
through its market-leading Provantis software suite. 
This study management product continues to generate 
significant revenues and is the lead product, both in 
Instem’s core North American and European markets, as 
well as the emerging international markets in the Asia-
Pacific region. 

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Development of the suite continued in 2011 building 
towards the next major product release, Provantis 
9, scheduled for the second half of 2012. An area of 
advancement will be the increased power and flexibility 
in reporting data (which will also be enhanced in the 
Centrus suite). The next evolution of the Protocol & 
Report Assembly module will maintain customers’ 
efficiency and compliance, and can be supplemented by 
Instem’s market-leading SEND solutions for electronic 
submissions and data exchange. Another area of 
advancement will be the extension of the capabilities of 
the Clinical Pathology module to work with Bioanalytical 
instruments. 

Early demonstrations of the Clinical Pathology module 
to customers have been extremely positive and directly 
contributed to the winning of several of the new 
customers in 2011. 

Centrus™
Development work during the year has focused on 
further functionality for creating, managing and using 
the Standard for the Exchange of Non-clinical Data 
(SEND), which was formally adopted by the FDA in June 
2011 following several years of discussions. This is the 
first time that the FDA has formally defined a preferred 
standard. With the data that will form the basis of many 
future submissions already being collected, it will soon 
become imperative for pharmaceutical organisations 
and CROs to ensure this data can be submitted in 
the correct format. Our Centrus product is compliant 
with this standard and a strong pipeline of sales 
opportunities across the Instem customer base has been 
identified. 

Instem Scientific™
Development work has been undertaken in 2011 to 
integrate BioWisdom’s products with the Instem product 
suite. 

Instem Scientific will continue to focus on translational 
informatics, harnessing the Group’s expertise in 
developing solutions across pharmaceutical R&D, but 
with a particular focus in the early development market.

Market Developments

We believe that the dynamics of the global R&D market 
continue to be favourable for Instem, particularly in the 
US and emerging markets, the latter of which accounted 
for over 40% of new customer wins in 2011. We are 
seeing indications amongst our customer base in these 
regions that study volumes are beginning to slowly 
increase. As anticipated, Europe has been particularly 
impacted by cuts to R&D expenditure, with significant 

reduction or closure of several large pharmaceutical 
R&D sites, and we anticipate little improvement in 
that trend in 2012. Where pharmaceutical R&D has 
continued, technology solutions are being sought to 
help reduce development time, cut costs and improve 
operating efficiency - particularly in emerging markets 
where little automation of processes has taken place to 
date. 

We expect this to continue to drive demand for our 
Provantis suite and, in particular, we have seen growing 
interest in our Toxicology Resource Planning (TRP™) 
module. This module maximises resource utilisation and 
minimises study execution times through sophisticated 
graphical scheduling tools and powerful “what if” 
scenarios. TRP was a key component of both the Jackson 
and Battelle orders in the first half of 2011 and our 
largest ever TRP order for a US-based CRO in the fourth 
quarter of 2011.

Combined with this need to increase efficiencies 
and reduce costs is a growing tendency in the 
pharmaceutical industry to partner with external 
service providers, such as CROs, in order to share risk. 
We expect this, combined with the release of the SEND 
standard by the FDA, to create demand for high integrity 
data sharing solutions. We address this need through 
our Centrus and broader Instem Scientific suite of 
products.

Acquisition Strategy

Instem operates within the highly fragmented 
pharmaceutical software supplier base. A significant 
part of Instem’s growth strategy is to acquire businesses 
within this market, consolidating the number of 
software suppliers to the pharmaceutical industry and 
enhancing our competitive positioning. This is a strategy 
very much supported by Instem’s customer base which 
has indicated its preference to purchase software from 
a smaller number of core suppliers. Such acquisitions 
would consolidate the Group’s market position, 
complement its existing products, provide access 
to adjacent markets and increase clients’ operating 
efficiency. 

Instem continues to pursue actively a number of 
acquisition opportunities.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      9  

 
outlook

“The Group remains highly profitable, cash 

generative and has a strong pipeline of 

opportunities for the current year.” 

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

Financial          
Review  

The financial results demonstrate a solid performance 
in the year with total revenues steadily increasing by 
7.9% to £10.8m, (2010: £10.0m) including the impact 
of the revenue acquired with Instem Scientific. While a 
record number of new customers was secured during 
the year, revenue from our core business was lower than 
in the prior year due, in large part, to a high number of 
these contracts being secured in the final quarter of 
the year. This resulted in only minimal 2011 revenue 
recognition for implementation services and annual 
support and maintenance contracts for these late orders, 
with the remainder of the implementation services to be 
recognised in 2012. 

The business continued to expand in developing 
markets with revenue from outside North America and 
Europe increasing to £0.9m (2010: £0.6m), being 9% of 
Group revenue (2010: 6%) with notable wins in Japan, 
Singapore and China. 

Instem’s business model consists of fees for perpetual 
licences, annual support, SaaS subscriptions and 
professional services. In 2011 approximately 
70% of revenue was of a recurring nature (2010: 
67%), principally from annual support fees and 
SaaS subscriptions, with a small contribution from 
professional fees.

The business continues to generate the majority of its 
revenue in US dollars and therefore we continue to 
hedge against its decline. In the period the average 
exchange rate was $1.6014/£1.00 compared with an 
average exchange rate in 2010 of $1.5474/£1.00.

The profit from operations before amortisation, share 
based payment and non-recurring costs for the year was 
£2.0m (2010: £2.3m).

and a further £0.2m of working capital funding. A further 
contingent consideration of up to £0.6m will be payable 
in equal proportions of cash and shares dependent on 
achieving turnover targets in the two calendar years 
2011 and 2012. As announced on 8 March 2012, post 
the end of the 2011 financial year, we issued 50,371 
ordinary shares and paid contingent cash consideration 
of £0.084m in respect of the performance of Instem 
Scientific in 2011. 

Cash generated from operations increased to £1.3m 
(2010: £0.7m). The Group had cash reserves of £3.4m 
as at 31 December 2011, compared with £3.3m as at 31 
December 2010. 

In line with previous periods, and our current policy 
of retaining cash within the business to capitalise on 
the available growth opportunities, the Board has not 
recommended the payment of a dividend.

Outlook

We saw signs, particularly towards the end of the year, 
that the Contract Research Organisation sector of our 
market is starting to recover from a difficult few years 
and we expect this to continue slowly in 2012. Two of 
the contracts which were delayed for the second half 
of 2011 have now been signed in the first quarter of 
2012 and there is a strong pipeline of opportunities for 
the remainder of the year. The Group remains highly 
profitable and cash generative, and the new contracts 
secured in the final quarter provide a substantial level of 
contracted revenue expected to be recognised in 2012. 
Therefore, while the Board remains conscious of market 
conditions, these factors, combined with a full year’s 
contribution from Instem Scientific and our high level of 
renewals, underpin our confidence in the year ahead.

In March 2011 Instem completed its first acquisition 
since IPO, acquiring BioWisdom Limited (now Instem 
Scientific Limited) for an initial consideration of £0.2m in 
cash, with a further £0.5m of unsecured debt assumed, 

Phil Reason

Chief Executive

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Gare
aged 68 – 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 flotation on 

the USM in 1984, its flotation on the Official 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	50	–	Chief	Executive	Officer
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 Officer 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.

Nigel Goldsmith
aged	50	–	Chief	Financial	Officer
Nigel, who joined Instem in November 2011, has a wealth of experience in senior financial roles, at 

both public and private companies within the pharmaceutical industry. After qualifying as a Chartered 

Accountant, Nigel spent over nine years at KPMG prior to moving into industry. Nigel was Finance Director 

for three years at AIM listed, pharmaceutical and medical devices company, IS Pharma plc. He also spent a 

seven-year tenure as CFO at Almedica International Inc, a privately held supplier of clinical trial materials 

to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry in Europe and the US and two years as European Controller for 

the sales and marketing division of laboratory equipment manufacturer, Life Sciences International plc.

Mike McGoun
aged 64 – 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 55 – Non-executive Director
David is a qualified Management Accountant and holds an MBA from Staffordshire University. He joined 

Instem Limited as a trainee accountant in 1973 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer 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 flotation on 

the USM in 1984, the flotation on the Official List in 1996 and the demerger of the business in 1998.

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Research and Development Activities

The directors submit their report and the Group and 
Company financial statements of Instem plc (formerly 
Instem Life Science Systems plc) for the year ended 31 
December 2011.

Instem plc is a public listed company, incorporated and 
domiciled in England, and quoted on the Alternative 
Investment Market (AIM).

Principal 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 2011 development expenditure was £1.86m (2010: 
£1.65m) before capitalised expenditure of £0.26m (2010: 
£0.36m).

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

On 13 January 2012 the company changed its name from 
Instem Life Science Systems plc to Instem plc.

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.

Risks and Uncertainties

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 significant 
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.

Dividends

The directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.

Directors

The following directors held office during the year:

D Gare
M F McGoun
D M Sherwin
P J Reason
N J Goldsmith (appointed 29 November 2011)
J McLauchlan (deceased 8 August 2011)

Details of the directors’ service contracts and their 
respective notice terms are detailed in the Remuneration 
Committee report on page 20.

Directors and Their Interests

The interests of the directors who held office at 31 
December 2011 and up to the date of this report were as 

follows:

No. of Shares

2011

2010

David Gare

2,278,427

2,278,427

David Sherwin

1,580,066

1,580,066

Phil Reason

665,287

665,287

Mike McGoun

14,286

14,286

Directors’ interests in share options are detailed in the 

Remuneration Committee report on page 20/21.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      15  

 
in order to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that it has been 

communicated to the auditor.

Auditors

Pursuant to s487 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

Nigel Goldsmith
Director

Diamond Way
Stone Business Park
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0SD                         

26 April 2012

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Employee Involvement

The general policy of the Group 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. 

Policy on Payment of Suppliers

It is the Group’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 2011 represented 61 days of purchases 

(2010: 36 days).

Financial Instruments

The Group’s objectives and policies on financial 
instruments are set out in note 19 to the financial 

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 indemnified all directors and other officers 
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 officers.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Company will 
be held on 22 May 2012 at the offices of Baker Tilly, 
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.

