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Journeo plc

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FY2017 Annual Report · Journeo plc
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7

Connected systems 
for connected journeys

Annual Report and Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONNECTED SYSTEMS  
FOR CONNECTED JOURNEYS

21st Century Technology plc is the specialist provider of tailored 
solutions to the transport community, solving complex operational 
requirements both on and off the vehicle.

With over 20 years’ experience in the transport industry, 21st Century 
specialises in providing innovative technology solutions that improve 
the passenger experience and provide operational benefits to fleet 
and network operators.

EXPERTS IN MULTIPLE 
TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES

A GREAT TEAM OF PEOPLE 
WHO UNDERSTAND 
TRANSPORT

DELIVERING EFFICIENCIES 
FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

HEADLINES

FINANCIAL HEADLINES

 - Revenue £11.8m (2016: £11.6m)

 - Gross profit £5.0m (2016: £4.7m)

 - Underlying operating profit £0.01m (2016: £1.4m loss)

 - Operating loss £0.3m (2016: £2.3m)

 - Cash at year end £0.3m (2016: £0.5m)

 - Cost base reduced by 18% to £5.1m (2016: £6.2m)

 - Additional working capital secured with access to a £1.25m 
invoice discounting facility on materially improved grounds 
(2016: £0.4m invoice discounting facility)

Revenue

£11.8m

2016: £11.6m

Gross profit

£5.0m

2016: £4.7m

Underlying profit before tax

£0.01m

2016: £1.4m loss

OPERATIONAL HEADLINES

 - Strategy to return Fleet and Passenger segments to profit well 
underway and supported by several significant contract wins: 

 - Three-year agreement with major London-based fleet 

operator Abellio, worth c. £2.5m

 - Landmark £1m airport car park passenger information 

project for Omniserv and Gatwick Airport

 - £1m contract from a large UK Fleet operator for the 

provision of safety systems engineering

 - Underlying profit in Fleet segment recovered to £449k 

(2016: £748k loss)

 - Underlying loss in Passenger segment reduced to £267k 
(2016: £460k loss), all of which was incurred during H1. 
Order intake in segment improved throughout the period, 
with Q4 particularly strong

 - Revenues from overseas operations grew to £1,653k 

(2016: £1,093k)

 - Operations consolidated to a central location resulting in 

annualised savings of £1.4m, whilst creating a more dynamic 
and innovative working environment

 - R&D continues to be crucial to innovation-led growth strategy 
with increased joined-up opportunities drawing from Fleet and 
Passenger expertise

CONTENTS

Overview
1 

Headlines

2 

4 

At a glance

Chairman’s statement

Strategic report
6 

Chief Executive’s report

11  Technology report

Governance
15  Board of Directors 

15  Senior management team

16  Report on corporate governance

18  Report on Directors’ remuneration

20  Directors’ report

Financial statements
24 

 Auditor’s report to the members 
of 21st Century Technology plc

27 

28 

29	

30 

31	

53	

54 

55	

 Consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income for the year ended 31 December 2017

 Consolidated statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December 2017

	Consolidated	statement	of	financial	position	
at 31 December 2017

 Consolidated statement of cash flows  
for the year ended 31 December 2017

	Notes	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements	
for the year ended 31 December 2017

	Company	statement	of	financial	position	 
at 31 December 2017

 Company statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December 2017

	Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements	
for the year ended 31 December 2017

60  Corporate information

Further information on the Company is 
available on www.21stplc.com or search 
for 21st Century Technology on LinkedIn 
and @21stCenturyLtd on Twitter.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

1

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAT A GLANCE

21ST CENTURY: THE TRUSTED INTEGRATOR 
FOR PASSENGER AND FLEET SYSTEMS

With the culture, capabilities and efficiency to support the 
demanding requirements of its customers, 21st Century is 
uniquely placed to integrate products from global-scale 
manufacturers and niche specialists into its own tailored 
solutions; delivering connected systems for 
connected journeys.

PASSENGER 
WI-FI

VEHICLE 
PASSENGER 
INFORMATION

CCTV

PASSENGER 
COUNTING

DESIGN

INTEGRATION, INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Industry-leading product 
knowledge and experience enables 
21st Century to design the very best 
solutions for its customers, whether 
they be on-vehicle systems, 
off‑board	technologies	or a	
combination of both.

With in-house software development 
capability and technically agile 
development teams, 21st Century is 
able to provide customers with 
innovative new solutions that get the 
best from legacy equipment whilst 
building for the smart transport 
systems of tomorrow.

2 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

OverviewSMART 
TICKETING

REAL TIME 
PASSENGER 
INFORMATION

Bu s 

Depa rt ures  for Sta nd A

Se rv

455

289

Destinatio

nu

West Croydon

Purl ey

D

e

11.58

12.04

WAYFINDING

INTERACTIVE 
TOTEMS

INSTALLATION

MAINTENANCE

21st Century has a proven track 
record of delivering the highest 
quality installations across 
multimodal disciplines. 21st Century 
combines the knowledge and 
understanding necessary to meet 
the unique operational challenges 
faced within the transport industry.

Using advanced remote monitoring 
systems, preventative maintenance 
schedules and with a rapid 
response capability to customer 
emergencies, 21st Century provides 
tailored solutions to each customer 
through our nationwide network of 
Field Service Engineers.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

3

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverview

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

SUMMARY

 - Revenue £11.8m (2016: £11.6m)

 - Gross profit £5.0m (2016: £4.7m)

 - Underlying operating profit £0.01m 

(2016: loss of £1.4m)

 - Operating loss £0.3m (2016: £2.3m)

 - Cash at year end £0.3m (2016: £0.5m)

 - Cost base reduced by 18% to £5.1m 

(2016: £6.2m)

I am pleased to report on the significant progress achieved by the 
Company over the course of 2017 toward becoming a technically agile 
and customer-centric business, providing connected systems and 
services on vehicles and into the Smart Cities of today and tomorrow. 

The programme of consolidating operations, started last year, has 
completed and, following the launch of 21st Century’s new head 
office at Ashby-de-la-Zouch last January, resulted in annualised 
savings of £1.4m. At the same time, customer services were 
strengthened and asset clients were retained, enabling the 
Company to deliver a broadly breakeven result.

Concentrating the research and development, sales, finance 
and customer service teams into a single location has improved 
communication and teamwork, created a better environment for 
innovation and lifted the overall customer service experience. 

The combined effect of these efforts resulted in several significant 
contract wins. 

I would like to welcome Abellio Bus London as a new Tier 1 transport 
operator customer to our Fleet Systems business. Investment in 
pre-sales and the subsequent integration of this c. £2.5m three-year 
contract into our operations was completed in H2 and contributed 
£0.2m of sales in the year. This strategic win builds on the two major 
contract renewals last year with First Bus UK and Arriva UK Bus. 

For large fleet operators, connecting what were previously stand-alone 
systems to the Internet of Things (IoT), in order to gain data-driven 
insights, is allowing them greater visibility on the performance of 
their on-board technology. The inclusion of the Journeo® Remote 
Condition Monitoring (RCM) system, the software and hardware 
platform developed in-house, is an important factor in renewing 
and securing new contracts. 

The Passenger Systems business broadened its existing 
relationship with Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM), the 
transport arm of West Midlands Combined Authority. TfWM is 
pioneering some important changes within the UK public transport 
sector by implementing a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) model along 
the lines introduced in Helsinki. 

The Nordics and Scandinavia continue to lead the industry as 
early-adopters of new technologies and ITxPT (Information 
Technology for Public Transport) standards. Our Stockholm-based 
business continues to perform well, delivering high-quality 
managed services to Tier-1 operator customers in the region.

Towards the end of the year, we secured a £1m contract from 
a large UK Fleet operator for the provision of safety systems 
engineering, building on our existing framework. We commenced 
the installation programme at the start of 2018 and the project 
is scheduled to complete within the year.

“ Sales of new and niche applications 
within the passenger, fleet and integrated 
transport markets, coupled with recently 
announced contract wins secured using 
our own IP and software, demonstrate 
that this strategy is working.”

4 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

The collaboration between our Fleet and Passenger teams is 
growing. The first joint project, the Gatwick Airport car park 
passenger information system, was handed over in December 
and is a great show-case for the Company’s capabilities and we 
have already received interest from other airports. On a larger scale, 
recent government announcements for a series of Department for 
Transport (DfT) backed initiatives for Integrated or Intelligent 
Transport Systems (ITS), will require expertise in both passenger 
and fleet systems, and provide attractive opportunities for the future.

Furthermore we aim to capitalise on the longstanding relationships 
the Passenger Systems business has with many Passenger 
Transport Executives (PTEs) and local authorities as they look to 
solve the challenge of ensuring the safe movement of people, 
utilities and goods in increasingly congested urban environments. 

Financing
Towards the end of the year we secured a new £1.25m invoice 
discounting facility with Close Brothers to provide additional 
working capital to the Group on materially improved terms to the 
previous £0.4m facility. Our new Chief Financial Officer, Nick Lowe, 
who joined the Board in May 2017, has implemented tight working 
capital controls to ensure an ongoing focus on cash as the business 
returns to profitable growth. 

Trading results

Revenue

Gross profit

Gross profit percentage

Other income

Underlying administrative 
expenses

Underlying profit/(loss)

Share-based payments

Reorganisation costs

Total administrative expenses

Operating loss

Taxation

Loss after taxation

2017
£’m

11.8

5.0

42%

0.1

(5.1)

—

(0.2)

(0.1)

(5.3)

(0.3)

—

(0.3)

2016
£’m

11.6

4.7

41%

0.1

(6.2)

(1.4)

(0.3)

(0.5)

(7.0)

(2.3)

—

(2.3)

Mvmt
£’m

0.2

0.3

1%

—

1.1

1.4

0.1

0.4

1.7

2.0

—

2.0

Basic loss per share

(0.38)

(2.47)

2.09

Pence

Pence

Pence

Overall sales volumes showed a slight increase to £11.8m 
(2016: £11.6m) and gross profit similarly increased to £5.0m 
(2016: £4.7m). 

Fleet sales increased 8% to £7.5m (2016: £6.9m) on improved 
volumes in Bus UK & Eire and International, more than replacing 
the downsized Rail business, which is covered in the Chief Executive’s 
Report. Gross profit increased to £2.6m (2016: £2.3m) reflecting the 
change in business mix. 

Passenger sales reduced to £4.3m (2016: £4.7m) as sales 
recovered from their low in H2 2016 of £1.8m (H2 2017: £2.2m). 
Gross profit was maintained at £2.4m (2016: £2.4m). 

The reduction of £1.1m in underlying administrative expenses 
is mainly attributable to the target annualised savings being 
delivered from the previously announced cost-base restructuring 
and centralisation. 

People
We remain fortunate to have many talented and loyal staff and, 
having achieved our 2017 objectives, we are investing in technical 
and sales personnel to support our growth plans.

I would like to welcome them and pass on my sincere thanks 
and that of the Board to everybody for their help in implementing 
the changes made and now being part of this growing and 
dynamic business. 

Outlook
We entered 2018 with a significantly stronger order book than last 
year in both Fleet and Passenger Systems and completing the 
transformation of 21st Century into the provider of choice for fully 
connected systems on and off vehicles. 

Following the awards from First Bus UK, Arriva UK Bus and the 
Abellio Bus contract win last year, we have further broadened our 
customer base through the recent announcement this month of a 
contract award from Translink, who operate services throughout 
Northern Ireland with additional select services to Dublin.

A customer-centric approach and increasing R&D capabilities are 
strengthening our capabilities, underpinning an innovation-led, 
customer-focused growth strategy. 

Sales of new and niche applications within the passenger, fleet and 
integrated transport markets, coupled with recently announced 
contract wins secured using our own IP and software, demonstrate 
that this strategy is working, and the Board expects the Group’s 
progress to continue.

Following the Group’s Annual General Meeting, the Chief Executive, 
Russ Singleton, will review these areas in more detail and a copy 
of his presentation will be added to our website.

Group results for the year ended 31 December 2017 are 
broadly break-even with an underlying profit before tax of £11k 
(2016: underlying loss £1,397k). 

Mark Elliott
Non-executive Chairman
28 March 2018

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

5

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT

SUMMARY

 - Transformational year for Fleet Systems 
with major new customer and works won

 - Encouraging sales in the second half 

of the year for Passenger Systems leads 
to investment in further technical and 
domain expertise

 - Continued investment in Research and 

Development is key to our growth strategy

Principal activities
The Group’s principal activities are in providing tailored solutions 
to the transport community, solving complex operational 
requirements both on and off vehicles.

Fleet Systems solutions include on-board video surveillance to 
improve passenger and driver safety, vehicle and driver performance 
telematics and advanced passenger counting technologies.

Passenger Systems information solutions include the hardware, 
software and management services for urban passenger information 
estates, smart ticketing applications and interactive wayfinding.

Business model
Our business model is to compete in the market as an open 
provider of technology solutions, working with global-scale product 
companies and local specialists to deliver highly reliable and 
cost-effective solutions for the transport community over the 
lifecycle of the systems. The service offering includes the design, 
tailoring, installation, on-site support and back-office systems.

We compete by striving to offer better integrated solutions at 
reduced costs to our customers. We carefully select niche markets 
where we can generate significant market share to generate the 
economies of scale needed. Our customers in the transport 
community include fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, 
local authorities and Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs).

Strategic goals
Our vision is to become the market-leading provider of tailored 
solutions to the transport community, solving the complex 
operational requirements on-board vehicles and associated 
connected systems in towns and cities. Our guiding principle is 
to improve the customer service experience continuously through 
innovation of our solutions, having the best team of people and 
operating efficiently. 

Each year we set strategic goals and monitor performance against 
them throughout the year. Our goals for 2018 build on the 
achievements for 2017 and we have highlighted additional 
objectives as important focus areas.

In 2017 we made significant progress in several areas and have 
seen how a positive outcome on a single strategic goal can deliver 
multiple positive results.

Technology that we developed in-house was pivotal in securing 
positive contract negotiations from First UK Bus in 2016 and 
Abellio in 2017. By realising the power of the data produced from 
the installed systems, we were able to build an intelligent new tool 
that gives customers real-time information about their fleet. Our 
Journeo® branded technology has the potential to fundamentally 
change the traditional service model for large fleet operators.

Investing in technical capabilities with customer application, 
or ‘domain expertise’ provides an informed insight with an agility 
to spot and react swiftly to emergent industry trends or 
customer needs. 

“ Technology that we developed in-house 
was pivotal in securing positive 
contract negotiations.”

6 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Strategic goals 2017

Progress in 2017

Additional strategic goals 2018

Comments

Improve customer service

Significant progress made 
with centralised call handling, 
management and extension of 
call-centre operating hours.

Enhance our field engineering 
capabilities.

Provide training and information 
systems to improve reliability, first 
time fix rates and overall efficiency.

Increase technical capability

Centralising the R&D team under 
our CTO to complete the integration 
of Passenger Systems. 

Invest in additional technical 
capabilities and systems linked 
to target market sectors.

Building out our core technologies 
and IP for wider resale, directly and 
indirectly, and into new channels.

Empower management

Cultural change from building 
moves and cost-base reductions 
have improved communication, 
morale and empowerment.

Encourage the development and 
training of existing staff members, 
whilst attracting the highest 
calibre recruits.

Empower all our people to be 
decisive and have the trust of 
our customers.

