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Motorola Solutions
Annual Report 2018

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FY2018 Annual Report · Motorola Solutions
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MS INTERNATIONAL plc

Annual Report 2018

Company Registration Number 00653735

Contents 

The year in brief 

Chairman’s Statement 

Directors 

Advisors 

Strategic report 

Statement of directors’ responsibilities 

Independent report of the auditors 

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated and company statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated and company statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated and company statements of financial position 

Consolidated and company cash flow statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

Summary of Group results 2014 - 2018 

Corporate governance statement 

Report of the directors 

Directors’ remuneration report 

List of subsidiaries 

Notice of Annual General Meeting 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

15

15

16

17

18

19

49

50

52

57

60

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The year in brief

Revenue

Profit before taxation

Earnings per share

Dividends payable per share

2018

Total
£000

2017

Total
£000

68,085

53,823

4,039

1,526

20.5p

9.1p

8.25p

8.00p

2

Chairman’s Statement

Results and Review

For the year ending 28th April 2018, profit before taxation increased to £4.04m (2017 - £1.53m) on revenue of 
£68.09m (2017 - £53.82m). Earnings per share amounted to 20.5p (2017 - 9.1p). Net cash was stable at £15.87m (2017 - 
£15.21m).

In	last	November’s	half	year	statement,	reference	was	made	to	our	Company’s	two	fundamental	strengths.	First,	
our long established policy to constantly review our capabilities, and if necessary adjust and adapt. This serves us well 
by ensuring we are aligned to changing market conditions and demands. Second, our diversified operating structure can 
deliver significant advantages when trading conditions are varied across totally different sectors.

During	 the	 year,	 those	 two	 strengths	 have	 been	 clearly	 demonstrated	 and	 indeed	 amplified.	 The	 ‘Defence’	
division has made a good start towards a recovery in revenue and certainly in profitably as a result of a buoyant export 
market,	although	the	domestic	market	remains	restrained	and	subdued.	‘Forgings’	increased	revenue	and	is	breaking	
even at the trading level while losses, incurred as a consequence of developing the new manufacturing facility in the 
United	States,	are	again	reduced.		‘Petrol	Station	Superstructures’	and	‘Petrol	Station	Branding’	divisions	both	traded	in	
a significantly changing international market, though they are at quite differing phases within this process of change.

Export	 sales	 at	 ‘Defence’	 accounted	 for	 the	 major	 component	 of	 the	 division’s	 revenue,	 primarily	 in	 response	
to numerous new product offerings, the accumulating benefit of considerable investment in research and development 
over recent years and our success in demonstrating continually enhanced customer service and support. The domestic 
market,	by	comparison,	has	remained	constrained	by	the	UK’s	tight	budget	controls	which	result	in	inevitable	delays	to	
programmes and, in consequence, a market that lacks any reasonable element of clarity. 

‘Forgings’	experienced	a	significant	increase	in	revenue	over	the	previous	year,	partly	reflecting	the	first	phase	of	
full	production	from	our	new	facility	in	the	United	States.	Our	plants	in	the	UK	and	Brazil	continue	to	hold	good	market	
positions, reflecting a total commitment to enhancing efficient production, product quality and customer service. 

‘Petrol	Station	Superstructures’	experienced	a	check	to	its	growth	pattern	owing	to	a	notable	change	in	the	market	
it	principally	serves.	Until	relatively	recently,	many	of	the	division’s	major	customers	had	been	global	oil	companies	but	
they have accelerated the divestment of their company owned petrol filling station estates, with ownership passing to 
both  large  and  small  independent  dealer/retailers. Accordingly,  construction  of  new  sites  and  the  refurbishment  and 
expansion of existing facilities are passing through a state of limbo as numerous sale and purchase transactions continue 
to	dominate	the	attention	of	the	sector’s	active	participants.

‘Petrol	 Station	 Branding’	 market,	 by	 comparison,	 is	 perceived	 to	 be	 further	 advanced	 in	 this	 process	 of	
transformation. When ownership of stations changes the incumbent fuel supplier may also be changed and that in turn 
initiates rebranding  of the  station.  The  operational performance of this division is adjusting to the changing market 
which was lead initially by Germany, then The Netherlands and is now happening in the UK.

Throughout	 the	 period,	 the	 Company	 has	 preserved	 its	 established	 high	 level	 of	 investment	 across	 the	
businesses. This is a multi-faceted approach.  A key feature is sustaining our creative and innovative product development 
programmes  across  the  Group,  which  also  results  in  us  owning,  unquestionably,  the  intellectual  property  rights  of 
products we develop, particularly important in the defence sector. We also relentlessly strive to improve customer service 
and support and upgrade plant and equipment as appropriate to ensure we remain at the forefront of manufacturing 
capability and efficiency. No less important is our investment in personnel, particularly with regard to retaining and 
recruiting top quality engineers, commercial staff, plus national and international marketeers, together with focused 
training and development to enhance their potential.

Outlook

We perceive that, with a sustained measure of prudence, we are continuing to move the business forward on an 

upward trajectory and are well positioned to support and develop opportunities for the Group. 

All	matters	considered	the	Board	recommends	the	payment	of	a	maintained	final	dividend	of	6.5p	per	share 
making the total for the year of 8.25p (2017-8p). The final dividend is expected to be paid on 24th July 2018 to those 
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 22nd June 2018.

Michael Bell
5th June 2018

3

 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
 
Directors

Directors

Executive

Michael	Bell	ARICS	(Executive	Chairman)
Michael	O¯Connell	FCA	(Finance)
Nicholas	Bell

Non-executive

Roger	Lane-Smith	-	Age 72
Appointed as a director on 21st January, 1983. He is a non-executive director of Timpson Group plc,
Appointed as a director on 21st January, 1983. He  is a  non-executive director of  Timpson Group plc, 
Lomond Capital Partners, Mostyn Estates Limited and a number of other private companies.  He is
Lomond Capital	Partners, Mostyn Estates Limited and a number of other private companies. He is also a 
also	a	Senior	Consultant	at	DLA	Pi er	UK	LLP.
Senior	Consultant	at	DLA	Piper	UK	LLP.

David	Pyle	-	Age	72
David	Pyle	- Age 72
Appointed an executived irectoro n9 th July, 1980. Hes tepped downa sa n executived irectoro n 27th
Appointed an executive director on 9th July, 1980. He  stepped down as an executive director on 27th 
April, 2013 and was appointed a non-executive director.

April, 2013 and was appointed a non-executive director.

David Hansell - Age 72
David Hansell - Age 72
Appointed a non executive director on 3rd June, 2014. David has been with MS INTERNATIONAL
Appointed a non executived irectoro n3 rd June, 2014. David has been with MS INTERNATIONAL
plc, working at MSI-Defence Systems Ltd since 1962, becoming managing director in 2002.

plc, working at MSI-Defence Systems Ltd since 1962, becoming managing director in 2002.

Company Secretary

David	Kirkup	FCA	

Registered Office
Balby	Carr	Bank
Doncaster
DN4 8DH
England

Company	Registration	Number	00653735

4

Advisors
Advisors

Independent Auditors                                                                                                                                
Independent Auditors                                                                                                          
Ernst & Young  LLP                                                                                                                  
Ernst	&	Young		LLP																																																																																																												
Citygate
Citygate
St James' Boulevard
St	James'	Boulevard
Newcastle 
Newcastle
NE1 4JD
NE1 4JD

Registrars and Transfer Office                                                                    
Registrars and Transfer Office                                                                   
Capita Registrars                                                                                                              
Link Asset Services
Capita	Registrars																																																																																																													
The Registry                                                                                                                
The	Registry																																																																																																															
34 Beckenham Road                                                                                                       
34	Beckenham	Road																																																																																																						
Beckenham                                                                                                                         
Beckenham																																																																																																																					
Kent                                                                                                                                 
Kent                                                                                                                          
BR3 4TU
BR3	4TU

Solicitors                                                                                                                    
Solicitors                                                                                                                   
DLA Piper UK LLP                                                                                                        
DLA	Piper	UK	LLP																																																																																																							
1 St. Peter's Square
1	St.	Peter's	Square
Manchester
Manchester
M2 3DE
M2 3DE

Nominated Advisors
Nominated Advisors
Shore Capital & Corporate Limited
Shore	Capital	&	Corporate	Limited
Bond Street House
Bond	Street	House
14 Clifford Street
14	Clifford	Street
London
London
W15 4JU
W15 4JU

Brokers
Brokers
Shore Capital & Corporate Limited
Shore	Capital	&	Corporate	Limited
Bond Street House
Bond	Street	House
14 Clifford Street
14	Clifford	Street
London
London
W15 4JU
W15 4JU

Bankers
Bankers
Lloyds Bank
Lloyds	Bank
First Floor
First Floor
14 Church Street
14	Church	Street
Sheffield
Sheffield
S1 1HP
S1 1HP

5

                                                                                                                                         
Strategic report

Business review

The Group is engaged in the design and manufacture of specialist engineering products and the provision 

of related services. 

A	 review	 of	 the	 operations	 of	 the	 Company	 and	 subsidiaries	 and	 their	 position	 at	 28th	April,	 2018	 are	

provided	in	the	Chairman’s	Statement.	

Segment	information	for	the	year	under	review	is	provided	in	note	4	“Segment	Information”	to	the	Group	

financial statements. 

Principal risks and uncertainties 

The	principal	risk	and	uncertainties	facing	the	Group	relate	to	levels	of	customer	demand	for	the	Group’s	
products	and	services.		Customer	demand	is	driven	mainly	by	general	economic	conditions	but	also	by	pricing,	
product	quality	and	delivery	performance	of	MS	INTERNATIONAL	plc	and	in	comparison	with	our	competitors.			

The	referendum	on	the	UK’s	membership	of	the	EU	increases	economic	and	operational	uncertainty.	 	

Sterling exchange rates against other currencies can influence pricing.  The principal financial risks and 

uncertainties	in	the	business	are	set	out	in	note	23	“Financial	Instruments”	to	these	Group	financial	statements.

Key performance indicators

Revenue
Profit	before	taxation
Earnings per share

2018
£000

 68,085 
 4,039 
 20.5p 

2017
£000

 53,823 
 1,526 
 9.1p 

Change
%
26.5
164.7
125.3

A	review	of	the	changes	in	the	key	performance	indicators	is	provided	in	the	Chairman’s	Statement. 

By	order	of	the	Board,

David Kirkup
Secretary

5th June, 2018

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of directors’ responsibilities

The	directors	are	responsible	for	preparing	the	Annual	Report	and	the	financial	statements	in	accordance	
with	 applicable	 United	 Kingdom	 law	 and	 regulations.	 Company	 law	 requires	 the	 directors	 to	 prepare	 such	
financial statements for each financial year. Under AIM rules, the directors are required to prepare Group financial 
statements	 under	 IFRSs	 as	 adopted	 by	 the	 European	 Union,	 and	 the	 directors’	 have	 elected	 to	 prepare	 Parent	
Company	financial	statements	under	IFRSs	as	adopted	by	the	European	Union.

Under company law the directors must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give 
a	true	and	fair	view	of	the	state	of	affairs	of	the	Group	and	Parent	Company	and	of	the	profit	or	loss	of	the	Group	
for that period.  In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to: 
•	 		

present	fairly	the	financial	position,	financial	performance	and	cash	flows	of	the	Group	and	Parent		
Company;

•	 		

select	suitable	accounting	policies	in	accordance	with	IAS	8:	Accounting	policies,	Changes	in	accounting		
Estimates	and	Errors	and	then	apply	them	consistently;

•	 		 make	judgements	that	are	reasonable;
•	 		

provide	additional	disclosures	when	compliance	with	the	specific	requirements	in	IFRSs	as	adopted	by		
the European Union is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions,  
other	events	and	conditions	on	the	Group	and	Parent	Company’s	financial	position	and	financial		
performance;	and

•	 		

state	whether	the	Group	and	Parent	Company	financial	statements	have	been	prepared	in	accordance		
with	IFRSs	as	adopted	by	the	European	Union,	subject	to	any	material	departures	disclosed	and		
explained in the financial statements.

The  directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  adequate  accounting  records  that  are  sufficient  to  show  and 
explain	 the	 Group	 and	 Parent	 Company’s	 transactions	 and	 disclose	 with	 reasonable	 accuracy	 at	 any	 time	 the	
financial	position	of	the	Group	and	Parent	Company	and	to	enable	them	to	ensure	that	the	financial	statements	
comply	with	the	Companies	Act	2006.	They	are	also	responsible	for	safeguarding	the	assets	of	the	Group	and	Parent	
Company	and	hence	for	taking	reasonable	steps	for	the	prevention	and	detection	of	fraud	and	other	irregularities.

The	maintenance	and	integrity	of	the	MS	INTERNATIONAL	plc	website	is	the	responsibily	of	the	directors.

