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Journeo plc

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Employees 51-200
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FY2018 Annual Report · Journeo plc
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8

Connected systems 
for connected journeys

Annual Report and Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Connected systems 
for connected journeys

21st Century Technology provides tailored solutions to the transport community, 
solving complex operational requirements both on-board vehicles, through 
21st Century Fleet Systems, and into towns and cities through 21st Century 
Passenger Systems.

With over 20 years’ experience in the transport industry, 21st Century combines 
its R&D and domain expertise to create technologically converged solutions, 
leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to deliver more deeply integrated 
solutions to complex, regulated, safety-critical applications.

Experts in 
multiple transport 
technologies

A great team 
of people who 
understand transport

Delivering 
efficiencies for 
our customers

Further information on the Company is available on www.21stplc.com 

or search for 21st Century Technology on LinkedIn and @21stCenturyLtd on Twitter.

Headlines

Revenue

£12.6m

2017: £11.8m

Gross profit

£4.8m

2017: £5.0m

Operating profit

£260k

2017: £301k loss

FINANCIAL HEADLINES

OPERATIONAL HEADLINES

•  Revenue £12.6m (2017: £11.8m) of which £3.9m 

•  Fleet sales increased 10% to £8.2m 

(2017: £3.5m) was recurring revenue 

•  Gross profit £4.8m (2017: £5.0m) reflecting business mix

•  Underlying loss before tax £138k (2017: underlying 

profit £11k)

•  Profit before tax £0.1m (2017: loss £0.4m) as a result 
of beneficial effects from share-based payments credit

(2017: £7.5m); gross profit decreased to £2.4m 
(2017: £2.6m) reflecting the business mix

•  Passenger sales increased to £4.4m 

(2017: £4.3m) and gross profit increased 
to £2.5m (2017: £2.4m) with an increase in 
recurring, higher margin maintenance sales

•  Revenues from overseas operations grew 

•  Diluted earnings per share 0.15p (2017: loss per 

to £2.3m (2017: £2.0m)

share 0.38p)

•  Net cash flows from operating activities £380k 

(2017: cash outflow £729k)

•  Cash and cash equivalents at year end £0.5m 

(2017: £0.3m)

•  Extended the maturity of the £300k 2016 Loan Notes to 

31 March 2021 and raised a further £250k of Loan Notes 
which mature on 31 March 2022 in order to provide 
additional working capital

•  Increased orders for our new technologies 

marketed under the Journeo™ brand and sold as 
Software as a Service (SaaS) contributed to the 
£0.4m increase in recurring revenue

•  R&D continues to be crucial to our 

innovation-led growth strategy with increased 
joined-up opportunities drawing from Fleet 
and Passenger expertise 

CONTENTS

Overview

1 

2 

4 

Headlines

At a glance

Chairman’s statement

Strategic report

6 

Chief Executive’s report

12  Technology report

Governance

14  Board of Directors 

14  Senior management team

16  Report on corporate governance

18  Report on Directors’ remuneration

20  Directors’ report

Financial statements

24 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

53 

54 

55 

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

 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

 Consolidated statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December 2018

 Consolidated statement of financial position 
at 31 December 2018

 Consolidated statement of cash flows  
for the year ended 31 December 2018

 Notes to the consolidated financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

 Company statement of financial position at 31 December 2018

 Company statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December 2018

 Notes to the Company financial statements for the year  
ended 31 December 2018

60  Corporate information

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

1

OVERVIEWOVERVIEW

At a glance

21ST CENTURY: INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS 
POWERING SMART CITIES
With a culture of technically-agile and customer-centric development, 21st Century is the trusted technical 
partner of fleet operators, local authorities and passenger transport executives, leveraging the Internet 
of Things (IoT) to provide the intelligent systems that will power the smart cities of the future.

CCTV

Remote Condition 
Monitoring 

Vehicle passenger 
information

Passenger 
counting

OUR SERVICES

DESIGN
Industry-leading product knowledge and 
experience enable 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.

MAINTENANCE
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 its 
nationwide network of field service engineers.

2

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

Accreditations and memberships

Cert No. 13843

ISO 9001: 2015

ISO 14001: 2015

BS OHSAS: 2015

Smart ticketing

Real-time passenger 
information

Wayfinding

Interactive 
totems

Bu s 

Departures for Stand  A

Se rv

455

289

Destinationu

West Croydon

Purl ey

D e

11.58

12.04

INSTALLATION
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.

INTEGRATION, 
INNOVATION AND 
DEVELOPMENT
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.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

3

OVERVIEW 
Chairman’s statement

SUMMARY

•  Revenue £12.6m (2017: £11.8m)

•  Gross profit £4.85m (2017: £5m)

•  Underlying operating loss £138k (2017: profit £0.01m)

•  Operating profit £0.3m (2017: loss £0.3m)

•  Cash at year end £0.5m (2017: £0.3m)

I am pleased to report on another year of progress in 2018 during 
which the Group increased revenues for the fourth successive year 
to £12.6m (2017: £11.8m) deriving from our increased investment in 
the future, through further development into our own IP technologies, 
products, services and software.

growth and diversification strategy. We have identified niche-market 
opportunities with the potential to effect a profound change on our 
business, opening global market access for our products and Software 
as a Service (SaaS) based solutions to value-added resellers, 
distributors and end-user operators. 

Trading results
Group results for the year ended 31 December 2018 show a small 
underlying loss before tax of £138k (2017: underlying profit £11k). 
Overall sales volumes increased to £12.6m (2017: £11.8m) and 
gross profit decreased to £4.8m (2017: £5.0m).

Fleet sales increased 10% to £8.2m (2017: £7.5m) on improved 
sales performance in Bus UK and Eire and International, particularly 
in non-EU markets. Gross profit decreased to £2.4m (2017: £2.6m) 
reflecting the business mix. Passenger sales increased to £4.4m 
(2017: £4.3m) and gross profit increased to £2.5m (2017: £2.4m) 
with an increase in recurring, high-margin, software and support sales.

Underlying administrative expenses increased to £5.4m (2017: £5.1m) 
following the investment in technical and sales personnel.

The effect of a share-based payments credit, R&D tax credits and grant 
income resulted in a profit before tax of £0.1m (2017: loss £0.4m). 
The basic profit per share is 0.15p (2017: loss 0.38p).

To support the business’ investment in R&D and to provide working 
capital to ensure that anticipated opportunities are capitalised upon, 
agreement was made to extend the maturity of the £300k 2016 Loan 
Notes to 31 March 2021 and the Company raised a further £250k 
of Loan Notes which mature on 31 March 2022.

Customer update
Our programme to retain and broaden the customer base and 
the range of services we provide is working. From a base of three 
important and large operator customers, First Bus, Arriva Bus and 
Keolis, we were delighted to welcome Abellio and more recently 
Translink in Northern Ireland. This programme is ongoing as 
we continue to forge new customer relationships.

It is very encouraging to see a growing number of new and existing 
customers seeking out our technologies, marketed under the Journeo™ 
brand. New products, software and services are a key component in our 

Whilst it takes time and investment to bring new products to 
market it is with the objective of growing a profitable, long-term and 
sustainable recurring revenue business. In 2018 recurring revenues 
were £3.9m (31% of total revenue) demonstrating the value of our 
software, technologies and services throughout the UK and beyond.

Following our breakthrough work in 2017, we were pleased to secure 
additional sales of £1m into the New Zealand bus market, shielding the 
Group from impacts associated with reduced new vehicle registrations in 
the UK. Importantly it has exposed our R&D teams to exciting and scalable 
opportunities utilising global standards such as General Transit Feed 
Specification (GTFS) for new technology-based sales outside of the UK, 
currently dominated by the more complex and variably interpreted 
SIRI (Service Interface for Real-time Information) standards.