Secure positive outcomes from 
contract negotiations and renewals

High level of renewals in 
Passenger Systems and 
significant extra engineering 
upgrade work in Fleet Systems 
under an existing framework.

Retain all existing accounts.

Secure additional sales of products, 
services and software. Offer greater 
value through innovation.

Develop new lines of business 
and diversify client base

Secured Abellio as a major fleet 
operator for Fleet Systems.

Delivered Gatwick Airport car park 
passenger information system as 
a joint project from Passenger 
and Fleet.

Broaden sales to our current 
customer base, extend into 
new customers and achieve 
breakthrough sales into 
adjacent markets.

Leverage domain expertise and 
investment in R&D, develop 
potentially disruptive products 
and services and create new 
market leadership positions.

Preserve cash

Strengthened debt collection 
procedures.

Maintain vigilance on tight 
working capital controls. 

Operational efficiencies during 
business growth phase.

Increased invoice discounting 
facility from £0.4m to £1.25m 
with a move to Close Brothers.

Supporting principles key
Excel at customer service 

Continuous innovation 

Best people 

Operational efficiency 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

7

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT continued

Key performance indicators
The Company uses a number of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 
to monitor progress against its objectives. The KPIs are:

Mvmt
£’000

206

309

(1,129)

(1,688)

1,408

1,997

(393)

Revenue

Gross profit

Underlying 
administrative expenses

Total administrative expenses

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

11,761

11,555

4,996

4,687

5,074

5,297

6,203

6,985

Underlying profit/(loss)

11

(1,397)

Operating loss 

Net current liabilities

Net cash flows from 
operating activities

Cash and cash equivalents

(301)

(785)

(729)

302

(2,298)

(392)

(435)

511

(294)

(209)

Loss per share – basic

Loss per share – diluted

Pence

Pence

Pence

(0.38)

(0.38)

(2.47)

(2.47)

2.09

2.09

In addition, operational performance measurements are monitored 
at a major account level with exceptions raised to the Board. 

Operational review
Fleet Systems
This was a transformational year for the Fleet business as the 
strategic decisions to return the segment to profit were implemented. 
The transformation was achieved against a backdrop of scaling 
back aspects of the Rail business, the operational reorganisation 
and significant cost base savings whilst improving customer service, 
increasing technical capability and ultimately winning more business. 
Revenues in the year increased by £579k, even though the Rail 
business contracted significantly by £779k. Overall margin increased 
in the year by £349k despite significant margin pressures in our 
UK & Eire Bus operations.

The underlying profit recovered to £449k (2016: £748k loss), ahead 
of management expectations.

We continued to support our major fleet asset clients Arriva, First 
Bus UK, Translink and Keolis throughout 2017 and in August we 
secured a three-year agreement with major London-based fleet 
operator Abellio. Under the contract 21st Century take responsibility 
for all on-board and depot-based CCTV download and related 
sub-systems and, importantly, become Abellio’s technical partner 
for installations on their new vehicles. We also continue to provide 
care, support and new systems for several small to medium-sized 
fleet operating companies, including our first ATEX approved 

solution for a fuel-oil tanker operator. Throughout 2018 we are 
targeting further growth in these new customer segments.

The award of the Abellio contract, with a value of c. £2.5m, is a good 
step forward. The sales process to win new large fleet operator 
customers is a long and complex process, requiring a substantial 
investment in pre-sales activities and a profound understanding of 
their technology and other customer-specific factors. 

We have completed several complex projects throughout 2017, 
including large-scale refurbishment programmes for existing 
customers and the landmark £1m airport car park passenger 
information project for Omniserv and Gatwick Airport Limited. I am 
delighted to see both sides of the Group working together to deliver 
such a high-profile and unique solution that is generating cost 
reductions and operational benefits to the customer. Since 
handover in December, we have received approaches from other 
operators for this type of solution, including from overseas.

Another notable success in the year was securing a major 
engineering project to fit safety critical systems to one of the 
UK’s largest bus fleet operators. The £1m fleet-wide programme, 
with an existing customer, is a new challenge for our engineering 
teams, highlighting the benefits that can be realised through 
adopting a customer-centric approach.

The 2016 report highlighted the margin shortfall in our Rail 
operations due to challenging market conditions and we worked 
throughout 2017 to realign our strategy to operate from a lower 
cost base. We are continuing to support Rail customers and, with 
our increasing technical capability, are able to address opportunities 
to provide solutions that will further diversify our offering to the sector 
as part of a multi-modal approach. 

Passenger Systems
The Passenger business has long-standing relationships with 
many PTEs and local authorities and whilst budgets may be under 
pressure, the responsibilities for ensuring the safe movement of 
people, utilities and goods in increasingly congested urban 
environments remain, and require new solutions. 

Revenue for the full year was £4.3m (2016: £4.7m), slightly behind 
management expectations due to the low level of brought-forward 
order book from FY 2016, which impacted the programme to return 
the segment to profit. Sales orders during H1 began to improve; 
however, the lead-time between order receipt and commissioning 
(typically 16–20 weeks) resulted in the full year producing an 
underlying loss of £267k (2016: £460k loss), all of which was 
incurred during H1. 

During the second half, the business performed well and was 
profitable and included sales of our next generation E-ink and 
solar powered displays, along with the first field application of 
our prototype pollution sensing system. Order intake continued 
to improve throughout the period, with Q4 particularly strong 
at £1.5m with £1m carried forward to 2018.

8 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Strategic reportI am particularly pleased to have secured the contract with Transport 
for the West Midlands (TfWM), the transport arm of West Midlands 
Combined Authority (WMCA), as it adopts a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) 
model. We completed an audit of over 600 displays across their large 
estate and, with our own design and manufacturing capabilities, were 
able to make innovative and cost-effective recommendations to repair 
and upgrade, extending the life of key elements of their equipment. The 
contract award was followed by a renewal of our Content Management 
System (CMS) software which demonstrates the business is able to 
manage and maintain large estates with a high-availability service, 
both on the street and in the cloud.

Upgrading complex applications, such as for TfWM, are target 
areas for sales and maintenance and in 2017 we achieved a 25% 
year-on-year increase for managed services in this segment, 
building quality earnings due to the long-term, recurring nature 
of the revenue. 

In the UK, the DfT and a Smarter Cities agenda is driving innovation, 
providing opportunities across the Group that are accessible through 
our Passenger Systems team. Towards the end of the year, we further 
invested in our capabilities for these emerging areas through the 
recruitment of additional high-calibre Intelligent Transport System 
(ITS) industry experts.

Central services
Significant benefits and efficiencies were delivered across all our 
operations having started the year from our new head office in the 
Midlands at Ashby-de-la-Zouch and with logistics now centralised to 
one of our sites in Coventry. Our UK sales teams, field engineers and 
project managers and all R&D resources are now supported and 
co-ordinated from Ashby. To further enhance customer service we 
have extended the eight-hour support desk to twelve hours’ coverage.

In addition, all ISO accreditations have been renewed and 
consolidated under a single audit body for both companies.

Business review and results
The performance of the Group was a significant improvement 
on 2016 with an underlying profit of £11k (2016: £1,397k loss). 
Total revenue grew by 1% in the year and gross profit by 7%. 

The segmental results show the performance of our Fleet and 
Passenger Systems segments as seen in table: Segmental results.

Basic loss per share is 0.38p (2016: 2.47p loss).

Fleet Systems sales overall were up 8%, with the varying changes 
in the elements of the segment being Bus 17% increase, International 
51% increase and Rail 62% decrease reflecting the scaling back 
of activities in this area. Fleet gross profit levels improved by 15% 
with a 17% decrease in Bus, an 84% increase in International and 
a 12% decrease in Rail. The significant overhead cuts in Fleet of £963k 
enabled a return to underlying profit of £449k (2016: £748k loss).

Our Scandinavian and wider European operations continue to perform 
well, with revenue increasing to £1,653k (2016: £1,093k). We have an 
office and team of engineers based in Stockholm, delivering high-quality 
managed services to our customers in the region. There is scope for 
further growth as a number of the operating contracts and franchises 
come up for renewal during 2018. We are engaged and tracking the 
progress of these with great interest and aligning our sales and 
technical services accordingly.

The trading environment in Passenger Systems remained challenging 
across 2017 after the marked slowdown in sales reported in H2 2016. 
Overall sales were down 10% on 2016, but this did represent a 19% 
recovery on the annualised sales levels from H2 2016. The overall 
sales decrease saw new systems down 23%, while service work saw 
a 25% increase. Passenger Systems gross profit fell 2% in the year 
which was marginally ahead of management expectations due to the 
improved margin sales mix from increased service work. However, the 
shortfall in new sales led to an under-absorption of manufacturing 
costs, reduced the saving on overheads to £233k, and contributed 
to the underlying loss of £269k (2016: £460k loss). 

The overall underlying profit of £11k (2016: £1,397k loss) is in-line 
with management expectations.

The underlying operating profit reconciles to the IFRS operating 
loss as seen in note 4: Reconciling to loss before interest and tax.

The operating loss was £301k (2016: £2,298k).

Segmental results

Revenue

Intersegment sales

Gross profit

Underlying profit/(loss)

Central costs

Underlying profit/(loss)

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

Fleet
2017
£’000

Passenger
2017
£’000

Total
2017
£’000

Fleet
2016
£’000

Passenger
2016
£’000

Total
2016
£’000

7,502

4,259

11,761

6,923

4,715

11,638

—

11,761

(83)

11,555

2,617

2,379

4,996

2,268

2,419

4,687

449

(267)

182

(748)

(460)

(1,208)

(171)

11

(189)

(1,397)

9

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT continued

Principal risks and uncertainties
The management of the business and the execution of the Group’s strategy are subject to a number of risks. Risks are formally reviewed 
by the Board and, where possible, appropriate processes are put in place to monitor and mitigate them. If more than one event occurred, 
it is possible that the overall effect of such events would compound the possible adverse effects on the Group. The key business risks 
affecting the Company are set out below:

Risk or uncertainty and potential impact

Mitigation

Dependence on major customers

Currently the Fleet Systems segment has a high dependence on a small 
number of customers which are of a far greater scale than the Group. 
This generates three distinct risks, each of which could have a 
significant impact on the business:

- 

the loss of any single major customer;

-  pressure on price and margin; and

-  changes to their vehicle replacement or retro-fit schedules.

Reduction in government spending on public transport

Our Group revenues are strongly linked to the overall health of the UK 
public transport sector, which in turn is significantly affected by levels of 
government funding at local, regional and national levels.

Major project delivery

These risks are mitigated by monitoring and managing the 
business’ operational performance measures, including response 
times and CCTV availability, with operational dashboards agreed 
with each customer, and by regular communication at Director 
level. Additionally, there are long-term framework agreements in 
place with two of our largest customers.

This risk has reduced through diversification into the Passenger 
Systems market and this year through the Abellio contract win. 
However, it remains a large risk. We are highly focused on 
customer retention and winning new business with other public 
transport companies in the UK and overseas, to further reduce 
reliance on the existing customer base.

We now have a more diversified position in the transport sector 
where we operate nationally rather than regionally across bus and 
rail networks, on and off vehicles. We are targeting an increase in 
international sales. 

Failure to deliver a major project on time or to specification, or technical 
performance falling significantly short of customer expectations, would 
have potentially significant adverse financial and reputational 
consequences.

Risk assessments are conducted for all projects and the major 
ones are also subject to Board approval.

Major projects are reviewed at various levels and frequencies 
throughout the project lifecycle.

Dependence on key suppliers

Wherever possible the Group endeavours to retain a choice of suppliers 
for its components and finished goods. In instances where we are 
currently reliant on one supplier, we are constantly looking for ways to 
minimise technical and commercial risk.

On certain projects there is technical risk with our suppliers when 
they are developing systems for our customers’ applications. We 
manage this risk with rigorous project management and the 
involvement of our internal R&D team. 

Competition

The Group may face increased competition as the technology on and 
off vehicles moves away from point solutions to broader integrated 
solutions. This changing technology landscape creates openings for 
new product and service entrants which may possess better technical 
and capital resources than the Group.

Technology

The Group will continue to increase its technical capability to 
capitalise on our current market position and work closely with 
technology partners to broaden our skills.

We are targeting becoming a larger group via organic growth and 
potential acquisitions to provide better economies of scale and 
increased industry knowledge.

The future success of the Group’s activities depends upon it creating 
a leading position for innovative systems within both the Fleet Systems 
and Passenger Systems segments. As a smart integrator we require 
both a breadth of knowledge and a deeper understanding in areas of 
software integration.

This involves keeping pace with changes and improvements in 
relevant technology and having the integration skills necessary to 
create added value for our customers on the move and in the back 
office. The Group has been investing in our development team 
allowing stronger relationships with partner organisations. 

Market adoption and timing are difficult to predict, particularly in the 
emerging opportunities in the ticketing arena.

Future developments
The current trading and outlook is covered in the Chairman’s Statement and a more detailed shareholder presentation will be made 
immediately following the Group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April 2018.

Signed on behalf of the Board

Russ Singleton
Chief Executive
28 March 2018

10 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Strategic reportTECHNOLOGY REPORT

Continued investment in our proprietary technology is a critical element 
for our innovation-led growth strategy.

The Company has seen significant progress in the technological challenges we set ourselves for 2017. 
We are now operating from a more capable, technically agile and customer-centric position that allows us 
to focus our resources on developing scalable and replicable solutions to both our current markets and 
adjacent areas of potential benefit. 

In my previous report I highlighted our ability to develop solutions where customer-driven sales 
opportunity exist. This remains our intention, enabling us to fulfil specialist roles and gain market share. 

The challenges for our technical development in 2018 are clear:

1. MASS DATA TO 
MEANINGFUL DATA

Continue to refine our ability to turn mass 
data into meaningful data, using our deep 
understanding of our customers’ 
challenges to deliver solutions that 
provide real operational benefit.

2. CORE SYSTEM EVOLUTION

Continue to evolve our core engine, which 
drives our Passenger business and 
provides solutions to the hardware 
control systems of our Fleet business.

Fleet 
Systems

Passenger 
Systems

Internet 
of Things

3. ADJACENT MARKETS

Utilise our presence in public spaces 
as a platform from which to investigate 
adjacent markets, using the skills 
acquired through development goals 
1 and 2.

11

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
TECHNOLOGY REPORT continued

1. MASS DATA TO MEANINGFUL DATA

2. CORE SYSTEM EVOLUTION

I am pleased to report that our Remote Condition 
Monitoring platform, comprising on-vehicle hardware and 
intelligent, cloud-based data calculations, that was so 
crucial in retaining First Bus UK as a customer in 2016 and 
winning Abellio in 2017 began roll-out in April and is fast 
approaching its first year of deployment.

The data it is providing is allowing 21st Century to 
optimise the cost of delivering service contracts, to drive 
efficiencies in our own business and to demonstrate 
value to our customers. 

With almost a year of live data now accumulated, we are 
able to develop the solution further by analysing trends in 
the data which will permit us, in turn, to anticipate system 
behaviour. The progress made in the last year is bringing 
the reality of applying “Big Data” concepts to our works 
closer, which is crucial as it will enable us to develop 
alongside our fleet operator and authority customers as 
they look to deliver the transport services that will be key to 
the movement of people in the Smart Cities of tomorrow. 

