Judges Scientific
Annual Report 2017

Plain-text annual report

Annual Report and Accounts 2017 J u d g e s S c i e n t i fi c p l c A n n u a l R e p o r t a n d A c c o u n t s 2 0 1 7 A record year of revenue and profit Judges Scientific plc is an AIM-listed company specialising in the design and production of scientific instruments. Corporate expansion is being pursued, both through organic growth within its subsidiary companies and through the acquisition of top-quality businesses with established reputations in world-wide markets. Timeline of our acquisitions Fire Testing Technology PE.fiberoptics Quorum Technologies Deben Scientifica CoolLED FIRE Dia-Stron EWB Solutions 2005 2006 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 Sircal Instruments Armfield Oxford Cryosystems GDS Instruments KE Developments Aitchee Engineering UHV Design Business model and strategy page 9 Contents Strategic report 1 Highlights 2 At a glance 6 Chairman’s statement 7 Chief Executive’s Report Business model and strategy 9 10 Principal risks and uncertainties 12 Finance Director’s Report Corporate Governance 14 Board of Directors 16 Corporate Governance Statement 19 Audit Committee Report 21 Remuneration Report 24 Directors’ report Independent auditor’s report Financial statements 26 31 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 32 Consolidated balance sheet 33 Consolidated statement of changes in equity 34 Consolidated cashflow statement 35 Notes to the consolidated financial statements 58 Parent company balance sheet 59 Parent company statement of changes in equity 60 Notes to the parent company financial statements 65 Notice of Annual General Meeting 67 Ten year financial history 68 Company information For more information visit: www.judges.uk.com Highlights Financial highlights • Revenues up 24.6% to a record £71.4 million (2016: £57.3 million), including 17.7% Organic* growth; • Adjusted** operating profit up 52% to £10.9 million (2016: £7.1 million); – Statutory operating profit of £5.7 million (2016: £1.0 million); 8 6 5 0 4 , 2 4 0 6 3 , 0 6 3 , 1 7 5 8 2 7 5 , 3 0 2 , 6 5 Revenue (£000) +26% 71,360 • Adjusted** basic earnings per share up 56% to 131.9p (2016: 84.8p); 13 14 15 16 17 – Statutory basic earnings per share of 65.6p (2017: 1.0p); • Final dividend of 22p, totalling 32p for the year, an increase of 16%; covered 4 times by adjusted earnings; • Organic* order intake up 16% compared with 2016; • Organic* order book at 16.6 weeks (1 January 2017: 14.8 weeks); 0 5 2 , 9 4 4 1 , 7 3 1 8 7 , 3 1 0 7 , 9 7 8 0 1 , Adjusted operating profit (£000) +52% 10,879 • Cash generated from operations of £10.9 million (2017: £6.2 million); 13 14 15 16 17 . 5 0 0 1 2 . 9 0 1 7 . 2 8 . 8 4 8 9 . 1 3 1 Adjusted undiluted basic earnings per share (pence) +55% 131.9 13 14 15 16 17 • Adjusted** net debt of £8.0 million as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2017: £9.9 million); – Statutory net debt of £7.6 million at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2017: £8.6 million); • Cash balances of £10.7 million as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: £7.9 million). Strategic highlights • Acquistion of Oxford Cryosystems by Bordeaux on 18 July 2017 for £5.1m cash (including earn-out) • Increase in Judges shareholding in Bordeaux to 75.5% Chief Executive’s Report page 7 Finance Director’s Report page 12 Ten year financial history page 67 * Organic describes the performance of the Group including businesses acquired prior to 1 January 2016. ** Adjusted earnings figures are stated before adjusting items relating to amortisation of intangible assets, acquisition-related costs, share-based payments and hedging of risks materialising after the end of the year. Adjusted net debt includes acquisition-related liabilities and excludes subordinated debt owed by subsidiaries to minority shareholders. 1 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc At a glance Specialist portfolio Judges Scientific plc is an AIM-quoted group specialising in the acquisition and development of a portfolio of scientific instrument businesses. Corporate expansion is being pursued, both through organic growth within its subsidiary companies and through the acquisition of top-quality businesses with established reputations in worldwide markets. Our businesses Armfield offer unrivalled experience in the design and provision of teaching equipment aligned to global Civil, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering and Food Technology curriculums from level entry Vocational training through to bespoke Research flumes. The Industrial Division designs and manufactures Research & Development systems focusing primarily on the food, beverage, dairy, edible oil and pharmaceutical industries for businesses of all sizes from ‘Start-up’ companies to the world’s leading brands. GDS designs, develops and manufactures equipment and software used for the computer-controlled testing of soils and rocks. This technology is used to evaluate the mechanical properties that are key in geotechnical and earthquake engineering design. Services include: • advanced systems for commercial soil and rock testing laboratories; and • bespoke systems for university research in the engineering properties of soil and rock. Dia-Stron is the leading manufacturer of innovative and automated modular testing systems for single fibres and filaments, delivering measurement solutions worldwide. Fibre measurements range from dimensional and mechanical properties (tensile, bending and torsion) to fatigue failure evaluation, and the measurement modules can be automated for improved efficiency, productivity and accuracy. Delivering solutions to: • The hair care industry – single hair fibre and hair tress testing to support product development • The technical fibre market – including carbon and ceramic filaments used in composites FTT is internationally recognised as the world’s leading supplier of fire testing instrumentation and has supplied the majority of leading fire research groups and testing laboratories around the world. Our directors and senior researchers participate in UK, ISO, CEN and ASTM standardisation committees to ensure that our instruments are always compliant. These include committees dealing with construction products, electro-technical products, furnishing products and transport applications for instruments such as the Cone Calorimeter, NBS Smoke Density Chamber, EN 50399, SBI, etc. Sircal designs, manufactures and distributes rare gas purifiers typically for use in metal analysis utilising the Arc/Spark spectrometry technique. This technique provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of a metallic sample for determination of its purity. The products are sold worldwide to OEM customers (spectrometer manufacturers that use such purifiers in conjunction with their own instruments) or directly to end users such as metal manufacturers and dealers, and test houses. Products and services: • Ground breaking research and development flumes. • Market-leading R&D technology. • A comprehensive range of Engineering based educational products. • Worldwide network of agents offering sales support & technical expertise. • Curriculum mapping. • Consultation in laboratory design and layout • Installation, commissioning and training services. • A product support and after care service. 2 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Strategic reportArmfield The C15: Computer Controlled Subsonic Wind Tunnel is a benchtop wind tunnel, with visible working section and a wide range of accessories and instrumentation, allowing a comprehensive study of subsonic aerodynamic. GDS Instruments The GDS hydraulic loading frames are load frames with a hydraulic dynamic actuator mounted on the crossbeam for axial stress/strain cyclic dynamic loading. The frames are available in 100kN, 250kN and 1,500kN loads. Scientifica The HyperScope simultaneously performs two-photon microscopy and photoactivation with exceptional performance thanks to our most advanced multiphoton imaging system yet. Quorum Technologies The GloQube® was launched in 2016 and is a compact, easy-to-use glow discharge system primarily used for the hydrophilisation (wetting) of TEM carbon support films and grids. The GloQube’s unique design has two independent vacuum chambers, which allows users to avoid cross-contamination by devoting one chamber to “clean” applications and the other chamber to applications which require vapour to be added during the glow discharge. 3 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcAt a glance continued FTT The iCone Plus Calorimeter is the first in FTT’s new interactive range of calorimeters, the i-series. It features the latest technology in control and automation making it the most advanced, reliable and user-friendly cone calorimeter in the world. CoolLED Fluorescent skin image taken using a CoolLED pE-300white, Olympus BX51 40x objective and a DP71 colour camera. UHV Design The TETRAXE is a compact solution for providing X, Y, X tilt manipulation movement within an Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) environment. Oxford Cryosystems The 800 series Cryostream delivers a stream of nitrogen gas at 80 K (-193.15oC), helping scientists study the structure of molecules at low temperatures. 4 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Strategic reportPE.fiberoptics is a leading manufacturer of equipment for testing optical fibers. Optical fibers are the main medium for long distance transmission of telecommunication data. We export 95% of our products and have an installed base in approximately 40 countries. Products enable: • production of optical fibers; • characterisation of optical fiber cables; • performance confirmation of installed telecommunication networks; and • R&D for new fiber designs. Aitchee Engineering Ltd is a well-established precision engineering company that can offer high end sheet metalwork, laser cutting and CNC machining. We use state of the art software to take customers drawings and turn them into manufactured goods in Steel, Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Yellow metals or plastics. We can supply large batch-work, call off orders and R&D including prototypes, we can also offer manufacturing process assistance and value engineering. East Sussex-based Quorum Technologies manufactures market-leading scientific instruments primarily used for electron microscopy (EM) sample preparation. Electron microscopy is a key research tool in almost every area of scientific endeavour, from the fight against cancer and major diseases, through to food safety and the development of advanced microelectronics and new materials. Awards: • 2014: Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. Key products: • Q Series of vacuum coating systems; and • PP3010T cryo preparation systems for SEM and FIB/SEM. UHV Design, founded in 1993, specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of high precision sample heating and manipulation products for use in the high and ultrahigh vacuum markets for materials research. Globally, our products often play a pivotal role in major big physics experiments including: • high energy particle accelerators such as CERN and SLAC; and • synchrotron light sources including the UK’s own facility, Diamond. They are also used routinely in laboratory-scale R&D instrumentation focused on new state-of-the-art materials, typically for use in: • semiconductors; • photovoltaics; • catalysis; and • bio-compatible materials. Oxford Cryosystems is a market-leading UK manufacturer of cryogenic devices used mainly for X-ray diffraction and radioastronomy. The company originated in Oxford University in the 1980s and now designs and manufactures a range of nitrogen and helium-based low temperature devices which are exported to leading research institutes worldwide. Oxford Cryosystems’ products are found in: • Drug discovery and research labs in major pharmaceutical and biotech companies • Chemistry, Physics and Structural Biology labs in universities around the world • Major national laboratories such as Diamond Light Source, UK, Los Alamos National Lab, USA and Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, China Scientifica is a multi-award winning, globally recognised brand in nanopositioning, photomanipulation and advanced imaging systems. Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, the company develops cutting-edge equipment with leading scientists at top research laboratories for use in the neuronal electrophysiology, two-photon imaging and optogenetics markets. • Two-time Queen’s Award for Enterprise winners. Most recently the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation. • British Chamber of Commerce National Business of the Year 2016. • Microscopy Today Innovation Award 2016 for SciScan open-source software. • British Chamber of Commerce National Export Business of the Year 2016. • Offices in the United Kingdom, the United States and China. Founded in 1999, EWB Solutions specialises in the design and manufacture of edge-welded metal bellows where a high integrity hermetic seal is required in the presence of an applied movement. Supplied globally, EWB bellows are produced in a wide range of materials, meeting a variety of life and environmental constraints for applications within a diverse range of industries such as: • semiconductor processing; • particle physics experimentation; • material/surface analysis; • oncology therapy; and • petrochemical processing. Deben is a precision engineering company providing innovative solutions for SEM and μX-Ray CT in-situ tensile testing. Deben also manufactures SEM detectors and a range of SEM accessories including motor control and heating and cooling stages. Product groups: • in-situ tensile and compression systems; • accessories for electron beam applications; and • imaging and detectors for SEM and TEM. CoolLED, recognised for the design and manufacture of cutting edge illumination systems, is a brand leader in life-sciences microscopy illumination. The company pioneered the use of LEDs as a replacement to environmentally unfriendly mercury lamps, and continues to research light technology for new applications. 5 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcChairman’s statement For the year ended 31 December 2017 As well as record financial results, 2017 has been a year of significant progress for the Group and within our businesses. The Group completed its 16th acquisition and the two businesses that had experienced lower demand in 2016 returned to normal levels of orders, sales and profitability.” Delivering returns to our shareholders remains the objective of the Group and as such the Board is pleased to be recommending a final dividend of 22.0p, making a total of 32.0p in respect of 2017, a 16.4% increase on the prior year (2016: 27.5p). Acquisitions On 18 July our 51% subsidiary Bordeaux Acquisition Limited (“Bordeaux”) acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Crystallon Limited (“Crystallon”) for a total consideration of £5.1 million (including an earn-out payment of £0.6 million) plus excess cash; Crystallon is the holding company of Oxford Cryosystems Limited (“Oxford Cryosystems”), a manufacturer of cryogenic cooling systems used for x-ray crystallography and other applications. Simultaneously, Judges purchased an additional 24.5% of the shares in Bordeaux, increasing its shareholding to 75.5%; this was completed at a cost of £1.3 million. The accounts under review include the post-acquisition performance of Oxford Cryosystems, which was in line with the Board’s expectation at the time of the transaction. Strategy The Group’s strategy is based on creating shareholder returns through highly selective and carefully structured acquisitions, underpinned by diversified, solid and consistent earnings and cash-flows arising from our acquired businesses. The Group’s overall criteria are to acquire small/medium-sized scientific instrument companies, paying a disciplined multiple of earnings and to finance any acquisition ideally through existing cash resources and/or bank borrowings. We are highly selective in acquiring businesses with sustainable profits and cash-flows, in order to obtain immediate and enduring earnings enhancement for our shareholders. It is paramount that acquisitions are completed only when the Directors are satisfied that the target business has sound longstanding strength. As our Group grows it is then able to promptly pay down the acquisition debt, making space to reinvest in further acquisitions, subject always to our prudent approach on gearing. The underlying market for scientific instruments remains robust and the sector’s long-term growth drivers provide comfort that the Group will continue to deliver durable returns for shareholders despite, as we have observed since 2014, the potential for some short-term variability in performance. Long-term market drivers are rooted in the general global expansion of higher education and the need for improved measurement to support the relentless worldwide search for optimisation across science and industry. Our team David Barnbrook, our Chief Operating Officer since 2009 retired from full time duties at the end of 2017 after twelve and a half years with the Group. His contribution has been considerable, as a Board director, as COO and as temporary MD in four subsidiaries. I am sure our shareholders will join the Board in thanking him for his hard work, loyalty and competence and in wishing him a happy retirement. He will continue to chair Scientifica on a part time basis. David’s successor, Mark Lavelle joined the Group in November 2017; we are pleased to have found someone with such relevant experience, having spent 15 years with Halma plc, including five years as divisional CEO and we wish Mark great success within Judges. Our thanks also go out to all our employees for the evident success they have made of their businesses throughout the past 12 months. Alex Hambro Chairman 19 March 2018 Summary • Record order intake, record revenues, record adjusted pre-tax profit and record earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2017. • Strong organic growth supplemented by contributions from acquisitions, reflecting the success of both facets of our strategy. • The two businesses that had experienced lower demand in 2016 returned to normal levels of orders, sales and profitability. I am delighted to be able to report record order intake, record revenues, record adjusted pre-tax profit and record earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2017. Pleasingly, performance has been achieved through both organic growth and contributions from our acquisitions, illustrating the execution of both facets of our strategy. The long-term growth drivers in the scientific instruments industry remain robust and, whilst volatility in short term demand remains a feature within our industry, the climate was in our favour as evidenced by the strong demand for our products observed over the last 18 months. As well as record financial results, 2017 has been a year of significant progress for the Group and within our businesses. The Group completed its 16th acquisition and the two businesses that had experienced lower demand in 2016 returned to normal levels of orders, sales and profitability. 6 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Strategic reportChief Executive’s Report For the year ended 31 December 2017 The improved demand experienced by the Group since June 2016 continued throughout 2017; this strength was observed across most Group companies and progress was made across all major export zones.” Basic earnings per share before adjusting items advanced by 56% to 131.9p from 84.8p, while fully diluted earnings per share before adjusting items also improved 56% to 130.3p (2016: 83.7p). Order intake The improved demand benefitting the Group since June 2016 continued throughout 2017; this strength was observed across most Group companies and progress was made across all major export zones with Europe up 14%, USA/Canada up 21%, China/Hong Kong up 32% and the rest of the World up 15% whilst the UK was down 9%. This resulted in a 16% increase in Organic order intake compared to 2016. The healthy intake fuelled the improved sales and produced an increased Organic year-end order book of 16.6 weeks (31 December 2016: 14.8 weeks). The total order book at 31 December 2017 including recent acquisitions represented 14.9 weeks of budgeted sales. Cashflow The strong trading performance produced healthy cashflow with cash generated from operations of £10.9 million (2016: £6.2 million). Adjusted net debt as at 31 December 2017, excluding subordinated debt owed to non-controlling shareholders and including sums still due in respect of an acquisition, amounted to £8.0 million (2016: £9.9 million) as cash generation after tax and dividends exceeded the £6.4 million spent on acquisitions. Summary • Group revenues progressed from £57.3 million to £71.4million, an increase of 24.6%, made up of organic growth of 17.7%, the full year contribution of the four businesses acquired during 2016 and the maiden contribution from Oxford Cryosystems. • Total dividend per share of 32.0p, an increase of 16.4% and covered more than four times by adjusted earnings per share. • The long-term fundamentals supporting demand for scientific instruments remain positive. Market demand is being driven primarily by increased worldwide investment in higher education and a growing trend towards optimisation across science and industry; optimisation requires measurement. Performance Revenues Group revenues for the financial year ended 31 December 2017 progressed from £57.3 million to £71.4million, an increase of 24.6%. This reflects Organic growth of 17.7%, the full year contribution of the four businesses acquired during 2016 and the maiden contribution from Oxford Cryosystems which was acquired in July 2017. For the year as a whole and excluding the businesses acquired since 1 January 2016 (this is the meaning of “Organic” in these Report and Accounts), revenues progressed across all regions except the UK, which declined by 15%. The Board believe this may be in part due to the uncertainties affecting research funding since the Brexit referendum. The rest of Europe progressed 20%, USA/ Canada 14%, China/Hong Kong 36% and the rest of the World 31%; customers outside the UK appraise the value of what they purchase in currencies other than Sterling and the weakness in Sterling throughout the year assisted the strength of our exports. Country by country, the most impressive increases in absolute terms were in China/Hong Kong (up £2.1 million), in the USA (up £1.8 million) and in India (up £1.3 million thanks to one large order); in Europe, the best performer was Germany (up £0.8 million). Profits Profit before tax and adjusting items progressed 57% to £10.4 million (2016: £6.6 million). Organic operating contribution was up 50% driven by improved demand throughout the Group, including the two businesses that had suffered from low order intake in 2016, and by the very favourable exchange rates prevailing since the Brexit vote. After extensive changes to its management team, the business in the Vacuum division that suffered production and supply chain issues made some progress particularly in the last four months of 2017; much remains to be done and, of course, operating progress takes time to translate into financial performance. All operating subsidiaries combined (including the 2016 acquisitions and Oxford Cryosystems) produced a Return on Total Invested Capital of 20.6% (2016: 15.2%). The Group has continued to invest in the improvement of its existing products and the development of new products. Investment in research and development amounted to £3.5 million in 2017 (2016: £3.8 million), equivalent to 5.0% of Group revenue, somewhat reduced from the 2016 ratio of 6.6% due to the strength in 2017 sales. 