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Instem plc

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Employees 201-500
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FY2015 Annual Report · Instem plc
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Instem plc

Annual Report

2015

Instem is a leading supplier of IT applications to the early 

development  healthcare  market  delivering  compelling 

solutions  for  data  collection,  management  and  analysis 

across the R&D continuum.  Instem applications are used 

by customers worldwide, meeting the rapidly expanding 

needs  of  life  science  and  healthcare  organisations  for 

data-driven  decision  making  leading  to  safer,  more 

effective products.

Instem’s  established  portfolio  of  software  solutions 

increases  client  productivity  by  automating  study-

related  processes  while  offering  the  unique  ability  to 

generate  new  knowledge  through  the  extraction  and 

harmonisation of actionable scientific information.

Instem  supports  over  450  clients  through  full  service 

offices  in  the  United  States,  United  Kingdom  and  China 

with additional locations in India and Japan. 

Our clients include these fine organisations...

Contents

HIGHLIGHTS

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

STRATEGIC REPORT

FINANCIAL REVIEW

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF INSTEM 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 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DIRECTORS AND ADVISORS

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2015   

Highlights 

Financial Highlights

• 

Revenues increased 22% to £16.3m (2014: £13.4m)

• 

• 

Recurring revenues increased 9% to £10.0m 
(2014: £9.2m)

Software as a Service (SaaS) revenues increased 
14% to £2.1m (2014: £1.8m)

EBITDA* increased 43% to £2.5m (2014: £1.7m)

Adjusted** profit before tax of £1.7m (2014: £1.1m)

Loss before tax of £0.4m (2014: profit £0.2m)

• 

After charging £1.4m of deferred contingent  
consideration (2014: £nil)

Adjusted** basic earnings per share of 13.3p (2014: 
8.4p)

Adjusted** fully diluted earnings per share of 12.9p 
(2014: 8.3p)

Net cash balance as at 31 December 2015 of £2.2m 
(2014: £1.7m)

• 

After paying £1.3m of deferred contingent 
consideration (2014: £0.3m)

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Operational Highlights

• 

• 

• 

Final deferred contingent consideration was paid for 
Perceptive Instruments and agreed early for Instem 
Clinical (formerly Logos Technologies) after both 
exceeded performance criteria.

Instem Japan incorporated and Tokyo office opened.

Significant ALPHADAS Contract wins included three 
announced in May 2015 worth approximately 
£1.4m.

•  Won the majority of SEND business placed 

worldwide.

Post Balance Sheet Event

On 23 February 2016 the Company announced it had 
raised £5.0 million (before expenses) by way of a 
placing of 2,500,000 New Ordinary Shares, at a price 
of 200 pence per ordinary share, with certain new and 
existing investors. The net proceeds are intended to be 
used in the near term primarily to fund growth through 
acquisition and also for working capital to enhance 
organic growth.

“Our core addressable markets continue to grow 
in terms of the number of potential customers 
and the absolute size. Our products and services 
recorded significant year-on-year revenue growth 
during 2015 and we are pleased to report that 
we entered the new financial year with a strong 
forward order book.  Regulatory requirements 
and the enlarged drug R&D pipeline are expected 
to  continue  to  stimulate  demand  for  Instem’s 
solutions and services.

The recently strengthened balance sheet provides 
opportunities  to  invest  further  in  our  core 
products and services, accelerate the development 
of  new  offerings  such  as  KnowledgeScan  and 
SEND  submit™  and  play  a  significant  role  in 
consolidating the industry in which we operate.

We therefore look forward to the coming year 
with  confidence  and  expect  to  deliver  further 
operational and financial progress.”

P J Reason
Chief Executive

* Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, share 
based payment charges and non-recurring costs.

**After adjusting for the effect of foreign currency exchange on the 
revaluation of inter-company balances included in finance income/
(costs), non-recurring items and amortisation of intangibles  on 
acquisitions. Profit is adjusted in this way to provide a clearer 
measure of underlying operating performance.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     3

market leadership

“We have maintained our pre-eminent position 

in the preclinical market whilst also winning the 

majority of business placed globally in the early 

clinical market.” 

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2015   

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Chairman’s       
Statement

Following the end of the financial year, in February 
2016 the Company announced it had raised £5.0 million 
(before expenses) by way of a placing of 2,500,000 New 
Ordinary Shares with new and existing investors. The 
Board intends to use the proceeds of this placing, along 
with existing cash resources, to continue the Group’s 
acquisition strategy and to provide additional working 
capital. We believe that having the funding in place will 
be of significant benefit for the execution of this strategy, 
as a result of providing certainty to potential vendors 
during the negotiation of deal terms.  

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

D Gare
Non-Executive Chairman
26 April 2016

The positive market dynamics experienced at the end 
of 2014 continued throughout the period, providing an 
encouraging backdrop for the continued development of 
the Group. I am, therefore, pleased to be able to report 
that all areas of business achieved successful outcomes 
for the year. 

Consequently, not only has the Group increased revenue 
and underlying profits during the year, but we are also 
increasingly optimistic about 2016.

We have maintained our pre-eminent position in the 
preclinical market whilst also winning the majority of 
business placed globally in the early clinical market. 

A highlight of the year was the market leadership 
demonstrated by our team offering Standard for the 
Exchange of Non-clinical Data (SEND) software and 
services: whereby we once again secured the majority 
of business placed during 2015.  This was particularly 
important following the announcement from the US Food 
& Drug Administration (“FDA”) mandating SEND at the 
end of 2014.

A cornerstone of our global leadership strategy for each 
of our product lines is to ensure that we are able to 
provide sales and service facilities locally wherever there 
are substantial groupings of customers.  Consequently, 
we opened an office in Tokyo, Japan, complementing 
existing Instem Asian locations in Pune, India and 
Shanghai, China. We expect the Instem Japan facility to 
start to contribute to our revenues during 2016.

At a corporate level we were pleased to make the final 
payment for the Perceptive Instruments’ acquisition as 
a result of it exceeding our targets. Further, in December 
2015, we announced the early agreement of the Instem 
Clinical (formerly Logos Technologies) earn-out. Given 
this business had out-performed in each of its prior 
earn out years, the Board determined that in order to 
maximise its potential it was appropriate to fully align 
the objectives of both its shareholders and the Group.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     5

continued growth

“Demand for our products and services from 

customers in all territories in which we operate 

continued to increase, reflecting increased levels 

of pharmaceutical R&D activity.”

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2015   

Strategic       
Report

Chief Executive’s Statement 

Operational Review

The twelve months to 31 December 2015 represented 
another year of significant financial and operational 
progress across the Group.

The year began with a record order book and a 
strengthening market backdrop. This was converted 
into revenue through successful contract execution, 
supplemented by winning and delivering new business 
contracts throughout the year.

All areas of the Group are now taking advantage of 
Instem’s global operations with marketing, sales, service 
delivery and client support now available through 
offices in the UK, North America, China, India and Japan.  
Although the Group has operated successfully in Japan 
through local distributors, establishing an Instem 
presence is expected to increase demand, in what is 
the second highest spending nation in the world on 
pharmaceutical research and development.

Notably in 2015, both our clinical and preclinical 
products and services gained traction, as a result of 
record numbers of compounds progressing through 
the early stages of the drug development pipeline. Our 
laboratory workflow automation solutions were selected 
to deliver efficiencies, replacing “paper” records, legacy 
in-house applications or ageing commercial systems. 
Further, new regulatory requirements also drove the 
adoption of Instem’s technology. Once again, there was 
a blend of perpetual license sales and operationally 
effective SaaS deployments, with recurring revenue 
growing in absolute terms year–on-year. This provides 
the business with increased revenue visibility and long-
term stability.

Importantly for the Group as a whole, the growth 
experienced in the preclinical market during 2014 
now appears to be flowing through into increased 
activity levels within the early clinical phase of drug 
development.  Consequently, ALPHADAS, the Group’s 
leading early phase clinical software platform, generated 
record levels of new business.

The Group continues to attract some of the most capable 
people in the industry, appointing senior new hires 
within the SEND business and establishing an office in 
Tokyo, Japan. This office will support distributors and 
customers across the region.

The Group’s Pune, India operation has moved into much 
larger premises to accommodate further expansion 
of software development, back office services and, 
increasingly, client related service delivery activities.  
Pune enjoys a reputation for academic excellence and 
is one of India’s most attractive cities in which to live; 
enabling us to secure both local talent and exceptional 
candidates from other areas of the country.

Preclinical – Provantis® and Perceptive Instruments

Opportunities for Provantis and Perceptive Instruments 
solutions within the preclinical market continued to 
increase during the year as study volumes, mostly 
carried out by Contract Research Organisations (CROs), 
accelerated. The Group’s “best-of-breed” products 
increased their share of the preclinical market as 
customers sought to leverage additional modules and 
new software features with both new and existing clients 
increasingly adopting operationally effective SaaS based 
deployments.

Provantis, the Group’s primary preclinical software suite, 
continued to win licence sales across the Group’s client 
base with continued displacement of legacy in-house 
systems as new implementation projects progressed 
during the year. By the end of the first half of 2015, all 
the Group’s US-based SaaS customers were running the 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     7

STRATEGIC REPORT

latest product versions, enabling us to achieve higher 
quality support and increased effectiveness of our 
delivery infrastructure.

Perceptive Instruments (“Perceptive”) continued to 
perform strongly as part of an enlarged business. In 
particular, Perceptive had success in up-selling higher 
value modules, such as AMES study manager and Cyto 
Study Manager, into existing Instem clients. During 
the year, due to the strong financial performance of 
Perceptive Instruments for the period to November 
2014, the Group paid the vendors the maximum 
consideration for the acquisition, in accordance with the 
original acquisition agreement. 

Perceptive is located in Suffolk, UK, and develops, 
manufactures and supplies software and hardware 
products for in-vitro study management and data 
collection in the genetic toxicology, microbiology 
and immunology markets. Perceptive is the leading 
technology provider within its niche market and there 
are few competitors, of any scale, active in the space.

Early Stage Clinical – ALPHADAS™ 

Our ALPHADAS early phase clinical software solution 
performed particularly well during 2015. We added five 
new clients across mainland Europe, Canada and the 
USA and additional sites/users for existing clients.  New 
releases of ALPHADAS have been widely implemented 
by existing customers, delivering important new 
capabilities and enticing clients to adopt further 
modules from the product suite. 

Instem entered the early phase clinical market in 2013 
with the acquisition of Logos Technologies, now Instem 
Clinical, and its product suite ALPHADAS.  Since the 
acquisition, ALPHADAS revenue has grown strongly and 
is now a core offering of the Group.