Statement as to Disclosure of Information 
to Auditors

The directors who were in office on the date of approval 
of these financial statements have confirmed, as 
far as they are aware, that there is no relevant audit 
information of which the auditors are unaware.  Each 
of the directors has confirmed that they have taken all 
the steps that they ought to have taken as directors 

16 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

                                 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Audit Committee

The Board fully supports the underlying principles of 
corporate governance contained in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, notwithstanding that, as its securities 
are not listed on the Official 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 
and taking account of the QCA guidelines for smaller 
quoted companies. The Board recognises its overall 
responsibility for the Group’s systems of internal control 
and for monitoring their effectiveness. 

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

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

the Board has one independent non-executive 
director who takes an active role in Board matters;
the Group 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;
all business activity is organised within a defined 
structure with formal lines of responsibility and 
delegation of authority, including a schedule of 
“matters referred to the Board”; and
regular monitoring of key performance indicators 
and financial results together with comparison of 
these against expectations.

Attendance at Board and Committee 
Meetings

Attendances of directors at Board and Committee 
meetings convened in the period, along with the 
number of meetings they were invited to attend, are set 
out below:

The Audit Committee comprises MF McGoun (Chairman), 
D Gare and DM Sherwin, all of whom are non-executive 
directors of the Company. The Board is satisfied that 
the Audit Committee has all the recent and relevant 
financial experience required to fulfil 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 twice a year and any other 
time as required by either the chairman of the Audit 
Committee, the Chief Financial Officer of the Group or 
the external auditors of the Group.  In addition, the Audit 
Committee shall meet with the external auditors of the 
Group (without any of the executives attending) at any 
time during the year as it deems fit. 

The Audit Committee:
a.  monitors the financial reporting and internal 
financial control principles of the Group;

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;
reviews all financial results of the Group and 
financial statements, including all announcements 
in respect thereof before submission of the 
relevant documents to the Board;
reviews and discusses (where necessary) any 
issues and recommendations of the external 
auditors including reviewing the external auditors’ 
management letter and management’s response;
considers all major findings of internal operational 
audit reviews and management’s response to 
ensure co-ordination between internal and external 
auditors;
reviews the Board’s statement on internal reporting 
systems and keeps the effectiveness of such 
systems under review; and
considers all other relevant findings and audit 
programmes of the Group.

c. 

d. 

e. 

f. 

g. 

No of meetings in the period/
No invited to attend

Board meetings

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Executive directors

P.J. Reason

N.J. Goldsmith

J. McLauchlan

Non Executive directors

D. Gare

D.M. Sherwin

M.F. McGoun

6/6

1/1

4/4

6/6

6/6

6/6

2/2

1/1

1/1

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

-

-

2/2

2/2

2/2

1/1

-

-

1/1

1/1

1/1

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      17  

 
e. 

remuneration of the executive directors is set by an 
independent committee of the Board; and
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 responsibili-
ties. The Remuneration Committee produces an annual 
report which is included in the Company’s annual report 
and accounts.

The Remuneration Committee is authorised to:

a. 

b. 

c. 

investigate any activity within its terms of 
reference;
seek any information it requires from any employee 
of the Group;
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 Group’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 D Gare 
(Chairman), MF McGoun and DM 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.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Audit Committee (continued)

The Audit Committee is authorised to:

a. 

b. 

c. 

investigate any activity within its terms of 
reference;
seek any information it requires from any employee 
of the Company; and
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 MF McGoun 
(Chairman), D Gare and DM 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 Officer 
of the Group 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 
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 Officer 
of the Group.

The Remuneration Committee:

a. 

b. 

c. 

ensures that the executive directors are fairly 
rewarded for their individual contributions to 
the overall performance of the Group but also 
ensures that the Group avoids paying more than is 
necessary for this purpose;
considers the remuneration packages of the 
executive directors and any recommendations 
made by the Chief Executive Officer for changes to 
their remuneration packages including in respect 
of bonuses (including associated performance 
criteria), other benefits, 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;
oversees and reviews all aspects of the Group’s 
share option schemes including the selection of 
eligible directors and other employees and the 
terms of any options granted;

d.  demonstrates to the Group’s shareholders that the 

18 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Nomination Committee (continued)

recommendation for which would be considered at 
a meeting of the full Board.

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 Group, and what skills and 
expertise are needed on the Board in the future;
is responsible for identifying and nominating for 
the approval of the Board, candidates to fill Board 
vacancies as and when they arise;

c. 

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 for-
mally to the Board on its proceedings after each meet-
ing on all matters within its duties and responsibilities. 

The Nomination Committee also makes recommenda-
tions 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 Officer;

b.  membership of the Audit and Remuneration 

c. 

d. 

Committees, in consultation with the chairmen of 
those committees;
the re-appointment of any non-executive director 
at the conclusion of their specified term of office 
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 office of any 
director at any time including the suspension or 
termination of service of an executive director as 
an employee of the Group subject to the provisions 
of the law and his/her service contract; and
the appointment of any director to executive or 
other office other than to the positions of Chairman 
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, the 

f. 

The Nomination Committee is authorised to:

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

investigate any activity within its terms of 
reference;
seek any information it requires from any 
employee;
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
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 identified and 

appropriate action taken at an early stage.

Going Concern

The directors have prepared and reviewed financial 
forecasts. After due consideration of these forecasts 
and current cash resources, the directors consider that 
the Company and the Group have adequate financial 
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 financial statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis.

On behalf of the Board

Nigel Goldsmith
Company Secretary

26 April 2012

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      19  

 
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Performance Related Annual Bonus

Executive directors are eligible for a performance 
related bonus based on Group performance, in 
particular, the achievement of profit and cash targets.  
The performance related annual bonus forms a 
significant 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 reflect 
exceptional performance. 

Pensions

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

Benefits

Benefits comprise private healthcare and critical illness 
cover.  No director receives additional remuneration or 
benefits in relation to being a director of the Board of 

the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.

Service Contracts

The Executive directors have contracts of up to 12 
months duration with a maximum notice period of 12 
months.

The Board determines the Company’s Policy on 
non-executive directors’ remuneration.

D Gare, DM Sherwin and MF McGoun each have a 3 year 
contract starting October 2010 with a notice period of 3 
months during or after expiry of the fixed term.

Instem 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 on 13 October 2010.  The Chairman of the 
Committee is MF McGoun.  The terms of reference for 
the Committee are to determine the Group’s policy on 
executive remuneration and to consider and approve the 
remuneration packages for directors and key executives 
of the Group, subject to ratification by the Board.  During 
the year, the Committee met twice.  Full details of the 
elements of each director’s remuneration are set out on 
page 21.  Details of share-based payments to directors 
are shown in note 6 to the financial statements.

Policy on Executive Director 
Remuneration

The Group’s current and ongoing policy aims to 
ensure that executive directors are rewarded fairly 
for their individual contributions to the Group’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 specific to the Group, such as salary and 
other benefit arrangements within the Group and the 
achievement of the Group’s strategic objectives.  The 
Committee determines the Group’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 Group and are intended to be 
competitive but fair using information provided from 
both internal and external sources.

20 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

The actual emoluments paid to directors in the year ended December 31st 2011 are as follows:

Salary (inc bonus)

Benefits

Pension

2011 Total

2010 Total

Executives

P.J. Reason

N.J. Goldsmith

J. McLauchlan

Non-executives

D. Gare

D.M. Sherwin

M.F. McGoun

£000

148

18

45

44

49

24

£000

4

-

6

-

-

-

£000

23

-

7

-

-

-

£000

175

18

58

44

49

24

Total

328

10

30

368

£000

186

-

99

245

130

5

665

Directors’ and Employees’ Share Options

Exercise 
price(£)

Issue date

Held at 
31/12/2010

Granted 
During Year

Exercised 
during Year

Lapsed 
during Year

Held at 
31/12/2011

Phil Reason
Ordinary shares

N.J. Goldsmith
Ordinary shares

J. McLauchlan & Estate
Ordinary shares

Employees
Ordinary shares

1.750

13/10/2010

187,428

-

2.215

29/11/2011

-

60,000

1.750

13/10/2010

93,714

1.750

13/10/2010

304,569

-

-

Ordinary shares

2.220

17/10/2011

-

123,351

Total

585,711

183,351

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

187,428

60,000

(31,238)

62,476

-

-

304,569

123,351

(31,238)

737,824

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 Chairman

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      21  

 
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the corporate and financial information 
included on the Instem plc website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial 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 financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group 
and Company financial statements for each financial 
year.  The directors are required by the AIM Rules of 
the London Stock Exchange to prepare Group financial 
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 financial statements in 
accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU.

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

Under Company law the directors must not approve the 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they 
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the 
Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the 
Group for that period. 

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

a. 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply 
them consistently;

b.  make judgements and accounting estimates that 

c. 

are reasonable and prudent;
state whether they have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs adopted by the EU;
d.  prepare the financial statements on the going 

concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 
that the Group and the Company will continue in 
business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and 
explain the Group’s and the Company’s transactions 
and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and the Company and 
enable them to ensure that the financial 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 

22 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

                                      
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
TO THE MEMBERS OF INSTEM PLC 
(FORMERLY INSTEM LIFE SCIENCE 
SYSTEMS PLC)

We have audited the Group and parent Company 
financial statements (“the financial statements”) on 
pages 24 to 64.  The financial reporting framework that 
has been applied in their preparation is applicable law 
and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 
as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the 
parent Company financial 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.

Respective responsibilities of directors 
and auditor

As more fully explained in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 22, the directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view.  Our responsibility is to audit and express 
an opinion on the financial 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.

Scope of the audit of the financial 
statements

•	

•	

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union
the parent Company’s financial 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 financial 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 financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial 
statements.

Matters on which we are required to 
report by exception

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 financial statements are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; 
or
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 
specified by law are not made; or

•	

•	

•	 we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit.