7 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcCurrent trading and prospects The Group is starting 2018 on solid foundations with a strong order book. Order intake in the first ten weeks has been satisfactory and trading at this early stage is consistent with the Company’s target for the year. Our environment continues to be influenced by global public spending and by currency movements. Sterling has recovered from the abyss of 2017 but is still at levels that are very favourable to local manufacturers heavily engaged in exports; we are well hedged for the current year but further strengthening of Sterling would not be positive. On the back of the progress made last year, with a healthy order visibility and an increased contribution from Bordeaux and Oxford Cryosystems the Board has confidence in the prospects for a positive year. David Cicurel Chief Executive 19 March 2018 Chief Executive’s Report continued For the year ended 31 December 2017 by hedging) on our margins and our competitiveness. Current exchange rates during the year have been the most favourable we have seen since 2009 but since the year-end, Sterling has recovered some of the lost ground. Acquisitions As a buy and build group, the acquisition of new businesses is a fundamental feature of Group strategy. Executing this effectively is required to ensure that long-term value is generated for shareholders. In July 2017 Judges acquired Crystallon, the holding company of Oxford Cryosystem for £5.1 million. The acquisition was effected by Judges’ subsidiary, Bordeaux, and the Group simultaneously increased its shareholding in Bordeaux from 51% to 75.5% at a cost of £1.3 million. The total spent on both transactions was £6.4 million (excluding payment for excess cash) and each was immediately earnings enhancing. Oxford Cryosystems makes cooling systems for X-Ray Crystallography and it has recently expanded into radiotelescopy by supplying cooling devices for the Meerkat project, a forerunner of the square kilometre array project (“SKA”). The industry in which we operate consists of a multitude of small global niches as highlighted by the diverse nature of the new entrants to our Group. The UK is recognised in this arena as a centre of excellence for product innovation and manufacturing with world-leading businesses. Our Group has built a reputation over the past decade as a worthwhile home for businesses in our sector whose owners wish to sell. We are trusted to act decisively and to complete deals under the initial terms agreed. For the businesses we acquire, the Group offers advice and support wherever necessary, aids in succession planning, and implements robust financial controls. We trust subsidiary management teams with the day-to-day running of their businesses. This has been a successful operating model for the Group, as management teams are given responsibility for the own destinies, as well as an environment in which they can thrive. Dividends Your Board is recommending a final dividend of 22.0p per share which, subject to approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on 30 May 2018, will make a total distribution of 32.0p per share in respect of 2017 (2016: 27.5p per share). Despite the proposed 16.4% increase, the total dividend per share is more than four times covered by adjusted earnings per share. The proposed final dividend, if approved by shareholders, will be payable on 6 July 2018 to shareholders on the register on 8 June 2018 and the shares will go ex-dividend on 7 June 2018. The Company’s shareholders are reminded that a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) is in place to enable shareholders to automatically reinvest their dividends in new Judges shares should they so wish. Trading environment The long-term fundamentals supporting demand for scientific instruments remain positive. Market demand is being driven primarily by increased worldwide investment in higher education and a growing trend towards optimisation across science and industry; optimisation requires measurement. Despite these positive long-term trends, the markets across which Judges and its peers operate are characterised by a degree of shorter-term variability, influenced mostly by government spending, currency fluctuations and the business climate in major trading blocs, particularly the USA and China. In smaller territories, year-on-year comparisons are not necessarily illustrative of performance, partly due to the high value of some individual orders and the long gestation period often occurring before purchasing intentions crystallise into orders and sales. Alongside these external variables the uncertainty in research funding in the UK resulting from Brexit may also have an influence on commercial activity in some of our businesses. As a large percentage of the Group’s sales are overseas, exchange rates have a significant influence on the Group’s business: Judges’ manufacturing costs are largely denominated in Sterling and most of its revenue originates from countries where the standard of value is the Euro (one quarter of total revenue) or the US Dollar (two thirds of total revenue). The currency movements in the run-up to the Brexit vote and since have had a positive influence (mitigated to an extent 8 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Strategic reportBusiness model and strategy Buy and build Develop the Group through a “buy-and-build” programme of carefully structured acquisitions, supported by long-term organic individual business development. Target companies need to meet exacting performance criteria that supports sustainable sales, profits and cash generation. Core value is created through the repayment of debt used to acquire target companies and organic sales growth. The scientific instrument sector is a robust market, supporting long-term organic growth and cashflow generation, underpinned by long-term global drivers, based on growth in higher education and the industrial push to improve optimisation, which requires measurement. The UK is a recognised worldwide centre of excellence for scientific instrument development and manufacture, placing us in a good position to consolidate and support a fragmented market, characterised by over 2,000 privately held businesses in the UK alone. Why we’re well placed • Fragmented market with over 2,000 privately held businesses in the UK • Large pool of potential acquisitions; Judges is highly selective • Judges has a strong reputation for being a good acquirer: – Trusted to honour the terms agreed – Trusted to act quickly with secured funding – Treats vendors and staff with respect – No micromanagement post- acquisition 1 2 3 Leverage expertise and capital We use our knowledge of the scientific instrument sector to identify and progress suitable acquisition targets. Through longstanding relationships, we leverage our access to capital enabling us to act decisively and in a timely fashion. Accumulate sustainable, established businesses The companies we acquire have established reputations in worldwide niche markets and must generate sustainable profits and cash. We pay three to six times EBIT according to size and borrow up to 2.5 times EBITDA at 2–4% depending on the Group’s level of gearing. Create an environment where businesses can thrive We buy successful businesses with long-term futures. Our approach is to create additional opportunities through guidance, business support, expertise and capital, under an umbrella of robust financial controls. 4 Repay debt and reinvest profits in further acquisitions Diverse portfolio with sustainable returns and strong dividends Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc 9 Principal risks and uncertainties International competitiveness Acquisitions Why is it important? What are we doing to mitigate the risk? The most significant risk for the Group is that an acquired company does not meet its expected profitability. As an important element of the Group’s business strategy is development through acquisition, the Group is also exposed to the risk of insufficient availability of target companies of requisite quality. The Group manages these risks by maintaining relationships with organisations that market appropriate targets and by performing detailed research into potential acquisitions; post-acquisition, the Group provides advice and support to entity management teams as appropriate. Key personnel Why is it important? What are we doing to mitigate the risk? The Group’s future success is dependent on its senior management and key personnel and, given the small niche-serving nature of the Group’s businesses, there is always a challenge to maintain back-up support in respect of key roles or replace key staff should they leave our organisation. Finding quality executives in our sector is a challenge and it can take a long time to replace and/or to prove the suitability of any new executive. Economic conditions The Group encourages succession planning wherever possible and seeks to provide a positive work environment with opportunities for career growth coupled with appropriate remuneration and, where appropriate, longer-term incentives. Why is it important? What are we doing to mitigate the risk? The Group’s customers are internationally located and are often state owned or those whose liquidity are closely linked to government spending. Accordingly, the prevailing uncertainties in the world economy, and particularly the borrowing constraints currently affecting many western nations, represent a risk to the Group’s prospects. The Group seeks to trade globally as it operates in small worldwide niches. In the short to medium term, the decision by the UK to leave the EU also creates additional economic uncertainty as it is still not yet clear what impact Brexit will have on the UK economy and our business. 10 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Strategic reportR&D and products Why is it important? What are we doing to mitigate the risk? The Group continues to invest in the development of new products to meet the needs of our end customers. There is a risk that our businesses may be unable to develop suitably commercial and technically reliable new products with which to maintain and drive sales performance. There is also a risk that new developments in science will make certain of the Group’s products obsolete. Competition The Group maintains a focus on ensuring there are ongoing R&D roadmaps for our businesses and that we continue to invest in well trained and qualified R&D and operations teams to deliver quality, well-engineered products for our customers. Why is it important? What are we doing to mitigate the risk? The Group faces competition across all its businesses and there can be no certainty that each business will achieve the market penetration it seeks. There is also no guarantee that there will be no new competition or new entrant to the market with better products. The Group seeks to mitigate this through detailed market analysis when considering acquisitions and seeks to acquire companies in small global niches. Additionally, the Group continues to listen carefully to its customers’ aspirations for product development and, where possible, satisfy those product development requests. Currency and foreign exchange Why is it important? What are we doing to mitigate the risk? The Group exports the large majority of its products, hence it is exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates which may impact on its competitiveness. Brexit has temporarily improved exchange rates but may cause uncertainty and greater volatility in the medium term alongside any wider global economic risk. The Group seeks, so far as is practicable, to mitigate these currency effects via hedging foreign exchange rates. Additional detail is set out in note 25. On behalf of the board David Cicurel Director 19 March 2018 Company registration number: 04597315 11 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcFinance Director’s Report For the year ended 31 December 2017 The Group has four Key Performance Indicators, which are aligned with the ability to repay acquisition debt and fund dividend payments to shareholders. All four KPIs have improved in 2017 reflecting positive, profitable order intake across the business and its subsequent conversion into cash.” Summary • Adjusted operating profits increased by 52% in 2017 to £10.9 million (2016: £7.1 million). This improvement was driven by the strong revenue growth and we also benefited from the weakness in Sterling. The Group’s strategy is based on the acquisition of companies operating in the scientific instruments sector and the continuing generation of profitable performance at its existing subsidiary businesses. The Group’s Key Performance Indicators, which are aligned with the ability to repay acquisition debt and fund dividend payments to shareholders, are earnings per share, operating margins, return on capital and cashflow generation. All four KPIs have improved in 2017 reflecting positive, profitable order intake across the business and its subsequent conversion into cash. Revenue Group revenues increased by 24.6% to £71.4 million (2016: £57.3 million). This strong overall revenue growth included 17.8% organic growth in the year (2016: 2.5%), which was driven by positive performance across our businesses as a whole. The acquisitions executed in 2016 and 2017 performed as expected. The businesses which were impacted by reductions in demand during 2016 recovered satisfactorily in 2017. segment benefited from the improvement in demand at Armfield as well as good performance across the rest of the trading companies in this segment. The Vacuum segment also saw improvements in general performance coupled with recovery in the business that suffered from lower demand in 2016 and to a lesser degree some improvement from our business with ongoing production issues. Profits Adjusted operating profits increased by 52% in 2017 to £10.9 million (2016: £7.1 million). This improvement was driven by the strong revenue growth and, as a Group that exports more than 85% of our goods, we also benefited from the weakness in Sterling. The two businesses that had performed poorly following weak demand returned to satisfactory performance. As our business has a fairly high fixed cost base, marginal sales will improve operating performance, and consequently operating margins bounced back to 15.3% (2016: 12.5%) aided by improvements across both of our segments. These margins however remain impacted somewhat by our business that is recovering from production issues. Whilst we were pleased that it has made some progress in 2017, more remains to be achieved before it is back to its former position. Adjusted profit before tax was £10.4 million compared to £6.6 million in 2016. Statutory operating profit increased to £5.7 million from £1.0 million in 2016, and statutory profit before tax was £5.1 million (2016: £0.4 million). The overall revenue growth was driven by performance across both segments. The Materials Sciences segment revenues grew by 21% to £34.1 million, up £5.9 million from £28.2 million in 2016, and Vacuum revenues improved by 28% to £37.3 million (2016: £29.1 million). The Material Sciences Adjusting items The total adjusting items recorded in 2017 were £5.3 million compared to £6.2 million in 2016. Amortisation of intangible assets recognised upon acquisition, as required under IFRS, totalled £4.6 million compared to £5.2 million in 2016 and acquisition costs reduced from £0.7 million in 2016 to £0.3 million reflecting the lower volume of completed acquisitions during 2017. Finance costs Net finance costs (excluding adjusting items) totalled £0.5 million (2016: £0.5 million). Statutory net finance costs were £0.6 million (2016: £0.6 million), the difference is due to the £0.1 million net finance cost of the defined benefit pension scheme acquired with Armfield in 2015. Taxation The Group’s tax charge arising from adjusted profit before tax was £1.5 million compared to £0.8 million in 2016. The effective tax rate for adjusted profit is 14.2% (2016: 11.6%). The effective tax rate is influenced by the reducing UK corporation tax rate and by significantly improved claims for research and development tax credits. This year we have performed more successfully in the US and consequently we are paying more tax there compared to 2016 which is why the effective rate is higher than last year. Whilst we remain an SME for R&D tax credits, as the Group has less than 500 employees, the Group, as an investor in R&D, will derive benefit from this scheme. Earnings per share Adjusted basic earnings per share strongly increased by 56% to 131.9p (2016: 84.8p) and adjusted diluted earnings per share improved to 130.3p compared to 83.7p in 2016, an increase of 56%. Statutory basic earnings per share, after reflecting adjusting items which are influenced by the amortisation of intangible assets arising from recent acquisitions, was 65.6p (2016: 1.3) and statutory diluted earnings per share totalled 64.8p (2016: 1.3p). 12 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Strategic reportOrder intake 2017’s Organic order intake was strong for the entire year and followed satisfactory order intake in the second half of 2016. Overall organic order intake was up by 16% compared to the small increase of 3% in 2016, and this consistent order intake fuelled 2017’s performance and provided a strong order book with which to commence 2018. Your Board considers order intake and the resultant year-end order book as an important bellwether to the Group’s ability to achieve its expected results. Our organic order book at 1 January 2018 was a robust 16.6 weeks of budgeted sales (1 January 2017: 14.8 weeks). Total order book which includes our 2017 acquisition of Oxford Cryosystems and the 2016 acquisitions, totalled 14.9 weeks. Return on Capital The Group closely monitors the return it derives on the capital invested in its subsidiaries. At 31 December 2017 the annual rate of Return on Total Invested Capital (“ROTIC”) was 20.6% compared with 15.2% at the end of 2016, which is a welcome recovery and reflects improved performance at our businesses. The annual rate of ROTIC is calculated by comparing attributable earnings excluding central costs, adjusting items and before interest, tax and amortisation (“EBITA”) with the investment in plant and equipment, goodwill and unamortised intangibles and net current assets (excluding cash). ROTIC is influenced by the overall performance of our businesses and the size of, and multiple paid for, acquisitions. We continue to strive to improve ROTIC although we remain cognisant of the downward impact that acquiring businesses at higher multiples has on overall ROTIC. Dividends In relation to the financial year ended 31 December 2017 the Company paid an interim dividend of 10.0p per share in November 2017. The Board is recommending a final dividend of 22.0p per share giving a total dividend for the year of 32.0p per share (2016: 27.5p per share), an increase of 16.4%. Dividend cover is more than four times adjusted earnings per share. Your Group’s policy is to pay a progressively increasing dividend provided the Group retains sufficient cash and borrowing resources with which to pursue its longstanding business acquisition policies. Headcount The Group’s total number of employees at year end stood at 456 (2016: 417). The growth in staff during the year was mainly driven by the full year effect of the 2016 acquisitions, the 2017 acquisition of Oxford Cryosystems and growth in manufacturing staff to meet the increased demand. Share capital and share options The Group’s issued share capital at 31 December 2017 totalled 6,141,128 Ordinary shares (2016: 6,107,628). The shares issued during 2017 arose from the exercise of share options by various members of staff during the year. See note 23 for further details. Share options issued during the year under the 2015 scheme totalled 85,792 (2016: 29,500) and the total share options in issue under both the 2005 and 2015 schemes amounted to 306,203 (2016: 268,411). Defined benefit pension scheme The Group has a defined benefit pension scheme which was assumed as part of the acquisition of Armfield in 2015. This scheme has been closed to new members from 2001 and closed to new accrual in 2006. 2017 saw a full actuarial valuation for the scheme and the annual contributions to the scheme were increased by 20% to £0.2 million subject to the next full actuarial valuation in 2020. The Group accounts for postretirement benefits in accordance with IAS 19 Employment Benefits. The Consolidated balance sheet reflects the net deficit on the pension scheme, based on the market value of the assets of the scheme and the valuation of liabilities using year end AA corporate bond yields. At 31 December 2017, the net pension liability was £1.8 million (31 December 2016: £1.8 million). The net liability has remained constant reflecting a decrease in discount rates during 2017 from 2.8% to 2.5% offset by shortening in post-retirement mortality rates and satisfactory returns achieved on fund assets. Armfield takes its responsibility seriously to ensure the pension is adequately funded whilst also continuing to review appropriate deficit control strategies. Cashflow and net debt This year’s strong trading performance has resulted in cash generated from operations of £10.9 million (2016: £6.2 million). The Group has a strong track record of converting profit into cash, and this is reflected in the improved cash conversion rate of 100% (2016: 87%). Total capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment amounted to £0.7 million compared to £0.8 million in 2016. Year-end cash balances totalled £10.7 million (2016: £7.9 million). Adjusted net debt at 31 December 2017 reduced to £8.0 million compared with £9.9 million at 31 December 2016. This reduction in net debt resulting from the strong operational performance supports the outlay on the acquisitions (£6.4 million) and dividends (£1.7 million), reflecting the business model we are continuing to deliver. The acquisition of Oxford Cryosystems was financed by a new £4.5 million loan facility for Bordeaux, our majority owned subsidiary. Gearing at 31 December 2017 was 0.73 times adjusted operating profit (31 December 2016: 1.39 times). We remain committed to maintaining a conservative gearing position whilst at the same time taking the opportunities of acquiring strong, sound businesses at disciplined multiples as illustrated over the history of our Group. The Group’s financial position continues to be strong. The existing five-year banking arrangements with Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets which were put in place in December 2014, have enabled the Group to pursue its acquisitive strategy. Our historical acquisition loans were consolidated into one single five-year amortising loan, which is repaid at over £2 million per annum, and a £10.0 million revolving acquisition facility, which following the four acquisitions made in 2016 is drawn to £9.0 million (2016: £9.3 million). We are able to activate the uncommitted and undrawn accordion facility of £10 million with the bank, at any time. We are seeking to renew our banking facilities over the coming months and will update shareholders in due course. Overall, your Group has had a positive year for acquisitions, with the acquisition of Oxford Cryosystems and the increased shareholding in our majority owned subsidiary, Bordeaux. Adding to this a recovery from the demand and operational challenges faced in 2016, has meant that 2017 returned Judges to its normal trajectory. Your Group remains well placed to continue with its enduring strategy of achieving growth in earnings via selective acquisitions of strong niche businesses in the scientific instruments sector, alongside the ongoing performance of its existing businesses. Brad Ormsby Group Finance Director 19 March 2018 13 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcBoard of Directors Our board Providing a unique combination of international business, investor and financing experience across public and private markets. Hon. Alexander Hambro Chairman David Cicurel Chief Executive Brad Ormsby Group Finance Director Mark Lavelle Chief Operating Officer David Cicurel founded Judges in 2002 having spent much of his career as a turnaround specialist and, subsequently, as an “active value” investor operating with his own funds. He has been responsible for several corporate recovery exercises including two UK public companies, International Media Communications plc (later known as Continental Foods) and International Communication and Data plc. Brad Ormsby is a Chartered Accountant who has significant senior finance and operational experience acquired during nine years at PwC followed by six years at Eurovestech plc, the pan- European development capital fund, and associated companies. Prior to joining Judges Scientific, Brad was Chief Financial Officer at Kalibrate Technologies plc where he led the company’s IPO. Mark Lavelle gained Sales & Marketing experience with Perkin Elmer, and Finance experience with Bank of America in London and USA, then moved into Industrial general management, most recently with 15 years at Halma plc. At Halma he was Managing Director of two separate businesses (in Medical Devices and Ion Beam Coating), ran Acquisitions for the group, and led two Divisions (Industrial Safety and Water Analysis & UV) comprising a total of 15 companies in UK, Europe, USA and Asia-Pacific. He also had responsibility for Innovation at Halma, and subsequently the group’s Indian presence. He has been a Pension trustee for the last 12 years. Mark is a Chemistry graduate of Cambridge University and holds an MBA from INSEAD in France. RR Alex Hambro has been active in the private equity sector both in the UK and the USA for 30 years, during which time he has acted as a principal investor, manager and sponsor of private equity and venture capital management teams. As well as Judges Scientific plc, Alex is also Chairman of AIM-listed Benchmark Holdings plc, a company engaged in the development of health and vaccine products for the aquaculture industry. In addition to his two AIM company responsibilities, Alex is also Chairman of Bapco Closures Holdings Ltd and a Non-Executive Director of Octopus Apollo VCT plc, Whitley Asset Management Ltd, Crescent Capital Ltd and BACIT (UK) Ltd. Alex is currently a principal at Welbeck Capital Partners, a specialist investment syndicate that deploys secured convertible loan notes to finance growth opportunities for small-cap AIM companies. He is also Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. 