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Instem plc

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FY2016 Annual Report · Instem plc
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Instem plc

Annual Report

2016

Instem  is  a  leading  supplier  of  IT  applications  and 

technology-enabled  outsourced  services  to  the  early 

development  global 

life  sciences  market. 

Instem 

solutions are used by customers worldwide, meeting the 

rapidly  expanding  needs  of  life  science  and  healthcare 

organisations for data-driven decision making that help 

them bring their life enhancing products to market faster.

Instem  is  creating  a  more  connected  ecosystem  in  the 

life  sciences  by  consolidating  a  fragmented  vendor 

marketplace.  Their  established  portfolio  of  software 

solutions  increase  client  productivity  by  automating 

processes  while  offering the  unique  ability  to  generate 

new knowledge through the extraction and harmonisation 

of actionable scientific information.

Instem  supports  over  500  clients  through  offices in the 

United States, United Kingdom, France,  India, China 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, 2016         1

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2016   

Highlights 

Financial Highlights

• 

Revenues increased 12% to £18.3m (2015: £16.3m)

•  Recurring revenues increased 21% to £12.1m 

(2015: £10.0m)

•  Software as a Service (SaaS) revenues increased 

• 

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38% to £2.9m (2015: £2.1m)

EBITDA* of £1.3m (2015: £2.5m)

Adjusted** profit before tax of £0.7m (2015: £1.7m)

Reported profit before tax of £0.02m (2015: loss 
before tax of £0.4m)

Basic earnings per share of 6.9p (2015: loss of 3.5p)

Adjusted** fully diluted earnings per share of 11.2p 
(2015: 12.9p)

Net cash balance as at 31 December 2016 of £4.2m 
(2015: £2.2m)

Operational Highlights

•  Oversubscribed placing to raise £5.0m (gross) in 
February 2016 to fund acquisitive growth:

•  Acquisition in May 2016 of Samarind Limited, a 
Regulatory Information Management solutions 
provider, for a maximum consideration of £2.5m 

•  Acquisition in Sept 2016 of Notocord, a software 
provider in pre-clinical studies, for a maximum 
consideration of €4.2m (£3.6m)

• 

• 

Disappointing performance from Instem Clinical 
is being addressed through decisive management 
actions following strategic reappraisal

Strong trading across all other business areas:

•  Secured the majority of SEND (“Standard 

for Exchange of Non-clinical Data”) related 
technology and outsourced services contracts 
placed in the market

•  Successfully established KnowledgeScan 

Target Safety Assessment service, delivering 14 
assignments, with repeat business from every 
client

•  High levels of Provantis® contract renewals, 

including a long-term relationship with Charles 
River Laboratories, by far the largest pre-clinical 
CRO (contract research organisation)

•  Record revenue and profit contribution from 

Perceptive Instruments, our genetic toxicology 
product suite

• 

Investment in the Sales and Operational teams and 
infrastructure to fund on-going growth

“With  the  exception  of  the  disappointing 
performance of Instem Clinical, business in 2016 
was  strong,  helped  by  a  buoyant  pre-clinical 
market, the target for the majority of our products 
and services.  Revenues grew both organically 
and through the acquisitions of Samarind and 
Notocord.  Recurring revenue and SaaS revenue 
growth  of  21%  and  38%,  respectively,  were 
particularly pleasing.

A more conservative revenue outlook for Instem 
Clinical in 2017 is expected to be more than offset 
by the growing momentum of our KnowledgeScan 
big data analytics and insights service, introduced 
in 2016, and the full year contributions from the 
Samarind and Notocord acquisitions.

The FDA mandate of SEND in December 2016 
fuelled  market  demand  for  our  software  and 
technology  enabled  out-sourced  services  and 
we anticipate strong revenue growth in line with 
expectations, however we will continue to invest 
in additional staff and facilities in this area during 
2017 to ensure we maximise market share and 
retain our substantial market leadership as the 
FDA  regulations  drive  further  market  growth.  
While  near  term  profit  will  be  significantly 
reduced by this and other investment across the 
Group,  we  are  putting  in  place  a  platform  for 
further growth in the longer term.” 

P J Reason
Chief Executive

* Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and 
non-recurring income/(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, 2016     3

INVESTMENT

“We have continued to invest in our business to 

both increase the depth of management expertise 

and enhance the various software product 

offerings across the Group.” 

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2016   

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Chairman’s       
Statement

The period under review was undoubtedly a frustrating 
year for the Group, due wholly to the disappointing 
performance of Instem Clinical. Importantly, we 
successfully achieved a significant equity fundraise at 
the beginning of the year and subsequently completed 
two strategic acquisitions. We also managed strong 
revenue growth across the majority of our businesses 
and significantly strengthened our senior management 
team. Nevertheless, the poor performance of our Clinical 
business ultimately resulted in trading for the Group, 
disappointingly, coming in below our expectations for 
the year.

over 50 SEND-related contracts in 2016.  In order to 
capitalise on the opportunities to provide services, as 
well as software, we are investing in additional staff and 
facilities, further details of which are included in the 
Chief Executive’s Statement. 

Furthermore, we introduced a new bio-informatics 
platform, KnowledgeScan, which achieved significant 
market recognition in its first application area of Target 
Safety Assessment (“TSA”).  In the second half of the year 
we delivered several TSA projects with high levels of 
customer repeat business.

Notwithstanding the above, we have continued to 
invest in our business to both increase the depth of 
management expertise and enhance the various software 
product offerings across the Group. In particular, the 
appointment of MaryBeth Thompson as Chief Operating 
Officer, who brings more than 18 years of relevant 
experience to the role, is strategically important 
to the Group as it will enable the rest of the senior 
management team to increase their focus on delivering 
further organic growth and continuing our strategic 
acquisition programme.

I am pleased to report that the recent acquisitions of 
Samarind and Notocord are performing in line with 
expectations and are on track to be fully integrated in 
2017 and we are now seeking to consolidate the full 
cross and upselling opportunities for both businesses as 
part of the larger group.

Importantly, our Preclinical and Regulatory Solutions 
businesses maintained their pre-eminent industry 
positions by continuing to win the majority of business 
placed globally in their markets. In particular, our 
submit™, Standard for the Exchange of Non-clinical Data 
(“SEND”) technology suite has already demonstrated 
market dominance, winning the majority of contracts 
placed during the period. The evolution of our SEND 
value proposition continued during the year with the 
transition from a pure software licensing model to a 
combined offering with the addition of technology-
enabled out-sourced services assignments. We secured 

During the year, senior management time and resources 
were diverted into addressing the challenges with the 
Instem Clinical business and this is continuing. Whilst 
some challenges still remain, we have reappraised 
this business and believe that with some additional 
investment under the newly appointed Instem 
Clinical management team it can become a long-term 
cornerstone business for the Group.

The strategic opportunities for 2017 and beyond remain 
encouraging; particularly as the period will see full-year 
contributions from the recent Notocord and Samarind 
acquisitions. The period will continue to require us to 
make further investment to support the continued strong 
performances from our business units, in particular the 
opportunity in SEND, although this is expected to pay 
back relatively quickly.  

As Chairman, it has always been my passion to invest in 
world leading global products. Today the Company has, 
for our markets, an unrivalled portfolio of such products. 

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

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016     5

continued growth

“Taking further market share in the now FDA 

mandated SEND market has been a particular 

management focus, whilst also concentrating on 

improving our substantial recurring revenues, with 

a 21% increase year-on-year.”

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2016   

Strategic       
Report

Chief Executive’s Statement 

Overview

The past year was an extremely busy time for Instem, 
with the successful oversubscribed placing at the 
beginning of the year and the completion of two 
acquisitions, which are integrating well.

With the exception of Instem Clinical, trading was robust 
throughout the year, helped by a buoyant preclinical 
market. Unfortunately, in what turned out to be a 
very challenging early phase clinical market, certain 
significant contracts at Instem Clinical were delayed 
and the outperformance across the rest of the Group’s 
operations was insufficient to compensate for this 
shortfall. We consequently downgraded expectations for 
the full year towards the end of the period.

Highlights for the period included further market 
penetration for existing product suites and services 
and a continued high percentage of client retention. 
This was supported by cross-selling of products across 
our extended client base, particularly for our genetic 
toxicology solutions in major accounts and for all 
solutions in the Asia-Pacific regions. Through investment 
in product development, we have introduced new 
and chargeable solutions and expanded our service 
offering, leveraging our leading technology solutions. 
Taking further market share in the now FDA mandated 
SEND market has been a particular management focus, 
while also concentrating on improving our substantial 
recurring revenues, with a 21% increase year-on-year. 
The Group has continued to expand its customer base 
and has in excess of 500 customers (2015: in excess 
of 450 customers) for continuing products.  Further 
information in respect of the Group performance and 
key performance indicators is disclosed in the Financial 
Review and Directors’ Report on pages 11 to 12 and 18 
to 19 respectively.

A significant positive milestone achieved during the 
period was the successful launch of “Instem University”, 
an online learning platform for the Group’s global 

customer base. The Instem University is a sophisticated, 
easy to use, intuitive web-based solution that is available 
on demand whenever a client needs it. Instem’s entire 
approach for the initiative is based upon the single 
objective of making it easier for clients to use all of 
Instem’s software so that end users can better perform 
their jobs. The introduction of Instem University and its 
dedicated Academies provides a highly cost effective 
and scalable solution enabling many clients to quickly 
and concurrently deploy major Instem product upgrades.  
Having clients on the latest product versions maximises 
the potential for add-on sales of new modules and 
reduces internal support costs.

In order to support the growth of the Group, primarily 
related to SEND, KnowledgeScan and Instem University, 
we are intending to invest c.£1.0m in 2017, of which 
approximately £0.4m relates to third party cost of 
sales. This investment will include the funding of larger 
premises in Pune, India and further expansion of our 
software development, market facing and out-sourced 
services staff.