During 2018 we completed what turned out to be a challenging £1m 
fleet-wide safety systems upgrade involving the installation of Handbrake 
Warning (HBW) technology on over 5,000 buses located in over 60 depots 
throughout the UK. The logistics associated with co-ordinating vehicle 
availability, engineering allocation with just-in-time equipment delivery 
to each site, in a safety-critical quality-assured process produced some 
unexpected and valuable insights. As a result, we are now well positioned 
to carry out similar business-critical, fleet-wide engineering upgrade 
programmes and will be making further IT systems investments 
during 2019 to strengthen capabilities in this area.

A change in the mix of business, particularly within our Fleet segment, 
resulted in slightly reduced margins at Group level of £4.85m (2017: £5m). 
Large fleet customers in the UK held back investment in the numbers of 
new double-deck and single-deck vehicles ordered during 2018, resulting 
in lower numbers than indicated and compared with the average numbers 
over each of the last few years. To extend the life of some older vehicles 
within their existing fleets, we carried out important, but lower value, 
mid-life refurbishment of existing on-board technologies. We are 
anticipating that this situation may persist for a while longer for 
a variety of reasons, not least the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. 

4

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

OVERVIEWsize and structure of the Group. More information can be found in 
the Corporate Governance section of this report and on our website. 

Please see www.21stplc.com/en/investors for our full 
compliance statement.

People
As we further develop into a more customer-centric, technically agile 
business, so do the expectations and responsibilities that we place on 
our team members. It pleases me to report that our staff are adapting 
exceptionally well within this changing environment, improving their 
skillsets and what they can offer our customers.

We have developed internal resource into key roles and recruited 
industry-proven specialists where relevant. Focus has been placed on 
enhancing the skills of our engineering force and throughout the year 
we have increased the number of our specialist electricians and made 
great strides towards ensuring all fleet engineers are FITAS accredited, 
not just those engineers working in London as mandated by TfL.

We are fortunate to have enthusiastic and skilled staff who share 
our vision for the Company. I would like to thank all of them for their 
continued dedication and hard work.

Outlook
The focus that the business has placed on developing its technical 
capabilities in recent years is coming to fruition and gives me greater 
confidence in our ability to grow the business over the course of the 
coming years.

By applying our core capabilities to build new solutions that can 
deliver benefits to our customers and their operations, the value 
proposition of working with 21st Century grows and our position in 
the target markets is shifting towards that of innovator and leader. 

This is being echoed by a growing pipeline of opportunities for increasingly 
complex and valuable systems that are now within our reach as a result 
of our own products, services and software, with significant scale potential 
to resell the core technologies in the UK, the EU and further overseas.

Whether meeting new statutory regulations or delivering cost and 
operational efficiencies, the technological solutions provided by 
21st Century and the range of customers we offer them to have 
never been greater.

Mark Elliott
Non-executive Chairman
26 March 2019

Market opportunities
A number of bus manufacturers have been increasing investment in 
their overseas marketing and, as a result, have been keen to include and 
demonstrate their vehicles with the latest range of advanced on-board 
technology that 21st Century has to offer. We have welcomed the 
opportunity to provide this support, as it not only improves bonding 
with our partners, it provides international marketing exposure where 
we can showcase our solutions. Over the last twelve months we have 
made new contacts in EU countries along with Mexico, Chile, Hong Kong 
and New Zealand. We are now working on opportunities as a result 
of these visits that we hope will begin to come to fruition later this year.

Investment decisions regarding new vehicle types and numbers are 
influenced by many factors: Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) 
such as Uber, congestion, low interest rates and online shopping. 
As populations continue to coalesce around ever larger urban centres, 
agile, machine learning-based solutions will become essential for 
movement around smarter cities of the future. It has taken a while 
for us to establish our technical credentials in the marketplace, 
but we are now forging links within a broader ecosystem and 
look forward to playing an increasing role in this paradigm shift. 

Transport authorities and fleet operators are adapting to these 
changing circumstances in a variety of ways. Some are moving 
towards smaller, electric or Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV); others are 
upgrading existing infrastructure and vehicles, whilst also modifying 
routes to improve the passenger experience, reduce congestion, 
attract people to public transport and, at the same time, fulfil 
their commitment to reduce emissions. 

Research and Development
We continue to provide engineering services, technical support, new 
equipment and evaluation systems to bus manufacturers, operators 
and transport authorities. Our research has identified tangible growth 
opportunities in segments of our target markets, partly as a result 
of the long operating life of vehicles and associated legacy upgrade 
requirements, but also due to congestion, modal shift and other 
changing passenger dynamics. We are fortunate to have a small 
number of thought leaders and early-adopter customers who 
support the development of new concepts and prototypes.

Increasing the development pulse and pace of innovation for our 
novel or next-generation solutions that improve safety, efficiency and 
accessibility for many types of transport-related services is a priority. 
Our sales, marketing and development plans are co-ordinated and 
align with the requirements of the Bus Services Act 2017 and the 
Transforming Cities Fund. We aim to capture an increasing share 
of both of these market initiatives in the UK and in other overseas 
territories where similar approaches are being considered.

Governance
As Chairman, it is my responsibility to ensure the highest practicable 
standards of corporate governance are in place. Of the two widely 
recognised formal codes, we adhere to the Quoted Companies Alliance’s 
(QCA) Corporate Governance Code for small and mid-size quoted 
companies, which the Board considers the most appropriate for the 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

5

OVERVIEWChief Executive’s report

SUMMARY

•  Further adoption of our Journeo™ Remote Condition 
Monitoring (RCM) system results in increased level 
of recurring income

•  Breakthrough order for digital signage into the NHS

•  Identified a number of growth opportunities for solutions 

within the emerging smart city transformation

Principal activities
The Group’s principal activities are in providing tailored solutions to 
the transport community, solving complex operational requirements 
both on-board vehicles through 21st Century Fleet Systems and into 
towns and cities through 21st Century Passenger Systems. 

Fleet Systems solutions include on-board CCTV, Wi-Fi and passenger 
information systems to improve accessibility and safety, vehicle 
and driver performance telematics, remote condition monitoring and 
advanced passenger counting technologies, which improve efficiency, 
alongside our cloud-based agnostic video management software 
that connects the vehicle to other enterprise stakeholders.

Strategic goals
Our aim is to become market leaders through our innovative 
products, technologies and software and the “go-to” provider of 
solutions to the wider transport community, by solving the complex 
operational and information requirements on-board vehicles and 
the associated connected systems in towns and cities. 

Our guiding principle is to improve the customer service experience 
continuously. We do this by working closely with our customers, 
partners and suppliers and applying our R&D resources to create 
new solutions, having the best team of people and having the right 
systems in place to operate efficiently. 

Passenger Systems solutions include a wide range of robust external 
digital signage such as on-street interactive wayfinding totems, bus 
shelter displays and transport interchange departure boards and our 
powerful content management software, which enables users to 
inform passengers with graphical real-time departure information, 
roadworks and disruption messaging with supporting advertorial 
media on a 24/7 basis. 

We combine our R&D and domain expertise to create technologically 
converged solutions, leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to deliver 
more deeply integrated solutions to complex, regulated, safety-critical 
applications in our current and targeted market spaces.

Business model
Our business model is to compete in the market as an open provider 
of technology solutions, unlocking customers from proprietary or closed 
systems. We work with global-scale product companies and our supply 
chain to deliver highly reliable, scalable and cost-effective solutions for 
the transport community over the lifecycle of the systems. The service 
offering includes the design, assembly, software development, 
installation, on-site support and back-office systems. 