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 

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

26 April 2012

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion: 
•	

the financial statements give a true and fair view of 
the state of the Group’s and the parent Company’s 
affairs as at 31 December 2011 and of the Group’s 
profit for the year then ended;
the Group financial statements have been properly 

•	

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      23  

  
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the year ended 31 December 2011

Year ended

Year ended

Note

 31 December 2011

31 December 2010

REVENUE 

Operating expenses

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE AMORTISATION, SHARE BASED 
PAYMENT AND NON-RECURRING COSTS

Amortisation of intangibles

Share based payment

PROFIT BEFORE NON-RECURRING COSTS

Non-recurring costs

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS

Non-recurring flotation costs

Finance income

Finance costs

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

Income tax expense

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

1

2

2

2

3

4

8

£000

10,793

(8,791)

2,002

(347)

(88)

1,567

(21)

1,546

-

422

(456)

1,512

(506)

1,006

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE)

Actuarial loss on retirement benefit obligations

22

(392)

Deferred tax on actuarial loss

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

Profit attributable to Equity Holders  of the Parent Company

Total comprehensive income attributable to Equity Holders of the 

Parent Company

Earnings per share from continuing operations                Basic

Diluted

24

24

68

96

(228)

778

1,006

778

8.6p

8.5p

24 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

£000

10,001

(7,747)

2,254

(34)

(21)

2,199

(388)

1,811

(295)

263

(364)

1,415

(514)

901

(576)

147

18

(411)

490

901

490

11.7p

11.7p

              
              
              
              
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 DECEMBER 2011

Note

31 December 2011

31 December 2010

ASSETS

£000

£000

£000

£000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax assets

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Current tax assets

Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Financial liabilities

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Financial liabilities

Retirement benefit obligations

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

EQUITY 

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Shares to be issued

Translation reserve

Retained earnings

9

12

21

13

14

17

15

16

17

18

18

22

23

25

25

25

25

25

6,904

4,995

11,899

5,874

1,477

7,351

8,570

6,554

15,124

7,844

1,866

9,710

8,103

188

279

93

3,029

64

3,368 

7,594

-

250

250

1,616

1,171

7,813

(932)

88

473

(3,199)

6,417

166

321

137

1,595

-

3,263

5,536

85

253

-

1,477

1,171

7,813

(932)

-

377

(3,881)

TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 

HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

5,414

4,548

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

15,124

11,899

The	financial	statements	on	pages	24	to	64	were	approved	by	the	board	of	directors	and	authorised	for	issue	on	26	April	2012	and	are	
signed	on	its	behalf	by:

Phil Reason 
Director   

Nigel Goldsmith
Director 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      25  

 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 DECEMBER 2011

Note

31 December 2011                     

31 December 2010                     

ASSETS

£000

£000

£000

£000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Investments

10

17,109

16,500

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

17,109

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

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES

14

15

16

18

753

2,102

573

250

Financial liabilities

18

250

TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES

EQUITY 

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Shares to be issued

Retained earnings

23

25

25

25

25

1,171

7,813

10,702

88

(883)

TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 

HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

64

3,100

66

253

-

1,171

7,813

10,702

-

(341)

3,164

19,664

319

-

19,345

19,664

2,855

19,964

823

250

18,891

19,964

The	financial	statements	on	pages	24	to	64	were	approved	by	the	board	of	directors	and	authorised	for	issue	on	26	April	2012	and	are	
signed	on	its	behalf	by:

Phil Reason 
Director   

Nigel Goldsmith
Director

26 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

              
              
              
              
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 31 December 2011

Note

Year ended
31 December 2011

Year ended
31 December 2010

£000

£000

£000

£000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Result before taxation

1,512

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangibles 

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Adjustment to consideration

Share based payments and shares to be issued

Retirement benefit obligations

Net foreign exchange gains

Finance income

Finance costs

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE MOVEMENTS IN 

WORKING CAPITAL 

Movements in working capital:

Decrease/(Increase) 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 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

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of subsidiary

Cash acquired with subsidiary

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

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

116

347

(14)

(80)

88

(245)

(88)

(422)

456

300

-

(291)

(152)

30

(200)

141

-

-

-

(253)

-

-

1,415

75

34

-

-

21

(206)

-

(263)

364

263

(95)

(361)

(111)

-

-

-

1,440

(75)

266

(915)

716

(296)

(510)

(90)

1,846

47

(1,230)

679

1,342

(362)

(478)

502

(172)

(304)

9,150

(731)

(83)

(4,897)

(3)

(2,550)

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

Effects of exchange rate changes on the balance of cash held in 

foreign currencies

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

15

(253)

77

3,263

28

3,368

886

492

2,716

55

3,263

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      27  

 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 31 December 2011

Note

Year ended                      

Year ended                      

31 December 2011

31 December 2010

£000

£000

£000

£000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Result before taxation

(542)

Adjustments for:

Share based payment

Finance income

Finance cost 

88

(42)

48

CASH FLOWS USED IN OPERATIONS BEFORE 

CHANGES IN WORKING CAPITAL 

Movements in working capital:

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase in trade and other payables

CASH USED IN OPERATIONS

Finance costs

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Finance income

Acquisition of subsidiary

42

(200)

(341)

-

(6)

3

6

-

(344)

(64)

66

(342)

(3)

(345)

(448)

(189)

98

(539)

(48)

(587)

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

(158)

6

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares

Share issue costs

Stamp duty

-

-

-

Series A Loan notes repaid

(253)

9,150

(731)

(83)

(4,897)

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH 

EQUIVALENTS 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

15

(253)

(998)

3,100

2,102

3,439

3,100

-

3,100

28 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Called 

up share 

capital

Share 

Premium

Merger

Reserve

Shares to 

Translation

be issued

Reserve

Retained 

Earnings

Total

 Equity

Balance as at 1 January 

2010

New share capital

Costs of issue

Loan notes issued on 

acquisition

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive 

expense for the year

Share based payment

Balance as at 31 
December 2010

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive 

expense for the year

Share based payment

Balance as at 31 
December 2011

£000

£000

649

522

-

-

-

-

-

-

8,628

(815)

-

-

-

-

£000

4,218

-

-

(5,150)

-

-

-

1,171

7,813

(932)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,171

7,813

(932)

£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

88

88

£000

359

-

-

-

-

18

-

£000

(4,374)

-

-

-

901

(429)

21

377

(3,881)

-

96

-

1,006

(324)

-

£000

852

9,150

(815)

(5,150)

901

(411)

21

4,548

1,006

(228)

88

473

(3,199)

5,414

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Called 

up share 

capital

Share 

Premium

Merger

Reserve

Shares to 

Translation

be issued

Reserve

Retained 

Earnings

Total

 Equity

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Balance as at 1 January 

2010

-

-

New share capital

1,171

7,813

-

-

10,702

-

-

-

-

-

1,171

7,813

10,702

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,171

7,813

10,702

Merger relief

Total comprehensive 

income for the year

Balance as at 31 

December 2010

Total comprehensive 
income for the year

Share based payment

Balance as at 31 
December 2011

-

-

-

-

-

-

88

88

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

8,984

10,702

(341)

(341)

(341)

19,345

(542)

(542)

-

88

(883)

18,891

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      29  

 
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	plc	(formerly	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	office	is	Diamond	Way,	Stone	Business	Park,	Stone,	
Staffordshire,	ST15	0SD.

Statement of Compliance

The	financial	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	2006	applicable	to	
companies	reporting	under	IFRS.

Basis of Preparation

The	Group’s	accounting	reference	date	is	31	December.		

The	acquisition	of	the	Instem	LSS	Group	in	the	prior	year	did	
not	qualify	as	a	business	combination	under	IFRS	3	‘Business	
Combinations’	as	Instem	plc	did	not	meet	the	definition	of	a	
business	within	that	standard.		As	a	consequence	the	transaction	
was	treated	as	a	pooling	of	interests	to	reflect	the	substance	of	
the transaction which was that of the continuation of the existing 
Instem	LSS	Group.

Under	the	pooling	of	interests	basis	the	legal	shares	and	
share	premium	of	Instem	plc	are	shown	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	2011,	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	Life	Science	Systems	Limited	(formerly	
Instem	LSS	Group	Limited)	have	been	treated	as	a	distribution.		
The	liability	for	those	loan	notes	has	been	recognised	in	the	prior	
period	when	the	company	was	contractually	obligated	to	pay	it	
and	the	cost	of	the	distribution	has	been	recognised	directly	in	
equity.		

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

In	accordance	with	Section	408	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	the	
company	has	elected	not	to	present	its	own	income	statement.	
The	loss	for	the	year	of	the	parent	company	is	£542,000	(2010:	
£341,000).

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

Basis of Consolidation 

The	consolidated	financial	statements	incorporate	those	of	
the	parent	Company,	Instem	plc	(formerly	Instem	Life	Science	
Systems	plc),	and	its	subsidiary	undertakings	made	up	to	31	
December	2011	and	31	December	2010.

In	preparing	the	consolidated	financial	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	financial	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	financial	and	operating	policies	so	as	to	obtain	
economic	benefits	from	their	activities.		Subsidiaries	are	
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the 
Group	up	until	the	date	that	control	ceases.

Business Combinations

Acquisitions	of	businesses	are	accounted	for	using	the	
acquisition method.  The consideration transferred in a business 
combination	is	measured	at	fair	value,	which	is	calculated	as	the	
sum of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred 
by	the	Group,	liabilities	incurred	by	the	Group	to	the	former	
owners	of	the	acquiree	and	the	equity	interests	issued	by	the	
Group	in	exchange	for	control	of	the	acquiree.		Acquisition	
related	costs	are	generally	recognised	in	profit	or	loss	as	
incurred.

At	the	acquisition	date,	the	identifiable	assets	acquired	and	the	
liabilities	assumed	are	recognised	at	their	fair	value,	except	that	
deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised and measured in 
accordance	with	IAS	12	‘Income	taxes’.

Contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair 
value and is included as part of the consideration transferred.  
Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration that 
qualify	as	measurement	period	adjustments	are	adjusted	
retrospectively,	with	corresponding	adjustments	against	goodwill.		
The subsequent accounting for changes in the fair value of the 
contingent	consideration	that	do	not	qualify	as	measurement	
period	adjustments	depends	on	how	the	contingent	consideration	
is	classified.		Contingent	consideration	that	is	classified	as	
equity	is	not	re-measured	at	subsequent	reporting	dates	
and	its	subsequent	settlement	is	accounted	for	within	equity.		
Contingent	consideration	that	is	classified	as	an	asset	or	a	
liability	is	re-measured	at	subsequent	reporting	dates	with	the	
corresponding	gain	or	loss	being	recognised	in	profit	or	loss.

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	significant	
proportion of recurring revenue from a well established global 
customer	base,	supported	by	a	largely	fixed	cost	base.	A	Group	
working	capital	facility	has	been	put	in	place	to	support	the	
working	capital	needs	in	2012.

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

30 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

accounting policies

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	benefits	associated	with	the	
transaction	will	flow	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	fixed	and	determinable	and	
(iv)	collectability	is	reasonably	assured.

For software arrangements with multiple elements revenue is 
recognised	dependent	on	whether	vendor-specific	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.

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	profit	or	loss.		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	profit	or	loss	upon	disposal	of	the	foreign	operation.

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

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

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	fixed	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

Instem Life Science Systems Limited 

Sterling (£)

Instem LSS Limited

Sterling (£)

Instem LSS (North America) Limited

US Dollars ($)

Instem LSS Asia Limited

Instem Information Systems (Shanghai) Limited

Hong Kong 
Dollars (HK$)

Chinese 
Yuan (¥)

Instem Scientific Limited

Sterling (£)

Instem Scientific Solutions Limited

Sterling (£)

Instem Scientific Inc

US Dollars ($)

Profit	from	operations	before	amortisation	is	profit	arising	from	
the	Group’s	normal	trading	activities	stated	before	amortisation	of	
intangible	assets	and	non-recurring	items,	interest	and	taxation.		

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

Profit From Operations

Profit	from	operations	is	profit	from	the	Group’s	ordinary	activities	
stated	before	costs	of	admission	to	AIM,	finance	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	

US Dollar 
($)

Hong Kong 
Dollar
(HK$)

Chinese 
Yuan
(¥)

1.5647

1.6147

-

-

-

-

1.5474

11.9528

10.4560

1.5657

12.2665

10.3172

1.6014

12.4623

10.3447

1.5541

12.0701

9.7815

Average rate for year 
ended 31 December 2009

Closing rate at 31 
December 2009

Average rate for year 
ended 31 December 2010

Closing rate at 31 
December 2010

Average rate for year 
ended 31 December 2011

Closing rate at 31 
December 2011

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      31  

 
 
accounting policies

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	financial	asset	to	that	
asset’s	net	carrying	amount.		Finance	income	includes	exchange	
gains on the translation of intra-group funding balances.

Finance Costs

Finance	costs	comprise	interest	payable,	exchange	losses	on	
the translation of intra-group funding balances and interest on 
pension	scheme	liabilities,	less	expected	return	on	Pension	
assets.		Interest	payable	is	recognised	in	profit	or	loss	as	it	
accrues,	using	the	effective	interest	method.

Leasing

Where	assets	are	financed	by	leasing	agreements	that	give	
rights	approximating	to	ownership	(“finance	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	finance	lease	
obligations to the lessor. 

Lease	payments	are	apportioned	between	finance	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	finance	costs	in	profit	or	loss.

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. 

Share-Based Payment Transactions

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	1	January	2007.

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	model	and	for	options	with	a	performance	
condition,	Binomial	or	Monte	Carlo	models	are	used.		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.

Cancelled or settled options are accounted for as an acceleration 
of vesting.  The unrecognised grant date fair value is recognised 
in	profit	or	loss	in	the	year	that	the	options	are	cancelled	or	
settled.		Where	the	terms	of	the	options	are	modified	and	
the	modification	increases	the	fair	value	or	number	of	equity	
instruments	granted,	measured	immediately	before	and	after	
the	modification,	the	incremental	fair	value	is	spread	over	the	
remaining vesting period.

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

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	profit	for	the	year.		Taxable	profit	is	
different	from	profit	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	
substantively	enacted	by	the	reporting	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	liabilities	are	recognised	for	taxable	temporary	
differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and 
associates,	and	interests	in	joint	ventures,	except	where	the	
Group	is	able	to	control	the	reversal	of	the	temporary	difference	
and	it	is	probable	that	the	temporary	difference	will	not	reverse	in	
the foreseeable future.

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

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. These include Intellectual 
Property,	Customer	Relationships	and	Patents.		An	intangible	
asset	will	be	recognised	as	long	as	the	asset	is	identifiable	and	
its	fair	value	can	be	measured	reliably.		An	intangible	asset	is	
identifiable	if	it	is	separable	or	if	it	was	obtained	through	

32 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

accounting policies

Intangible Assets (continued)

Property, Plant & Equipment 

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.		The	useful	life	for	Intellectual	Property,	
Customer	Relationships	and	Patents	is	five	years.		Amortisation	
is	recognised	within	operating	expenses.		All	intangible	assets	
except	Goodwill	are	amortised.

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	identifiable	assets	and	liabilities	acquired,	is	capitalised	and	
tested for impairment on an annual basis.  

Any	impairment	is	recognised	immediately	in	profit	or	loss	and	
is	not	subsequently	reversed.		For	the	purpose	of	impairment	
testing	goodwill	is	allocated	to	cash	generating	units,	which	
represent	the	smallest	identifiable	Group	of	assets	that	generates	
cash	inflows	that	are	largely	independent	of	the	cash	inflows	
from other assets or groups of assets.

Computer Software
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	profit	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	identified;
it is probable that the asset created will generate future 
economic	benefits;	
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 
sufficient	resources	are	available	to	complete	the	
development and to either sell or use the asset.

Property,	plant	and	equipment	are	stated	in	the	statement	of	
financial	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	
Plant	and	equipment	
Motor	vehicles	

-					Over	term	of	lease	
-					12½%	-	25%	per	annum	
-					25%	per	annum	

Depreciation is recognised within operating expenses.

The	expected	useful	lives	and	residual	values	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	profit	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	flows	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	identifiable	
Group	of	assets	that	generates	cash	inflows	that	are	largely	
independent	of	the	cash	inflows	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	flows	are	discounted	to	their	present	value	using	a	pre-tax	
discount	rate	that	reflects	current	market	assessments	of	the	
time	value	of	money	and	the	risks	specific	to	the	asset,	for	which	
the	estimates	of	future	cash	flows	have	not	been	adjusted.		

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

If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than 
its	carrying	amount,	the	carrying	amount	of	the	asset	is	reduced	
to	its	recoverable	amount.		An	impairment	loss	is	recognised	as	
an	expense	immediately.

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

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 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      33  

 
		
accounting policies

Impairment of Assets Excluding Goodwill (continued)

of its liabilities.

the	asset	in	prior	years.		A	reversal	of	an	impairment	loss	is	
recognised	in	profit	or	loss	immediately.

Inventory 

Inventory	is	stated	at	the	lower	of	cost	and	net	realisable	value.		
Inventory	includes	billable	employee	expenses	and	hosting	
costs.  These are stated at the lower of amortised cost and net 
realisable value.

Provision	is	made	where	necessary	for	non-chargeable	items.

Financial Instruments

Classification of financial instruments 
Financial	instruments	are	classified	as	financial	assets,	financial	
liabilities	or	equity	instruments.

Recognition and valuation of financial 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	financial	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	identified	impairment	loss	is	recognised	in	the	statement	of	
comprehensive income.

Investments
Investments	in	subsidiaries,	associates	and	joint	ventures	are	
recorded	at	cost	in	the	Statement	of	Financial	Position.		They	
are	tested	for	impairment	when	there	is	objective	evidence	of	
impairment.		Any	impairment	losses	are	recognised	in	profit	or	
loss	in	the	period	they	occur.

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	flow	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	classified	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	flows	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.  

Bank borrowings and loan notes
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	finance	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.

Trade payables
Trade	payables	are	not	interest	bearing	and	are	initially	
recognised	at	fair	value	and	subsequently	at	amortised	cost.

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

Derivative financial instruments
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	financial	instruments	for	
speculative purposes.

The	Group	does	not	adopt	the	hedge	accounting	provisions	and	
as	such,	these	derivatives	are	classified	as	financial	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 

Defined contribution schemes
A	defined	contribution	scheme	is	a	pension	plan	under	which	
the	Group	pays	a	fixed	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	benefits	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	financial	position.		The	
Group	has	no	further	payment	obligations	once	the	contributions	
have been paid.

Defined benefit schemes
A	defined	benefit	scheme	is	a	pension	plan	under	which	the	
Group	pays	contributions	in	order	to	fund	a	defined	amount	of	
pension	that	the	employees	under	the	scheme	will	receive	on	
retirement.		The	cost	of	providing	the	benefits	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	defined	benefit	obligation,	adjusted	for	unrecognised	past	
service	costs	and	reduced	by	the	fair	value	of	plan	assets.

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

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	
financing	costs	are	recognised	in	profit	and	loss.

34 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

accounting policies

Retirement Benefits (continued)

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

Provisions

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	outflow	of	economic	benefits	that	can	be	reliably	
estimated.

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

Adoption of IFRS

The	Group	and	Company	financial	statements	have	been	
prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS,	IASs	and	International	
Financial	Reporting	Interpretations	Committee	(IFRICs)	effective	
as	at	the	31	December	2011.		The	Group	and	Company	have	not	
chosen	to	adopt	any	amendments	or	revised	standards	early.

The	Group	did	not	apply	IFRS	1	First-time	Adoption	of	IFRS	in	
the	prior	year	as	it	was	in	substance	a	continuation	of	the	group	
headed	by	Instem	Life	Science	Systems	Limited	(formerly	Instem	
LSS	Group	Limited).		Instem	Life	Science	Systems	Limited’s	
financial	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	first	financial	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	i.e.	1	January	2007.	

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	financial	statements.		The	directors	do	not	
believe the adoption will have a material impact on the business.

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

IFRS	1	‘First-time	Adoption	of	IFRS	–Amendment;	Severe	
Hyper	Inflation	and	Removal	of	Fixed	Dates	for	first	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	1	‘Presentation	of	Other	Comprehensive	Income’	–	
Amendments	effective	for	periods	commencing	on	or	after	1	
July	2012	(not	yet	EU	endorsed).

