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Novacyt Group

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FY2021 Annual Report · Novacyt Group
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Global leaders  
in the fight against 
infectious diseases

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts  
for the year ended 31 December 2021

Novacyt is a diagnostics solution provider, 
manufacturing diagnostic and pathogen testing 
kits based on molecular and protein technologies 
sold into human clinical, life science, food and 
industrial markets. 

Our purpose 
We protect lives from invisible threats by 
providing actionable health information in 
the right place, at the right time.

Our vision 
Global leaders in the fight against 
infectious diseases

Read about our new strategy 
on pages 16 to 17

Financial highlights 

Revenue £’000

£95,780

£11,169

£12,140

£11,468

1
7

1
8

1
9

2
0

2
1 £95,780

EBITDA £’000

£1,318

£790

£512

£174

1
7

1
8

1
9

2
0

2
1 £1,318 

Net debt £’000

£0

£277,204

£176,145

£(401)

1
7

1
8

1
9

2
0 £0

2
1 £0

£3,825

£5,567

Cash balance £’000

£101,746

1
7

1
8

1
9

£3,858

£1,021

£1,542

2
0 £91,765

2
1 £101,746

Gross margin £’000

£29,678*

1
7

1
8

1
9

2
0

2
1

£6,929

£7,613

£7,340

£211,500

£29,678*

* After cost of sales exceptional items

Operational highlights 
•  Rapid development and 

launch of 15 new assays 
to support laboratories, 
clinicians, and private 
testing of COVID-19 since 
the beginning of 2021

•  Launch of VersaLab™ 
mobile processing 
laboratories and VersaLab™ 
Portable to expand 
near-patient testing 
opportunities in private 
sector testing

• 

Inclusion in National 
Framework Agreement, 
resulting in a new £4.7 
million contract with the 
DHSC for the supply of 
PROmate® COVID-19 tests 
to the NHS

•  Secured new contracts 

with a leading global health 
organisation and UNICEF 
for the supply of COVID-19 
products

•  Growth of new markets for 
private testing, including 
travel, sport, film, media, and 
workplace settings

Business Overview 
Novacyt’s Key Strengths

Group at a Glance

Customer Testimonials

Strategic Report 
Chairman's Statement

Development and Manufacturing 
Capability
Our Strategy

Market Spotlight 

Shaping the future with the right 
portfolio
Q&A with CEO 

Chief Executive Officer's report

Section 172(1) Statement

Financial Review

Sustainability

Governance
The Board of Directors

Directors’ report

02

04

08

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

27

31

40

43

An introduction from the Chairman 46

QCA principles

Nomination Committee report

Directors’ Remuneration report

Audit Committee report

Principal Risks and  
Risk Management

Financial Statements
Statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities in respect of 
the annual report and financial 
statements

Statutory auditor’s report on the 
consolidated financial statements

Accounts and notes

Consolidated income statement

Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes to the annual accounts

Glossary of terms

Company Information

48

56

57

61

64

72

74

76

77

78

79

80

81

128

129

01

BUSINESS OVERVIEWBUSINESS OVERVIEW

Novacyt’s 
Key Strengths

1

Clinical Diagnostics
Our goal is to improve patient pathways by providing 
clinical information at the right place at the right time. We 
do this by partnering with public and private laboratories 
as well as commercial partners to provide clinical 
diagnostic testing workflows, which includes qPCR 
instrumentation and high-quality reagents. 

2

Life Sciences
We have passion for patient-centric solutions that advance 
the science behind diagnostics. This fuels our drive to 
deliver high-quality and reliable reagents and instruments 
for the Life Sciences market. We have a comprehensive 
range of qPCR assays with our instruments to enable 
personalised solutions customised to meet the needs 
of Life Sciences research across Food and Beverages, 
Animal Health, Human Pathogen, and many more other 
applications.

We have a dedicated technical and field support specialist 
team that provides round-the-clock support to our 
partners, ensuring optimum results.