We compete by striving to offer better, more fully integrated solutions 
at reduced costs to our customers. We carefully seek out, or in some 
cases create, new niche-market applications where we see significant 
growth and market leadership potential. Our customers include 
multi-national fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, local 
authorities and Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs).

Each year we set strategic goals and monitor performance against 
them throughout the year. I am pleased to be able to demonstrate the 
progress we have made this year and further objectives looking 
forward as part of the continual development of 21st Century.

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

Revenue

Gross profit

Underlying 
administrative expenses

Total administrative expenses

Underlying (loss)/profit

Operating profit/(loss) 

Net current liabilities

Net cash flows from 
operating activities

Cash and cash equivalents

Earnings/(loss) per share 
– basic

Earnings/(loss) per share 
– diluted

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

12,601

11,761

4,849

4,996

5,357

4,589

(138)

260

(1,084)

380

485

5,074

5,297

11

(301)

(785)

(729)

302

Mvmt
£’000

840

(147)

283

(708)

(149)

561

(299)

1,109

183

Pence

Pence

Pence

0.15

(0.38)

0.53

0.15

(0.38)

0.53

6

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

STRATEGIC REPORTOriginal strategic goals

2018 additions

Progress

Improve customer service

Enhance our field 
engineering capabilities

Increased number of specialist 
electricians and FITAS accredited 
Field Service Engineers

Additions for 2019

Enhance the tools provided 
to our customer service team

Increase technical capabilities

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

Growing pipeline of sales based 
upon our own technologies

Achieve breakthrough sales 
in new verticals

Empower management

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

Promotion and recruitment to form 
new senior management team. 
Establishment of a Group-wide 
management platform

Extend the platform to empower 
all staff

Secure positive outcomes 
from contract negotiations 
and renewals

Retain all existing accounts

All accounts retained 
where commercial terms 
were acceptable

Form tighter bonds with our 
customers to secure recurring 
revenues for our new solutions

Develop new lines of business 
and diversify client base

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

Trials underway to resell 
core technology in several 
new customer verticals

Third-party resale of our own 
technology IP through Journeo™

Preserve cash

Maintain vigilance on tight 
working capital controls

Loan facility increased to 
£0.55m in December 2018 
to support future growth

Generate cash to continue 
investment whilst maintaining 
tight working capital controls

SUPPORTING PRINCIPLES KEY

Excel at customer service

Continuous innovation

Best people

Operational efficiency

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

7

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s report continued

Operational review
Fleet Systems
Over the last twelve months we have been investing in sales and 
technical support to broaden the range of services we provide to 
both retain existing and attract new customers, whether they are 
small coaching operations, medium-scale fuel distribution or large 
multi-national bus and rail transport operators such as Abellio, 
Arriva, First, Keolis and Translink.

Our ambitious plans for growth and market share saw sales increase 
10% to £8.2m (2017: £7.5m) against a backdrop of an industry-wide 
reduction in the number of new vehicle registrations, and in the case 
of one of our longest standing customers, significantly so. Sales 
into Sweden, Holland, France and New Zealand increased to £2.3m 
(2017: £2.0m), offsetting revenues from reduced new vehicle 
registrations in the UK. However, currency exchange, support 
costs and marketing expenses led to slightly reduced margins 
on international sales, eroding underlying profit for the segment 
to £148k (2017: £449k).

The growing market share of the Fleet business within Northern 
Ireland is particularly pleasing and in March 2018 we were able to 
announce that we had secured a contract with Translink for major 
upgrade works to the DVR estate of the publicly owned transport 
operator. This has since resulted in subsequent orders that, whilst 
smaller in nature, are a testament to the dedication and hard work 
of our Belfast-based engineering team. 

“ Our research and development 
resources are applied to clearly 
identified customer or market 
requirements, where no 
off‑the‑shelf solution exists.”

We are supporting leading bus manufacturers in their overseas 
marketing efforts as technical partners, which is presenting new 
opportunities as we build on existing relationships to drive new sales. 
Expansion into new territories is not a quick win, but it is already 
providing valuable market insight, diversifying sales into alternative 
economic environments and a significantly larger marketplace in 
which to channel our new solutions. 

Our research and development resources are applied to clearly 
identified customer or market requirements, where no off-the-shelf 
solution exists. This approach is delivering new solutions that are 
required by the regulatory changes present in the UK Bus Services Act 
along with insights gained through close collaboration with our partners. 
One example of this approach from the last year is the further 
adoption of our Journeo™ Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) 

8

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

STRATEGIC REPORTsystem by a major UK fleet operator customer, as part of a plan to 
improve CCTV system reliability and availability. Recurring revenues 
are now £0.4m p.a. on a monthly subscription basis and we are in 
discussions with a number of other fleet operators who 
are considering the benefits of the Journeo™ suite of services.

In July of 2018, TfL announced “Vision Zero”, which will see a range 
of technology mandated to eliminate deaths and serious injuries 
on London’s transport network by 2041. We have been working 
with Vision Systems (France) for over two years on a camera-based 
solution to replace the large external wing mirrors and secure approval 
(homologation) for its deployment on UK roads. In October we announced 
an exclusive distribution agreement for SmartVision, a high definition 
camera wing mirror replacement system. This safety-led development 
is one of the core items within the Vision Zero strategy and is already 
generating interest ahead of the requirement to install on new London 
vehicles by 2021. It is currently the only system of its type to be 
approved for UK road use. 

Passenger Systems
Revenue for the full year was broadly flat at £4.4m (2017: £4.3m), 
which was behind management expectation, but the business 
made a lot of progress including its first breakthrough order for 
digital signage into the health market for the NHS. Improved margins 
as a result of recurring revenues from software and maintenance 
resulted in an operating loss of £57k (2017: £267k).

We have identified a number of growth opportunities for solutions 
within the emerging smart city transformation. Our Passenger Systems 
business has long-standing relationships with many influential local 
government and Passenger Transport Executive customers and 
provides a vital entry point for our applied technologies and expertise. 
In September, ten city regions were shortlisted to receive their share 
of £840m as part of the £1.7bn Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) 
previously announced by the Chancellor. This funding was 
increased to £2.4bn in the 2018 autumn statement.

Central services
Within the year, all businesses within the Group and all sites retained 
their ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and BH OSAS 18001 accreditations. Early in 
the year, ahead of new legislation, a full GDPR audit was completed 
to ensure compliance. 

As the software and data components within our cloud-based 
solutions are playing an increasingly important role in the customers’ 
enterprise and our Company’s future, we are constantly monitoring 
our cyber security practices and have initiated a programme to 
attain ISO 27001:2 accreditation for our Information Security 
Management System (ISMS).

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

9

STRATEGIC REPORTChief Executive’s report continued

Business review and results
The performance of the Group showed an increase in sales on 2017 with an underlying loss of £138k (2017: profit £11k). Total revenue 
grew by 7% while gross profit decreased by 3%.

The segmental results show the performance of our Fleet and Passenger Systems segments as shown in the table below.

Segmental results

Revenue

Gross profit

Underlying profit/(loss)

Central costs

Underlying (loss)/profit

2018

2017

Fleet
£’000

Passenger
£’000

Total
£’000

Fleet
£’000

Passenger
£’000

8,217

2,395

148

4,384

12,601

2,454

4,849

(57)

91

(229)

(138)

7,502

2,617

449

4,259

2,379

(267)

Total
£’000

11,761

4,996

182

(171)

11

Basic profit per share is 0.15p (2017: loss 0.38p).