IFRS	7	‘Financial	Instruments	–	Disclosure	–	Amendment:	
Offsetting	Financial	Assets	and	Financial	Liabilities’	was	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

issued	in	December	2011	and	is	effective	for	periods	
commencing	on	or	after	1	January	2013	(not	yet	EU	
endorsed).

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).

IFRS	10	‘Consolidated	Financial	Statements’	was	issued	
in	May	2011	and	is	effective	for	periods	commencing	on	or	
after	1	January	2013	(not	yet	EU	endorsed).

IFRS	11	‘Joint	Arrangements’	was	issued	in	May	2011	and	
is	effective	for	periods	commencing	on	or	after	1	January	
2013	(not	yet	EU	endorsed).

IFRS	12	‘Disclosure	of	Interests	in	Other	Entities’	was	
issued	in	May	2011	and	is	effective	for	periods	commencing	
on	or	after	1	January	2013	(not	yet	EU	endorsed).

IAS	27	‘Separate	Financial	Statements’	-	Amendment	was	
issued	in	May	2011	and	is	effective	for	periods	commencing	
on	or	after	1	January	2013	(not	yet	EU	endorsed).

IAS	28	‘Interests	in	Associates	and	Joint	Ventures’	-	
Amendment	was	issued	in	May	2011	and	is	effective	for	
periods	commencing	on	or	after	1	January	2013	(not	yet	EU	
endorsed).

IFRS	13	‘Fair	Value	Measurement’	was	issued	in	May	
2011	and	is	effective	for	periods	commencing	on	or	after	1	
January	2013	(not	yet	EU	endorsed).

IAS	19	‘Employee	Benefits’	–	Amendment	was	issued	in	
June	2011	and	is	effective	for	periods	commencing	on	or	
after	1	January	2013	(not	yet	EU	endorsed).

IFRIC	20	‘Stripping	costs	in	the	Production	Phase	of	a	
Surface	Mine’	effective	for	periods	commencing	on	or	after	
1	January	2013	(not	yet	EU	endorsed).

IAS	32	‘Financial	Instruments	–	Presentation	–	Amendment:	
Offsetting	Financial	Assets	and	Financial	Liabilities’	was	
issued	in	December	2011	and	is	effective	for	periods	
commencing	on	or	after	1	January	2014	(not	yet	EU	
endorsed).

IFRSs Adopted in the Year

The	following	IFRSs,	IASs	and	IFRICs	have	been	adopted	for	
the	first	time	in	the	year:

•	

•	

•	

•	

IAS	24	‘Related	Party	Disclosures	–	Revised’

IAS	32	‘Financial	Instruments:	Presentation	–	Amendment:	
Classification	of	Rights	Issues’.

IFRIC	14	‘Prepayments	of	a	minimum	Funding	
Requirement’

IFRIC	19	‘Extinguishing	Financial	Liabilities	with	Equity	
Instruments’

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      35  

 
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

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

USA and Canada

Rest of World

Major Customers

2011

£000

2,336

5,961

1,016

1,338

142

2010

£000

1,953

5,933

789

1,203

123

10,793

10,001

2011

£000

1,342

2,518

5,989

944

2010

£000

1,339

2,231

5,822

609

10,793

10,001

2011

£000

8,163

48

80

8,291

2010

£000

6,353

205

25

6,583

In	the	prior	year	the	Group	generated	external	revenues	of	£1.456m	from	one	customer	which	individually	amounted	to	more	than	10%	

of	the	Group	revenue.		In	the	current	year	there	were	no	individual	customers	accounting	for	10%	or	more	of	total	revenue.		

36 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

 
       
             
  
  
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.  Profit from Operations

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

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment

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

Audit of subsidiaries where such services are provided by Baker 

Tilly UK Audit LLP or its associates

Other services:

2011

£000

116

-

347

(14)

1,384

(88)

149

330

16

60

Taxation services

12                  

Services pursuant to companies legislation

Corporate finance services

Other services

-

31

-

119

2010

£000

67

8

34

-

1,287

37

136

310

4

29

36

4

67

17

157

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      37  

    
    
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.  Profit from Operations (continued)

The	following	table	analyses	the	nature	of	expenses:-

Staff costs (see note 5)

Depreciation (see note 12)

Operating lease rentals

Software maintenance charges

Other expenses

Total operating expenses

2011

£’000

5,761

116

479

309

2,126

8,791

2010

£’000

5,190

75

446

273

1,763

7,747

Non-Recurring Costs

During	the	year	the	Group	paid	a	non-recurring	bonus	of	£nil	(2010:	£0.35m)	to	the	directors	of	Instem	Life	Science	Systems	Limited	
(formerly	Instem	LSS	Group	Limited)	in	respect	of	past	service.

The	Group	incurred	costs	of	£nil	(2010:	£0.30m)	in	respect	of	professional	advice	received	in	connection	with	the	flotation	of	the	
business.		The	Group	incurred	costs	of	£0.10m	(2010:	£nil)	in	connection	with	the	acquisition	of	subsidiaries.		In	addition	the	Group	
recognised	a	credit	of	£0.08m	(2010:	£nil)	in	relation	to	the	re-assessment	of	contingent	consideration.

In	addition	the	Group	paid	£nil	(2010:	£0.04m)	in	respect	of	non-recurring	third	party	legal	and	professional	expenses	for	the	

incorporation	of	Instem	Information	Systems	(Shanghai)	Limited	in	China.

38 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. 

FINANCE INCOME

Bank interest

Foreign exchange gains

4. 

FINANCE COSTS

5. 

EMPLOYEES

Bank loans and overdrafts

Foreign exchange losses

Expected returns on pension scheme assets

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Other

2011

£000

300

122

422

2011

£000

306

34

(334)

394

56

456

2010

£000

263

-

263

2010

£000

297

37

(326)

356

-

364

Average monthly number (including executive directors)

By role:

Directors, administration, and supervision

Software design, sales and customer service

Employment costs:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Retirement benefits

2011

Number

2010

Number

34

82

116

2011

£000

4,769

470

522

5,761

28

75

103

2010

£000

4,297

414

479

5,190

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	£0.088m	(2010:	£0.021m)	arises	in	respect	of	share	based	payments.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      39  

 
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	fixed	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

Options

585,711

183,351

Lapsed 

(31,238)

Outstanding at end of the period 

737,824

Exercisable at 31 December 

-

2011

2010

Weighted 

average 

exercise price 

(£)

1.75

2.22

-

1.81

-

Options

-

585,711

-

585,711

-

Weighted 

average 

exercise price 

(£)

-

1.75

-

1.75

-

The	options	outstanding	at	31	December	2011	had	exercise	prices	of	£1.75,	£2.22	and	£2.215	(2010:	£1.75)	and	a	weighted	average	
remaining	contractual	life	of	8.90	years	(2010:	9.75	years).

Options	are	valued	using	the	Black-Scholes	option-pricing	model	and	for	performance	conditions,	the	Binomial	or	Monte	Carlo	models.		

The	fair	value	has	been	estimated	using	the	following	key	assumptions:

Average exercise price

Average market price

Average vesting period (years)

2011

£2.22

£2.22

3

2010

£1.75

£1.75

3

Expected volatility

19.1%-20.7%

22%-26%

Option life (years)

Expected life (years)

10

6

Risk free rate

1.27%-1.60%

Expected dividend yield

Expected lapse rate

0%

0%

10

6

1.9%

0%

0%

Fair value of options

£0.51-£0.53

£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	433,426	shares	(2010:	351,426	shares)	incorporate	a	market	performance	condition	based	on	the	Company’s	share	price.

The	fair	value	of	options	granted	in	the	year	is	£0.11m.

40 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.  DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS

Amounts payable by Instem plc:

Emoluments

Money purchase pension contributions

Amounts payable by subsidiary companies:

Emoluments

Money purchase pension contributions

Total emoluments

2011

£000

92

-

246

30

368

2010

£000

23

-

602

40

665

2011

Number

2010

Number

Number of directors to whom retirement benefits

are accruing under:

Defined contribution schemes

1

2

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

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      41  

                                                           
                                                           
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8. 

Income Taxes                 

Income taxes recognised in profit or loss 

Current tax:

UK corporation tax on profits for the period

Double tax relief

Foreign tax

Adjustments in respect of previous periods

Total current tax

Deferred tax:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Adjustments in respect of previous years

Retirement benefit obligation

Total deferred tax

Total income tax expense recognised in the current year

The income tax expense can be reconciled to the 

accounting profit as follows:

Profit before tax

Profit before tax multiplied by standard rate of 

corporation tax in the UK 26.5% (2010: 28%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Differences in overseas tax rates

Prior period adjustments

Total income tax expense recognised in profit or loss

42 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

2011

£000

167

-

240

(78)

329

150

(36)

63

177

506

2011

£000

1,512

401

67

152

(114)

506

2010

£000

379

(212)

274

(50)

391

73

-

50

123

514

2010

£000

1,415

396

84

84

(50)

514

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. 