5

Bioinformatics Surveillance
Global tracking of virus mutations enables our  
R&D to quickly develop tests to identify viruses and 
their mutations that could be detrimental to the 
healthcare system.

Currently, our in-house bioinformatics surveillance 
group has worked with a global network of virologists 
to track the SARS-CoV-2 variants to identify the 
mutations expected to pose the most significant 
challenges to healthcare and vaccine efficacy.

6

World-class R&D Team
We have deep scientific expertise in developing primers 
and probes within our R&D team. Our R&D strategy 
focuses on new product development and validation, 
advancing our proprietary technology platforms and 
manufacturing process improvement across Novacyt.

With an in-house clinical and validation team, our R&D 
can leverage insights and data to progress cutting-edge 
technology designs to meet the diagnostic needs of 
our customers and their patients.

02

BUSINESS OVERVIEWBUSINESS OVERVIEW

3

Global First Responder
As a pioneer in clinical diagnostics, Novacyt has a proven 
history of responding quickly to changing global health 
needs and key outbreaks worldwide, including providing 
testing solutions for Zika, Swine Flu, and Ebola viruses. 
Solidifying this position, Novacyt was among the first to 
respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, providing a 
rapid and reliable gold standard SARS-CoV-2 test kit that 
the WHO approved.

Our streamlined research and development (R&D) 
pipelines and commitment to better innovate to meet 
patients’ needs have enabled us to respond quickly to 
global outbreaks, achieving accurate identification and 
detection with our proprietary molecular and protein 
detection technologies.

4

Instruments
As a global leader in qPCR innovation, we offer 
gold standard real-time PCR instrumentations. The 
genesig® and MyGo series of qPCR instruments 
empower our customers to take real-time PCR tests 
anywhere and everywhere they may need them. 

Our qPCR instruments are designed to offer 
mobility, versatility, and speed to meet any testing 
needs. The capability to operate multiple units at 
once enables efficient and cost-saving operations.

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

03

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Group  
Group  
at a Glance
at a Glance

2021 and post-period operational highlights

1

Launch of VersaLab® mobile testing 
solutions

Launch of VersaLab™ 
mobile testing solutions

2

Launch of 15 new 
assays to support 
COVID-19 testing

3

Inclusion in DHSC National 
Framework Agreement

4

Approval of PROmate® COVID-19 
2G and 1G (q32) Real-Time 
PCR tests by the CTDA

5

Strengthened 
commercial 
management team

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

6

New contracts with a leading global health organisation 
and UNICEF for supply of COVID-19 tests

7

Growth of private testing in 
film and media, cruise ships, 
education and NGOs

9

Lab21 and 
Microgen business 
review completed

8

Surveillance programme able to detect 
all published strains of SARS-CoV-2

10

Granted a key patent for ORF1a/b, 
which will lead to a corporation tax 
credit against future profits

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

05

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Group  
at a Glance

Our Innovative Solutions
We offer an increasing 
portfolio of in-vitro 
diagnostic tests, utilising 
molecular and protein 
detection technologies to 
support healthcare and 
disease prevention across 
the globe in the clinical 
and life science sectors. 
Agile product development, 
commercialisation, design, 
and manufacturing ensure 
quality products and 
robust supply.

06

Innovation Highlights
genesig® Real-Time PCR
Our comprehensive range of qPCR 
assays and instruments offer 
personalised solutions to individual 
customers to meet the many testing 
demands of patients. Building on the 
heritage behind our genesig® portfolio of 
qPCR kits, we can also develop bespoke 
products in response to customer 
requests to meet a specific need. 

Our genesig® kits are real-time PCR 
assays designed and developed to 
assess target organisms of particular 
interest. Our qPCR assay development 
includes designed primers to match 
healthcare needs, PCR mix optimisation 
and assay development to ensure a 
very effective qPCR reaction. In-house 
laboratory testing and evaluation ensure 
high levels of sensitivity and specificity 
for pathogen detection, food and water 
testing, veterinary and agricultural testing.