7

	
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of MS INTERNATIONAL plc  

Opinion

In our opinion: 

•	 	 MS	INTERNATIONAL	plc’s	group	financial	statements	and	parent	company	financial	statements	(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	28	April	2018	and	of	the	group’s	profit	for	the	year	then	ended;

•	 	

the	group	financial	statements	have	been	properly	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRSs	as	adopted	by	the		

	 European	Union;		

•	 	

•	 	

Group 

the	parent	company	financial	statements	have	been	properly	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRSs	as		 	
adopted	by	the	European	Union	and	as	applied	in	accordance	with	the	provisions	of	the	Companies	Act;		
and

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

We have audited the financial statements of which comprise:

Parent company 

Consolidated	income	statement	for	the	52	weeks	ended	
28 April 2018

Consolidated	statement	of	comprehensive	income	for	
the 52 weeks ended 28 April 2018

Statement of comprehensive income for the 52 weeks 
ended 28 April 2018

Consolidated	statement	of	changes	in	equity	for	the	52	
weeks ended 28 April 2018

Statement of changes in equity for the 52 weeks 
ended 28 April 2018

Consolidated	statement	of	financial	position	as	at	28	
April 2018

Statement of financial position as at 28 April 2018

Consolidated	statement	of	cash	flows	for	the	52	weeks	
ended 28 April 2018

Statement of cash flows for the 52 weeks ended 28 
April 2018

Related	notes	1	to	29	to	the	financial	statements,	
including a summary of significant accounting policies

Related	notes	1	to	29	to	the	financial	statements	
including a summary of significant accounting 
policies

The  financial  reporting  framework  that  has  been  applied  in  their  preparation  is  applicable  law  and 
International	Financial	Reporting	Standards	(IFRSs)	as	adopted	by	the	European	Union	and,	as	regards	to	the	
parent	company	financial	statements,	as	applied	in	accordance	with	the	provisions	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 below. We are independent of the group and 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.

8

 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of MS INTERNATIONAL plc
Continued

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 

Key audit matters

Audit scope

Materiality 

Key audit matters  

•	 Revenue	recognition	–	cut	off.
•	 Revenue	recognition	–	contracts	(Defence	and	Petrol	

Station Superstructures divisions). 

•	 We  performed  an  audit  of  the  complete  financial 
information of 5 components and audit procedures on 
specific balances for a further 2 components.

•	 The components where we performed full or specific 
audit procedures accounted for 88% of Gross Margin, 
93%	of	Revenue	and	98%	of	Total	Assets.

•	 Overall  group  materiality  of  £378k  (2017:  £299k) 
which represents 2% (2017: 2%) of Gross Margin. 

Key  audit  matters  are  those  matters  that,  in  our  professional  judgment,  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 which had 
the	greatest	effect	on:	the	overall	audit	strategy,	the	allocation	of	resources	in	the	audit;	and	directing	the	efforts	
of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as 
a whole, and in our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Risk

Our response to the risk

Revenue recognition – cut off

(£68m, PY: £54m)  

•	 We performed walkthroughs to understand the key processes 

and identify key controls.

Refer to Accounting 
policies; and Note 3 of the 
Consolidated Financial 
Statements

•	 We  performed  procedures  using  EY  bespoke  data  analytics 
tools to test the appropriateness of journal entries recorded 
in the general ledger by correlating sales postings with cash 
receipts	(except	Defence	and	Petrol	Station	Superstructures,	
see contract risk below).

Key observations 
communicated to  
the Audit Committee 

Based	on	
our audit 
procedures we 
have concluded 
that revenue is 
appropriately 
recognised, and 
that there was 
no evidence of 
management 
bias.

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of MS INTERNATIONAL plc
Continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

Key observations 
communicated to  
the Audit Committee 

There is potential 
for material 
misstatement within 
revenue, particularly 
in relation to revenue 
being recorded in the 
wrong period, due 
to cut off errors or 
management bias.

•	 We tested whether revenue was recorded in the correct period 
by testing whether a sample of sales recorded within 2 weeks 
either side of the year end had transferred ownership to the 
customer.

•	 We validated any material manual journals to assess for any 
evidence of management bias by corroborating to supporting 
documentation.

•	 We tested whether revenue was recorded in the correct period 
by testing whether a sample of sales recorded within 2 weeks 
either side of the year end had transferred ownership to the 
customer.

•	 We validated any material manual journals to assess for any 
evidence of management bias by corroborating to supporting 
documentation.

•	 We  assessed  the  adequacy  of  the  related  disclosures  in  the 

Financial Statements.

•	 We  performed  full  and  specific  scope  audit  procedures  over 
this risk area in 7 locations, which covered 92% of the risk 
amount.  We  also  performed  review  procedures  over  the 
Revenue	in	5	locations,	which	covered	8%	of	the	risk	amount.

Revenue recognition 
– Contracts (Defence 
and Petrol Station 
Superstructures 
divisions) (£34.1m, PY: 
£34.5m)

We have performed the following procedures over this risk area:

•	 We performed walkthroughs to understand the key processes 

and identify key controls.

•	 We reviewed the accounting policies used in conjunction with 
the group policy and International Accounting Standards.

Based	on	our	audit	
procedures we have 
concluded that 
revenue recognition 
in relation to 
accounting for long 
term contracts has 
been recognised 
appropriately.

Refer to Accounting 
policies; and Note 3 
of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements

•	 We  agreed  the  key  terms  of  each  significant  contract  to 
the  agreement  and  considered  the  accounting  treatment  of 
progress payments, retentions and point of sale.

•	 We  critically  assessed  the  appropriateness  of  any  key 

assumptions or estimates used.

There is potential 
for material 
misstatement within 
revenue, particularly 
in relation to 
contract margins and 
recognition, due to 
error or management 
bias.

•	 We performed detailed cut-off testing as described above. 
•	 We validated any material manual journals to assess for any 
evidence of management bias by corroborating to supporting 
documentation. 

•	 We  assessed  the  adequacy  of  the  related  disclosures  in  the 

Financial Statements. 

•	 We  performed  full  and  specific  scope  audit  procedures  over 
this risk area in 2 locations, which covered 100% of the risk 
amount. 

The above risks are consistent with our approach in the prior year and no changes to our rationale have 

been made.  

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of MS INTERNATIONAL plc
Continued

An overview of the scope of our audit  

Tailoring the scope

Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality 
determine our audit scope for each entity within the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on 
the	consolidated	financial	statements.	We	take	into	account	size,	risk	profile,	the	organisation	of	the	group	and	
effectiveness  of  group-wide  controls,  changes  in  the  business  environment  and  other  factors  such  as  history  of 
misstatements identified when assessing the level of work to be performed at each entity. 

In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group financial statements, and to ensure we had 
adequate quantitative coverage of significant accounts in the financial statements, of the 12 reporting components 
of	 the	 Group,	 we	 selected	 7	 components	 covering	 entities	 within	 the	 United	 Kingdom,	 USA,	 Poland	 and	 the	
Netherlands, which represent the principal business units within the Group.   

Of the 7 components selected, we performed an audit of the complete financial information of 5 components 
(“full	 scope	 components”)	 which	 were	 selected	 based	 on	 their	 size	 or	 risk	 characteristics.	 For	 the	 remaining	 2	
components	 (“specific	 scope	 components”),	 we	 performed	 audit	 procedures	 on	 specific	 accounts	 within	 that	
component that we considered had the potential for the greatest impact on the significant accounts in the financial 
statements	either	because	of	the	size	of	these	accounts	or	their	risk	profile.			

The  reporting  components  where  we  performed  audit  procedures  accounted  for  88%  (2017:  94%)  of  the 
Group’s	Gross	Margin,	93%	(2017:	95%)	of	the	Group’s	Revenue	and	98%	(2017:	98%)	of	the	Group’s	Total	Assets.	
For	the	current	year,	the	full	scope	components	contributed	80%	(2017:	84%)	of	the	Group’s	Gross	Margin,	82%	
(2017:	82%)	of	the	Group’s	Revenue	and	86%	(2017:	84%)	of	the	Group’s	Total	Assets.	The	remaining	contribution	
relates to the 2 specific scope components. The audit scope of these components may not have included testing of all 
significant accounts of the component but will have contributed to the coverage of significant tested for the Group.  
We also performed review scope procedures over 5 locations. 

Of	 the	 remaining	 5	 components	 that	 together	 represent	 12%	 of	 the	 Group’s	 Gross	 Margin,	 none	 are	
individually	greater	than	5%	of	the	Group’s	Gross	Margin.	For	these	components,	we	performed	other	procedures,	
including  analytical  review,  testing  of  consolidation  journals,  intercompany  eliminations  and  foreign  currency 
translation  recalculations  to  respond  to  any  potential  risks  of  material  misstatement  to  the  Group  financial 
statements. 

Changes from the prior year  

The	 only	 change	 in	 scoping	 from	 prior	 year	 is	 that	 Petrol	 Sign	 Limited	 is	 a	 specific	 scope	 component	

compared to prior year when this was a review scope component. 

Involvement with component teams    

All audit work performed for the purposes of the audit was undertaken by the Group audit team. 

Our application of materiality   

We  apply  the  concept  of  materiality  in  planning  and  performing  the  audit,  in  evaluating  the  effect  of 

identified misstatements on the audit and in forming our audit opinion.   

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of MS INTERNATIONAL plc
Continued

Materiality 

The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a basis for 
determining the nature and extent of our audit procedures. 

We determined our initial materiality at the audit planning date, for the Group to be £378k (2017: £299k), 
which is based upon 2% (2017: 2%) of Gross Margin. We believe that Gross Margin provides us with a basis for 
determining materiality as it is the most relevant performance measure to the stakeholders of the Group. 

We	determined	materiality	for	the	Parent	Company	to	be	£189k	(2017:	£149k),	which	is	1%	(2017:	1%)	of	

Gross Margin.   

During the course of our audit, we reassessed the initial materiality and concluded that it was not necessary 

to change the final materiality from our original assessment. 

Performance materiality 

The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level.  It is set at an amount to reduce to 
an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds 
materiality. 

On	the	basis	of	our	risk	assessments,	together	with	our	assessment	of	the	Group’s	overall	control	environment,	
our judgement was that performance materiality was 50% (2017: 50%) of our planning materiality, namely £189k 
(2017: £149k).  We have set performance materiality at this percentage due to prior year misstatements exceeding 
25% of materiality which increases the risk of misstatements in the current year. 

Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining audit coverage over significant financial 
statement  accounts  is  undertaken  based  on  a  percentage  of  total  performance  materiality.  The  performance 
materiality set for each component is based on the relative scale and risk of the component to the Group as a whole 
and our assessment of the risk of misstatement at that component.  In the current year, the range of performance 
materiality allocated to components was £38k to £189k (2017: £37k to £149k).   

Reporting threshold 

An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial. 

We	agreed	with	the	Audit	Committee	that	we	would	report	to	them	all	uncorrected	audit	differences	in	
excess of £19k (2017: £15k), which is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as differences below that threshold 
that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

We  evaluate  any  uncorrected  misstatements  against  both  the  quantitative  measures  of  materiality 

discussed above and in light of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion. 

Other information 

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial 

statements	and	our	auditor’s	report	thereon.		The	directors	are	responsible	for	the	other	information.				

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent 

otherwise explicitly stated in this 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  the  other  information,  we  are 
required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of MS INTERNATIONAL plc
Continued

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 

•	 		

•	 		

the	information	given	in	the	strategic	report	and	the	directors’	report	for	the	financial	year	for	which	the		
financial	statements	are	prepared	is	consistent	with	the	financial	statements;	and	

the	strategic	report	and	directors’	report	have	been	prepared	in	accordance	with	applicable	legal		
requirements.   

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the 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.	

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 

As	explained	more	fully	in	the	statement	of	directors’	responsibilities,	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 and 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	 https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.	 This	 description	 forms	
part	of	our	auditor’s	report.

13

 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of MS INTERNATIONAL plc
Continued

Use of our report 

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.   

Sandra Thompson  
(Senior statutory auditor) 
for	and	on	behalf	of	Ernst	&	Young	LLP,	 
Statutory Auditor 
Newcastle

5th June, 2018  

Notes:   

1. 

The  maintenance  and  integrity  of  the  MS  INTERNATIONAL  plc  web  site  is  the  responsibility  of  the 
directors;	 the	 work	 carried	 out	 by	 the	 auditors	 does	 not	 involve	 consideration	 of	 these	 matters	 and,	
accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial 
statements since they were initially presented on the web site. 

2. 

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements  

  may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.  

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15

16

Consolidated and company statements of financial position 

At 28th April, 2018

17

Consolidated and company cash flow statements  

For the 52 weeks ended 28th April, 2018

18

 
 
Notes to the financial statements

For the 52 weeks ended 28th April, 2018

1 

Authorisation of financial statements and statement of compliance with IFRSs 

The	 Group’s	 and	 Company’s	 financial	 statements	 of	 MS	 INTERNATIONAL	 plc	 (the	 ‘Company’)	 for	 the	
year ended 28th April, 2018 were authorised for issue by the board of the directors on 5th June, 2018  and the 
statements	 of	 financial	 position	 were	 signed	 on	 the	 board’s	 behalf	 by	 Michael	 Bell	 and	 Michael	 O’Connell.	 MS	
INTERNATIONAL	 plc	 is	 a	 public	 limited	 company	 incorporated	 and	 domiciled	 in	 England	 and	 Wales.	 The	
Company’s	Ordinary	shares	are	traded	on	the	AIM	market	of	the	London	Stock	Exchange.

The	 Group’s	 and	 Company’s	 financial	 statements	 have	 been	 prepared	 in	 accordance	 with	 International	
Financial	Reporting	Standards	as	adopted	by	the	EU	as	they	apply	to	the	financial	statements	of	the	Group	and	
Company	for	the	year	ended	28th	April,	2018	applied	in	accordance	with	the	provisions	of	the	Companies	Act	2006.	

The	 Company	 has	 taken	 advantage	 of	 the	 exemption	 provided	 under	 section	 408	 of	 the	 Companies	Act	

2006 not to publish its individual income statement and related notes.

2 

Accounting policies

Accounting policies

The consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and all values are rounded to the 

nearest thousand (£000) except when otherwise indicated.

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make  judgements,  estimates  and 
assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities as at the statement of financial position date 
and the amounts reported for revenues and expenses during the year. However, the nature of estimation means 
that  actual  outcomes  could  differ  from  those  estimates.  The  following  estimates  have  had  the  most  significant 
effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements: 

Defined benefit pension obligations

Measurement of defined benefits obligations requires estimation of future changes in salaries and inflation, 

as well as mortality rates and the selection of a suitable discount rate (see note 21). 