Intangible Assets

Group
Cost

Goodwill

Software 

£000

£000

Intellectual 

Customer 

property 

Relations

£000

£000

Patents

£000

At 1 January 2010 

5,858

Additions from continuing 

operations

-

At 31 December 2010 

5,858

Additions from continuing 

operations

Additions from acquisitions in 

the period

-

498

427

361

788

291

79

At 31 December 2011

6,356

1,158

Amounts written off 

At 1 January 2010

Amortisation expense

At 31 December 2010

Amortisation expense

At 31 December 2011

Net book value

At 31 December 2010

-

-

-

-

-

5,858

At 31 December 2011

6,356

195

34

229

153

382

559

776

-

-

-

-

819

819

-

-

-

137

137

-

682

-

-

-

-

325

325

-

-

-

54

54

-

-

-

-

-

21

21

-

-

-

3

3

-

Total

£000

6,285

361

6,646

291

1,742

8,679

195

34

229

347

576

6,417

271

18

8,103

Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill,	amounting	to	£5.858m	(2010:	£5.858m),	relates	to	a	cash	generating	unit,	being	the	Instem	business	acquired	on	the	
management	buyout	of	Instem	LSS	Limited	on	27	March	2002.		Goodwill,	amounting	to	£0.498m	(2010:	£nil),	relates	to	a	cash	
generating	unit,	being	the	BioWisdom	business	acquired	on	3	March	2011.		During	the	period,	goodwill	was	tested	for	impairment	in	
accordance	with	IAS	36	“Impairment	of	Assets”.		The	recoverable	amount	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	cashflows	
from	approved	forecasts	for	one	year	which	has	then	been	extrapolated	to	cover	a	period	of	five	years,	being	the	maximum	period	which	
management	considers	can	reliably	be	forecast.		At	31	December	2011	a	pre	tax	discount	rate	of	12%	(2010:	8.33%)	was	used	in	the	
value	in	use	calculation	based	on	the	Group’s	cost	of	capital.		In	determining	the	value	in	use,	cashflows	have	not	been	increased	to	
reflect	potential	growth.

Projected	cashflows	were	based	on	detailed	Group	profit	and	cashflow	projections	through	to	2013	with	no	assumption	of	growth	
beyond	2013.		The	projections	were	based	on	reasonable	assumptions	in	respect	of	business	growth	rates,	payroll	and	other	cost	
increases	and	related	cashflow	impacts.

The	directors	consider	the	discount	rate	to	be	the	most	sensitive	assumption	used	in	the	impairment	review.		A	1%	increase	in	the	
discount	rate	to	13%	would	reduce	the	value	in	use	estimate	by	£0.2m.		However,	the	revised	value	in	use	figure	would	still	exceed	the	

carrying	value	of	goodwill.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      43  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10.  Investments

Company-cost and net book value

£000’s

At 1 January 2010

-

Investment in Instem Life Science Systems Limited (formerly Instem LSS Group Limited)

At 31 December 2010

16,500

16,500

Investment in Instem Scientific Limited (formerly BioWisdom Limited) (see note 11)

609

At 31 December 2011

17,109

On	1	October	2010	the	Company	acquired	the	entire	issued	share	capital	of	Instem	Life	Science	Systems	Limited	(formerly	Instem	
LSS	Group	Limited).		On	3	March	2011	the	Company	acquired	the	entire	issued	share	capital	of	Instem	Scientific	Limited	(formerly	
BioWisdom	Limited).

The	company	has	two	wholly-owned	subsidiaries	and	six	wholly-owned	sub-subsidiaries,	details	of	which	are	as	follows:

Company

Activity

Ownership

Instem Life Science Systems Limited 

(formerly Instem LSS Group Limited)

(company number 04339129)

England and Wales

Instem LSS Limited

(company number 03548215)

England and Wales

Instem LSS (North America) Limited

(company number 02126697)

England and Wales

Instem LSS (Asia) Limited

(company number 1371107)

Hong Kong

Holding Company

100% by Instem plc

Software development, 

sales, sales support and 

administrative support

Sales, sales support and 

administrative support

100% by Instem Life Science 

Systems Limited

100% by Instem LSS Limited

Holding Company

100% by Instem LSS Limited

Instem Information Systems (Shanghai) Limited

(company number 310115400257075)

Sales, sales support and service

Shanghai, PRC

100% by Instem LSS (Asia) 

Limited

Instem Scientific Limited (formerly BioWisdom 

Leading provider of software 

Limited)

(company number 03861669)

England and Wales

solutions for extracting 

intelligence from R&D related 

healthcare data

100% by Instem plc

Instem Scientific Solutions Limited (formerly 

Leading provider of software 

BioWisdom SRS Limited)

(company number 03598020)

England and Wales

Instem Scientific Inc (formerly OmniViz Inc)

(company number 03173151)

USA

solutions for extracting 

100% by Instem Scientific 

intelligence from R&D related 

Limited

healthcare data

Leading provider of software 

solutions for extracting 

100% by Instem Scientific 

intelligence from R&D related 

Limited

healthcare data

44 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.  Business Combinations

Subsidiary acquired

Principal activity

Date of 

acquisition

Proportion of 

voting equity 

Consideration 

interests 

acquired

transferred

%

£000

2011

Instem Scientific 

Leading provider of software 

Limited (formerly 

solutions for extracting intelligence 

3 March 2011

100

609

BioWisdom Limited)

from R&D related healthcare data

Instem	Scientific	Limited	was	acquired	to	continue	the	expansion	and	development	of	the	Group’s	capabilities	in	the	Global	Life	
Sciences	sector.

Consideration transferred

Cash

Contingent consideration – Payable in cash

Contingent consideration – To be settled in shares

Total consideration estimate at acquisition

Adjustment to estimate of contingent consideration recognised in Consolidated 

Statement of Comprehensive Income

Contingent consideration – Payable in cash

Contingent consideration – To be settled in shares

Total consideration estimate at 31 December 2011

Instem Scientific Limited 

£000

200

244

245

689

(40)

(40)

609

The	contingent	consideration	is	based	on	certain	cumulative	performance	related	conditions	over	two	years	as	follows:

•	 Where	FY2011	Revenue	is	equal	to	or	greater	than	£1,304,000	the	first	deferred	consideration	shall	be	£100,000	plus	£1,000	for	

every	£1,000	of	Revenue	in	excess	of	£1,304,000	subject	to	a	maximum	payment	of	£300,000.

•	 Where	FY2011	and	FY2012	Revenue	is	equal	to	or	greater	than	£2,815,000	the	second	deferred	consideration	shall	be	£100,000	

plus	£1,000	for	every	£1,000	of	Revenue	in	excess	of	£2,815,000	subject	to	a	maximum	payment	of	£600,000.

Acquisition	related	costs	amounting	to	£101,000	have	been	excluded	from	the	consideration	transferred	and	have	been	recognised	as	
an	expense	in	the	current	year,	within	the	‘Non-recurring	costs’	line	item	in	the	consolidated	statement	of	comprehensive	income.

In	addition	to	the	consideration	above,	Instem	plc	has	advanced	£200,000	to	Instem	Scientific	Limited	in	the	form	of	working	capital	and	

assumed	£500,000	of	debt	from	Instem	Scientific.		This	is	included	within	trade	and	other	receivables.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      45  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.  Business Combinations (continued)

Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities recognised at the date of acquisition

Instem Scientific Limited 

£000

Non-Current Assets

Intellectual property

Customer Related Assets

Software

Patents

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred Tax on losses brought forward

Current Assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities

Deferred Tax on acquisition

819

325

79

21

1

405

131

141

(851)

(544)

(336)

191

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Consideration transferred

Less: fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Instem Scientific Limited 

£000

689

(191)

498

Goodwill	arose	on	the	acquisition	of	Instem	Scientific	Limited	because	the	premium	paid	by	the	Company	reflects	the	expected	benefit	
of	synergies,	revenue	growth	and	future	market	development.		Instem	Scientific	Limited	was	acquired	to	expand	and	enhance	the	
Group’s	product	and	service	offering	within	the	Global	Life	Sciences	operating	segment.		These	benefits	have	not	been	recognised	
separately	from	goodwill	because	they	do	not	meet	the	recognition	criteria	for	identifiable	intangible	assets.

Net cash outflow on acquisition

Consideration paid in cash

Less: cash and cash equivalent balances acquired

Net cash outflow

Instem Scientific Limited 

£000

(200)

141

(59)

46 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.  Business Combinations (continued)

Impact of acquisition on the results of the Group
Included	in	the	profit	for	the	year	is	£224,000	attributable	to	the	additional	business	generated	by	Instem	Scientific	Limited.		Revenue	for	
the	year	includes	£1,157,000	in	respect	of	Instem	Scientific	Limited.

Had	this	business	combination	been	effected	at	1	January	2011,	the	revenue	of	the	Group	from	continuing	operations	would	have	been	
£11,009,000,	and	the	profit	for	the	year	from	continuing	operations	would	have	been	£1,056,000.		The	directors	consider	these	numbers	
to	represent	an	approximate	measure	of	the	performance	of	the	combined	Group	on	an	annualised	basis	and	to	provide	a	reference	

point	for	comparison	in	future	years.

12.  Property, Plant and Equipment

Group

Short leasehold 

Plant and                      

property

equipment

Motor vehicles

£000

£000

£000

Cost 

At 1 January 2010

Additions

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2010

Additions

Disposals

Acquisitions through business 

combinations

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2011

Depreciation

At 1 January 2010

Depreciation expense

Eliminated on disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2010

Depreciation expense

Eliminated on disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2011

Net book value

At 31 December 2010

At 31 December 2011

30

15

-

-

45

8

2,989

96

(251)

13

2,847

144

(48)

(1,495)

-

-

5

18

2

-

-

20

15

(35)

-

-

25

5

1

4

1,501

2,874

73

(251)

10

2,706

101

(1,492)

3

1,318

141

183

12

-

-

-

12

-

-

-

-

12

12

-

-

-

12

-

-

-

12

-

-

Total

£000

3,031

111

(251)

13

2,904

152

(1,543)

1

4

1,518

2,904

75

(251)

10

2,738

116

(1,527)

3

1,330

166

188

The	net	book	value	of	plant	and	equipment	includes	£nil	(2010:	£nil)	in	respect	of	assets	held	under	finance	leases.		Depreciation	for	the	
period	on	these	assets	was	£nil	(2010:	£8,000).

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      47  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13.  Inventories

Group

Work in progress

Total gross inventories

Inventory impairment

14.  Trade and Other Receivables

Group

Trade receivables

Amount recoverable on contracts

Other receivables   

Prepayments and accrued income

Company

Amounts owed by group companies

Other receivables   

2011

£000

93

93

-           

93

2011

£000

2,008

590

15

416

3,029

700

53

2010

£000

137

137

-

137

2010

£000

668

291

32

604

1,595

-

64

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

An analysis of the provision for impairment of 

receivables is as follows:

At beginning of year

Charge for the year

At end of year

2011

£000

2

4

6

2010

£000

2

-

2

The	average	credit	period	taken	on	sale	of	goods	is	48	days	(2010:	33	days).		No	interest	is	charged	on	overdue	receivables.