PROmate® Nearer-to-Patient 
Evolution
PROmate® COVID-19 assays are a total 
workflow solution for the qualitative 
detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, 
that includes sample preparation, 
qPCR amplification and analysis on 
our genesig® q16 and q32 instruments. 
The PROmate® workflow enables easy, 
time-efficient testing without the need 
for a class 2 biosafety cabinet. It was 
one of the first direct-to-PCR assays to 
be approved by the UK’s Technology 
Validation Group and the UK Health 
Security Agency's Medical Devices 
Regulations 2021 (Coronavirus Test 
Device Approvals) to allow near-to-
patient testing.

The reagents involved in COVID-19 RNA 
extraction and PCR test products were 
repackaged, with some reagents also 
freeze-dried, to reduce the number of 
consumables and steps required. This 
cut operator complexity and improved 
cycle times. PROmate® uses a viral 
inactivation methodology validated by 

Public Health England for potential use 
outside of laboratory environments.

PathFlow® Rapid Tests
Lateral flow testing has been thrust into 
the limelight following the COVID-19 
pandemic. As well as lateral flow 
tests for COVID-19, we also have a 
comprehensive portfolio of lateral 
flow tests for clinical use under our 
PathFlow® brand. These solutions 
cover a range of infectious diseases 
across respiratory such as Flu A & B 
and gastrointestinal infections, like 
Norovirus, inflammatory bowel disease 
and nosocomial infections.

With PathFlow®, we are committed to 
continuous product innovation that 
develops high performing rapid testing 
products that enable actionable results 
for better patient management and care, 
and ultimately better patient outcomes.

SNPsig® SARS-CoV-2 Variant 
Detection
This portfolio identifies Single 
Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) 
critical to each SARS-CoV-2 variant, one 
of the first commercially available range 
of assays for variant detection. The 
SNPsig® portfolio for detecting variants 
complements Novacyt’s existing range 
of PCR COVID-19 assays.

Our SNPsig® kits use our own proprietary 
genotyping method to identify SARS-
CoV-2 variants of concern. The assays 
can be used on Novacyt’s selected 
genesig® family of instruments or other 
real-time PCR machines with the ability 
to test across fluorescent channels, 
providing a rapid on-site alternative or 
complementary ability to next-generation 
sequencing. SNPsig®’s fast-paced 
innovation programme is facilitated 
by the company’s ability to match the 
rapid evolution of the virus with real-
time bioinformatics surveillance and 
accelerated product development. The 
R&D programme can pivot quickly, 
and tailor assay development to real-
world needs.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

The markets that we serve

Clinical
Diagnostics

Public

Private

Aid Agencies

C O R E   S PECIALTIES

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man P at h

u
H

Anim
et

V

al 

H

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ri

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t

a

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h

y

/

INFECTIOUS
DISEASES

F

o

o

A

d

, 

g

r
i
c

W

ater &

ulture

v ir o n ment

n

E

Pharmaceutical

Private Research

Academia

Life
Sciences

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

07

Customer  
Testimonials

As soon as we started to see that 
there was a need for COVID-19 
testing, we thought of Novacyt 
immediately. We wanted to 
collaborate as soon as we could, as 
we have a long working relationship.

Novacyt were very good; they had 
one of the first recognised products 
on the market which is the genesig® 
COVID-19 1G. First validation 
with the assay was good, and we 
didn’t see any problem. It is a nice 
assay that you can run a variety of 
different ways and it works on open 
platforms.”

Tony Cooke, CEO @ Cambridge Clinical Labs

08

Last year, we were heavily involved in 
COVID-19 testing particularly in the  
Oil & Gas industry. The problem 
that we faced in the early days was 
the 24–48-hour delay in getting the 
results back. If we could test and 
send people onto the helicopter an 
hour later, it makes a huge difference.