Instem Preclinical - Provantis, Notocord-HEM, Comet, 
AMES & Cyto Study Manager

Provantis, the Group’s primary preclinical software 
suite, experienced high renewal rates during the period 
with new clients added in-line with management 
expectations.

The largest of these renewals was with Charles River 
Laboratories (‘CRL’), post their acquisition of WIL 
Research (‘WIL’), both significant Instem clients. The 
new agreement, which was announced in August 2016, 
included the continuation of all current licences, an 
extended support and maintenance contract running 
through to 31st December 2022 and the integration 
of two sizable Provantis implementation projects. 
The revised agreement resulted in moderately higher 
revenue in 2016 than under the previous separate 
agreements with WIL and CRL, and we believe there 
are further opportunities to continue to grow this key 
relationship over the coming years.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016     7

STRATEGIC REPORT

One of the key Preclinical milestones for the year was 
the successful launch of the “Provantis 10 Software 
suite”, a fully integrated Windows-based system for 
organisations engaged in non-clinical evaluation 
studies, which went live in the second half of 2016. 
Initial feedback has been universally positive and 
we intend to further roll-out Provantis 10 across our 
customers during the coming year.

As a consequence of the Perceptive Instruments 
(“Perceptive”) acquisition, Instem is one of the leading 
specialist video imaging system providers in the 
preclinical market and enjoyed a particularly strong 
year with revenue up approximately 46% over the prior 
year. Cyto Study Manager and AMES Study Manager 
enjoyed particularly strong trading periods. Cyto Study 
Manager, which integrates data acquisition, auditing, 
reporting and study management for several genetic 
toxicology assays into a single system, benefitted 
from adding support for Chromosome Aberration 
assays. Genotoxicity studies are mandatory for all 
pharmaceuticals, medical devices, agrochemicals and 
industrial chemicals with the AMES assay the most 
widely used regulatory test. Instem’s AMES Study 
Manager can be found in laboratories across the globe 
and has rapidly established itself with an excellent 
reputation for increasing productivity while improving 
compliance with GLP regulations and reporting 
requirements. 

Notocord, acquired by Instem in September 2016, 
continues to integrate well into the Group. Notocord is 
headquartered in Paris, France. The company provides 
software solutions for telemetry data acquisition 
and analysis and is a highly respected name in 
the life sciences software industry. Notocord has 
sold more than 1,500 licences around the world to 
major pharmaceutical companies, contract research 
laboratories, hospitals and academic research centres. 
Customers include Sanofi, Merck & Co and Pfizer.   Whilst 
it is still too early to report on potential cross selling 
and upselling opportunities across the Group, there 
have already been high levels of interaction with both 
customers and potential new sales channel partners. 
This, coupled with a well-attended user meeting in Paris, 
provides us with confidence that the acquisition will 
perform at least in-line with management expectations 
in the current year. 

We are pleased to report that the order expanding the 
utilisation of Provantis at the US National Institute of 
Environmental Health Sciences (“NIEHS”), delayed from 
2016, has recently been received and the appropriate 
accounting treatment for revenue and profit recognition 
purposes is currently being assessed. The delayed AMES 
and Cyto Study Manager order has also been received.  

Instem Clinical – ALPHADAS™ 

The early stage clinical market was undoubtedly the 
most challenging aspect of the year for Instem with little 
new business being procured during the period as much 

of the existing pipeline of new business was delayed. 

Whilst the deterioration in trading levels was initially 
identified in the first half of the year and flagged in 
the Interim Results, it was felt far more acutely during 
the second half.  Following a Board review of the 
significant under performance of the Clinical business, 
the sale agreement with the former Logos Technologies 
shareholders was revised, resulting in a £700k reduction 
in the deferred consideration for the Logos acquisition.  
The two major Logos shareholders, who were the 
two senior managers for Instem Clinical, also left the 
company.  Instem Clinical now has new management in 
place working to a revised, more conservative business 
plan.

Whilst the business underperformed in the period, 
having undertaken a strategic reappraisal of Instem 
Clinical, we still strongly believe that the early stage 
clinical market represents a significant and attractive 
opportunity for the Group, including the potential 
for the cross selling of other products and services.  
However, we also recognise that it will take a period of 
time for the new management team to fully address 
certain issues and further staff investment of circa £0.25 
million is being made into strengthening the technical 
and development capability in order to further enhance 
the ALPHADAS offering.  Encouragingly, whilst still early 
in the year, we are seeing revenue growth compared to 
the prior period. 

Instem Scientific

Instem Scientific delivered a record 14 KnowledgeScan 
Target Safety Assessment assignments during the period 
and is on target to deliver a further six for mid-sized 
pharmaceutical companies in the first few months of 
2017. An important key performance indicator during 
the period was that all customers in 2016 have already 
placed repeat KnowledgeScan orders, which highlights 
the high value proposition this business offers.

Whilst activity has been at record levels, the business 
has also been focussing on improving the workflow of 
discrete assignments to reduce delivery timelines, add 
extra capacity and expand operating margins. There is 
a growing pipeline of new business opportunities for 
2017. 

Samarind Ltd

Samarind, acquired in May 2016, provides Regulatory 
Information Management (“RIM”) software solutions 
across the life sciences sector, through its product suite 
“Samarind RMS”. Its solutions significantly enhance the 
quality of regulatory information and help to achieve 
and maintain compliance for pharmaceutical, biotech 
and medical device products.

Samarind RMS delivers the security, flexibility and ease 
of use that regulatory affairs teams need to achieve their 
regulatory and commercial requirements. Deployed 
on-site or accessed on-line, Samarind’s solutions 

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2016   

STRATEGIC REPORT

provide a smarter way to manage the acquisition and 
maintenance of product licences.

Instem can report that whilst it has been a slower year 
for revenue growth, the retention rate of existing clients 
has been high and we have released a new dashboard 
and analytics module to improve the user interface and 
strengthen customer relationships across the product 
suite. There has also been a strong focus on the new 
Identification and Description of Medicinal Product 
(“IDMP”) Standards, making sure Instem’s strategy is 
aligned with the expected regulatory dates and working 
with clients to plan for their IDMP implementations.  
Instem’s leadership in the xEVMPD standard that will 
be replaced remains a useful market differentiator as 
organisations consider their IDMP needs.

Electronic Regulatory Submissions (SEND) – submit™

The FDA’s (“Food and Drug Administration”) SEND 
(“Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data”) initiative 
was ratified in December 2014 and mandated for an 
initial subset of study submissions in December 2016.  
Consequently, its implementation is now a market 
imperative for the entire drug development industry. 
A more comprehensive range of study submissions 
will be mandated by the FDA in December 2017, which 
has already started to influence purchases of Instem 
technology and services. 

Instem has continued to secure the majority of the 
SEND-related product and service business placed 
globally during 2016, winning over 50 contracts for its 
software solutions, of which 30 were for technology-
enabled out-sourced services. Customers range across 
all sizes of pharmaceutical and contract research 
organisations with the largest contract award from a top 
10 global pharmaceutical company, which purchased 
Instem’s entire submit™ solution suite. 

In the second half of 2016, Instem agreed an exclusive 
global distribution agreement for a third party 
product, SEND Explorer, which provides sophisticated 
visualisation and analytics for SEND data sets and nicely 
complements Instem’s other SEND solutions.

Technology enabled out-sourced service volume 
increased during H2 2016 with 30 contracts secured 
during the year from companies that had not already 
equipped themselves with staff and technology to 
create and review SEND data sets internally.  This 
trend is expected to continue and increase, so we are 
intending to recruit approximately 15 further specialists 
in this area, based predominantly in our Pune, India 
office, complementing the highly experienced staff 
already in place in the UK and North America. 

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, in its 
Pharma R&D Annual Review 2017, that the global drug 

pipeline had increased by 8.4% in the past year with 
an additional 1,154 drugs added to the pipeline, the 
second highest rise over the last 10 years following the 
record rise in the prior year (1,418 were added in 2015-
16). 

As of January 2017, the total number of companies 
with one or more drugs in the regulatory stages of 
development has now risen to 4,003, an increase 
of 8.6% on the previous year. This is lower than the 
2015-16 number but is still a “strikingly large growth 
rate”.

The volume of activity in pharma R&D is at an all-time 
high with all the important parameters for Instem 
increasing strongly.

The greatest growth occurred at the preclinical stage 
with an extra 632 drugs joining the early drug phase, 
an increase of 9.2% on the previous year. While there 
were increases in the numbers of drugs at every clinical 
phase, Phase I saw the greatest rise this year with the 
drug count increasing by 11.2%.

Summary and Outlook

With the exception of the disappointing performance of 
Instem Clinical, business in 2016 was strong, helped by 
a buoyant pre-clinical market, the target for the majority 
of our products and services.  Revenues grew both 
organically and through the acquisitions of Samarind 
and Notocord.  Recurring revenue and SaaS revenue 
growth of 21% and 38%, respectively, were particularly 
pleasing.

A more conservative revenue outlook for Instem 
Clinical in 2017 is expected to be more than offset by 
the growing momentum of our KnowledgeScan big 
data analytics and insights service, introduced in 2016, 
and the full year contributions from the Samarind and 
Notocord acquisitions.

The FDA mandate of SEND in December 2016 fuelled 
market demand for our software and technology 
enabled out-sourced services and we anticipate strong 
revenue growth in line with expectations, however we 
will continue to invest in additional staff and facilities 
in this area during 2017 to ensure we maximise market 
share and retain our substantial market leadership as 
the FDA regulations drive further market growth.  While 
near term profit will be significantly reduced by this and 
other investment across the Group, we are putting in 
place a platform for further growth in the longer term.