Contract sales

Assessment of the extent to which contract outcomes and costs to complete can be measured reliabily. 

Impairment of non-financial assets 

The	Group’s	impairment	test	for	goodwill	and	intangible	assets	with	indefinite	useful	lives	is	based	either	
on fair value less costs to sell or a value in use calculation. The fair value less costs to sell calculation is based 
on	available	data	from	binding	sales	transactions	in	an	arm’s	length	transaction	on	similar	assets	or	observable	
market prices less incremental costs for disposing of the asset. The value in use calculation is based on a discounted  
cash flow model. 

Basis of consolidation 

The	consolidated	financial	statements	comprises	the	financial	statements	of	MS	INTERNATIONAL	plc	
and its subsidiaries  as at  the Saturday nearest to  the 30th April each period.   The  financial  statements of the 
subsidiaries	 are	 prepared	 for	 the	 same	 reporting	 period	 as	 the	 parent	 Company,	 using	 consistent	 accounting	
policies. 

All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses and profits and losses resulting from intra-

Group transactions that are recognised in assets, are eliminated in full. 

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains 

control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. 

19

	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

Change in accounting policies

There  were  no  changes  in  accounting  policies  during  the  year  or  in  the  prior  year  which  impacted  the 

group.   

The Company’s investments in subsidiaries 

In	 its	 separate	 financial	 statements	 the	 Company’s	 investments	 in	 subsidiaries	 are	 carried	 at	 cost	 less	

provision for impairment. 

Foreign currency translation

The	consolidated	financial	statements	are	presented	in	pounds	sterling	which	is	the	Company’s	functional	
and presentation currency. Each entity in the Group determines its own functional currency and items included 
in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency. Transactions in foreign 
currencies are initially recorded at the functional currency rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency rate of exchange 
ruling at the statement of financial position date. All differences are taken to the income statement.   Non-monetary 
items measured at fair value in foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair 
value was determined.  

The	 main	 functional	 currencies	 of	 the	 Group’s	 overseas	 subsidiaries	 are	 the	 US$,	 the	 Euro,	 the	 Polish	
Zloty	and	the	Brazilian	Real.	As	at	the	reporting	date,	the	assets	and	liabilities	of	the	overseas	subsidiaries	are	
translated into the presentation currency of the Group at the rate of exchange ruling at the statement of financial 
position date and their income statements are translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the year.  
The exchange differences arising on the retranslation are taken directly to a separate component of equity. On 
disposal of a foreign entity, the deferred cumulative amount recognised in equity relating to that particular foreign 
operation is recognised in the income statement. 

Property, plant and equipment

Plant	and	equipment	is	stated	at	cost	less	accumulated	depreciation	and	accumulated	impairment	losses.	

Such cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. 

Land and buildings are recognised initially at cost and thereafter carried at fair value less depreciation 
and  impairment  charged  subsequent  to  the  date  of  the  revaluation.  Fair  value  is  based  on  periodic  valuations 
by an external independent valuer and is determined from  market-based evidence by appraisal. Valuations are 
performed frequently enough to ensure that the fair value of a revalued asset does not differ materially from its 
carrying amount. 

Any revaluation surplus is credited to the revaluation reserve in equity except to the extent that it reverses 
a decrease in the carrying value of the same asset previously recognised in profit or loss, in which case the increase 
is recognised in the income statement. A revaluation deficit is recognised in the income statement, except to the 
extent of any existing surplus in respect of that asset in the revaluation reserve. 

Additionally,  accumulated  depreciation  as  at  revaluation  date  is  eliminated  against  the  gross  carrying 
amount  of  the  asset  and  the  net  amount  is  restated  to  the  revalued  amount  of  the  asset.  Upon  disposal  any 
revaluation reserve relating to the particular asset being sold is transferred to retained earnings. 

Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment, other than freehold land, at rates calculated 
to write off the cost, less estimated residual value based on prices prevailing at the statement of financial position 
date, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life as follows:  

Property	other	than	freehold	land	–	over	50	years	
Plant	and	equipment	–	over	3	to	10	years	

The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes 

in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.   

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

Intangible assets 

Intangible  assets  acquired  separately  are  measured  at  cost  on  initial  recognition.  Following  initial 
recognition,  intangible  assets  are  carried  at  cost  less  any  accumulated  amortisation  and  impairment  losses. 
Internally generated intangible assets, excluding capitalised development costs, are not capitalised and expenditure 
is reflected in the income statement in the year in which the expenditure is incurred. The useful lives of intangible 
assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite. 

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the useful economic life and assessed for impairment 
whenever  there  is  an  indication  that  the  intangible  asset  may  be  impaired.  The  amortisation  period  and  the 
amortisation	method	are	reviewed	at	least	at	each	financial	year	end.	Changes	in	the	expected	useful	life	or	the	
expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset is accounted for by changing 
the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates.

The useful economic lives of each intangible asset with finite lives are as follows:- 

Tradename	–	over	10	to	20	years	

Design	database	–	over	10	years	

Customer	relationships	–	over	8	to	10	years	

Software	costs	–	over	3	to	5	years	

Non-	compete	agreement	–	over	3	years	

Order	backlog	–	over	1	year	

Development	costs	–	over	5	years	

The  only  intangible  assets  with  indefinite  useful  lives  are  goodwill  and  these  assets  are  tested  for 
impairment annually either individually or at the cash generating unit level  and are not amortised. The useful life 
of an intangible asset with an indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine whether indefinite life assessment 
continues to be supportable. If not, the change in the useful life assessment from indefinite to finite is made on a 
prospective basis.  

Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between 
the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the income statement when 
the asset is derecognised.  

Derivative financial instruments and hedging 

The  Group  uses  derivative  financial  instruments  such  as  forward  currency  contracts  to  hedge  its  risks 
associated  with  foreign  currency  fluctuations.  Derivative  financial  instruments  are  initially  recognised  at  fair 
value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. 
Derivatives are carried as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities when the fair value is negative. 

The fair value of forward currency contracts is calculated by reference to current forward exchange rates 

for contracts with similar maturity profiles.  

A hedge of the foreign currency risk of a firm commitment is accounted for as a cash flow hedge. 

Any gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of derivatives are taken to the income statement, 

as hedge accounting is not applied. 

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of historic cost and net realisable value. 
Costs	 incurred	 in	 bringing	 each	 product	 to	 its	 present	 location	 and	 condition	 is	 accounted	 for	 as	
follows: 
Raw	materials	—	purchase	cost	on	a	first-in,	first-out	basis.	
Finished	goods	and	work	in	progress	—	cost	of	direct	materials	and	labour	and	a	proportion	of	manufacturing	
overheads based on normal operating capacity but excluding borrowing costs.  
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs 
necessary to make the sale. 
Progress	 payments	 received	 and	 receivable	 are	 deducted	 from	 the	 value	 of	 raw	 materials	 and	 work	 in	
progress to which they relate.  Any excess progress payments are included in trade and other payables. 

Trade and other receivables

Trade  receivables,  which  generally  have  30  days  terms,  are  recognised  and  carried  at  original  invoice 
amount	less	an	allowance	for	any	uncollectable	amounts.	Provision	is	made	when	there	is	objective	evidence	that	
the	Group	may	not	be	able	to	collect	the	debts.		Bad	debts	are	written	off	when	identified.	

Treasury shares 

Own	shares	held	by	the	Company	and	Group	are	classified	in	equity	and	are	recognised	at	cost.		No	gain	or	

loss	is	recognised		on	the	purchase,	sale,	issue	or	cancellation	of	the	Group’s	own	equity	instruments.		

Cash and cash equivalents  

Cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents	 in	 the	 statement	 of	 finanical	 position	 comprise	 cash	 at	 bank,	 on	 short	 term	

deposit and in hand. 

For the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and 

cash equivalents as defined above. 

Pension schemes 

The cost of providing benefits under the defined benefit plan is determined using the projected unit credit 
method, which attributes entitlement to benefits to the current period (to determine current service cost) and to the 
current and prior periods (to determine the present value of defined benefit obligation) and is based on actuarial 
advice.	Past	service	costs	are	recognised	in	the	income	statement	immediately.	When	a	settlement	(eliminating	
all obligations for benefits already accrued) or a curtailment (reducing future obligations as a result of a material 
reduction in the scheme membership or a reduction in future entitlement) occurs the obligation and related plan 
assets are remeasured using current actuarial assumptions and the resultant gain or loss recognised in the income 
statement during the period in which the settlement or curtailment occurs. 

The interest element of the defined benefit cost represents the change in present value of scheme obligations 
resulting from the passage of time, and is determined by applying the discount rate to the opening present value 
of	the	benefit	obligation,	taking	into	account	material	changes	in	the	obligation	during	the	year.	Remeasurement	
gains and losses are recognised in full in the statement of recognised income and expense in the period in which 
they  occur. Actual  gains/losses  less  amount  included  in  net  interest  costs  are  included  in  other  comprehensive 
income.  

The  defined  benefit  pension  asset  or  liability  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  comprises  the  total 
for each plan of the present value of the defined benefit obligation (using a discount rate based on high quality 
corporate bonds) less the fair value of plan assets out of which the obligations are to be settled directly. Fair value 
is based on market price information and in the case of quoted securities is the published bid price. The value of a 
net pension benefit asset is restricted to the sum of the present value of any amount the Group  expects to recover 
by way of refunds from the plan or reductions in the future contributions.

Contributions	 to	 defined	 contribution	 schemes	 are	 recognised	 in	 the	 income	 statement	 in	 the	 period	 in	

which they become payable. 

22

 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

Business combinations

Business	 combinations	 are	 accounted	 for	 using	 the	 acquisition	 method.	 The	 cost	 of	 an	 acquisition	 is	
measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount 
of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. The choice of measurement of non-controlling interest, either at 
fair	value	or	at	the	proportionate	share	of	the	acquiree’s	identifiable	net	assets	is	determined	on	a	transaction	by	
transaction basis. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed and included in administrative expenses. 

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate 
classification and designation in accordance with the  contractual  terms,  economic circumstances  and pertinent 
conditions as at the acquisition date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts by the 
acquiree.  

Any  contingent  consideration  to  be  transferred  by  the  acquirer  will  be  recognised  at  fair  value  at  the 
acquisition  date.  Subsequent  changes  to  the  fair  value  of  the  contingent  consideration  which  is  deemed  to  be 
an  asset  or  liability  will  be  recognised  in  accordance  with  IAS  39  either  in  the  income  statement  or  in  other 
comprehensive  income. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it should not be remeasured until it 
is finally settled within equity.  

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of 
the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for the non-controlling interest (and where the business 
combination	is	achieved	in	stages,	the	acquisition-date	fair	value	of	the	acquirer’s	previously	held	equity	interest	
in the acquiree) over the net identifiable amounts of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in exchange 
for  the  business  combination. Assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  in  transactions  separate  to  the  business 
combinations, such as the settlement of pre-existing relationships or post-acquisition remuneration arrangements 
are  accounted  for  separately  from  the  business  combination  in  accordance  with  their  nature  and  applicable 
IFRSs.	Identifiable	intangible	assets,	meeting	either	the	contractual-legal	or	separability	criterion	are	recognised	
separately	from	goodwill.		Contingent	liabilities	representing	a	present	obligation	are	recognised	if	the	acquisition-	
date fair value can be measured reliably. 

If  the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised 
for the non-controlling interest (and where the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition-date 
fair	value	of	the	acquirer’s	previously	held	equity	interest	in	the	acquiree)	is	lower	than	the	fair	value	of	the	assets,	
liabilities and contingent liabilities and the fair value of any pre-existing interest held in the business acquired, 
the difference is recognised in the income statement. 

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the 
purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated 
to	each	of	the	Group’s	cash-generating	units	(or	Groups	of	cash	generating	units)	that	are	expected	to	benefit	from	
the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units. Each 
unit or group of units to which goodwill is allocated shall represent the lowest level within the entity at which 
the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes and not be larger than an operating segment before 
aggregation. 

Where goodwill forms part of a cash-generating unit and part of the operation within that unit  is disposed 
of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when 
determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is measured 
based on the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.  

23

 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

Revenue 

Revenue	represents	the	turnover,	net	of	discounts,	derived	from	services	provided	to	customers	and	sales	

of products applicable to the period. 

Revenue	is	recognised	to	the	extent	that	it	is	probable	that	the	economic	benefits	will	flow	to	the	Group	and	
the revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue 
is recognised. 

Revenue,	in	respect	of	products,	is	recognised	when	the	significant	risks	and	rewards	of	ownership	of	the	
goods have passed to the buyer and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, this is usually on despatch. 

Revenue	from	the	provision	of	engineering	services	is	recognised	as	the	work	is	performed.	

Contract	sales	are	recognised	by	reference	to	the	stage	of	completion.		Stage	of	completion	is	measured by 
reference to the value of cost completed as a percentage of the total estimated value of the costs of the contract.  
Where  the  contract  outcome  cannot  be  measured  reliably  revenue  is  recognised  only  to  the  extent  of  the  costs 
recognised that are recoverable.

Government grants

Government  grants  are  recognised  where  there  is  reasonable  assurance  that  the  grant  will  be  received 
and all attaching conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognised 
as income over the period necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the costs that it is intended to 
compensate. Where the grant relates to an asset, the fair value is credited to a deferred income account and is 
released to the income statement over the expected useful life of the relevant asset by equal annual instalments. 