We had spoken to a few different 
companies when we started off, 
before we discovered the Novacyt’s 
genesig® assays. Novacyt’s staff 
were extremely responsible and 
responsive to all the questions we 
were firing at them. We formed a 
good relationship and trust with the 
employees there. And when Novacyt 
launched PROmate®, it was an easy 
decision for us to make and continue 
that relationship.”

Ken Park, Clinical Director @ TAC Healthcare

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021BUSINESS OVERVIEWAccuscience had a great journey 
over the past number of years with 
the Novacyt Group. Accuscience 
has been a key supplier to the Irish 
Government during the pandemic, 
and the Novacyt’s SARS-CoV-2 kits 
have been key products used in 
Ireland in the fight against COVID-19.

The partnership Accuscience has 
with Novacyt’s sales and technical 
teams has been paramount in the 
success we have seen in the Irish 
COVID-19 testing market. In many 
cases, the team in Novacyt has gone 
over and above to help us support 
the Irish customer base.”

Niamh Foley, Commercial Director @ Accuscience

We have a long-standing relationship 
with Novacyt, based on the excellent 
service and products they provide us. 
Their infectious disease kits are vital 
to our pathogen reporting, and in a 
time-critical industry, Novacyt have 
never let us or our clients down with 
their availability or quality. This is a 
testimony to each account manager 
and the customer service team’s 
hard work and understanding. The 
technical support is always on hand 
with any other queries.”

Glyn Reynolds, Diagnostic Manager @ Microsearch 
Laboratories Ltd.

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

09

BUSINESS OVERVIEWStrategic 
report

Novacyt is committed 
to becoming a leading, 
global clinical diagnostics 
company.”

James Wakefield
Chairman

10

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

Chairman’s Statement11

BUSINESS OVERVIEWChairman’s 
Statement

James Wakefield
Chairman

2021 highlights

•  The Company remains debt free with a cash position at 

31 December 2021 of £101.7 million.

•  David Allmond appointed as Chief Executive Officer and 

strengthened Executive team and commercial operations 
to support future growth.

12
12

During 2021, we continued to respond to the ever-changing 
COVID-19 pandemic requirements with speed and agility. At 
the start of the year, it was extremely difficult to predict exactly 
what the requirements and the levels of demand would be, 
but we were aware that relative to 2020, we would need to 
gradually diversify away from UK contracts supplying COVID 
-19 products and seek to service a wider geographic area 
with a broader range of related products, whilst continuing 
to develop our COVID-19 product portfolio. This journey has 
started well and the financial results support this.

Our rapid response to the COVID-19 virus is a testament to 
the Group’s core competency of in-vitro diagnostic design, 
development, manufacturing and commercialisation, and 
being able to act quickly. I am extremely proud of the 
Novacyt team who were able to respond in this manner.

Our highly experienced staff developed further products 
in our test portfolio keeping up with new strains of the 
COVID-19 virus as these materialised during the year. At the 
same time, a number of other R&D projects were ongoing 
to ensure that we develop a product portfolio which is fit 
for purpose in the post COVID-19 period. This is obviously a 
dynamic and ongoing exercise.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Graham Mullis 
for his significant commitment and contribution to the Group 
over the last 14 years. I would also like to welcome the newly 
appointed CEO David Allmond who joined us on 18 October 
2021. A number of new senior hires were made during the 
year to ensure the necessary expertise is in place to take the 
business to the next level on a maintainable basis.

We remain committed and focused on becoming a leading, 
global clinical diagnostics company in the fight against 
infectious diseases, as we build towards the next phase of 
growth. We will continue to make a significant contribution 
to global health, whilst seeking to continually deliver value 
to our Shareholders. We are investing in non-COVID-19 
product development to tackle high unmet needs and bolster 
our business development efforts, with a strengthened 
organisation and a clear strategic focus.

Novacyt has a track record of speed and agility in delivering 
critical products, as demonstrated in its response to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, and previous outbreaks including Zika, 
H1N1 (swine flu), and Ebola.