Fleet Systems sales overall were up 10%, with the varying changes in the elements of the segment being Bus 9% increase, International 
11% increase and Rail 11% decrease. Fleet gross profit levels decreased by 3% with a 3% decrease in Bus, a 3% decrease in International 
and a 3% decrease in Rail. Inflationary increases in overheads resulted in an underlying profit of £148k (2017: £449k).

The trading environment in Passenger Systems remained similar across 2018 as it was in 2017. Sales were up 3% on 2017, with a 2% 
decrease on new systems, while software and support saw a 12% increase. Gross profit increased 3% in the year. An improvement 
in absorption of manufacturing costs, combined with the R&D tax credit received, contributed to an improved operating loss of 
£57k (2017: £267k).

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

Overall, the Group made an operating profit of £260k (2017: loss £301k).

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.

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 last 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. 

10

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk or uncertainty and potential impact

Mitigation

Brexit

The Group has an international supply chain and a growing 
overseas customer base. The access to, and delivery of, equipment, 
people and materials could be negatively impacted and thus affect our 
ability to meet customer SLAs.

Major project delivery

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.

Dependence on key suppliers

We initiated a programme of advance purchase and delivery 
of stock to our warehousing facilities in Coventry, Stockholm 
and Auckland to mitigate any short-term impact.

The duty paid on non-EU purchases is in line with WTO terms 
and therefore the risk of a no-deal Brexit, forcing the UK to 
adopt these terms, is minimal.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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

Signed on behalf of the Board

Russ Singleton
Chief Executive
26 March 2019

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

11

STRATEGIC REPORTTechnology report

“ We are beginning to enter an exciting 
position where as our development 
capability grows, so do the opportunities 
with which we are presented.”

INTRODUCTION

REAL-TIME INFORMATION

We entered 2018 with some clear strategies for our 
technical development:

1. 

2. 

3. 

 Turn mass data owned by fleet operator and local authority 
customers into meaningful data – increase the technical 
depth of our solution components and use our ability to take 
large datasets held by our customers to present information in 
meaningful ways that facilitate real-world decision making.

 Drive the evolution of our core system – create seamless 
solutions from the previously disparate Passenger and Fleet 
Systems, aligning our capabilities with the emerging trends 
in public transport and local authorities.

 Utilise the capabilities we have developed to enter adjacent 
markets – build an agile framework for the rapid deployment 
of new services and ideas.

Throughout 2018 there has been continued progress on these 
criteria as we work to build systems for the future. It remains 
our intention to only apply our research and development 
where customer-driven sales opportunities exist and we see 
scale potential within existing or adjacent markets. We are 
beginning to enter an exciting position where as our 
development capability grows, so do the opportunities 
with which we are presented.

We are now seeing joined-up opportunities, embracing 
both Passenger and Fleet Systems, as the norm. Increased 
ownership of the data paths which drive these solutions brings 
with it scale-economies as we consolidate processing and 
management into fewer platforms; excitingly, this ownership 
leads to new and bigger possibilities. 

For our customers, core initiatives, such as encouraging 
more people onto public transport, are a critical part of 
future transport strategy.

Making it easier to understand and use public transport is an 
area we have invested considerable resource. The connections 
between bus journeys, the bus and the schedule invariably involve 
many disparate systems. Solutions that can converge these 
systems, with the addition of our own IP, is an area for which 
we see potential scalable growth. For example, we have created 
a new genre of on-vehicle display that incorporates machine 
learning, to enable it to interpret data from these disparate 
sources as a vehicle progresses through its journey. Where 
datasets are available and can be reconciled with reality, 
they are used as in any traditional system. In the significant 
percentage of cases where data does not match reality, the 
system is able to make its own decisions, carrying on with 
no user intervention.

12

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

STRATEGIC REPORTURBAN AIR QUALITY

AGNOSTIC VIDEO MANAGEMENT

Traffic congestion and pollution within cities is now a 
fundamental consideration within areas of local councils 
responsible for road networks and public transport. Historically 
this responsibility may have ended with ensuring that services 
run on time and accurate information is presented on street. 
Today the demands are much greater and practical planning 
for, and management of, these issues requires datasets that 
are consolidated into meaningful, real-time visualisations. 

We are now actively engaged in dynamic traffic control 
systems which form the precursors to pollution limitation 
and control on major transport routes. 

At the Fleet end of our development, the success of our 
remote condition monitoring services has led to a broadening 
of its reporting capabilities to include third-party systems. 
Through this it will reduce passenger disruption and the 
costly down-time of vehicles when off road. 

By using the same physical Journeo™ platform we can connect 
legacy DVRs to the IoT and transfer video directly to our Azure 
cloud management platform. Through this enterprise-level solution, 
we can drastically reduce the time it takes evidential footage 
to reach interested third parties, such as insurers and, in some 
cases, the police.

2019 promises to be busier than ever and, to help manage this, we have increased our low-level embedded development resources; 
specifically these are to help our roll-out of new on-vehicle system components. 

The technical capability of the business has taken great steps forward as we continue to engage with customers and develop systems 
to coalesce with their emergent needs. From the position of a more technically capable and agile business, we look forward to resolving the 
issues that our customers face, as we become more deeply integrated into the systems that will manage the smart cities of tomorrow.

Dr Andy Houghton
Chief Technical Officer
26 March 2019

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

13

STRATEGIC REPORTGovernance

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

14  Board of Directors 

14  Senior management team

16  Report on corporate governance

18  Report on Directors’ remuneration

20  Directors’ report

MARK ELLIOTT
Non-executive Chairman

Mark Elliott, 60, 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.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

DR ANDY HOUGHTON
Chief Technical Officer

MARK JOHNSON
Director of Fleet Systems

14

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

GOVERNANCE Audit Committee

 Nomination Committee

 Remuneration Committee

RUSS SINGLETON
Chief Executive Officer

Russ Singleton, 60, 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

Nick Lowe, 40, 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
Non-executive Director and Senior 
Independent Director

James Cumming, 68, 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.

DARREN MAHER
Group Development and 
Communications Manager

KIM BRADLEY
Group Projects Manager

PHIL HARRISON
Group Financial Controller

STEVE KESTERTON
Group Operations Manager

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

15

GOVERNANCE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.

SUMMARY

•  The full Board met twelve times in 2018. All of the 

Directors of the Company at the time of the meetings 
were in attendance.

•  The Audit Committee met with the auditor once 

during the year.

•  Several meetings of the Remuneration Committee 

were held during 2018.

•  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 pages 14 and 15.

Attendance at meetings
The full Board met twelve times in 2018. 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 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 2018. 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: 
Mark Elliott, as Chairman, and James Cumming. 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.

16

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

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 loss for the year was £138k 
(2017: underlying profit £11k). As at 31 December 2018 the Group 
had net current liabilities of £1,084k (2017: £785k) and net cash 
reserves of £485k (2017: £302k). 

In December 2017 a new £1.25m invoice discounting facility was 
put in place. 

In December 2018 the 2016 Loan Notes maturity date was extended 
and an additional £250k of 2018 Loan Notes were issued to enable 
the Group to continue its investment in R&D and provide working capital 
to ensure that the Group can capitalise on anticipated opportunities.

Current trading is in line with management forecasts.

The Directors have prepared Group cash flow projections for the 
period to 30 June 2020 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 the 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 2018. 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.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

17

GOVERNANCE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 Committee
For the financial year ended 31 December 2018, the remuneration 
policy for Executive and Non-executive Directors and the determination 
of individual Executive Directors’ remuneration packages have been 
delegated to the Board’s Remuneration Committee.