14 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Governance reportChris Talbot Company Secretary Chris Talbot (born 1967) is a Chartered Management Accountant with over twenty years’ experience in sectors including instrumentation, construction, software and engineering. He has been the Group Financial Controller since 2008 and was appointed Company Secretary in 2015. Ralph Cohen Non-Executive A A R R Ralph Elman Non-Executive A A R R Glynn Reece Non-Executive AA Ralph Elman is a former Finance Director of quoted companies Paramount plc, Delyn plc and International Communication & Data plc and Finance Director of businesses within GUS plc and RR Donnelley. Ralph was Senior Partner of accountancy firm Elman Wall and is a Non-Executive Director of a number of private companies. He is Chairman of the Judges Audit Committee. Glynn Reece is a graduate of Oxford University and a qualified solicitor. Since 1987, he has specialised in providing corporate finance deal origination and advisory services, working for (inter alia) Coopers & Lybrand, Arthur Andersen and CLB, a specialist AIM firm. He is currently a Proprietor of Carl Reiss Meyer, a business that acts as an arranger of pre-flotation finance for small fast growing companies. Ralph Cohen was the Finance Director of Judges Scientific plc for nearly ten years until his retirement in April 2015. He held various senior executive positions within the energy and water divisions of the Paris based Vivendi group between 1981 and 2001, including eight years as Finance Director of a listed subsidiary, followed by positions as Managing Director within that group. He previously spent nine years at Ernst & Young. Latterly he was the founding partner of MC Consultancy Services, where he was closely associated with major projects, including electricity supply opportunities in Europe and M&A projects. He is currently the Non-Executive Chairman of the recently AIM-listed Yü Group PLC. Committee membership AAA Audit committee RRR Remuneration committee Executive Non-Executive 15 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcCorporate Governance Statement I have pleasure in introducing the Corporate Governance Statement. Board Meetings The main Board meets monthly (except in August) in addition to any ad hoc Board meetings that may be required during the year. Non-Executive Directors communicate directly with Executive Directors between formal Board meetings as required. Directors are expected to attend all meetings of the Board, and the Committees on which they sit, and to devote sufficient time to the Company’s affairs to enable them to fulfil their duties as Directors. In the event that Directors are unable to attend a meeting in person they will endeavour to attend via phone, skype or similar arrangement. Where they cannot attend, their comments on papers to be considered at the meeting will be discussed in advance with the Chairman so that their contribution can be included in the wider Board discussion. to appropriately police adherence to the Group’s strategy, which continues to provide shareholders with long-term market-beating performance. Board operation The Board is responsible for the Company’s strategy and for its overall management. The operation of the Board is documented in a formal schedule of matters reserved for its approval, which is reviewed annually. These include (although not exhaustively) matters relating to: • The Group’s strategic aims and objectives; • The approval of significant acquisitions and expenditure; • Financial reporting, financial controls and dividend policy; • The structure, capital and financing of the Group; • Internal control, risk and the Group’s risk appetite; • Effective communication with shareholders; and • Any changes to Board membership or structure. Board decision-making The Board has a schedule of matters covering business, financial and operational matters ensuring that all areas of Board responsibility are addressed throughout the year. The Chairman, supported by the Company Secretary, is responsible for ensuring the Directors receive accurate and timely information. The Company Secretary compiles the Board papers which are circulated to Directors in advance of meetings. The Company Secretary prepares and provides minutes of each meeting and every Director is aware of the right to formally minute any concerns. Introduction Being AIM quoted, the Company is not required to and does not fully comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code however we recognise that the application of sound corporate governance is essential in the Group’s ongoing success. This year we have adopted the principal provisions of the QCA Corporate Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted Companies (“QCA guidelines”) and this report sets out our approach to Judges’ governance. Board composition The Board is responsible to the shareholders and sets the Group’s strategy for achieving long-term success. It is also ultimately responsible for the management, governance, controls, risk management, direction and performance of the Group. During the year the Board comprised of three executive Directors plus the Chief Operating Officer designate who was appointed on 15 November 2017 to replace the retiring Chief Operating Officer, together with the Non-Executive Chairman and three further Non-Executive Directors. Under the QCA guidelines, all Non-Executive Directors are not considered independent by virtue of their tenure, as they have served more than nine years from the date of their first election or were previously an Executive Director of the Company, and hence under the UK Corporate Governance Code the Group is not compliant with the requirement for companies below the FTSE 350 to have least two independent directors. At the same time, the Company considers that all Non-Executive Directors act independently of the Executive management and that the value of their long association with the Company together with their deep understanding of the Group’s business model ensures that they are best placed 16 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Governance reportThe Directors’ attendance at Board and Committee meetings during the year is disclosed in the table below: AR Hambro DE Cicurel BL Ormsby D Barnbrook MS Lavelle RL Cohen RJ Elman GC Reece Board Committees The Board has delegated specific responsibilities to the Audit and Remuneration Committees, details of which are set out below. As the Board is small, there is no separate nominations committee and consideration of future recommendations for appointments to the Board is considered by a committee of Directors set up at that time. In the recent appointment of Mark Lavelle, a committee of the Chairman, Chief Executive and one other Non-Executive Director was set up to oversee the recruitment process and propose a recommendation to the Board. Each Committee has written terms of reference setting out its duties, authority and reporting responsibilities. Copies of all the Committee terms of reference are available on the Company’s website (www.judges.uk.com) or on request from the Company Secretary. The terms of reference of each Committee are kept under continuous review to ensure they remain appropriate to the Group. Each Committee is comprised of three of the Non-Executive Directors of the Company and hence some minor changes were made to Committee membership during 2017 to align with this. The Company Secretary is the secretary of each Committee. Audit Committee The Audit Committee is chaired by Ralph Elman and the other members are Ralph Cohen and Glynn Reece. Alex Hambro stepped down from this Committee during 2017. The Audit Committee has primary responsibility for monitoring the quality of internal controls and ensuring that the financial performance of the Group is properly measured and reported on. It receives and reviews information and Board 11/11 11/11 11/11 11/11 2/2 9/11 9/11 11/11 Audit 1/1 — — — — 3/3 3/3 3/3 Remuneration 3/3 — — — — 3/3 3/3 — reports from the Group’s management and Auditor relating to the annual accounts and the accounting and internal control systems in use throughout the Group. It also advises the Board on the appointment of the Auditor, reviews their fees and discusses the nature, scope and results of the audit with the Auditor. The Audit Committee meets at least twice a year and has unrestricted access to the Group’s Auditor. The Executive Directors and the Chairman attend the Committee meetings by invitation as required. The Audit Committee Report on pages 19 to 20 contains more detailed information on the Committee’s role. Remuneration Committee The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Alex Hambro. The other members of this Committee are Ralph Cohen and Ralph Elman. Glynn Reece stepped down from this Committee in 2017. The Remuneration Committee reviews the performance of the Executive Directors and makes recommendations to the Board on matters relating to their remuneration and terms of employment. The Remuneration Committee also makes recommendations to the Board on proposals for the granting of share options and other equity incentives pursuant to any share option scheme or equity incentive scheme in operation from time to time. The remuneration and terms and conditions of appointment of the non-executive Directors of the Company are set by the Board. The Chief Executive and Group Finance Director are invited to attend for some parts of the Committee meetings where their input is required although they do not take part in any discussion on their own benefits and remuneration. The Remuneration Committee meets at least once per year. The Remuneration Report on pages 21 to 23 contains more detailed information on the Committee’s role and the Directors’ remuneration and fees. Board effectiveness Biographies of the Board on page 14 set out the skills, knowledge and experience of the Board and this mix of capabilities enables them to constructively challenge strategy and review performance. Induction of New Directors New Directors undergo a programme tailored to the existing knowledge and experience of the Director concerned and ensures they develop the requisite knowledge about the Group such that they can contribute fully from an early stage, and this was the case following the appointment of Mark Lavelle in November 2017. Time Commitments All Directors are aware of the time required to fulfil the role prior to appointment and have confirmed their ability to meet the required commitment prior to appointment. This requirement is also included in their letters of appointment or service contract. The Board is satisfied that the Chairman and each of the Non-Executive Directors is able to devote sufficient time to the Group. Development The Company Secretary ensures that all Directors are made aware of changes in relevant legislation and regulations, with the assistance of the Company’s advisers where appropriate. Executive Directors are subject to the Company’s performance development review process and will obtain additional professional training as appropriate. During the year the Board received training on the impact of MIFID II from the Group’s Nominated Adviser and the evolving effect of the Market Abuse Regulations. External Appointments In the appropriate circumstances, the Board may authorise Executive Directors to take Non-Executive positions in other companies and organisations, provided the time commitment does not impact upon the Director’s ability to perform their role, since such appointments should widen their experience. The Chairman will approve any such appointment. 17 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcWhistleblowing The Group has had in place for several years a whistleblowing policy which sets out the formal process by which an employee of the Group may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties in financial reporting or other matters. Whistleblowing is a standing item on the Board’s agenda with updates provided at each meeting. During the year, there were no incidents for consideration. Alex Hambro Chairman 19 March 2018 Corporate Governance Statement continued Board effectiveness continued Conflicts of Interest The Board regularly reviews any Directors’ conflicts of interest. The Company’s Articles of Association provide for the Board to authorise any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Independent Professional Advice Directors have access to independent professional advice at the Company’s expense. In addition, they have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary who is responsible to the Board for advice on corporate governance matters. Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance The Company has obtained Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance during the year as permitted by the Company’s articles. Election of Directors In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, Brad Ormsby and Alex Hambro will retire and offer themselves for re-election at the Annual General Meeting. Mark Lavelle will present himself for appointment. Performance evaluation The Chairman meets with each of the Directors and assesses their effectiveness. He is also responsible for the Executive composition of the Board as evidenced through this Chairmanship of the sub-committee which was responsible for the recruitment of the Group’s new Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Executive assesses each Executive Director and provides feedback on their performance. This is an informal process and we will take steps to formalise this further over the coming year. Internal controls The Board has ultimate responsibility for the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. However, any such system of internal control can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The Board considers that the internal controls in place are appropriate for the size, complexity and risk profile of the Group. The principal components of the Group’s internal control system include: • Overview of the day to day activities of the Group by the Executive Directors; • All proposed acquisitions are comprehensively reviewed by the Board • A comprehensive annual budgeting process which is approved by the Board; • A decentralised organisational structure with defined levels of responsibility for all trading subsidiaries, to encourage principled entrepreneurial behaviour whilst minimising risks; • Rotational visits by the Board to the trading subsidiaries; • Detailed monthly reporting of performance against budget and forecast; and • Central control over key areas such as cash/banking facilities and capital expenditure. The Group continues to assess and develop its internal control system to ensure compliance with best practice for a Group of its size. The Board considers that the introduction of an internal audit function is not currently appropriate. Relations with Shareholders The Group maintains communication with institutional shareholders through individual meetings with Executive Directors, particularly following publication of the Group’s interim and full year results. All shareholders are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting which is on 30 May 2018 (full details in the Directors’ Report on page 25) at which the Group’s activities are considered and questions answered. General information about the Group is also available on the Group’s website (www.judges.uk.com). This includes a Group overview, detailed information about our trading businesses, details of all recent Group announcements and other relevant investor information. 18 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Governance reportAudit Committee Report For the year ended 31 December 2017 On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Audit Committee report for the year ended 31 December 2017. Composition of the Committee The Committee consists of myself (as Chairman), Ralph Cohen and Glynn Reece. The Chairman and Executive Directors may be invited to attend Committee meetings if required. During the year, the Committee met three times, to review the audit findings, the audit plan, and to review audit tender presentations. The Board is satisfied that I, as Chairman of the Committee, have recent and relevant financial experience. I am a Chartered Accountant, I have served as Finance Director in a number of quoted companies and am Non-Executive Director of a number of other companies. Glynn Reece acts as Secretary to the Committee. I report the Committee’s deliberations at the next Board meeting and the minutes of each meeting are made available to all members of the Board. Responsibilities The main duties of the Audit Committee are set out in its Terms of Reference, which are available on the Company’s website (www.judges.uk.com) and are available on request from the Company Secretary. The Committee’s main duties are to: • ensure the integrity of the financial statements (including annual and interim accounts and results announcements); • review significant financial reporting judgements and the application of accounting policies thereon; • ensure the Annual Report and Accounts are fair, balanced and understandable and recommend their approval to the Board; • manage the relationship with the Group’s external Auditor and review their suitability and independence; • negotiate and approve the external Auditor’s fee, the scope of their audit and terms of engagement; • advise on the appointment of external Auditors and to review and monitor the extent of the non-audit services undertaken by the Group’s external Auditor; • review of the risk management and internal control systems; • review the assessment of going concern; and • assess the need for an internal audit function. Role of the External Auditor The Audit Committee monitors the relationship with the external Auditor, Grant Thornton LLP, to ensure that auditor independence and objectivity are maintained. As part of its review the Committee also monitors the provision of non-audit services by the external Auditor. An analysis of fees shared between audit and non-audit services is disclosed in note 8 to the Group’s financial statements. Non-audit fees charged by Grant Thornton to the Group related to the provision of financial due diligence services to the Group and were less than 100% of the annual audit fee. No issues impacting upon the Auditor’s independence were observed or brought to the Committee’s attention. Tender process Grant Thornton UK LLP has been the auditor to the Company since 2002. In accordance with best-practice governance, the Board, on the recommendation of the Committee, agreed that it was in the best interests of the Company to commence an external audit tender process during the second half of 2017. Under the direction of Ralph Elman, the following process was carried out on behalf of the Committee: • a desktop review of external audit providers to AIM was carried out. Based on the review, a number of UK top 10 firms were invited to tender for the external audit; • a Request for Proposal was issued which set out the timetable and tender process, scope of the work and the key assessment requirements; • meetings were held between each firm and Judges, including the Group Finance Director and Group Financial Controller; • meetings were held between the audit partner from each firm and Ralph Elman; and • completion of scorecards for each firm, focusing on audit quality, strength and experience of the audit team and their fee proposal. 19 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcAudit Committee Report continued For the year ended 31 December 2017 Role of the External Auditor continued Tender process continued Three audit firms were selected to present to Judges’ Audit Committee and, following these presentations, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that their preference was Grant Thornton UK LLP, the incumbent Auditor. The Board approved the recommendation in November 2017 and the Company is recommending to shareholders at the 2018 AGM the re-appointment of Grant Thornton UK LLP as Auditor of the Company for the financial year commencing 1 January 2018. Audit process The external Auditor prepares an audit plan for its review of the full year financial statements. The audit plan sets out the scope of the audit, specific areas of risk to target and audit timetable. This plan is reviewed and agreed in advance by the Audit Committee. Following its review, the Auditor presented their findings to the Audit Committee for discussion. No major areas of concern were highlighted by the Auditor during the year, however, areas of significant risk and other matters of audit relevance are regularly communicated. Internal Audit At present the Group does not have a formal internal audit function and the Committee considers that management is able to derive assurance as to the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and risk management procedures without one. This remains under ongoing review. Risk Management and Internal Controls As described in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 16 to 18, the Group has established a framework of risk management and internal control systems and procedures. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the risk management and internal control framework and ensuring that it operates effectively. During the year, the Committee has reviewed the framework and the Committee is satisfied that the internal control systems in place are currently operating effectively. Ralph Elman Audit Committee Chairman 19 March 2018 20 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Governance reportRemuneration Report For the year ended 31 December 2017 On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 2017 Directors’ Remuneration Report, which sets out the remuneration policy and the Directors’ remuneration for the year. Composition of the Committee The Committee consists of myself (as Chairman), Ralph Cohen and Ralph Elman. Glynn Reece stepped down from this Committee in 2017. The Chief Executive and Group Finance Director may be invited to attend Committee meetings if required. During the year, the Committee met three times. Executive Director Remuneration policy Our remuneration arrangements are designed simply to align the interests of the Executive Directors with shareholders over the short and longer term. The Committee is aware of recent developments in corporate governance and good practice in Executive remuneration and ensures that it is able to benchmark Executive remuneration against similar AIM quoted businesses, in order to attract, motivate and retain high quality individuals who will, over time, contribute to the ongoing success of the Group. No external remuneration consultants are currently utilised to support the Committee’s deliberations. To achieve this the Group provides competitive pay, split between fixed and performance related elements. Remuneration is reviewed annually and the key elements are explained below: Base Salary This is set to reflect the market value of the role and the individual’s performance and contribution to the Group. Base salary is reviewed annually with any changes applied from 1 January. Pension and other benefits The Group provides matching contribution of up to 5% of base salary. Additionally, the Group may provide additional benefits such as private healthcare, car allowance and life assurance. Annual Bonus The annual bonus for the Executive Directors is set at 25% of base salary upon achieving annual Earnings per Share targets set within the budget. Additionally, no bonus can be achieved if EPS is below historical high-watermark EPS. Share options Share options are issued to incoming Executive Directors and/or in the course of their employment in order to drive sustained long-term sustained performance supporting the creation of shareholder value. Share options are issued at market value and vest over a period of three years, and do not have any further performance criteria. Non-Executive Director Fee Policy Non-Executive Director fees are set such that the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors receive a base fee for their respective roles designed to be comparable to similar AIM quoted companies. Further fees are payable for additional services such as Chairmanship of any of the Board’s Committees. Fees payable to the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are fixed and determined by the Board and are reviewed at least every three years. Key Committee activities in 2017 The Remuneration Committee operates under the Group’s agreed Terms of Reference and determines the Group’s remuneration policy in respect of the terms of employment of Executive Directors and their remuneration packages. During the year the committee met three times and its main activities were: • Benchmarking of and review of Executive Director remuneration arrangements; • Consideration of a one-off performance incentive for the Chief Operating Officer in respect of his executive chairmanship of one of the Group’s trading companies; • Determining the performance target for the 2018 Executive Director annual bonus arrangements; • Consideration of the Chief Operating Officer designate’s remuneration package; and • Review of developments in corporate governance and best practice. Service contracts Executive Directors The Executive Directors are all employed on service contracts. These are not of a fixed duration and are terminable by either party giving 12 months’ written notice, except that for the first year of Mark Lavelle’s employment, his contract is terminable by six months’ notice by either party. Executive Director David Cicurel Brad Ormsby Mark Lavelle Date of Service Contract 24 December 2002 3 March 2015 15 November 2017 Non-Executive Directors The Non-Executive Directors signed letters of appointment with the Company upon appointment for the provision of Non-Executive Directors’ services, terminable by three months’ written notice given by either party. Non-Executive Director Alex Hambro Ralph Elman Glynn Reece Ralph Cohen Appointment Date 24 December 2002 25 October 2005 24 December 2002 1 May 2015 21 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcRemuneration Report continued For the year ended 31 December 2017 Directors’ remuneration The remuneration paid to or receivable by each person who served as a Director during the year was as follows: Non-Executive Directors Hon. AR Hambro Mr RL Cohen Mr RJ Elman Mr GC Reece Executive Directors Mr DE Cicurel Mr BL Ormsby Mr D Barnbrook (retired 31 December 2017) Mr MS Lavelle (appointed 15 November 2017) Total Salary/fees £000 Bonus £000 Pension £000 Benefits £000 2017 total £000 2016 total £000 40 26 30 48 166 139 134 20 603 — — — — 42 35 83 — 160 — — — — — 7 7 — 14 — — — — 5 2 17 3 27 40 26 30 48 213 183 241 23 804 33 23 23 48 168 146 155 — 596 The 2017 annual bonus of 25% of base salary was awarded to the Executive Directors as a result of exceeding the Earnings per Share target. David Barnbrook earned an additional £50,000 as a result of achieving certain performance targets in respect of his executive chairmanship of one of the Group’s trading companies. During the course of 2017 no Directors exercised options over the Ordinary shares of the Company. Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2018 Base salary In the year, the Committee reviewed the base salary of the Executive Directors and considered individual performance, experience and comparable salary rates and proposed the following salaries for 2018: DE Cicurel BL Ormsby MS Lavelle 2018 £000 170 150 160 Pension and other benefits Mark Lavelle receives 5% of his base salary as cash in lieu of contributions into a pension scheme and also receives a car allowance. Brad Ormsby receives matched pension contributions of 5% of his salary. Share Options Mark Lavelle was issued 60,000 share options upon his appointment to the Board of the Company. Chairman and Non-Executive Fees The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors’ fees were amended as of 1 January 2017 and fixed for three years as follows: Chairman base fee Non-Executive Director base fee Fee for chairing Audit or Remuneration Committee Mr GC Reece is also paid an additional annual fee for corporate secretarial services to the Group totalling £22,000. 2017 £000 166 139 — 2017 £000 36 26 4 22 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Governance reportDirectors’ interests At 31 December 2017, the Directors had the following beneficial interests in the Company’s Ordinary shares of 5p each and options to subscribe for shares: Ordinary shares of the Company Non-Executive Directors Hon. AR Hambro Mr RL Cohen Mr RJ Elman Mr GC Reece Executive Directors Mr DE Cicurel Mr BL Ormsby Mr MS Lavelle Mr D Barnbrook (retired 31 December 2017) 31 December 2017 1 January 2017 Shares Options Shares Options 64,000 64,341 62,402 — 759,242 392 — 15,029 — 1,775 — — 9,275 60,000 60,000 28,325 71,500 64,341 62,402 — 916,833 258 — 18,136 — 1,775 — — 9,275 60,000 — 28,325 Dividends paid in the year to Directors who hold shares amounted to £306,000 in aggregate (2016: £295,000). In 2017, the Group continued to award a free “matching share” under the Judges Scientific Share Incentive Plan for every share purchased up to a maximum value of £600 per employee per tax year for all eligible employees who have completed 3 months’ service within the Group. The eligibility requirements were amended during 2017 to enable staff to join after 3 months’ service instead of 12 months. Shares acquired by Directors, including matching shares, were 136 shares acquired by Mr DE Cicurel (2016: 161 shares), 134 shares were acquired by Mr BL Ormsby (2016: 258 shares) and 143 shares by Mr D Barnbrook (2016: 133 shares). Options over Ordinary shares in the Company Date of option issue 2005 Option Scheme 28 April 2008 at 124p 23 July 2009 at 92p 9 May 2011 at 470p 25 October 2013 at 1690p 30 March 2015 at 1437.5p 2015 Option Scheme 21 October 2015 at 1402.5p 23 November 2017 at 1935.0p Alex Hambro Remuneration Committee Chairman 19 March 2018 Mr DE Cicurel Mr MS Lavelle Mr D Barnbrook Mr BL Ormsby Mr RL Cohen Number of shares — — — 1,775 — 7,500 — 9,275 — — — — — — 60,000 60,000 6,550 10,000 5,000 1,775 — 5,000 — 28,325 — — — — 60,000 — — 60,000 — — — 1,775 — — — 1,775 23 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcDirectors’ report For the year ended 31 December 2017 The Directors present their report and audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017. Comparative information is provided for the year ended 31 December 2016. Results and dividends The results for the financial year to 31 December 2017 are set out in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The Company paid an interim dividend of 10.0p per Ordinary share on 3 November 2017. At the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, the Directors will recommend payment of a final dividend for the year of 22.0p per Ordinary share to be paid on Friday 6 July 2018 to shareholders on the register on Friday 8 June 2018. The shares will go ex-dividend on Thursday 7 June 2018. The total dividend proposed for the 2017 financial year will aggregate to 32.0p, an increase of 16.4% (2016: 27.5p). Going concern The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Directors have taken note of guidance issued by the Financial Reporting Council on Going Concern Assessments in determining that this is the appropriate basis of preparation of the financial statements. Adjusted net debt at 31 December 2017 was 32% of equity (31 December 2016: 44%). This reduction in net debt was fuelled by the satisfactory performance of the Group’s principal operating companies which generated healthy cashflows, partially offset by the continued execution of the Group’s buy and build strategy where a further £6.4 million was allocated to acquiring one further business and also increasing the Group’s shareholding in one of its majority-owned businesses. The Group has entered 2018 with a strong order book on the back of improved trading throughout 2017. Whilst the global economic environment remains uncertain, the Directors consider that the Group is appropriately placed to manage its business risks successfully. The Directors therefore have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Therefore, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts. Payment policy The Group’s policy is to agree terms and conditions with suppliers in advance and to pay agreed invoices in accordance with the agreed terms of payment. Creditor days of the Company at the end of the year represented 16 days (2016: 45 days). Financial risk management objectives and policies The Group utilises financial instruments (see note 21), comprising borrowings, cash and cash equivalents and various other items such as trade receivables and payables that arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations. The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments relate to interest rates, liquidity, credit and foreign currency exposure. The Directors review and agree policies for managing each of these risks, which are described and evaluated in more detail in note 25 and which are summarised below. Except as stated, the policies have remained unchanged from previous years. 1. Interest rate risk The Group finances its operations through a mixture of bank borrowings, equity and retained profits. With adjusted net debt of £8.0 million at 31 December 2017 (see note 20), exposure to interest rate fluctuations remains a low risk to the Group; however, the Group’s loans are subject to interest rate hedges, as described in note 25. 2. Liquidity risk The Group seeks to manage liquidity risk by ensuring that sufficient funds are available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. Primarily this is achieved through loans arranged at Group level. Short-term flexibility is achieved through the significant cash balances that the Group currently holds. Additionally, where the Group has already repaid funds into the revolving credit facility, it is able to subsequently redraw these funds should the need arise. 3. Credit risk The Group reviews the credit risk relating to its customers by ensuring, wherever possible, that it deals with long-established trading partners, agents and government/ university-backed bodies, where the risk of default is considered low. Where considered appropriate, the Group insists on upfront payment or requires letters of credit to be provided. 4. Currency risk With exports representing a significant proportion of its sales, the main risk area to which the Group is exposed is that of foreign currencies (principally US$ and Euros). The Group adopts a strategy to hedge against this risk by entering into currency options/ forward exchange contracts and/or by maintaining a proportion of its bank loans in these currencies, although this does not represent a hedge under IAS 39. The Directors review the value of this economic hedge on a regular basis. There remains, nevertheless, an ongoing threat to the Group’s competitive position in international markets from any sustained period of Sterling strength. Forward and option contracts are entered into in both US$ and Euros maturing in the subsequent year, aimed at protecting the ensuing year’s competitive position and margins from adverse currency movements. 5. Cashflow risk The Group manages its cashflow through a mixture of working capital, bank borrowings, equity and retained profits. With adjusted net debt at 31 December 2017 of £8.0 million (see note 20) and cash and cash equivalents of £10.7 million, the Group’s cash position is considered to be a key strength. Disabled employees Applications for employment by disabled persons are given full and fair consideration for accordance with their particular aptitudes and abilities. In the event of employees becoming disabled, every effort is given to retrain them in order that their employment with the Group may continue. It is the policy of the Group that training, career development and promotion opportunities should be available to all employees. 24 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Governance reportDirectors The following Directors have held office during the year and until the date of signing this report: Hon. AR Hambro – Non-Executive Chairman Mr DE Cicurel Mr BL Ormsby Mr MS Lavelle – appointed 15 November 2017 Mr D Barnbrook – retired 31 December 2017 Mr RL Cohen – Non-Executive Mr RJ Elman – Non-Executive Mr GC Reece – Non-Executive Statement of Directors’ responsibilities The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 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 Group consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs) and the parent company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 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 and of the profit or loss of the Group and the parent company for that period. In preparing each of the Group and 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 applicable IFRSs or UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained; and • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the parent company will continue in business. The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also generally responsible for taking steps as are reasonably open to them to (i) safeguard the assets of the Group and (ii) prevent and detect 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. Information published on the website is accessible in many countries and legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Provision of information to the Auditor The Directors confirm that: • so far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s Auditor is unaware; and • the Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as Directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Auditor is aware of that information. Auditor The Auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP, has expressed willingness to continue in office. In accordance with section 489(4) of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution to re-appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting. Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on Wednesday 30 May 2018 at 12.00 noon at the Lansdowne Club, 9 Fitzmaurice Place, London W1J 5JD. On behalf of the Board Brad Ormsby Director 19 March 2018 Company registration number: 04597315 (England and Wales) 25 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcIndependent auditor’s report To the members of Judges Scientific plc Opinion Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified We have audited the financial statements of Judges Scientific plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 December 2017, which comprise the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated and Parent company balance sheets, the Consolidated and Parent company statements of changes in equity, the Consolidated cashflow statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements 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 Disclosures 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 of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2017 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 as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Who we are reporting to This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 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 group’s or the parent 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. Overview of our audit approach Overall materiality: £364,000, which represents 3.5% of the group’s preliminary adjusted profit before tax; Key audit matters were identified as goodwill impairment and business combinations accounting; and We performed full-scope audit procedures on the financial statements of Judges Scientific plc and on the financial information of all material trading components, excluding Crystallon Limited and Oxford Cryosystems Limited, on which we performed full-scope audit procedures for the year ended 30 November 2017 and targeted procedures for the period ended 31 December 2017, and Armfield Inc. and Scientifica LLC, on which we performed targeted procedures for the year ended 31 December 2017. 26 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsKey audit matters The graph below depicts the audit risks identified and their relative significance based on the extent of the financial statement impact and the extent of management judgement. High Inventory existence Inventory valuation Receivables validity Payables completeness Revenue recognition Goodwill impairment Business combinations accounting Potential financial statement impact Share based payments Taxation Going concern Related party Low Extent of management judgement High Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those that had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Key Audit Matter – Group Goodwill impairment There is a risk that goodwill recognised on historical acquisitions may be impaired. An annual impairment review is required in order to assess the carrying value of the acquired goodwill. Management’s assessment of the potential impairment of the group’s intangible assets incorporated significant judgements in assumptions, such as timing and extent of future profits and cash flows and relevant income-generating units and an estimate of their values in use whilst applying an appropriate discount rate. How the matter was addressed in the audit – Group Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: • Consideration of the appropriateness of the methodology applied by management in their assessment of impairment and the judgements applied; • Assessing the accounting policy to check it is in accordance with the financial reporting framework; • Checking of the mathematical accuracy of the impairment models; • Checking appropriateness of the forecast growth rates; We therefore identified the impairment of goodwill as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement. • Comparison of historical forecasts against actual results; • Assessing the discount rate applied to future cash flows; • Performing sensitivity analysis on key assumptions made in calculations; and • Evaluating the information included in the impairment models through our knowledge of the business and discussions with management. The group’s accounting policies on goodwill and its impairment are shown in note 2 to the financial statements and related disclosures are included in note 13. Key observations Our testing did not identify any reasons for impairment of goodwill to be recognised within the financial statements and we found no errors in calculations completed. 27 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc Independent auditor’s report continued To the members of Judges Scientific plc Key Audit Matter – Group Business combinations accounting The group has a business model based on acquiring businesses and during the year, one acquisition was made. There is a risk that the intangible assets and goodwill recognised are not in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 3 ‘Business Combinations’. Due to the high level of judgements and assumptions necessary to perform valuations of separately identifiable intangible assets arising from the acquisition of a business, and due to the materiality of the assets recognised by the Group as a result, business combinations accounting has been identified as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement. How the matter was addressed in the audit – Group Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: • Assessment of the accounting for acquisitions in the year to check if it was in accordance with IFRS 3; • Assessing the accounting policy to check it is in accordance with the financial report framework; • Using our internal valuations team to assess the valuation models prepared by management in respect of each acquisition, including the basis and methodology adopted for identifying separate intangibles distinct from goodwill; • Obtaining business combination workings for each acquisition and checking the mathematical accuracy of these, obtaining support for any judgements used by management; and • Checking appropriateness of discount rates applied. The group’s accounting policy on intangible assets acquired as part of business combinations is shown in note 2 to the financial statements and related disclosures are included in note 27. Key observations Our testing did not identify any material misstatements in the accounting for business combinations in the year. Based on our audit work, intangibles recognised in the year as a result of business combinations are in accordance with IFRS 3 in all material respects and we found no errors in the calculations. Our application of materiality We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality in determining the nature, timing and extent of our audit work and in evaluating the results of that work. Materiality was determined as follows: Materiality measure Group Financial statements as a whole Financial statement materiality is £364,000, which is 3.5% of the group’s preliminary adjusted profit before tax. We chose not to revise our materiality during the course of the audit once the group’s final adjusted profit before tax was known, as it did not differ significantly from the preliminary adjusted profit before tax. This benchmark is considered the most appropriate because maximisation of shareholder return is a key measure used by management in assessing performance of the business. This benchmark is unchanged from the prior year. Materiality for the current year is higher than the level that we determined for the year ended 31 December 2016, which reflects the increase in the group’s adjusted profit before tax from the prior year. Parent Financial statement materiality is £270,000, which is 1% of the parent company’s total assets, restricted to 75% of group materiality as it is a component of the group. This benchmark is considered the most appropriate because the parent company is primarily a holding company of investments. This benchmark is unchanged from the prior year. Materiality for the current year is higher than the level that we determined for the year ended 31 December 2016, which reflects the increase in the group’s adjusted profit before tax from the prior year. 75% of financial statement materiality. 75% of financial statement materiality. We also determine a lower level of specific materiality for certain areas such as directors’ remuneration and related party transactions. We also determine a lower level of specific materiality for certain areas such as directors’ remuneration and related party transactions. £18,200 and misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds. £13,500 and misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds. Performance materiality used to drive the extent of our testing Specific materiality Communication of misstatements to the audit committee 28 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsOur application of materiality continued The graph below illustrates how performance materiality interacts with our overall materiality and the tolerance for potential uncorrected misstatements. Overall materiality – group Overall materiality – parent 25+ 25% 25+ 25% 75% 75% Tolerance for potential uncorrected misstatements Performance materiality An overview of the scope of our audit Our audit approach was based on a thorough understanding of the group’s business and is risk based. We take into account the size and risk profile of each group component, any changes in the business and other factors when determining the level of work to be performed at each entity, which in particular included the following considerations: • Judges Scientific plc has centralised processes and controls over the key areas of our audit focus. Whilst Group management are responsible for all judgemental processes and significant risk areas in respect of the consolidated accounts, each trading subsidiary has a decentralised local accounting function which reports to the local subsidiary management who are responsible for the operations and financial management of the subsidiary companies. We have tailored our audit response accordingly with all group audit work undertaken by the group audit team. In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the group financial statements we considered the transactions undertaken by each entity and therefore where the focus of our work was required; • We performed full scope audit procedures on the financial statements of Judges Scientific plc, and on the financial information of all material trading components, excluding Crystallon Limited, Oxford Cryosystems Limited, Armfield Inc. and Scientifica LLC as detailed in note 4 to the parent company financial statements. We audited the financial information of Crystallon Limited and Oxford Cryosystems Limited for the year ended 30 November 2017. For Crystallon Limited and Oxford Cryosystems Limited for the period ended 31 December 2017 and for Armfield Inc. and Scientifica LLC for the year ended 31 December 2017, we performed targeted procedures to audit material transactions and balances affecting the group financial statements; and • Our audit approach in the current year is consistent with that for the prior year. Other information The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and accounts, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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. Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified 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. 