During the 2021 period under review, we generated revenues of 
£95.8 million excluding £40.8 million of DHSC revenues which 
are under contractual dispute, which is explained in the financial 
section of this report. The Company remains debt free with a 
cash position at 31 December 2021 of £101.7 million.

We are delighted to be working with Allegra Finance 

STRATEGIC REPORTThe Company is listed on two stock 
exchanges: Euronext Growth Paris 
and AIM London. As such, the Board 
remains committed to maintaining the 
highest standards of transparency, 
ethics and corporate governance, whilst 
also providing leadership, controls and 
strategic oversight to ensure that we 
deliver value to all our stakeholders.

Finally, I would like to take this 
opportunity of thanking you, the 
Shareholders, for your continued 
support, and also to thank the Board, 
the Executive management team and 
all of our staff for their commitment 
and contribution to the business and, in 
particular, to the role that Novacyt has 
and continues to have in testing during 
this global pandemic.

James Wakefield
Chairman

We are not proposing to pay a dividend 
for the financial year ended 2021 
and our ongoing dividend policy will 
form part of a wider review of capital 
allocation, which will be formulated in 
conjunction with the requirements for 
continued investment in the business 
for future business growth to maximise 
Shareholder value as well as the 
prevailing financial conditions in the 
markets in which the business operates.

Our rapid response to the COVID-19 virus 
outbreak is a testament to the Group’s 
core competency of in-vitro diagnostic 
design, development, manufacturing and 
commercialisation, and being able to act quickly. 
I am extremely proud of the Novacyt team who 
were able to respond in this manner.”

James Wakefield
Chairman

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

13

as our French listing sponsor, SP 
Angel Corporate Finance LLP as our 
Nominated Advisor/Broker, together with 
Numis as our joint broker.

The Board continues to review its 
strategy to focus on its core strengths of 
in-vitro diagnostic product development, 
commercialisation and contract 
manufacturing by driving value from 
its profitable Primerdesign business. 
The Company commenced a review 
of its Lab21 and Microgen businesses 
at the start of 2022 to consider the 
merits of maintaining multiple corporate 
entities versus a simplified business 
model and brand. Following conclusion 
of the review, Novacyt is proposing to 
discontinue both businesses, which is 
anticipated to be cash neutral. We intend 
to continue to grow both organically and 
through selective acquisition.

STRATEGIC REPORTDevelopment and  
Manufacturing Capability

1

Innovation
History of introducing 
de novo technologies as 
diagnostic products (e.g. 
Novacyt SNPsig technology)

2

Design
Over 10 years’ experience of 
producing assays designed 
to meet the highest levels of 
sensitivity and specificity

Track record of development 
of innovative near-patient 
platform solutions for 
the health care industry 
(e.g. PROmate® and 
exsig® platforms)

Innovations team 
includes specialists in 
biochemistry, chemistry and 
biomedical science

In-house developed genomic 
surveillance tools built 
to ensure state of the art 
in assay performance 
throughout the life cycle of 
our products

Internal bioinformatics 
expertise enabling the 
identification of  unique 
genomic regions to target in 
novel diagnostic applications 

4

Prototype and 
optimise
Proven capacity to develop 
diagnostic prototypes ready 
for technical transfer and 
manufacturing at scale

Our applied research 
team works with industry 
partners to optimise and 
commercialise diagnostic 
solutions

3

Speed to develop 
products
The Novacyt product 
development team has 
a proven track record of 
rapidly responding to disease 
outbreaks (Swine Flu, Ebola, 
COVID-19, etc.)