(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.

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

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

Executive

Contract date

Unexpired term

Notice period

(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.

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;

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 James Cumming.

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.

18

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

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

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.

Salary
and fees
£

150,000

104,184

—

43,750

23,000

Benefits
£

Pension
£

Total 
2018
£

Total
2017
£

Total
2016
£

17,378

878

—

—

—

11,380

7,845

—

29,873

—

178,758

112,907

—

73,623

23,000

260,771

108,452

62,409

107,437

98,446

23,000

—

87,500

47,016

23,000

320,934

18,256

49,098

388,288

552,063

265,968

The 2017 remuneration included compensation for salaries and fees 
deferred in 2016. 

Share options
At 31 December 2018, 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.

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.

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

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

19

GOVERNANCE 
 
Directors’ report

The Directors present their report and the Group financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2018.

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 2018.

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 2018 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 11 
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 pages 10 and 11.

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 2018, the Group had 
net cash at bank of £485k (2017: £302k). The Group’s policy is to 
ensure that sufficient resources are available to service all debt 
by monitoring prudent cash flow forecasts.

During 2018 the 2016 Loan Notes maturity date was extended 
and an additional £250k of 2018 Loan Notes were issued.

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 pages 16 and 17.

Results and dividend
The Group reports a profit of £0.1m for the year (2017: loss £0.3m). 
At the forthcoming AGM the Directors are not recommending the 
payment of a dividend (2017: £nil).

20

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

GOVERNANCEDirectors
Details of current Directors, dates of appointment, their roles, 
responsibilities and significant external commitments are set out 
on pages 14 and 15.

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:

M W Elliott

R C Singleton

N Lowe

J Cumming

Number of Ordinary 6.5p 
Shares in the Company

31 December
2018

31 December
2017

—

—

3,007,346

3,007,346

—

—

—

—

The share interests of Russ Singleton 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, 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.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

21

GOVERNANCE“ 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
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.

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

26 March 2019

22

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

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 2018

28  Consolidated statement of 

changes in equity for the year 
ended 31 December 2018

29  Consolidated statement 
of financial position 
at 31 December 2018

30  Consolidated statement of cash 

flows for the year ended 
31 December 2018

31  Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements for the year ended 
31 December 2018

53  Company statement of financial 

position at 31 December 2018

54  Company statement of changes 
in equity for the year ended 
31 December 2018

55  Notes to the Company financial 

statements for the year  
ended 31 December 2018

60  Corporate information

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

23

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Opinion
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 2018 which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Company 
Statements of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated and Company Balance Sheets, the Consolidated and Company Cash Flow Statements 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). 

In our opinion, the financial statements:

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2018 and of the Group’s profit 

for the year then ended;

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

•  the parent 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.

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, 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.

Conclusions relating to 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
We identified the key audit matters described below as those which were most significant in the audit of the financial statements of the current 
period. Key audit matters include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement, including those risks that had the greatest effect 
on our overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and the direction of the efforts of the audit team.

In addressing these matters, we have performed the procedures below which were designed to address the matter in the context of 
the financial statements as a whole and in forming our opinion thereon. Consequently, we do not provide a separate opinion on these 
individual matters.

Risk description

Our response to the risk

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.

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.

24

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKey audit matters continued
Risk description

Our response to the risk

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.

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.

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 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.

Materiality
The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £252,000. 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 £91,000. 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 Technology 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 £131,000 of total profit 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. 

Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, 
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.

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.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

25

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

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.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the parent 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 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 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.

Use of our report
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.

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
26 March 2019

26

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSConsolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Underlying administrative expenses 

Other income

Underlying (loss)/profit

Share-based payments

Reorganisation costs

Total administrative expenses

Operating profit/(loss)

Finance expense

Profit/(loss) before taxation from continuing operations

Taxation credit

Profit/(loss) for the year being total comprehensive profit/loss attributable to owners of the parent

Profit/(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

2018
£’000

12,601

(7,752)

4,849

(5,357)

370

(138)

398

—

2017
£’000

11,761

(6,765)

4,996

(5,074)

89

11

(224)

(88)

(4,589)

(5,297)

260

(121)

139

3

142

(301)

(63)

(364)

13

(351)

0.15p

0.15p

(0.38p)

(0.38p)

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

27

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSConsolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2017

Loss and total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2017

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2018

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

(5,675)

(351)

224

(5,802)

142

(398)

(6,058)

Total equity
shareholders’
funds
£’000

394

(351)

224

267

142

(398)

11

28

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSConsolidated statement of financial position
at 31 December 2018

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

Equity and liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital

Share premium account

Retained earnings

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Deferred revenue

Loans and borrowings

Deferred tax liability

Provisions

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Deferred revenue 

Loans and borrowings

Provisions

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

10

11

12

15

14

15

16

22

17

19

13

20

17

17

19

20

1,345

1,345

969

138

43

829

128

44

2,495

2,346

1,650

3,224

485

5,359

7,854

6,061

8

1,355

3,827

302

5,484

7,830

6,061

8

(6,058)

(5,802)

11

499

576

35

290

267

569

300

35

390

1,400

1,294

2,914

2,329

1,000

200

6,443

7,854

3,182

1,926

933

228

6,269

7,830

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 26 March 2019 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.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

29

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchases 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 increase/(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

2018
£’000

380

(91)

(452)

(543)

126

250

(32)

344

181

302

2

485

2017
£’000

(729)

(42)

(316)

(358)

948

—

(70)

878

(209)

511

—

302

30

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2018

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 IFRS 9 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:

•  IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’;

•  IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’;

•  Amendments to IAS 7: Disclosure Initiative;

•  Amendments to IFRS 2: Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions;

•  IFRIC Interpretation 22 ‘Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Considerations’; 

•  Amendments to IAS 40: Transfers of Investment Property; and

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014–2016 Cycle.

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

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ replaces IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ for annual periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2018, bringing together all three aspects of the accounting for financial instruments: classification and measurement; impairment; 
and hedge accounting. The Group has applied IFRS 9 retrospectively, with the initial application date of 1 January 2018. There are no classification 
or measurement changes to financial assets or liabilities as a result of the change in standard. 

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’
IFRS 15 and its related amendments supersede IAS 11 ‘Construction Contracts’, IAS 18 ‘Revenue’ and related interpretations. It applies to all 
revenue arising from contracts with its customers and became effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. IFRS 15 
establishes a five-step model to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. It requires revenue to be recognised when (or as) 
control of a good or service transfers to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in 
exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer.

IFRS 15 requires entities to exercise judgement, taking into consideration all of the relevant facts and circumstances when applying each step 
of the model to contracts with their customers. The standard also specifies the accounting for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract 
and the costs directly related to fulfilling a contract. In addition, the standard requires enhanced and extensive disclosures about revenue 
to help investors better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows from contracts with customers.

The Group adopted IFRS 15 using the full retrospective method of adoption and, having considered all aspects of IFRS 15, notes there are 
no changes to the measurement of contracts as previously disclosed. 

The Group’s revenue from contracts with customers comprises three main streams being the sale of goods, the build and installation of goods 
and the provision of maintenance contracts. The Group undertook a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the new revenue standard based on 
a review of the contractual terms of its principal revenue streams with the primary focus being to understand whether the timing and amount of 
revenue recognised could differ under IFRS 15. For all of the Group’s revenue streams, the nature and timing of satisfaction of the performance 
obligations, and, hence, the amount and timing of revenue recognised under IFRS 15, is the same as that under IAS 18. 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

31

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
Upcoming standards
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 16 ‘Leases’ (effective 1 January 2019);

•  Amendments to IFRS 9: Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation (effective 1 January 2019);

•  Amendments to IAS 19: Employee Benefits Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement (effective 1 January 2019);

•  IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments’ (effective 1 January 2019); and

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015–2017 Cycle (effective 1 January 2019).