Instem Scientific

The transition of Instem Scientific, from a software 
products business to an ‘outcome-led’ managed service, 
continued during the period, with further investment 
in “KnowledgeScan”.  KnowledgeScan allows our 
specialist investigators to provide rigorous insight 
into potential, and observed issues during all stages of 
new compound development, by  combining powerful 
information technology with transparent, systematic 
and comprehensive analytical workflows.  The service 
leverages the Group’s powerful big-data technology 
assets and is designed to monitise the Group’s expertise 
across its extensive scientific content, ontologies and 
vocabularies, which have been developed over multiple 
projects during the last 10 years.

industry, which has led to a significant increase in 
R&D outsourcing. Whilst the financial benefits of 
Instem Scientific may not be felt by the wider Group 
immediately, pilot KnowledgeScan projects have 
progressed extremely well during the year and keep 
Instem at the leading edge of this field of development.

Electronic Regulatory Submissions (SEND) – submit™

As highlighted in the half-year statement, the new 
business pipeline for both our software solutions and 
SEND (“Standard for the Exchange of Non-clinical Data”) 
data set conversion services continued to increase 
month-on-month during the year as the new electronic 
regulatory submission standard started to become 
mandatory in our client community.

Pleasingly, Instem continued to secure the 
overwhelming majority of all new business placed in 
this area, converting some of this into revenue in 2015 
with the balance contributing to the strong opening 
order backlog for 2016. We continue to believe that 
Instem’s submit™ software suite offers the most 
advanced product to meet the requirements of the SEND 
standard.

As a direct consequence of the increased demand for 
SEND, the Group further strengthened the submit™ 
development, sales and implementation teams during 
the year. In particular, two highly experienced market 
facing consultants were hired, both of whom have been 
key members on the SEND committee for over 10 years. 
We expect these consultants to gain further traction for 
submit™ during 2016 and beyond.

Market Overview

Citeline®, which claims to have the world’s most 
comprehensive source of real-time R&D intelligence 
for the pharmaceutical industry, recently reported that 
the global drug pipeline had increased by 11.5% in the 
past year with an additional 1,418 drugs added to the 
pipeline (993 were added in the previous year). The 
total number of companies with one or more drugs in 
the regulatory stages of development has now risen 
to 3,687, an increase of 12.2% on the previous year. 
This is the biggest increase ever in terms of numbers of 
companies and the second largest percentage-wise. 

Following the record growth recorded in 2014, 2015 
again represented the largest annual drug pipeline 
rise on record, in absolute terms, and there is further 
evidence that the global pharmaceutical market is still 
moving resources from late stage clinical development 
into early stage candidates in order to refill the R&D 
pipeline.

We believe this outcome-led service fits well with 
the ongoing restructuring across the pharmaceutical 

These drug development activities require specialist 
services and technologies, with a particular focus on 

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2015   

STRATEGIC REPORT

IT solutions, which enable organisations to reduce 
timelines, improve cost efficiencies and ensure they are 
able to meet ever-increasing regulatory demands. 

data warehouses to rapidly query data across drugs, 
companies, and clinical and non-clinical disciplines.

As a result, the US Food & Drug Administration has 
made it mandatory to use SEND for all related study 
submissions, starting with those run after December 
2016 that support the submission of a new drug 
application. The Directors believe that the annual total 
market spend on technology and services in respect of 
SEND will grow to approximately $150 million in 2019 
and we are looking to optimise Instem’s offering to all 
areas of this market.

Government and Academic Research

Funding for Government/Academic institutions 
undertaking later stages of life sciences research in 
North America, China and Europe continues to grow 
to cover gaps that are not sufficiently attractive to 
commercial enterprises. This enables them to invest 
in both study automation solutions and in innovative 
approaches to the process of R&D using novel scientific, 
informatics and big data approaches, providing another 
source of revenue for the majority of Instem’s solutions 
and services.

P J Reason
Chief Executive
26 April 2016

Preclinical Market

The 2016 pipeline shows increases at all phases of 
development, but the preclinical phase shows the 
largest rise, with the number of projects up by 13.2% as 
shown in the recent Citeline® report.

With increased preclinical study volume helping to 
create opportunities with their pharma sponsors, 
preclinical CROs continue to report strong demand 
in North America and increased demand in Europe 
and Japan in comparison with 2014. Consequently, 
numerous CROs have been adding or looking to add 
additional capacity organically or through acquisition.  
On 7th January 2016 Charles River Laboratories 
announced its intention to acquire WIL Research and 
public announcements have talked of continued growth 
and expansion following completion of the transaction.  
Both of these large CROs are heavily committed Instem 
clients and we expect the impact of the merger on 
Instem will become clearer during 2016. 

Early Stage Clinical Market 

The Citeline® report details significant growth in the 
clinical stage of drug development, with 2015 posting 
the largest increases in this decade in both Phase I 
(up by 190 drugs/11.4%) and Phase III (up by 146 
drugs/18.1%). The growth rate in Phase II slowed but is 
still at record levels (up by 110 drugs/5.1%). The Phase 
III figure is particularly encouraging, not just because it 
is showing significant growth, but also as these are the 
drugs, which should be feeding into the new release 
schedule for 2017 and 2018.

Opportunities continue to exist within the early stage 
clinical market for the deployment of Instem’s software 
solutions. These opportunities are resulting from an 
increasing recognition of the need to control data 
quality and integrity and because levels of automation 
within the early stage environment remain relatively 
modest.

SEND

The regulatory bodies’ preference for the electronic 
capture, storage and transfer of data for new drug 
submissions continues to grow and pharmaceutical 
organisations are seeking tools that can help them 
to prioritise suitable drug candidates utilising vast 
volumes of historic data, in addition to managing 
their compliance risk with the authorities. SEND was 
developed to speed up and enhance the review process 
for drug applications by developing electronic tools to 
analyse and visualise these submissions, and building 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     9

outlook

“Our products and services recorded significant 

year-on-year revenue growth during 2015 and 

we are pleased to report that we entered the new 

financial year with a strong forward order book.“

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2015   

Financial       
Review

Instem’s revenue model consists of perpetual licence 
income with annual support contracts, professional 
services fees, SaaS subscriptions and funded 
development initiatives. Total revenue for the twelve 
months to 31 December 2015 increased 22% to £16.3m 
compared with last year. Demand for our products and 
services from customers in all territories in which we 
operate continued to increase, reflecting increased levels 
of pharmaceutical R&D activity.

maximum payable of £5.0m. The total paid up until the 
end of 2015 was £4.1m, with the remaining balance of 
£0.7m to be paid in cash in two equal instalments in July 
2016 and July 2017. 

The Group claimed and received research and 
development tax credits during the year of £0.2m (2014: 
£0.1m).

Revenue growth during the year came from both new 
and existing customers and was driven primarily from 
increases in Provantis and ALPHADAS related business.

Total recurring revenue, from support contracts and 
SaaS based subscriptions, increased 9% during the year 
to £10.0m (2014: £9.2m), representing 62% of total 
revenue.  SaaS based revenue increased by 14% to 
£2.1m (2014: £1.8m).

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation increased 43% for the year to £2.5m. 
(2014: £1.7m).

Development costs incurred during the period was 
£1.9m (2014: £1.3m), of which £0.6m (2014: £0.3m) was 
capitalised.

Adjusted profit before tax (i.e. adjusting for the effect of 
foreign currency exchange on the revaluation of inter-
company balances included in finance income/(costs), 
non-recurring items and amortisation of intangibles 
on acquisitions) was £1.7m (2014: £1.1m).  The 
non-recurring charge of £1.4m, which was previously 
announced,  arose following the early agreement of 
the final deferred contingent consideration payment 
relating to the 2013 Instem Clinical (formerly Logos 
Technologies) acquisition after all profit targets were 
exceeded.  This resulted in a total consideration payment 
for the Logos business totalling £4.8m, in a mixture 
of cash and shares, slightly lower than the potential 

Basic and fully diluted earnings per share calculated on 
an adjusted basis were ahead of prior year by 58% and 
55% respectively. 

Net cash generated from operating activities was £2.5m 
(2014: £0.5m). The Group had net cash reserves of 
£2.2m at 31 December 2015, compared with £1.7m 
as at 31 December 2014, after making deferred 
contingent consideration cash payments for the 2013 
Instem Clinical acquisition amounting to £0.7m and 
one deferred contingent consideration payment in 
respect of the 2013 Perceptive Instruments acquisition 
of £0.3m.  In addition, a cash payment amounting to 
£0.3m was made to repay a Loan Note associated with 
the Instem Clinical acquisition. In line with 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.

The Group’s legacy defined benefit pension scheme has 
remained closed to new members since 2000 and to 
future accrual since 2008. It experienced an increase 
in the funding deficit during the year calculated in 
accordance with the provisions of IAS 19 that amounted 
to £0.3m (net of deferred tax).  This is a non-cash charge 
and was recognised in Other Comprehensive Income/
(Expense). The overall deficit at the year-end stood at 
£3.9m, represented by a fair value of assets of £7.9m 
and a present value of funded obligations of £11.8m. As 
part of the scheme’s triennial actuarial valuation as at 5 
April 2014, the Group agreed in June 2015 a schedule 
of payments to the scheme designed to eliminate the 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     11

The recently strengthened balance sheet provides 
opportunities to invest further in our core products and 
services, accelerate the development of new offerings 
such as KnowledgeScan and SEND submit™ and play 
a more significant role in consolidating the industry in 
which we operate.

We therefore look forward to the coming year with 
increasing confidence in terms of both improved 
operational progress and our financial performance.

N J Goldsmith
Chief Financial Officer
26 April 2016

FINANCIAL REVIEW

funding deficit by November 2023.  This involves an 
increase of £0.1m in the Group’s current payments to the 
scheme rising from £0.4m to £0.5m per annum from April 
2016.  

Post Balance Sheet Event 

As described in the Chairman’s Statement, following 
the post year-end fund raising, the Company received 
£5.0m before expenses to support organic growth and 
acquisition opportunities.

Principal 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 Group 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 a significant 
proportion of its revenue being earned in US Dollars, 
some of which is mitigated by operating costs incurred by 
its US operation.  The Group continually assesses the most 
appropriate approach to managing its currency exposure 
in line with the overall goal of achieving predictable 
earnings growth.

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 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 
2015, its £2.0m committed bank facility was undrawn 
(2014: £1.6m available).

Outlook 

Our core addressable markets continue to grow in terms 
of the number of potential customers and the absolute 
size. Our products and services recorded significant year-
on-year revenue growth during 2015 and we are pleased 
to report that we entered the new financial year with a 
strong forward order book.  Regulatory requirements and 
the enlarged drug R&D pipeline are expected to continue 
to stimulate demand for Instem’s solutions and services.

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2015   

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Gare
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
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
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 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
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 was founder and non-executive Chairman of Tikit Group plc prior to its disposal to BT plc in 2012. 

David Sherwin
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.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     13

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
STATEMENT

Given the size of the Group, the Board has decided to 
apply the Corporate Governance Code for Small and 
Mid-Size Quoted Companies as it seeks to maintain a 
strong governance ethos throughout the Group.  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 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 auditor 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:

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee comprises M F McGoun (Chairman), 
D Gare and D M 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 auditor of the 
Group (without any of the executives attending) at any 
time during the year as it deems fit. 

c. 