P J Reason
Chief Executive
12 April 2017

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016     9

outlook

“We are putting in place a platform for further 

growth in the longer term.“

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2016   

Financial       
Review

Instem’s revenue model consists of perpetual licence 
income with annual support contracts, professional 
services fees, SaaS subscriptions with annual support 
contracts and funded development initiatives. Total 
revenue for the year to 31 December 2016 increased by 
12% to £18.3m (2015: £16.3m).  This increase includes 
revenues from our new acquisitions of £1.1m combined 
with organic growth in respect of the majority of our 
products, and the benefit of average exchange rates, 
which increase the underlying revenues. These are offset 
by costs of our overseas subsidiaries.

A key performance indicator of the Group is recurring 
revenue.  During the year, the total recurring revenue, 
from support & maintenance contracts, SaaS based 
subscriptions and certain professional services increased 
21% during the year to £12.1m (2015: £10.0m), 
representing 66% of total revenue (2015: 61%).  This 
includes recurring revenue generated from our 2016 
acquisitions of £0.8m.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation and non-recurring items for the year 
was £1.3m (2015: £2.5m).  This decrease reflected a 
disappointing performance from Instem Clinical.  The 
Group continued to invest in our sales and operations 
teams and infrastructure to capitalise on growth 
opportunities going forward.

Adjusted profit before tax (i.e. adjusting for the effect 
of foreign currency exchange on the revaluation of 
inter-company balances included in finance costs, 
non-recurring items and amortisation of intangibles on 
acquisitions) was £0.7m (2015: £1.7m).  The unadjusted 
profit before tax for the year was £0.02m (2015: loss of 
£0.4m).

The non-recurring items in the year included the costs 
of professional fees in respect of the acquisitions of 
Samarind and Notocord together with the restructuring 

costs in respect of Instem Clinical.  These costs 
aggregated to £0.4m.  The non-recurring items also 
included income of £1.0m in respect of the amendment 
and change in the deferred consideration and deferred 
contingent consideration in respect of Clinical (£0.7m) 
and Samarind (£0.3m), respectively.

Development costs incurred during the year were £2.6m 
(2015: £1.9m), of which £0.8m (2015: £0.6m) was 
capitalised.  The Group claimed and received research 
and development tax credits during the year of £0.4m 
(2015: £0.2m).

Basic and fully diluted earnings per share calculated on 
an adjusted basis were 11.5p and 11.2p respectively 
(2015: 13.3p basic and 12.9p adjusted). 

The Group continued to generate net cash from 
operating activities.  The Group had net cash reserves 
of £4.2m at 31 December 2016, compared with £2.2m 
as at 31 December 2015.  The increase is largely due 
to the cash proceeds from the share issue during the 
year which generated £4.8m (net of fees) less the initial 
consideration for both Samarind and Notocord of £3.3m.

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 IAS19 that amounted 
to £1.0m (net of deferred tax) (2015: £0.3m) due to a 
reduction in bond yields following the EU Referendum.  
This is a non-cash charge and was recognised in Other 
Comprehensive Income/(Expense). The overall deficit at 
the year-end stood at £4.7m (2015: £3.9m), represented 
by the fair value of assets of £9.7m (2015: £7.9m) and 
the present value of funded obligations of £14.4m 
(2015: £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 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016     11

FINANCIAL REVIEW

designed to eliminate the funding deficit by November 
2023.  The next triennial valuation will be calculated as at 
5 April 2017.

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 
2016, its £2.0m committed bank facility was undrawn 
(2015: £2.0m undrawn).

N J Goldsmith
Chief Financial Officer

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Instem plc Annual Report, 2016   

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, 2016     13

s
t
r
o
p
e
r

14 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
STATEMENT

Given the size of the Group, the Board has decided to 
follow the Corporate Governance Code for Small and 
Mid-Size Quoted Companies as a framework 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 auditor 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 attended / No. of meetings invited to attend

Board meetings

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination  
Committee

Executive directors

P J Reason

N J Goldsmith

Non-Executive directors

D Gare

D M Sherwin

M F McGoun

19/19

19/19

16/19

19/19

17/19

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

0/0

2/2

2/2

2/2

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016     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, 2016   

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 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. 

d. 

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

Internal Controls

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

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

Going Concern

The directors have prepared and reviewed 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 positive cash 
reserves, as well as a committed working capital facility 
of £2.0m which at 31 December 2016 was undrawn.  
The Group has, therefore, sufficient liquid assets to cover 
its day-to-day needs, in addition to its operating 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

M F McGoun
Independent Non-Executive Director

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

b. 

c. 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016     17

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Future Developments

The directors submit their report and the Group and 
Company financial statements of Instem plc for the year 
ended 31 December 2016.

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.

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

Review of the Business

The following directors held office during the year:

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:

D Gare
M F McGoun
D M Sherwin
P J Reason
N J Goldsmith

1.  Total number of customers

In 2016 the Group had in excess of 500 customers (2015: in 
excess of 450 customers) for continuing products.

Details of the directors’ service contracts and their 
respective notice terms are detailed in the Directors’ 
Remuneration report on pages 20 and 21.

2.  Recurring revenue

Directors and their Interests

The Group generates a substantial proportion of revenue 
from fees in respect of annual support, hosting and 
routine upgrade services. The total recurring revenue 
increased 21% during the year to £12.1m (2015: £10.0m), 
representing 66% of total revenue (2015: 61%). This 
includes recurring revenue generated from the two 2016 
corporate acquisitions of £0.8m.

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.

The interests of the directors who held office at 31 
December 2016 and up to the date of this report (2015: as 
at 26 April 2016) were as follows:

2016

2015

No. of Shares

No. of Shares

D Gare

1,418,427

1,418,427

D M Sherwin

1,380,066

1,380,066

P J Reason

665,287

665,287

M F McGoun

36,786

36,786

N J Goldsmith

-

-

18 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016   

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ interests in share options are detailed in the 
Remuneration report on pages 20 and 21.

Auditor

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

On behalf of the Board

P J Reason
Director                                                
12 April 2017

Employee Involvement

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

Political Donations

The Group made no political donations in 2016 or 2015.

Financial Instruments

The Group’s objectives and policies on financial 
instruments are set out in note 21 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 18 May 2017 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, 2016     19

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Performance Related Annual Bonus

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 the following page.  Details of share-
based payment are shown in note 7 to the financial 
statements.

Executive directors are eligible for a performance 
related bonus based on Group performance, in 
particular, the achievement of profit 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 
£0.02m were payable to executive directors in respect 
of the year ended 31 December 2016 (2015: £0.03m).

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, 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.

Policy on Executive Director 
Remuneration

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 
letter of appointment that had an initial three year 
term commencing October 2010. These 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.

The Group’s current and ongoing policy aims to 
ensure that executive directors are rewarded fairly 
for their individual contributions to the Group’s 
overall performance and is designed to attract, retain 
and motivate executives of the right calibre.  The 
Committee is responsible for recommendations on 
all elements of executive remuneration including, in 
particular, basic salary, annual bonus, share options 
and any other incentive awards.  In implementing 
the remuneration policy, the Committee has regard 
to factors specific to the Group, such as salary and 
other benefit arrangements within the Group and the 
achievement of the Group’s strategic objectives.  The 
Committee determines the Group’s Policy on executive 
remuneration with reference to comparable companies 
of similar market capitalisation, location and business 
sector.

Basic Salary

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

20 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

The emoluments paid to directors in the year ended 31 December 2016 were as follows:  

Salary
£000

Bonus
£000

Benefits
£000

Pension
£000

2016 Total
£000

2015 Total
£000

Executives

P J Reason

N J Goldsmith

Non-executives

D Gare

D M Sherwin

M F McGoun

194

103

52

30

30

Total

409

15

7

-

-

-

22

5

11

-

-

-

16

27

13

-

-

-

40

241

134

52

30

30

487

221

134

44

24

24

447

Directors’ and Employees’ Share Options

Exercise 
price (£)

Issue date

Held at 31 
Dec 2015

Granted 
during year

Exercised 
during year

Lapsed 
during year

Held at 31 
Dec 2016

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

0.100

07/02/2012

20,000

14/01/2013

15,000

29/07/2015

100,000

Employees
Ordinary shares

1.750

13/10/2010

304,568

03/03/2011

93,844

17/10/2011

14,667

23/10/2012

30,000

14/01/2013

61,397

11/02/2015

81,168

29/07/2015

215,000

21/11/2015

50,516

2.220

2.220

1.115

0.900

0.100

0.100

0.100

0.100

0.100

27/05/2016

19/09/2016

-

-

34,558

70,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(51,542)

-

-

(8,500)

(11,597)

(40,584)

-

-

187,427

23,429

(37,500)

112,500

323,356

40,000

20,000

15,000

75,000

150,000

253,026

93,844

14,667

21,500

49,800

40,584

-

-

-

(25,000)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(3,750)

(61,250)

150,000

(25,258)

-

-

-

-

(17,500)

25,258

34,558

52,500

735,737

Total

1,387,016

104,558

(141,231)

(141,250)

1,209,093

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

M F McGoun
Independent Non-Executive Director

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016     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, 2016  

                                      
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT to the members Of instem plc

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO 
THE MEMBERS OF INSTEM PLC

Opinion on financial statements

We have audited the group and parent company 
financial statements (“the financial statements”) on 
pages 24 to 70.  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. 

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 2016 and of the group’s profit 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
the financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006.

• 

• 

• 

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 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 and, based 
on the work undertaken in the course of our audit, 
the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have 
been prepared in accordance with applicable legal 
requirements.

Matters on which we are required to 
report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of 
the company and its environment obtained in the 
course of the audit, we have not identified any material 
misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ 
Report.  

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.

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.

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.