To maintain our position as 
a global 1st responder for 
emerging health threats we:

• 

Interface with non-public 
disease surveillance 
channels (e.g. KOLs, 
NGOs) to identify 
unmet needs in the 
diagnostics space

•  Co-ordinate purpose-
built developmental 
processes to support 
rapid deployment of high-
quality assays in  
< 3 weeks 

•  Maintain a team of 

molecular technologists, 
chemists & clinical 
specialists 

•  Design proprietary PCR 
algorithms capable of 
integrating assays onto 
any platform, including 
the q16 and q32

14

STRATEGIC REPORT 
5

Manufacturing Scale-Up
After product design, validation 
batches are created in manufacturing. 
A dedicated technical team translates 
the R&D product into the manufacturing 
requirements for documentation 
and scale-up. Validation batches 
are manufactured at scale and an 
improvement cycle ensures that ideas 
are captured and actioned to create the 
best quality, robust, efficient processes. 
A team of manufacturing process 
experts review the processes to optimise 
the workflow and where practical, scope 
out automation options. When required, 
we have multi-skilled flexible labour and 
a strong network of sub-contractors 
which can be rapidly mobilised for large 
scale production

6

Manufacture and Supply
Our end-to-end process is captured 
within our ERP system which manages 
sales orders, procurement, manufacture 
and shipment. Using forecasts, we 
manufacture to a demand plan which 
enables quick turnaround on top 
products for our customers whilst 
managing inventory levels. The 
manufacturing processes are split 
across multiple laboratories to ensure 
strict contamination control. Many of our 
sub-components are the same across 
different product ranges, which allows 
for more efficient bulk manufacture 
and rapid response to increases in 
demand. Investment in new equipment 
is leading to an increased capability to 
manufacture in-house which has quality 
and cost saving improvements. All of our 
products go through stringent QC tests 

7

Validate
Accurately measuring and reporting the 
performance of diagnostics devices

Subject matter experts on the 
regulatory compliance requirements for 
performance evaluation studies

Designing and executing validation 
studies that are compliant with 
international regulatory standards and 
aligned with industry best practices

Clinical trial design capabilities enabling 
the improvement of patient care 
pathways

15

STRATEGIC REPORTOur  
Strategy

Our purpose 
We protect lives from invisible threats by 
providing actionable health information in 
the right place, at the right time

Our vision 
Global leaders in the fight against 
infectious diseases

By the end of 2026, Novacyt aspires to have the following profile:

Patients

Aim 
To increase our direct commercial 
footprint and bring our solutions 
closer to patients across the globe.

Current position 
Commercial sales into >150 
countries, supported by Commercial 
Partners who deliver our solutions to 
end users.

Performance
Aim 
£100 million Revenue from 
existing portfolio plus new product 
development within five years.

Current position 
Identified the key diagnostic 
segments supported by external 
research where Novacyt can add 
most value and benefit from unmet 
needs. Mobilising resources to 
develop and commercialise a 
competitive portfolio of products.  

16
16

Products
Aim 
To move from a product-driven 
organisation to a patient led partner 
focused on improving healthcare 
outcomes at the point of need.

Current position 
One of the broadest CE-IVD COVID-19 
menu offerings on the market 
complemented by a comprehensive 
lateral flow and life science portfolio.

Profitability
Aim 
Delivering profit margins 
comparable to its peer group as part 
of the five-year plan.

Current position 
Re-shaping the business to focus 
on molecular diagnostics, whilst 
managing the rapid shift away 
from COVID-19 revenues. Carefully 
managing cost base through this 
process.

Pipeline

Aim 
To have patients’ unmet clinical 
diagnostic needs in infectious 
diseases drive our innovation and 
solutions.

Current position 
Organic and inorganic pipeline 
development to broaden our clinical 
offering beyond COVID-19 and 
lateral flow.

People

Aim 
To create an inclusive environment 
where our people feel connected 
to our purpose, and are enabled to 
thrive.

Current position 
Skilled and capable workforce, 
maturing our ways of working to 
ensure our people are engaged, and 
have the right tools to do their jobs 
effectively and deliver on our vision.