The Audit Committee:
a.  monitors the financial reporting and internal 
financial control principles of the Group;
b.  maintains appropriate relationships with the 
external auditor including considering the 
appointment and remuneration of the external 
auditor 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 
auditor including reviewing the external auditor’s 
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 
auditor;
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.

d. 

e. 

g. 

f. 

No. of meetings in the period / No. invited to attend

Board meetings

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Executive directors

P J Reason

N J Goldsmith

Non-Executive directors

D Gare

D M Sherwin

M F McGoun

14/14

14/14

14/14

14/14

14/14

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

0/0

2/2

2/2

2/2

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     15

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

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 Group; and
obtain, at the Group’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.

e. 

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

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

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee is authorised to:

The Remuneration Committee comprises M F McGoun 
(Chairman), D Gare and D M 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, in consultation with the 
Chairman of the Remuneration 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. 

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;

b. 

c. 

d.  demonstrates to the Group’s shareholders that the 
remuneration of the executive directors is set by an 
independent committee of the Board; and

16 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015   

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), M F McGoun and D M 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:
a. 

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;

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

Nomination Committee (continued)

c. 

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

d.  evaluates the balance of skills, knowledge and 

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

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

The Nomination Committee also makes 
recommendations to the Board concerning:
a. 

formulating plans for succession for both executive 
and non-executive directors and in particular 
the key roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief 
Executive 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 
recommendation for which would be considered at 
a meeting of the full Board.

f. 

b. 

c. 

The Nomination Committee is authorised to:
a. 

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 Group’s expense when 
the Nomination Committee reasonably believes it is 
necessary to do so; and

d. 

instruct external professional advisors to attend 
any meeting at the Group’s expense if the 
Nomination Committee considers this reasonably 
necessary and appropriate.

There were no Nomination Committee meetings held 
during the year.

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 revewed detailed 
projections which have been made for the 12 months 
following the approval of the financial statements.  This 
work gives the directors confidence that the Group has 
adequate resources to enable it to continue in operation 
for the foreseeable future. The Group has strong 
positive cash reserves, as well as a committed working 
capital facility of £2.0m which at 31 December 2015 
was undrawn. 

Following the end of the financial year, in February 
2016, the Group raised £5.0 million (before expenses) 
by way of a placing of 2,500,000 New Ordinary Shares 
with new and existing investors. The Group has, 
therefore, sufficient liquid assets to cover its day-to-day 
needs, in addition to its strong trading cash flow 
generation.

Accordingly the directors continue to adopt the going 
concern basis for the preparation of the financial 
statements.

On behalf of the Board

N J Goldsmith
Director and Company Secretary 
26 April 2016

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     17

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The directors submit their report and the Group and 
Company financial statements of Instem plc for the year 
ended 31 December 2015.

Instem plc is a public limited company, incorporated and 
domiciled in England, and quoted on AIM.

Principal Activities

Instem is a leading supplier of IT applications to the early 
development healthcare market, delivering compelling 
solutions for data collection, management and analysis 
across the R&D continuum. Instem applications are in use 
by customers worldwide, meeting the rapidly expanding 
needs of life science and healthcare organisations for data-
driven decision making leading to safer, more effective 
products.

Instem’s portfolio of software solutions increases client 
productivity by automating study-related processes while 
offering the unique ability to generate new knowledge 
through the extraction and harmonisation of actionable 
scientific information.

Review of the Business

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 Strategic Report.

Research and Development Activities

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

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

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

1.  Total number of customers

In 2015 the Group had in excess of 450 customers (2014: in 
excess of 400 customers) for continuing products.

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

Directors and their Interests

The interests of the directors who held office at 31 
December 2015 and up to the date of this report were as 
follows:

2.  Recurring revenue

The Group generates a substantial proportion of revenue 
from fees in respect of annual support, hosting and routine 
upgrade services. The value of these recurring fees in 2015 
was £10.0m (2014: £9.2m).

A more detailed review of the development and 
performance of the Group’s business during the year and its 
position at the end of the year is set out in the Chairman’s 
Statement, the Strategic Report and Financial Review on 
pages 5 to 12.

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 

2015

2014

No. of Shares

No. of Shares

D Gare

1,418,427

2,278,427

D M Sherwin

1,380,066

1,580,066

P J Reason

665,287

665,287

M F McGoun

36,786

14,286

N J Goldsmith

-

-

Directors’ interests in share options are detailed in the 
Remuneration report on page 20 to 21.

18 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015   

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Employee Involvement

Auditor

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. 

Pursuant to s489 of the Companies Act 2006, a 
resolution to re-appoint RSM UK Audit LLP (formally 
Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP) as auditor will be put to the 
members at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Political Donations

On behalf of the Board

P J Reason
Director                                                
26 April 2016

The Group made no political donations in 2015 or 2014.

Financial Instruments

The Group’s objectives and policies on financial 
instruments are set out in note 18 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 Group 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 Group 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 26 May 2016 at the offices of RSM UK Audit LLP, 
3 Hardman Street, Manchester, M3 3HF.  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. A proxy card for registered shareholders is 
distributed along with the notice.

Statement as to Disclosure of Information 
to Auditor

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 auditor is unaware.  Each of 
the directors has confirmed that they have taken all 
the steps that they ought to have taken as directors 
in order to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that it has been 
communicated to the auditor.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     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. Bonuses amounting to 
£0.03m were payable to executive directors in respect 
of the year ended 31 December 2015 (2014: £nil), were 
included in accruals at 31 December 2015 and were 
paid in February 2016.

Pensions

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

Benefits

Benefits comprise car and fuel allowance and private 
healthcare and critical illness cover.  No executive 
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 with notice 
periods between six and twelve months.

The Board determines the Group’s policy on 
non-executive directors’ remuneration.

D Gare, D M Sherwin and M F McGoun each have a 
contract that had an initial three year term commencing 
October 2010. These contracts were renewed in 
December 2013, each with a notice period of three 
months. Since October 2013 M F McGoun has been 
remunerated through a service company, Noble 
Adamson Limited.

Instem plc is a company listed on AIM and it 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.  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 M F 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 on two occasions.  Full 
details of the elements of each director’s remuneration 
are set out on page 21.  Details of share based payment 
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 Company’s 
overall performance and is designed to attract, retain 
and motivate executives of the right calibre.  The 
Committee is responsible for recommendations on 
all elements of executive remuneration including, in 
particular, basic salary, annual bonus, share options 
and any other incentive awards.  In implementing 
the remuneration policy, the Committee has regard 
to factors 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, 2015  

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

The emoluments paid to directors in the year ended 31 December 2015 were as follows: 

Salary
£000

Bonus
£000

Benefits
£000

Pension
£000

2015 Total
£000

2014 Total
£000

Executives

P J Reason

N J Goldsmith

Non-executives

D Gare

D M Sherwin

M F McGoun

158

102

44

24

24

Total

352

21

10

-

-

-

31

16

11

-

-

-

27

26

11

-

-

-

37

221

134

44

24

24

447

182

122

44

24

24

396

Directors’ and Employees’ Share Options

Exercise 
price(£)

Issue date

Held at 31 
Dec 2014

Granted 
during year

Exercised 
during year

Lapsed 
during year

Held at 31 
Dec 2015

P J Reason
Ordinary shares

1.750

13/10/2010

187,427

0.900

0.100

14/01/2013

23,429

29/07/2015

-

150,000

-

-

N J Goldsmith
Ordinary shares

2.215

29/11/2011

   40,000

1.760

0.900

07/02/2012

   20,000

14/01/2013

  15,000

-

-

-

0.100

29/07/2015

-

100,000

Employees
Ordinary shares

1.750

13/10/2010

304,568

2.220

2.220

1.115

0.900

0.100

0.100

0.100

03/03/2011

93,844

17/10/2011

14,667

23/10/2012

40,000

14/01/2013

61,397

11/02/2015

29/07/2015

21/11/2015

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

81,168

215,000

50,516

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(10,000)

-

-

-

-

Total

800,332

596,684

(10,000)

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

M F McGoun
Independent Non-Executive Director
26 April 2016

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

187,427

23,429

150,000

360,856

40,000

20,000

15,000

100,000

175,000

304,568

93,844

14,667

30,000

61,397

81,168

215,000

50,516

851,160

1,387,016

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     21

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 Strategic 
Report and 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 
irregularities.

22 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

                                      
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT to the members Of instem plc

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO 
THE MEMBERS OF INSTEM PLC

• 

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

We have audited the group and parent company 
financial statements (“the financial statements”) on 
pages 24 to 67.  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

A description of the scope of an audit of financial 
statements is provided on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at http://www.frc.org.uk/
auditscopeukprivate

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’s affairs as at 
31 December 2015 and of the group’s loss for the 
year then ended;
the group financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union;
the parent 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

• 

• 

Opinion on other matter prescribed by 
the Companies Act 2006

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

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.

Graham Bond FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of RSM UK AUDIT LLP 
(formerly Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP)
Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
3 Hardman Street
Manchester
M3 3HF 

26 April 2016

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015     23

  
 
 
Year ended
 31 December 
2015
£000

 Note

Restated
Year ended
 31 December 
2014
£000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the year ended 31 December 2015

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

REVENUE 

Operating expenses

Share based payment

EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXATION, DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION 

AND NON-RECURRING COSTS (‘EBITDA’)

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition

Amortisation of internally generated intangibles

PROFIT BEFORE NON-RECURRING COSTS

Non-recurring costs

(LOSS)/PROFIT AFTER NON-RECURRING COSTS AND BEFORE FINANCE COSTS

Finance income

Finance costs

(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

Taxation 

(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE

Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss account

Actuarial loss on retirement benefit obligations

Deferred tax on actuarial loss

Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss account

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR

(LOSS)/PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT COMPANY

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT 

Earnings per share from continuing operations

COMPANY

1

2

2

2

3

4

8

16,321

(13,553)

(263)

2,505

(156)

(640)

(376)

1,333

(1,426)

(93)

4

(272)

(361)

(67)

(428)

(339)

61

(278)

(24)

(302)

(730)

(428)

(730)

Basic

Diluted

22

22

(3.5p)

(3.5p)

24 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

13,429

(11,572)

(108)

1,749

(127)

(640)

(297)

685

(123)

562

9

(359)

212

(62)

150

(621)

124

(497)

34

(463)

(313)

150

(313)

1.2p

1.2p

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 DECEMBER 2015

2015

Restated

2014

Note

£000

£000

£000

£000

ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax assets

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Current tax payable

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

11

19

12

13

14

15

16

17

17

20

21

23

23

23

23

23

12,035

376

663

822

4,745

2,183

1,797

7,107

541

385

448

3,933

1,304

7,903

1,241

641

204

(4,680)