29 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc 75 + z 75 + z Independent auditor’s report continued To the members of Judges Scientific plc Matters on which we are required to report under the Companies Act 2006 In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and 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. Matters on which we are required to report by exception 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 parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or • certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or • we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. Responsibilities of directors for the financial statements As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities set out on page 25, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. Philip Sayers Senior Statutory Auditor for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants East Midlands 19 March 2018 30 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsConsolidated statement of comprehensive income For the year ended 31 December 2017 Note 3 3 3 4 9 9 10 Adjusted £000 71,360 (60,481) 10,879 — 10,879 34 (515) 10,398 (1,474) 8,924 8,074 850 8,924 Adjusting items £000 — — — (5,217) (5,217) — (60) (5,277) 1,092 (4,185) (4,061) (124) (4,185) 2017 Total £000 71,360 (60,481) 10,879 (5,217) 5,662 34 (575) 5,121 (382) 4,739 4,013 726 4,739 Adjusted £000 57,285 (50,141) 7,144 — 7,144 9 (523) 6,630 (767) 5,863 5,173 690 5,863 Adjusting items £000 — — — (6,153) (6,153) — (60) (6,213) 1,091 (5,122) (5,092) (30) (5,122) Revenue Operating costs Adjusted operating profit Adjusting items Operating profit/(loss) Interest income Interest expense Profit/(loss) before tax Taxation (charge)/credit Profit/(loss) for the year Attributable to: Owners of the parent Non-controlling interests Profit/(loss) for the year Other comprehensive income Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Retirement benefits actuarial loss Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax Total comprehensive income for the year Attributable to: Owners of the parent Non-controlling interests (195) (75) (270) 4,469 3,743 726 2017 Pence 65.6 64.8 2016 Pence 84.8 83.7 Earnings per share – adjusted Basic Diluted Earnings per share – total Basic Diluted 2017 Pence 131.9 130.3 12 12 12 12 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 2016 Total £000 57,285 (50,141) 7,144 (6,153) 991 9 (583) 417 324 741 81 660 741 (776) 126 (650) 91 (569) 660 2016 Pence 1.3 1.3 31 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcNote 2017 £000 2016 £000 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 16 28 22 24 14,650 9,006 5,344 730 29,730 10,380 11,827 10,681 32,888 62,618 (11,972) (599) (3,566) (2,821) (18,958) (14,696) (2,087) (2,221) (19,004) (37,962) 24,656 307 14,529 2,055 6,688 23,579 1,077 24,656 13,337 9,736 5,288 776 29,137 9,939 11,341 7,909 29,189 58,326 (11,682) (1,648) (2,693) (1,195) (17,218) (13,855) (2,310) (2,198) (18,363) (35,581) 22,745 305 14,472 2,130 4,425 21,332 1,413 22,745 Consolidated balance sheet As at 31 December 2017 ASSETS Non-current assets Goodwill Other intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Deferred tax assets Current assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total assets LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables Trade and other payables relating to acquisitions Borrowings Current tax liabilities Non-current liabilities Borrowings Deferred tax liabilities Retirement benefit obligations Total liabilities Net assets EQUITY Share capital Share premium account Other reserves Retained earnings Equity attributable to owners of the parent company Non-controlling interests Total equity The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. The financial statements were approved by the Board on 19 March 2018. David Cicurel Director Brad Ormsby Director 32 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statements Consolidated statement of changes in equity For the year ended 31 December 2017 At 1 January 2017 Dividends Adjustment arising from change in non-controlling interest Issue of share capital Share-based payments Transactions with owners Profit for the year Retirement benefit actuarial losses Foreign exchange differences Total comprehensive income for the year At 31 December 2017 At 1 January 2016 Dividends Issue of share capital Share-based payments Transactions with owners Profit for the year Retirement benefit actuarial losses Foreign exchange differences Total comprehensive income for the year At 31 December 2016 Share capital £000 305 — Share premium £000 14,472 — Other reserves £000 2,130 — — 2 — 2 — — — — 307 305 — — — — — — — — 305 — 57 — 57 — — — — 14,529 14,441 — 31 — 31 — — — — 14,472 — — — — — — (75) (75) 2,055 2,004 — — — — — — 126 126 2,130 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Total attributable to owners of the parent £000 21,332 (1,743) Non-controlling interests £000 1,413 — (96) 59 284 (1,496) 4,013 (195) (75) 3,743 23,579 23,282 (1,581) 31 169 (1,381) 81 (776) 126 (569) 21,332 (1,062) — — (1,062) 726 — — 726 1,077 802 (49) — — (49) 660 — — 660 1,413 Retained earnings £000 4,425 (1,743) (96) — 284 (1,555) 4,013 (195) — 3,818 6,688 6,532 (1,581) — 169 (1,412) 81 (776) — (695) 4,425 Total equity £000 22,745 (1,743) (1,158) 59 284 (2,558) 4,739 (195) (75) 4,469 24,656 24,084 (1,630) 31 169 (1,430) 741 (776) 126 91 22,745 33 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcConsolidated cashflow statement For the year ended 31 December 2017 Cashflows from operating activities Profit after tax Adjustments for: Financial instruments measured at fair value: Hedging contracts Share-based payments Depreciation Amortisation of intangible assets Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment Foreign exchange loss on foreign currency loans Interest income Interest expense Retirement benefit obligation net finance cost Contributions to defined benefit plans Tax expense/(credit) recognised in income statement Increase in inventories Decrease in trade and other receivables (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables Cash generated from operations Finance costs paid Tax recovered/(paid) Net cash from operating activities Cashflows from investing activities Paid on acquisition of new subsidiary Gross cash inherited on acquisition Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired Paid on the acquisition of trade and certain assets Purchase of property, plant and equipment Interest received Net cash used in investing activities Cashflows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of share capital Repayments of borrowings Proceeds from bank loans Repayment of loan notes Equity dividends paid Dividends paid – non-controlling interest in subsidiary Net cash from financing activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year Exchange movements Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 34 2017 £000 4,739 22 284 675 4,589 54 48 (34) 515 60 (236) 382 (25) 111 (263) 10,921 (482) 68 10,507 (8,769) 1,655 (7,114) (11) (728) 34 (7,819) 59 (2,668) 4,500 — (1,743) — 148 2,836 7,909 (64) 10,681 2016 £000 741 21 241 592 5,155 30 166 (9) 523 60 (198) (324) (1,442) 620 37 6,213 (522) (1,080) 4,611 (9,847) 3,714 (6,133) (261) (835) 9 (7,220) 31 (3,945) 7,545 (117) (1,581) (49) 1,884 (725) 8,530 104 7,909 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2017 1. General information Judges Scientific plc is the ultimate parent company of the Group, whose principal activities comprise the design, manufacture and sale of scientific instruments. Judges Scientific plc is incorporated and domiciled in the UK and its registered office is 52c Borough High Street, London SE1 1XN. 2. Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of preparation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for certain financial instruments which are carried at fair value. Being quoted on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange, the Company is required to present its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. Accordingly, these financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out below which are based on the IFRS in issue as adopted by the European Union (EU) and in effect at 31 December 2017. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed under “Use of key accounting estimates and judgements”. Changes in accounting policies Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are not yet effective At the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements, certain new standards, amendments to and interpretations of existing standards have been published but are not yet effective, and have not been adopted early by the Group including the following: IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (2014) (effective date 1 January 2018) – the new standard introduces extensive changes to IAS 39’s guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets and introduces a new “expected credit loss” model for the impairment of financial assets. IFRS 9 also provides new guidance on the application of hedge accounting. It is not expected that the application of this new standard will cause a material change to the Group’s performance. IFRS 15 ‘Revenues from Contracts with Customers’ (change to IASB effective date 1 January 2018) – this new standard presents new requirements for the recognition of revenue, replacing IAS 18 ‘Revenue’, IAS 11 ‘Construction Contracts’ and several revenue-related Interpretations. The new standard establishes a control-based revenue recognition model and provides additional guidance in many areas not covered in detail under existing IFRSs, including how to account for arrangements with multiple performance obligations, variable pricing, customer refund rights, supplier repurchase options and other common complexities. The Group has carefully assessed the new standard and considers that the only changes to recognition would be for large, complex instruments which require highly specialised installation. Under the existing revenue standard, these are recognised as revenue upon shipment;, however under the new standard, recognition would be deferred until installation was completed. At 31 December 2017 £400,000 of instruments were in the process of installation (31 December 2016: £300,000) such that under the new standard, revenue would have been £100,000 lower in 2017. The cumulative impact on the Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2017 would have been a reduction of £50,000. IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ (effective date 1 January 2019) – this new standard will require the capitalisation of operating leases, such as the Group’s building and vehicle leases, as right of use assets with an offsetting financial liability. The current rental charge will be replaced with a combination of depreciation from the asset and an interest charge from the liability. This is expected to cause a material change to the Consolidated Balance Sheet and a material change to the presentation of amounts within the Comprehensive Statement of Income. The Group is reviewing the transition options in relation to adopting IFRS 16. Management currently anticipates that all of the pronouncements will be adopted in the Group’s accounting policies in accordance with each standard’s effective date. Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include those of the parent company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities where the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to effect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights. Income, expenditure, unrealised gains and intra-group balances arising from transactions within the Group are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. The Group uses the purchase method of accounting for the acquisition of a subsidiary. Acquisition consideration is measured at the fair value of the consideration given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. 35 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc2. Summary of significant accounting policies continued Consolidation continued Business combination costs directly attributable to the acquisition are immediately written off through the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of the acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The parent company has taken the merger relief that is required by section 612 of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the fair value of the consideration received in excess of the nominal value of the equity shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Fire Testing Technology Limited, UHV Design Limited, Scientifica Limited and Armfield Limited. Goodwill Goodwill is the difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the fair value of the net identifiable assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. Following recognition, it is not amortised; however, it is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate that the asset may have become impaired and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. Revenue recognition Revenue is measured by reference to the fair value of consideration received or receivable by the Group, excluding value added tax (or similar local sales tax). It is recognised when the amount of revenue and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably and it is probable that the associated economic benefits will flow to the Group. Revenue from sales of instruments and spares is recognised at the point at which the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer. This is usually on despatch; however for sales from overseas subsidiaries, it is when the customer receives the goods. Revenue from services, such as installation, support, training or consultancy, is recognised once the service has been performed. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method which calculates the amortised cost of a financial asset and allocates the interest income over the relevant period. Dividend income is recognised when the shareholder’s right to receive payment is established. Segment reporting The Group’s activities are predominantly in or in support of the design and manufacture of scientific instruments. The Group operates two main operating segments: Materials Sciences and Vacuum. No operating segments have been aggregated. Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with internal reporting provided to the Board of Directors, which is responsible for allocating and assessing performance of operating segments, and which is considered to be the Chief Operating Decision Maker. Each segment’s range of instruments has its individual requirements in terms of design, manufacture and marketing. Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination In accordance with IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’, an intangible asset acquired in a business combination is deemed to have a cost to the Group of its fair value at the acquisition date. The fair value of the intangible asset reflects market expectations about the probability that the future economic benefits embodied in the asset will flow to the Group. Amortisation charges are included as adjusting items in operating costs in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Amortisation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each intangible asset over its expected useful life, as follows: Customer relationships Non-competition agreements Distribution agreements Research and development Sales order backlog Brand and domain names 3 years 2 years Between 2 and 5 years 5 years On shipment (this is usually consumed within six months of initial recognition) Between 1 and 5 years Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets are stated at deemed cost less accumulated amortisation. Research and development Research and development expenditure is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as an expense until it can be demonstrated that the conditions for capitalisation under IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’ apply. The criteria for capitalisation include demonstration that the project is technically and commercially feasible, the Group has sufficient resources to complete development and the asset will generate probable future economic benefit. 36 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 20172. Summary of significant accounting policies continued Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation. Disposal of assets: the gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Depreciation: provided at annual rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, within the following ranges: Property Plant and machinery Fixtures, fittings and equipment Motor vehicles Building improvements 50 years (excluding the estimated cost of land) 7 years Between 3 and 7 years 4 years Over the minimum term of the lease Material residual value estimates and expected useful lives are updated as required but at least annually. Impairment testing of goodwill, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash inflows (cash-generating units). As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at cash-generating unit level. Goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of the related business combination and represent the lowest level within the Group at which management monitors goodwill. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually. All other individual assets or cash-generating units are tested whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell, and value in use. Value in use is based on estimated future cashflows from each cash-generating unit, discounted at a suitable rate in order to calculate the present value of those cashflows. The data used for impairment testing procedures is directly linked to the Group’s latest approved budgets, adjusted as necessary to exclude any future restructuring to which the Group is not yet committed. Discount rates are determined individually for each cash-generating unit and reflect their respective risk profiles as assessed by the Directors. Impairment losses for cash-generating units reduce first the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to that cash-generating unit. Any remaining impairment loss is charged pro rata to the other assets in the cash-generating unit. With the exception of goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist. Impairment charges are included in operating costs in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. An impairment charge that has been recognised is reversed if the cash-generating unit’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount. Leases For finance leases, where the Group bears substantially all the risks and rewards related to ownership of the leased asset, the related asset is capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments. The interest element of leasing payments represents a constant proportion of the capital balance outstanding and is charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income over the period of the lease. Finance lease obligations are included in financial liabilities net of interest costs. Operating leases where the lessor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives are spread over the term of the lease. Inventories Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs of ordinarily interchangeable items are assigned using the first-in, first-out cost formula. Cost includes materials, direct labour and an attributable proportion of manufacturing overheads based on normal levels of activity. Taxation Current tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit for the year. Deferred taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting profit. Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries is not provided if reversal of those temporary differences can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future. In addition, tax losses available to be carried forward as well as other income tax credits to the Group are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets. 37 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc2. Summary of significant accounting policies continued Taxation continued Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the underlying deductible temporary differences will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, except: • where they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to equity; or • where items are recognised in other comprehensive income, in which case the related deferred tax is recognised in other comprehensive income. Share-based employee compensation The Group operates equity-settled share-based compensation plans for remuneration of its Directors and employees. All employee services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based compensation are measured at their fair values. The fair value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (e.g. profitability or sales growth targets). Share-based compensation is recognised as an expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income with a corresponding credit to other reserves. If vesting periods or other vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital and share premium when the options are exercised. Financial assets Financial assets consist of loans, receivables, derivatives and investments in subsidiaries. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Trade receivables Trade receivables are recognised and carried at the original invoice amount less an allowance for uncollectable amounts. An estimate of uncollectable amounts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Uncollectable amounts are written off to the Statement of Comprehensive Income when identified. Financial liabilities Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other financial assets and are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial liabilities are recorded initially at fair value net of direct issue costs if they are not held at fair value through profit and loss. Derivatives are recorded at fair value through profit or loss. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is determined by reference to active market transactions or using a valuation technique where no active market exists. All financial liabilities with the exception of interest rate swaps and foreign currency options are recorded at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest-related charges recognised as an expense in finance cost in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. These financial liabilities include trade and other payables and borrowings, including bank loans, subordinated loans and hire purchase commitments. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income on an accruals basis using the effective interest method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise. Interest rate swaps and foreign currency options are treated as derivative financial instruments and are accounted for at fair value through profit and loss. A financial liability is derecognised only when the obligation is extinguished, that is, when the obligation is discharged or cancelled or expires. Employee benefits – Defined contribution plans The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes for employees and Directors. The assets of the schemes are held by investment managers separately from those of the Group. The contributions payable to these schemes are recorded in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the accounting period to which they relate. 38 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 20172. Summary of significant accounting policies continued Employee benefits – Defined benefit plans The Group operates a funded defined benefit scheme, where payments are made to trustee administered funds. The asset or liability recognised in the consolidated Statement of Financial Position is calculated as the present value of the defined benefit obligation less the fair value of the plan assets, as at the balance sheet date. The defined benefit obligation is calculated at least triennially by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method and is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high quality corporate bonds, matched to the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension obligation. The plan administration expenses and past service costs or credits are recognised as an operating expense in the consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. There is no current service cost. The retirement benefits obligation net finance cost is the change during the year in the net defined benefit liability due to the passage of time and is recognised as an interest expense in the consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The interest rate is based on the yield on high quality corporate bonds. Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in actuarial assumptions and experience adjustments are recognised in the consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year which they arise. Foreign currencies Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from those at which they were initially recorded are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the period in which they arise. In respect of overseas subsidiaries on consolidation, assets and liabilities have been translated at the closing rate and income and expenses have been translated at the average rate over the reporting period. Exchange differences are recorded in other comprehensive income. Dividends Final dividend distributions payable to equity shareholders are included in trade and other payables when the dividends are approved in general meeting but not paid prior to the balance sheet date. Interim dividends are recognised in the period in which they are paid. Equity Equity comprises the following: Share capital Share capital represents the nominal value of equity shares. Share premium Share premium represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of consideration received for equity shares, net of expenses of the share issue. Capital redemption reserve Capital redemption reserve represents amounts set aside from retained earnings on conversion of convertible redeemable shares equal to the reduction then arising in the overall nominal value of share capital of all classes. Merger reserve Merger reserve represents the fair value of the consideration received in excess of the nominal value of equity shares issued in connection with acquisitions where the Company has taken the merger relief that is required by section 612 of the Companies Act 2006. Retained earnings Retained earnings represents retained profits and losses. Revaluation reserve Revaluation reserve represents gains and losses due to the revaluation of certain financial assets. Non-controlling interests Non-controlling interests represent retained profits and losses attributable to minority shareholders in subsidiary companies. Adjusting items Adjusting items (and their related tax impact) are those which by their size or nature the Directors’ consider should be disclosed separately for the purposes of presenting results and earnings per share figures so as to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate more effectively the underlying operating performance of the Group. 39 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc2. Summary of significant accounting policies continued Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is likely that an outflow of resource will be required to settle the obligation and that the amount of the probable outflow can be reasonably estimated. Where the Group expects all or some of the obligation to be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset to the extent that it is virtually certain to be reimbursed. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income net of any reimbursement. Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the year-end date. If material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cashflows using rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money. Use of key accounting estimates and judgements Many of the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements involve the use of judgement and/or estimation. These judgements and estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to prior experience, but actual results may differ from the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. Information about such judgements and estimation is contained in the accounting policies and/or the notes to the consolidated financial statements and the key areas are summarised below. Judgements in applying accounting policies • Revenue recognition: The Group makes a judgement whether all of the conditions required for revenues to be recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income have been met. • Fair value assessment of a business combination: Following an acquisition the Group makes an assessment of all assets and liabilities, inclusive of identification of intangible assets and acquired and/or related goodwill. The valuation process for the intangible assets requires a number of judgements to be made regarding future performance of an acquisition, together with other asset-specific factors. Sources of estimation uncertainty • Retirement benefits: The costs and present value of any related pension assets and liabilities depend on factors such as life expectancy of the members, the salary progression of current employees, the returns that plan assets generate and the discount rate used to calculate the present value of the liabilities. The Group uses estimates based on the previous experience and independent external actuarial advice in determining these future cashflows and the discount rate. • Depreciation: Depreciation rates are based on estimates of the useful lives and residual values of the assets involved. • Carrying value of intangible assets and goodwill: Estimates are required as to intangible asset carrying values, their useful lives and goodwill carrying value. These are assessed by reference to budgeted profits and cashflows for future periods for the relevant income-generating units and an estimate of their values in use. • Provisions: Provisions are based on estimates of the expenditure required to settle. Materials Sciences £000 34,088 (26,699) 7,389 Vacuum £000 37,272 (31,225) 6,047 Unallocated items £000 — (2,557) (2,557) Note 4 Total £000 71,360 (60,481) 10,879 (5,217) 5,662 (541) 5,121 (382) 4,739 3. Segmental analysis For the year ended 31 December 2017 Revenue Operating costs Adjusted operating profit Adjusting items Operating profit Net interest expense Profit before tax Income tax charge Profit for the year 40 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 20173. Segmental analysis continued For the year ended 31 December 2016 Revenue Operating costs Adjusted operating profit Adjusting items Operating profit Net interest expense Profit before tax Income tax credit Profit for the year Unallocated items relate to the Group’s head office costs. Segment assets and liabilities At 31 December 2017 Assets Liabilities Net assets Capital expenditure Depreciation Amortisation Segment assets and liabilities At 31 December 2016 Assets Liabilities Net assets Capital expenditure Depreciation Amortisation Materials Sciences £000 28,162 (22,937) 5,225 Vacuum £000 29,123 (25,731) 3,392 Unallocated items £000 — (1,473) (1,473) Note 4 Materials Sciences £000 16,741 (7,274) 9,467 288 221 2,045 Materials Sciences £000 14,963 (6,622) 8,341 305 223 2,865 Vacuum £000 22,774 (11,677) 11,097 440 419 2,544 Vacuum £000 22,445 (7,482) 14,963 523 289 2,290 Unallocated items £000 23,103 (19,011) 4,092 — 35 — Unallocated items £000 20,918 (21,477) (559) 7 80 — Total £000 57,285 (50,141) 7,144 (6,153) 991 (574) 417 324 741 Total £000 62,618 (37,962) 24,656 728 675 4,589 Total £000 58,326 (35,581) 22,745 835 592 5,155 Unallocated items are borrowings, intangible assets and goodwill arising on acquisition, deferred tax, defined benefit obligations and parent company net assets. Geographic analysis UK (domicile) Rest of Europe North America Rest of the world Year to 31 December 2017 £000 9,005 17,784 18,380 26,191 71,360 Year to 31 December 2016 £000 8,732 13,794 15,489 19,270 57,285 Segmental revenue is presented on the basis of the destination of the goods where known, otherwise the geographical location of customers is utilised. No customer makes up more than 10% of the Group’s revenues. 41 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc4. Adjusting items Amortisation of intangible assets Financial instruments measured at fair value: Hedging contracts Share-based payments Acquisition costs Total adjusting items in operating profit Retirement benefits obligation net interest cost Total adjusting items Taxation Total adjusting items net of tax Attributable to: Owners of the parent Non-controlling interest 5. Operating costs Raw materials and consumables Other external charges Staff costs Depreciation Other operating costs, excluding adjusting items Amortisation of intangible assets Hedging contracts Share-based payments Acquisition costs Total operating costs 2017 £000 4,589 22 284 322 5,217 60 5,277 (1,092) 4,185 4,061 124 4,185 2017 £000 29,824 9,729 20,253 675 60,481 4,589 22 284 322 65,698 2016 £000 5,155 21 241 736 6,153 60 6,213 (1,091) 5,122 5,092 30 5,122 2016 £000 24,217 7,890 17,442 592 50,141 5,155 21 241 736 56,294 Research and development expensed in the year totalled £3,534,000 (2016: £3,774,000). This does not include amortisation of research and development intangibles arising on acquisition. 6. Remuneration of key senior management Short-term employee benefits: Salaries including bonuses and social security costs Company car allowance and other benefits Total short-term employee benefits Post-employment benefits: Defined contribution pension plans Total post-employment benefits 2017 £000 2,162 73 2,235 131 131 2,366 2016 £000 1,752 77 1,829 121 121 1,950 Key management personnel comprise Directors of the parent company and the managing directors of the principal operating companies and totalled 20 (2016: 18). Remuneration of Directors is disclosed in the Remuneration Report on pages 21 to 23. 42 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 20177. Employees Employment costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Share-based payments Average number of employees By function: Manufacturing Sales and administration By operating segment: Materials Sciences group Vacuum group Head office (includes Non-Executive Directors in both years) 8. Operating profit Operating profit is stated after charging: Fees payable to the Company’s auditor: for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for other services: for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation for all other assurance services Depreciation Amortisation of intangible assets Operating lease rentals – land and property Operating lease rentals – vehicles Operating lease rentals – other 9. Interest income and expense Interest income – short-term bank deposits Interest expense – bank loans Retirement benefits obligation net finance cost Net interest expense 2017 £000 2016 £000 17,633 1,725 895 20,253 284 20,537 15,243 1,469 730 17,442 241 17,683 2017 No. 168 271 439 186 243 10 439 2017 £000 2016 No. 139 269 408 174 225 9 408 2016 £000 33 29 118 41 675 4,589 744 52 65 2017 £000 34 (515) (60) (575) (541) 103 136 592 5,155 626 55 52 2016 £000 9 (523) (60) (583) (574) 43 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc10. Taxation charge/(credit) UK corporation tax at 19.25% (2016: 20.00%) Current year Prior years Foreign tax suffered Deferred tax – origination and reversal of temporary differences: Current year Prior years Effect of changes in tax rates Tax on profit for the year – current year Tax on profit for the year – prior years Factors affecting the tax charge for the year: Profit before tax Profit before tax multiplied by standard rate of UK corporation tax of 19.25% (2016: 20.00%) Share options Provisions and expenditure not deductible for tax purposes Changes in tax rates Overseas tax Deferred tax asset not recognised Tax on profit for the year – current year Tax on profit for the year – prior years Total net taxation charge 2017 £000 1,728 (767) 185 1,146 (765) (10) 11 (764) 1,159 (777) 382 5,121 986 (148) 152 11 81 77 1,159 (777) 382 11. Dividends Second interim dividend for the previous year Final dividend for the previous year First interim dividend for the current year 2017 2016 Pence per share — 18.5 10.0 28.5 £000 — 1,130 613 1,743 Pence per share 15.9 1.0 9.0 25.9 2016 £000 847 (456) 52 443 (727) (21) (19) (767) 153 (477) (324) 417 83 (42) 116 (19) 15 — 153 (477) (324) £000 970 61 550 1,581 The Directors will propose a final dividend of 22.0p per share, amounting to £1,351,000, for payment on 6 July 2018. As the final dividend remains conditional on shareholders’ approval at the Annual General Meeting, provision has not been made for this dividend in these consolidated financial statements. Dividends declared by subsidiaries that are not wholly owned are paid to the non-controlling interest in the period in which they are declared and amounted to £nil in the year (2016: £49,000). 44 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 201712. Earnings per share Profit attributable to owners of the parent Adjusted profit Adjusting items Profit for the year Earnings per share – adjusted Basic Diluted Earnings per share – total Basic Diluted Issued Ordinary shares at the start of the year Movement in Ordinary shares during the year Issued Ordinary shares at the end of the year Weighted average number of shares in issue Dilutive effect of share options Weighted average shares in issue on a diluted basis Note 4 2017 £000 2016 £000 8,074 (4,061) 4,013 5,173 (5,092) 81 Pence Pence 131.9 130.3 65.6 64.8 84.8 83.7 1.3 1.3 22 Number 6,107,628 33,500 6,141,128 6,121,643 72,786 6,194,429 Number 6,098,549 9,079 6,107,628 6,102,463 80,957 6,183,420 Adjusted basic earnings per share is calculated on the adjusted profit, which excludes any adjusting items, attributable to the Company’s shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated on the adjusted basic earnings per share, adjusted to allow for the issue of Ordinary shares on the assumed conversion of all dilutive options and any other dilutive potential Ordinary shares. The calculation is based on the treasury method prescribed in IAS 33. This calculates the theoretical number of shares that could be purchased at the average middle market price in the period out of the proceeds of the notional exercise of outstanding options. The difference between this theoretical number and the actual number of shares under option is deemed liable to be issued at nil value and represents the dilution. Total earnings per share are calculated as above whilst substituting total profit for adjusted profit. 13. Goodwill Cost 1 January Additions 31 December 2017 £000 2016 £000 13,337 1,313 14,650 10,927 2,410 13,337 Goodwill is tested annually for impairment by reference to the value in use of the relevant cash-generating units, which are the Group’s operating segments. This is calculated on the basis of projected cashflows for five years. These are derived from detailed budgets for the coming year, with subsequent years including revenue and cost growth of 3% per annum and maintained gross margins. The 3% long-term growth rate takes into account both UK and overseas markets. These cashflows are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital of 11.1% (2016: 11.2%) per annum, calculated by reference to year-end data on equity values and interest, dividend and tax rates. The long-term growth rate and discount rate is consistent for all segments on the basis that the businesses operate in similar markets and are exposed to similar risks. The residual value at the end of the five years, computed by reference to projected year six cashflows and discounted, is also included. There was no requirement for any impairment provision at 31 December 2017 (2016: £nil). The Directors have considered the sensitivity of the key assumptions, including the weighted average cost of capital and long-term growth rates, and have concluded that any possible changes that may be reasonably contemplated in these key assumptions would not result in the value in use falling below the carrying value of goodwill, given the amount of headroom available. 45 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc14. Other intangible assets Gross carrying amount 1 January 2016 Acquisitions 31 December 2016 Acquisitions Disposal 31 December 2017 Amortisation 1 January 2016 Charge for the year 31 December 2016 Charge for the year 31 December 2017 Carrying amount 31 December 2017 Carrying amount 31 December 2016 Carrying amount 31 December 2015 15. Property, plant and equipment Cost 1 January 2016 Additions Acquisitions Disposals Exchange differences 31 December 2016 Additions Acquisitions Disposals Exchange differences 31 December 2017 Accumulated depreciation 1 January 2016 Charge Disposals Exchange differences 31 December 2016 Charge Disposals Exchange differences 31 December 2017 Net book value – 31 December 2017 Net book value – 31 December 2016 Net book value – 31 December 2015 Distribution agreements £000 Research and development £000 Sales order backlog £000 Brand and domain names £000 Customer relationships £000 2,656 272 2,928 555 — 3,483 1,906 541 2,447 430 2,877 606 481 750 6,343 2,132 8,475 1,481 — 9,956 3,440 1,488 4,928 1,316 6,244 3,712 3,547 2,903 4,223 300 4,523 225 — 4,748 4,223 210 4,433 315 4,748 — 90 — 9,549 1,486 11,035 1,437 — 12,472 4,972 1,970 6,942 1,825 8,767 3,705 4,093 4,577 6,827 1,613 8,440 192 (31) 8,601 5,969 946 6,915 703 7,618 983 1,525 858 Plant and machinery £000 Fixtures, fittings and equipment £000 Motor vehicles £000 Property and building improvements £000 771 124 77 (41) 17 948 222 57 (50) (10) 1,167 542 116 (30) 14 642 129 (49) (8) 714 453 306 229 985 446 76 (7) 9 1,509 389 12 (8) (6) 1,896 675 225 — 6 906 299 (8) (3) 1,194 702 603 310 422 145 — (127) 23 463 75 — (82) (15) 441 181 138 (102) 8 225 115 (29) (8) 303 138 238 241 4,394 120 114 — — 4,628 42 — — — 4,670 387 113 (13) — 487 132 — — 619 4,051 4,141 4,007 Total £000 29,598 5,803 35,401 3,890 (31) 39,260 20,510 5,155 25,665 4,589 30,254 9,006 9,736 9,088 Total £000 6,572 835 267 (175) 49 7,548 728 69 (140) (31) 8,174 1,785 592 (145) 28 2,260 675 (86) (19) 2,830 5,344 5,288 4,787 The net book value of plant, machinery and vehicles included above held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts amounted to £nil at 31 December 2017 (2016: £23,000). 46 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 201716. Deferred tax Assets 1 January Acquisitions in the year (note 27) Adjustments in respect of prior years Movement in Other comprehensive income – Retirement benefits actuarial loss Credit to income statement in the year Credit to equity in the year 31 December Deferred tax balances relate to temporary differences as follows: Provisions allowable for tax in subsequent periods Share options Losses Defined benefit obligation Liabilities 1 January Acquisitions in the year (note 27) Adjustments in respect of prior years Credit to income statement in the year 31 December Deferred tax balances relate to temporary differences as follows: Accelerated capital allowances Intangible assets 2017 £000 776 — 10 34 (194) 104 730 22 289 41 378 730 2,310 716 — (939) 2,087 431 1,656 2,087 2016 £000 351 143 (55) 165 81 91 776 64 150 188 374 776 1,922 1,130 (75) (667) 2,310 475 1,835 2,310 Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. The changes in rate from 20% to 19%, effective from 1 April 2017, and from 19% to 18%, effective from 1 April 2020, were both substantively enacted on 26 October 2015. Subsequently the Finance Act 2016, which was substantively enacted on 6 September 2016, announced that the tax rate would instead reduce to 17% effective from 1 April 2020. 17. Inventories Raw materials Work in progress Finished goods 2017 £000 7,248 1,668 1,464 10,380 2016 £000 6,333 1,463 2,143 9,939 In 2017, a total of £29,824,000 of inventories was included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as an expense (2016: £24,217,000). This includes an amount of £413,000 (2016: £54,000) resulting from write-downs of inventories and an amount of £128,000 (2016: £67,000) which is the reversal of previous write-downs. The carrying amount of inventories held at fair value less costs to sell is £497,000 (2016: £767,000). All Group inventories form part of the assets pledged as security in respect of bank loans. 18. Trade and other receivables – current Trade receivables Other receivables Prepayments and accrued income 2017 £000 9,904 994 929 11,827 2016 £000 8,737 1,400 1,204 11,341 The fair value of receivables approximates to their carrying value. All trade and other receivables have been reviewed for impairment with no material provision being required. 47 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc18. Trade and other receivables – current continued Some of the unimpaired trade receivables were past due at the balance sheet date as follows: Not more than three months More than three months but not more than six months More than six months but not more than twelve months Greater than one year Trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies: Sterling US Dollars Euros 19. Trade and other payables – current Trade payables Social security and other taxes Other payables Accruals and deferred income The fair value of trade and other payables approximates to their carrying value. 20. Borrowings Current Bank loans Subordinated loans Net obligations under hire purchase contracts Non-current Bank loans Net obligations under hire purchase contracts 2017 £000 1,714 330 57 116 2,217 2017 £000 8,766 2,389 672 11,827 2017 £000 4,398 954 1,124 5,496 11,972 2017 £000 3,376 190 — 3,566 14,696 — 14,696 2016 £000 2,466 359 61 91 2,977 2016 £000 7,589 2,714 1,038 11,341 2016 £000 5,261 1,016 749 4,656 11,682 2016 £000 2,306 379 8 2,693 13,852 3 13,855 There were three bank loans secured on assets of the Group at the start of the year. During the year an additional loan was taken out by our majority owned subsidiary, Bordeaux Acquisition Limited, to fund the acquisition of Crystallon Limited. The four bank loans are summarised as follows: • The first loan of £4,482,000 (2016: £6,756,000) is repayable in quarterly instalments over the period ending 31 December 2019 and bears interest at 1.75% to 2.75% (depending upon gearing) above LIBOR-related rates. • The second loan of £9,001,000 (2016: £9,300,000) is repayable by 31 December 2019 and bears interest at 1.75% to 2.75% (depending upon gearing) above LIBOR-related rates. • The third loan of £57,000 (2016: £102,000) is repayable in quarterly instalments over the period ending 31 March 2019 and bears interest at 3.75% above LIBOR-related rates. • The fourth loan of £4,532,000 is repayable in quarterly instalments over the period ending 31 December 2022 and bears interest at 1.75% to 2.75% (depending upon gearing) above LIBOR-related rates. 48 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 201720. Borrowings continued The subordinated loans were advanced by minority shareholders in Bordeaux Acquisition Limited. They are unsecured, interest free and repayable at the discretion of that company. Borrowings mature as follows: 31 December 2017 Repayable in less than six months Repayable in months seven to twelve Current portion of long-term borrowings Repayable in years one to five Total borrowings Less: interest included above Less: cash and cash equivalents Total net debt Adjusting items Subordinated debt to non-controlling shareholders Accrued deferred consideration Adjusted net debt 31 December 2016 Repayable in less than six months Repayable in months seven to twelve Current portion of long-term borrowings Repayable in years one to five Total borrowings Less: interest included above Less: cash and cash equivalents Total net debt Adjusting items Subordinated debt to non-controlling shareholders Accrued deferred consideration Adjusted net debt Bank loans £000 2,008 1,764 3,772 15,120 18,892 (820) (10,681) 7,391 Subordinated loan £000 190 — 190 — 190 — — 190 Bank loans £000 1,387 1,352 2,739 14,404 17,143 (985) (7,909) 8,249 Subordinated loan £000 379 — 379 — 379 — — 379 Hire purchase £000 — — — — — — — — Hire purchase £000 5 3 8 3 11 — — 11 Total £000 2,198 1,764 3,962 15,120 19,082 (820) (10,681) 7,581 (190) 599 7,990 Total £000 1,771 1,355 3,126 14,407 17,533 (985) (7,909) 8,639 (379) 1,648 9,908 A proportion of the Group’s bank loans is drawn in foreign currencies to provide a hedge against assets denominated in those currencies. The Sterling equivalent at 31 December 2017 of loans denominated in Euros was £1,265,000 (2016: £1,217,000). These amounts are included in the figures above for bank loans, repayable in years one to five. 21. Financial instruments The Group’s policies on treasury management, capital management objectives and financial instruments are given in the Directors’ Report commencing on page 24. Fair value of financial instruments Financial instruments include the borrowings set out in note 20. The Group enters into derivative financial instruments in order to manage its interest rate and foreign currency exposure. The principal derivatives used include interest rate swaps and foreign currency options. Material changes in the carrying values of these instruments are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the periods in which the changes arise. Such recognition is treated as an adjusting item in the Statement of Comprehensive Income where the foreign currency hedge was entered into in order to protect profits in later accounting periods. In such cases, the charge or credit will be reversed out of adjusting items in the accounting period for which the hedge was intended and will be shown in results before adjusting items. All financial instruments denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. The Directors believe that there is no material difference between the book value and fair value of all financial instruments. 