2017 saw the planned, and much anticipated, increase in 
joined-up opportunities which draw from both Fleet and 
Passenger expertise. Solutions which span both segments 
of our business have many advantages aside from the 
obvious increase in both project share and available 
opportunities. With greater ownership comes greater 
control over quality and function. The Gatwick project is a 
prime example of where we have been able to deliver a 
project that would have previously been inaccessible to 
either constituent element of the Group. As a result, we 
have been able to realise a new market where there is 
opportunity for us to derive significant market share.

Creating applications which acquire and transform our data 
into practical, useful solutions continues alongside core 
development. By focusing investment on our core 
technologies, and the platform that we have developed for 
real time information through the Passenger business, we 
can now build individually saleable modules around it. This 
will bring the passenger even more useful information, such 
as integrated fares and journey planning information and it 
will allow us to develop lightweight ticket and fare 
reconciliation systems to ensure accurate travel charges.

12 
12 
12 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017
21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017
21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Strategic reportStrategic reportDr Houghton (centre) with members of the development 
team, Dr Zhang (left) and Dr Holland (right)

There is a great deal to accomplish in 2018, which 
promises to be both exciting and very busy. Continued 
investment in our proprietary technology is a crucial 
element in our innovation led growth strategy. During 
2017, the Group spent a total of £0.6m on technology 
development (2016: £0.35m). Of this total, £0.3m was 
capitalised, and the remainder expensed to the income 
statement. £0.3m of previously capitalised development 
costs were amortised in the year.

Dr Andy Houghton
Chief Technical Officer
28 March 2018

3. ADJACENT MARKETS

Our presence in public spaces gives us a platform to 
investigate innovative technologies such as pollution 
sensing, which is currently prohibitively expensive. By using 
our existing data and server infrastructure, our aim is to 
create affordable solutions which will allow our local 
authority customers to invest in systems that have a real 
impact to reduce the lives lost by harmful emissions and 
airborne particulates.

Ultimately the ability to harness information of this type 
and on this scale provides the raw ingredients for intelligent 
city planning for the benefit of all. Meanwhile, by bringing 
Fleet and Passenger expertise together we have all the 
ingredients to make Mobility as a Service a reality. These are 
just two examples in our portfolio of disruptive technologies. 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 
21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 
21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

13
13
13

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsGOVERNANCE

15  Board of Directors 

15  Senior management team

16  Report on corporate governance

18  Report on Directors’ remuneration

20  Directors’ report

14

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MARK ELLIOTT
Non-executive Chairman

RUSS SINGLETON
Chief Executive Officer

Mark Elliott, 59, joined the Company in December 2010 as a 
Non-executive Director before taking on the role of Executive 
Chairman in August 2013 after a period in the role of Interim Finance 
Director from January 2013. In August 2014 Mark was appointed 
Non-executive Chairman. Mark is a Chartered Accountant who was 
an Equity Partner with Baker Tilly (now RSM UK) specialising in 
audit and corporate finance. More recently he has advised and been 
on the board of two companies listing on AIM. He is also Chairman 
of the Trustees of the Union Group Retirement Benefit Scheme.

Russ Singleton, 59, joined the Company in October 2013 as 
Chief Executive. Russ is a Chartered Engineer with a strong track 
record, including forming and growing electronics businesses for 
Synectics plc, formerly Quadnetics Group plc, where, after moving 
to AIM in 2002, he led the group as Chief Executive, achieving a 
five-fold increase in turnover and substantial profits. This growth 
came organically and through acquisitions. Subsequently, he formed 
Coretrol Limited to focus on opportunities in the security markets.

NICK LOWE
Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary

JAMES CUMMING
Non-executive Director and Senior Independent Director

Nick Lowe, 39, joined the Company in May 2017 as Chief Financial 
Officer. Nick is an FCA with experience at finance director level in 
growing, technology-led, SME businesses. He has strong group 
reporting, process and control skills developed whilst at the prestige 
motor dealer, Sytner Group. Nick qualified as a Chartered Accountant 
with Tenon in Nottingham, before joining KPMG.

James Cumming, 67, joined the Board as a Non-executive Director 
in August 2013. Following a long career in corporate advisory and 
broking in the City, including acting as Chief Executive Officer of 
N+1 Brewin LLP, and latterly as a Senior Adviser to Cantor Fitzgerald, 
James has significant experience in working with small and mid-sized 
UK companies. James currently utilises his commercial experience in 
supporting growth companies in non-executive roles, is an associate 
of Ruffena Capital and has qualified as a fellow of the Chartered 
Institute of Securities & Investment.

 Audit Committee

 Nomination Committee

 Remuneration Committee

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

DR ANDY 
HOUGHTON
Chief Technical 
Officer

MARK JOHNSON
Director of 
Fleet Systems

PHIL 
LONGLEY
Director of 
Passenger Systems

PHIL HARRISON
Group Financial 
Controller

JAMES 
CLARK
National Service 
Manager

DARREN 
MAHER
Business 
Communications 
Manager

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

15

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsREPORT ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board meets at least ten times a year, setting and monitoring Group 
strategy, reviewing trading performance and formulating policy on key issues.

Attendance at meetings
The full Board met twelve times in 2017. All of the Directors of the 
Company at the time of the meetings were in attendance.

The Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises the two Non-executive Directors: 
James Cumming, as Chairman, and Mark Elliott. The Audit Committee’s 
remit is set out in its terms of reference. The Committee undertook 
a review of the Group’s auditors during the year as a result of which 
a new firm were appointed. The Committee met with this auditor 
once during the year. The Committee assists the Board in ensuring 
that the Group’s published financial statements give a true and fair 
view and, where the auditor provides non-audit services, that its 
objectivity and independence is safeguarded. The Audit Committee 
reviews arrangements by which employees may, in confidence, 
raise concerns about possible inappropriateness in the financial 
reporting of the Company or other matters. The Audit Committee 
has procedures in place for the investigation and follow-up of any 
such matters reported to it by staff.

The Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises the two Non-executive 
Directors: James Cumming, as Chairman, and Mark Elliott. Several 
meetings of the Committee were held during 2017. The Committee 
is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on the 
remuneration of senior management and all Directors.

The Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee comprises the two Non-executive Directors: 
James Cumming and Mark Elliott as Chairman. It meets as necessary 
and is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on 
the appointments of Executive and Non-executive Directors. When 
required, it is the usual practice of the Nomination Committee to employ 
specialist external search and selection consultants to assist in the 
appointment process for new Executive and Non-executive Directors.

Election and re-election of Directors
All Directors of the Company are subject to election by 
shareholders at the first AGM following their appointment by 
the Nomination Committee. Thereafter, each Director is subject 
to re-election by rotation at intervals of no more than three years.

Terms of reference
The terms of reference for the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination 
Committees are available on request from the Company Secretary 
and are available for inspection on the Company’s website – 
www.21stplc.com.

SUMMARY

 - The full Board met twelve times in 2017. 
All of the Directors of the Company at the 
time of the meetings were in attendance.

 - The Audit Committee met with the new 

auditor once during the year.

 - Several meetings of the Remuneration 
Committee were held during 2017.

 - An ongoing process to identify, evaluate 
and manage the significant risks faced 
by the Group has been in place for the 
full year under review.

The Directors recognise the value of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code that was revised in September 2014 by the Financial 
Reporting Council and, whilst under AIM rules full compliance is not 
required, the Directors believe that the Company applies best 
practice corporate governance insofar as is practicable and 
appropriate for a public company of its size.

The workings of the Board and its Committees
The Board
The Board currently comprises one Non-executive Director, 
a Non-executive Chairman and two Executive Directors and is 
responsible for the management of the Group. The Board meets 
at least ten times a year, setting and monitoring Group strategy, 
reviewing trading performance and formulating policy on key issues. 
Day-to-day operational decisions are delegated to the senior 
management team. Key issues reserved for the Board include the 
consideration of potential acquisitions, share issues and fundraising, 
the setting of Group strategy, City public relations, and the review and 
evaluation of significant risks facing the business. Briefing papers 
are distributed by the Company Secretary to all Directors in advance 
of Board meetings. All Directors have access to the advice and 
services of the Company Secretary who is responsible for ensuring 
that Board procedures are followed and that applicable rules and 
regulations are complied with. The appointment and removal of the 
Company Secretary is a matter for the Board as a whole. In addition, 
procedures are in place to enable Directors to obtain independent 
professional advice in the furtherance of their duties if necessary, 
at the Company’s expense.

Biographies of the Directors, including details of their experience 
and role within the Group, are set out on page 15.

16 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

GovernanceGoing concern
The Group’s business activities, together with factors likely to affect 
its future development, performance and position, are set out in the 
Strategic Report along with the principal risks and uncertainties. 

The Group’s net underlying profit for the year was £11k (2016: 
underlying loss £1,397k). As at 31 December 2017 the Group had 
net current liabilities of £785k (2016: net current liabilities £392k) 
and net cash reserves of £302k (2016: £511k). 

In 2016 the Directors identified a need to raise finance to cover 
liquidity issues pending the anticipated return of the Group to 
profitability and raised £300k from the issue of loan notes in 
December 2016 and arranged a £400k invoice discounting facility. 

In December 2017 a new £1.25m invoice discounting facility was 
put in place to replace the £400k facility. Current trading is in line 
with management forecasts and restructuring efforts are complete. 

The Directors have prepared Group cash flow projections for the 
period to 30 June 2019 based on latest forecasts that show that 
the Group will be able to operate within the Group current funding 
resources. It is important that we achieve sales forecasts and the 
profile of cash receipts. 

As with all businesses there are particular times of the year where 
our working capital requirements are at their peak. The Group is well 
placed to manage these business risks effectively and the Board 
reviews the Group’s performance against budgets and forecasts 
on a regular basis to ensure action is taken when needed.

These projections indicate that the Group will operate within available 
facilities throughout the projection period and therefore based on 
these projections, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the 
Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future and for at least twelve months from the date 
of these financial statements. The Directors therefore continue to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Internal controls
The Directors acknowledge that they are responsible for 
the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its 
effectiveness. The internal control systems are reviewed annually 
by the Board. Internal control systems are designed to meet the 
particular needs of the Group and the risks to which it is exposed. 
Internal control procedures are regularly reviewed in light of an 
ongoing process to identify, evaluate and manage the significant 
risks faced by the Group. The procedures are designed to manage 
rather than eliminate risk of failure to achieve business objectives 
and can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss. The process has been in 
place for the full year under review and up to the date of approval 
of the Annual Report and Financial Statements.

The key procedures which the Directors have established with 
a view to providing effective internal controls are as follows:

Management structure
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group and there is a formal 
schedule of matters specifically reserved for decision by the Board.

Each Executive Director has been given responsibility for specific 
aspects of the Group’s affairs. The Executive Directors, together with 
the senior management team, constitute the Management Committee, 
which meets weekly to discuss day-to-day operational matters.

Control environment
The Group’s control environment is the responsibility of the Group’s 
Directors and managers at all levels. A review of the key risks facing 
the business and the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls 
was last performed in January 2017. During the year, the Board 
reviewed and updated its internal control arrangements to ensure 
they remained appropriate.

Main control procedures
The Directors have established control procedures in response 
to key risks. Standardised financial control procedures operate 
throughout the Group to ensure the integrity of the Group’s financial 
statements. The Board has established procedures for authorisation 
of capital and revenue expenditure.

Monitoring system used by the Board
The Board reviews the Group’s performance against budgets 
on a monthly basis. The Group’s cash flow is monitored monthly 
by the Board.

Internal audit
The Group does not have an independent internal audit function, 
as the Board does not consider the current scale of operations 
warrants such a function. However, the Board will keep this under 
review, with a view to creating an internal audit function when 
it is warranted.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

17

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsREPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

This Report on Directors’ Remuneration sets out the Company’s policy 
on the remuneration of Executive and Non-executive Directors together 
with details of Directors’ remuneration packages and service contracts.

As an AIM company, the Company is required to comply with AIM 
Notice 36 and not with Schedule 8 to the Accounting Regulations 
under the Companies Act 2006. Nevertheless, the Board prefers to 
follow best practice and has therefore prepared the following report 
which meets the majority of these regulations.

This Report on Directors’ Remuneration sets out the Company’s 
policy on the remuneration of Executive and Non-executive Directors 
together with details of Directors’ remuneration packages and 
service contracts.

Remuneration policy for Executive Directors
The Company’s remuneration policy for Executive Directors is to:

(a)   have regard to the Directors’ experience and the nature and 
complexity of their work in order to pay a competitive salary 
that attracts and retains management of the highest quality;

(b)    link individual remuneration packages to the Group’s 

long-term performance through the award of share options 
and discretionary bonus schemes; and

(c)   provide employment-related benefits including life assurance, 

insurance relating to the Directors’ duties and medical insurance.

The Remuneration Committee meets at least once a year in order 
to consider and set the annual salaries for Executive Directors, 
having regard to personal performance and information regarding 
the remuneration practices of companies of similar size and of 
industry competitors.

The Directors’ annual basic pay increases normally mirror those 
awarded to staff.

Remuneration Committee
For the financial year ended 31 December 2017, the remuneration 
policy for Executive and Non-executive Directors and the determination 
of individual Executive Director’s remuneration packages have been 
delegated to the Board’s Remuneration Committee.

In setting the remuneration policy, the Remuneration Committee 
considers a number of factors including:

(a)   the basic salaries and benefits available to Executive Directors 

of comparable companies;

(b)    the need to attract and retain Directors of an appropriate calibre;

(c)    the need to ensure Executive Directors’ commitment to the 
continued success of the Company by means of incentive 
schemes; and

(d)   the need for the remuneration awarded to reflect performance.

Remuneration of the Non-executive Directors
The Non-executive Directors receive fees for their services which 
are agreed by the Board following recommendation by the Chief 
Executive with a view to rates paid in comparable organisations 
and appointments.

Mark Elliott sacrificed an element of his fees in exchange for 
contributions into a money purchase pension scheme. Other than 
this, the Non-executive Directors did not receive any pension or 
other benefits from the Company, nor did they participate in any 
bonus or incentive schemes.

18 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

GovernanceDirectors’ service contracts
Details of individual Directors’ service contracts are as follows:

Contract date

Unexpired term

Notice period

Due to the improved performance of the Company, the 2017 
remuneration includes compensation for salaries and fees 
deferred in 2016. 

Executive

R C Singleton 10 October 2013

N Lowe

15 May 2017

None

None

Twelve months

Six months

The Non-executive Directors do not have service contracts but their 
terms are set out in letters of appointment.

Non-executive

M W Elliott

J Cumming

Date of letter
of appointment

Notice period

18 August 2014

One month

22 August 2013

None

The Directors are required to retire by rotation and the appointment 
of new Directors has to be approved at the next AGM subsequent to 
their appointment by the Board. The Director retiring by rotation is 
Mark Elliott.

Other than the notice periods afforded to some of the Directors, 
there are no special provisions for compensation in the event 
of loss of office. The Remuneration Committee considers the 
circumstances of individual cases of early termination and 
determines compensation payments accordingly.

Non-executive directorships
With the permission of the Board, the Executive Directors may 
accept appointments as non-executive directors elsewhere. 
Any fees related to such employment may be retained by 
the Director concerned.

Directors’ detailed emoluments and remuneration
Details of individual Directors’ emoluments and remuneration 
for the year are as follows:

Share options
At 31 December 2017, the Company had two employee share option 
schemes: the 2004 Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) Plan and 
the 2014 Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) Share Option Plan. 
The 2004 EMI Plan was approved by shareholders on 18 May 2004 
and expired for new options on its tenth anniversary. On 22 October 
2014, the Board established the 2014 EMI Share Option Plan, which 
operates in substantially the same way as the 2004 EMI Plan.