12,439

263

574

13,074

13,276

6,614

19,890

10,309

4,162

14,471

7,750

20,824

9,830

4,381

14,211

506

4,432

1,676

1,364

6,811

231

1,903

281

3,881

1,221

7,892

(326)

378

228

(3,974)

TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF 

THE PARENT

6,613

5,419

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

20,824

19,890

The financial statements on pages 24 to 67 were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 26 April 2016 
and are signed on its behalf by:

P J Reason 
Director   

N J Goldsmith
Director 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    25

 
 
 
 
 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 DECEMBER 2015

Note

2015           

2014

ASSETS

£000

£000

£000

£000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Investments

10

23,395

23,132

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

23,395

23,132

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

13

14

15

17

2,621

24

3,824

357

2,645

26,040

2,231

97

2,322

1,903

2,328

25,460

4,181

4,225

Financial liabilities

17

331

281

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

EQUITY 

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Shares to be issued

Retained earnings

21

23

23

23

23

1,304

7,903

12,875

641

(1,195)

331

4,512

281

4,506

1,221

7,892

11,308

378

155

TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

21,528

26,040

20,954

25,460

The financial statements on pages 24 to 67 were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 26 April 2016 
and are signed on its behalf by:

P J Reason 
Director   

N J Goldsmith
Director 

26 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 31 December 2015

2015

2014

Note

£000

£000

£000

£000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangibles 

Share based payment

Retirement benefit obligations

Finance income

Finance costs

Increase in deferred contingent consideration

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE MOVEMENTS IN 

WORKING CAPITAL  

Movements in working capital:

Increase in inventories

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase in trade, other payables and deferred income

CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

Finance costs

Income taxes

NET CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Finance income  received

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Payment of deferred contingent consideration

Repayment of capital of finance leases

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issue of share capital

Loan notes repaid

Finance lease interest

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) 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

14

(361)

156

1,016

263

(427)

(4)

272

1,361

(313)

(71)

493

(86)

205

4

(612)

(113)

(950)

(8)

12

(303)

(4)

212

127

937

108

(398)

(9)

359

-

2,276

1,336

(196)

(1,436)

743

(65)

100

9

(369)

(124)

(302)

-

-

-

-

109

2,385

119

2,504

(1,679)

(295)

530

1,676

(23)

2,183

(889)

447

35

482

(786)

-

(304)

2,053

(73)

1,676

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    27

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 31 December 2015

Note

£000

£000

£000

£000

2015

2014

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

(Loss)/profit before taxation

(1,350)

Adjustments for:

Finance income

Finance cost

Increase in deferred contingent consideration

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE 

MOVEMENTS IN WORKING CAPITAL  

Movements in working capital:

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase in trade and other payables

NET CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATING 

ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Finance income received

Payment of deferred consideration

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issue of share capital

Loan notes repaid

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

14

(5)

41

1,361

5

(950)

12

(303)

1

(6)

50

-

6

(302)

47

(390)

1,506

1,163

45

(988)

1,059

116

(945)

(296)

-

-

-

(180)

277

97

(291)

(73)

97

24

28 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY

Share 

capital

£000

Balance as at 1 January 2014

1,176

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/

(expense) for the year

Total comprehensive income/

(expense)

Shares issued

Share based payment

Balance as at 31 December 
2014

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive expense 

for the year

Total comprehensive expense

Shares issued

Share based payment

Share 

premium

£000

7,892

Merger

reserve

£000

(932)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

606

-

-

-

-

45

-

1,221

7,892

(326)

-

-

-

83

-

-

-

-

11

-

-

-

-

1,567

-

Shares to 

Translation

Retained 

be issued

reserve

earnings

£000

270

£000

194

£000

(3,627)

150

Total

 equity

£000

4,973

150

-

34

34

-

-

228

-

(24)

(24)

-

-

(497)

(463)

(347)

(313)

-

-

651

108

(3,974)

5,419

(428)

(278)

(706)

-

-

(428)

(302)

(730)

1,661

263

-

-

-

-

108

378

-

-

-

-

263

641

Balance as at 31 December 
2015

1,304

7,903

1,241

204

(4,680)

6,613

Shares to 

be issued

Retained 

earnings

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY

Share 

capital

£000

Balance as at 1 January 2014

1,176

Profit for the year

Shares issued

Share based payment

-

45

-

Share 

premium

£000

7,892

-

-

-

Merger

reserve

£000

10,702

-

606

-

Balance as at 31 December 2014

1,221

7,892

11,308

Loss for the year

Shares issued

Share based payment                                                           

-

83

-

-

11

-

-

1,567

-

Balance as at 31 December 2015

1,304

7,903

12,875

£000

270

-

-

108

378

-

-

263

641

Total

 equity

£000

20,074

121

651

108

20,954

(1,350)

1,661

263

£000

34

121

-

-

155

(1,350)

-

-

(1,195)

21,528

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    29

accounting policies

GENERAL INFORMATION
The principal activity of the Group is the provision of world 
class IT solutions to the early development healthcare market.   
Instem’s solutions for data collection, management and analysis 
are used by customers worldwide, to meet the needs of life 
science and healthcare organisations for data-driven decision 
making leading to safer, more effective products.  Instem plc is a 
public listed company, listed on AIM and incorporated in England 
and Wales under the Companies Act 2006 and domiciled in 
England and Wales.  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 (IFRS) and IFRS 
Interpretation Committee (IFRIC) interpretations as adopted 
by the EU 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 2010 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.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical 
cost basis.

The presentation of the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income has changed from the previous audited 
financial statements.  The change includes the depreciation 
charge being presented on the face of the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income rather than being included 
in operating expenses.  The change has been made to provide 
clarity in the calculation of earnings before interest, taxation, 
depreciation and non-recurring costs (EBITDA).

The presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position has changed from the previous audited financial 
statements.  The change is to show deferred income on the face 
of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position rather than 
being included in trade and other payables.

It is the opinion of the directors that the above changes are 
considered more appropriate to the readers and users to better 
understand the performance and position of the Group.

The Company has taken advantage of the audit exemption 
for three of its non-trading subsidiaries Instem Life Science 
Systems Limited (company number 04339129), Instem Scientific 
Solutions Limited (company number 03598020) and Logos 
Technologies Limited (company number 05836842), by virtue 
of s479A of Companies Act 2006.  The Company has provided 
parent guarantees to these three subsidiaries which have taken 
advantage of the exemption from audit. Under this guarantee, 
the company has a contingent liability of £9.0m.

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 £1,350,000 (2014: 
profit of £121,000).

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, and its subsidiary undertakings 
made up to 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014.

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 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 an 
asset or a liability is re-measured at subsequent reporting dates 
with the corresponding gain or loss being recognised in profit 
or loss. Contingent consideration is recognised initially at fair 
value and subsequently carried at amortised cost; the difference 
between the gross amount and the fair value is recognised in the 
income statement over the period in which the liability is settled 
using the effective interest method.

GOING CONCERN
The financial position of the Group, its cash flows and liquidity 
position are set out in the primary statements within 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 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 committed working capital facility is in place 
to support the Group’s working capital needs. The Group had 

30 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

accounting policies

net current assets (excluding deferred income) of £5.0m at 31 
December 2015 (2014: £3.1m).  The deferred income recurs 
each year on renewal of contracts, and in general the Group has 
either received the cash or has raised invoices for the services. 
The Group has strong positive cash reserves, as well as a 
committed working capital facility of £2.0m referred to above 
which, at 31 December 2015 was undrawn. 

Following the end of the financial year, in February 2016, the 
Group raised £5.0 million (before expenses) by way of a placing 
of 2,500,000 New Ordinary Shares with new and existing 
investors. The Group has, therefore, sufficient liquid assets to 
cover its day-to-day needs, in addition to its strong trading cash 
flow generation.

Accordingly the directors continue to adopt the going concern 
basis for the preparation of the financial statements.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Group follows the principles of IAS 18 ‘Revenue 
Recognition’, in determining appropriate revenue recognition 
principles.  In general, 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, SaaS 
subscription, installation, training, and 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.

Revenue from licence based products is recognised when the 
risks and rewards of ownership of the product are transferred 
to the customer i.e. when licence keys are delivered to the 
customer, the sales price is fixed and determinable and 
collectability is reasonably assured.  

Revenue from software maintenance, SaaS 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 amounts recoverable on contracts.

EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXATION, DEPRECIATION, 
AMORTISATION AND NON-RECURRING COSTS (‘EBITDA’)
Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation 
and non-recurring costs (EBITDA) is profit/(loss) arising from 
the Group’s normal trading activities stated before depreciation, 
amortisation, non-recurring costs, finance income and finance 
costs, and shown in this way to provide a clearer measure of 
underlying operating performance.

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

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

FOREIGN CURRENCIES 
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign 
exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction.  Monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at 
the reporting date are translated at the foreign exchange rate 
ruling at that date.  Foreign exchange differences arising on 
translation are recognised in 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, 
or otherwise at the exchange rate ruling at the date of each 
transaction.

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.

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

Instem plc

Sterling (GBP)

Instem Life Science Systems Limited 

Sterling (GBP)

Instem LSS Limited

Sterling (GBP)

Instem LSS (North America) Limited

US Dollars (USD)

Instem LSS Asia Limited

Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)

Instem Information Systems (Shanghai) 
Limited

Renminbi (RMB)

Instem Scientific Limited

Sterling (GBP)

Instem Scientific Solutions Limited

Sterling (GBP)

Instem Scientific Inc

US Dollars (USD)

Instem India Pvt Limited

Indian Rupees (INR)

Instem Clinical Holdings Limited

Sterling (GBP)

Instem Clinical Limited

Sterling (GBP)

Instem Clinical Inc

US Dollars (USD)

Logos Technologies Limited

Sterling (GBP)

Perceptive Instruments Limited

Sterling (GBP)

Instem Japan K.K

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    31

accounting policies

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

US Dollar 
(USD)

Hong Kong 
Dollar (HKD)

Chinese Renminbi
(RMB)

Indian Rupee
(INR)

Japanese
Yen (JPY)

Average rate for year ended 31 December 2014

1.6470

Closing rate at 31 December 2014

1.5562

Average rate for year ended 31 December 2015

1.5283

Closing rate at 31 December 2015

1.4941

12.7733

12.0780

11.8503

11.5809

10.1437

100.5207

9.6686

9.5010

9.6767

99.0440

97.8763

98.9288

-

-

179.712

185.080

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
Net finance costs include interest payable, exchange losses on 
the translation of inter-company funding balances, unwinding 
discount from future deferred consideration payments, finance 
charges on finance leases and net interest on pension scheme 
liabilities.  Interest payable is recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income as it accrues, using the effective interest 
method.

LEASING
Where assets are 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 the statement of 
comprehensive income.

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

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 Binomial, Monte Carlo or 
Black Scholes models.  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. Market vesting conditions are linked to the 
Group’s share price performance relative to the performance of 
the AIM All share index. Non-market vesting conditions are linked 
to trading performance and service over defined time periods.