49 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc21. Financial instruments continued Borrowing facilities The Group has a revolving acquisition facility of £10 million. At 31 December 2017 the Group had drawn £9,001,000 (2016: £9,300,000). Trade payables All amounts are short term (all payable within six months) and their carrying values are considered reasonable approximations of fair value. The values are set out in note 19. Fair value hierarchy The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). The interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges are measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value hierarchy and are classed as level 2. Summary of financial assets and financial liabilities by category Financial assets Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total financial assets Financial liabilities – amortised cost Trade payables Accruals and deferred income Other payables Trade and other payables relating to acquisitions Current portion of long-term borrowings Long-term borrowings Total financial liabilities Net financial liabilities Non-financial assets and liabilities not within the scope of IAS 39 Goodwill Other intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Inventories Prepayments and accrued income Social security and other taxes Retirement benefit obligations Current tax payable Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Total equity 2017 £000 2016 £000 10,898 10,681 21,579 4,398 5,496 1,124 599 3,566 14,696 29,879 8,300 14,650 9,006 5,344 10,380 929 (954) (2,221) (2,821) 730 (2,087) 32,956 24,656 10,137 7,909 18,046 5,261 4,656 749 1,648 2,693 13,855 28,862 10,816 13,337 9,736 5,288 9,939 1,204 (1,016) (2,198) (1,195) 776 (2,310) 33,561 22,745 Financial assets The Group’s financial assets (which are summarised above) comprise cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables. The amounts derived from these assets and included as interest income in the Statement of Comprehensive Income are £34,000 (2016: £9,000) (see note 9). Cash and cash equivalents are principally denominated in Sterling and earn interest at floating rates. 50 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 201721. Financial instruments continued Financial liabilities The Group’s principal financial liabilities are bank loans, trade and other payables and derivative financial instruments. The Group also holds interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts and options: The costs attributable to these liabilities and included as interest expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income amounted to £515,000 (2016: £523,000) (see note 9). A proportion of the bank loans are denominated in foreign currencies to provide a hedge against currency risk on Group assets (see note 20). Foreign exchange losses attributable to bank loans and included as an operating charge in the Statement of Comprehensive Income amounted to £48,000 (2016: £166,000). 22. Share capital Allotted, called up and fully paid – Ordinary shares of 5p each 1 January: 6,107,628 shares (2016: 6,098,549) Exercise of share options: 33,500 shares (2016: 9,079) 31 December: 6,141,128 shares (2016: 6,107,628) Allotments of Ordinary shares in 2017 were made: 2017 £000 305 2 307 2016 £000 305 — 305 • to satisfy the exercise of 33,500 share options in aggregate on 11 occasions during the year when the share price was within the range of 1502.5p to 2102.5p (2016: exercise of 9,079 share options when the share price was within the range 1285.0p to 1857.5p). Throughout 2017, the Group continued to award a free “matching share” under the Judges Scientific Share Incentive Plan for every share purchased up to a maximum value of £600 per employee per tax year. During 2017, an average of 97 employees participated in the scheme each month (2016: 85 employees), purchasing 9,690 shares in total, including matching shares (2016: 10,109 shares). The market price of the Company’s Ordinary shares at 31 December 2017 was 2082.5p. The share price range during the year was 1362.0p to 2115.0p. 23. Share-based payments Equity share options At 31 December 2017, options had been granted and remained outstanding in respect of 306,203 Ordinary shares in the Company, all priced by reference to the mid-market price of the shares on the date of grant and all exercisable, following a three-year vesting period, between the third and tenth anniversaries of grant, as below: 2005 Approved Option Scheme 2005 Unapproved Option Scheme 2015 Approved Option Scheme 2015 Unapproved Option Scheme At 1 January 2017 Number 55,447 114,664 51,575 46,725 268,411 Granted Number — — 8,776 77,016 85,792 Lapsed Number (3,250) — (4,510) (6,740) (14,500) Exercised Number (6,500) (27,000) — — (33,500) At 31 December 2017 Number 45,697 87,664 55,841 117,001 306,203 Of which exercisable Number 37,325 29,750 — — 67,075 Weighted average exercise price (p) 922.2 189.6 — — 2005 Option Scheme Exercise prices for the year ended 31 December 2017 ranged between 92.0p and 1377.5p per share (2016: between 124.0p and 720.0p per share), with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.37 years (2016: 5.52 years). 2015 Option Scheme No options were exercised in the year ended 31 December 2017. The weighted average remaining contractual life is 8.86 years (2016: 8.96 years). In accordance with IFRS 2, a Black Scholes valuation model has been used. The key assumptions used in the model are as follows: • interest rate – 0.9%; • volatility – 29.9%; • dividend yield – 1.7%; and • expected life of option – 3.0 years. The charge for the year ended 31 December 2017 was £284,000 (2016: £241,000). 51 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc24. Other reserves Balance at 1 January 2017 Issue of share capital Transactions with owners Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries Total comprehensive income Balance at 31 December 2017 Balance at 1 January 2016 Issue of share capital Transactions with owners Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries Total comprehensive income Balance at 31 December 2016 Capital redemption reserve £000 23 — — — — 23 Capital redemption reserve £000 23 — — — — 23 Merger reserve £000 1,968 — — — — 1,968 Merger reserve £000 1,968 — — — — 1,968 Translation reserve £000 139 — — (75) (75) 64 Translation reserve £000 13 — — 126 126 139 Total £000 2,130 — — (75) (75) 2,055 Total £000 2,004 — — 126 126 2,130 25. Risk management objectives and policies The Group is exposed to market risks, arising predominantly from currency exposure resulting from its export activities, interest rate fluctuation on its loans and deposits and credit and liquidity risks. Risk management strategies are co-ordinated by the Directors. Foreign currency sensitivity The Group exports a substantial proportion of its sales, frequently denominated in foreign currencies (principally in US$ and Euros). Exposure to currency rate fluctuations exists from the moment a sales order is confirmed through to the time when the related remittance is converted into Sterling. This exposure is computed monthly (along with offsetting exposure on purchases, generally of minimal amounts) and economically hedged, predominantly through the use of currency forward contracts and options. The net exposure to risk is therefore substantially reduced. This does not, however, represent a hedge under IAS 39. Residual exposure is the difference between the net exposure and the amounts of currency hedges, both translated into Sterling at each measurement date. 31 December 2017 Amount of foreign currency hedged at year end Residual exposure at year end – long/(short) Impact on pre-tax profits of a 5% variation in exchange rate on year-end residual exposure Impact on equity of a 5% variation in exchange rate on year-end residual exposure 31 December 2016 Amount of foreign currency hedged at year end Residual exposure at year end – long/(short) Impact on pre-tax profits of a 5% variation in exchange rate on year-end residual exposure Impact on equity of a 5% variation in exchange rate on year-end residual exposure Sterling equivalent of US$ £000 3,250 4,070 203 164 Sterling equivalent of US$ £000 3,382 4,770 239 191 Sterling equivalent of € £000 2,765 947 47 38 Sterling equivalent of € £000 3,717 (1,516) 76 61 In addition to the hedging of existing measured foreign currency exposure, the Group seeks to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on future trading performance. This was achieved at 31 December 2017 by entering into currency options to sell €2.4 million and $7.0 million during 2018, at predetermined exchange rates. The fair value of these financial instruments is a liability of £11,000 (2016: asset £13,000), offset by a fair value liability of £16,000 (2016: £18,000) on interest rate swaps. These transactions have been recognised in these accounts and are held within other receivables. 52 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 201725. Risk management objectives and policies continued Interest rate sensitivity The Group’s interest rate exposure arises in respect of its bank loans, which are LIBOR linked for interest rate purposes, and its surplus funds, which are bank base rate linked. To hedge this risk the Group is party to interest rate swaps at predetermined rates. The fair value of these financial instruments has been recognised in these accounts. The Group’s sensitivity to interest rate changes is as follows: Unhedged bank loans outstanding at year end Impact on pre-tax profits of a 1% change in LIBOR Impact on equity of a 1% change in LIBOR Surplus funds at year end Impact on pre-tax profits of a 1% change in bank base rates Impact on equity of a 1% change in bank base rates 2017 £000 8,787 88 71 10,681 107 86 2016 £000 12,897 129 103 7,909 79 63 Credit risk The Group’s exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amounts of financial assets recognised at the balance sheet date, as follows: Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables 2017 £000 10,681 10,898 21,579 2016 £000 7,909 10,137 18,046 The Group reviews the credit risk relating to its customers by ensuring wherever possible that it deals with long-established trading partners, and agents and government/university-backed bodies, where the risk of default is considered low. Where considered appropriate, the Group insists on upfront payment and requires letters of credit to be provided. The Directors consider that all the Group’s financial assets that are not impaired at each of the reporting dates under review are of good credit quality, including those that are past due (see note 18). None of the financial assets are secured by collateral or other credit enhancements. Group companies generally trade through overseas agents and credit exposure to an individual agent can be significant at times. At 31 December 2017, no counterparty owed more than 10% of the Group’s total trade and other receivables (2016: none). The credit risk for liquid funds and other short-term financial assets is considered small. The substantial majority of these assets are deposited with Bank of Scotland, part of the Lloyds Banking Group. Liquidity risk Longer-term finance is required to enable the Group to pursue it strategic goal of growing through acquisitions as well as through organic development. This financing need has been satisfied for the foreseeable future by a £10 million revolving acquisition facility advanced by Lloyds Bank Capital Markets together with a £10 million uncommitted accordion facility. The Group’s strategy envisages the servicing of this debt to be achieved from the cashflow arising from the businesses acquired. For short and medium-term financial needs, the Group regularly compares its projected requirements with available cash and borrowing facilities. The periods of maturity of the Group’s borrowings are set out in note 20. The maturity of all trade and other payables is within the period of less than six months. 26. Operating lease commitments Minimum operating lease commitments falling due: Within one year – land and property Within one year – vehicles Within one year – other Between one and five years – land and property Between one and five years – vehicles Between one and five years – other Greater than five years – land and property Total commitment 2017 £000 664 38 20 722 1,107 18 40 1,165 107 1,994 2016 £000 670 45 26 741 1,117 54 13 1,184 135 2,060 53 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc27. Acquisitions On 18 July 2017, Judges’ majority owned subsidiary Bordeaux Acquisition Limited (“Bordeaux”) acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Crystallon Limited (“Crystallon”), the holding company of Oxford Cryosystems Limited (“Oxford Cryosystems”). Oxford Cryosystems is based in Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire and manufactures cryogenic cooling systems used for X-Ray crystallography and other applications. Simultaneously with the acquisition of Crystallon, Judges purchased the 24.5% shareholding held by Tracey Edwards in Bordeaux. Crystallon The purchase price of Crystallon amounted to £4.495 million in cash plus an additional payment to reflect any excess cash and working capital over and above the ongoing requirements of the business. This was covered by the cash inherited at the completion date. In addition, an earn-out was payable if Crystallon’s adjusted EBITA in the financial year ended 30 November 2017 exceeded £0.899 million, payable at five times such excess, capped at £1.576 million. Crystallon achieved an earn-out of £0.599 million, which was paid in March 2018. The summary provisional fair value of the cost of this acquisition includes the components stated below: Consideration Initial cash consideration Deferred consideration* Gross cash inherited on acquisition Cash retained in the business Payment in respect of surplus working capital Total consideration Acquisition-related transaction costs charged to the income statement * The deferred consideration of £599,000 was paid in March 2018. £000 4,495 599 5,094 1,655 (333) 1,322 6,416 298 The acquisition of Crystallon was financed by Bordeaux via a new £4.5 million five-year term loan granted by Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets and guaranteed by Judges, with associated transaction costs being funded from Bordeaux’s cash resources. The summary provisional fair values recognised for the assets and liabilities acquired are as follows: Property, plant and equipment Goodwill Intangible assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Deferred tax liabilities Trade payables Current tax liability Total liabilities Net identifiable assets and liabilities Total consideration Goodwill recognised Book value £000 70 365 — 416 597 1,655 3,103 (9) (543) (257) (809) 2,294 Fair value adjustments £000 — (365) 3,890 — — — 3,525 (716) — — (716) 2,809 Fair value £000 70 — 3,890 416 597 1,655 6,628 (725) (543) (257) (1,525) 5,103 6,416 1,313 Management performed a detailed review of each of the acquiree’s intangible assets. The intangible assets recognised reflect recognition of acquired customer relationships, the value of the acquired future committed order books, internally generated technology, trademarks, domain names and distributor relationships. A significant amount of the value of the acquired business is attributable to its workforce and sales knowhow. As no assets can be recognised in respect of these factors, they contribute to the goodwill recognised upon acquisition. The deferred tax liabilities recognised represent the tax effect which will result from the amortisation of the intangible assets, estimated using the tax rate substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and the fair value of the assets. 54 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 201727. Acquisitions continued Crystallon continued The acquisitions resulted in a profit after tax (before adjusting items) attributable to owners of the parent company of £274,000 in the period post-acquisition. After amortisation of intangible assets, the contribution to owners of the parent company’s results amounted to a loss of £43,000 after tax. If the acquisitions had been acquired on 1 January 2017, based on pro-forma results, revenue for the Group for the year ended 31 December 2017 would have increased by £2,344,000 and profit after tax (before adjusting items) attributable to owners of the parent company would have increased by £352,000 after allowing for interest costs. After charging amortisation of intangible assets, the pro-forma result would have decreased by £62,000. Increased shareholding in Bordeaux Simultaneously with the acquisition of Crystallon, Judges purchased the 24.5% shareholding held by Tracey Edwards in Bordeaux for a cash consideration of £1.15 million and also her 24.5% share in the shareholders’ loan to Bordeaux for its nominal amount of £0.19 million. As a result, Judges increased its ownership of the shares in, and shareholders loans to, Bordeaux from 51% to 75.5%. The transaction was financed from Judges existing cash resources. The acquisition costs for this transaction were £24,000. As this was an acquisition of an additional shareholding in a majority owned subsidiary (50% of the remaining stake not owned by Judges), the purchase was accounted for by reducing the Non-Controlling Interest as at the date of the acquisition by 50% of its value and the remaining balance recorded through equity reserves. 2015 and 2016 acquisitions There have been no amendments to the fair values presented in the 2016 consolidated financial statements. A payment in respect of surplus working capital of £1,598,000 was paid to the vendors of EWB Limited in 2017. This had already been accrued in the 2016 financial statements. As part of the terms of the 2015 Armfield acquisition, there was a further contingent payment of £360,000 which may have become due if the triennial actuarial valuation of Armfield’s defined benefit pension fund as at 31 March 2017 showed a reduction in the yearly contribution required to eliminate its funding deficit. The March 2017 triennial actuarial valuation showed an increase in the yearly contribution required to eliminate the funding deficit, hence the contingent payment of £360,000 was not required to be made. 28. Retirement benefit obligations Defined benefit obligations The Group’s subsidiary, Armfield Limited, operates a defined benefit scheme for certain of its employees. A full actuarial valuation was carried out as at 31 March 2017 and the retirement benefit liability was independently revalued as at 31 December 2017. The scheme has been closed to new members from 2001 and closed to new accrual in 2006. The average duration of the plan’s liabilities has been calculated to be approximately 17 years. The trustees are drawn partly from Armfield’s employees and also from nominees of the Judges Group. The full actuarial valuation carried out as at 31 March 2017 was in accordance with the scheme funding requirements of the Pensions Act 2004 and the funding of the plan is agreed between Armfield and the pension trustees in line with those requirements. These in particular require the surplus/deficit to be calculated using prudent, as opposed to best estimate, actuarial assumptions. It was agreed with the trustees that contributions be increased to £236,000 per annum to eliminate the deficit over a period of nine years. Previously these annual contributions were £198,000. The next full actuarial valuation will be carried out no later than 31 March 2020. The asset investment strategy is the responsibility of the trustees. Summary Fair value of plan assets Present value of defined benefit obligation Deficit in scheme Deferred tax Net retirement benefit obligation 31 December 2017 £000 5,983 (8,204) (2,221) 378 (1,843) 31 December 2016 £000 5,759 (7,957) (2,198) 374 (1,824) 31 December 2015 £000 5,405 (6,799) (1,394) 279 (1,115) 55 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc28. Retirement benefit obligations continued Defined benefit obligations continued Changes in the fair value of plan assets 1 January Interest income Return on plan assets (excluding amounts in interest income) Contributions by the Company Benefits paid 31 December The actual return on plan assets for the year ended 31 December 2017 was £482,000 (2016: £611,000). Changes in the fair value of defined benefit pension obligations 1 January Current service cost Expenses Interest expense Actuarial losses due to scheme experience Actuarial gains due to changes in demographic assumptions Actuarial losses/(gains) due to financial assumptions Benefits paid 31 December There were no plan amendments, curtailments or settlements in the above years. 31 December 2017 £000 5,759 156 326 236 (494) 5,983 31 December 2017 £000 7,957 — — 216 187 (89) 427 (494) 8,204 31 December 2016 £000 5,405 201 410 198 (455) 5,759 31 December 2016 £000 6,799 — — 261 — (76) 1,428 (455) 7,957 Major categories of plan assets Quoted equities Bonds Property Cash and other assets Principal actuarial assumptions Discount rate Inflation rate In payment pension increases In deferment pension increases 31 December 2017 £000 3,111 2,359 473 40 31 December 2016 £000 2,114 3,197 432 16 31 December 2015 £000 1,893 2,898 438 176 5,983 5,759 5,405 31 December 2017 % 2.50 3.20 3.40 5.00 31 December 2016 % 2.80 3.50 3.50 5.00 The mortality assumptions used in valuing the liabilities of the plan are based 100% on the standard tables S2PxA, projected using the CMI 2016 model with a 1.00% per annum long-term rate of improvement. The life expectancies assumed are as follows: Male retiring in 2017 Female retiring in 2017 Male retiring in 2037 Female retiring in 2037 56 Life expectancy at age 65 (years) 21.9 23.7 23.0 25.0 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 201728. Retirement benefit obligations continued Sensitivity The significant actuarial assumptions in determining the defined benefit obligation are the discount rate, the rate of mortality and rate of inflation. Changes to these actuarial assumptions may impact this obligation as follows: Discount rate – decrease by 0.25% per annum Mortality rate – increase of one year in life expectancy Change in liabilities £000 410 295 The above shows the impact on the defined benefit obligation if the assumptions were changed as shown (assuming all other assumptions remain constant). There is zero sensitivity to inflation due to the nature of the scheme. The sensitivity analysis may not be representative of the actual change in the obligation as it is unlikely that any change in assumption would happen in isolation. Risk management There is a risk that changes in discount rates, price inflation, asset returns and/or mortality assumptions could lead to a materially greater deficit. Given the long-term time horizon of the pension plan cashflows, the assumptions used are uncertain. The assumptions can also be volatile from year to year due to changes in investment market conditions. A higher pension deficit could directly impact the Group’s equity valuation and credit rating and may lead to additional funding requirements in future years. Any deficit relative to the actuarial liability for funding purposes, which may differ from the funding position on an accounting basis, will generally be financed over a period that ensures the contributions are reasonably affordable to the Group and in line with local regulations. 29. Non-controlling interests Summarised financial information of the Group’s non-controlling interests is set out below: Non-current assets Current assets Total assets Current liabilities Non-current liabilities Total liabilities Total equity Attributable to: Owners of the parent Non-controlling interest Revenue Profit for the year Attributable to: Owners of the parent Non-controlling interest Net cash from operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net cash inflow No dividends were paid to the non-controlling interest during the year (2016: £nil). 