Taxes 

Income tax is charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or equity if it relates to items that 
are credited or charged to, respectively, other comprehensive income or equity. Otherwise income tax is recognised 
in the income statement.

Current tax

Current	tax	assets	and	liabilities	for	the	current	and	prior	periods	are	measured	at	the	amount	expected	to	
be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are 
those that are enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date. 

Deferred tax

Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 

liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements, with the following exceptions: 

•	   

•	   

•	   

where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in  
a transaction that is not a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither  
accounting	nor	taxable	profit	or	loss;	

in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates  
and joint ventures, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and  
it	is	probable	that	the	temporary	differences	will	not	reverse	in	the	foreseeable	future;	and	

deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be  
available against which the deductible temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses  
can	be	utilised;		

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are 
expected to apply when the related asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or 
substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date. 

24

 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

Dividends payable

Dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. In the case of interim dividends this is when 

paid, in the case of final dividends this is when approved by the shareholders.  

Share-based payments 

The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value 
of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted and is recognised as an expense over the vesting 
period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Judgement 
is required in determining the most appropriate valuation model for a grant of equity instruments, depending on 
the terms and conditions of the grant. Management are also required to use judgement in determining the most 
appropriate inputs to the valuation model including expected life of the option, volatility and dividend yield.  

International Accounting Standards (IAS / IFRSs)

New	standards	and	interpretations	not	applied	–	The	IASB	and	IFRIC	have	issued	the	following	standards,	

amendments and interpretations with an effective date after the date of these financial statements: 

1. 

The	effective	dates	stated	above	are	those	given	in	the	original	IASB/IFRIC	standards	and		
interpretations.	As	the	Group	prepares	its	financial	statements	in	accordance	with	IFRS	as	adopted	by		
the European Union, the application of new standards and interpretations will be subject to their having  
being endorsed for use in the EU via the EU endorsement mechanism. In the majority of cases, this will  
result in an effective date consistent with that given in the original standard or interpretation but the  
need	for	endorsements	restricts	the	Group’s	discretion	to	early	adopt	standards.

The Group has adopted all applicable amendments to standards with an effective date from 1 April 2017.  

Adoption of these standards did not have any material impact on financial performance or position of the Group.

The Group is currently considering the implication of these new standards with the expected impact upon 

the Group as follows: 

IFRS	15	Revenue	from	contracts	with	customers	will	be	effective	and	will	be	applied	by	the	Group	from	1	
January	2018.		Currently	the	Group	recognises	revenue	on	contracts	within	the	Petrol	Station	Structure	Division	
based	on	the	stage	of	completion	of	site	activity.		On	applying	IFRS	15	revenue	on	these	contracts	will	be	recognised	
at the end of the contract.  This will have an effect on the timing of recognising revenue and profits.  There would 
be no impact on cash flows.

If	IFRS	15	had	been	applied	to	the	periods	ended	28th	April,	2018	and	29th	April,	2017	then	revenue	would	
have  been  reduced  for  2018  by  £259,000  and  for  2017  by  £229,000  and  profit  before  taxation  would  have  been 
reduced for 2018 by £75,000 and for 2017 by £69,000.   

Revenue	and	profits	in	all		other	divisions	in	the	Group	would	not	be	impacted	by	IFRS	15.	

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
		
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
	
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

4 

Segment Information

The  following  table  presents  revenue  and  profit  and  certain  assets  and  liability  information  regarding 
the	 Group’s	 divisions	 for	 the	 periods	 ended	 28th	 April,	 2018	 and	 29th	 April,	 2017.	 	 The	 reporting	 format	
is  determined  by  the  differences  in  manufacture  and  services  provided  by  the  Group.  The  Defence  division  is 
engaged in the design, manufacture and service of defence equipment.  The Forgings division is engaged in the 
manufacture	 of	 forgings.	 The	 Petrol	 Station	 Superstructures	 division	 is	 engaged	 in	 the	 design,	 manufacture,	
construction,	 branding,	 maintenance	 and	 restyling	 of	 petrol	 station	 superstructures.	 	 The	 Petrol	 Station	
Branding	 division	 is	 engaged	 in	 the	 design	 and	 installation	 of	 the	 complete	 appearance	 of	 petrol	 stations. 

Management  monitors  the  operating  results  of  its  business  units  separately  for  the  purpose  of  making 
decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment.  Group financing (including finance costs and 
finance revenue) and income taxes are managed on a group basis and are not allocated to operating segments.

26

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

4 

Segment Information (continued)

Unallocated assets includes certain fixed assets, intangible assets, current assets and deferred tax assets. 

Unallocated liabilities includes  the defined pension benefit scheme liability and certain current liabilities.

Geographical analysis

The following table presents revenue and expenditure and certain assets and liabilities information by 

geographical	segment	for	the	periods	ended	28th	April,	2018	and	29th	April,	2017.		The	Group’s	geographical	
segments	are	based	on	the	location	of	the	Group’s	assets.		Revenue	from	external	customers	is	based	on	the	
geographical location of its customers. 

Revenue
External

Non-current assets
Current	assets
Liabilities

Capital	expenditure

Europe

North America

Total

2018
£000

2017
£000

2018
£000

2017
£000

2018
£000

2017
£000

2018
£000

2017
£000

50,717 45,599

5,919

6,072

11,449

2,152

68,085 53,823

22,525 21,230
41,223 35,911 
31,473 29,163 

4,164
1,321
4,681

4,351
1,213
4,922

62
846
587

91
766
436

26,751 25,672
43,390 37,890
36,741 34,521

802

992

304

3,149

-

24

1,106

4,165

Information about major customers
Revenue	from	major	customers	arising	from	sales	reported	in	the	Defence	segment:

Customer	1
Customer	1

Revenue	from	major	customers	arising	from	sales	reported	in	the	Petrol	Station	 
Branding	segment:	

Customer	1

2018
£000
7,137
  -

2017
£000
-
9,065 

14,761

  -  

27

 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

5 

Group operating profit

This is stated after charging:
Audit of the financial statements
Other fees for auditors

Other assurance services
Taxation services
Depreciation - owned assets
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of uncertain indirect tax receivable
Foreign exchange gains
Hire of plant and machinery
Other operating leases - minimum lease payments
Cost	of	inventories	recognised	as	an	expense
Research	and	development	costs

6

Employee Information

The average number of employees, including executive directors,  
during the period was:   
Production
Technical
Distribution
Administration

(a) 

Staff costs
Including executive directors, employment costs were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social Security costs
Other pension costs     

(b) 

Directors’ emoluments

Aggregate directors' emoluments (note 27)
Post	employment	benefits

Director's emoluments are considered further within
the	Directors’	remuneration	report	presented	on	pages	57	to	59.

7

8

Finance revenue

Bank	interest

Finance costs

Bank	interest
Other

28

2018
£000
109

23
70
1,266
507
615
147
1,749
44
37,027
1,120

2017
£000
92

21
54
1,105
535
  -
240
1,212
44
29,857
1,529

2018
Number

2017
Number

251
69
33
78

431

2018
£000
16,029
1,850
637

18,516

2018
£000
1,431
37

1,468

2018
£000
51

51

2018
£000
82
  -

82

234
65
30
80

409

2017
£000
12,764
1,355
398

14,517

2017
£000
1,152
31

1,183

2017
£000
33

33

2017
£000
26
5

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

-

29

Notes to the financial statements

Continued

10 

Earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on:

(a)			Profit	for	the	period	attributable	to	equity	holders	of	the	parent	of	£3,386,000	(2017	-	£1,498,000)

.

.

(b)

16,504,691 (2017 - 16,504,691) Ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of Ordinary shares 
in issue.

This represents 18,396,073 (2017 - 18,396,073) being the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in 
issue less 1,891,382 (2017 - less 1,891,382) being the weighted average number of shares both held within 
the	ESOT	245,048	(2017	-	245,048)	and	purchased	by	the	Company	1,646,334	(2017	-	1,646,334).

11

Dividends paid and proposed

Declared and paid during the year
On Ordinary shares
Final dividend for 2017 : 6.50p  (2016 - 6.50p)
Interim dividend for 2018 : 1.75p (2017 - 1.50p)

Proposed	for	approval	by	shareholders	at	the	AGM 
Final dividend for 2018 : 6.50p (2017 - 6.50p)

2018
£000

1,073
289

1,362

2017
£000

1,073
247

1,320

1,073

1,073 

30

Notes to the financial statements

Continued

12

(a)

Property, plant and equipment

Group
Cost	or	valuation
At 30th April, 2016
Additions
Disposals
Exchange differences

At 29th April, 2017
Additions
Disposals
Revaluatio
n
Exchange differences

At 28th April, 2018

Accumulated depreciation
At 30th April, 2016
Depreciation charge for the period
Disposals
Exchange differences

At 29th April, 2017
Depreciation charge for the period
Disposals
Revaluation
Exchange differences

Freehold 
property

Plant	and	
equipment

£000

£000

13,092 
2,727 
  - 
191 

16,010 
  - 
  - 
,555 
(31)

 1

14,519 
 1 ,438
 (404)
198 

15,751
,106
 1
 (1,182)

  -  

(139)

Total

£000

27,611 
4,165 
(404)
389 

31,761 
1,106 
(1,182)
1,555 
(170)

17,534 

15,536 

33,070 

355 
185 
  - 
17 

557 
287 
  - 
(497)
7 

11,301 
920 
 (299)
183 

12,105 
979 
 (1,138)

  -  
4 

11,656 
1,105 
(299)
200 

12,662 
1,266 
(1,138)
(497)
11 

At 28th April, 2018

354 

11,950 

12,304 

Net book value at 28th April, 2018

Net book value at 29th April, 2017

Analysis of cost or valuation
At professional valuation 2018
At cost

At 28th April, 2018

Analysis of cost or valuation
At professional valuation 2014
At cost

At 29th April, 2017

17,180 

3,586 

15,453 

3,646 

17,534 
  - 

  -  
 15,536 

17,534 

15,536 

12,221 
3,789 

  -  
15,751 

16,010 

15,751 

20,766 

19,099 

17,534 
15,536 

33,070 

12,221 
19,540 

31,761 

31

 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

(c) 

Depreciation has not been charged on freehold land which is included at a book value of £5,170,652     
(2017	-	£4,895,000)	Company	£3,655,652	(2017	-	£3,380,000)	at	28th	April,	2018.

32

	
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

On	11th	November,	2017,	26th	July,	2017	and	28th,	March,	2018	the	Group’s	land	and	buildings,	which	

(d)	
consist	of	manufacturing	and	office	facilities	in	the	UK,	Poland	and	USA	were	valued	by	Dove	Haigh	Phillips	
(UK)	KonSolid-Nieruchomosci	(Poland)	and	REAS,	Inc-Real	Estate	&	Appraisal	Services	(USA).		Management	
determined	that	these	constitute	one	class	of	asset	under	IFRS	13	(designated	as	level	3	fair	value	assets),	based	
on the nature, characteristics and risks of the properties.

If land and buildings were valued using the cost method, carrying amounts would be £11,121,000  

(2017 - £11,121,000) at 28th April, 2018. 

The UK properties were valued on the basis of an existing use value in accordance with the Appraisal 

and	Valuation	Standards	(5th	Edition)	published	by	the	Royal	Institution	of	Chartered	Surveyors.		The	Poland	
property was valued based on the income approach, converting anticipated future benefits in the form of rental 
income into present value. The USA property was valued on an income and market value basis.  For all proper-
ties, there is no difference between current use and highest and best use. 

The valuation has given rise to a revaluation surplus of £2,052,000. 

-3

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

Goodwill acquired through business combinations and licences has been allocated for impairment testing 
purposes to the petrol station superstructures division and the petrol station branding division which are operating 
segments.

Impairment testing

Goodwill	considered	significant	in	comparison	to	the	group’s	total	carrying	amount	of	such	assets	has	been	

allocated to cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units as follows: 

Petrol	station	superstructure	division
Petrol	station	branding	division

Net book value

Group

Goodwill Goodwill
2017
£000

2018
£000

2,064
716

2,064
685

2,780

2,749

The  performance of the petrol station superstructure division and the petrol station branding division are 

the lowest levels at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.

At the year end, value in use was determined by discounting the future cash flows generated from the 
continuing operations of the divisions over the next 5 years and was based on the following key assumptions: 
•	   
•	   
•	 		

A growth in cashflows estimated for 5 years, and a growth rate of 2% assumed thereafter.

Cash	flows	were	discounted	at	a	rate	of	17.87%.	

Detailed 5 year management forecast.

Based	on	the	above	assumptions,	the	value	in	use	calculated	for	the	petrol	station	superstructure	division	
and the petrol station branding division did not indicate the need for impairment. The growth rates used in the 
value	in	use	calculation	reflect	management’s	expectations	for	the	business	based	upon	previous	experience	and	
taking into consideration recent sales wins.

No reasonably possible changes in the assumptions used would give rise to an impairment. 

34

 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

35

Notes to the financial statements

Continued

15 

Deferred income tax (continued)

The deferred income tax asset included in the statement of financial position is: 

Group

The deferred income tax liability included in the statement of financial position is: 

Group

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

15 

Deferred income tax (continued)

37

Notes to the financial statements

Continued

38

Notes to the financial statements

Continued

17 

Trade and other receivables (continued)

39

Notes to the financial statements

Continued

20 

Reserves

Share	Capital	 	
The	balance	classified	as	share	capital	includes	the	nominal	value	on	issue	of	the	Company’s	equity	share	

capital, comprising 10p Ordinary shares. 

Capital	redemption	reserve	
The balance classified as capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of issued share capital 

of	the	Company,	repurchased.	 	

Other reserve   
This	is	the	revaluation	reserve	previously	arising	under	UK	GAAP	which	is	now	part	of	non-distributable	

retained reserves. 