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.

Income tax credits for research and development activities are 
recognised on a cash basis or when their receipt is reasonably 
certain.

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

Deferred tax is recognised for all taxable temporary differences, 
except to the extent where it arises from the initial recognition 
of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business 
combination.  Deferred tax assets are recognised only to 

32 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

accounting policies

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. 

Intellectual Property, Customer Relationships and Patents
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 
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 the statement of comprehensive income.  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 of Instem 
plc, 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 three 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.

Internally generated intangible assets 
Expenditure on research activities is recognised in the statement 
of comprehensive income 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:

• 

• 

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.

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

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

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT 
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 a straight line basis as follows:

Short leasehold property 
IT hardware and software 

-     Over term of lease 
-     12½% - 33% 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 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 the 
statement of comprehensive income.

IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS EXCLUDING GOODWILL
The carrying value of property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets (excluding goodwill) is reviewed for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the 
carrying value may not be recoverable.  

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.

• 
• 

• 

• 

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 

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.  

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    33

accounting policies

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.

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

INVENTORY 
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  
The cost of work in progress comprises direct labour and other 
direct costs and includes billable employee expenses.  

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

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 Group has a legal right of off-set.

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

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

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

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

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 the 
statement of comprehensive income 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.  

Derivative financial instruments
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to foreign currency 
risk.  The Group uses forward contracts to hedge this exposure 
however none are held at 31 December 2015.

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 total of 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.

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 the statement of 
comprehensive income.

The rate used to discount the benefit obligations is based on 

34 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

accounting policies

market yields for high quality corporate bonds with terms and 
currencies consistent with those of the benefit obligations.

ADOPTION OF IFRS
The Group and Company financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with IFRS, IAS and International 
Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRICs) effective 
as at 31 December 2015.  The Group and Company have not 
chosen to adopt any amendments or revised standards early.

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.  

IAS 1 ‘Presentation of financial statements’ – effective 1 January 
2016

IFRS 10  ‘Consolidated financial statements’ – effective 1 
January 2016

IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’ – effective 1 
January 2016

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ effective – 1 
January 2018

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ effective – 1 January 2018

IAS 27 ‘Equity method in separate financial statements’ 
(Amended) – effective 1 January 2016

IAS 16 and IAS 38 ‘Clarification of acceptable methods of 
depreciation and amortisation’ (Amendments) – effective 1 
January 2016

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ effective – 1 January 2019

The directors are currently reviewing the implications of IFRS 15 
‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ and IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ 
to consider the implications on the financial statements.  The 
directors do not believe that the other above standards will have 
a material impact on the financial statements.

IFRSs ADOPTED IN THE YEAR
The following IFRSs, IASs and IFRICs have been adopted for 
the first time in the year:  As expected their adoption has not had 
a material impact on these financial statements.

IAS 19 ‘Defined Benefit Plans’ – Employee Contributions – 
(Amended) – effective 1 February 2015

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    35

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

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. 

INFORMATION BY PRODUCT TYPE

Licence fees

Annual support fees

SaaS subscription fees

Professional services

Funded development initiatives

INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

United Kingdom

Rest of Europe

USA and Canada

Rest of World

INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

United Kingdom

USA and Canada

Rest of World

REVENUE

2014

£000

2,734

6,984

1,822

1,763

126

2015

£000

4,612

7,383

2,076

2,042

208

16,321

13,429

REVENUE

2015

£000

2,004

3,592

9,429

1,296

2014

£000

2,141

2,699

7,583

1,006

16,321

13,429

NON-CURRENT ASSETS EXCLUDING DEFERRED TAXATION

2015

£000

12,331

39

41

12,411

2014

£000

12,664

16

22

12,702

Major customers

No customer represents more than 10% of Group revenue in 2015 or 2014.

36 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

 
       
  
  
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

2. 

(Loss)/Profit from Operations

(Loss)/Profit from operations includes the following significant items:

Depreciation and amounts written off property, plant and equipment:

 Charge for the year:

   Owned assets

  Leased assets

Amortisation of intangible assets

Research and development costs

Operating lease rentals: 

Plant and machinery

Land and buildings

Amounts payable to  RSM 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 

RSM UK Audit LLP or its associates

Other services:

Audit related assurance services

Taxation services - Compliance

Taxation services - Advisory

2015

£000

137

19        

1,016

1,302

3

365

16

51

11

12

10

100

2014

£000

127

-

937

1,026

4

252

16

43

21

15

31

126

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    37

    
    
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

2. 

(Loss)/Profit from Operations (continued)

The following table analyses the nature of expenses:

Staff costs (see note 5)

Operating lease rentals

Software maintenance charges

Licence costs 

2015

£000

8,666

368

318

593

2014

£000

7,536

256

374

188

Other expenses

3,608

3,218

Total cost of sales, distribution costs, administrative expenses 

and other operating expenses

13,553

11,572

Non-recurring costs

The 2015 non-recurring charge of £1.4m arose following the early agreement of the final deferred contingent consideration relating to 
the 2013 acquisition of Instem Clinical (formerly Logos Technologies) after all profit targets were exceeded.  

The 2014 non-recurring charge included a net charge of £0.06m relating to a trade dispute, net of insurance proceeds of £0.09m, and 
£0.07m of professional fees associated with the Perceptive Instruments acquisition in 2013.

38 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

3.  Finance Income

Bank interest

Bank loans and overdrafts

Unwinding discount

Net interest charge on pension scheme

Foreign exchange losses

Finance lease interest

2015

£000

4

2015

£000

86

36

140

6

4

272

2014

£000

9

2014

£000

65

46

152

96

-

359

4.  Finance Costs

5.  Employees

Average monthly number (including non-executive directors)

By role:

Directors, administration and supervision

Software design, sales and customer service

Employment costs:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

2015

Number

2014

Number

40

118

158

2015

£000

7,421

636

609

8,666

42

98

140

2014

£000

6,382

590

564

7,536

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    39

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

6.  Share Based Payment

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 at the date of grant. The contractual life is generally ten years from the date of grant. 
Options generally become exercisable after three years. Certain options issued to directors and senior employees carry market based 
performance conditions. 

Outstanding at the beginning of the year

Granted

Lapsed

Number

800,332

596,684

-

Exercised 

(10,000)

Outstanding at end of the year 

1,387,016

Exercisable at 31 December 

1,227,191

2015

2014

Weighted 

average exercise 

price (£)

1.71

0.10

-

1.12

1.02

1.01

Number

807,839

-

(7,507)

-

800,332

640,507

Weighted 

average exercise 

price (£)

1.71

-

2.22

-

1.71

1.86

The options outstanding at 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 had exercise prices of £0.10, £0.90, £1.115, £1.75, £1.76 and 
£2.22 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 7 years 1 month (2014: 6 years 4 months).

A charge of £0.3m (2014: £0.1m) arose in respect of share based payment.

New options are valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The fair market value of option awards granted during the year 
has been estimated using the following key assumptions – note there were no options granted during 2014:

Average exercise price

Average market price

Average vesting period (years)

Expected volatility

Option life (years)

Expected life

Risk free rate

Expected dividend yield

Expected lapse rate

Fair value of options

2015

0.10

2.04

3

20.6

10

3

2.0

-

-

1.95

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 546,599 shares (2014: 556,599 shares) incorporate a market performance condition based on the Company’s share 
price.  Options over 596,684 shares (2014: nil) incorporate a condition based on the performance of either the Group or the individual 
performance of a subsidiary.

The fair value of options granted in the year is £1.1m (2014: £nil).

40 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

7.  Directors’ Emoluments

Amounts payable by Instem plc:

Emoluments*

Amounts payable by subsidiary companies:

Emoluments

Money purchase pension contributions

Total emoluments

2015

£000

92

318

37

447

2014

£000

92

269

35

396

2015

Number

2014

Number

Number of directors to whom retirement benefits

are accruing under:

Defined contribution schemes

2

2

* The above emoluments include £24,000 (2014: £24,000) paid to third parties as shown in note 26.

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

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    41

                                                           
                                                           
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

8.  Taxation                 

Income taxes recognised in profit or loss

Current tax:

UK corporation tax on (loss)/profit of the year

Foreign tax

Foreign tax in respect of previous years

Adjustments in respect of previous years

Adjustments in respect of R&D tax credit

Total current tax

Deferred tax:

Current year credit

Adjustments in respect of previous years

Retirement benefit obligation

Effects of domestic tax rate change on opening balances

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:

(Loss)/profit before tax

(Loss)/profit before tax multiplied by standard rate of 

corporation tax in the UK 20.25% (2014: 21.5%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Fixed asset temporary differences

Differences in overseas tax rates

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Effects of domestic tax rate change on opening balances

Adjustment in respect of R&D tax credit

Other temporary differences

Tax losses utilised

Total income tax expense recognised in  consolidated 

statement of comprehensive income

2015

£000

98

411

(302)

61

(173)

95

(315)

179

52

56

(28)

67

2015

£000

(361)

(73)

341

17

113

(62)

56

(173)

(152)

-

67

2014

£000

-

272

239

(171)

(92)

248

(30)

(103)

(53)

-

(186)

62

2014

£000

212

46

33

(9)

109

(35)

-

-

-

(82)

62

The reduction in the applicable tax rate is due to legislation included in the Finance Act 2013 to reduce the main rate of UK corporation 
tax from 23% to 21% from 1 April 2014 and to 20% from 1 April 2015.  The tax rate which has been substantively enacted as at 31 
December 2015 is 18% in respect of periods from 1 April 2020.

42 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

9. 

Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Software 

property 

relationships

Patents

Group

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Intellectual 

Customer 

Cost

At 1 January 2014

9,387

1,893

2,222

957

Additions from continuing 

operations

Additions from  acquisitions in 

the prior period

-

120

369

-

-

-

At 31 December 2014

9,507

2,262

2,222

Additions from continuing 

operations

-

612

-

At 31 December 2015

9,507

2,874

2,222

Amounts written off 

At 1 January 2014

Amortisation expense

At 31 December 2014

Amortisation expense

At 31 December 2015

Net book value

-

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2014

9,507

At 31 December 2015

9,507

772

297

1,069

375

1,444

1,193

1,430

604

445

1,049

444

1,493

1,173

729

-

-

957

-

957

206

191

397

192

589

560

368

21

-

-

21

-

21

11

4

15

5

20

6

1

Total

£000

14,480

369

120

14,969

612

15,581

1,593

937

2,530

1,016

3,546

12,439

12,035

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortisation within Software includes internally generated and externally acquired 
elements.  The cost of internally generated software amounts to £2.9m (2014: £2.3m) with accumulated amortisation of £1.4m (2014: 
£1.1m).  Software additions for the year include £580,000 relating to internal development (2014: £312,000).

The additions from acquisitions in the prior period in 2014 of £120,000 arose from deferred income in Perceptive Instruments Limited 
not previously recognised on initial acquisition.