No options were granted under the 2014 EMI Share Option Plan 
in the year. The outstanding options are detailed in note 22 
to the financial statements.

Directors’ interests in share options
Directors’ interests in share options are disclosed in note 22 
to the Group financial statements.

Directors’ interests in the employee shareholder plan
On 15 February 2015, the 21st Century Technology Employee 
Shareholder Plan (the “Plan”) was implemented following 
approval at a general meeting of the Company.

Directors’ interests in the Plan are disclosed in note 22 
to the Group financial statements.

Directors’ interests in shares
Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company 
are disclosed in the Directors’ Report.

Salary
and fees
£

258,750

58,183

40,000

75,833

23,000

Benefits
£

2,021

303

687

Pension
£

Compensation 
for loss of office
£

Total 
2017
£

Total
2016
£

Total
2015
£

—

3,923

—

—

—

66,750

260,771

108,452

179,366

62,409

107,437

—

—

87,500

130,000

—

—

22,613

—

—

—

98,446

23,000

47,016

23,000

71,766

23,000

455,766

3,011

26,536

66,750

552,063

265,968

404,132

Executive

R C Singleton

N Lowe1

G Robinson2

Non-executive

M W Elliott

J Cumming

1  Appointed 15 May 2017.
2  Resigned 15 May 2017.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

19

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their report and the Group financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The following matters are reported by the Directors in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2006 requirements in force at the date of 
the Annual Report.

The Directors present their report and the Group financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Principal activities
The principal activities of the Group are set out within the Strategic 
Report on page 6.

Review of business and future developments
The consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year 
ended 31 December 2017 is set out on page 27.

A review of the Group’s business activities and its future 
developments is included in the Strategic Report on pages 6 to 10 
and the Chairman’s Statement on pages 4 and 5.

The Chairman’s Statement, the Report on Corporate Governance 
and the Report on Directors’ Remuneration are incorporated into this 
report by reference and should be read as part of this report.

Principal risks and uncertainties
Details of the principal risks and uncertainties considered by the 
Board to affect the Group, and the related mitigation actions, 
are given in the Strategic Report on page 10.

Financial risk management
The Group’s financial instruments include bank facilities and cash. 
The main purpose of these financial instruments is to finance the 
Group’s operations. The Group has various other financial instruments, 
such as trade receivables and trade payables, that arise directly 
from its operations.

The main risks from the Group’s financial instruments are credit, 
liquidity, interest rate and foreign exchange risk. The Board reviews 
and agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they are 
summarised below.

Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk primarily in respect of its trade 
receivables, which are stated net of provision for estimated impaired 
receivables. Exposure to this risk is mitigated by careful evaluation 
of the granting of credit and close monitoring and management of 
collections from trade receivables. In addition, we have credit 
insurance in place on the majority of trade receivables.

Liquidity and interest rate risk
The Group’s policy on funding capacity is to ensure that we 
have sufficient long-term funding and facilities in place to meet 
foreseeable peak borrowing requirements. At 31 December 2017, 
the Group had net cash at bank of £302k (2016: £511k). The Group’s 
policy is to ensure that sufficient resources are available to service all 
debt by monitoring prudent cash flow forecasts.

During 2016 the Group raised £300k of loan notes and set up an 
invoice discounting facility with a £400k limit. In December 2017 
a new £1.25m invoice discounting facility was put in place to 
replace the £400k facility. 

Foreign currency risk
Several components used in Fleet Systems are sourced from 
overseas suppliers who invoice in US Dollars and Euros. In addition, 
our operations in Europe generate transactions denominated in 
Euros and Swedish Krona. Consequently, the Group is exposed to 
fluctuations in Sterling against these foreign currencies. Where 
appropriate, the Group uses forward exchange contracts to hedge 
foreign exchange exposures arising on forecast payments in foreign 
currencies and our selling prices in overseas markets are linked to 
movements in Sterling.

Future outlook
A summary of the outlook for the Group is given within the 
Chairman’s Statement on page 5.

Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern 
basis as covered in the Report on Corporate Governance on page 17.

Results and dividend
The Group reports a loss of £0.3m for the year (2016: loss 
of £2.3m). At the forthcoming AGM the Directors are not 
recommending the payment of a dividend (2016: £nil).

Directors
Details of current Directors, dates of appointment, their roles, 
responsibilities and significant external commitments are set out 
on page 15.

20 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

GovernanceDirectors’ interests in shares
The Directors during the year and their interests in the share capital 
of the Company, other than in respect of options to acquire Ordinary 
Shares (which are detailed in the analysis of options included in 
note 22 to the financial statements) were as follows:

Number of Ordinary 6.5p 
Shares in the Company

31 December
2017

31 December
2016

—

—

3,007,346

3,007,346

—

—

—

—

2,000,000

—

M W Elliott

R C Singleton

N Lowe1

G Robinson2

J Cumming

1  Appointed 15 May 2017.
2  Resigned 15 May 2017.

The share interests of Russ Singleton and Glenn Robinson are held 
in self-invested personal pension schemes.

Apart from the interests disclosed above and in note 22, no Directors 
held interests at any time in the year in the share capital of the 
Company or other Group companies.

Disabled employees
The Group gives full consideration to applications for employment 
from disabled persons where the requirements of the job can be 
adequately fulfilled by a disabled person.

Where existing employees become disabled, it is the Group’s policy 
wherever practicable to provide continuing employment under normal 
terms and conditions and to provide training, and career development 
and promotion to disabled persons wherever appropriate.

Employee involvement
The Group’s policy is to consult and discuss with employees, 
through meetings, matters likely to affect employees’ interests. 
The meetings seek to achieve a common awareness on the part 
of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting 
the Group’s performance.

All employees are eligible to receive share options. Membership 
of the share option scheme is reviewed annually. The number of 
options granted varies according to seniority and performance.

Directors’ indemnity
The Company’s Articles of Association provide, subject to the 
provisions of UK legislation, an indemnity for Directors and officers 
of the Company in respect of liabilities they may incur in the discharge 
of their duties or in the exercise of their powers, including any liabilities 
relating to the defence of any proceedings brought against them which 
relate to anything done or omitted, or alleged to have been done or 
omitted, by them as officers or employees of the Company.

Appropriate directors’ and officers’ liability insurance cover 
is in place in respect of all of the Company’s Directors.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the 
financial statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, 
the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to 
prepare the financial statements of the Group in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by 
the European Union and applicable law and have also chosen to 
prepare the parent company financial statements in accordance with 
Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. 
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 Company and of the profit or 
loss of the Company for that period.

In preparing the parent company financial statements, the Directors 
are required to:

 -

 -

 -

 -

  select suitable accounting policies and then apply 
them consistently;

  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 
and prudent;

  state whether Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced 
Disclosure Framework’ has been followed subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the 
Company financial statements; and

  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

In preparing the Group financial statements, the Directors are 
required to:

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 
and prudent;

 state whether IFRS as adopted by the European Union have been 
followed subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements;

 provide additional disclosures when compliance with specific 
requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to understand 
the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions 
on the entity’s financial position and financial performance; and

 prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will 
continue in business.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

21

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements“ The Directors are responsible 
for the maintenance and integrity 
of the corporate and financial 
information included on the 
Company’s website.”

DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect 
of the financial statements continued
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of 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 
Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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

Disclosure of information to auditor
In the case of each person who was a Director at the time this report 
was approved:

(a)   so far as the Director is aware there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Group’s auditor is unaware; and

(b)    he has taken all steps that he ought to have taken as a 

Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Group’s auditor is aware 
of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance 
with the provisions of Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

By order of the Board

Mark Elliott
Non-executive Chairman
28 March 2018

22 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

GovernanceFINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24   Auditor’s report to the members of 

21st Century Technology plc

27   Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  

for the year ended 31 December 2017

28   Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

for the year ended 31 December 2017

29	 	Consolidated	statement	of	financial	position	 

at 31 December 2017

30   Consolidated statement of cash flows  

for the year ended 31 December 2017

31	 	Notes	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements	 

for the year ended 31 December 2017

53	 	Company	statement	of	financial	position	 

at 31 December 2017

54   Company statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December 2017

55	 	Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements	 

for the year ended 31 December 2017

60  Corporate information

23

AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the members of 21st Century Technology plc

Our opinion is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of 21st Century Technology plc (the “parent company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) for the 
year ended 31 December 2017 which comprise the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated and Company 
Statements of changes in equity, the Consolidated and Company statements of financial position, the Consolidated and Company 
statements of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 
as adopted by the European Union. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company 
financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced 
Disclosure Framework’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

This report is made solely to the parent 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 parent 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 parent company and the parent company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, 
or for the opinions we have formed.

In our opinion:

 -

 -

 -

 -

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2017 
and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended;

the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;

the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice; and

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the 
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

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

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

 -

 -

the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or

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

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

24 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsKey audit matter identified

Our response to the key audit matter

Revenue recognition:
As detailed in note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, 
the Group’s revenue is generated from a number of 
streams, as follows:

We reviewed the accounting policies and practices for consistency 
of application as well as the basis of any recognition estimates.

We tested equipment sales and installation revenue to gain assurance 
over the completeness, existence and accuracy of reported revenue.

 -

 -

the sale of equipment; 

installation of equipment;

 - construction contracts; and

 - service contracts.

Given the material nature of revenue and the variety of 
methods it is generated through, the appropriateness 
of revenue recognition and management’s application 
of the Group’s revenue recognition accounting policy 
represents a key risk area of significant judgement in 
the financial statements.

Carrying value and impairment of goodwill:
The Group has a significant goodwill balance in 
relation to the Passenger Systems Cash Generating 
Unit. The Group’s assessment of carrying value 
requires significant judgement, in particular regarding 
cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and 
sensitivity assumptions.

Provision for warranty costs:
The Group provides warranties on some of the 
equipment sold and therefore makes provision 
for future costs in relation to these warranties. 
The amount provided is a management estimate 
based on historic cost experience and management 
experience and requires significant judgement.

We tested construction contracts and ongoing service contracts 
to gain assurance over the completeness, existence and accuracy 
of reported revenue.

We performed cut-off procedures to test transactions around the year end 
and verified a sample of revenue to originating documentation to provide 
evidence that transactions were recorded in the correct period.

We challenged the assumptions used in the impairment model for goodwill, 
which is described in note 10. 

We considered historical trading performance by comparing recent growth 
rates of both revenue and operating profit.

We assessed the appropriateness of the assumptions concerning growth 
rates and inputs to the discount rates against latest market expectations.

We performed sensitivity analysis to determine whether an impairment would 
be required if costs increase at a higher than forecast rate.

We reviewed the calculation method and agreed a sample of data used in the 
calculation back to source records.

We tested warranty claims in the year to gain assurance over the existence 
of costs.

We agreed warranty terms back to contracts for a sample of those provided.

Our application of materiality
The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £235,000. This has been determined with reference to the 
benchmark of the Group’s revenue which we consider to be an appropriate measure for a group of companies such as these. Materiality 
represents 2% of Group revenue as presented in the Group income statement.

The materiality for the parent company financial statements as a whole was set at £103,000. This has been determined with reference to 
the parent company’s net assets, which we consider to be an appropriate measure for a holding company with investments in trading 
subsidiaries. Materiality represents 2% of net assets as presented on the face of the parent company’s Balance sheet.

An overview of the scope of our audit
We adopted a risk-based audit approach. We gained a detailed understanding of the Group’s business, the environment it operates in 
and the risks it faces.

The key elements of our audit approach were as follows:

The audit team evaluated each component of the Group by assessing its materiality to the Group as a whole. This was done by considering 
the percentage of total Group assets, liabilities, revenues and profit before taxes which each component represented. From this, we 
determined the significance of the component to the Group as a whole, and devised our planned audit response. In order to address the 
audit risks described in the Key audit matters section which were identified during our planning process, we performed a full-scope audit 
of the financial statements of the parent company, 21st Century Group plc, and all of the Group’s UK trading subsidiaries, providing 100% 
coverage of revenues and profit before tax for these components. The operations that were subject to full-scope audit procedures made 
up 100% of consolidated revenues and £395,000 of total loss before tax. We applied analytical procedures to the balance sheets and 
income statements of the entities comprising the remaining operations of the Group, focusing on applicable risks identified as above, 
and their significance to the Group’s balances.

We have nothing to report on the other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report 
and Financial Statements, other than the financial statements and our audit report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not 
cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

25

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAUDITOR’S REPORT continued
to the members of 21st Century Technology plc

We have nothing to report on the other information continued
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise 
appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required 
to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required 
to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 -

the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

 -

the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

We have nothing to report on the matters on which we are required to report by exception
In light of our knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not 
identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

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

 - adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 

branches not visited by us; or

 -

the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

 - certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

 - we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on pages 21 and 22, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors 
either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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

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

Katharine Warrington (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PKF Cooper Parry Group Limited
Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor
Sky View
Argosy Road
East Midlands Airport
Castle Donington
Derby
DE74 2SA
28 March 2018

26 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Underlying administrative expenses 

Other income

Underlying profit/(loss)

Share-based payments

One-off legal costs

Reorganisation costs

Total administrative expenses

Operating loss

Finance expense

Loss before taxation from continuing operations

Taxation credit

Loss for the year being total comprehensive loss attributable to owners of the parent

Loss per share

Basic 

Diluted

The notes on pages 31 to 52 form part of these financial statements.

Notes

3,4

4

26

6

7

8

9

2017
£’000

11,761

(6,765)

4,996

(5,074)

89

11

(224)

—

(88)

2016
£’000

11,555

(6,868)

4,687

(6,203)

119

(1,397)

(323)

(44)

(534)

(5,297)

(6,985)

(301)

(63)

(364)

13

(351)

(2,298)

(11)

(2,309)

6

(2,303)

(0.38p)

(2.47p)

(0.38p)

(2.47p)

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

27

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Balance at 1 January 2016

Loss and total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2016

Loss and total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2017

The notes on pages 31 to 52 form part of these financial statements.

Share 
capital
£’000

6,061

—

—

6,061

—

— 

6,061

Share 
premium
account
£’000

8

—

—

8

— 

—

8

Retained 
earnings
£’000

(3,695)

(2,303)

323

(5,675)

(351)

224

(5,802)

Total equity
shareholders’
funds
£’000

2,374

(2,303)

323

394

(351)

224

267

28 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
at 31 December 2017

Assets

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Loans and borrowings

Provisions

Net current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Deferred tax liability

Provisions

Total liabilities

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital

Share premium account

Retained earnings

Total equity

Notes

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

10

11

12

15

14

15

16

17

19

20

17

19

13

20

22

1,345

1,345

829

128

44

847

149

39

2,346

2,380

1,355

3,827

302

5,484

7,830

1,510

3,549

511

5,570

7,950

(5,108)

(5,303)

(933)

(228)

(54)

(605)

(6,269)

(5,962)

(785)

(392)

(569)

(300)

(35)

(390)

(569)

(300)

(44)

(681)

(7,563)

(7,556)

267

394

6,061

8

6,061

8

(5,802)

(5,675)

267

394

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 28 March 2018 and were signed on its 
behalf by:

M W Elliott 
Non-executive Chairman 

R C Singleton
Chief Executive

Registered number: 2974642

The notes on pages 31 to 52 form part of these financial statements.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

29

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Disposals of property, plant and equipment

Purchases/generation of intangible assets

Net cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Issue of loan notes

Repayment of loans

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

The notes on pages 31 to 52 form part of these financial statements.