Revaluation	reserve	
The  asset  revaluation  reserve  is  used  to  record  increases  in  the  fair  value  of  land  and  buildings  and 
decreases  to  the  extent  that  such  decrease  relates  to  an  increase  on  the  same  assets  previously  recognised  in 
equity.  This also includes the impact of the change in related deferred tax due to the change in corporation tax 
(18% to 17%).

Special reserve  
The	 balance	 classified	 as	 special	 reserve	 represents	 the	 share	 premium	 on	 the	 issue	 of	 the	 Company’s	

equity share capital.

Currency	translation	reserve	
The foreign currency translation reserve is used to record exchange differences arising from the translation 
of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries. It is also used to record the effect of hedging net investments in 
foreign operations.

Treasury Shares

Employee Share Ownership Trust
Shares in treasury (see below)

40

2018
£000
100 
2,959 

3,059 

201 7
£00 0
100
2,959

3,059 

 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

20 

Reserves

During	1991	the	Company	established	an	Employee	Share	Ownership	Trust	(“ESOT”).		The	trustee	of	the	
ESOT is Appleby Trust (Jersey) Ltd, an independent company registered in Jersey.  The ESOT provides for the 
issue	of	options	over	Ordinary	shares	in	the	Company	to	Group	employees,	including	executive	directors,	at	the	
discretion	of	the	Remuneration	Committee.	

The trust has purchased an aggregate 245,048 (2017 - 245,048) Ordinary shares, which represents 1.3% 
(2017	-	1.3%)	of	the	issued	share	capital	of	the	Company	at	an	aggregate	cost	of	£100,006.		The	market	value	of	the	
shares	at	28th	April,	2018	was	£453,000	(2017	-	£414,000).		The	Company	has	made	payments	of	£Nil	(2017	-	£Nil)	
into	the	ESOT	bank	accounts	during	the	period.		No	options	over	shares	(2017	–	Nil)	have	been	granted	during	
the	period.		Details	of	the	outstanding	share	options,	for	Directors	are	included	in	the	Directors’	remuneration	
report.   

The	assets,	liabilities,	income	and	costs	of	the	ESOT	have	been	incorporated	into	the	Company’s	financial	
statements.  Total ESOT costs charged to the income statement in the period amounts to £7,000 (2017 - £5,000).  
During	the	period	no	options	on	shares		were	exercised	(2017	-	Nil)	and	no	shares	were	purchased	(2017	–	Nil).

The	Company	made	the	following	purchases	of	its	own	10p	Ordinary	shares	to	be	held	in	Treasury:	

11th	December,	2013	1,000,000	shares	from	the	Group’s	pension	scheme.
30th January, 2014  646,334 shares

£000
1,722 
1,237 

2,959 

41

 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

21 

Pension liability 

The	Company	operates	an	employee	defined	benefits	scheme	called	the	MS	INTERNATIONAL	plc		

Retirement	and	Death	Benefits	Scheme	(the	Scheme).		IAS	19	requires	disclosure	of	certain	information		
about the Scheme as follows: 
•	    Until 5th April 1997 the Scheme provided defined benefits and these liabilities remain in respect of    

service  prior to 6th April, 1997.  From 6th April, 1997 until 31st May, 2007 the Scheme provided future  
service benefits on a defined contribution basis.

•	   

•	 		

•	 		

The last formal valuation of the Scheme was performed at 5th April, 2017 by a professionally qualified  
actuary.

From	6	April	2016	the	Company	directly		pays	the	expenses	of	the	Scheme.	With	effect	from	April	2018		
the	deficit	reduction	payments	paid	into	the	Scheme	by	the	Company	have	been		increased	to		
£600,000 per annum.  The deficit reduction contributions are paid on a quarterly basis with the  
first paid on 3 April 2018 and the last due for payment on or before 5 January 2027.  The total deficit  
reduction payments made in the year were £389,000 (2017 - £311,000).

From	1st	June,	2007		the	Company	has	operated		a	defined	contributions	scheme	for	its	UK	employees		
which is administered by a UK pension provider.

Members	contributions	are	paid	in	line	with	this	scheme’s	documentation	over	the	accounting	period	and		

the	Company	has	no	further	payment	obligations	once	the	contributions	have	been	made.

The	Company’s	policy	for	recognising	remeasurement	gains	and	losses	is	to	recognise	them	immediately		

through the statement of comprehensive income.

Assumptions

Discount rate at year-end
Future salary increases
Pension increases - RPI inflation
Pension increases - CPI inflation
Life expectancy of current pensioners (from age 65)
Life expectancy of future pensioners (from age 65)

2018
2.70%
3.60%
3.00%
1.80%
21.4yrs
22.8yrs

201 7
2.50%
3.70%
3.10%
1.90%
21.3yrs
22.7yrs

A  0.5%  reduction  in  the  discount  rate  would  lead  to  an  increase  in  past  service  liabilities  of  around 

£1.7m. 

Members living around 1 year longer than expected would lead to an increase in past service liabilities of 

around £1.2m. 

In relation to the other assumptions there is no sensitivity analysis as small changes in these assumptions 

will not have a material impact.

The average duration of the scheme is 12 years. 

Statemen t of financial position

Present value of obligations 
Fair value of plan assets 

Net liability

2018
£000
29,568 
23,147 

6,421 

201 7
£00 0
30, 790
23, 305

7,485

42

 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

21 

Pension liability (continued)

43

Notes to the financial statements

Continued

21 

Pension liability (continued)

23 

Financial instruments 

Management of financial risks

The	 major	 financial	 risks	 faced	 by	 the	 Group	 and	 Company	 are	 funding	 risks,	 interest	 rate	 risks	 and	
currency risks.  

Funding risk

At	the	year	end	the	Group	had	cash	and	cash	equivalents	of	£15.87m	-	Company-	overdraft	(£0.34m)	(2017	
Group	 -	 £15.21m	 -	 Company	 £13.53m).	 	 The	 Group	 and	 Company	 has	 available	 a	 bank	 multicurrency	
overdraft facility of £4.8m which is renewable on 1st January 2019.  

Interest rate risk 

The bank multicurrency overdraft facility is at a floating rate of interest, based on the base rate of each 
respective	currency.		This	position	is	monitored	constantly	by	the	Board	to	ensure	any	risk	is	minimised.		The	
Board	believe	that	the	main	interest	rate	risk	relates	to	maximising	interest	income	on	cash	balances.	

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonable possible change in interest rates, with all 
other	variables	held	constant	of	the	Group’s	profit	before	tax.		There	is	no	impact	on	the	Group’s	equity.	

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

23 

Financial instruments (continued)

45

Notes to the financial statements

Continued

23 

Financial instruments (continued)

Foreign currency risk

Exposure	to	risk	is	incurred	by	the	Group	and	Company	through	overseas	sales.	
This exposure is minimised by the following: 
(1)		invoicing	in	sterling	where	practicable;	
(2)  using foreign currency received for purchases where appropriate.   

Currency exposures 

The	table	below	shows	the	Group’s	currency	exposures;	i.e.,	those	transactional	exposures	that	give	rise	
to the net currency gains and losses recognised in the income statement.  Such exposures comprise the 
monetary  assets  and  monetary  liabilities  of  the  Group  that  are  not  denominated  in  the  operating  (or 
“functional”)	currency	of	the	operating	unit	involved.	 	

Fair values
No  significant  differences  exist  between  the  book  value  and  the  fair  value  of  the  financial  assets  and 
liabilities as at 28th April, 2018 and 29th April, 2017.

Credit risk

There	are	no	significant	concentrations	of	credit	risk	within	the	Group	or	Company.		The	maximum	credit	
risk exposure relating to financial assets is represented by carrying values at the statement of financial 
position date. 

The	 Group	 and	 Company	 have	 established	 procedures	 to	 minimise	 the	 risk	 of	 default	 by	 trade	 debtors	
including credit checks undertaken before a customer is accepted and credit insurance where available 
and appropriate.  Historically these procedures have proved effective in minimising the level of impaired 
and past due receivables. 

46

 
	
	
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

Continued

47

Notes to the financial statements

Continued

48

Summary of group results 2014 - 2018

GROUP	INCOME	STATEMENT

49

Corporate governance statement

Information not subject to audit

In	 accordance	 with	 the	AIM	 Listing	 rules,	 MS	 INTERNATIONAL	 plc	 will	 adopt	 a	 recognised	 industry	
Corporate	Governance	Code	by	28	September	2018.	The	Board	has	elected	to	adopt	the	QCA	Corporate	Govenance	
Code	by	28	September	2018.

In	the	meantime	as	an	AIM	listed	company	MS	INTERNATIONAL	plc	is	not	required	to	comply	with	the	

UK	Corporate	Governance	Code;	September,	2016	and	has	not	elected	to	voluntarily	comply.

However,	the	Group	is	committed	to	high	standards	of	governance	appropriate	to	its	size	and	structure.	

The	main	features	of	the	Group’s	corporate	governance	arrangements	are	set	out	below.

The	 Board	 consists	 of	 three	 executive	 directors,	 one	 of	 whom,	 Michael	 Bell,	 is	 the	 Executive	 Chairman	
and	three	non-executive	directors,	Roger	Lane-Smith,	David	Pyle	and	David	Hansell.	The	Chairman	has	no	other	
significant commitments.  Day to day control of subsidiary and joint venture operations is vested in individual 
company managing directors, supported by their respective financial managers.

The	 Board	 meets	 at	 least	 quarterly	 throughout	 the	 year	 to	 direct	 and	 control	 the	 overall	 strategy	 and	
operating performance of the Group.  To enable them to carry out these responsibilities all directors have full and 
timely	access	to	all	relevant	information.		Executive	directors,	except	for	Company	business	trips	and	holidays,	
meet	 daily	 and	 the	 Chairman	 periodically	 meets	 with	 the	 non-executive	 directors.	 	 Additionally	 subsidiary	
operations	have	monthly	Board	meetings	which	the	main	Board	chairman	chairs	and	the	main	Board	financial	
director attends.

Procedures	are	in	place	for	directors	to	seek	independent	advice	at	the	expense	of	the	Company	and	the	
Company	has	insurance	in	respect	of	legal	action	against	the	Directors.	The	Company	Secretary	is	responsible	
to	the	Board	for	ensuring	that	Board	procedures	are	complied	with	and	for	advising	the	Board	on	all	governance	
matters.

The	Audit	Committee	consists	of		two		non-executive	directors,	Roger	Lane-Smith	and	David	Pyle.			In	
the	 opinion	 of	 the	 Board,	 the	 non-executive	 directors	 have	 recent	 and	 relevant	 financial	 experience	 through	
their		directorships,	and	extensive	experience	in	dealing	with	the	City.	All	Board	members	attend	all	meetings	as	
appropriate.		The	external	auditors	have	direct	access	to	the	Committee	without	the	executive	directors	being	present. 

						The	Audit	Committee	evaluates	the	Group’s	risk	profile	and	reviews	the	Group’s	half	and	full	year	financial	
statements.		The	Audit	Committee	is	responsible	for	recommendations	for	appointment,	reappointment	or	removal	
of the external auditors.  The auditors provide taxation services to the Group.  This arrangement has been reviewed 
by	the	Board	and	the	audit	committee	and	is	not	considered	to	affect	the	auditors	objectivity	and	independence. 

The committee recommended that the board present a resolution to the shareholders at the 2018 AGM for 
the reappointment of the external auditors. This followed the assessment of the quality of the service provided, the 
expertise and resources made available to the group, auditor independence and effectiveness of the audit process. 

Arrangements by which staff can, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties in financial and other 
matters	-	‘whistleblowing’	procedures,	with		any	of	the	Board	of	directors	are	in	place.

The	Audit	Committee	and	the	Board	have	considered	whether	there	is	a	need	for	an	internal	audit	function	

and	believes	that	the	circumstances	and	size	of	the	Group	make	such	a	function	unnecessary.

The	 role	 and	 membership	 of	 the	 Remuneration	 Committee	 is	 set	 out	 in	 the	 Directors’	 remuneration	

report.   

The	Board	is	responsible	for	establishing	and	maintaining	the	Group’s	system	of	internal	control.		Internal	
control	systems	are	designed	to	meet	the	particular	needs	of	the	Company	concerned	bearing	in	mind	the	resources	
available and the risks to which it is exposed, and by their nature can provide reasonable but not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss.  The key procedures which the directors have established with a view to 
providing effective internal  control are as follows: 

The	Board	has	overall	responsibility	for	the	Group	and	there	is	a	formal	schedule	of	matters	specifically	
reserved	for	decision	by	the	Board	which	covers	the	key	areas	of	the	Group’s	affairs	including	acquisitions	and	
divestment  policy,  approval  of  budgets,  capital  expenditure,  major  buying  and  selling  contracts  and  general 

50

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
		
Corporate governance statement

Continued

treasury  and  risk  management  policies.    There  is  a  clearly  decentralised  structure  which  delegates  authority, 
responsibility  and  accountability,  including  responsibility  for  internal  financial  control,  to  management  of  the 
operating companies. 

Responsibility	levels	and	delegation	of	authority	and	authorisation	levels	throughout	the	Group	are	set	out	

in the corporate accounting and procedures manual. 

There  is  a  comprehensive  system  for  reporting  financial  results.    Monthly  accounts  are  prepared  on  a 
timely basis.  They include income statement, statement of financial position, cash flow and capital expenditure 
reporting with comparisons to budget and forecast.  The budget is prepared annually and revised forecasts are 
produced monthly. 

There	 is	 an	 investment	 evaluation	 process	 to	 ensure	 Board	 approval	 for	 all	 major	 capital	 expenditure	

commitments.   