Before	accepting	any	new	customer,	the	Group	obtains	relevant	credit	references	to	assess	the	potential	customer’s	credit	quality.		
Credit	limits	are	defined	by	customer.

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

48 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14.  Trade and Other Receivables (continued)

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

Group

2010

Current

0-30 

days

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

Total

Debt age

Trade receivables

Value (£000)

%

Group

2011

Trade receivables

Value (£000)

%

834

87

98

10

16

2

11

1

959

100

Debt age

Current

0-30 

days

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

1,896

73

440

17

246

9

16

1

Total

2,598

100

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

Sterling

Euro

US Dollar

Renminbi

Hong Kong Dollar

2011

£000

1,544

186

1,150

148

1

3,029

2010

£000

714

31

838

12

-

1,595

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      49  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Group

Cash at bank

Bank overdraft 

Company

Cash at bank

2011

£000

12,280

(8,912)

3,368

2010

£000

12,085

(8,822)

3,263

2,102

3,100

The	Group	overdraft	facility	has	a	net	limit	of	£2,000,000	and	gross	facility	of	£9,000,000.		Interest	is	charged	on	the	bank	overdraft	at	
2.75%	above	base	rate	up	to	the	above	limit	and	6%	above	base	rate	on	any	remainder.		The	bank	overdraft	is	secured	by	fixed	and	
floating	charges	over	certain	of	the	Group’s	assets.		All	balances	are	denominated	in	Sterling.		The	overdraft	facility	is	renewable	in	June	
2012.

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

Group

Sterling

Euro

US Dollar

Other

Company

Sterling

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

16.  Trade and Other Payables

Group - Current

Trade payables

Other taxation and social security costs

Other payables

Accruals and deferred income

Company - Current

Trade payables

Group payables

Other payables

Accruals and deferred income

50 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

2011

£000

2,032

100

1,114

122

3,368

2,102

2011

£000

404

163

152

6,875

7,594

40

103

411

19

573

2010

£000

2,654

136

394

79

3,263

3,100

2010

£000

257

123

29

5,127

5,536

37

29

-

-

66

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16.  Trade and Other Payables (continued)

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

Group

Sterling

US Dollar

Renminbi

Hong Kong Dollar

Company

Sterling

2011

£000

3,878

3,590

124

2

7,594

573

2010

£000

2,444

3,022

70

-

5,536

66

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

17.  Current Taxation

The	Group	current	tax	receivable	of	£64,000	(2010:	payable	£85,000)	represents	the	amount	of	income	taxes	receivable/(payable)	in	
respect	of	current	and	prior	years.

18.  Financial Liabilities

Group and Company

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

2010

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Series B Loan Notes

Loan Note

253

-

253

253

-

253

-

-

-

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

2011

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Series B Loan Notes

Loan Note

-

500

500

-

250

250

-

250

250

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Series B Loan Notes
The	Series	B	Loan	Notes	were	issued	on	5	October	2010.		The	notes	are	unsecured	and	bear	interest	at	the	rate	of	1.75%	above	bank	
base	rate.		The	loan	notes	plus	accrued	interest	were	repaid	in	full	on	13	October	2011.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      51  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18.  Financial Liabilities (continued)

Loan Note
The	Loan	Note	was	issued	on	3	March	2011.		The	loan	note	is	unsecured	and	bears	interest	at	the	rate	of	7%.

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

There	is	a	debenture	in	favour	of	National	Westminster	Bank	Plc,	dated	13	April	2011,	secured	over	the	assets	of	the	group	by	way	of	
fixed	and	floating	charges.

19.  Financial Instruments

All	financial	instruments	held	by	the	Group,	as	detailed	in	this	note,	are	classified	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	financial	liabilities)	and	“Fair	value	through	profit	and	loss”	(other	financial	liabilities	
which	reflect	derivative	contracts)	under	IAS	39	‘Financial	Instruments:	Recognition	and	Measurement’.

FINANCIAL	RISK	MANAGEMENT
The	Group’s	activities	expose	it	to	a	variety	of	financial	risks	including	market	risk,	credit	risk	and	liquidity	risk.	Market	risk	includes	
interest	rate	risk,	foreign	exchange	rate	risk	and	price	risk.	The	main	financial	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	financial	performance	of	the	Group	by	
using	various	instruments	and	techniques.		Derivative	financial	instruments	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	financial	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	inflows	and	outflows	in	
this	currency	that	create	a	natural	hedge.		

In	managing	currency	risks	the	Group	aims	to	reduce	the	impact	of	short-term	fluctuations	on	the	Group’s	cash	inflows	and	outflows	in	a	
foreign	currency.		The	Group	also	hedges	any	material	foreign	currency	transaction	exposure.		During	the	prior	year	the	Group	entered	
into	US	dollar	hedging	arrangements	with	fixed	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	2011	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	profit	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	2011	indications	are	that	the	UK	bank	rate	will	remain	at	0.5%	over	the	next	12	months.		On	the	basis	of	the	floating	
net	cash	position	at	31	December	2011	and	assuming	no	other	changes	occur	(such	as	changes	in	currency	exchange	rates)	and	that	
no	further	interest	rate	management	action	is	taken,	the	stable	interest	rates	will	not	have	an	impact	on	net	interest	income/(expense).	

52 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19.  Financial Instruments (continued)

2010

Group

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Loan notes

2011

Group

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Loan Note

2010

Company

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Loan notes

2011

Company

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Loan notes

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

-

-

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

(500)

(500)

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

-

-

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

(500)

(500)

Floating

Non-interest 

 rate

£000

-

3,067

-

(253)

2,814

bearing

£000

1,595

196

(5,536)

-

(3,745)

Floating

Non-interest 

 rate

£000

-

3,368

-

-

3,368

bearing

£000

3,029

-

(7,594)

-

(4,565)

Floating

Non-interest 

 rate

£000

-

3,100

-

(253)

2,847

bearing

£000

64

-

(66)

-

(2)

Floating

 rate

Non-interest 

bearing

£000

500

2,102

-

-

2,602

£000

253

-

(573)

-

(320)

Total

£000

1,595

3,263

(5,536)

(253)

(931)

Total

£000

3,029

3,368

(7,594)

(500)

(1,697)

Total

£000

64

3,100

(66)

(253)

2,845

Total

£000

753

2,102

(573)

(500)

1,782

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      53  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19.  Financial Instruments (continued)

Credit risk
Management	aim	to	minimise	the	risk	of	credit	losses.

The	Group’s	financial	assets	are	bank	balances	and	cash	and	trade	and	other	receivables,	which	represent	the	Group’s	maximum	
exposure	to	credit	risk	in	relation	to	financial	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	flows.	An	allowance	for	impairment	is	
made	where	there	is	an	identified	loss	event	which,	based	on	previous	experience,	is	evidence	of	a	reduction	in	the	recoverability	of	the	
cash	flows.	The	Group	had	a	significant	concentration	of	credit	risk	in	the	prior	year:

2010
Customer	A	-	£223,220	(23%)

2011
No	individual	customers	in	2011	accounted	for	10%	or	more	of	total	credit	risk.

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

Note	14	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	financial	assets.

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

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

The	Group	regularly	monitors	its	available	headroom	under	its	borrowing	facilities.		At	31	December	2011,	£2.0m	of	undrawn	facilities	
was	available	(2010:	£1.2m).

In	respect	of	the	Group’s	interest-bearing	financial	liabilities,	the	table	in	note	18	includes	details	at	the	reporting	date	of	the	periods	in	
which	they	mature.

54 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20.  Derivative Financial Instruments

The	Group	utilises	derivatives	to	hedge	its	foreign	currency	exposure	arising	from	future	transactions	and	cash	flows.		During	the	prior	
year	the	Group	entered	in	to	an	accrual	forward	contract	to	exchange	$25,000	per	month	at	an	agreed	rate	of	$1.456/£1	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	Group	is	
committed	to	exchange	a	further	$25,000	at	$1.395/£.

The	fair	value	of	the	derivative	at	31	December	2011	is	£nil	(2010:	£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	financial	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	is	as	
follows:

US Dollars

21.  Deferred Tax

2011

$000

-

2010

$000

275

Group

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 

31 December 2011

31 December 2010

£000

-

404

-

(125)

279

£000

-

431

-

(110)

321

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

At beginning of the year

Charge to income for the year

Credit to other comprehensive income for the year

Effect of change in tax rate – equity

Recognised on acquisitions

Other

At end of the year

31 December 2011

31 December 2010

£000

321

(177)

98

(30)

69

(2)

279

£000

297

(123)

157

(10)

-

-

321

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      55  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21.  Deferred Tax (continued)

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

Deferred tax asset/(liabilities)

depreciation

Accelerated tax 

At 1 January 2010

Charge to profit or loss for the year

Charge to equity for the year

£000

(50)

(54)

-

At 31 December 2010

(104)

Charge to profit or loss for the year

Charge to equity for the year

(88)

28

Recognised on acquisitions

(336)

At 31 December 2011

(500)

Tax losses

£000

Retirement 

benefit 

obligations

£000

45

(19)

-

26

(26)

(30)

405

375

302

(50)

147

399

(63)

68

-

404

Total

£000

297

(123)

147

321

(177)

66

69

279

22.  Retirement Benefit Obligations

Defined contribution pension scheme
The	Company	has	four	active	defined	contribution	schemes	and	a	closed	defined	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	year	ended	31	
December	2011	were	£0.39m	(2010:	£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	2011	were	£0.03m	(2010:	£0.03m).

Instem LSS (North America) Limited 401k Plan -	the	scheme	was	created	for	the	benefit	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	2011	were	£nil	(2010:	£nil).

BioWisdom GPP Scheme	-	the	Scheme	is	a	Group	Personal	Pension	arrangement	with	Winterthur	Life	(now	part	of	Friends	Life)	and	
was	set	up	in	2001.		The	employee	must	contribute	at	least	3%	of	basic	salary	and	the	employer	contributes	up	to	a	maximum	of	6%.		
Employer	contributions	for	the	period	ended	31	December	2011	were	£0.03m.