Chairman’s StatementSTRATEGIC REPORTCore focus
•  Pathogens impacting 

Human health

•  Focused on clinical 

diagnostics providing 
actionable health information 

•  Providing near patient 

solutions

•  Leaders in molecular and 

immunological technology 
platforms

•  Direct presence in selected 
markets with optimised WW 
distributor network

e
u
n
e
v
e
R

COVID-19

Future  
Outbreak

Future  
Outbreak

Global first 
responder

Innovation 
Engine

Human  
IVD 

Instruments

Build the base

Life sciences/
RUO 

Time

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Novacyt was a £10-£15 million life sciences/RUO business

Strategic pillars

Objectives

Build the base

Build a sustainable base business 
across in vitro diagnostics in human 
health, life sciences research 
portfolio serving veterinary, food, 
water and human health with 
integrated instrumentation to enable 
semi-automated, scalable, near 
patient testing

Global first responder 
Our base business with breadth 
and depth of portfolio acts as 
the innovation engine to enable 
Novacyt to respond rapidly to 
disease outbreaks and to also serve 
neglected diseases. With enhanced 
surveillance mechanism and our 
agility, Novacyt continues to be a 
global first responder

• 

 Maximise COVID portfolio 
internationally “NOW”

•  Develop innovative future “non-

COVID menu” for underserved market 
segments

•  Prioritise key markets and define go-to 

market strategies

•  Develop integrated instrument strategy

•  Leverage life sciences legacy business

•  Build e-commerce capability

• 

Innovation engine enabling “global first 
response”

•  Global surveillance capability

•  Latent resource capacity 

• 

Install “COBRA-like” internal 
response team

•  Address customer complexity

•  Agile resource deployment

•  Appoint global scientific expert panel

17

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT
STRATEGIC REPORT

Market  
Spotlight

Infectious diseases are a growing global challenge. This is not limited to 
COVID-19 as we see other infectious pathogens becoming more prevalent in 
multiple countries due to climate change and increased global travel. As the 
COVID-19 pandemic becomes endemic in many countries, particularly those with 
high vaccination levels, virus surges are expected to continue and the emergence 
of new variants remains a major concern.1

Surge of Innovation
COVID-19 fuelled several trends in diagnostic testing – spurring innovation for rapid 
testing, shifting testing from centralised laboratories closer to the patient and in recent 
months developments of multiplexed assays to help distinguish other respiratory 
pathogens from SARS-CoV-2 or its variants of concern.2 This diagnostic innovation 
for COVID-19, mainly built on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, can now 
be utilised for other infections which need rapid diagnosis. This will assist in making 
informed decisions about patient management, such as correct pharmaceutical 
invervention3, or to activate the correct public health protocols.4

Point-of-care testing
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven increased acceptance and capability to diagnose 
patients at the point-of-care. This has reduced reliance on centralised laboratory testing 
where you may have to wait days for a result and thus make appropriate decisions about 
patient management. Whilst this trend affects all kinds of laboratory testing, it is moving 
faster and more decisively in the field of nucleic acid based infectious disease testing. 
This approach can now be mirrored in diagnosing and treating other infectious diseases.5 
Making testing more accessible is also important for patients in rural areas of low-
income countries, where clinics are sparse and travel difficult.6

Speed, ease of use & walkaway time
The need for rapid and precise diagnosis of patients presenting with respiratory 
symptoms became paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic as healthcare 
professionals needed to make rapid decisions on patient management. These decisions 
are economically important to healthcare institutions as patients in isolated care have a 
higher cost than those in traditional ward-based care. 

Innovation in instrumentation has delivered smaller machines which are easier 
to use.  This has enabled lower grade staff to process patient samples and 
improved walkaway time once patient samples have been loaded.

Regulation
The regulatory industry faced a growing demand to approve submissions rapidly 
during the pandemic, which it was able to do under the IVD Directive (IVDD). 
However, with changes in the regulatory landscape in terms of the IVD Regulation 
(IVDR), there will be increased pressure on notified bodies as submissions will 
contain significantly more data and proof points. This could in turn cause delays to 
approvals moving forward.

18

Novacyt Group Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 20 21

Market Growth and Opportunity
Clinical Infectious Disease 
Molecular Diagnostic Market
The global clinical infectious disease 
diagnostics (excluding COVID-19) Total 
Addressable Market (TAM) was valued 
at an estimated $3,921 million in 2021 
and is projected to grow 5% to $4,117 
million by 2022.