There is a contract evaluation process to ensure executive director approval for all major sales contracts. 

The	Board	has	reviewed	the	effectiveness	of	the	system	of	internal	controls	and	together	with	operational	
management, has identified and evaluated the critical business and financial risks of the Group.  These risks are 
reviewed continually.  Where appropriate, action is taken to manage the risks. 

The  directors  have  a  reasonable  expectation  that  the  Group  has  adequate  resources  to  continue  in 
operational existence for the foreseeable future.  For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the accounts. 

The	 Board	 recognises	 the	 importance	 of	 communication	 with	 all	 shareholders	 and	 is	 ready,	 where	
practicable,	 to	 discuss	 relevant	 matters	 with	 all	 shareholders.	 	 Inter	 alia,	 the	 Board	 uses	 the	Annual	 General	
Meeting to communicate with shareholders and welcomes their constructive participation.  Details of the Annual 
General Meeting to be held on 16th July, 2018 can be found in the Notice of Meeting on page 62.

On	behalf	of	the	Board

David Kirkup
Secretary

5th June, 2018  

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
Report of the directors

The directors present their report and the Group financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 28th April, 

2018.  The directors present their corporate governance statement on pages 50 and 51 of this report. 

1 

Principal activities and business review
A	review	of	the	Group’s	trading	during	the	year	is	contained	in	the	Chairman’s	Statement	and	Strategic	

Report.

2 

Results and dividends
The  profit  after  taxation  for  the  period  attributable  to  shareholders  amounted  to  £3,386,000  (2017  - 
£1,498,000).  The  directors  recommend  a  final  dividend  of  6.50  pence  per  share    (2017  -  6.50  pence  per  share), 
making a total of 8.25 pence per share (2017 - 8.00 pence per share).

3 

Going concern
The  Group  has  considerable  financial  resources  together  with  long  term  contracts  with  a  number                                  
of customers.  As a consequence, the directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risk 
successfully despite the current uncertain economic outlook.

After	making	enquiries	the	directors	have	a	reasonable	expectation	that	the	Company	and	the	Group	have	
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  Accordingly, they continue to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

4 

Directors
The	names	of	the	directors	of	the	Company	at	5th	June,	2018	are	shown	on	page	4.

All of the directors served throughout the year.

In	accordance	with	the	Articles	of	Association	Michael	O’Connell	retires	by	rotation	and,	being	eligible, 
offers	himself	for	re-election.		In	addition,		Roger	Lane-Smith,	David	Pyle	and	David	Hansell	retire	from	the	Board	
at	the	AGM	and,	being	eligible,	offer	themselves	for	re-election.		The	Chairman	confirms	that		Michael	O’Connell,	
Roger	Lane-Smith,	David	Pyle	and	David	Hansell	continue	to	be	effective	and	to	demonstrate	commitment	to	their	
roles,	including	the	commitment	of	their	time	for	the	Board	and	Committee	meetings	and	their	other	duties.

5 

Substantial interests in shares
The directors had been advised of the following notifiable interests:-

Michael	Bell	
Cavendish	Asset	Management	Limited		
David	Pyle	
Michael	O’Connell	
Mrs	Patricia	Snipe	

% of share capital held  
   at 28th April, 2018 
													29.3%	 	
													17.0%	 	
													10.6%	 	
														9.4%	
														4.9%		 	

% of share capital held
at 5th June, 2018
29.3%
17.2%
10.6%
9.4%
4.9%

Apart from these, the directors have not been formally notified of any other notifiable shareholdings in 

excess of 3% of share capital held on 5th June 2018. 

52

 
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of the directors

Continued

6 

Employee involvement
The  directors  have  continued  their  commitment  to  the  development  of  employee  involvement  and 

communication throughout the Group.

Regular	 meetings	 are	 held	 with	 employees	 to	 provide	 and	 discuss	 information	 of	 concern	 to	 them	 as	
employees,	including	financial	and	economic	factors	affecting	the	performance	of	the	Company	in	which	they	are	
employed.

7 

Employment of disabled persons
The	 Company	 and	 its	 subsidiaries	 have	 continued	 the	 policy	 regarding	 the	 employment	 of	 disabled	
persons.  Full and fair consideration is given to applications for employment made by disabled persons having 
regard to their particular aptitudes and abilities.  Appropriate training is arranged for disabled persons, including 
retraining  for  alternative  work  of  employees  who  may  become  disabled,  to  promote  their  career  development 
within the organisation.

8 

Additional information for shareholders 
The	Company	purchased	1,000,000	of	its	Ordinary	shares	of	10p	each	for	a	total	consideration	of	£1,721,976	
on 11th December, 2013 and a further 646,334 Ordinary shares of 10p each for a total consideration of £1,237,251 
on 30th January, 2014.

The following provides the additional information required for shareholders as a result of the implementation 

of the Takeover Directive into UK Law.

At	5th	June,	2018	the	Company’s	issued	share	capital	comprised:

          Ordinary shares of 10p each 

Number	
18,396,073  

				£’000		
    1,840  

				%	of	total	share
           100

Ordinary shares of 10p each  held in treasury    

1,646,334  

    165    

 Ordinary shares of 10p each  not held in treasury 

16,749,739  

    1,675  

          8.95

        91.05

The  above  figure  (16,749,739  ordinary  shares  of  10p)  is  the  number  of  ordinary  shares  to  be  used  as  a 
denominator	for	the	calculation	of	a	shareholder’s	interest	for	the	determination	of	any	notification	requirement	
in respect of their interest(s) or change of interest(s). 

									The	Company	is	not	aware	of	any	agreements	between	shareholders	that	may	result	in	restrictions	on	the		
transfer of securities and for voting rights.  

Ordinary shares    
On	a	show	of	hands	at	a	general	meeting	of	the	Company	every	holder	of	ordinary	shares	present	in	person	
and entitled to vote shall have one vote and on a poll, every member present in person or by proxy and entitled 
to vote shall have one vote for every ordinary share held. The notice of the general meeting specifies deadlines 
for exercising voting rights either by proxy notice or present in person or by proxy in relation to resolutions to be 
passed at general meeting. All proxy votes are counted and the numbers for, against or withheld in relation to each
resolution are announced at the Annual General Meeting. 

There	are	no	restrictions	on	the	transfer	of	ordinary	shares	in	the	Company	other	than:	

											•								Certain	restrictions	may	from	time	to	time	be	imposed	by	laws	and	regulations	(for	example,	insider		

								trading	laws	and	market	requirements	relating	to	close	periods);	and;		

											•								Pursuant	to	the	Listing	Rules	of	the	Financial	Services	Authority	whereby	certain	employees	of	the		
																					Company	require	the	approval	of	the	Company	to	deal	in	the	Company’s	securities.

53

 
	
 
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
Report of the directors

Continued

												The	Company’s	articles	of	association	may	only	be	amended	by	a	special	resolution	at	a	general	meeting	of	
the shareholders. Directors are reappointed by ordinary resolution at a general meeting of the shareholders.  The 
Board	can	appoint	a	director	but	anyone	so	appointed	must	be	elected	by	an	ordinary	resolution	at	the	next	general	
meeting. 

												Any	director,	other	than	the	Chairman,	who	has	held	office	for	more	than	three	years	since	their	last	
appointment must offer themselves up for re-election at the Annual General Meeting. 

Company share schemes 

												The	Employee	Share	Ownership		Trust	holds	1.46%	of	the	issued	share	capital	of	the	Company	(excluding	
treasury  shares)  in  trust  for  the  benefit  of  employees  of  the  Group  and  their  dependants.  The  voting  rights  in 
relation to these shares are exercised by the trustee.    

Change of control  

												The	Company	is	not	party	to	any	agreements	which	take	effect,	alter	or	terminate	upon	a	change	of	control	
of	the	Company	following	a	takeover	bid.		

												There	are	no	agreements	between	the	Company	and	its	directors	or	employees	providing	for	compensation	
for  loss  of  office  or  employment  (whether  through  resignation,  purported  redundancy  or  otherwise)  that  occurs 
because of a takeover bid.

9 

Special business at the Annual General Meeting

Resolution 10: Authority to allot shares
Generally,	 the	 directors	 may	 only	 allot	 shares	 in	 the	 Company	 (or	 grant	 rights	 to	 subscribe	 for,	 or	 to	
convert	any	security	into,	shares	in	the	Company)	if	they	have	been	authorised	to	do	so	by	shareholders	in	general	
meeting.

Resolution	 10	 renews	 a	 similar	 authority	 given	 at	 last	 year’s	 AGM	 and,	 if	 passed,	 will	 authorise	 the	
directors	to	allot	shares	in	the	Company	(and	to	grant	such	rights)	up	to	an	aggregate	nominal	amount	of	£558,324	
(which	represents	approximately	one	third	of	the	issued	ordinary	share	capital	of	the	Company	(excluding	treasury	
shares)  as at 20th June 2018, being the last practicable date before the publication of this document). If given, 
this	authority	will	expire	at	the	conclusion	of	the	Company’s	next	AGM	or	on	16th	October,	2019	whichever	is		the	
earlier.	It	is	the	directors’	intention	to	renew	this	authority	each	year.

As	of	the	date	of	this	document,	1,646,334	Ordinary	shares	are	held	by	the	Company	in	treasury	representing	
8.95%	of	the	issued	Ordinary	share	capital	of	the	Company	as	at	20th	June,	2018,	being	the	last	practicable	date	
before the publication of this document.

The directors have no current intention to exercise the authority sought under resolution 10.

Resolution 11: Disapplication of pre emption rights

Generally, if the directors wish to allot new shares or other equity securities (within the meaning of section 
560 of the 2006 Act) for cash or sell shares for cash, then under the Act they must first offer such shares or securities 
to shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings. These statutory pre emption rights may be disapplied by 
shareholders.

Resolution	11,	which	will	be	proposed	as	a	special	resolution,	renews	a	similar	power	given	at	last	year’s	
AGM and, if passed, will enable the directors to allot equity securities for cash, or sell treasury shares  for cash, up 
to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £167,496 without having to comply with statutory pre emption rights, 
but this power will be limited to allotments or sales.

(a)    in connection with a rights issue, open offer or other pre emptive offer to ordinary shareholders and 
to holders of other equity securities (if required by the rights of those securities or the directors otherwise consider 
necessary), but (in accordance with normal practice) subject to such exclusions or other arrangements, such as for 
fractional	entitlements	and	overseas	shareholders,	as	the	directors	consider	necessary;

54

 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
	
 
Report of the directors

Continued

            (b)     in any other case, up to an aggregate nominal amount of £167,496 (which represents approximately 
ten	per	cent	of	the	issued	ordinary	share	capital	of	the	Company	(excluding	treasury	shares)	as	at	20th	June,	2018	
being the last practicable date before the publication of this document).

If	given,	this	power	will	expire	 at	the	conclusion	 of	 the	Company’s	 next	AGM	 or	 on	16th	October,	2019	

(whichever	is	the	earlier).	It	is	the	directors’	intention	to	renew	this	power	each	year.

Resolution 12: Purchase by the Company of its own shares

Resolution	 12,	 which	 will	 be	 proposed	 as	 a	 special	 resolution	 renews	 a	 similar	 authority	 given	 at	 last	
year’s	AGM.	 If	 passed,	 it	 will	 allow	 the	 Company	 to	 purchase	 up	 to	 1,674,973	 ordinary	 shares	 in	 the	 market	
(which	 represents	 approximately	 10	 per	 cent	 of	 the	 issued	 ordinary	 share	 capital	 of	 the	 Company	 (excluding	
treasury shares) as at 20th June, 2018, being the last practicable date before the publication of this document). 
The minimum and maximum prices for such a purchase are set out in the resolution. If given, this authority will 
expire	at	the	conclusion	of	the	Company’s	next	AGM	or	on	16th	October,	2019	whichever	is	the	earlier.	It	is	the	
directors’	intention	to	renew	this	authority	each	year.

The  directors  have  no  current  intention  to  exercise  the  authority  sought  under  resolution  12  to  make 

market purchases.

The	Company	is	permitted	to	hold	shares	in	treasury	as	an	alternative	to	cancelling	them.	Shares	held	
in	treasury	may	be	subsequently	cancelled,	or	sold	for	cash	or	used	to	satisfy	options	under	the	Company’s	share	
schemes.  While held in treasury,  the shares are not entitled to receive any dividends or dividend equivalents (apart 
form	any	issue	of	bonus	shares)	and	have	no	voting	rights.	The	directors	believe	it	is	appropriate	for	the	Company	
to have the option to hold its own shares in treasury, if, at a future date , the directors exercise this authority  in 
order	to	provide	the	Company	with	additional	flexibility	in	the	management	of	its	capital	base.	The	directors	will	
have regard to institutional shareholder guidelines which may be in force at the time of such purchase, holding or 
re-sale	of	shares	held	in	treasury.	As	at	5th		June	2018,	the	Company	holds	1,646,334	Ordinary	shares	of	10p	each	
in treasury which represents 8.95 % of the total number of Ordinary shares of 10p each issued.

Resolution 13: Notice period for general meetings

Resolution	13	will	be	proposed	as	a	special	resolution	to	allow	the	Company	to	call	general	meetings	(other	

than	an	AGM)	on	14	clear	days’	notice.		

Changes	made	to	the	2006	Act	by	the	Companies	(Shareholders’	Rights)	 Regulations	 2009	increase	the	
notice	 period	 required	 for	 general	 meetings	 of	 the	 Company	 to	 21	 days	 unless	 shareholders	 approve	 a	 shorter	
notice period, which cannot however be less than 14 clear days. AGMs will continue to be held on at least 21 clear 
days’	notice.	