Notes

24

2017
£’000

(729)

(42)

—

(316)

(358)

948

—

(70)

878

(209)

511

—

302

2016
£’000

(435)

(85)

40

(229)

(274)

—

300

(104)

196

(513)

1,010

14

511

30 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

1. General information
21st Century Technology plc is a public limited company incorporated in England and listed on AIM. Its principal trading subsidiaries are 
21st Century Fleet Systems Limited and 21st Century Passenger Systems Limited, and its registered and head office address is 12 Charter 
Point Way, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1NF. Its principal place of business is in the UK and mainland Europe and its principal 
activities are described in the Strategic Report on page 6.

2. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group
Basis of preparation 
These financial statements are the consolidated financial statements of 21st Century Technology plc and its subsidiaries (the “Group”). 
Separate financial statements for the parent company as an individual entity are included on pages 53 to 59.

The Group financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and IFRIC interpretations 
issued and effective (or adopted early) and endorsed by the European Union at the time of preparing these financial statements and with 
those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The financial statements have been prepared under 
the historical cost convention, except financial instruments and share-based payments, which are prepared in accordance with IAS 39 and 
IFRS 2 respectively. A summary of the more important Group accounting policies is set out below.

The individual financial statements of each Group entity are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the 
entity operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of 
each Group entity are expressed in Sterling (£), which is the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements. The 
numbers in the financial statements are rounded in £’000 for presentation purposes.

Changes to accounting standards
The Group has adopted the following new standards, or new provisions of amended standards:

 - Amendments to IAS 7 ‘Disclosure Initiative’;

 - Amendments to IAS 12 Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses; and

 - Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014–2016 Cycle.

There has been no material impact on either amounts reported or disclosure in the financial statements arising from first time adoption.

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards 
have been published by the IASB but are not yet effective and have not been applied early by the Group. Management anticipates that the 
following pronouncements relevant to the Group’s operations will be adopted in the Group’s accounting policies for the first period 
beginning after the effective date of the pronouncement, once adopted by the EU:

 -

 -

 -

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (effective 1 January 2018);

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ (effective 1 January 2018);

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ (effective 1 January 2019);

 - Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions (Amendments to IFRS 2);

 -

IFRIC Interpretation 22 ‘Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration’ (not yet adopted by the EU); and

 - Amendments to IAS 40: Transfers of Investment Property.

The directors anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations in future periods will have no material impact on the 
financial statements of the Group. 

With regards to IFRS 15, the Directors have considered the impact of this standard and do not believe there will be any significant effect.

With regards to IFRS 16, at 31 December 2017 the Group holds non-cancellable operating lease commitments totalling £694,000. IAS 17 
does not require the recognition of any right-of-use asset or liability for future payments for these leases; instead, certain information is 
disclosed as operating lease commitments in note 23. A preliminary assessment indicates that these arrangements will meet the definition 
of a lease under IFRS 16, and hence the Group will recognise a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability in respect of all these leases 
unless they qualify for low-value or short-term leases upon the application of IFRS 16. The new requirement to recognise a right-of-use 
asset and a related lease liability is expected to have a significant impact on the amounts recognised in the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements and the Directors are currently assessing its potential impact. It is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the 
financial effect until the Directors complete the review. 

In contrast, for finance leases where the Group is a lessee, as the Group has already recognised an asset and a related finance lease 
liability for the lease arrangement, the Directors do not anticipate that the application of IFRS 16 will have a significant impact on the 
amounts recognised in the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Certain other new standards and interpretations have been issued but are not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s 
financial statements.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

31

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements2. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company 
(its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. Control is achieved when the Company: 

 - has power over the investee;

 -

is exposed, or has rights, to variable return from its involvement with the investee; and

 - has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more 
of the three elements of control listed above. 

When the Company has less than a majority of the voting rights of an investee, it considers that it has power over the investee when the voting 
rights are sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee unilaterally. The Company considers all relevant 
facts and circumstances in assessing whether or not the Company’s voting rights in an investee are sufficient to give it power, including:

 -

the size of the Company’s holding of voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of the other vote holders;

 - potential voting rights held by the Company, other vote holders or other parties;

 -

rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

 - any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that the Company has, or does not have, the current ability to direct the relevant 

activities at the time that decisions need to be made, including voting patterns at previous shareholders’ meetings.

Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses control 
of the subsidiary. Specifically, the results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income 
statement from the date the Company gains control until the date when the Company ceases to control the subsidiary.

The purchase of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method. The results of subsidiaries sold or acquired are included in 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income up to, or from, the date control passes. Intragroup sales and profits are eliminated 
fully on consolidation.

Goodwill
Goodwill is recognised as an intangible asset and reviewed for impairment at least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the 
statement of comprehensive income and may not be subsequently reversed. Goodwill previously eliminated has not been reinstated on 
implementation of IAS 38 as permitted by IFRS 1.

On disposal of a subsidiary or business, the attributable goodwill is included in the determination of profit or loss on disposal.

Plant and equipment
The cost of plant and equipment is the purchase price plus any costs directly attributed to bringing the asset to the location and condition 
necessary for it to be capable of operating in a manner intended by management.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment on a straight line basis to their estimated residual 
values over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned. Periodic reviews are made of estimated remaining useful lives 
and residual values and the depreciation rates applied are:

Leasehold improvements

Plant and equipment

%

20

20–33

Business combinations
On the acquisition of a company or business, a determination of the fair value and the useful life of intangible assets acquired is performed, 
which requires the application of management judgement. Future events could cause the assumptions used by the Group to change, 
which would have a significant impact on the results and net position of the Group.

Revenue
Revenue represents amounts invoiced to customers, net of value added tax and trade discounts. The sale of equipment includes installation 
of on-vehicle equipment, with the turnover being recognised once the installation has been completed. There is also revenue from longer 
term and construction contracts which is recognised as contract work in progress in accordance with the Group’s contract accounting 
policy as detailed below.

When the Group sells multiple goods and/or services as a package, the components are separated and accounted for separately.

Revenue received before goods and services are delivered is recognised as deferred income and transferred to the statement of 
comprehensive income once the goods are delivered and when the services have been performed.

Ongoing revenue from service contracts is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the contract.

32 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20172. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
Contract accounting
The Company recognises revenue and costs on its customer contracts under the percentage of completion method.

In determining costs incurred up to the year end, any costs relating to future activity on a contract are excluded and are shown as contract 
work in progress. The aggregate of the cost incurred and the profit or loss recognised on each contract is compared against the progress 
billings up to the year end. Where costs incurred and recognised profits (less recognised losses) exceed progress billings, the balance is 
shown as due from customers on contracts, under receivables and prepayments. Where the progress billings exceed costs incurred plus 
recognised profits (less recognised losses), the balance is shown as due to customers on contracts, under trade and other payables.

Segment reporting
An operating segment is a component of the group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur 
expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s other components. All operating segments’ 
operating results are reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and 
to assess its performance, and for which discrete financial Information is available.

Segment results that are reported to the Board of Directors include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be 
allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly corporate assets (primarily the Company’s headquarters), head office 
expenses, and income tax assets and liabilities.

Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the year to acquire plant and equipment, and intangible assets other than goodwill.

Taxation
Income tax on profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the statement of comprehensive 
income except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the 
year-end date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided using the year-end liability method on any temporary differences between the carrying amounts for financial 
reporting purposes and those for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation 
or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to utilise the 
temporary difference.

Earnings per Ordinary Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to Ordinary Shareholders by the weighted average 
number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year. For diluted earnings, the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue is 
adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential Ordinary Shares.

Impairment
Assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 
If any such condition exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent, if any, of the impairment 
loss. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, estimates are made of the recoverable amount 
of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, less costs to sell, and value in use. In assessing value in use, estimated future cash flows 
are discounted to their present value using a discount rate appropriate to the specific asset or cash generating unit and by comparing the 
internal rate of return generated by the cash flows to target return rates established by management. If the recoverable amount of an asset 
or cash generating unit is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying value of the asset or cash generating unit is reduced 
to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income.

In respect of assets other than goodwill, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the 
recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount 
that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if that impairment loss had not been recognised. Impairment losses 
in respect of goodwill are not reversed.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

33

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements2. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
Intangible assets
Software
Software which can be separately identified is capitalised to intangible assets at cost of acquisition and amortised over the estimated 
useful economic lives of between three and five years on a straight line basis into administrative expenses. All software will be fully 
amortised by 31 December 2022.

Research and development
Expenditure on research is written off in the period in which it is incurred.

Development expenditure is capitalised where it relates to a specific project where technical feasibility has been established, adequate 
technical, financial and other resources exist to complete the project, the expenditure attributable to the project can be measured reliably 
and overall project profitability is reasonably certain. In this case, it is recognised as an intangible asset and amortised over its useful 
economic life when the asset is made available for use. All other development expenditure is recognised as an expense in the period 
in which it is incurred. All capitalised development expenditure will be fully amortised by 31 December 2022.

Customer lists
The fair value of customer lists acquired in a business combination is estimated using discounted incremental cash flow and amortised 
over a five-year estimated useful economic life. Amortisation is included in the statement of comprehensive income as a part of 
administrative expenses. The customer lists will be fully amortised by 30 April 2020.

Inventories
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost is based on the average weighting method. Cost comprises direct 
materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present 
location and condition. Where necessary, provision is made for obsolete, slow-moving and defective inventory.

Financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with maturity of less than or equal to three months and are 
measured on initial recognition at their fair value and subsequently at amortised cost. 

Loans and receivables and other financial liabilities
Trade receivables and trade payables are measured on initial recognition which is the trade date, at fair value, and are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable trade receivables 
are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired.

Loans are initially recognised at the fair value of the proceeds and are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an 
unconditional right to defer settlement for at least one year after the balance sheet date.

Financial assets
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial 
asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated 
future cash flows of that asset.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, 
and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed 
collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. 
For financial assets measured at amortised cost the reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

Leasing 
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the statement of comprehensive income on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefits are expensed as the related service is provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expensed to be paid 
if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the 
obligation can be estimated reliably.

Pensions
The Group operates a defined contribution scheme. The pension cost charge to the statement of comprehensive income is the contributions 
payable to the pension scheme for the period. 

34 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20172. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that the Group will be 
required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the Directors’ best estimate of the net expenditure required to settle the 
obligation at the year-end date and are discounted to present value where the effect is material.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the year-end date. All differences are taken 
to the statement of comprehensive income.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to Sterling at exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and 
expenses of foreign operations are translated to Sterling at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

Foreign currency differences are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Share capital and share premium
Ordinary Shares are classified as equity. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Share-based payments
The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain Directors and employees. Share-based payments are measured at their 
fair value at the date of grant using a Black Scholes model. The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight line basis 
over the vesting period, based upon the Group’s estimate of participants eligible to receive shares at the point of vesting. 

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are set out in the 
Strategic Report along with the principal risks and uncertainties. 

The Group’s net underlying profit for the year was £11k (2016: underlying loss £1,397k). As at 31 December 2017 the Group had net 
current liabilities of £785k (2016: £392k) and net cash reserves of £302k (2016: £511k).

In 2016 the Directors identified a need to raise finance to cover liquidity issues pending the anticipated return of the Group to profitability 
and raised £300k from the issue of loan notes in December 2016 and arranged a £400k invoice discounting facility.

In December 2017 a new £1.25m invoice discounting facility was put in place to replace the £400k facility. Current trading is in line with 
management forecasts and restructuring efforts are complete.

The Directors have prepared Group cash flow projections for the period to 30 June 2019 based on latest forecasts that show that the 
Group will be able to operate within the Group current funding resources. It is important that we achieve sales forecasts and the profile 
of cash receipts. 

As with all businesses there are particular times of the year where our working capital requirements are at their peak. The Group is well 
placed to manage these business risks effectively and the Board reviews the Group’s performance against budgets and forecasts on a 
regular basis to ensure action is taken when needed.

These projections indicate that the Group will operate within available facilities throughout the projection period and therefore based 
on these projections, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future and for at least twelve months from the date of these financial statements. The Directors therefore 
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the 
reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results 
may differ from those estimates. The significant judgements made by management in applying the Group’s accounting policies and the 
key sources of estimation uncertainty were:

(i) Note 3 – Revenue recognition
Where products and maintenance are bundled in a contract some judgement may be required to identify the separate components which 
are recognised in accordance with general revenue recognition criteria.

(ii) Note 8 – Deferred tax
Determining the amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of 
assets and liabilities. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available 
to utilise the temporary difference. 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

35

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements2. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
Critical accounting estimates and judgements continued 
(iii) Note 10 – Impairment of goodwill
Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash generating units to which goodwill has 
been allocated. The value-in-use calculation requires the Group to estimate future cash flows expected to arise from the cash generating 
unit at a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. A discount rate of 14–16% is applied to the cash flow forecasts from 
the most recent financial budgets and long-term plans which are extrapolated in perpetuity assuming no growth beyond five years. The 
key assumptions made in relation to the impairment review of goodwill are set out in note 10.

(iv) Note 11 – Capitalisation of development, amortisation and impairment of intangibles
It is Group policy to capitalise and amortise development expenditure for the production of new or substantially improved products and 
processes if the product or process is technically and commercially feasible and the Group has sufficient resources to complete 
development. Such expenditure is amortised over the period which the Directors expect to obtain economic benefits. This policy includes 
judgements regarding the initial recognition of the asset based upon market research and expected future net revenues. It also includes 
estimations regarding the period of amortisation. 

Determining whether intangibles are impaired requires an estimation of the recoverable value of the individual asset. Where assets 
generate cash flows that are independent of other assets then the value-in-use calculation requires the Group to estimate future cash 
flows expected to arise from the asset at a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value.

(v) Note 14 – Provision for obsolete and slow-moving inventory 
Determining the level of provision necessary for obsolete and slow-moving inventory requires management to make judgements in 
estimating the net realisable value of the Group’s inventory based upon stock turnover statistics and management’s knowledge of market 
changes. Provisions are made on an item-by-item basis.

(vi) Note 18 – Contract accounting
Determining the outcome of a contract requires management to make judgements on whether the outcome can be estimated reliably 
and this includes estimates of future costs. The percentage completion of a contract also requires management to make judgements 
and estimates which are based on costs incurred and project progress.

When the outcome of a contract cannot be estimated reliably; contract revenue is recognised only to the extent of contract costs incurred 
that it is probable will be recoverable; and contract costs are recognised when incurred.

When the outcome of a contract can be estimated reliably: contract revenue and contract costs are recognised over the period of the 
contract as revenue and expenses, respectively. This is normally measured either by the proportion that contract costs incurred for work 
performed to date bear to the estimated total contract costs, except where this would not be representative of the stage of completion. 
Variations in contract work are included to the extent that they have been agreed with the customer. When it is probable that total contract 
costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately in profit and loss.

(vii) Note 20 – Warranty and other provisions
Determining the level of provision necessary for product warranties requires management to make judgements in estimating the likely 
future costs based upon historical cost experience, expected future trends and management’s experience. Provisions are estimated on a 
per vehicle basis.

The 2016 restructuring provision was based on management’s expectation of salary and other costs to implement the planned restructure 
of the organisation.