Graham Bond FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of RSM UK AUDIT LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
14th Floor
Chapel Street
Liverpool
L3 9AG

12 April 2017

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016     23

  
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the year ended 31 December 2016

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 Note

Year ended
 31 December 
2016
£000

Year ended
 31 December 
2015
£000

1

2

2

3

4

5

9

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 INCOME/(COSTS)

Non-recurring income/(costs)

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

Finance income

Finance costs

PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE TAXATION

Taxation 

PROFIT/(LOSS) 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 INCOME/(EXPENSE) FOR THE YEAR

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

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE) ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE 

PARENT COMPANY

Earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to owners of the parent 

company:

Basic

Diluted

25

25

18,319

(16,843)

(223)

1,253

(156)

(667)

(380)

50

619

669

-

(646)

23

1,035

1,058

(1,192)

215

(977)

844

(133)

925

1,058

925

6.9p

6.8p

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)

(3.5p)

(3.5p)

24 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 DECEMBER 2016

Note

£000

£000

£000

£000

2016

2015

ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax assets

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Financial asset

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

11

13

22

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

20

23

24

26

26

26

26

26

TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF 

THE PARENT

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

17,607

374

947

916

6,899

10

4,189

2,670

9,092

429

979

242

4,746

1,577

12,462

1,432

864

1,048

(4,599)

12,035

376

663

18,928

13,074

822

4,745

-

2,183

1,797

7,107

541

385

448

3,933

1,304

7,903

1,241

641

204

(4,680)

7,750

20,824

9,830

4,381

14,211

6,613

20,824

12,014

30,942

13,170

4,988

18,158

12,784

30,942

The financial statements on pages 24 to 70 were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 12 April 2017 
and are signed on its behalf by:

P J Reason 
Director   

N J Goldsmith
Director 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    25

 
 
 
 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 DECEMBER 2016

Note

2016          

2015           

ASSETS

£000

£000

£000

£000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Investments

12

28,426

23,395

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

28,426

23,395

CURRENT ASSETS

Trade and other receivables

Financial asset

Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

15

16

17

18

20

2,301

10

2,221

4,332

950

4,532

32,958

2,621

-

24

3,824

357

2,645

26,040

5,282

4,181

Financial liabilities

20

158

331

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

EQUITY 

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Shares to be issued

Retained earnings

24

26

26

26

26

1,577

12,462

13,066

864

(451)

158

5,440

331

4,512

1,304

7,903

12,875

641

(1,195)

TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

27,518

32,958

21,528

26,040

The Company’s profit for the year and total comprehensive income for the year was £744,000 (2015:loss £1,350,000).

The financial statements on pages 24 to 70 were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 12 April 2017 
and are signed on its behalf by:

P J Reason 
Director   

N J Goldsmith
Director 

26 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 31 December 2016

2016

2015

Note

£000

£000

£000

£000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Profit/(loss) before taxation

23

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation of intangibles 

Share based payment

Retirement benefit obligations

Finance income

Finance costs

156

2

1,047

223

(518)

-

646

(Decrease)/increase in deferred contingent consideration

(1,017)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE MOVEMENTS IN 

(361)

156

-

1,016

263

(427)

(4)

272

1,361

562

2,276

WORKING CAPITAL  

Movements in working capital:

Decrease/(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

85

647

(520)

127

12

(1,737)

1,810

(379)

(141)

-

(890)

(113)

-

(33)

Purchase of subsidiary undertakings (net of cash acquired)

(2,347)

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

(3,383)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issue of share capital

Loan notes repaid

Finance lease interest

4,823

-

(8)

NET CASH GENERATED FROM/(USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

Effects of exchange rate changes on the balance of cash held 

in foreign currencies

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

17

4,815

1,559

2,183

447

4,189

(313)

(71)

493

(86)

205

4

(612)

(113)

(950)

(8)

-

12

(303)

(4)

109

2,385

119

2,504

(1,679)

(295)

530

1,676

(23)

2,183

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    27

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 31 December 2016

Note

£000

£000

£000

£000

2016

2015

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Adjustments for:

Finance income

Finance cost

(Decrease)/increase in deferred contingent 

consideration

CASH FLOWS (USED IN)/FROM OPERATIONS 

BEFORE MOVEMENTS IN WORKING CAPITAL  

Movements in working capital:

Decrease/(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

Purchase of subsidiary undertakings

Payment of deferred contingent consideration

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issue of share capital

Loan notes repaid

NET CASH GENERATED FROM/(USED IN) 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH 

EQUIVALENTS  

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

17

744

(18)

129

(1,017)

9

(3,289)

-

4,823

-

(162)

320

496

654

(3,280)

4,823

2,197

24

2,221

(1,350)

(5)

41

1,361

5

-

(950)

12

(303)

47

(390)

1,506

1,163

(945)

(291)

(73)

97

24

28 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

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

Shares to 

Translation

Retained 

be issued

reserve

earnings

£000

£000

Share 

capital

£000

Balance as at 1 January 2015

1,221

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive expense 

for the year

Total comprehensive expense

Shares issued

Share based payment

-

-

-

83

-

Share 

premium

£000

7,892

-

-

-

11

-

Merger

reserve

£000

(326)

-

-

-

1,567

-

Balance at 31 December 2015

1,304

7,903

1,241

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/

(expense) for the year

Total comprehensive income

Shares issued

Share based payment

-

-

-

273

-

-

-

-

4,559

-

-

-

-

191

-

Balance as at 31 December 2016

1,577

12,462

1,432

£000

378

-

-

-

-

263

641

-

-

-

-

223

864

Total

 equity

£000

5,419

(428)

(302)

(730)

1,661

263

6,613

1,058

(3,974)

(428)

(278)

(706)

-

-

(4,680)

1,058

(977)

(133)

81

-

-

925

5,023

223

1,048

(4,599)

12,784

228

-

(24)

(24)

-

-

204

-

844

844

-

-

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 2015

1,221

Loss for the year

Shares issued

Share based payment

-

83

-

Share 

premium

£000

7,892

-

11

-

Merger

reserve

£000

11,308

-

1,567

-

Balance as at 31 December 2015

1,304

7,903

12,875

Profit for the year

Shares issued

Share based payment                                                           

-

273

-

-

4,559

-

-

191

-

Balance as at 31 December 2016

1,577

12,462

13,066

£000

378

-

-

263

641

-

-

223

864

Total

 equity

£000

20,954

(1,350)

1,661

263

£000

155

(1,350)

-

-

(1,195)

21,528

744

-

-

744

5,023

223

(451)

27,518

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    29

accounting policies

GENERAL INFORMATION
The principal activity and nature of operations 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 limited 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 financial statements have been prepared on the historical 
cost basis.

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 profit for the year of the parent company is £0.74m (2015: 
loss of £1.35m).

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 2016 and 31 December 2015.

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 
net current assets (excluding deferred income) of £7.9m at 31 
December 2016 (2015: £5.0m).  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 positive cash reserves, as well as a committed 
working capital facility of £2.0m referred to above which, at 31 
December 2016 was undrawn. 

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.

30 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

accounting policies

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 is 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 
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 items (EBITDA) is profit/(loss) arising from 
the Group’s normal trading activities stated before depreciation, 
amortisation, non-recurring items, 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)

Samarind Limited

Sterling (GBP)

Notocord Systems S.A.

Euro (EUR)

Notocord Inc.

US Dollars (USD)

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 (including exchange gains on the translation of intra-group 
funding balances).

FINANCE COSTS
Net finance costs include interest payable, exchange losses 
(including 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. 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    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)

Average rate for year ended 31 December 2015

1.5283

11.8503

Closing rate at 31 December 2015

1.4941

11.5809

Average rate for year ended 31 December 2016

1.3553

10.5210

Closing rate at 31 December 2016

1.2340

9.5654

Chinese 
Renminbi
(RMB)

9.5010

9.6767

9.0102

8.5978

Indian Rupee
(INR)

Japanese
Yen (JPY)

Euro
(EUR)

97.8763

179.712

98.9288

185.080

91.0666

147.577

83.4892

144.503

-

-

1.2242

1.1731

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 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 
the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be 
available against which temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred tax is recognised on income or expenses from 
subsidiaries that will be assessed or allow for tax in future 
periods except where the Group is able to control the reversal of 
the timing difference and it is probable that the timing difference 
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

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 between five and ten 
years.  Amortisation is recognised within the statement of 
comprehensive income.  All intangible assets except Goodwill 
are amortised.

32 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

accounting policies

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:

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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

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 

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.

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.  

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.  

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

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

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    33

accounting policies

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 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.  

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.

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

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

Derivative financial instruments
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to foreign currency risk.  
The Group uses forward contracts to hedge this exposure.

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

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.

Fair value of assets acquired and calculation of contingent 
consideration (see note 10)
The amounts presented in the statement of financial position in 
respect of the fair values of assets acquired are estimated by the 
Group’s management based on prior experience and information 
available at the time of the acquisition.  Key assumptions and 
judgements are required to both identify and measure the 
identifiable assets acquired.  It is the opinion of management, 
that in respect of both acquisitions, the identifiable intangible 
assets acquired relate to Intellectual Property and Customer 
Relationships.  The fair value of such assets represents the 
estimated future earnings discounted to their net present value. 
The assessment of these future earnings includes estimates 
and judgements such as the use of an appropriate royalty rate in 
respect of the calculation and modelling of the intellectual 

34 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

accounting policies

property asset, the assessment of potential future earnings and 
the useful economic life of each identifiable asset acquired.

IAS 12 ‘Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised 
Losses’ (Amended) effective - 1 January 2017

IAS 7 ‘Disclosure initiative’ (Amended) effective - 1 January 2017

IFRS 2 ’Classification and Measurement of Share Based 
Payment’ (Amended) effective - 1 January 2018

IFRIC 22 ‘Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance 
Consideration’ effective - 1 January 2018

The directors are 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 standards above 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 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ (Amended) effective 
- 1 January 2016

IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’ (Amended) 
effective - 1 January 2016

IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’ (Amended) 
effective - 1 January 2016

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

The directors have reviewed the sensitivity of the royalty rate 
assumption in the Samarind valuation of acquired intangible 
assets.  A 10% decrease in the assumed royalty rate would result 
in approximately a £0.14m increase in goodwill, £0.17m less 
acquired intangible assets and £0.03m less deferred tax liability 
arising on acquisition.  The subsequent impact of amortisation 
charge for the year ended 31 December 2016 would be a 
reduced charge of £0.02m.