Before	 the	 Regulations	 came	 into	 force,	 the	 Company	 was	 able	 to	 call	 general	 meetings	 other	 than	 an	
AGM	on	14	clear	days’	notice	without	obtaining	shareholder	approval.	Resolution	11	seeks	such	approval	in	order	
to preserve this flexibility. The shorter notice period would not however be used as a matter of routine for such 
meetings, but only where it is merited by the business of the meeting and is considered to be in the interests of 
shareholders	as	a	whole.	If	given,	the	approval	will	be	effective	until	the	Company’s	next	annual	general	meeting,	
when it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed.

Note that the changes to the 2006 Act mean that, in order to be able to call a general meeting on less than 
21	clear	days’	notice,	the	Company	must	make	a	means	of	electronic	voting	available	to	all	shareholders	for	that	
meeting.

10      

 Auditors
A	 resolution	 to	 reappoint	 the	 auditors,	 Ernst	 &	 Young	 LLP,	 will	 be	 proposed	 at	 the	 Annual	 General	

Meeting. 

55

	
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
Report of the directors

Continued

11 

Directors’ statement as to disclosure of information to auditors
The	directors	who	were	members	of	the	board	at	the	time	of	approving	the	directors’	report	are	listed	on	
page	4.	Having	made	enquiries	of	fellow	directors	and	of	the	Company’s	auditors,	each	of	the	directors	confirms	
that:

to	the	best	of	each	director’s	knowledge	and	belief,	there	is	no	information	relevant	to	the	
preparation	of	their	report	of	which	the	Company’s	auditors	are	unaware;	and		

each director has taken all the steps a director might reasonably be expected to have taken to be 
aware	of	relevant	audit	information	and	to	establish	that	the	Company’s	auditors	are	aware	of	that	
information.

12      We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

	the	financial	statements,	prepared	in	accordance	with	International	Financial	Reporting	Standards
 as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit 
or	loss	of	the	Company	and	the	undertakings	included	in	the	consolidation	taken	as	a	whole;	and

	the	 business	 review,	 together	 with	 the	 Chairman’s	 statement,	 includes	 a	 fair	 review	 of	 the	
development	and	performance	of	the	business	and	the	position	of	the	Company	and	the	undertakings	
included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that they face.

By	order	of	the	Board,

David Kirkup
Secretary

5th June, 2018

56

 
	
 
          
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report

Information not subject to audit

Policy on remuneration of executive directors 

The	Remuneration	Committee	which,	currently,	comprises	the	non-executive	directors,	Roger	Lane-Smith	
and	David	Pyle,	aims	to	ensure	that	remuneration	packages	and	service	contracts	are	competitive	and	designed	to	
retain, attract and motivate executive directors of the right calibre.

The	 salary	 for	 each	 director	 is	 determined	 by	 the	 Remuneration	 Committee	 by	 reference	 to	 a	 range	
of  factors  including  experience  appropriate  to  the  Group,  length  of  service  and  salary  rates  for  similar  jobs  in 
comparative	companies.		In	view	of	the	size	and	nature	of	the	Group	and	the	continuing	need	to	optimise	subordinate	
management structures particular emphasis is given to the advantages which flow from the long term continuity 
of	the	executive	directors.		All	aspects	of	the	executive	directors’	current	remuneration	packages	were	established	
in June 1996 when revised contracts of service, embracing reduced notice periods, were agreed.   The contracts of 
service are reviewed from time to time and consideration given to whether any amendment is appropriate.  The 
Remuneration	Committee	has	not	sought	any	external	advice	during	the	year.

The main components of the remuneration package for the executive directors are as follows:-

1.  Basic	Salary	 

Salaries	for	executive	directors	are	reviewed	annually	by	the	Remuneration	Committee.

2.  Performance	related	annual	bonus

An	annual	bonus	is	paid	depending	on	achievement	of	profitability	targets.	Bonus	payments	achieved	
for 2017/2018 amounted in total to 22.5% (2017 - 2.6%) of total executive basic salaries.

3.  Share Options

Directors are eligible to participate in the Employee and the Enterprise Management Incentive share 
option	schemes.		The	Remuneration	Committee	is	responsible	for	granting	options.		Options	have	only	
been granted at an exercise price of not less than the price paid by the scheme to acquire the shares.  
Share options are issued without performance criteria and have no vesting period.

4.  Pension	Contributions

Until  27th April  2013,  pension  contributions  were  calculated  as  a  percentage  of  total  emoluments. 
From  28th  April,  2013,  pension  contributions  will  be  calculated  as  a  percentage  of  basic  pay  and 
bonus	only.	The	executive	directors	have	full	discretion	as	to	how	they	choose	to	invest	their	Pension	
Contributions.		All	pension	contributions	for	executive	directors	over	the	age	of	65	ceased	from	30th	
April 2015.

5.  Other	Benefits 

Benefits	are	provided	in	the	form	of	company	cars,	death	in	service	benefit	cover	and		medical	and	
disability insurance. 

Service Contracts 

As	from	28th	April,	2013	Michael	Bell	and	Michael	O’Connell	have	one	year	rolling	contracts.	As	from	22nd	
July,	2013,	Nicholas	Bell	has	a	one	year	rolling	contract.	The	contracts	are	terminable	by	the	directors	at	one	year’s	
notice	and	by	the	Company	at	one	year’s	notice.		Directors	are	entitled	to	termination	payments	equivalent	to	the	
unexpired portion of the contract based on basic salary and benefits including bonus payments.  

Prior	to	28th	April,	2013	Michael	Bell	had	a	three	year	rolling	contract	and	Michael	O’Connell	a	two	year	

rolling contract.  These notice periods were reduced without compensation in April, 2013.

The dates of appointments are shown below:

Michael	Bell	-	9th	July,	1980

Michael	O’Connell	-	4th	February,	1985

Nicholas	Bell	-	22nd	July,	2013 

57

 
 
 
	
 
	
	
Directors’ remuneration report

Information not subject to audit

Continued	

Non-executive directors 

The	level	of	the	non-executive	directors’	remuneration	has	been	determined	by	the	Board	as	an	annual	fee	
and	is	paid	monthly.	There	are	no	formal	service	contracts	between	the	Company	and	any	of	the	non-executive	
directors.

Performance Graph

The	performance	graph	shows	the	accumulated	value,	by	28th	April,	2018,	of	£100	invested	in	MS	INTERNATIONAL	
plc	on	27th	April,	2013	compared	to	the	accumulated	value	of	£100	invested	in	the	FTSE	Small	Cap	Index,	over	the	same	period.		
The	other	points	plotted	are	the	accumulated	values	at	intervening	year	ends.		The	FTSE	Small	Cap	Index	is	considered	by	the	
Board	to	be	the	most	relevant	index	for	comparison.

Information subject to audit 

Emoluments of directors

Following  the  termination  of  the  employment  of  the  Managing  Director  of  MSI-Defence  Systems  Ltd,  David 
Hansell	was	appointed	interim	Chief	Executive	until	a	new	replacement	was	recruited.		His	remuneration,	during	
the period, for this temporary divisional executive appointment is shown above as additional salary.    

Other  benefits  represent  the  provision  of  company  cars,  death  in  service  benefit  and  medical  and  disability 
insurance. 

58

           
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report

Information subject to audit

Continued

Pension contributions

The pension contributions are paid to personal retirement benefit schemes. 

Information not subject to audit

Directors’ share options     

Details	 of	 directors’	 options	 at	 5th	 June,	 2018	 and	 28th	 April,	 2018	 granted	 under	 the	 Enterprise	
Management	Incentive	Scheme		are	set	out	below.		The	directors’	options	were	all	granted	at	market	price.		The	
market	price	of	the	Company’s	shares	at	28th	April,	2018	was	185p	and	the	range	during	the	financial	year	was	
157.5p to 219p.

On	behalf	of	the	Board

David Kirkup
Secretary

5th June, 2018

59

 
 
 
 
	
List of Subsidiaries

(i)  

Principal operating subsidiaries          

MSI-Defence Systems Ltd.

MSI-Forks Ltd.

MSI-Forks Inc.

MSI-Forks Garfos Industriais Ltda.

MSI-Quality	Forgings	Ltd.

Global-MSI plc

Global-MSI	Sp.	z	o.o.

Global-MSI bv

Petrol	Sign	bv

Petrol	Sign	GmbH

Petrol	Sign	Ltd.

NOTES

Salhouse	Road															
Norwich
NR7	9AY
England

Balby	Carr	Bank																			
Doncaster                     
DN4 8DH
England

1298	Galleria	Boulevard 
Rock	Hill
SC	29730																									 
USA

Design,  manufacture  and  service  of  defence 
equipment.

Manufacture  of  fork-arms  for  the  fork  lift 
truck,  construction,  agricultural  and  quarrying 
equipment industries.

Manufacture  of  fork-arms  for  the  fork  lift 
truck,  construction,  agricultural  and  quarrying 
equipment industries.

Rua	Professor	Campos																			
de Oliveira                     
310 
São	Paulo	
Brazil

Manufacture  of  fork-arms  for  the  fork  lift 
truck,  construction,  agricultural  and  quarrying 
equipment industries.

Balby	Carr	Bank
Doncaster
DN4 8DH
England

Balby	Carr	Bank																
Doncaster
DN4 8DH
England

Ul.	Działowskiego	13					
30-339 Krakow
Poland

De Hoef 8                     
5311 GH Gameren         
The Netherlands

Manufacture of open die forgings.

Design,  manufacture  and  construction  of  petrol 
station superstructures.

Design,  manufacture  and  construction  of  petrol 
station superstructures.

Design,  manufacture  and  construction  of  petrol 
station superstructures.

De Hoef 8                     
5311 GH Gameren         
The Netherlands

Design,  restyling,  production  and  installation 
of  the  complete  appearance  of  petrol  station 
superstructures and forecourt.

Owiedenfeldstrasse 1 
30559  
Hannover-Anderten
Germany

Balby	Carr	Bank																					
Doncaster                      
DN4 8DH
England

Design,  restyling,  production  and  installation 
of  the  complete  appearance  of  petrol  station 
superstructures and forecourt.

Design,  restyling,  production  and  installation 
of  the  complete  appearance  of  petrol  station 
superstructures and forecourt.

1.  

100% of the ordinary shares are held in all cases.

2.     

All  companies  are  registered  in  England  and  Wales  with  the  exception  of  MSI-Forks  Inc.  which  is  registered  in  USA,    MSI-
ForksGarfos Industriais Ltda which is registered in Brazil, Global-MSI Sp. z o.o. which is registered in Poland, Petrol Sign bv and 
Global-MSI bv which are registered in The Netherlands and Petrol Sign GmbH which is registered in Germany.  All companies 
operate principally in the United Kingdom except for MSI-Forks Inc., MSI-Forks Garfos Industriais Ltda (which operate principally 
in the Americas), Global-MSI Sp. z o.o. (which operates in Poland and Eastern Europe) and Petrol Sign bv, Global-MSI bv and 
Petrol Sign GmbH (which operate in Western Europe).

60

List of Subsidiaries

Continued

(ii)  

Non Operating subsidiaries 

Conder	Ltd.

Global-MSI (Overseas) Ltd.

MDM Investments Ltd.

Mechforge Ltd.

MS	INTERNATIONAL	Estates	Ltd.

MS	INTERNATIONAL	Estates	LLC

MSI-Petrol	Sign	Ltd.

Petrol	Sign-MSI	Ltd.

NOTES

1. 

2. 

3. 

100% of the ordinary share capital of each entity is held in all cases.

All	companies	are	registered	in	England	and	Wales	except	for	MS	INTERNATIONAL	Estates	LLC	which	is				
registered in USA.

All  companies  are  dormant  and  non  operating,  with  the  exception  of  MDM  Investments  Ltd,  which  is  the 
trustee		company	of	the	MS	INTERNATIONAL	plc	Retirement	and	Death	Benefits	Scheme.

61

       
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is given that the fifty eighth annual general meeting of MS INTERNATIONAL plc (“Company”) will be held at The Holiday Inn, 
Warmsworth, Doncaster on 16th  July, 2018 at 12 noon to consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions. Resolutions 1 

to 10 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions and resolutions 11 to 13 will be proposed as special resolutions:

As ordinary business:

1. 

To	receive	the	Company’s	annual	accounts	and	directors’	and	auditors’	reports	for	the	52	weeks	ended	28th	
April, 2018.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

To	approve	the	directors’	remuneration	report	for	the	52	weeks	ended	28th	April,	2018.

To declare a final dividend for the year 52 weeks ended 28th April, 2018 of 6.5p per ordinary share of 10p 
each	in	the	capital	of	the	Company,	to	be	paid	on	24th	July,	2018	to	shareholders	whose	names	appear	on	the	
register as at close of business on 22nd June, 2018.

To	re-elect	as	a	director	of	the	Company,	Michael	O’Connell,	a	director	retiring	by	rotation.		Michael	O’Connell	
is	aged	68	years	old	and	joined	the	Company	in	1980,	becoming	a	director	in	1985.

To	reappoint	as	a	non-executive	director	of	the	Company,	Roger	Lane-Smith	who	was	appointed	as a director 
on	21st	January,	1983.		He	is		a	non-executive	director	of		Timpson	Group	plc,	Lomond	Capital	Partners,	
Mostyn	Estates	Limited	and	a	number	of	other	private	companies.		He	is	also	a	Senior	Consultant	at	DLA	
Piper	UK	LLP.

To	 reappoint	 as	 a	 non-executive	 director	 of	 the	 Company	 David	 Pyle,	 who	 was	 appointed	 as	 an	 executive  
director	in	1980,	David	joined	the	Company	in	1968	and	stepped	down	as	company	secretary	and	executive	
director on 27th April, 2013.