Other than in respect of IFRS 16, 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 16, at 31 December 2018 the Group holds non-cancellable operating lease commitments totalling £647,000. 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 an impact on the amounts recognised in the Group’s consolidated financial statements and the Directors are currently 
assessing its potential impact. A preliminary assessment indicates that £644,000 of these arrangements relate to leases other than short-term 
leases and leases of low-value assets, and, hence, the Group will recognise a right-of-use asset of £154,000 and a corresponding lease liability 
of £154,000 in respect of all these leases. The expected impact on the FY19 consolidated statement of comprehensive income is to decrease 
other expenses in the range of £90,000, to increase depreciation in the range of £97,000 and to increase interest expense in the range of £10,000.

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.

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.

32

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20182. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
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 or when the goods are dispatched. 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. For most sales, the enforceable contract is each purchase order, which is an individual, short-term 
contract. As the enforceable contract for most arrangements is the purchase order, the transaction price is determined at the date of each sale 
and, therefore, there is no future variability within the scope of IFRS 15 and no further remaining performance obligations under those contracts.

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.

The Group does provide a warranty period of up to five years which is considered to be an assurance-type warranty and therefore no separate 
performance obligation has been identified.

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.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

33

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
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.

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 2023.

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 2023.

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. 

34

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20182. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
Financial instruments continued
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. 

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 loss for the year was £138k (2017: underlying profit £11k). As at 31 December 2018 the Group had net current 
liabilities of £1,084k (2017: £785k) and net cash reserves of £485k (2017: £302k).

In December 2017 a new £1.25m invoice discounting facility was put in place. 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

35

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
Going concern continued
In December 2018 the 2016 Loan Notes maturity date was extended and an additional £250k of 2018 Loan Notes were issued to enable the 
Group to continue its investment in R&D and provide working capital to ensure that the Group can capitalise on anticipated opportunities.

Current trading is in line with management forecasts.

The Directors have prepared Group cash flow projections for the period to 30 June 2020 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. 

(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% 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.

36

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20182. Significant accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements of the Group continued
Critical accounting estimates and judgements continued
(vi) Note 18 – Contract accounting continued
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.

(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.

3. Revenue
The revenue split between goods and services is:

Goods

Services

Contract works included in goods

2018
£’000

8,202

4,399

12,601

2,699

2017
£’000

7,745

4,016

11,761

2,701

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

Total

Revenue
2018
£’000

8,217

4,384

12,601

Gross profit
2018
£’000

2,395

2,454

4,849

Revenue
2017
£’000

7,502

4,259

11,761

Gross profit
2017
£’000

2,617

2,379

4,996

Major customers
In the year, two customers within the Fleet Systems segment each accounted for over 10% of Group revenue at 19% and 11%. In the prior year, 
there were two Fleet Systems customers that each accounted for over 10% of revenue at 22% and 10%. There were no major customers within 
the Passenger Systems segment.

Underlying (loss)/profit

Fleet Systems

Passenger Systems

Central

Underlying (loss)/profit

2018
£’000

148

(57)

91

(229)

(138)

2017
£’000

449

(267)

182

(171)

11

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

37

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS4. Segmental reporting continued
Reconciling to loss before interest and tax

2018

Fleet Systems

Passenger Systems

Central

2017

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

148

(57)

91

(229)

(138)

—

—

—

—

—

398

—

398

—

398

546

(57)

489

(229)

260

546

(57)

489

(229)

260

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)

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
2018
£’000

2,848

3,135

5,983

1,345

485

41

(2,183)

(4,039)

(6,222)

—

(1,576)

(45)

7,854

(7,843)

Liabilities
2018
£’000

Net assets
2018
£’000

Liabilities
2017
£’000

Net assets
2017
£’000

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)

Gross profit
2018
£’000

3,755

1,094

4,849

Revenue
2017
£’000

9,725

1,053

448

535

2,036

11,761

665

(904)

(239)

1,345

(1,091)

(4)

11

Revenue
2018
£’000

10,337

924

345

995

2,264

12,601

455

(676)

(221)

1,345

(931)

74

267

Gross profit
2017
£’000

3,866

1,130

4,996

The 2017 geographical segments have been restated to include an additional non-EU country previously categorised as UK.

38

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2018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

2018
£’000

7,823

31

7,854

2017
£’000

7,796

34

7,830

(7,814)

(7,529)

(29)

(34)

(7,843)

(7,563)

2018
Number

2017
Number

23

14

64

101

2018
£’000

3,891

453

88

20

24

12

58

94

2017
£’000

3,715

440

99

224

4,452

4,478

2018
£’000

722

81

65

20

2017
£’000

854

94

27

224

888

1,199

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, finance, business development and IT. Directors’ emoluments and pensions included on page 19 are:

Total Directors

Highest paid Director

Emoluments

Pension contributions

2018
£’000

339

167

2017
£’000

525

260

2018
£’000

49

11

2017
£’000

27

—

There are three (2017: two) Directors receiving payments into pension schemes. Directors’ detailed emoluments are disclosed 
in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

39

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS6. Finance expense

Interest payable on loans

7. Profit/(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 down/(write back) of inventories

Exchange differences

Share-based payments (credit)/charge

Profit/(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%)

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

Deferred tax (credit)/charge

Temporary differences on acquisition

Total tax credit for the year

2018
£’000

121

2018
£’000

197

219

79

313

315

2017
£’000

63

2017
£’000

205

221

63

334

301

4,463

4,361

117

30

(398)

(12)

1

224

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

3

43

—

46

3

45

25

73

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

—

(3)

—

(3)

—

(4)

(9)

(13)

40

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2018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% (2017: 19.25%). The differences are 
explained below:

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2017: 19.25%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Change in unrecognised deferred tax assets

Income not taxable

Prior year over provision

Total tax credit for the year

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

2018
£’000

140

27

(53)

96

(70)

(3)

(3)

Group

Tax losses

Decelerated capital allowances

Short-term timing differences

Arising on acquisition

Unrecognised

Recognised

2018
£’000

508

24

43

—

575

2017
£’000

615

56

—

—

671

2018
£’000

—

—

—

(35)

(35)

2017
£’000

(364)

(70)

105

(39)

—

(9)

(13)

2017
£’000

—

—

—

(35)

(35)

The Group has £2,987,000 of unutilised tax losses (2017: £3,621,000) which may be carried forward indefinitely.

9. Profit/(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

2018

2017

Profit/(loss)
£’000

Per share
amount
Pence

Profit/(loss)
£’000

Per share
amount
Pence

Profit/(loss) attributable to Ordinary Shareholders

142

0.15

(351)

(0.38)

Diluted EPS

Profit/(loss) attributable to Ordinary Shareholders

142

0.15

(351)

(0.38)

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

2018
̛000

2017
̛000

93,240

93,240

—

—

93,240

93,240

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

41

FINANCIAL 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 2017

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2018

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

2018
%

14

2017
%

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 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 and during 2018. The 2019 forecast predicts growth 
of 42%. 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 £1,567k. 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 ten percentage 
points in the growth rate in 2019 to 30% would result in an impairment charge being recognised for the current carrying value of goodwill in 
relation to Passenger Systems of £250k. If sales forecasts were down 10% across the whole period and overheads were partially scaled back 
by 5% then there would be headroom of £151k.