Impairment of goodwill

Goodwill amounting to £5.858m (2014: £5.858m) relates to a cash generating unit (CGU), being the Instem business acquired on the 
management buyout of Instem LSS Limited on 27 March 2002.  Goodwill amounting to £0.498m (2014: £0.498m), relates to a CGU, 
being the BioWisdom Limited (now Instem Scientific Limited) business acquired on 3 March 2011.  Goodwill amounting to £2.482m 
(2014: £2.482m), relates to a CGU, being the Logos Holdings Limited (now Instem Clinical Holdings Limited) business acquired on 
10 May 2013.  Goodwill amounting to £0.669m (2014: £0.669m) relates to a CGU, being the Perceptive Instruments Limited business 
acquired on 21 November 2013.

During the period, goodwill was tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets”.  The recoverable amount of 
the CGU exceeded the carrying amounts of goodwill.  The recoverable amount for each of the CGU has been measured using a value-
in-use calculation and as such no impairment was deemed necessary.  

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 cash 
flows from approved forecasts for two years which have been extrapolated to cover a period of five years, and then a terminal value 
calculated using the Gordon Growth Model, to take account of the software development cycle and the high percentage of recurring 
revenues from the customer base. At 31 December 2015 a pre-tax discount rate of 8.9% (2014: 11.1%) was used in the value-in-use 
calculation based on the Group’s cost of capital.

Projected cash flows were based on detailed profit and cashflow projections through to 2017 with a 2.5% assumption of growth beyond 
2017.  The projections were based on reasonable assumptions in respect of business growth rates, payroll and other cost increases and 
related cashflow impacts.  No indication of impairment was found when assumptions of growth of 2.5% beyond 2017 were used.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    43

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

9. 

Intangible Assets (continued)

The recoverable amount of the Instem LSS CGU exceeds the carrying amount of this CGU by 236%, for the Instem Scientific CGU 
by 662%, for Instem Clinical CGU by 378% and, Perceptive Instruments CGU by 428%. The directors consider the discount rate and 
revenues to be the most sensitive assumptions used in the impairment reviews.  An additional increase in the discount rate of 40%, 
or a reduction in certain revenues of in excess of 3%, would result in the recoverable amount of the Instem LSS CGU being equal 
to its carrying amount. An additional increase of 79% in the Instem Scientific discount rate, or a reduction in revenues of 22% would 
result in the recoverable amount of the CGU being equal to its carrying amount. An additional increase of 54% in the Instem Clinical 
discount rate, or a reduction in revenues of 10% would result in the recoverable amount of the CGU being equal to its carrying amount. 
An additional increase of 59% in the Perceptive Instruments discount rate, or a reduction in revenues of 12% would result in the 
recoverable amount of the CGU being equal to its carrying amount. 

Amortisation expenses are disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

10.  Investments

Company

Cost at beginning of year

Additions

At end of year

£000

23,132

263

23,395

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

Company

Activity

Ownership

Instem Life Science Systems Limited 

(company number 04339129)

Holding Company

100% by Instem plc

England and Wales

Instem LSS Limited 

(company number 03548215)

England and Wales

Instem LSS (North America) Limited 

Software development, sales, sales support and 

administrative support

(company number 02126697)

Sales, sales support and administrative support

England and Wales

Instem LSS (Asia) Limited 

(company number 1371107)

Hong Kong

Holding Company

Instem Information Systems (Shanghai) Limited

(company number 310115400257075)

Sales, sales support and service

Shanghai, PRC

Instem Scientific Limited 
(company number 03861669)

England and Wales

Instem Scientific Solutions Limited 

(company number 03598020)

England and Wales

Instem Scientific Inc.

USA

Leading provider of software solutions for 
extracting intelligence from R&D related 

healthcare data

Dormant

Leading provider of software solutions for 

extracting intelligence from R&D related 

healthcare data

100% by Instem Life 

Science Systems 

Limited

100% by Instem LSS 

Limited

100% by Instem LSS 

Limited

100% by Instem LSS 

(Asia) Limited

100% by Instem plc

100% by Instem 

Scientific Limited

100% by Instem 

Scientific Limited

44 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

10.  Investments (continued)

Company

Activity

Instem India Pvt Limited

(company number U73100MH2012FTC231951)

Software development

Ownership

99.9% by Instem LSS 

Limited

0.1% by Instem LSS 

(NA) Limited

100% by Instem plc

Holding of intellectual property

rights and investment in group

companies

Provision of electronic data capture and clinical 

100% by Instem 

management solutions to the pharmaceutical 

Clinical Holdings 

industry

Limited

Provision of electronic data capture and clinical 

100% by Instem 

management solutions to the pharmaceutical 

Clinical Holdings 

industry

Dormant

Limited

100% by Instem 

Clinical Holdings 

Limited

Development, manufacture and supply of 

software and hardware products for in vitro 

study data collection and study management 

100% by Instem plc

in the genetic toxicology, microbiology and 

immunology markets 

India

Instem Clinical Holdings Limited

(company number 05840032)

England and Wales

Instem Clinical Limited

(company number 06959053)

England and Wales

Instem Clinical Inc.

USA

Logos Technologies Limited

(company number 05836842)

England and Wales

Perceptive Instruments Limited

(company number 02498351)

England and Wales

Instem Japan K.K

(company number 0104-01-120355)

Sales, sales support and service

Japan

100% by Instem LSS 

Limited

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    45

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

11.  Property, Plant and Equipment

Group

Cost 

At 1 January 2014

Additions

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2014

Additions

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2015

Depreciation

At 1 January 2014

Depreciation expense

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2014

Depreciation expense

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2015

Net book value

At 31 December 2014

At 31 December 2015

Short leasehold 

IT hardware & 

property

£000

software

£000

14

60

-

74

-

-

74

8

17

1

26

17

(2)

41

48

33

1,821

64

4

1,889

266

2

2,157

1,562

110

2

1,674

139

1

1,814

215

343

Total

£000

1,835

124

4

1,963

266

2

2,231

1,570

127

3

1,700

156

(1)

1,855

263

376

IT hardware and software includes assets with a net book value of £134,000 (2014: £nil) held under finance lease. The depreciation on 
these assets during the year was £19,000 (2014: £nil).

46 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

12.  Inventories

Group

Raw materials

Work in progress

Total gross inventories

13. Trade and Other Receivables

Group

Trade receivables

Amounts recoverable on contracts

Prepayments and accrued income

Company

Amounts owed by group companies

Other receivables   

2015

£000

14

808

822

2015

£000

822

2015

£000

2,788

1,395

562

4,745

2,589

32

2,621

2014

£000

21

485

506

2014

£000

506

2014

£000

2,705

1,257

470

4,432

2,214

17

2,231

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:

Group

At beginning of year

Charge for the year

At end of year

2015

£000

23

209

232

2014

£000

-

23

23

The average credit period taken on sale is 57 days (2014: 38 days). No interest has been charged on overdue receivables.

Before accepting any new significant 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.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    47

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

13. Trade and Other Receivables (continued)

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

Group

2014

Current

0-30 

days

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

Total

Debt age

Trade receivables/Amounts recoverable 

on contracts

Value (£000)

%

3,359

85

470

12

45

1

88

2

3,962

100

Group

2015

Current

0-30 

days

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

Total

Debt age

Trade receivables/Amounts recoverable 

on contracts

Value (£000)

%

3,711

89

344

8

17

-

111

3

4,183

100

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivables mentioned above. The 
Group does not hold any collateral as security.

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

Group

Sterling

Euro

US Dollar

Renminbi

Other

2015

£000

1,815

162

2,452

270

46

4,745

2014

£000

1,713

341

2,162

202

14

4,432

48 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

14.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Group

Cash at bank

Bank overdraft 

Company

Cash at bank

2015

£000

11,181

(8,998)

2,183

24

2014

£000

10,674

(8,998)

1,676

97

The Group’s committed overdraft facility has a net limit of £2,000,000 and a gross limit of £9,000,000.  Interest is charged on the bank 
overdraft at 2.75% above base rate.  The bank overdraft is secured by fixed and floating charges over certain of the Group’s assets.  
The bank facility is reviewed in April each year.

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, in respect of the Group’s overdraft facility.

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

Group

Sterling

Euro

US Dollar

Renminbi

Other

Company

Sterling

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

15.  Trade and Other Payables

Group - Current

Trade payables

Other taxation and social security costs

Accruals

Company - Current

Trade payables

Amounts owed to group companies

Accruals

2015

£000

(407)

201

1,529

831

29

2,183

24

2015

£000

487

186

1,124

1,797

37

3,773

14

3,824

2014

£000

(367)

153

1,035

842

13

1,676

97

Restated

2014

£000

416

203

745

1,364

16

2,270

36

2,322

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    49

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

15. Trade and Other Payables (continued)

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

Group

Sterling

US Dollar

Renminbi

Other

Company

Sterling

2015

£000

1,088

677

20

12

1,797

3,824

Restated

2014

£000

1,013

319

32

-

1,364

2,322

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to fair value due to their short maturities.  

The age profile of the trade and other payables for the Group at the year-end was as follows:

Group

2014

Trade and other payables (£000)

%

Group

2015

Trade and other payables (£000)

%

16.  Current Taxation

Current

1,284

94

Current

1,700

95

0-30 

days

48

4

0-30 

days

56

3

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

7

-

25

2

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

6

-

35

2

Total

1,364

100

Total

1,797

100

The Group current tax payable of £541,000 (2014: £231,000) represents the amount of income taxes payable in respect of current and 
prior years. 

The Company current tax payable is nil (2014: £nil). 

17.  Financial Liabilities

Group and Company

Less than 

One to 

More than 

2014

Deferred contingent consideration

Loan note 

Group

2015

Deferred consideration

Finance lease liabilities 

Total
£000

1,881

303

2,184

Total

£000

688

145

833

one year
£000

two years
£000

two years
£000

1,600

303

1,903

281

-

281

-

-

-

Less than 

One to 

More than 

one year

two years

two years

£000

£000

£000

357

28

385

331

29

360

-

88

88

50 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

17.  Financial Liabilities (continued)

Company

Less than 

One to 

More than 

2015

Deferred consideration

Total

£000

688

one year

two years

two years

£000

357

£000

331

£000

-

Deferred contingent consideration

The deferred contingent consideration relates to the acquisition of Instem Clinical Holdings Limited.  The carrying value of the deferred 
contingent consideration for Instem Clinical Holdings Limited has been discounted by an appropriate rate to take account of the time 
to maturity.  The deferred contingent consideration is now fixed and has no further future performance criteria and there are no further 
contingencies as at 31 December 2015.  Further details are provided in note 18.

Loan note

A loan note amounting to £298,000 was issued during 2014 as part of the deferred contingent consideration payable for the 
acquisition of Instem Clinical Holdings Limited. The six month note accrued interest at 4% and the total due of £303,000, including 
interest, was paid in full in January 2015.