To	reappoint	as	a	non-executive	director	of	the	Company,	David	Hansell,	who	was	appointed	to	the	Board	as	
a	director	on	3rd	June,	2014.		David	joined	the	Company	in	1962	becoming	a	director	in	2014.

To	reappoint	Ernst	&	Young	LLP	as	auditors	of	the	Company.

To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.

As special business:

10.

That,	pursuant	to	section	551	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	(“2006	Act”),	the	directors	be	and	are	generally	and	
unconditionally	authorised	to	exercise	all	powers	of	the	Company	to	allot	shares	in	the	Company	or	to	grant	
rights	to	subscribe	for	or	to	convert	any	security	into	shares	in	the	Company	up	to	an	aggregate	nominal	
amount of £558,324 provided that (unless previously revoked, varied or renewed) this authority shall expire 
at	the	conclusion	of	the	next	annual	general	meeting	of	the	Company	after	the	passing	of	this	resolution	or	
on	16th	October,	2019	(whichever	is	the	earlier),	save	that	the	Company	may	make	an	offer	or	agreement	
before this authority expires which would or might require shares to be allotted or rights to subscribe for 
or to convert any security into shares to be granted after this authority expires and the directors may allot 
shares or grant such rights pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired. This 
authority	is	in	substitution	for	all	existing	authorities	under	section	551	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	(which,	
to the extent unused at the date of this resolution, are revoked with immediate effect).

11. 

That,	subject	to	the	passing	of	resolution	11	and	pursuant	to	sections	570	and	573	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	
(“2006	Act”),	the	directors	be	and	are	generally	empowered	to	allot	equity	securities	(within	the	meaning	of	
section 560 of the 2006 Act) for cash pursuant to the authority granted by resolution 11 and to sell Ordinary 
shares	held	by	the	Company	as	treasury	shares	for	cash	as	if	section	561(1)	of	the	2006	Act	did	not	apply	to	
any such allotment or sale, provided that this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities or 
sale of treasury shares:

62

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Continued

11.1 

in  connection  with  an  offer  of  equity  securities  (whether  by  way  of  a  rights  issue,  open  offer  or 
otherwise):to the allotment of equity securities or sale of treasury shares:

11.1.1

to	 holders	 of	 Ordinary	 shares	 in	 the	 capital	 of	 the	 Company	 in	 proportion	 (as	 nearly	 as	
practicable)	to	the	respective	numbers	of	Ordinary	shares	held	by	them;	and

11.1.2

to	holders	of	other	equity	securities	in	the	capital	of	the	Company,	as	required	by	the	rights	
of those securities or, subject to such rights, as the directors otherwise consider necessary.

but  subject  to  such  exclusions  or  other  arrangements  as  the  directors  may  deem  necessary  or 
expedient  in  relation  to  treasury  shares,  fractional  entitlements,  record  dates  or  any  legal  or 
practical problems under the laws of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or 
stock	exchange;	and

11.2 

otherwise than pursuant to paragraph 12.1 of this resolution, up to an aggregate nominal amount 
of £167,496.

and (unless previously revoked, varied or renewed) this power shall expire at the conclusion of the next 
annual	 general	 meeting	 of	 the	 Company	 after	 the	 passing	 of	 this	 resolution	 or	 on	 16th	 October,	 2019	
(whichever	is	the	earlier),	save	that	the	Company	may	make	an	offer	or	agreement	before	this	power	
expires which would or might require equity securities to be allotted or treasury shares to be sold  for 
cash after this power expires and the directors may allot equity securities or sell treasury shares for cash 
pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this power had not expired. This power is in substitution 
for	all	existing	powers	under	section	570	and	573	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	(which,	to	the	extent	unused	
at the date of this resolution, are revoked with immediate effect).

12.

That,	pursuant	to	section	701	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	(“2006	Act”),	the	Company	be	and	is	generally	
and unconditionally authorised to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of the 
2006	Act)	of	Ordinary	shares	of	£0.10	each	in	the	capital	of	the	Company	(“Shares”),	provided	that:

(a)    the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be purchased is 1,674,973

(b)				the	minimum	price	(excluding	expenses)	which	may	be	paid	for	a	Share	is	£0.10;

(c)    the maximum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid for a Share is the higher of:

(i)

an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average of the middle market quotations for a Share as 
derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange plc for the five business days 
immediately	preceding	the	day	on	which	the	purchase	is	made;	and

(ii)

an  amount  equal  to  the  higher  of  the  price  of  the  last  independent  trade  of  a  Share  and  the 
highest current independent bid for a Share on the trading venue where the purchase is carried 
out,

and (unless previously revoked, varied or renewed) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the 
next	annual	general	meeting	of	the	Company	after	the	passing	of	this	resolution	or	on	16th	October,	2019	
(whichever	is	the	earlier),	save	that	the	Company	may	enter	into	a	contract	to	purchase	Shares	before	
this authority expires under which such purchase will or may be completed or executed wholly or partly 
after this authority expires and may make a purchase of Shares pursuant to any such contract as if this 
authority had not expired.

13.

That	a	general	meeting	of	the	Company	(other	than	an	annual	general	meeting)	may	be	called	on	not	less	
than	14	clear	days’	notice.

Registered	office
Balby	Carr	Bank
Doncaster
England
DN4 8DH

Registered	in	England	and	Wales	No.	00653735

63

By	order	of	the	Board	 

David Kirkup
Secretary

20th June, 2018

 
 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Continued

Notes

Entitlement to attend and vote 

1. 

Proxies

2. 

3. 

4. 

The  right  to  vote  at  the  meeting  is  determined  by  reference  to  the  register  of  members.  Only  those 
shareholders	registered	in	the	register	of	members	of	the	Company	as	at	close	of	business	on	11th	July,	
2018  (or,  if  the  meeting  is  adjourned,  no  later  than  close  of  business  two  days  prior  to  any  adjourned 
meeting) shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting in respect of the number of shares registered in 
their	name	at	that	time.	Changes	to	entries	in	the	register	of	members	after	that	time	shall	be	disregarded	
in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote (and the number of votes they may cast) at the 
meeting.

A shareholder is entitled to appoint another person as his or her proxy to exercise all or any of his or her rights 
to	attend	and	to	speak	and	vote	at	the	meeting.	A	proxy	need	not	be	a	member	of	the	Company.	

A shareholder may appoint more than one proxy in relation to the meeting, provided that each proxy is 
appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or shares held by that shareholder.  Failure to 
specify the number of shares each proxy appointment relates to or specifying a number which when taken 
together with the numbers of shares set out in the other proxy appointments is in excess of the number of 
shares held by the shareholder may result in the proxy appointment being invalid. 

A proxy may only be appointed in accordance with the procedures set out in notes 3 to 4 and the notes to 
the proxy form. 

The appointment of a proxy will not preclude a shareholder from attending and voting in person at the 
meeting. 

A form of proxy is enclosed. When appointing more than one proxy, the proxy form may be photocopied. 
Please	indicate	the	proxy	holder’s	name	and	the	number	of	shares	in	relation	to	which	they	are	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 instruction is one of multiple instructions being given.  All forms must be signed and 
should be returned together in the same envelope.

To be valid, a proxy form must be received by post or (during normal business hours only) by hand at the 
offices	of	the	Company’s	registrar,	Link	Asset	Services,	PXS,	34	Beckenham	Road,	Kent,	BR3	4TU,	no	later	
than 12 noon on 11th July, 2018 (or, if the meeting is adjourned, no later than 48 hours before the time of 
any adjourned meeting).

CREST	 members	 who	 wish	 to	 appoint	 a	 proxy	 or	 proxies	 for	 the	 meeting	 (or	 any	 adjournment	 of	 it)	
through	the	CREST	electronic	proxy	appointment	service	may	do	so	by	using	the	procedures	described	in	
the	CREST	Manual.	CREST	personal	members	or	other	CREST	sponsored	members,	and	those	CREST	
members	who	have	appointed	a	voting	service	provider(s),	should	refer	to	their	CREST	sponsor	or	voting	
service provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

In	order	for	a	proxy	appointment	or	instruction	made	using	the	CREST	service	to	be	valid,	the	appropriate	
CREST	 message	 (a	 “CREST	 Proxy	 Instruction”)	 must	 be	 properly	 authenticated	 in	 accordance	 with	
Euroclear	 UK	 &	 Ireland	 Limited’s	 specifications	 and	 must	 contain	 the	 information	 required	 for	 such	
instructions,	as	described	in	the	CREST	Manual.	The	message,	regardless	of	whether	it	constitutes	the	
appointment of a proxy or is an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy, must, 
in	order	to	be	valid,	be	transmitted	so	as	to	be	received	by	Link	Asset	Services	(ID	RA10)	no	later	than	
12 noon on 11th July, 2018 (or, if the meeting is adjourned, no later than 48 hours before the time of any 
adjourned meeting). For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by 
the	timestamp	applied	to	the	message	by	the	CREST	Applications	Host)	from	which	Capita	Registrars	is	
able	to	retrieve	the	message	by	enquiry	to	CREST	in	the	manner	prescribed	by	CREST.	After	this	time,	
any	change	of	instructions	to	proxies	appointed	through	CREST	should	be	communicated	to	the	appointee	
through other means.

64

 
 
 
 
 
	
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Continued

4.	

CREST	members	and,	where	applicable,	their	CREST	sponsors	or	voting	service	providers	should	note	
that	 Euroclear	 UK	 &	 Ireland	 Limited	 does	 not	 make	 available	 special	 procedures	 in	 CREST	 for	 any	
particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input 
of	CREST	Proxy	Instructions.	It	is	the	responsibility	of	the	CREST	member	concerned	to	take	(or,	if	the	
CREST	 member	 is	 a	 CREST	 personal	 member	 or	 sponsored	 member	 or	 has	 appointed	 a	 voting	 service	
provider(s),	to	procure	that	his	or	her	CREST	sponsor	or	voting	service	provider(s)	take(s))	such	action	
as	 shall	 be	 necessary	 to	 ensure	 that	 a	 message	 is	 transmitted	 by	 means	 of	 the	 CREST	 system	 by	 any	
particular	 time.	 In	 this	 connection,	 CREST	 members	 and,	 where	 applicable,	 	 their	 CREST	 sponsors	 or	
voting	 service	 providers	 are	 referred,	 in	 particular,	 to	 those	 sections	 of	 the	 CREST	 Manual	 concerning	
practical	limitations	of	the	CREST	system	and	timings.

The	Company	may	treat	a	CREST	Proxy	Instruction	as	invalid	in	the	circumstances	set	out	in	Regulation	
35(5)(a)	of	the	Uncertificated	Securities	Regulations	2001.

Corporate representatives   

5. 

A shareholder which is a corporation may authorise one or more persons to act as its representative(s) at 
the meeting. Each such representative may exercise (on behalf of the corporation) the same powers as the 
corporation could exercise if it were an individual shareholder, provided that (where there is more than 
one representative and the vote is otherwise than on a show of hands) they do not do so in relation to the 
same shares.

Total voting rights  

6. 

As	at	20th	June,	2018	(being	the	last	practicable	date	before	the	publication	of	this	notice),	the	Company’s	
issued  share  capital  consists  of  18,396,073  Ordinary  shares  of  10p  each,  carrying  one  vote  each.  The 
Company	holds	1,646,334	Ordinary	shares	in	treasury.	Therefore,	the	total	voting	rights	in	the	Company	
as at 20th June, 2018 are 16,749,739. 

Nominated Persons 

7. 

(a)	

(b)	

Where a copy of this notice is being received by a person who has been nominated to enjoy information 
rights	under	section	146	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	(“2006	Act”)	(“Nominated	Person”):	

the	Nominated	Person	may	have	a	right	under	an	agreement	between	him/her	and	the	shareholder	by	
whom  he/she  was  nominated,  to  be  appointed,  or  to  have  someone  else  appointed,  as  a  proxy  for  the 
meeting;	or

if	the	Nominated	Person	has	no	such	right	or	does	not	wish	to	exercise	such	right,	he/she	may	have	a	right	
under such an agreement to give instructions to the shareholder as to the exercise of voting rights.

The statement of the rights of shareholders in relation to the appointment of proxies in notes 2 to 4 does 
not	apply	to	a	Nominated	Person.	The	rights	described	in	such	notes	can	only	be	exercised	by	shareholders	
of	the	Company.	

Questions at the meeting 

8. 

Shareholders  have  the  right  to  ask  questions  at  the  meeting  relating  to  the  business  being  dealt  with 
at	 the	 meeting	 in	 accordance	 with	 section	 319A	 of	 the	 2006	Act.	 The	 Company	 must	 answer	 any	 such	
question unless: 

(a) 

(b)	

to do so would interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or would involve the  
disclosure	of	confidential	information;	or	

it	is	undesirable	in	the	interests	of	the	Company	or	the	good	order	of	the	meeting	that	the			
question be answered.   

65

	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Continued

Documents available for inspection   

9. 

The following documents will be available for inspection during normal business hours at the registered 
office	of	the	Company	from	the	date	of	this	notice	until	the	time	of	the	meeting.	They	will	also	be	available	
for inspection at the place of the meeting from at least 15 minutes before the meeting until it ends

(a)	

(b)	

Copies	of	the	service	contracts	of	the	executive	directors;	and

Particulars	of	transactions	of	directors	in	the	shares	of	the	Company.

Biographical details of directors 

10. 

Biographical	details	of	all	those	directors	who	are	offering	themselves	for	reappointment	at	the	meeting	
are set out in the Notice.

Dividend Warrants 

11. 

Dividend  warrants  will  be  posted  on  23rd  July,  2018  to  those  members  registered  on  the  books  of  the 
Company	on	22nd	June,	2018.	

66