2017 £000 2,170 7,749 9,919 (2,618) (5,370) (7,988) 1,931 854 1,077 2017 £000 8,474 1,595 869 726 2017 £000 1,574 (55) (1,412) 107 2016 £000 585 2,472 3,057 (1,353) (63) (1,416) 1,641 837 804 2016 £000 3,867 1,109 566 543 2016 £000 1,005 (20) (866) 119 57 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcParent company balance sheet As at 31 December 2017 Fixed assets Tangible assets Investments in subsidiaries Current assets Debtors Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Total net assets Capital and reserves Called up share capital Share premium Capital redemption reserve Profit and loss account Shareholders’ funds Note 2017 £000 2016 £000 3 4 5 6 7 9 679 40,611 41,290 20,925 20,925 (6,146) 14,779 56,069 (11,223) 44,846 307 14,529 23 29,987 44,846 714 39,264 39,978 22,061 22,061 (8,998) 13,063 53,041 (13,796) 39,245 305 14,472 23 24,445 39,245 In accordance with the exemptions permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss account of the parent company has not been presented. Profit for the year totalled £7,105,000 (2016: £5,552,000). These parent company financial statements were approved by the Board on 19 March 2018. David Cicurel Director Brad Ormsby Director 58 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statements Parent company statement of changes in equity For the year ended 31 December 2017 At 1 January 2017 Dividends Issue of share capital Share-based payments Transactions with owners Profit for the year Total comprehensive income for the year At 31 December 2017 At 1 January 2016 Dividends Issue of share capital Share-based payments Transactions with owners Profit for the year Total comprehensive income for the year At 31 December 2016 Share capital £000 305 — 2 — 2 — — 307 305 — — — — — — 305 Share premium £000 14,472 — 57 — 57 — — 14,529 14,441 — 31 — 31 — — 14,472 Capital redemption reserve £000 23 — — — — — — 23 23 — — — — — — 23 Retained earnings £000 24,445 (1,743) — 180 (1,563) 7,105 7,105 29,987 20,324 (1,581) — 150 (1,431) 5,552 5,552 24,445 Total equity £000 39,245 (1,743) 59 180 (1,504) 7,105 7,105 44,846 35,093 (1,581) 31 150 (1,400) 5,552 5,552 39,245 59 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plcNotes to the parent company financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2017 1. Statement of compliance The financial statements were prepared in accordance with FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. 2. Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of preparation As permitted by FRS 101, for both periods presented, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation to financial instruments, capital management, presentation of a cashflow statement, share-based payments, fair value measurements, comparative reconciliations for tangible and intangible assets, standards not yet effective, related party transactions with other wholly owned members of the Group, and key management personnel compensation. Equivalent disclosures are, where required, given in the Group accounts of Judges Scientific plc. The Group accounts of Judges Scientific plc are available to the public. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. Use of key accounting estimates and judgements Many of the amounts included in the financial statements involve the use of judgement and/or estimation. These judgements and estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to prior experience, but actual results may differ from the amounts included in the financial statements. Information about such judgements and estimates is contained in the accounting policies and/or the notes to the financial statements, and the key areas are summarised below. Sources of estimation uncertainty Depreciation rates are based on estimates of the useful lives and residual values of the assets involved. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are stated at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at annual rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life at the following rate: Leasehold improvements Fixtures, fittings and equipment Over the minimum term of the lease Between three and seven years Investments Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less provision for impairment. Taxation Current tax is provided at amounts expected to be paid or recovered either directly or through Group relief arrangements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Employee benefits – defined contribution plans The Company operates defined contribution pension schemes for employees and Directors. The assets of the schemes are held by investment managers separately from those of the Group. The contributions payable to these schemes are recorded in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the accounting period to which they relate. Share-based employee compensation The Group operates equity-settled share-based compensation plans for remuneration of its Directors and employees. All employee services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based compensation are measured at their fair values. The fair value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (e.g. profitability or sales growth targets). Share-based compensation is recognised as an expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income with a corresponding credit to other reserves. If vesting periods or other vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital and share premium when the options are exercised. Foreign currencies Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing at the date of transaction. All differences are taken to the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 60 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statements 3. Tangible assets Cost 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 Depreciation 1 January 2017 Charge 31 December 2017 Net book value – 31 December 2017 Net book value – 31 December 2016 4. Investments in subsidiaries Cost 1 January Additions Repayment of subordinated debt in Bordeaux Acquisition Limited 31 December Property and leasehold improvements £000 Fixtures, fittings and equipment £000 797 94 29 123 674 703 20 9 6 15 5 11 2017 £000 39,264 1,347 — 40,611 Total £000 817 103 35 138 679 714 2016 £000 27,936 11,450 (122) 39,264 The addition in the year relates to the acquisition of a further 24.5% of Bordeaux Acquisition Limited. 61 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc4. Investments in subsidiaries continued The Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2017, all of which are incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom (except as stated), are as follows: Principal activity Design and assembly of fire testing instruments Design and assembly of fibre-optic testing instruments Class of shares Ordinary £1 “A” Ordinary 50p Design and manufacture of instruments used to manipulate objects in ultra high vacuum chambers Manufacture of engineering parts and finished products Design, manufacture and distribution of instruments that prepare samples for examination in electron microscopes Design, manufacture and distribution of rare gas purifiers for use in metals analysis Design and manufacture of devices used to enable or improve the observation of objects under a microscope The design, manufacture and marketing of products for crystallography and other markets Design and manufacture of instruments used to test the physical properties of soil and rocks Design and manufacture of instruments used in electrophysiology to enable or improve the observation of objects under a microscope Sale of instruments used in electrophysiology to enable or improve the observation of objects under a microscope Holding company Holding company Design and supply of research and training equipment Dormant Supply of research and training equipment Design and manufacture of illumination systems for fluorescence microscopy Design and manufacture of systems to test the mechanical properties of fibres Sale of systems to test the mechanical properties of fibres Design and manufacture of edge-welded bellows Holding company Dormant Dormant Dormant Dormant Dormant Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 “A” and “B” Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Common Shares Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Common Shares Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £100 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 Ordinary £1 % held 100% 100% of “A” class, being 51% of total equity 100% 100% 100% 100% 75.5% 75.5% 100% 100% 100% 75.5% 75.5% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Company Fire Testing Technology Limited PE.fiberoptics Limited UHV Design Limited Aitchee Engineering Limited Quorum Technologies Limited Sircal Instruments (UK) Limited Deben UK Limited* Oxford Cryosystems Limited* Global Digital Systems Limited Scientifica Limited* Scientifica LLC (USA)* Bordeaux Acquisition Limited Crystallon Limited Armfield Limited Armfield Technical Education Limited* Armfield Inc. (USA)* CoolLED Limited Dia-Stron Limited Dia-Stron Inc. (USA)* EWB Solutions Limited Judges Capital Limited EM Technologies Limited* FTT Scientific Limited* GDS Instruments Limited* Polaron Instruments Limited* Stanton Redcroft Limited* * Indirectly held. 62 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the parent company financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 20175. Debtors Amounts owed by Group companies Prepayments and accrued income Deferred tax asset (note 8) 2017 £000 20,269 432 224 20,925 2016 £000 21,261 721 79 22,061 Included in amounts owed by Group companies are: • the sum of £15,098,000 (2016: £14,349,000) which is repayable on demand at any time after 30 June 2018 provided that all liabilities to third parties falling due on or before that date have been met. These loans are unsecured and bear interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum; • the sum of £1,500,000 (2016: £1,500,000) which is repayable on demand at any time after 30 June 2018 provided that all liabilities to third parties falling due on or before that date have been met. This loan is unsecured and bears interest at the rate of 5% per annum; and • a loan to UHV Design Limited, made during 2016 to finance the transfer of Judges House, amounting to £2,615,000 (2016: £2,615,000) which is to be repaid by 2026. This loan is unsecured and bears interest at the rate of 5% per annum. Except as stated, all amounts are recoverable in less than one year. 6. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Bank overdraft Current portion of bank loans Trade and other payables Amounts owed to Group companies Corporation tax Social security and other taxes Other creditors Amounts owed to acquisition creditors Accruals and deferred income 7. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Bank loans 2017 £000 1,317 2,260 137 502 1,053 253 262 — 362 6,146 2016 £000 3,282 2,260 436 415 321 470 69 1,604 141 8,998 2017 £000 11,223 2016 £000 13,796 Borrowings comprise a bank loan secured on assets of the Group. The loan is repayable in quarterly instalments over the period ending 31 December 2019 and bears interest at 1.75% to 2.75% above LIBOR-related rates, depending upon gearing. The repayment profile of borrowings is as follows: Repayable in less than one year Repayable in years one to five Less: interest included above Bank loans £000 2,503 11,440 13,943 (460) 13,483 A proportion of the Company’s bank loans is drawn in foreign currencies to provide a hedge against Group assets denominated in those currencies. The Sterling equivalent at 31 December 2017 of loans denominated in Euros was £1,265,000 (2016: £1,216,000). These amounts are included in the figures above for bank loans, repayable in years one to five. The Company enters into derivative financial instruments in order to manage its interest rate and foreign currency exposure. The principal derivatives used include interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts and options. The fair value of these financial instruments is a liability of £11,000 (2016: asset £13,000), offset by a fair value liability of £16,000 (2016: £18,000) on interest rate swaps. These transactions have been recognised in these accounts and are held within other creditors. The parent company guarantees bank loans advanced to its 75.5% owned subsidiary, Bordeaux Acquisition Limited, amounting in aggregate at 31 December 2017 to £4,589,000 (2016: £102,000). 63 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc8. Deferred tax asset 1 January Credit to income statement Credited to equity 31 December 2017 £000 79 41 104 224 Deferred tax is recorded at a rate of 17% and relates to accelerated capital allowances and share options. 9. Share capital and share-based payments Details relating to the parent company’s share capital are set out in note 22 to the consolidated financial statements. 10. Related party transactions The Company is exempt under the terms of FRS 101.8 from disclosing transactions with its wholly owned subsidiaries. Funds were advanced by the Company in 2011 to its 75.5% owned subsidiary, Bordeaux Acquisition Limited, to facilitate the purchase during that year of the entire issued share capital of Deben UK Limited. The amount of £395,000 was outstanding at 31 December 2017 (2016: £395,000). There are no interest or repayment terms to these advances. Dividends paid in the year to Directors who hold shares amounted to £306,000 in aggregate (2016: £295,000). 11. Directors and employees Staff costs (including Directors) Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs Total Directors’ emoluments Emoluments Defined contribution pension scheme contributions Emoluments of the highest paid Director Emoluments During the year, two Directors participated in a defined contribution pension scheme (2016: two). Average number of persons employed Directors Administrative staff Total 2017 £000 1,029 129 23 1,181 790 14 804 241 2016 £000 718 87 21 826 582 14 596 168 2017 Number 2016 Number 7 3 10 7 2 9 64 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsNotes to the parent company financial statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2017Notice of Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the fifteenth Annual General Meeting of Judges Scientific plc (the “Company”) will be held at The Lansdowne Club, 9 Fitzmaurice Place, London W1J 5JD on Wednesday 30 May 2018 at 12.00 noon for the purpose of dealing with the following business, of which items 7, 8 and 9 are special business. Ordinary business 1. To receive and, if approved, adopt the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017 and the reports of the Directors and auditor thereon. 2. To re-appoint Hon. Alexander Hambro, who retires by rotation, as a Director. 3. To re-appoint Bradley Ormsby, who retires by rotation, as a Director. 4. To re-appoint Mark Lavelle, who was appointed by the board on 15 November 2017, as a Director. 5. To approve a final dividend of 22 pence per Ordinary share. 6. To re-appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP as auditor to hold office from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting at which financial statements are laid before the Company and to authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of the auditor for the year ending 31 December 2018. Special business To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions, as to the resolution numbered 7 as an ordinary resolution and as to the resolutions numbered 8 and 9 as special resolutions: Ordinary resolution 7. That the Directors of the Company be and are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares in the Company up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £102,352 provided that this authority unless renewed shall expire at the close of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company, save that the Company may before such expiry make any offer, agreement or other arrangement which would or might require shares to be allotted or rights to subscribe for or convert securities into shares to be granted after such expiry and the Directors of the Company may allot shares or grant rights to subscribe for or convert securities into shares in pursuance of such offer, agreement or other arrangement as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired, this authority to replace any previous authority which is hereby revoked with immediate effect. Special resolutions 8. That: (a) subject to and conditional upon the passing of resolution 7 above, the Directors of the Company be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to section 570 of the Act to allot equity securities (as defined for the purposes of section 560 of the Act) for cash, pursuant to the authority granted by resolution 7 above, as if section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that such power shall be limited to: (i) the allotment of equity securities in connection with a relevant rights issue or open offer in favour of Ordinary shareholders where the equity securities attributable to the respective interests of all Ordinary shareholders are proportionate to the respective numbers of Ordinary shares held by them on the record date for such allotment, but subject to such exclusions as the Directors may deem fit to deal with fractional entitlements or impediments arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any recognised regulatory body or stock exchange; and (ii) the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) above) of equity securities for cash up to an aggregate nominal amount of £30,706, and, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied, such power shall expire at the close of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company, save that the Company may before such expiry make any offer, agreement or other arrangement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors of the Company may allot equity securities in pursuance of such offer, agreement or other arrangement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired. (b) For the purposes of this resolution: (i) “relevant rights issue” means an offer of equity securities open for acceptance for a period fixed by the Directors of the Company to holders on the register on a fixed record date of Ordinary shares in the Company in proportion (or as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings but subject in any case to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors of the Company may deem necessary or desirable to deal with fractional entitlements or legal or practical impediments under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any recognised regulatory body or stock exchange; and (ii) the nominal amount of any securities shall be taken to be, in the case of rights to subscribe for or convert any securities into shares of the Company, the nominal amount of such shares, which may be allotted pursuant to such rights. 65 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc Notice of Annual General Meeting continued Special resolutions continued 9. That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purpose of section 701 of the Act to make one or more market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of the Act) of Ordinary shares of 5 pence each in the capital of the Company on such terms and in such manner as the Directors of the Company may from time to time determine, provided that: (a) the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased is 614,113 (representing approximately 10% of the Company’s issued share capital at 31 December 2017); (b) the minimum price which may be paid for such shares is the nominal value of 5 pence per Ordinary share (exclusive of expenses); (c) (d) (e) unless the Company makes market purchases of its own Ordinary shares by way of a tender or partial offer made to all holders of Ordinary shares on the same terms, the maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for an Ordinary share shall not be more than 5% above the average of the market values for an Ordinary share as derived from the AIM Appendix to the London Stock Exchange Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the date on which the Ordinary share is purchased; unless previously renewed, varied or revoked, the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2019 or 15 months from the date of passing of this resolution, whichever shall be the earlier; and the Company may validly make a contract or contracts to purchase Ordinary shares under the authority hereby conferred prior to the expiry of such authority which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority and may make a purchase of Ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract or contracts. By Order of the Board Chris Talbot Company Secretary 8 May 2018 Registered office: 52c Borough High Street London SE1 1XN Notes: 1. A member entitled to attend, speak and vote at the meeting convened by the Notice set out above is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to exercise all or any of your rights to attend, speak and vote at a general meeting of the Company. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. A Form of Proxy is enclosed for your use. Please carefully read the instructions on how to complete the form. 2. To be valid, the instrument appointing a proxy together with any power of attorney or other authority under which it is signed or a notarially certified copy of such power or authority, must be deposited with our registrar Link Asset Services, PXS1 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4ZF, or at the registered office of the Company not less than 48 weekday hours before the time fixed for holding the meeting or any adjournment thereof. 3. To appoint more than one proxy you may photocopy the Form of Proxy. Please indicate the proxy holder’s name and the number of shares in relation to which he/she is authorised to act as your proxy (which, in aggregate, should not exceed the number of shares held by you). Please also indicate if the proxy is one of multiple instructions being given. All forms must be signed and should be returned together in the same envelope. 4. The completion and return of a Form of Proxy will not preclude a member of the Company from subsequently attending and voting in person at the meeting should he/she so wish. If you appoint a proxy and attend the meeting in person, your proxy appointment will automatically be terminated. 5. Pursuant to Regulation 41 of The Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, only those members registered in the Register of Members of the Company as at close of business on 28 May 2018 (being not more than 48 weekday hours prior to the time fixed for the Meeting) or, if the Meeting is adjourned, such time being not more than 48 weekday hours prior to the time fixed for the adjourned meeting are entitled to attend or vote at the meeting in respect of the number of Ordinary shares registered in their name at that time. Changes to entries in the Register after that time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the meeting. 6. In the case of joint holders the vote of the first-named holder on the Register of Members (whether voting in person or proxy) will be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders. 7. In order to facilitate voting by corporate representatives at the meeting, arrangements will be put in place at the meeting so that (i) if a corporate shareholder has appointed the Chairman of the meeting as its corporate representative to vote on a poll in accordance with the directions of all of the other corporate representatives for that shareholder at the meeting, then on a poll those corporate representatives will give voting directions to the Chairman and the Chairman will vote (or withhold a vote) as corporate representatives in accordance with those directions; or (ii) any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its powers as a member provided that they do not do so in relation to the same shares. 66 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statements Ten year financial history Revenue (£000) 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Adjusted operating profit (£000) 12,000 11,000 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Adjusted undiluted basic earnings per share (pence) 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Annual debt repaid and dividends paid from cashflow (£000) 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Dividends Repayment of borrowings 67 Annual report and accounts 2017 Judges Scientific plc Company information Directors The Hon. Alexander Robert Hambro (Non-Executive Chairman) David Elie Cicurel (Chief Executive) Bradley Leonard Ormsby (Group Finance Director) Mark Stephen Lavelle (Chief Operating Officer) Ralph Leslie Cohen (Non-Executive Director) Ralph Julian Elman (Non-Executive Director) Glynn Carl Reece (Non-Executive Director) Company Secretary Christopher Talbot Registered Office 52c Borough High Street London SE1 1XN Registrar Capita Asset Services The Registry 34 Beckenham Road Beckenham Kent BR3 4TU Nominated Adviser Shore Capital and Corporate Ltd Bond Street House 14 Clifford Street London W1S 4JU Stockbroker Shore Capital Stockbrokers Ltd Bond Street House 14 Clifford Street London W1S 4JU Auditor Grant Thornton UK LLP Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants Regent House 80 Regent Road Leicester LE1 7NH Bankers Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets 125 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 3SF Solicitors Hogan Lovells International LLP Atlantic House Holborn Viaduct London EC1A 2FG Registered in England and Wales, company no. 04597315 68 Judges Scientific plc Annual report and accounts 2017Financial statementsJ u d g e s S c i e n t i fi c p l c A n n u a l R e p o r t a n d A c c o u n t s 2 0 1 7 Judges Scientific plc 52c Borough High Street London SE1 1XN 

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