(viii) Note 22 – Share-based payments
In determining the fair value of equity settled share-based payments and the related charge to the statement of comprehensive income, 
the Group makes assumptions about future events and market conditions. In particular, judgement must be made as to the likely number 
of shares that will vest and the fair value of each award granted. The share options have a life of ten years and the exercise period is 
determined to be five years. The fair value is determined using the Black Scholes valuation model. At each year end the Company revises 
its estimate of the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. It recognises the impact of the revision of the original 
estimates, if any, in the statement of comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

36 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20173. Revenue
The revenue split between goods and services is:

Goods

Services

Contract works included in goods

2017
£’000

7,745

4,016

2016
£’000

8,435

3,120

11,761

11,555

2,701

3,384

4. Segmental reporting
IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be determined on the basis of those segments whose operating results are regularly reviewed 
by the Board of Directors (the Chief Operating Decision Maker as defined by IFRS 8) to make strategic decisions.

As the Board of Directors reviews revenue, gross profit and operating loss on the same basis as set out in the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income, no further reconciliation is considered to be necessary.

Revenue and gross profit

Fleet Systems

Passenger Systems

Intersegment sales

Total

Revenue
2017
£’000

Gross profit
2017
£’000

Revenue
2016
£’000

Gross profit
2016
£’000

7,502

4,259

— 

2,617

2,379

— 

6,923

4,715

(83)

11,761

4,996

11,555

2,268

2,419

—

4,687

Major customers
In the year, two customers within the Fleet Systems segment each accounted for over 10% of Group revenue at 22% and 10%. In the prior 
year, there were two Fleet Systems customers that each accounted for over 10% of revenue at 18% and 13%. There were no major customers 
within the Passenger Systems segment.

Underlying profit/(loss)

Fleet Systems

Passenger Systems

Central

Underlying profit/(loss)

2017
£’000

449

(267)

182

(171)

2016
£’000

(748)

(460)

(1,208)

(189)

11

(1,397)

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

37

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements4. Segmental reporting continued
Reconciling to loss before interest and tax

2017

Fleet Systems

Passenger Systems

Central

2016

Fleet Systems

Passenger Systems

Central

Underlying
 operating
profit/(loss)
£’000

One-off legal and
reorganisation
costs
£’000

Share-based
 payments
£’000

Operating
profit/(loss)
£’000

Profit/(loss)
before interest
and tax
£’000

449

(267)

182

(171)

11

(85)

(3)

(88)

—

(88)

(224)

—

(224)

—

(224)

140

(270)

(130)

(171)

(301)

140

(270)

(130)

(171)

(301)

Underlying
operating profit
£’000

One-off
legal and
reorganisation
costs
£’000

Share-based
payments
£’000

Operating
loss
£’000

Loss before
interest and tax
£’000

(748)

(460)

(1,208)

(189)

(1,397)

(410)

(168)

(578)

—

(578)

(323)

—

(323)

—

(323)

(1,481)

(628)

(2,109)

(189)

(1,481)

(628)

(2,109)

(189)

(2,298)

(2,298)

Net assets attributed to each business segment represent the net external operating assets of that segment, excluding goodwill, bank 
balances and borrowings, which are shown as unallocated amounts, together with central assets and liabilities.

Net assets

Fleet Systems

Passenger Systems

Goodwill

Cash and borrowings

Unallocated

Total

Geographical segments 

UK

International

– Scandinavia

– Other EU

– Non-EU

Total international

Total

Assets
2017
£’000

3,638

2,500

6,138

1,345

302

45

(3,183)

(3,176)

(6,359)

—

(1,233)

29

7,830

(7,563)

Liabilities
2017
£’000

Net assets
2017
£’000

Liabilities
2016
£’000

Net assets
2016
£’000

Assets
2016
£’000

3,814

2,246

6,060

1,345

511

34

(4,042)

(3,148)

(7,190)

—

(354)

(12)

7,950

(7,556)

Gross profit
2017
£’000

3,989

1,007

4,996

Revenue
2016
£’000

10,462

626

361

106

1,093

11,555

455

(676)

(221)

1,345

(931)

74

267

Revenue
2017
£’000

10,108

1,053

448

152

1,653

11,761

(228)

(902)

(1,130)

1,345

157

22

394

Gross profit
2016
£’000

4,057

630

4,687

38 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20174. Segmental reporting continued
Assets and liabilities by location

Assets

UK

International

Total assets

Liabilities

UK

International

Total liabilities

All non-current assets are located within the United Kingdom.

5. Employee information
The average monthly number of persons (including Executive Directors) employed by the Group during the year was:

By activity:

Administration

Technical

Operations

Staff costs (for the above persons)

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Pension costs

Share-based payments

Key management compensation (included above)

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Pension costs

Share-based payments

2017
£’000

7,796

34

7,830

2016
£’000

7,914

36

7,950

(7,529)

(7,514)

(34)

(42)

(7,563)

(7,556)

2017
Number

2016
Number

24

12

58

94

2017
£’000

3,715

440

99

224

24

21

61

106

2016
£’000

3,826

471

93

323

4,478

4,713

2017
£’000

854

94

27

224

1,199

2016
£’000

437

50

73

323

883

The key management personnel are the Board of Directors, the Directors of each of the Group’s business segments and the senior management 
team responsible for the call centre, personnel, finance and IT. Directors’ emoluments and pensions included on page 19 are:

Total Directors

Highest paid Director

Emoluments

Pension contributions

2017
£’000

525

260

2016
£’000

209

90

2017
£’000

27

—

2016
£’000

57

18

There are two (2016: two) Directors receiving payments into pension schemes. Directors’ detailed emoluments are disclosed in the 
Report on Directors’ Remuneration.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

39

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements6. Finance income/(expense)

Interest receivable on bank balances

Interest payable on loans

7. Loss before taxation from continuing operations
This is stated after charging/(crediting):

Operating lease rentals:

– Rent of land and buildings

– Hire of plant and equipment

Depreciation:

– Property, plant and equipment owned

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets (included within administrative expenses)

Research and Development expenditure

Inventories – consumed and recognised as an expense in cost of sales

(Write-back)/write-down of inventories

Trade receivables impairment losses recovered

Exchange differences

Share-based payments charge

Loss before taxation is also stated after charging:

Auditor’s remuneration:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

Additional fees payable to the Company’s previous auditor for the prior year audit pursuant to legislation

Total audit fees

8. Taxation
(a) Analysis of (credit)/charge in year:

Current tax

UK corporation tax on the loss for the year (19.25%)

Swedish corporation tax on the profit for the year (22%)

Deferred tax (credit)/charge

– Temporary differences on acquisition

Total tax credit for the year

2017
£’000

—

(63)

2016
£’000

1

(12)

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

205

221

63

334

301

4,361

(12)

—

1

224

221

246

107

295

260

4,527

16

(10)

(26)

323

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

3

45

25

73

4

55

12

71

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

—

(4)

(9)

(13)

—

7

(13)

(6)

40 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20178. Taxation continued
(b) Factors affecting the total tax (credit)/charge for the year
The tax assessed for the year differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK at 19.25% (2016: 20%). The differences are 
explained below:

Loss on ordinary activities before tax

Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19.25% (2016: 20%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Change in unrecognised deferred tax assets

Prior year (over)/under provision

Brought forward tax losses used (previously not recognised)

Total tax credit for the year

(c) Deferred tax asset/(liability)
The unrecognised and recognised deferred tax assets/(liability) comprise the following:

2017
£’000

(364)

(70)

105

(39)

(9)

—

(13)

Group

Tax losses

Decelerated capital allowances

Arising on acquisition

Unrecognised

Recognised

2017
£’000

615

56

—

671

2016
£’000

573

62

—

635

2017
£’000

—

—

(35)

(35)

2016
£’000

(2,309)

(462)

53

408

—

(5)

(6)

2016
£’000

—

—

(44)

(44)

The Group has £3,621,000 of unutilised tax losses (2016: £3,372,000) which may be carried forward indefinitely.

9. Loss per Ordinary Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to Ordinary Shareholders by the weighted average 
number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year.

For diluted earnings, the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential 
Ordinary Shares.

Group

Basic EPS

2017

2016

Losses
£’000

Per share
amount
Pence

Losses
£’000

Per share
amount
Pence

Losses attributable to Ordinary Shareholders

(351)

(0.38)

(2,303)

(2.47)

Diluted EPS

Losses attributable to Ordinary Shareholders

(351)

(0.38)

(2,303)

(2.47)

Details of the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares used as the denominator in calculating the earnings per Ordinary Share 
are given below:

Basic weighted average number of shares

Dilutive potential Ordinary Shares

Diluted weighted average number of shares

2017
‘000

2016
‘000

93,240

93,240

—

—

93,240

93,240

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

41

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements10. Goodwill
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated at acquisition to the cash generating unit (CGU) that is expected to benefit from 
that business combination. The Group has two CGUs which are its two operating segments, Fleet Systems and Passenger Systems. 
The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to the CGUs as follows:

Deemed cost:

At 1 January 2016

At 31 December 2016

At 31 December 2017

Passenger
Systems
£’000

1,345

1,345

1,345

Total
£’000

1,345

1,345

1,345

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment as at 31 December, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired.

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined based on a value-in-use calculation which uses cash flow projections based on 
financial budgets and business plans approved by the Directors covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond that period have been 
extrapolated in perpetuity assuming no growth, which the Directors consider to be a conservative approach.

The key assumptions for the value-in-use calculations are those regarding discount rates and sales forecasts.

The discount rates needed to equate the net present value from these cash flows to the carrying value of goodwill are compared to the 
required rate of return from the CGU based upon an assessment of the time value of money, prevailing interest rates and the risks specific 
to the CGU. If this discount rate is in excess of the required rate of return then it is assumed that no impairment has occurred to the 
carrying value of goodwill.

The discount rates are as follows:

Passenger Systems

2017
%

14

2016
%

14

The discount rates used are based on the Board’s judgement considering macroeconomic factors and reflecting specific risks in each 
segment such as the nature of the market served, the concentration of customers, cost profiles and barriers to entry.

Passenger Systems also has intangible assets, see Note 11, which are considered in the same value-in-use calculations as goodwill.

The Passenger Systems cash flow projections used to determine value in use are based upon assumptions of sales, margins and cost 
bases. Of these assumptions the value in use is most sensitive to the level of sales. Margins are fixed in the forecast based upon past 
experience; the cost base is similarly based upon past experience but also takes into account savings from restructuring and will vary 
depending upon the level of sales. In accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 our value-in-use calculations do not include cash flows 
from restructurings to which the Group is not yet committed.

The level of sales is the key assumption used in the cash flow forecast. Sales have been determined by management using estimates based 
upon past experience and future performance with reference to market position and the sales pipeline. Due to the difficult macroeconomic 
environment there has been a reduction in the availability of contracts, which has in turn resulted in pressure on margins. In 2017 a major 
restructuring took place, followed by a reinvestment in key staff at the end of the year. The 2018 forecast predicts growth of 40%. 
The remaining four years are based upon compound sales growth of 5%.

The value-in-use calculation supports the carrying value of the CGU with headroom of £344k. A sensitivity analysis has been performed 
on the impairment test. The Directors consider that an absolute change in the key sales assumption is possible and a reduction of 5% 
points in the growth rate in 2018 to 35% would result in an impairment charge being recognised for the current carrying value of goodwill 
in relation to Passenger Systems of £541k. If sales forecasts were down 10% across the whole period and overheads were partially scaled 
back by 5% then the impairment charge would be £979k.

Based on the review the discount rate applied to equate the net present value of the forecast cash flows to the carrying value of goodwill 
and the intangible assets was 16.7%, whereas the required rate of return of the CGU is 14%.

In view of this, the Directors consider that no impairment of goodwill or intangible assets is required.

42 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201711. Other intangible assets 

2017 movements

Cost

At 1 January 2017

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Amortisation

At 1 January 2017

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Net book value

At 31 December 2017

2016 movements

Cost

At 1 January 2016

Additions

At 31 December 2016

Amortisation

At 1 January 2016

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2016

Net book value

At 31 December 2016

Customer
list
£’000

Development
costs
£’000

Software
£’000

Total
£’000

192

— 

—

192

63

38

—

101

1,725

293

(211)

1,807

1,126

251

(211)

1,166

703

23

—

726

584

45

—

629

2,620

316

(211)

2,725

1,773

334

(211)

1,896

91

641

97

829

Customer
list
£’000

Development
costs
£’000

Software
£’000

192

—

192

25

38

63

1,543

182

1,725

902

224

1,126

656

47

703

551

33

584

Total
£’000

2,391

229

2,620

1,478

295

1,773

129

599

119

847

The Group tests intangible assets when there is indication of impairment. The recoverable amounts are determined from value-in-use 
calculations. The key assumptions for the value-in-use calculations are those regarding cash flow forecasts, growth rates and discount 
rates. The cash flow forecasts are derived from the most recent financial budgets for the next five years approved by management, 
extrapolated in perpetuity assuming no growth. The impairment test is covered in the Goodwill note 10.

At 31 December 2017, the intangible assets include items with a carrying value of £23k pledged as security for loans included in note 19.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

43

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements12. Plant and equipment

2017 movements

Cost

At 1 January 2017

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Depreciation

At 1 January 2017

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2017

Net book amounts

At 31 December 2017

2016 movements

Cost

At 1 January 2016

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2016

Depreciation

At 1 January 2016

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2016

Net book amounts

At 31 December 2016

13. Deferred tax liability
The movement on the deferred tax liability is as follows:

Deferred tax liability arising on acquisition 

Balance brought forward at 1 January 2017

Credit to profit and loss account

Balance carried forward at 31 December 2017

14. Inventories

Raw materials

Work in progress

Finished goods and goods for resale

Leasehold
improvements
£’000

Plant and
equipment
£’000

12

—

—

12

—

2

—

2

585

42

(132)

495

448

61

(132)

377

Total
£’000

597

42

(132)

507

448

63

(132)

379

10

118

128

Leasehold
improvements
£’000

Plant and
equipment
£’000

108

12

(108)

12

61

16

(77)

—

549

73

(37)

585

380

91

(23)

448

Total
£’000

657

85

(145)

597

441

107

(100)

448

12

137

149

Liability
£’000

(44)

9

35

2016
£’000

302

62

1,146

1,510

2017
£’000

258

16

1,081

1,355

44 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201715. Trade and other receivables

Current

Trade receivables

Less: provision for impairment of receivables

Trade receivables – net

Amounts due from contract customers

Other receivables and prepayments

Non-current

Other receivables and prepayments

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2,812

(16)

2,796

638

393

2,496

(16)

2,480

746

323

3,827

3,549

44

39

The average credit period taken on sales of goods is 67 days (2016: 62 days). Trade receivables are provided for to the extent that management 
has reason to believe that the recoverability of the debt is questionable. Before granting credit terms to any new customer, the Group uses 
an external credit checking company to assess the customer’s credit quality and to assist in the definition of credit limits for that customer. 
In addition, we have credit insurance in place on the majority of trade receivables.

The following customers represented more than 5% of the total balance of net trade receivables at the year-end:

Customer 1

Customer 2

Customer 3

Customer 4

Customer 5

Customer 6

Customer 7

Amount receivable

2017
£’000

506

422

245

224

222

198

160

2016
£’000

401

624

164

160

363

185

—

Included in the Group’s trade receivable balance are debtors with a carrying amount of £837,000 (2016: £768,000) which are past due at 
the reporting date for which the Group has not provided as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the amounts are 
still considered recoverable. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances. The average age of these receivables is 67 days 
(2016: 55 days).