The directors have reviewed the sensitivity of the royalty rate 
assumption in the Notocord valuation of acquired intangible 
assets.  A 10% decrease in the assumed royalty rate would result 
in approximately a £0.17m increase in goodwill, £0.21m less 
acquired intangible assets and £0.04m less deferred tax liability 
arising on acquisition.  The subsequent impact of amortisation 
charge for the year ended 31 December 2016 would be a 
reduced charge of £0.01m.

The contingent consideration provided in the financial statements 
is measured initially at its acquisition-date fair value.  The 
consideration in respect of both Samarind and Notocord 
include deferred contingent consideration, which is dependent 
on financial performance of the acquired businesses.  The 
estimation of fair values includes management’s best estimate to 
the outcome of such performance using detailed forecasts of the 
acquired business.

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 management’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.

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 2016.  The Group and Company have 
chosen not 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.  

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ effective - 1 
January 2018

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ effective - 1 January 2018

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ effective - 1 January 2019

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    35

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

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. 

REVENUE BY PRODUCT TYPE

Licence fees

Annual support fees

SaaS subscription fees

Professional services

Funded development initiatives

REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

UK

Rest of Europe

USA and Canada

Rest of World

NON-CURRENT ASSETS EXCLUDING DEFERRED 

TAXATION BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

UK

USA and Canada

Rest of World

2016

£000

4,162

8,890

2,853

2,414

-

2015

£000

4,612

7,383

2,076

2,042

208

18,319

16,321

2016

£000

3,329

3,232

9,829

1,929

2015

£000

2,004

3,592

9,429

1,296

18,319

16,321

2016

£000

17,750

165

66

17,981

2015

£000

12,331

39

41

12,411

Major customers

There were no customers which represented more than 10% of the Group revenue in 2016 (2015: nil).

36 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

 
       
  
  
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

2.  Profit/(Loss) before Non-Recurring Income/(Costs)

2016

£000

2015

£000

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

Depreciation and amounts written off property, plant and equipment:

 Charge for the year:

   Owned assets

  Leased assets

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

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

Due diligence

126

30        

2

1,047

1,840

39

481

17

64

16

18

4

47

137

19        

-

1,016

1,302

3

365

16

51

11

12

10

-

The following table analyses the nature of expenses:

166

100

2016

£000

Staff costs (see note 6)

10,706

Operating lease rentals

Software maintenance charges

Licence costs 

520

444

599

Other expenses

4,574

Total cost of sales, distribution costs, administrative expenses 

and other operating expenses

16,843

2015

£000

8,666

368

318

593

3,608

13,553

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    37

    
    
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

3.  Non-Recurring Items

Professional fees in respect of acquisitions

Amendment to consideration payable in respect of Instem Clinical

Restructuring costs in respect of Instem Clinical

Amendment to contingent consideration post acquisition in respect of 

Samarind

2016

£000

(249)

690

(149)

327

619

2015

£000

(25)

(1,401)

-

-

(1,426)

The professional fees relate to the acquisition of Samarind Limited on 27 May 2016 and Notocord Systems S.A. on 2 September 2016 
(see note 10).

During the year, the Group reached agreement with the previous owners of Instem Clinical resulting in the release of the Group from its 
obligations to pay the final consideration payments.

The contingent consideration in respect of Samarind Limited was estimated at its fair value at the date of acquisition. This was 
re-measured at the reporting date and the estimation of the contingent consideration has reduced.

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).

4.  Finance Income

5.  Finance Costs

Bank interest

Bank loans and overdrafts

Unwinding discount on deferred consideration

Net interest charge on pension scheme

Foreign exchange losses

Finance lease interest

2016

£000

-

2016

£000

32

120

139

347

8

646

2015

£000

4

2015

£000

86

36

140

6

4

272

38 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

6.  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

2016

Number

2015

Number

42

154

196

2016

£000

9,045

890

771

10,706

40

118

158

2015

£000

7,421

636

609

8,666

In addition to the above employment costs, the Group had non-recurring employment costs of £0.15m (2015:£nil) as disclosed in note 3.

The Company has three employees during the year and in the prior year.  These employees are non-executive directors of the 
Company and their remuneration is disclosed in note 8.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    39

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

7.  Share Based Payment

Equity-settled share option plan

Under the approved and unapproved share 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.

2016

2015

Weighted 

average exercise 

Number

price (£)

Outstanding at the beginning of the year

1,387,016

Granted

104,558

Lapsed

(141,250)

Exercised 

(141,231)

Outstanding at end of the year 

1,209,093

Exercisable at end of year

784,535

1.02

0.10

0.10

0.83

1.07

1.59

Weighted 

average exercise 

price (£)

1.71

0.10

-

1.12

1.02

1.01

Number

800,332

596,684

-

(10,000)

1,387,016

1,227,191

The options outstanding at 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 had exercise prices of £0.10, £0.90, £1.115, £1.75, £1.76, 
£2.215 and £2.22 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6 years 1 month (2015: 7 years 1 month).

A charge of £0.2m (2015: £0.3m) 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:

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

2016

0.10

2.67

3

19.0

10

3

2%

-

-

Fair value of options

2.40

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 474,960 shares (2015: 556,599 shares) incorporate a market performance condition based on the Company’s share price.  
Options over 490,400 shares (2015: 596,684) 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 £0.3m (2015: £1.1m).

During the year, the average share price in respect of share options exercised is £2.55 (2015: £2.06).

40 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

8.  Directors’ Emoluments

Amounts payable by Instem plc:

Emoluments*

Amounts payable by subsidiary companies:

Emoluments

Defined contribution pension contributions

Total emoluments

2016

£000

112

335

40

487

2015

£000

92

318

37

447

2016

Number

2015

Number

Number of directors to whom retirement benefits

are accruing under:

Defined contribution schemes

2

2

* The above emoluments include £30,000 (2015: £24,000) payable to third parties as shown in note 29.

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

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    41

                                                           
                                                           
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

9.  Taxation                 

Income taxes recognised in profit or loss:

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

Amounts in respect of previously unrecognised losses

Current tax:

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

Amounts in respect of previously unrecognised losses

Adjustment in respect of previous years

Retirement benefit obligation

Effects of domestic tax rate change on opening balances

Total deferred tax

Total income tax (credit)/expense recognised in the current year

The income tax expense can be reconciled to the accounting profit as follows:

Profit/(loss) before tax multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in 

Profit/(loss) before tax

the UK 20% (2015: 20.25%)

Effects of:

(Income)/expenses not (allowable)/deductible for tax purposes

Fixed asset temporary differences

Differences in overseas tax rates

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Foreign tax suffered in excess of double tax relief

Effects of domestic tax rate change on opening balances

Adjustment in respect of R&D tax credit

Other temporary differences

Tax losses utilised

Tax losses carried forward not previously recognised

Overseas tax losses not carried forward

Total income tax (income)/expense recognised in consolidated statement 

of comprehensive income

2016

£000

244

(141)

400

(45)

(312)

(350)

(204)

(421)

(459)

(73)

76

46

(831)

(1,035)

2016

£000

23

5

(23)

164

85

(430)

110

46

(350)

(97)

(141)

(526)

122

(1,035)

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

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 2016 is 17% in respect of periods from 1 April 2020 following legislation in the Finance Act 2015.

42 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

10.  Acquisition of Subsidiaries 

Company

Principal activity

Date of acquisition

Proportion of voting 
equity interests 
acquired
%

Consideration
£000

Samarind Limited

Provider of Regulatory Information 
Management software and 
services to Life Science sector

27 May 2016

100

2,324

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

Consideration

Initial cash consideration (including £13,000 stamp duty)

Initial share consideration

Deferred consideration (27 May 2017) – To be settled in cash or shares

Deferred contingent consideration (27 May 2017) – To be settled in cash or shares

Deferred consideration (27 May 2018) – To be settled in cash or shares

Discounting of estimated future cashflows

Fair value of consideration 

£000

1,313

200

450

350

200

2,513

(189)

2,324

The contingent consideration is based on certain performance related conditions in respect of the first twelve months.  The deferred 
contingent consideration in the table above is based on the forecast estimate that the performance related conditions will be fully met 
and the full consideration will be payable. The contingent consideration was re-measured at the reporting date as disclosed in note 3.

Acquisition related costs amounting to £0.07m have been excluded from the consideration transferred and have been recognised as an 
expense in the current year, within the ‘Non-recurring income/(costs)’ line item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

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

Fair Value

£000

Non-Current Assets

Intellectual property

Customer relationships 

Property, plant and equipment

Current Assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Current tax

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Non-Current Liabilities

Deferred tax on acquisition

Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

1,047

921

16

104

697

119

(416)

(404)

(354)

1,730

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    43

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

10.  Acquisition of Subsidaries (continued)

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Consideration transferred

Less: fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

£000

2,324

(1,730)

Goodwill arising on acquisition

594

The impact of the acquisition on the Group’s assets and liabilities is set out above.  The fair value of the assets and liabilities may be 
adjusted for circumstances that are revealed within 12 months of the date of acquisition.  The value of goodwill arose on the acquisition 
of Samarind Limited because the premium paid by the Group reflected the expected benefit of synergies, revenue growth and future 
market development.  Samarind Limited was acquired to expand and enhance the Group’s product and service offering within the 
Global Life Sciences operating segment.  These benefits have not been recognised separately from goodwill because they do not meet 
the recognition criteria for identifiable intangible assets.

The fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired as reported in the interim statement as at 30 June 2016 were provisional.  Following 
the interim report, the Group has thoroughly reviewed the fair value of identifiable net assets and the values are reflected in the table on 
the previous page.

Impact of acquisition on the results of the Group

Included in the profit for the year is a loss of £0.05m attributable to the additional business generated by Samarind Limited.  Revenue for 
the year includes £0.53m in respect of Samarind Limited.