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 27.8%, 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 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201811. Other intangible assets 

2018 movements

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Amortisation

At 1 January 2018

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Net book value

At 31 December 2018

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

Customer
list
£’000

Development
costs
£’000

Software
£’000

Total
£’000

192

—

—

192

101

38

—

139

1,807

452

(1,100)

1,159

1,166

236

(1,100)

302

726

—

(540)

186

629

38

(540)

127

2,725

452

(1,640)

1,537

1,896

312

(1,640)

568

53

857

59

969

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

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 2018, the intangible assets include items with a carrying value of £20k pledged as security for loans included in note 19.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

43

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS12. Plant and equipment

2018 movements

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Depreciation

At 1 January 2018

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Net book amounts

At 31 December 2018

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

Leasehold
improvements
£’000

Plant and
equipment
£’000

495

91

(261)

325

377

79

(261)

195

12

—

— 

12

2

2

—

4

8

Total
£’000

507

91

(261)

337

379

81

(261)

199

130

138

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

At 31 December 2018, the plant and equipment include items with a carrying value of £37k pledged as security for loans included in note 19.

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 2018

Credit to profit and loss account

Balance carried forward at 31 December 2018

14. Inventories

Raw materials

Work in progress

Finished goods and goods for resale

44

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

Liability
£’000

35

— 

35

2017
£’000

258

16

1,081

1,355

2018
£’000

307

105

1,238

1,650

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2018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

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

1,674

(16)

1,658

701

865

2,812

(16)

2,796

638

393

3,224

3,827

43

44

The average credit period taken on sales of goods is 42 days (2017: 67 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, the Company uses credit protection facilities to protect certain key customer 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

Amount receivable

2018
£’000

330

317

242

193

104

2017
£’000

506

422

160

224

198

Included in the Group’s trade receivable balance are debtors with a carrying amount of £606,000 (2017: £837,000) 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 66 days (2017: 67 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

2018
£’000

557

15

34

606

2018
£’000

16

—

16

2017
£’000

736

58

43

837

2017
£’000

16

— 

16

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

45

FINANCIAL 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

2018
£’000

16

16

2018
£’000

485

2018
£’000

1,365

600

47

902

949

1,380

5,243

2017
£’000

16

16

2017
£’000

302

2017
£’000

1,736

394

22

1,030

748

1,178

5,108

499

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 63 days (2017: 52 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

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

701

(949)

(248)

2,521

(2,769)

(248)

639

(748)

(109)

4,076

(4,185)

(109)

At 31 December 2018, retentions held by customers for contract work amounted to £4,000 (2017: £12,000). Advances received from 
customers for contract work amounted to £949,000 (2017: £748,000).

At 31 December 2018, amounts of £nil (2017: £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 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201819. Loans and borrowings

Bank loans

2016 Loan Notes

2018 Loan Notes

2018

Non-current
 £’000

26

300

250

576

Current
£’000

1,000

—

—

1,000

Total 
£’000

1,026

300

250

1,576

2017

Non-current 
£’000

—

300

—

300

Current
£’000

933

— 

— 

933

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

During the year £180,000 (2017: £70,000) of loans and borrowings were repaid.

The main terms of the loans are:

Close Brothers

CIT

BMW Finance

2016 Loan Notes

2018 Loan Notes

Loan 
name

Interest
rate

Term

Final
payment

Invoice finance

2.35% over base

Repayable on demand

SAP

BMW

Loan notes 

Loan notes 

11.65%

8.28%

10.00%

10.00%

3 years

March 2019

4 years

January 2022

5.3 years

3.3 years

March 2021

March 2022

Total 
£’000

933

300

—

1,233

Loan
value

988

4

34

300

250

1,576

The 2016 and 2018 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 2018, intangible assets with a carrying value of £20k (2017: £23k) are pledged as security for loans. At 31 December 2018, 
plant and equipment with a carrying value of £37k (2017: £nil) are pledged as security for loans.

£60,000 of the 2016 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.

£25,000 of the 2018 Loan Notes in aggregate were provided by one of the Group’s Directors: Russ Singleton (the “Lending Director”). 
The Lending Director is a related party of the Company pursuant to the AIM Rules for Companies.

The independent Directors of 21st Century (being Nick Lowe in relation to the extension of the Existing Loan Notes and Nick Lowe, James Cumming 
and Mark Elliott in relation to Russ Singleton’s participation in the New Loan Notes) consider, having consulted with the Company’s nominated 
adviser, finnCap Limited, that both the extension to the maturity date of the Existing Loan Notes and the full terms of the New Loan Notes are 
fair and reasonable insofar as the Company’s shareholders are concerned.

20. Provisions

Balance at 1 January 2018

Charged

Released

Movement in the year

Balance at 31 December 2018

Included in current liabilities

Included in non-current liabilities

Warranty
£’000

618

226

(354)

(128)

490

200

290

490

Total 
£’000

618

226

(354)

(128)

490

200

290

490

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 2023.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

47

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS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.

Gearing
Net debt was £1,091,000 at 31 December 2018 (2017: £931,000). 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

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

1,658

865

485

3,008

1,365

47

902

1,576

3,890

2,796

393

302

3,491

1,736

22

1,030

1,233

4,021

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. 

48

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201821. Financial instruments continued
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

New Zealand Dollar

Assets

2018
£’000

36

90

— 

—

2017
£’000

280

234

—

—

Liabilities

2018
£’000

40

23

12

4

2017
£’000

28

51

17

—

At the year end the Group was exposed to fluctuations in Swedish Krona, Euros, New Zealand Dollars 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 possible change in foreign currency exchange rates.

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 profit

2018
£’000

—

(7)

1

2017
£’000

(25)

(18)

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 2018, the Group had no overdraft facility 
(2017: £nil). As at 31 December 2018, the net bank balance, cash less overdraft, was £485,000 (2017: £302,000). 

At 31 December 2018, the Group has £550k (2017: £300k) of Loan Notes and an invoice discounting facility with Close Brothers for £1,250k 
(2017: £1,250k).

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

2018
£’000

3,013

576

2017
£’000

2,554

300

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

49

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS22. Share capital
Called up share capital

Authorised, allotted, called up and fully paid:

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

93,239,755 Ordinary Shares of 6.5p each (2017: 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.

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

2018

2017

Weighted
average
exercise
price

6.5p

6.5p

6.5p

6.5p

Options

7,992,308

(3,846,154)

4,146,154

4,156,154

Weighted
average
exercise
price

6.5p

— 

6.5p

6.5p

Options

7,992,308

— 

7,992,308

7,692,308

The aggregate credit recognised in the Group financial statements in the year was £384,000 (2017: charge £4,000), 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:

As at
31 December
2017

Issued
in the year

As at
31 December
2018

Exercise
price

Date
from which
exercisable

Expiry
date

The 2004 EMI Scheme issue 3 

R C Singleton

3,846,154

— 

3,846,154

6.5p

10/10/2016

10/10/2023

The market price of the Company’s shares at the end of the financial year was 2.95p (2017: 2.88p) and the range of market prices during 
the year was 2.35p to 3.70p (2017: 2.13p to 3.63p). The weighted average remaining life of all share options outstanding at 31 December 2018 
is four years and nine months (31 December 2017: five years and nine 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)

10

10

Expected
volatility

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 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2018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, 7% of the fully diluted share capital of the Company.