Ageing of past due but not impaired trade receivables:

Up to three months past due

Three to six months past due

Over six months past due

Movement in the provision for impairment of trade receivables:

Balance at 1 January

Impairment losses recovered

Balance at 31 December

2017
£’000

736

58

43

837

2017
£’000

16

— 

16

2016
£’000

709

37

22

768

2016
£’000

26

(10)

16

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

45

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements15. Trade and other receivables continued
Ageing of impaired trade receivables:

Over 90 days

The trade and other receivables are used as security for the loan notes as set out in Note 19.

16. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash, including bank deposits held by the Group.

17. Trade and other payables

Current

Trade payables

Other taxation and social security

Other payables

Accruals

Deferred income relating to contracts

Deferred income

Non-current

Deferred income

2017
£’000

16

16

2017
£’000

302

2017
£’000

1,736

394

22

1,030

748

1,178

5,108

2016
£’000

16

16

2016
£’000

511

2016
£’000

1,561

358

27

1,225

778

1,354

5,303

569

569

Trade creditors and other payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average credit 
period taken for trade purchases is 38 days (2016: 43 days). The Group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all 
payables are paid within the credit timeframe.

18. Contract accounting

Contracts in progress at dates of statement of financial position:

Amounts due from contract customers included in trade and other receivables

Amounts due to contract customers included in trade and other payables

Contract costs incurred plus recognised profit less recognised losses to date

Less: progress billings

2017
£’000

639

(748)

(109)

2016
£’000

746

(778)

(32)

4,076

(4,185)

6,278

(6,310)

(109)

(32)

At 31 December 2017, retentions held by customers for contract work amounted to £12,000 (2016: £12,000). Advances received from 
customers for contract work amounted to £748,000 (2016: £778,000).

At 31 December 2017, amounts of £nil (2016: £nil) included in trade and other receivables and arising from contracts are due for 
settlement after more than twelve months.

46 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201719. Loans and borrowings

Bank loans

Other loans

The main terms of the loans are:

Close Brothers

CIT

Other loans

2017

Current
£’000

Non-current
 £’000

933

— 

933

—

300

300

Total 
£’000

933

300

1,233

2016

Current
£’000

Non-current 
£’000

54

—

54

—

300

300

Loan 
name

Invoice
 finance

SAP

Loan notes

Interest
rate

2.35%
over base

11.65%

10.00%

Term

Final
payment

Repayable on demand

3 years

March 2019

3 years December 2019

Total 
£’000

54

300

354

Loan
value

916

17

300

1,233

The loan notes are secured on the trade and other debtors of the Group’s principal trading entities, 21st Century Fleet Systems Limited 
and 21st Century Passenger Systems Limited.

The invoice finance facility is secured by a debenture over all assets of the Group’s principal trading entities, 21st Century Fleet Systems 
Limited and 21st Century Passenger Systems Limited.

At 31 December 2017, intangible assets with a carrying value of £23k are pledged as security for loans.

20. Provisions

Balance at 1 January 2017

Charged

Released

Movement in the year

Balance at 31 December 2017

Included in current liabilities

Included in non-current liabilities

Warranty
£’000

1,111

223

(716)

(493)

618

228

390

618

Other
£’000

175

—

(175)

(175)

—

—

—

— 

Total 
£’000

1,286

223

(891)

(668)

618

228

390

618

The warranty provision represents management’s best estimate of the Group’s liability for warranties granted on products sold based on 
past experience and industry averages for defective products. The warranty provision is expected to be fully released by 31 December 2022.

The other provision represented management’s best estimate of the Group’s restructuring costs agreed in December 2016. The provision 
was fully released by 31 December 2017.

21. Financial instruments
Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as going concerns while maximising the return 
to stakeholders through the optimisation of debt and equity balances. The capital structure of the Group at the year end consisted of cash 
and cash equivalents, loans and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings.

The Group maintains or adjusts its capital structure through the payment of dividends to shareholders, the issue of new loans, loan repayments, 
the issue of new shares and the buy-back of existing shares.

The Group’s overall capital risk management strategy remains unchanged from the prior year.

Note 22 to the financial statements provides details regarding the Company’s share capital and movements in the year. There were no 
breaches of any requirements with regard to any relevant conditions imposed by the Company’s Articles of Association during the periods 
under review.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

47

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements21. Financial instruments continued
Gearing
Net debt was £931,000 at 31 December 2017 (2016: net cash of £157,000). Net debt is defined as cash and cash equivalents less short-term 
and long-term borrowings.

Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and 
the basis on which income and expenses are recognised in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument 
are disclosed in note 2 to the financial statements.

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets

Loans and receivables (including cash and cash equivalents):

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Other financial liabilities held at amortised cost:

Trade payables

Other payables

Accruals

Loans and borrowings

Carrying value

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2,796

393

302

3,491

1,736

22

1,030

1,233

4,021

2,480

962

511

3,953

1,561

27

1,225

354

3,167

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of the financial assets approximates to their fair value and represents the maximum 
exposure to credit risk.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of the financial liabilities approximates to their fair value.

Financial risk management objectives
The Group’s approach to managing financial risk is described in the Directors’ Report.

Market risk
The Group’s activities expose it to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Group enters into foreign exchange 
forward contracts to hedge the exchange rate risk arising on the purchase of inventory and sales denominated in foreign currency.

Foreign currency risk management
The Group undertakes certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Hence, exposures to exchange rate fluctuations arise.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the reporting date are as follows:

Swedish Krona

Euro

US Dollar

Assets

Liabilities

2017
£’000

280

234

—

2016
£’000

376

250

28

2017
£’000

28

51

17

2016
£’000

5

—

8

At the year end the Group was exposed to fluctuations in Swedish Krona, Euros and US Dollars against Sterling. The following table details 
the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% increase or decrease in Sterling against the relevant foreign currencies. 10% represents management’s 
assessment of a reasonably possible change in foreign currency exchange rates.

48 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201721. Financial instruments continued
Foreign currency risk management continued
The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the 
period end for a 10% change in foreign currency rates. A negative number below indicates a decrease in profit where Sterling strengthens 
against the relevant currency. For a 10% weakening in Sterling against the foreign currency, there would be an equal and opposite impact 
on the profit.

Swedish Krona loss

Euro loss

US Dollar loss

2017
£’000

(25)

(18)

2

2016
£’000

(37)

(25)

(2)

Credit risk management
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in a financial loss to the Group. The Group 
has adopted a policy of only extending credit to creditworthy counterparties, and obtaining collateral where appropriate, as a means of 
mitigating risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group obtains credit checks from independent rating agencies and other publicly available 
financial information to rate its customers. The Group’s exposure and credit ratings of its counterparties are continuously monitored. 
Credit exposure is controlled by counterparty credit limits that are reviewed and approved by the credit control team. 

The credit risk within contracts is managed in the same way. The credit risk management of other receivables, where material, if not covered 
above, is handled on a case-by-case basis.

The Group has significant credit risk exposure to several single counterparties. Note 15 to the financial statements gives details 
of counterparties with balances in excess of 5% of total trade receivables at the year end.

Liquidity risk management
Responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors. The Group manages liquidity risk by continuously 
monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and maintaining adequate banking facilities. At 31 December 2017, the Group had no overdraft 
facility (2016: £nil). As at 31 December 2017, the net bank balance, cash less overdraft, was £302,000 (2016: £511,000). At 31 December 
2017, the Group has £300k (2016: £300k) of loan notes and an invoice discounting facility with Close Brothers for £1,250k (2016: facility 
with Market Invoice for £400k).

Maturity of financial liabilities
The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities. The maturity of financial 
liabilities table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the 
Group can be required to pay.

In one year or less

In one to two years

22. Share capital
Called up share capital

2017
£’000

2,554

300

2016
£’000

2,000

300

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

Authorised, allotted, called up and fully paid:

93,239,755 Ordinary Shares of 6.5p each (2016: 93,239,755 Ordinary Shares of 6.5p each)

6,061

6,061

The share premium account represents the amount received on the issue of Ordinary Shares by the Company, in excess of their nominal 
value, and is non-distributable.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

49

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements22. Share capital continued
Share options
The Company operates two EMI share option schemes for employees and Directors of the Group. Individual options have an exercise 
price of the market value at date of grant or the nominal value if higher. The minimum vesting period is three years from date of grant. 
All options are settled in equity, automatically lapse ten years after the date of grant and generally lapse if an option holder ceases 
to be a Group employee. There are no performance conditions associated with the current options.

As at 31 December options under these schemes, including those held by Directors, were outstanding over:

Outstanding at beginning of year

Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at end of year

Exercisable at end of year

2017

2016

Weighted
average
exercise
price

Options

Options

7,992,308

6.5p

8,142,308

— 

— 

(150,000)

7,992,308

7,692,308

6.5p

6.5p

7,992,308

7,692,308

Weighted
average
exercise
price

6.6p

12.5p

6.5p

6.5p

The aggregate charge recognised in the Group financial statements in the year was £4,000 (2016: £103,000), all of which was recognised 
in a subsidiary entity’s results.

Directors’ interests in share options
Details of options held by Directors over the Company’s Ordinary Shares of 6.5p are set out below:

The 2004 EMI Scheme issue 3 

R C Singleton

G Robinson

As at
31 December
2016

Issued
in the year

As at
31 December
2017

Exercise
price

Date
from which
exercisable

Expiry
date

3,846,154

3,846,154

—

—

3,846,154

3,846,154

6.5p 10/10/2016 10/10/2023

6.5p 10/10/2016 15/02/2018

G Robinson resigned as a Director on 15 May 2017.

3,846,154 of Directors share options lapsed on 1 March 2018.

The market price of the Company’s shares at the end of the financial year was 2.88p (2016: 2.63p) and the range of market prices during the 
year was 2.13p to 3.63p (2016: 1.50p to 5.00p). The weighted average remaining life of all share options outstanding at 31 December 2017 
is 5 years and 9 months (31 December 2016: six years and ten months).

For those options granted after 7 November 2002, the Black Scholes model has been used to calculate the charge to the statement of 
comprehensive income. The inputs into the model are as follows:

Option type

EMI

EMI

Grant date

10/10/2013

12/10/2015

Exercise 
price
(pence)

6.5

6.5

Share price
on grant 
date
(pence)

5.62

4.38

Expected 
term 
(years)

5

5

Vesting
period
(years)

3

3

Option life
(years)

Expected
volatility

10

10

144%

146%

Risk free
rate

2.74%

1.82%

No dividend yield has been assumed for any of the above options and none of the share options’ performance conditions are linked to the 
market price of the Company’s shares.

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price over the time commensurate with 
the award term immediately prior to the date of grant (i.e. five years). Given the lack of past option award exercise data for the Company’s 
share-based awards, management has assumed an expected term equal to five years for option awards with ten-year terms (a typical 
average input for a ten-year option scheme).

50 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201722. Share capital continued
Employee Shareholder Plan
On 15 February 2015, the 21st Century Technology Employee Shareholder Plan (the “Plan”) was implemented following approval at a 
general meeting of the Company. Details of the B Ordinary Shares of 0.1p in the capital of 21st Century Fleet Systems Limited (formerly 
21st Century Technology Solutions Limited) (“Shares” and “Solutions”, respectively) are set out below:

The Shares carry the right for the holder, to require the holder(s) of A Ordinary Shares, jointly and severally, in Solutions to acquire the 
Shares (the “Put Option”). The option may be exercised:

(a)  at the discretion of the Executive where a compulsory share transfer event occurs (such as a cessation of employment); and

(b)   if (i) not less than three years nor more than ten years have elapsed since the Shares were acquired; and (ii) the share price of Ordinary Shares 
in the capital of the Company (or such other company as may then be the parent company of Solutions) is not less than 7.0p per share.

The price per Share payable under the Put Option shall be equal to the amount by which the market capitalisation of the Company 
(as determined by the middle-market price of the Company’s shares averaged over the last ten dealing days preceding the valuation date) 
exceeds £6,060,585, divided by the total number of issued shares in the capital of Solutions.

The price may be settled, at the discretion of the Company, in cash or by the issue or transfer of such number of Ordinary Shares in the 
Company to the relevant value, calculated by reference to the middle-market price of the Company’s shares averaged over the last ten 
dealing days preceding the valuation date. Should the Company exercise its discretion described above and issue the Executives with 
Ordinary Shares in the Company in exchange for the Shares in Solutions, the Executives’ holdings in the Company would represent, 
following the same allotment, 12% of the fully diluted share capital of the Company.

Directors’ interests in the Employee Shareholder Plan

As at
31 December
2016

Issued
in the year

As at
31 December
2017

Exercise
price

Date
from which
exercisable

Expiry
date

21st Century Technology Employee Shareholder Plan

R C Singleton

G Robinson

100

55

—

—

100

55

7.0p 13/02/2018 13/02/2025

7.0p 13/02/2018 13/02/2025

G Robinson resigned as a Director on 15 May 2017.

Although the employee shares awarded under the Plan are not strictly share options, they have the same characteristics as premium-priced 
share options. Accordingly, the Plan is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’ using a Black Scholes option 
pricing model to give a proxy for the fair value of the services provided by the Executives, the key inputs to which are:

Option type

Grant date

Exercise
price
(pence)

Share price
on grant
date
(pence)

Expected 
term 
(years)

Vesting
period
(years)

Option life
(years)

Expected
volatility

Risk free
rate

Employee Shareholder Plan

13/02/2015

6.5

4.88

5

3

10

139%

1.68%

No dividend yield has been assumed for any of the above options and none of the share options’ performance conditions are linked 
to the market price of the Company’s shares.

The aggregate charge recognised in the Group financial statements in the year was £220,000 (2016: £220,000), all of which was 
recognised in a subsidiary entity’s results.

23. Financial commitments
At 31 December 2017, the Group had total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Due within one year

Due between two and five years

Due over five years

Land and buildings

Plant and equipment

2017
£’000

86

313

295

694

2016
£’000

104

320

373

797

2017
£’000

43

29

—

72

2016
£’000

48

68

—

116

The majority of the plant and equipment operating leases are in respect of car and van leases, which are negotiated for a term of three years.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

51

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements24. Reconciliation of operating loss to net cash outflow from operating activities

Loss for the year

Adjustments for:

– Finance income

– Profit on disposal of fixed assets

– Deferred tax credit

– Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

– Amortisation of intangible fixed assets

– Share-based payment expense

– Foreign exchange rate

– (Decrease)/increase in provisions

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

Decrease/(increase) in inventories

(Increase)/decrease in receivables

(Decrease)/increase in payables

Cash outflow from operations

Income taxes received/(paid)

Interest paid

Net cash outflow from operating activities

2017
£’000

(351)

63

—

(9)

63

334

224

(14)

(668)

(358)

155

(271)

(196)

(670)

4

(63)

(729)

2016
£’000

(2,303)

11

4

(13)

107

295

323

(32)

42

(1,566)

(428)

1,026

551

(417)

(7)

(11)

(435)

25. Related party transactions
Payments to key management personnel are included in note 5.

£60,000 of the Loan Notes included in note 19 in aggregate were provided by three of the Group’s Directors: Russ Singleton, Mark Elliott 
and James Cumming (the “Lending Directors”). The Lending Directors are related parties of the Company pursuant to the AIM Rules 
for Companies. 