Had this business combination been effected at 1 January 2016, the revenue of Samarind from continuing operations would have been 
£0.92m, and the profit for the year from continuing operations would have approximated break even.  The directors consider these 
numbers to represent an approximate measure of the performance of Samarind on an annualised basis and to provide a reference point 
for comparison in future years.

Subsidiary acquired

Company

Principal activity

Date of acquisition

Proportion of voting 
equity interests 
acquired
%

Consideration
£000

Notocord 
Systems S.A.
(including Notocord Inc.)

Provider of software into 
preclinical Safety 
Pharmacology sector

2 September 2016

100

2,482

Notocord Systems S.A. and Notocord Inc. were acquired to continue the expansion and development of the Group’s capabilities in the 
preclinical Safety Pharmacology sector, which is adjacent to Instem’s core Toxicology/Pathology sector.

Consideration

Initial cash consideration - €2.3m 

(including €0.3m consideration in respect of acquired cash balances)

Deferred contingent consideration (30 March 2017)

Discounting of estimated future cashflows

Fair value of consideration 

£000

1,976

533

2,509

(27)

2,482

The contingent consideration is based on certain performance related conditions in respect of the years ending 31 December 2016 and 
31 December 2017.  The maximum deferred contingent consideration which would be payable if all performance conditions were met 
would be £1.7m (€2.0m).

Acquisition related costs amounting to £0.18m have been excluded from the consideration transferred and have been recognised as an 
expense in the current year, within the ‘Non-recurring income/(costs)’ line item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

44 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

10.  Acquisition of Subsidaries (continued)

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

Fair Value

£000

Non-Current Assets

Intellectual property

Customer relationships 

Property, plant and equipment

Current Assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Current tax

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Non-Current Liabilities

Deferred tax on acquisition

Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Consideration transferred

Less: fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

1,258

996

14

148

245

(355)

(101)

(232)

(405)

1,568

£000

2,482

(1,568)

Goodwill arising on acquisition

914

The impact of the acquisition on the Group’s assets and liabilities is set out above.  The fair value of the assets and liabilities may be 
adjusted for circumstances that are revealed within 12 months of the date of acquisition.  The value of goodwill arose on the acquisition 
of Notocord Systems S.A. because the premium paid by the Group reflects the expected benefit of synergies, revenue growth and 
future market development.  Notocord Systems S.A. was acquired to expand and enhance the Group’s product and service offering 
within the Safety Pharmacology sector.  These benefits have not been recognised separately from goodwill because they do not meet 
the recognition criteria for identifiable intangible assets.

Impact of acquisition on the results of the Group

Included in the profit before tax for the year is a profit of £0.15m attributable to the additional business generated by Notocord Systems 
S.A. and Notocord Inc.  Revenue for the year includes £0.53m in respect of Notocord Systems S.A. and Notocord Inc.

Had this business combination been effected at 1 January 2016, the revenue of Notocord from continuing operations would have been 
in the region of £1.8m, and the profit for the year from continuing operations would have been in the region of £0.4m.  The directors 
consider these numbers to represent an approximate measure of the performance of Notocord Systems S.A. and Notocord Inc. on an 
annualised basis and to provide a reference point for comparison in future years.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    45

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

11.  Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Software 

property 

relationships

Patents

Group

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Intellectual 

Customer 

Cost

At 1 January 2015

9,507

2,262

2,222

Additions from continuing 

operations

-

612

-

At 31 December 2015

9,507

2,874

2,222

Additions from continuing 

operations

-

Additions from acquisitions

1,508

Exchange adjustment

-

890

-

10

At 31 December 2016

11,015

3,774

Amounts written off 

At 1 January 2015

Amortisation expense

At 31 December 2015

Amortisation expense

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2016

Net book value

-

-

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2015

9,507

At 31 December 2016

11,015

1,069

375

1,444

380

11

1,835

1,430

1,939

-

2,305

-

4,527

1,049

444

1,493

442

-

1,935

729

2,592

957

-

957

-

1,917

-

2,874

397

192

589

224

-

813

368

2,061

21

-

21

-

-

-

21

15

5

20

1

-

21

1

-

Total

£000

14,969

612

15,581

890

5,730

10

22,211

2,530

1,016

3,546

1,047

11

4,604

12,035

17,607

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortisation within Software includes internally generated and externally acquired 
elements.  The cost of internally generated software amounts to £3.0m (2015: £2.3m) with accumulated amortisation of £1.2m (2015: 
£0.9m).  Software additions for the year include £0.8m relating to internal development (2015: £0.6m).

Impairment of goodwill

Goodwill amounting to £5.9m (2015: £5.9m) 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 £0.5m (2015: £0.5m), relates to a CGU, being 
the Instem Scientific Limited business acquired on 3 March 2011.  Goodwill amounting to £2.5m (2015: £2.5m), relates to a CGU, being 
the Instem Clinical Holdings Limited business acquired on 10 May 2013.  Goodwill amounting to £0.7m (2015: £0.7m) relates to a CGU, 
being the Perceptive Instruments Limited business acquired on 21 November 2013.

During the year, the Group acquired goodwill amounting to £0.6m and £0.9m in respect of the acquisition of Samarind and Notocord 
respectively (see note 10).

During the year, 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 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 2016, a pre-tax discount rate of 9.1% (2015: 8.9%) was used in the value-in-use calculation based on 
the Group’s cost of capital.

46 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

11.  Intangible Assets (continued)

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 identified.

The recoverable amount of the Instem LSS CGU exceeds the carrying amount of this CGU by 335%, for the Instem Scientific CGU 
by 848%, for Instem Clinical CGU by 249%, Perceptive Instruments CGU by 898%, Samarind CGU by 443% and Notocord CGU by 
351%. 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 24%, 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 68% in the Instem Scientific 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 15% in the Instem Clinical discount rate, or a reduction in revenues of 9% would result in the recoverable amount of the 
CGU being equal to its carrying amount. An additional increase of 30% in the Perceptive Instruments discount rate, or a reduction in 
revenues of 17% would result in the recoverable amount of the CGU being equal to its carrying amount. An additional increase of 30% 
in the Samarind discount rate, or a reduction in revenues by 30% would result in the recoverable amount of the CGU being equal to 
its carrying value. An additional increase of 24% in the Notocord discount rate, or a reduction in revenues by 24% would result in the 
recoverable amount of the CGU being equal to its carrying value.

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

12.  Investments 

Company

Cost at beginning of year

Additions

At end of year

£000

23,395

5,031

28,426

During the year, the Company acquired the investment in Samarind Limited and Notocord Systems S.A. At the end of the year the 

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

Company

Registered Address

Activity

Ownership

Instem Life Science Systems 

Diamond Way

Limited 

Stone Business Park

(company number 04339129)

Stone, Staffordshire

England and Wales

ST15 0SD

Instem LSS Limited 

(company number 03548215)

England and Wales

Diamond Way

Stone Business Park

Stone, Staffordshire

ST15 0SD

Instem LSS (North America) 

Diamond Way

Holding Company

100% by Instem plc

Software development, 

sales, sales support and 

administrative support

100% by Instem Life 

Science Systems Limited

Limited 

Stone Business Park

Sales, sales support and 

100% by Instem LSS 

(company number 02126697)

Stone, Staffordshire

administrative support

Limited

England and Wales

ST15 0SD

Instem LSS (Asia) Limited 

(company number 1371107)

Hong Kong

Instem Information Systems 

(Shanghai) Limited

(company number 

310115400257075)

Shanghai, PRC

Suite 1106-8

11/F Tai Yau Building

No 181 Johnston Road

Wanchai

Room 205, Building 16

88 Da’erwen Road

Zhanjiang
High Tech Park

Pudong District

201203

Holding Company

100% by Instem LSS 

Limited

Sales, sales support and 
service

100% by Instem LSS (Asia) 
Limited

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    47

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

12.  Investments (continued)

Company

Registered Address

Activity

Ownership

Instem Scientific Limited

(company number 03861669)

England and Wales

Diamond Way

Stone Business Park

Stone, Staffordshire

ST15 0SD

Instem Scientific Solutions 

Diamond Way

Limited

Stone Business Park

(company number 03598020)

Stone, Staffordshire

England and Wales

ST15 0SD

Instem Scientific Inc.

161 Washington Street

Suite 1550

USA

8 Tower Bridge

Conshohocken PA 19428

Instem India Pvt Limited

(company number 

U73100MH2012FTC231951)
India

302, Third Floor

Lalani Quantum

Bavdhan (Budruk)

Pune

411021

Instem Clinical Holdings 

Diamond Way

Limited

Stone Business Park

(company number 05840032)

Stone, Staffordshire

England and Wales

ST15 0SD

Instem Clinical Limited

(company number 06959053)

England and Wales

Diamond Way

Stone Business Park

Stone, Staffordshire

ST15 0SD

Suite 1550

Instem Clinical Inc.

161 Washington Street

USA

Logos Technologies Limited

(company number 05836842)

England and Wales

8 Tower Bridge

Conshohocken PA 19428

Diamond Way

Stone Business Park

Stone, Staffordshire

ST15 0SD

Perceptive Instruments 

Diamond Way

Limited

Stone Business Park

(company number 02498351)

Stone, Staffordshire

England and Wales

ST15 0SD

Leading provider of 

software solutions for 

extracting intelligence 

100% by Instem plc

from R&D related 

healthcare data

Dormant

100% by Instem Scientific 

Limited

Leading provider of 

software solutions for 

extracting intelligence 

from R&D related 

healthcare data

Software development

Holding of intellectual 

property rights and 

investment in group

companies

Provision of electronic 

data capture and clinical 

management solutions 

to the pharmaceutical 

industry

Provision of electronic 

data capture and clinical 

management solutions 

to the pharmaceutical 

industry

100% by Instem Scientific 

Limited

99.9% by Instem LSS 

Limited

0.1% by Instem LSS (NA) 
Limited

100% by Instem plc

100% by Instem Clinical 

Holdings Limited

100% by Instem Clinical 

Holdings Limited

Dormant

100% by Instem Clinical 

Holdings Limited

Development, 

manufacture and supply 

of software and hardware 

products for in vitro 

study data collection and 

100% by Instem plc

study management in 

the genetic toxicology, 

microbiology and 

immunology markets

48 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

12.  Investments (continued)

Company

Registered Address

Activity

Ownership

Instem Japan K.K

(company number 

0104-01-120355)

Japan

Samarind Limited

(company number 02105894)

England and Wales

Notocord Systems S.A.