Finance lease liabilities

Minimum lease payments

Present value of minimum 

lease payment

31 December 

31 December 

31 December 

31 December 

2015

2014

2015

2014

Not later than one year

Later than one year and not later than five years

Later than five years

Less future finance charges

Present value of minimum lease payments

36

126

-

162

(17)

145

-

-

-

-

-

-

28

117

-

145

-

145

-

-

-

-

-

-

18. 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 deferred consideration) under IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’.

The tables on the following pages analyse recurring assets and liabilities carried at fair value.  The different levels are defined as follows:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement 
date.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    51

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

18. Financial Instruments (continued)

2014

Group and Company

Level 1

£000

Level 2

£000

Deferred contingent consideration

-

-

2015

Group and Company

Level 1

£000

Deferred consideration

-

-

-

-

Level 2

£000

(688)

(688)

Level 3

£000

(1,881)

(1,881)

Level 3

£000

-

-

Total

£000

(1,881)

(1,881)

Total

£000

(688)

(688)

The Group and Company’s policy is to recognise transfers out of Level 3 as at the event or change in circumstances that caused the 
transfer.

The following table shows a reconciliation from the opening balances as at 1 January 2015 to the closing balances as at 31 December 
2015 for Level 3 fair value measurements in respect of both the Group and Company.

Balance as at 1 January 2015

Cash consideration

Consideration through share issue

Unwinding discount

Change in fair value

Transfer to Level 2

Balance as at 31 December 2015

Deferred contingent 

consideration

£000

1,881

(950)

(650)

34

1,401

(1,716)

-

The Level 3 fair value of deferred contingent consideration in prior years was valued with reference to the agreement on 10 May 2013 
to acquire Logos Holdings Limited (now called Instem Clinical).  This agreement included deferred contingent consideration which 
was based on the acquired company performance between acquisition date and 30 April 2017.  The fair value therefore included an 
assessment and forecast of company performance for these periods.  During the year the acquired company exceeded expectations.

The change in fair value of £1,401,000 was realised upon the agreement on 1 December 2015 between the Directors and the vendors 
of Instem Clinical to crystallise the remaining deferred consideration and eliminate all future contingent consideration and agree a fixed 
settlement of £1.7m.  The Group satisfied £1.0m of this settlement through a share issue on 4 December 2015 and the remaining £0.7m 
deferred consideration is Level 2 and is due to be settled in 2016 and 2017.

52 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

18. Financial Instruments (continued)

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.  

Over the longer term, changes in foreign exchange could have an impact on consolidation of foreign subsidiaries earnings.  A 
10% decrease in the value of Sterling against the US dollar would have resulted in an increase in the Group’s profit before tax by 
approximately £0.3m.

Interest rate risk 

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

The Group’s 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.  Currency transfers have been utilised to maximise the interest gains whilst 
minimising foreign exchange risks.

As at 31 December 2015 indications are that the UK bank base interest rate will not materially differ from 0.5% over the next 12 
months.  On the basis of the floating net cash position at 31 December 2015 and assuming no other changes occur (such as 
material 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). 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    53

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

18. Financial Instruments (continued)

2014

Group

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred contingent consideration

Loan note

2015

Group

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred consideration

Finance lease

2014

Company

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred contingent consideration

Loan note

2015

Company

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred consideration

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

-

(303)

(303)

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

-

(145)

(145)

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

-

(303)

(303)

Fixed

 rate

£000

-

-

-

-

-

Floating

Non-interest 

 rate

£000

-

1,676

-

-

-

1,676

bearing

£000

3,962

-

(1,161)

(1,881)

-

920

Floating

Non-interest 

 rate

£000

-

2,183

-

-

-

2,183

bearing

£000

4,183

-

(1,611)

(688)

-

1,884

Floating

Non-interest 

 rate

£000

bearing

£000

-

97

-

-

-

97

2,231

-

(2,322)

(1,881)

-

(1,972)

Floating

Non-interest 

 rate

£000

bearing

£000

-

24

-

-

24

2,621

-

(3,824)

(688)

(1,891)

Total

£000

3,962

1,676

(1,161)

(1,881)

(303)

2,293

Total

£000

4,183

2,183

(1,611)

(688)

(145)

3,922

Total

£000

2,231

97

(2,322)

(1,881)

(303)

(2,178)

Total

£000

2,621

24

(3,824)

(688)

(1,867)

54 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

18. Financial Instruments (continued)

Credit risk

Management aims 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 generates external revenue from no customers which individually amount to more than 10% of the Group revenue (2014: 
nil).  

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 13 sets out the impairment provision for credit losses on trade receivables and the ageing analysis of overdue trade receivables.  
There were 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 2015, its £2.0m committed bank 
facility was undrawn (2014: £1.6m available).

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

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    55

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

19.  Deferred Tax

Group

Deferred tax assets

 Amounts due to be recovered within 12 months

 Amounts due to be recovered after 12 months

Total deferred tax

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

At beginning of the year

Net credit to income for the year

Net credit to equity

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Effect of domestic tax rate change on opening balances

At end of the year

2015

£000

-

663

663

2015

£000

574

263

61

(179)

(56)

663

2014

£000

-

574

574

2014

£000

388

83

-

103

-

574

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

Accelerated 

tax 

Retirement 

benefit 

Other 

timing 

depreciation

Tax losses

obligations

differences

Deferred tax asset/(liability)

At 1 January 2014

Credit/(charge) to profit or loss for the year

(Charge)/credit to equity for the year

Adjustments in respect of prior years

At 31 December 2014

Credit/(charge) to profit or loss for the year

Credit to equity for the year

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Effects of domestic tax rate change on opening 

balances

£000

(686)

58

-

(73)

(701)

162

-

-

71

At 31 December 2015

(468)

£000

360

76

(124)

172

484

-

-

(179)

(48)

257

£000

701

(53)

124

4

776

(52)

61

-

(78)

707

£000

13

2

-

-

15

153

-

-

(1)

167

Total

£000

388

83

-

103

574

263

61

(179)

(56)

663

Management have recognised deferred tax assets in relation to tax losses based on forecast profitability of the Group companies 
concerned.

Unrecognised tax losses not included at 31 December 2015 were £4,066,000 (2014: £4,808,000) due to uncertainty over the timing of 
the recoverability of these losses.

56 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

20.  Retirement Benefit Obligations

The Group has four active defined contribution schemes and a closed defined benefit scheme:

Defined contribution pension schemes

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 Instem LSS Pension Scheme at rates varying from 5% to 18%.  Employer contributions for the year ended 31 
December 2015 were £0.46m (2014: £0.47m).

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 2015 were £0.03m (2014: £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%.  Employer contributions for the year ended 31 December 2015 were £0.08m (2014: £0.07m).

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.  Employee members must contribute at least 3% of basic salary and the employer contributes up to a maximum of 
6%.  Employer contributions for the year ended 31 December 2015 were £0.02m (2014: £0.02m).

Perceptive Instruments Limited - The Group makes contributions to personal pension arrangements of certain employees.  During the 
year ended 31 December 2015 employer contributions to these arrangements totalled £0.02m. (2014:£0.02m)

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 Scheme is subject to the Statutory Funding Objective under the Pensions Act 2004. A valuation of the Scheme is carried out at least 
once every three years to determine whether the Statutory Funding Objective is met. As part of the process, the Group must agree with 
the Trustees of the Scheme the contributions to be paid to address any shortfall against the Statutory Funding. The Statutory Funding 
Objective does not currently impact on the recognition of the Scheme in the accounts.  The scheme is in deficit and no contributions 
payable under a minimum funding requirement are considered potentially refundable or utilisable as a reduction of future contributions.  
IFRIC interpretation 14 is deemed to be not applicable to the Group.

The Scheme is managed by a Board of Trustees appointed in part by the Group and part from elections by members of the Scheme. 
The Trustees have responsibility for obtaining valuations of the Scheme, administering benefit payments and investing the Scheme 
assets. The Trustees delegate some of these functions to their professional advisors where appropriate.

The Scheme exposes the Group to a number of risks:

• 

• 

• 

Investment risk. The Scheme holds investments in asset classes, such as equities, which have volatile market values and while 
these assets are expected to provide the real returns over the long-term the short-term volatility can cause additional funding to be 
required if deficit emerges.

Interest rate risk. The Scheme’s liabilities are assessed using market yields on high quality corporate bands to discount the 
liabilities. As the Scheme holds assets such as equities the value of the assets and liabilities may not move in the same way.

Inflation risk.  A significant proportion of the benefits under the Scheme are linked to inflation. Although the Scheme’s assets 
are expected to provide a good hedge against inflation over the long-term, movements over the short-term could lead to deficits 
emerging.

•  Mortality risk. In the event that members live longer than assumed a deficit will emerge in the Scheme.

There were no Scheme amendments, curtailments or settlements during the period.

The latest full actuarial valuation was carried out at 5 April 2014 and was updated to 31 December 2015 by a qualified independent 
actuary.  

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    57

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

20.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

The following schedule of contributions was prepared by the Trustees of the Instem LSS Pension Scheme (‘the Scheme’) after obtaining 
the advice of the Scheme Actuary appointed by the Trustees and was intended to clear the deficit in the Scheme at the time it was 
agreed in June 2015: 

Period ended

31 March 2016

31 March 2017

31 March 2018

31 March 2019

31 March 2020

31 March 2021

31 March 2022

31 March 2023

30 November 2023

Monthly payment (payable in each month 

Balancing payment due before period end 

except the final month in each period) £’000

£’000

15

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

262

187

203

220

237

255

273

293

239

The employer pays the Pension Protection Fund levy each year in respect of the scheme.  It is intended that all other expenses 
associated with the running of the Scheme will be met from the Scheme’s assets.

Changes made to IAS19 that came into force for accounting periods on or after 1 January 2013 were as follows:

• 

The “finance cost” which was previously the difference between the interest on liabilities and expected return on assets is replaced 
by a “net interest cost”.  This means that the expected return on assets is effectively based on the discount rate with no allowance 
made for any outperformance expected from the Scheme’s asset holding.

• 

Actual administration expenses are required to be included in the Statement of Financial Position.

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.  