Directors’ interests in the Employee Shareholder Plan

As at
31 December
2017

Issued
in the year

As at
31 December
2018

Exercise
price

Date
from which
exercisable

Expiry
date

21st Century Technology Employee Shareholder Plan

R C Singleton

100

— 

100

7.0p

13/02/2018

13/02/2025

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)

Employee Shareholder Plan

13/02/2015

6.5

4.88

5

Vesting
period
(years)

3

Option life
(years)

Expected
volatility

Risk free
rate

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 credit recognised in the Group financial statements in the year was £208,000 (2017: charge £220,000), all of which was 
recognised in a subsidiary entity’s results.

23. Financial commitments
At 31 December 2018, 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

2018
£’000

110

319

217

646

2017
£’000

129

342

295

766

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

51

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS24. Reconciliation of operating profit/(loss) to net cash outflow from operating activities

Profit/(loss) for the year

Adjustments for:

– Finance expense

– Deferred tax credit

– Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

– Amortisation of intangible fixed assets

– Share-based payment (income)/expense

– Foreign exchange rate

– Decrease in provisions

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

Decrease/(increase) in receivables

Increase/(decrease) in payables

Cash inflow/(outflow) from operations

Income taxes received

Interest paid

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

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

2018
£’000

142

121

—

79

313

(398)

17

(128)

146

(295)

515

133

498

3

(121)

380

2017
£’000

(351)

63

(9)

63

334

224

(14)

(668)

(358)

155

(271)

(196)

(670)

4

(63)

(729)

£60,000 of the 2016 Loan Notes and £25,000 of the 2018 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

Central

2018
£’000

—

—

—

2017
£’000

3

85

88

Prior 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 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2018Company statement of financial position
at 31 December 2018

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Current assets

Other debtors

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital

Share premium account

Merger reserve

Retained earnings

Shareholders’ funds

Non-current liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Current liabilities

Amounts owed to Group undertakings

Other creditors and accruals

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

3

4

8

6

5

12

6,958

6,970

31

—

31

16

6,958

6,974

29

— 

29

7,001

7,003

6,061

8

1,001

(2,514)

4,556

550

550

1,850

45

1,895

7,001

6,061

8

1,001

(1,857)

5,213

300

300

1,458

32

1,490

7,003

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 26 March 2019 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.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

53

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2017

Loss and total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2017

Loss and total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2018

Share 
capital
£’000

6,061

— 

—

6,061

—

—

6,061

Share
premium
account
£’000

8

— 

—

8

—

—

8

Merger
reserve
£’000

1,001

— 

—

Retained 
earnings
£’000

(1,793)

(288)

224

1,001

(1,857)

— 

—

(259)

(398)

Total equity
shareholders’
funds
£’000

5,277

(288)

224

5,213

(259)

(398)

1,001

(2,514)

4,556

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 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2018

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 IFRS 9 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 2018. 
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 requirements 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 requirements 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; and

(vi)   the requirements of paragraphs 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% 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 loss for the year was £138k (2017: underlying profit £11k). As at 31 December 2018 the Group had net current 
liabilities of £1,084k (2017: £785k) and net cash reserves of £485k (2017: £302k). 

In December 2017 a new £1.25m invoice discounting facility was put in place. 

In December 2018 the 2016 Loan Notes maturity date was extended and an additional £250k of 2018 Loan Notes were issued to enable the 
Group to continue its investment in R&D and provide working capital to ensure that the Group can capitalise on anticipated opportunities.

Current trading is in line with management forecasts.

The Directors have prepared Group cash flow projections for the period to 30 June 2020 based on latest forecasts that show that the Group 
will be able to operate within its current funding resources. It is important that we achieve sales forecasts and the profile of cash receipts. 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

55

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Company financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 December 2018

1. Significant accounting policies applied to the individual entity financial statements of the Company continued
Going concern continued
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.

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.

56

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS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 2018 of £259,000 (2017: loss £288,000).

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.

3. Property, plant and equipment

2018
£’000

281

2017
£’000

188

2018 movements

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Additions

At 31 December 2018

Depreciation

At 1 January 2018

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2018

Net book amounts

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

4. Investments in subsidiaries

Cost

At 1 January 

At 31 December

Amounts provided

At 1 January

At 31 December

Net book amounts

Leasehold
improvements
£’000

Plant and
equipment
£’000

Total
£’000

12

—

12

3

2

5

7

9

9

—

9

2

2

4

5

7

21

—

21

5

4

9

12

16

Interests in Group undertakings

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

27,367

27,367

27,367

27,367

(20,409)

(20,409)

(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

2018
%

14

14

2017
%

16

14

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

57

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Company financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 December 2018

4. Investments in subsidiaries continued
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 £1,567k. The sensitivity analysis based on a reduction of ten percentage points in the growth rate in 
2019 to 30% produced an impairment charge of £250k.

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 2019 are supported by long-term framework agreements with key customers, actual performance 
in 2018 and a strong order book going forward, 2019 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 2019 to 23% and in the subsequent three years to 5%. This calculation 
produces a net present value for the CGU of £5,170k.

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 five percentage points in the growth rate in 2019 to 18% would result in a £1,833k 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 Limited. 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 £2,083k 
reduction in the investment value.

Subsidiary undertakings
Details of the Company’s subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2018 are as follows:

Name of undertaking

Direct subsidiaries

Nature of business

21st Century Fleet Systems Limited

Sale and installation of CCTV and other monitoring devices

21st C. Scandinavia AB

CCTV installation and project management

21st Century Crime Prevention Services Limited

21st Century Technology Group Limited

Bridge Alert Limited

Ecomanager Limited

Integrated Technologies (International) Limited

Journeo Limited

Laserline (UK) Limited

Linefit Engineering Limited

Second Base Systems Limited

Secure Microsystems Limited

ServiceManager Limited

Sextons Group Limited

Toad Innovations Limited

Toad Limited

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

21st Century Integrated Systems Limited

Holding company of Region Services Group

Country of
 incorporation

UK

Sweden

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

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

58

21st Century Technology plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS4. Investments in subsidiaries continued
Subsidiary undertakings continued
All subsidiaries are wholly owned except the 70%-owned Integrated Technologies (International) Limited. All UK subsidiaries’ registered office 
addresses are 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.

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

6. Loans and borrowings

Loan Notes 2016

Loan Notes 2018

2018

Current
£’000

Non-current
£’000

—

—

—

300

250

550

Total
£’000

300

250

550

2017

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, £250,000 (2017: £nil) of loans and borrowings were issued.

The main terms of the bank and other loans are:

Loan Notes 2016

Loan Notes 2018

Loan
name

Loan notes 

Loan notes 

Interest
rate
%

10.00

10.00

Term

Final
payment

5.3 years

March 2021

3.3 years

March 2022

Total
£’000

300

—

300

Loan
value
£’000

300

250

The 2016 and 2018 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 2016 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.

£25,000 of the 2018 Loan Notes in aggregate were provided by one of the Group’s Directors: Russ Singleton (the “Lending Director”). 
The Lending Director is a related party of the Company pursuant to the AIM Rules for Companies.

The independent Directors of 21st Century (being Nick Lowe in relation to the extension of the Existing Loan Notes and Nick Lowe, James Cumming 
and Mark Elliott in relation to Russ Singleton’s participation in the New Loan Notes) consider, having consulted with the Company’s nominated 
adviser, finnCap Limited, that both the extension to the maturity date of the Existing Loan Notes and the full terms of the New Loan Notes are 
fair and reasonable insofar as the Company’s shareholders are concerned.

7. Employee information
The Company had no direct employees in the years ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017.

8. Share capital
Called up share capital

Authorised, allotted, called up and fully paid:

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

93,239,755 Ordinary Shares of 6.5p each (2017: 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 Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018 21st Century Technology plc

59

FINANCIAL 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 2018

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