(company number 350927349)

France

Shinagawa

Intercity Tower

A Level 28

2-15-1 Konan

Minato-ku

Tokyo 108-6028

Diamond Way

Stone Business Park

Stone, Staffordshire

ST15 0SD

113 Chemin de Ronde

Croissy-sur-Seine

Paris

78290

Suite 1550

Sales, sales support and 

100% by Instem LSS 

service

Limited

Provider of regulatory 

information management 

100% by Instem plc

software

Software development, 

sales support and 

100% by Instem plc

administrative support

Notocord Inc.

USA

161 Washington Street

Sales, sales support and 

100% by Notocord Systems 

8 Tower Bridge

administrative support

S.A.

Conshohocken PA 19428

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    49

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

13.  Property, Plant and Equipment

Short leasehold 

IT hardware & 

property

£000

software

£000

Group

Cost 

At 1 January 2015

Additions

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2015

Additions

Acquisitions

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2016

Depreciation

At 1 January 2015

Depreciation expense

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2015

Depreciation expense

Acquisitions

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2016

Net book value

At 31 December 2015

At 31 December 2016

74

-

-

74

3

-

(1)

3

79

26

17

(2)

41

14

-

(1)

3

57

33

22

Total

£000

1,963

266

2

2,231

113

103

(1,385)

74

1,136

1,700

156

(1)

1,855

156

73

1,889

266

2

2,157

110

103

(1,384)

71

1,057

1,674

139

1

1,814

142

73

(1,382)

(1,383)

58

705

343

352

61

762

376

374

IT hardware and software includes assets with a net book value of £0.10m (2015: £0.13m) held under finance lease. The depreciation 
on these assets during the year was £0.03m (2015: £0.02m).

50 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

14.  Inventories

Group

Raw materials

Work in progress

Total gross inventories

15. Trade and Other Receivables

Group

Trade receivables

Amounts recoverable on contracts

Prepayments and accrued income

Company

Amounts owed by group companies

Other receivables   

2016

£000

27

889

916

2016

£000

916

2016

£000

5,104

894

901

6,899

2,217

84

2,301

2015

£000

14

808

822

2015

£000

822

2015

£000

2,788

1,395

562

4,745

2,589

32

2,621

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

Increase in provision for impairment

Reversal of provision for impairment

At end of year

2016

£000

232

9

(147)

94

2015

£000

23

209

-

232

The average credit period taken on sale is 68 days (2015: 57 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, 2016    51

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

15. Trade and Other Receivables (continued)

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

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

Group

2016

Current

0-30 

days

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

Total

Debt age

Trade receivables/Amounts recoverable 

on contracts

Value (£000)

%

4,434

74

565

10

501

8

498

8

5,998

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

16. Financial Asset

2016

£000

2,511

784

3,056

488

60

6,899

2015

£000

1,815

162

2,452

270

46

4,745

Group and Company

Forward foreign exchange contract

2016

£000

10

2015

£000

-

At the reporting date the Group and Company had one short term forward foreign exchange contract to purchase Euros at a 

guaranteed rate. The above represents the fair value of the contract at 31 December 2016. There were no contracts in place as 

at 31 December 2015.  The credit has been recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and reflected in 

foreign exchange losses within finance costs.

52 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

17.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Group

Cash at bank

Bank overdraft 

Company

Cash at bank

2016

£000

13,187

(8,998)

4,189

2,221

2015

£000

11,181

(8,998)

2,183

24

The Group’s committed overdraft facility has a net limit of £2.0m and a gross limit of £9.0m.  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

Euro

2016

£000

(1,138)

1,687

2,329

1,243

68

4,189

1,165

1,056

2,221

2015

£000

(407)

201

1,529

831

29

2,183

24

-

24

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

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    53

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

18. 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

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

Group

Sterling

Euro

US Dollar

Renminbi

Other

Company

Sterling

2016

£000

632

276

1,762

2,670

78

4,125

129

4,332

2016

£000

1,595

272

725

31

47

2,670

4,332

2015

£000

487

186

1,124

1,797

37

3,773

14

3,824

2015

£000

1,088

-

677

20

12

1,797

3,824

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

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

Group

2015

Trade and other payables (£000)

%

Group

2016

Trade and other payables (£000)

%

19.  Current Taxation

Current

1,700

95

Current

2,634

99

0-30 

days

56

3

0-30 

days

24

1

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

6

-

35

2

31-60 

days

Over 60 

days

-

-

12

-

Total

1,797

100

Total

2,670

100

The Group current tax payable of £0.43m (2015: £0.54m) represents the amount of income taxes payable in respect of current and prior 
years. 

The Company current tax payable is £nil (2015: £nil). 

54 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

20.  Financial Liabilities 

Group

2015

Deferred consideration

Finance lease liabilities 

Company

2015

Deferred consideration

Group

2016

Deferred contingent consideration

Finance lease liabilities 

Total

£000

688

145

833

Total

£000

688

Total

£000

1,108

113

1,221

Less than 

One to 

More than 

one year

two years

two years

£000

£000

£000

357

28

385

331

29

360

-

88

88

Less than 

One to 

More than 

one year

two years

two years

£000

357

£000

331

£000

-

Less than 

One to 

More than 

one year

two years

two years

£000

£000

£000

950

29

979

158

32

190

-

52

52

Company

Less than 

One to 

More than 

Deferred contingent consideration

2016

Total

£000

1,108

one year

two years

two years

£000

950

£000

158

£000

-

Deferred contingent consideration

The deferred contingent consideration above includes £0.58m (2015: £nil) in respect of the acquisition of Samarind Limited, 
£0.53m (2015: £nil) in respect of the acquisition of Notocord Systems S.A. and £nil (2015: £0.69m) in respect of Instem Clinical 
Holdings Limited.  

During the year, the Group reached agreement with the previous owners of Instem Clinical Holdings Limited resulting in the 
release of the Group from its obligation to pay the final consideration payments.

The estimation of deferred consideration in respect of the acquisition of Samarind Limited and Notocord Systems S.A. is 
contingent on performance criteria relating to 2017.

The carrying value of all deferred consideration has been discounted by an appropriate rate to take account of the time to maturity.  
Further details are provided in note 21.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    55

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

20.  Financial Liabilities (continued)

Finance lease liabilities

Minimum lease payments

Present value of minimum 

lease payment

31 December 

31 December 

31 December 

31 December 

2016

2015

2016

2015

Not later than one year

Later than one year and not later than five years

Less future finance charges

Present value of minimum lease payments

36

90

126

(13)

113

36

126

162

(17)

145

29

84

113

-

113

28

117

145

-

145

21.  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 deferred consideration) and “Fair value through profit and loss” (other financial 
liabilities which reflect deferred contingent consideration, and a forward contract shown as a financial asset) 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.

2015

Group and Company

Level 1

£000

Level 2

£000

Level 3

£000

Deferred contingent consideration

-

(688)

-

2016
Group and Company

Level 1
£000

Level 2
£000

Financial asset

Deferred contingent consideration

-

-

-

10

-

10

Level 3
£000

-

(1,108)

(1,108)

Total

£000

(688)

Total
£000

10

(1,108)

(1,098)

The valuation of the financial asset has been made with reference to the guaranteed rate within the forward contract and an appropriate 
forward rate as at 31 December 2016.

56 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

21. Financial Instruments (continued)

The following table shows a reconciliation from the opening balances as at 1 January 2016 to the closing balances as at 31 December 
2016 for Level 3 fair value measurements in respect of both the Group and Company.

Balance as at 1 January 2016

Acquisition of Samarind Limited

Acquisition of Notocord Systems S.A.

Unwinding discount*

Change in fair value**

Adjustment in respect of foreign exchange*

Balance as at 31 December 2016

Deferred contingent 

consideration

£000

-

811

506

108

(327)

10

1,108

* Recognised in consolidated statement of comprehensive income and reflected in finance costs
** Recognised in consolidated statement of comprehensive income and reflected in non-recurring income/(costs)

The assumptions in respect of the fair value measurement of the deferred contingent consideration is disclosed in note 10.

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 average value of Sterling against the US dollar would have resulted in an increase in the Group’s profit before tax by 
approximately £0.3m (2015: £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 2016 indications are that the UK bank base interest rate will not materially differ from 0.25% over the next 
12 months.  On the basis of the floating net cash position at 31 December 2016 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, 2016    57

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

21. Financial Instruments (continued)

2015

Group

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred consideration

Finance lease

2016

Group

Trade and other receivables

Financial asset

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred contingent consideration

Finance lease

2015

Company

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred consideration

Fixed
rate
£000

-

-

-

-

(145)

(145)

Fixed
rate
£000

-

-

-

-

-

(113)

(113)

Fixed
rate
£000

-

-

-

-

-

Floating
rate
£000

Non-interest 
bearing
£000

-

2,183

-

-

-

2,183

4,183

-

(1,611)

(688)

-

1,884

Floating
rate
£000

Non-interest 
bearing
£000

-

-

4,189

-

-

-

4,189

5,998

10

-

(2,394)

(1,108)

-

2,506

Floating
rate
£000

Non-interest 
bearing
£000

-

24

-

-

24

2,621

-

(3,824)

(688)

(1,891)

2016

Company

Trade and other receivables

Financial asset

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred contingent consideration

Fixed
rate
£000

Floating
rate
£000

Non-interest 
bearing
£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,221

-

-

2,221

2,301

10

-

(4,332)

(1,108)

(3,129)

Total
£000

4,183

2,183

(1,611)

(688)

(145)

3,922

Total
£000

5,998

10

4,189

(2,394)

(1,108)

(113)

6,582

Total
£000

2,621

24

(3,824)

(688)

(1,867)

Total
£000

2,301

10

2,221

(4,332)

(1,108)

(908)

58 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

21. 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 (2015: 
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 15 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 2016, its £2.0m committed bank 
facility was undrawn (2015: £2.0m undrawn).