58 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

20.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

Discount rate

Inflation (RPI)

Rate of increase in salaries

Rate of increase in pensions in payment

Rate of increase in pensions in deferment

2015

%

3.8

3.2

N/A

2.9

3.2

Life Expectancy assumption (number of years from the age of 65)

Years

Male currently aged 45

Female currently aged 45

Male currently aged 65

Female currently aged 65

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT CHARGED TO OPERATING EXPENSES

Current service cost

Past service cost

Total operating charge

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT CHARGED TO FINANCE COSTS

Interest on pension scheme assets

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Net finance charge

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT RECOGNISED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE

Losses on pension scheme assets in excess of interest

Experience losses arising on scheme liabilities

Gains from changes to demographic assumptions 

Losses from changes to financial assumptions

Actuarial loss recognised in other comprehensive expense

24.7

25.9

23.4

24.4

2015
£000

-

-

-

2015

£000

289

(429)

(140)

2015

£000

136

-

-

203

339

2014

%

3.8

3.1

N/A

2.8

3.1

Years

24.7

25.8

23.4

24.3

2014

£000

-

-

-

2014

£000

327

(479)

(152)

2014

£000

7

138

(163)

639

621

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    59

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

20.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

CHANGES IN THE PRESENT VALUE OF THE DEFINED 

BENEFIT OBLIGATION

Opening defined benefit obligation

Interest cost

Benefits paid

Experience loss on defined benefit obligation

Changes to demographic assumptions

Changes to financial assumptions

2015

£000

11,405

429

(255)

-

-

203

2014

£000

10,529

479

(217)

138

(163)

639

Closing defined benefit obligation

11,782

11,405

CHANGES IN THE FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS

Opening plan assets

Expected return

Return on plan assets less interest

Contributions by employer

Benefits paid

Closing plan assets

 The actual return on plan assets was a positive return of £153,000 (2014: £320,000).

AMOUNT RECOGNISED IN THE CONSOLIDATED 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

2015

£000

7,524

289

(136)

427

(255)

7,849

2015

£000

2014

£000

7,023

327

(7)

398

(217)

7,524

2014

£000

Present value of funded obligations

(11,782)

(11,405)

Fair value of plan assets

Deficit

Related deferred tax asset

Net pension liability

RECONCILIATION OF NET DEFINED BENEFIT LIABILITY

Opening net defined benefit liability

Net interest expense

Remeasurements

Contributions by employer

Closing net defined benefit liability

60 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

7,849

(3,933)

707

(3,226)

2015

£000

3,881

140

339

(427)

3,933

7,524

(3,881)

776

(3,105)

2014

£000

3,506

152

621

(398)

3,881

       
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

20.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

ANALYSIS OF CUMULATIVE AMOUNT RECOGNISED IN 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE

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

Cumulative

2015

£000

110

(1,811)

(2,442)

2014

£000

246

(1,811)

(2,239)

Cumulative actuarial loss recognised in other 

comprehensive expense

(4,143)

(3,804)

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

2015

2014

Equities

Property

Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Cash

Other

£000

5,664

227

810

672

378

98

%

72

3

10

9

5

1

£000

5,376

185

680

682

516

85

%

72

2

9

9

7

1

7,849

100

7,524

100

The five year history of experience adjustments is as follows:

2015

£000

2014

£000

2013

£000

2012

£000

2011

£000

Present value of defined 

benefit obligation

(11,782)

(11,405)

(10,529)

(9,200)

(6,946)

Fair value of plan assets

7,849

7,524

7,023

6,004

5,330

Deficit

(3,933)

(3,881)

(3,506)

(3,196)

(1,616)

Experience adjustments on 

plan liabilities

Experience adjustments on 

plan assets

-

(138)

-

(763)

-

(136)

(7)

612

172

(480)

The Group expects to contribute £0.4m to its defined benefit plan in the next financial year (2014: £0.4m).

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    61

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

20.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

The following sensitivities apply to the value placed on the liabilities:

Adjustments to assumptions

Approximate effect on

Liabilities

£000

DISCOUNT RATE

Plus 0.50% pa

Minus 0.50% pa

INFLATION

Plus 0.50% pa

Minus 0.50% pa

LIFE EXPECTANCY

Plus 1 year

Minus 1 year

(1,030)

1,175

1,074

(971)

343

(349)

21.  Share Capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid

At 1 January

12,212,260 ordinary shares of 10p each (2014: 11,764,658)

831,514 (2014: 447,602) ordinary shares of 10p each, issued during the year

At 31 December

2015

£000

1,221

83

1,304

2014

£000

1,176

45

1,221

821,514 (2014: 447,602) shares were issued in the year as part settlement of the deferred contingent consideration payable relating to 
the acquisition of Instem Clinical Holdings Limited. In addition 10,000 shares were issued during the year in respect of the exercise of 
share options.

62 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

22.  Earnings Per Share

Basic and Fully Diluted

Basic earnings per share are 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. 

2015

Weighted 

average 

Loss after tax 

Earnings per 

Profit after 

2014

Weighted 

average 

Earnings per 

(£000)

number of 

share  (pence)

tax (£000)

number of 

share  (pence)

shares (000’s)

shares (000’s)

Earnings per share-Basic

Potentially dilutive shares

Earnings per share-Diluted

(428)

-

(428)

12,398

 -*

12,398

(3.5)

-

(3.5)

150

-

150

12,063

155

12,218

1.2

-

1.2

* Dilutive share options have been excluded from the calculation as in accordance with IAS 33, ‘Earning per share’, as they are only included where the 

impact is dilutive.

Adjusted

Adjusted earnings per share is calculated after adjusting for the effect of foreign currency exchange on the revaluation of inter-group 
balances included in finance income/(costs), non-recurring items and amortisation of intangibles on acquisitions. Diluted adjusted 
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. 

Adjusted 

profit after 

tax (£000)

Earnings per share-Basic

1,644

Potentially dilutive shares

-

Earnings per share-Diluted

1,644

2015

Weighted 

average 

number of 

shares (000’s)

12,398

337

12,735

Adjusted 

earnings per 

share  (pence)

Adjusted 

profit after 

tax (£000)

13.3

-

12.9

1,009

-

1,009

2014

Weighted 

average 

number of 

shares (000’s)

12,063

155

12,218

Reconciliation of adjusted profit after tax:

Reported (loss)/profit after tax

Non-recurring costs

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

Foreign exchange differences on revaluation of inter-group balances

2015

£000

(428)

1,426

640

6

1,644

Adjusted 

earnings per 

share  (pence)

8.4

-

8.3

2014

£000

150

123

640

96

1,009

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    63

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

23.  Capital and Reserves

Share capital

The share capital account represents the par value for all shares issued.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, merger reserve, shares to be issued, translation reserve, 
retained earnings and net debt as noted below. 

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

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

24.  Capital Commitments

There were no capital commitments at the end of the financial year (2014: £nil).

64 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

25. Operating Leases Payable

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised as 

an expense in the year

At the reporting date, the Group has future aggregate minimum 

lease payments, 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

2015

£000

368

2015

£000

395

748

358

2

3

2014

£000

256

2014

£000

394

1,000

498

3

5

1,506

1,900

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

The operating lease in relation to the head office buildings contains 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.

No operating leases are held by the Company.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    65

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

26.  Related Party Transactions

Transactions between Group companies have not been disclosed as these have all been eliminated in the preparation of the 
consolidated financial statements.  During the year the Company traded with subsidiary companies in its normal course of business.  
These transactions related to recharges and totalled in aggregate £0.6m (2014: £0.5m).  The net intercompany balances due from the 
Company at the year-end totalled £1.2m (2014: due from: £0.02m).

During the year the Group traded in its normal course of business with shareholders and consultancy businesses in which Directors 
have a material interest as follows:

Key management compensation:

2015

£000

2014

£000

Fees for services provided as Non-Executive Directors

Salaries and short term benefits

Post employment retirement benefits

Employers’ national insurance & social security costs

Share based payment charge

68

-

7

-

75

Executive Directors

Salaries and short term benefits

318

Post employment retirement benefits

Employers’ national insurance & social security costs

Share based payment charge

37

21

71

447

Other key management

Salaries and short term employee benefits

508

Post employment retirement benefits

Employers’ national insurance & social security costs

Share based payment charge

26

45

57

636

68

-

7

-

75

269

35

20

12

336

461

26

44

8

539

The Company paid £0.05m (2014: £0.05m) to Instem Ventures Limited, a company owned by A Gare, a shareholder.  The balance 
outstanding at the end of the year was £0.005m (2014: £nil).

In addition the Company paid £0.02m (2014: £0.02m) to Noble Adamson Limited, a company owned by M McGoun, an independent 
non-executive director and a shareholder.  The balance outstanding at the end of the year was £0.002m (2014: £0.002m).

Key management are considered to be the Directors together with the Senior Managers of the business. 

27.  Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

Certain year end 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 of these assets and liabilities within the next financial year.  The 
estimates and assumptions are made on the basis of information and conditions that existed at the time of the valuation.

The deferred contingent consideration provided in the financial statements is measured initially at its acquisition-date fair value and 
subsequently carried at its amortised cost.

66 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2015

27.  Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments (continued)

Impairment

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of goodwill and investments.  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. A 
key factor which could result in an impairment of goodwill or investments is lower than predicted revenue. Sensitivities around this factor 
and the discount rate are set out in note 9.

Other intangible assets – useful lives

Other intangible assets are amortised over their useful lives, which have been estimated by management to be up to 8 years.

Recognition of deferred tax assets 

The recognition of deferred tax assets is based upon whether it is more likely than not that sufficient and suitable taxable profits will be 
available in the future against which the reversal of temporary differences can be deducted. Where the temporary differences are related 
to losses, relevant tax law is considered to determine the availability of the losses to offset against the future taxable profits. The amount 
recognised in the consolidated financial statements is derived from the Director’s best estimation and judgement incorporating forecasts 
and all available information.  Recognition therefore involves judgement regarding the future financial performance of the particular legal 
entity or tax group in which the deferred tax asset has been recognised. 

28.  Contingent Liabilities

Instem plc has provided a guarantee to its subsidiaries which have taken advantage of the exemption from audit.  Under this guarantee, 
the company has a contingent liability of £9.0m (2014: £9.0m).

29.  Post Balance Sheet Event

Following the end of the financial year, in February 2016 the Company announced it had raised £5.0 million (before expenses) by way 
of a placing of 2,500,000 New Ordinary Shares with new and existing investors.  The Board intends to use the proceeds of this placing, 
along with existing cash resources, to continue the Group’s acquisition strategy and to provide additional working capital.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015    67

NOTES

68 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2015  

Directors and Advisors

DIRECTORS 
D Gare (Non-Executive Chairman) 
M F McGoun (Independent Non-Executive) 
D M Sherwin (Non- Executive) 
P J Reason 
N J Goldsmith

AUDITOR 
RSM UK Audit LLP 
Chartered Accountants 
3 Hardman Street 
Manchester  
M3 3HF

SECRETARY 
N J 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

BANKER 
National Westminster Bank plc 
1 Spinningfields Square 
Manchester 
M2 3AP

NOMINATED ADVISOR AND BROKER 
N+1 Singer Advisory LLP 
One Bartholomew Lane 
London  
EC2N 2AX

REGISTRARS 
Computershare Investor Services plc 
The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol  
BS13 8AE

SOLICITORS 
Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP 
Trinity Court 
16 John Dalton Street 
Manchester 
M60 8HS

Our clients include these fine organisations...

  Instem supports over 450 clients 

through full service offices in the 
United States, United Kingdom and 
China with additional locations in 
India and Japan.

To learn more about Instem 
solutions and its mission, please 
visit instem.com

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

e-mail: investors@instem.com

instem.com