56 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

Defined benefit pension scheme
The	Group	also	operates	a	pension	scheme	providing	benefits	based	on	final	pensionable	pay.		This	scheme	was	closed	to	new	
members	with	effect	from	8	October	2001	and	the	rate	of	future	benefit	accrual	reduced	from	1/60th	of	final	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	2011	by	a	qualified	independent	
actuary.		

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	reporting	date	whilst	the	expected	returns	
on	the	equity	and	property	investments	reflect	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

Life Expectancy assumptions

Male currently aged 45

Female currently aged 45

Male currently aged 65

Female currently aged 65

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT CHARGED TO PROFIT OR LOSS

Current service cost

Past service cost

Total operating charge

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT CHARGED TO OTHER FINANCE COSTS

Expected returns on pension scheme assets

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Net finance charge

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT RECOGNISED IN OTHER 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

2011

%

5.4

5.3

3.1

N/A

3.1

3.1

24.4

26.8

22.5

24.9

2011

£000

-

-

-

2011

£000

334

(394)

(60)

2011

£000

(480)

-

88

Actuarial loss recognised in other comprehensive income

(392)

2010

%

5.8

6.1

3.6

N/A

3.6

3.6

24.3

26.7

22.4

24.8

2010

£000

-

-

-

2010

£000

326

(356)

(30)

2010

£000

235

(77)

(734)

(576)

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      57  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

CHANGES IN THE PRESENT VALUE OF THE DEFINED 

BENEFIT OBLIGATION

Opening defined benefit obligation

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

2011

£000

6,956

394

(88)

(316)

6,946

2011

£000

5,479

334

(480)

313

(316)

5,330

2011

£000

(6,946)

5,330

(1,616)

404

(1,212)

2010

£000

5,893

356

811

(104)

6,956

2010

£000

4,812

326

235

210

(104)

5,479

2010

£000

(6,956)

5,479

(1,477)

399

(1,078)

58 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22.  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 recognised in other 

comprehensive income

Cumulative

Cumulative

2011

£000

(531)

(910)

678

(763)

2010

£000

(51)

(910)

590

(371)

%

74

2

8

4

11

1

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

2011

2010

Equities

Property

Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Cash

Other

£000

3,838

107

426

586

320

53

%

72

2

8

11

6

1

£000

4,054

110

438

219

603

55

5,330

100

5,479

100

The	five	year	history	of	experience	adjustments	are	as	follows:

2011

£000

2010

£000

2009

£000

2008

£000

2007

£000

Present value of defined benefit 

obligation

(6,946)

(6,956)

(5,893)

(4,901)

(6,303)

Fair value of plan assets

5,330

5,479

4,812

3,752

4,335

Deficit

(1,616)

(1,477)

(1,081)

(1,149)

(1,968)

Experience adjustments on plan 

liabilities

Experience adjustments on plan 

assets

-

(480)

(77)

235

(18)

557

(431)

(31)

(1,390)

(7)

The	Group	expects	to	contribute	£321,000	to	its	defined	benefit	plans	in	the	next	financial	year	(2011:	£313,000).

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      59  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

23.  Share Capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid

11,714,286 ordinary shares of 10p each

1,171

1,171

2011

£000

2010

£000

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

24.  Earnings Per Share

Basic	earnings	per	share	is	calculated	by	dividing	the	profit	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)

2011

Weighted 

average 

number of 

shares (000’s)

Earnings per 

Profit after tax 

2010

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

1,006

11,714

-

134

1,006

11,848

8.6

(0.1)

8.5

901

-

901

7,698

23

7,721

11.7

-

11.7

60 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24.  Earnings Per Share (continued)

Adjusted	earnings	per	share

2011

Weighted 

average 

Profit after tax

Earnings per 

Profit after tax

2010*

Weighted 

average 

Earnings per 

(£000)

number of 

share (pence)

(£000)

number of 

share (pence)

shares (000)

shares (000)

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 - Basic

Potentially dilutive 

shares

Adjusted earnings per 

share-diluted

1,006

11,714

88

21

(6)

-

-

-

1,109

11,714

-

134

1,109

11,848

8.6

0.7

0.2

-

9.5

(0.1)

9.4

7,698

11.7

901

21

683

(191)

-

-

-

1,414

7,698

-

23

0.3

8.9

(2.5)

18.4

-

1,414

7,721

18.4

*	Following	the	Initial	Public	Offering	in	October	2010	the	Company	had	11,714,286	shares	in	issue	for	the	short	period	up	to	the	end	of	
the	financial	year.		On	a	comparable	basis	with	2011,	if	those	shares	had	been	in	issue	for	the	full	12	months	during	2010,	the	weighted	
average	number	of	shares	in	issue	would	have	been	11,714,286	and	the	comparable	basic	earnings	per	share	would	have	been	7.7p.

25.  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	financial	information	to	the	presentational	currency	of	Sterling	(£).	

Retained earnings
The	retained	earnings	reserve	includes	the	accumulated	profits	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	Life	Science	Systems	Limited	(formerly	Instem	LSS	Group	Limited).

Shares to be issued
The	shares	to	be	issued	reserve	represents	the	shares	to	be	issued	under	the	share	option	scheme	and	shares	contingently	issuable	on	

acquisitions.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      61  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25.  Reserves (continued)

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

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 net of cash and cash equivalents.  

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

26.  Capital Commitments

There	were	no	capital	commitments	at	the	end	of	the	financial	year	(2010:	£nil).

27. Operating Leases Payable

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised as 

an expense in the year

At the reporting 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

2011

£000

416

2011

£000

363

1,048

863

61

2

-

2010

£000

446

2010

£000

334

1,220

1,411

119

65

-

2,337

3,149

Operating	lease	payments	represent	rentals	payable	by	the	Group	for	certain	property	and	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	lease	in	relation	to	the	head	office	buildings	contain	a	dilapidation	clause	whereby	Instem	plc	must	make	good	any	
damage	to	the	demised	premises	on	expiration	of	the	lease	in	November	2023.		The	directors’	estimate	that	the	current	liability	is	not	
material to warrant provision at the period end.

62 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

28.  Related Party Transactions

Transactions	between	Group	companies	have	not	been	disclosed	as	these	have	all	been	eliminated	in	the	preparation	of	the	financial	
statements.		During	the	year	the	Company	traded	with	subsidiary	companies	in	its	normal	course	of	business.		These	transactions	
related	to	loans	and	recharges	and	totalled	in	aggregate	£534,000	credit.		The	intercompany	balances	due	to	the	Company	at	the	year	
end	totalled	£597,000.

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:

31 December 

31 December 

2011

£000

2010

£000

Fees for services provided as non-executive directors

Salaries, short term benefits and post retirement benefits

Employers National Insurance & Social Security costs

Executive directors

Salaries, short term benefits and post retirement benefits

Employers National Insurance & Social Security costs

Other key management

Salaries, short term employee benefits and post 

retirement benefits

Employers National Insurance & Social Security costs

117

10

251

14

372

31

380

49

285

18

269

21

In	addition	the	Company	and	Group	paid	£0.05m	(2010:	£0.02m)	to	Instem	Ventures,	a	company	owned	by	Adrian	Gare,	a	shareholder.		
The	balance	outstanding	at	the	end	of	the	year	was	£0.01m	(2010:	£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	and	the	Chief	Scientific	Officer.

29.  Accounting Estimates and Judgements

Some	asset	and	liability	amounts	reported	in	the	financial	information	are	based	on	management	estimates	and	assumptions.		There	
is	therefore	a	risk	of	significant	changes	to	the	carrying	amounts	for	these	assets	and	liabilities	within	the	next	financial	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	specific	contract	by	
contract	basis	based	on	management’s	prior	experience	and	their	assessment	of	the	present	value	of	estimated	future	cash	flows.

Receivables impairment provisions
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	flows.

Pension valuation assumptions
Assumptions	are	used	in	the	actuarial	valuation	of	the	Group’s	defined	benefit	pension	schemes.		Details	of	these	assumptions	are	
disclosed	in	note	22.

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	flows	that	are	
independent	from	other	assets,	the	Group	estimates	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	cash-generating	unit	to	which	the	asset	belongs.

Intangible	assets	are	amortised	over	their	useful	lifes,	which	has	been	estimated	by	management	to	be	5	years.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      63  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30.  Post Balance Sheet Events

On	8	March	2012	the	Company	issued	50,371	ordinary	shares	in	part	settlement	of	the	first	tranche	of	contingent	consideration	on	the	
acquisition	of	Instem	Scientific	Limited.

64 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

Company Statement of Comprehensive Income

Year ended 

Year ended 

31 December 2011

31 December 2010

REVENUE 

Operating expenses

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE AMORTISATION 

Amortisation of intangibles

£000

-

(435)

(435)

-

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

(435)

Finance income

Finance costs

Non-recurring costs

LOSS BEFORE TAXATION

Income tax expense

LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR

LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT COMPANY

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE ATTRIBUTABLE TO  EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE 

PARENT COMPANY

This	page	does	not	form	part	of	the	statutory	financial	statements.

42

(48)

(101)

(542)

-

(542)

(542)

(542)

(542)

£000

-

(344)

(344)

-

(344)

6

(3)

-

(341)

-

(341)

(341)

(341)

(341)

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      65  

 
NOTES

66 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

NOTES

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011      67  

 
NOTES

68 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2011  

Directors and Advisers

DIRECTORS
D Gare (Non-Executive Chairman)
MF McGoun (Independent Non-Executive)
DM Sherwin (Non- Executive)
PJ Reason
NJ Goldsmith

SECRETARY
NJ Goldsmith

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

BANKERS
Nat West Bank
1 Spinningfields Square
Manchester
M2 3AP

NOMINATED ADVISER AND BROKER
Nplus1 Brewin LLP
12 Smithfield Street 
London 
EC1A 9BD

CORPORATE FINANCIAL ADVISERS
Rickitt Mitchell & Partners Limited
Centurion House
129 Deansgate
Manchester 
M3 3WR 

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: +1 (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 Group employs over 110 people in seven offices in the US,

UK, China and India; with a full service distributor in Japan.

e-mail
investors@instem.com

instem.com