In respect of the Group’s interest-bearing financial liabilities, the table in note 20 includes details at the reporting date of the periods in 
which they mature.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    59

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

22.  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 year 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

Arising on acquisitions during the year

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Effect of domestic tax rate change on opening balances

At end of the year

2016

£000

-

947

947

2016

£000

663

804

215

(762)

73

(46)

947

2015

£000

-

663

663

2015

£000

574

263

61

-

(179)

(56)

663

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 2015

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

(701)

162

-

-

71

At 31 December 2015

(468)

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

Credit to equity for the year

Arising on acquisitions in the year

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Effects of domestic tax rate change on opening 

balances

155

-

(762)

223

17

At 31 December 2016

(835)

Group

£000

484

-

-

(179)

(48)

257

654

-

-

-

(14)

897

£000

776

(52)

61

-

(78)

707

(76)

215

-

-

(39)

807

£000

15

153

-

-

(1)

167

71

-

-

(150)

(10)

78

Total

£000

574

263

61

(179)

(56)

663

804

215

(762)

73

(46)

947

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 2016 were £nil (2015: £4.07m) due to uncertainty over the timing of the 
recoverability of these losses.

60 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

23.  Retirement Benefit Obligations

The Group has five 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 2016 were £0.57m (2015: £0.46m).

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 2016 were £0.03m (2015: £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 2016 were £0.08m (2015: £0.08m).

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 2016 were £0.02m (2015: £0.02m).

Perceptive Instruments Limited - The Group made contributions to personal pension arrangements of certain employees however 
following the introduction of auto enrolment on 1 July 2016 these employees were entered into the Group Personal Pension Plan.  
During the year ended 31 December 2016 employer contributions to these arrangements prior to autoenrollment totalled £0.01m. (2015: 
£0.02m).

Samarind Group Pension Plan - The Scheme is a Group Personal Pension arrangement with Scottish Widows. Employee members 
must contribute at least 3% and the employer contributes up a maximum of 3% to the Scheme.  During the period ended 31 December 
2016 the employer made contributions of £0.01m (2015: £nil).

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 bonds 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.

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    61

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

23.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

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

The latest full actuarial valuation was carried out at 5 April 2014 and was updated to 31 December 2016 by a qualified independent 
actuary.  

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.

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.   

62 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

23.  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

2016

%

2.85

3.30

N/A

3.00

3.30

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 FINANCE COSTS

Interest on pension scheme assets

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Net finance charge

ANALYSIS OF AMOUNT RECOGNISED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE EXPENSE

(Gains)/losses on pension scheme assets in excess of interest

Gains from changes to demographic assumptions 

Losses from changes to financial assumptions

Actuarial loss recognised in other comprehensive expense

24.5

25.8

23.3

24.3

2016
£000

304

(443)

(139)

2016

£000

(1,252)

(133)

2,577

1,192

2015

%

3.80

3.20

N/A

2.90

3.20

Years

24.7

25.9

23.4

24.4

2015

£000

289

(429)

(140)

2015

£000

136

-

203

339

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    63

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

23.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

CHANGES IN THE PRESENT VALUE OF THE DEFINED 

BENEFIT OBLIGATION

Opening defined benefit obligation

Interest cost

Benefits paid

Changes to demographic assumptions

Changes to financial assumptions

Closing defined benefit obligation

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 £1.56m (2015: £0.15m).

AMOUNT RECOGNISED IN THE CONSOLIDATED 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

2016

£000

11,782

443

(233)

(133)

2,577

14,436

2016

£000

7,849

304

1,252

518

(233)

9,690

2016

£000

2015

£000

11,405

429

(255)

-

203

11,782

2015

£000

7,524

289

(136)

427

(255)

7,849

2015

£000

Present value of funded obligations

(14,436)

(11,782)

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

9,690

(4,746)

807

(3,939)

2016

£000

3,933

139

1,192

(518)

4,746

7,849

(3,933)

707

(3,226)

2015

£000

3,881

140

339

(427)

3,933

64 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

       
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

23.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

Cumulative

Cumulative

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 demographic assumptions

Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of the scheme 

liabilities

2016

£000

1,362

(1,811)

133

(5,019)

Cumulative actuarial loss recognised in other comprehensive expense

(5,335)

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

2016

2015

Equities

Property

Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Cash

Other

£000

6,959

301

1,232

167

424

607

9,690

%

72

3

13

2

4

6

£000

5,664

227

810

672

378

98

100

7,849

100

2015

£000

110

(1,811)

-

(2,442)

(4,143)

%

72

3

10

9

5

1

The five-year history of experience adjustments is as follows:

2016

£000

2015

£000

2014

£000

2013

£000

2012

£000

Present value of defined 

benefit obligation

(14,436)

(11,782)

(11,405)

(10,529)

(9,200)

Fair value of plan assets

9,690

7,849

7,524

7,023

6,004

Deficit

(4,746)

(3,933)

(3,881)

(3,506)

(3,196)

Experience adjustments on 

plan liabilities

Return on plan assets less 

interest

-

-

(138)

-

(763)

1,252

(136)

(7)

612

172

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    65

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

23.  Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

The Group expects to contribute £0.5m to its defined benefit plan in the next financial year (2015: £0.4m).

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

(1,313)

1,506

1,424

(1,264)

(507)

503

24.  Share Capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid

At 1 January

13,043,774 ordinary shares of 10p each (2015: 12,212,260)

2,727,624 (2015: 831,514) ordinary shares of 10p each, issued during the year

At 31 December

2016

£000

1,304

273

1,577

2015

£000

1,221

83

1,304

On 23 February 2016, the Company raised £5.0 million (before expenses) by way of a placing of 2,500,000 new ordinary shares with 
new and existing investors. The Company issued 86,393 new ordinary shares in respect of part consideration of the acquisition of 
Samarind Limited. In addition, 141,231 shares were issued during the year in respect of the exercise of share options.

66 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

25.  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.  

2016

Weighted 

average 

Earnings per 

Profit after 

2015

Weighted 

average 

Earnings per 

number of 

share  (pence)

tax (£000)

number of 

share  (pence)

shares (000’s)

shares (000’s)

Profit after 

tax (£000)

Earnings per share-Basic

1,058

Potentially dilutive shares

-

Earnings per share-Diluted

1,058

15,302

 324

15,626

6.9

-

6.8

(428)

-

(428)

12,398

 -*

12,398

(3.5)

-

(3.5)

* Dilutive share options have been excluded from the calculation as in accordance with IAS 33, ‘Earnings 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

1,752

Potentially dilutive shares

-

Earnings per share-Diluted

1,752

2016

Weighted 

average 

number of 

shares (000’s)

15,302

324

15,626

Adjusted 

earnings per 

share  (pence)

Adjusted 

profit after 

tax (£000)

11.5

-

11.2

1,644

-

1,644

2015

Weighted 

average 

number of 

shares (000’s)

12,398

337

12,735

Reconciliation of adjusted profit after tax:

Reported profit/(loss) after tax

Non-recurring (income)/costs

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

Foreign exchange differences on revaluation of inter-group balances

2016

£000

1,058

(619)

667

646

1,752

Adjusted 

earnings per 

share  (pence)

13.3

-

12.9

2015

£000

(428)

1,426

640

6

1,644

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    67

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

26.  Capital and Reserves

Share capital

The share capital account represents the par value for all shares issued. The Company has one class of share and each share rank 
parri passu and carry equal rights.

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.

27.  Capital Commitments

There were no capital commitments at the end of the financial year (2015: £nil).

68 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

28. 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

2016

£000

520

2016

£000

444

778

236

10

13

2015

£000

368

2015

£000

395

748

358

2

3

1,481

1,506

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 leases in relation to office buildings contains a dilapidation clause whereby Instem plc must make good any damage to 
the demised premises on expiration of the lease.  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, 2016    69

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2016

29.  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 £0.5m (2015: £0.6m).  The net intercompany balances due from the 
Company at the year-end totalled £1.9m (2015: due from: £1.2m).

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:

2016

£000

2015

£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

Executive Directors

Salaries and short term benefits

Post employment retirement benefits

Employers’ national insurance & social security costs

Share based payment charge

82

-

9

-

91

335

40

25

105

505

Other key management

Salaries and short term employee benefits

567

Post employment retirement benefits

Employers’ national insurance & social security costs

Share based payment charge

49

55

84

755

68

-

7

-

75

318

37

21

71

447

508

26

45

57

636

The Company paid £0.05m (2015: £0.05m) to Instem Ventures Limited, a company owned by A Gare, a shareholder.  The balance 
outstanding at the end of the year was £nil (2015: £0.005m).

In addition, the Company paid £0.03m (2015: £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 £0.009m (2015: £0.002m).

In November 2016, the Group made a six-month loan of £0.07m to a member of the key management team. Interest is accrued at a rate 
of 3%. The balance outstanding at the end of the year was £0.07m (2015: £nil).

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

30.  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 (2015: £9.0m).

70 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

NOTES

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016    71

NOTES

72 

Instem plc Annual Report, 2016  

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
14th Floor 
Chapel Street
Liverpool
L3 9AG

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

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

Our clients include these fine organisations...

  Instem supports over 500 clients 
through offices in the United States, 
United Kingdom, France,  India, 
China 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

investors.instem.com