There are no other related party transactions.

Subsidiaries
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation and therefore not disclosed.

26. Reorganisation costs

Passenger Systems

Fleet Systems

Central

2017
£’000

3

—

85

88

2016
£’000

124

410

—

534

Prior year reorganisation costs related to restructuring programmes arising during the year, the disposal of the Group’s leased premises 
in Croydon, and the December 2016 agreed restructuring programme.

Current year reorganisation costs relate to the additional costs in respect of the December 2016 restructuring programme and costs 
related to the loss of office of one of the Group’s Directors.

All reorganisation costs relate to administrative expenses.

52 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2017COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
at 31 December 2017

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Current assets

Other debtors

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Amounts owed to Group undertakings

Other creditors and accruals

Net current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Total liabilities

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital

Share premium account

Merger reserve

Retained earnings

Shareholders’ funds

Notes

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

3

4

16

6,958

6,974

29

— 

29

19

6,958

6,977

15

77

92

7,003

7,069

5

(1,458)

(1,480)

6

8

(32)

(12)

(1,490)

(1,492)

(1,461)

(1,400)

(300)

(300)

(1,790)

(1,792)

5,213

5,277

6,061

8

1,001

(1,857)

6,061

8

1,001

(1,793)

5,213

5,277

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 28 March 2018 and were signed on its 
behalf by:

M W Elliott  
Non-executive Chairman 

R C Singleton
Chief Executive

Registered number: 2974642

The notes on pages 55 to 59 form part of these parent company financial statements.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

53

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Balance at 1 January 2016

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2016

Loss and total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2017

Share 
capital
£’000

6,061

—

—

6,061

— 

—

6,061

Share
premium
account
£’000

8

—

—

8

— 

—

8

Merger
reserve
£’000

1,001

—

—

Retained 
earnings
£’000

(6,480)

4,364

323

1,001

(1,793)

— 

—

(288)

224

Total equity
shareholders’
funds
£’000

590

4,364

323

5,277

(288)

224

1,001

(1,857)

5,213

The notes on pages 55 to 59 form part of these parent company financial statements.

54 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statementsNOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

1. Significant accounting policies applied to the individual entity financial statements of the Company
Statement of compliance
The separate financial statements of the Company are presented in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘The Reduced 
Disclosure Framework’. They have been prepared under the historic cost convention, except financial instruments and share options, 
which have been prepared in accordance with IAS 39 and IFRS 2 respectively. The principal accounting policies adopted in the 
preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.

The results and financial position of the Company are expressed in Sterling (£). The numbers in the financial statements are rounded 
in £’000 for presentation purposes.

This Company is included in the consolidated financial statements of 21st Century Technology plc for the year ended 31 December 2017. 
These accounts are available from the registered address of the Company.

Disclosure exemptions applied
The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted 
by FRS 101, paragraph 8:

(i) 

 The requirement of IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ relating to the disclosure of financial instruments and the nature 
and extent of risks arising from such instruments;

(ii)   The applicable requirements of IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’ relating to the disclosures of estimates used to measure recoverable amounts;

(iii)  The applicable requirements of IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ relating to the disclosure of comparative information in 

respect of the number of shares outstanding at the beginning and end of the year (IAS 1.79a, iv), the reconciliation of the carrying amount 
of property, plant and equipment (IAS 16.73e) and the reconciliation of the carrying amount of intangible assets (IAS 38.118e);

(iv)   The requirement of IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ paragraphs 134 to 136 relating to the disclosure of capital 

management policies and objectives;

(v)   The requirements of IAS 7 ‘Statement of Cash flows’ and IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ paragraph 10(d), 111 relating 

to the presentation of a cash flow statement;

(vi)   The requirements of paragraph 45(b) and 45-52 of IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payments’ because the share-based payment arrangement 

concerns instruments of a group entity.

Basis of preparation
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards requires the use of estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of 
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, 
event or actions, actual results may differ from those estimates. The significant judgements made by management in applying the 
Company’s accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were:

(i) Note 4 -Investments in subsidiaries 
Determining whether investments are impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash generating units to which the 
investments relate. The value-in-use calculation requires the Company to estimate future cash flows expected to arise from the cash 
generating unit at a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. A discount rate of 14–16% is applied to the cash flow 
forecasts from the most recent financial budgets and long-term plans which are extrapolated in perpetuity assuming no growth beyond 
five years.

Going concern
The Company is dependent on the performance of the Group. The Group’s business activities, together with factors likely to affect 
its future development, performance and position, are set out in the Strategic Report along with the principal risks and uncertainties. 

The Group’s net underlying profit for the year was £11k (2016: underlying loss £1,397k). As at 31 December 2017 the Group had net 
current liabilities of £785k (2016: net current liabilities £392k) and net cash reserves of £302k (2016: £511k). 

In 2016 the Directors identified a need to raise finance to cover liquidity issues pending the anticipated return of the Group to profitability 
and raised £300,000 from the issue of loan notes in December 2016 and arranged a £400,000 invoice discounting facility. 

In December 2017 a new £1.25m invoice discounting facility was put in place to replace the £400,000 facility. Current trading is in line 
with management forecasts and restructuring efforts are complete. 

The Directors have prepared Group cash flow projections for the period to 30 June 2019 based on latest forecasts that show that the Group 
will be able to operate within the Group current funding resources. It is important that we achieve sales forecasts and the profile of cash receipts. 

As with all businesses there are particular times of the year where our working capital requirements are at their peak. The Group is well 
placed to manage these business risks effectively and the Board reviews the Group’s performance against budgets and forecasts on a 
regular basis to ensure action is taken when needed.

These projections indicate that the Group will operate within available facilities throughout the projection period and therefore based 
on these projections, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future and for at least twelve months from the date of these financial statements. The Directors therefore 
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

55

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsNOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for the year ended 31 December 2017

1. Significant accounting policies applied to the individual entity financial statements of the Company continued
Investments 
Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries are shown at cost less provision for impairment.

Financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with maturity of less than or equal to three months and are 
measured on initial recognition at their fair value and subsequently at amortised cost.

Loans and receivables and other financial liabilities
Trade receivables and trade payables are measured on initial recognition which is the trade date, at fair value, and are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable trade receivables 
are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired.

Loans are initially recognised at the fair value of the proceeds and are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an 
unconditional right to defer settlement for at least one year after the balance sheet date.

Financial assets
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial 
asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated 
future cash flows of that asset.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, 
and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed 
collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. 
For financial assets measured at amortised cost the reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

Share capital and share premium
Ordinary Shares are classified as equity. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct 
issue costs.

Merger reserve
The merger reserve arose on a historical acquisition prior to 1 January 2015 and has been maintained under an FRS 101 transition exemption.

Impairment
Assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 
If any such condition exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent, if any, of the impairment 
loss. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, estimates are made of the recoverable amount 
of the cash generating unit (CGU) to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, less costs to sell, and value in use. In assessing value in use, estimated future cash flows 
are discounted to their present value using a discount rate appropriate to the specific asset or CGU and by comparing the internal rate of 
return generated by the cash flows to target return rates established by management. If the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is 
estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying value of the asset or CGU is reduced to its recoverable amount. Impairment 
losses are recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income.

In respect of assets other than goodwill, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the 
recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying 
amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if that impairment loss had not been recognised. 
Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed.

2. Loss for the year
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has elected not to present its own profit and loss account for the 
year. 21st Century Technology plc reported a loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2017 of £288,000 (2016: profit of £4,364,000).

The Company has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of:

Tax losses

The auditor’s remuneration for the audit and other services is disclosed in note 7 to the Group financial statements.

The Directors’ remuneration is disclosed in note 5 to the Group financial statements.

2017
£’000

188

2016
£’000

133

56 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statements3. Property, plant and equipment

2017 movements

Cost

At 1 January 2017

Additions

At 31 December 2017

Depreciation

At 1 January 2017

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2017

Net book amounts

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

4. Investments in subsidiaries

Cost

At 1 January 

At 31 December

Amounts provided

At 1 January

Reversal of impairment

At 31 December

Net book amounts

Leasehold
improvements
£’000

Plant and
equipment
£’000

Total
£’000

12

—

12

—

3

3

9

12

7

2

9

—

2

2

7

7

19

2

21

—

5

5

16

19

Interests in Group undertakings

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

27,367

27,367

27,367

27,367

(20,409)

(24,962)

—

4,553

(20,409)

(20,409)

6,958

6,958

The Group tests investments annually for impairment as at 31 December, or more frequently if there are indications that investments 
might be impaired.

The assessment is based on the net assets of the Group combined with the net present value of the cash flow projections for Fleet 
Systems and Passenger Systems based on financial budgets and business plans approved by the Directors covering a five-year period. 
Cash flows beyond that period have been extrapolated in perpetuity assuming no growth, which the Directors consider to be a 
conservative approach.

The key assumptions for the calculations are those regarding discount rates and sales forecasts.

The discount rates are as follows:

Fleet Systems

Passenger Systems

2017
%

16

14

2016
%

16

14

The discount rates used are based on the Board’s judgement considering macroeconomic factors and reflecting specific risks in each 
segment such as the nature of the market served, the concentration of customers, cost profiles and barriers to entry.

The Passenger Systems cash flow projections are described in detail in Note 10 to the Group Accounts. The value-in-use calculation 
supports the carrying value of the CGU with headroom of £344k. The sensitivity analysis based on a reduction of 5% points in the growth 
rate in 2018 to 35% produced an impairment charge of £541k.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

57

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsNOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for the year ended 31 December 2017

4. Investments in subsidiaries continued
The Fleet Systems cash flow projections are based upon assumptions of sales, margins and cost bases. Of these assumptions the 
calculation is most sensitive to the level of sales. Margins are fixed in the forecast and based upon past experience; the cost base is 
similarly based upon past experience and will vary depending upon the level of sales. In accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 
our calculations do not include cash flows from restructurings to which the Group is not yet committed.

Sales have been determined by management using estimates based upon past experience and future performance with reference to 
market position and the sales pipeline. The sales levels in 2018 are supported by long-term framework agreements with key customers, 
actual performance in 2017 and a strong order book going forward, 2018 represents a 27% increase and the next three years are based 
upon compound sales growth of 5%. However, given the difficulties experienced in the past in achieving sales forecasts in Fleet Systems 
the Directors have risk adjusted the forecast to reduce the projected sales growth rate in 2018 to 20% and in the subsequent three years 
to 2.5%. This calculation produces a net present value for the CGU of £6,443k.

A sensitivity analysis has been performed on the Fleet Systems calculation. The Directors consider that an absolute change in the key 
sales assumption is possible and a reduction of 5% points in the growth rate in 2018 to 15% would result in a £1,168k reduction in the 
value-in-use of the CGU.

Combining the net assets of the Group with the net present value of the cash flow projections of Fleet Systems and Passenger Systems 
produces an estimated investment value-in-use of £6,953k for 21st Century Fleet Systems Ltd. This supports the current carrying value 
of the investment. Combining the sensitivity analyses for Fleet Systems and Passenger Systems as described above would result in a 
£1,709k reduction in the investment value.

Subsidiary undertakings
Details of the Company’s subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2017 are as follows:

Nature of business

Country of
 incorporation

Sale and installation of CCTV and other monitoring devices

UK

CCTV installation and project management

Sweden

Name of undertaking

Direct subsidiaries

21st Century Fleet Systems Ltd

21st C. Scandinavia AB

21st Century Crime Prevention Services Ltd

21st Century Technology Group Ltd

Bridge Alert Ltd

Ecomanager Ltd

Integrated Technologies (International) Ltd

Journeo Limited

Laserline (UK) Limited

Linefit Engineering Limited

Second Base Systems Ltd

Secure Microsystems Ltd

ServiceManager Ltd

Sextons Group Ltd

Toad Innovations Ltd

Toad Ltd

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

21st Century Integrated Systems Limited

Holding company of Region Services Group

Name of undertaking

Indirect subsidiaries

Nature of business

21st Century Passenger Systems Limited

Sale, manufacture and installation of passenger systems

RSL Cityspace Limited

RSL Street Net Limited

Cityspace Limited

Sale and service of information kiosks

Dormant

Dormant

Country of
 incorporation

UK

UK

UK

UK

All subsidiaries are wholly owned except the 70%-owned Integrated Technologies (International) Ltd. All UK subsidiaries’ registered office 
address is the same as the Company; 12 Charter Point Way, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1NF except Linefit Engineering Limited, registered 
office 272 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JR.

21st C. Scandinavia AB registered office is at Varuvägen 9, 125 30 Älvsjö, Sverige.

58 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statements5. Amounts owed to Group undertakings
The amounts owed to Group undertakings are repayable upon demand.

6. Loans and borrowings

Other loan notes

2017

Current
£’000

Non-current
£’000

—

—

300

300

Total
£’000

300

300

2016

Current
£’000

Non-current
£’000

—

—

300

300

The fair value of the loans and borrowings is not substantially different from the carrying value.

During the year, £nil (2016: £300,000) of loans and borrowings were issued.

The main terms of the bank and other loans are:

Other loans

Loan
name

Loan notes 

Interest
rate
%

10.00

Term

Final
payment

3 years December 2019

Total
£’000

300

300

Loan
value
£’000

300

The loan notes are secured on the trade and other debtors of the Group’s principal trading entities, 21st Century Fleet Systems Limited 
and 21st Century Passenger Systems Limited.

£60,000 of the loan notes in aggregate were provided by three of the Group’s Directors: Russ Singleton, Mark Elliott and James Cumming 
(the “Lending Directors”). The Lending Directors are related parties of the Company pursuant to the AIM Rules for Companies.

7. Employee information
The Company had no direct employees in the years ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016.

8. Share capital
Called up share capital

Authorised, allotted, called up and fully paid:

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

93,239,755 Ordinary Shares of 6.5p each (2016: 93,239,755 Ordinary Shares of 6.5p each)

6,061

6,061

The share premium account represents the amount received on the issue of ordinary shares by the Company, in excess of their nominal 
value and is non-distributable.

The merger reserve represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value consideration for the acquisition of subsidiaries satisfied 
by the issue of shares in accordance with S612 of the Companies Act 2006.

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 

59

OverviewStrategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsCORPORATE INFORMATION

Directors
Non-executive Chairman
M W Elliott

Non-executive Director
J Cumming

Executive Directors
R C Singleton 
N Lowe

Company Secretary
N Lowe

Auditor
PKF Cooper Parry Group Limited
Sky View 
Argosy Road 
East Midlands Airport 
Castle Donington 
Derby 
DE74 2SA

Bankers
NatWest Bank 
Carlyle House 
Carlyle Road 
Cambridge  
CB4 3DH

Solicitors
Ashurst
Broadwalk House 
5 Appold Street 
London  
EC2A 2HA

Registered office
12 Charter Point Way 
Ashby-de-la-Zouch 
LE65 1NF

Registered number: 2974642

Nominated adviser, financial adviser 
and broker
finnCap Limited
60 New Broad Street 
London 
EC2M 1JJ

Registrars
Link Asset Services
The Registry 
34 Beckenham Road 
Beckenham 
Kent 
BR3 4TU

60 

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

Financial statements2

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21st Century Technology plc
12 Charter Point Way
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
LE65 1NF
United Kingdom

www.21stplc.com

+44 (0)844 871 7990