COVID-19  

Diagnostic Market

LFT (Lateral Flow Testing) 

Diagnostic Market

RUO (Research Use Only)/ 

LS (Life Sciences) Market

The global COVID-19 (Molecular and 

The global Lateral Flow Test market 

LFT) market was worth $37,992 million 

is expected to grow 6% from $6,231 

in 2021 and is expected to be $34,310 

million in 2021 to $6,626 million 

The global RUO/LS TAM is valued at an 

estimated $1,063 million in 2021 and is 

projected to grow 5% to $1,105 million 

million in 2022. The market is expected 

in 2022.

by 2022.

Market Drivers: 
•  Rising prevalence of infectious 

diseases

•  Shift to point of care testing with 

• 

Increasing public awareness of 

• 

Increased demand for food, 

LFT testing capabilities

veterinary, environment and water 

Market Drivers: 

Market Drivers: 

to decline by 10% overall during 2022  

due to the global vaccination initiative, 

acquired immunity and the removal of 

testing regimes.

Market Drivers: 

lower cost immunoassays, such as 

lateral flow tests (LFTs), which can 

be used for early, rapid and large-

scale detection of SARS-CoV-2 

infection

•  Global vaccination initiatives and 

acquired immunity

•  Removal of state funded and travel 

testing regimes

testing

•  Growing demand for Analyte Specific 

Reagents (ASR) in the US

•  Reach into underdeveloped 

healthcare settings

• 

Increasing prevalence of 

infectious diseases 

• 

Increased demand for testing within 

individual LFT markets such as 

respiratory, HAI (Human Acquired 

Infection), STD (Sexually Transmitted 

Diseases) and DOA (Drugs of Abuse) 

testing

•  The rise in funding for R&D in 
infectious disease diagnostics
•  Rising technological advancements
• 

Increased demand for POC (Point of 
Care) diagnostic tests 
Increases in seasonal respiratory 
testing

• 

Global Clinical ID TAM by Portfolio

Global COVID TAM by Portfolio

Global LFT TAM by Portfolio

Global RUO TAM by Portfolio

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$4,100

$4,050

$4,000

$3,950

$3,900

$3,850

$3,800

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$8

$39

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$26

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Key Trends and Opportunities
The global prevalence of infectious 
diseases such as TB (Tuberculosis), 
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency 
Virus), hepatitis, and influenza has 
risen considerably. In the tropics and 
subtropics, Dengue, a mosquito-borne 
viral infection, is a leading cause of 
illness and death, affecting up to 400 
million people annually. Labs are 
consolidating tests where possible and 
reducing total cost of ownership. 

With the continued trend away from 
traditional microbiology techniques, 
diagnostic labs want to maximise the 
share of wallet on their instrumentation. 
This strategy presents a huge 
opportunity for Novacyt to expand its 
installed base of instruments.

Key Trends and Opportunities

Key Trends and Opportunities

Key Trends and Opportunities

Although the COVID-19 PCR and 

Lateral Flow market is reducing, it 

is still significant, and we need to 

maintain COVID-19 relevance with 

innovative solutions both in PCR and 

LFT formats. We offer an excellent 

LFT can bring testing closer to the 

“point of need” improving the patient 

The ASR market is largely driven by 

routine translational research which 

pathway. With increasing prevalence of 

has returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

infectious diseases, rising demand in 

Increases in use of biotechnology-

various end use settings like hospitals, 

based diagnostic tests for detection 

clinics, diagnostics laboratories, care 

of diseases is expected to present 

portfolio of products with the PathFlow 

homes, cruise ships and prisons we see 

lucrative opportunities in the ASR 

range; PathFlow SARS-CoV-2 IgG, 

an opportunity to expand our Lateral 

market, particularly in the field of in-

Pathflow COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Pro 

Flow Test portfolio to cater for a wider 

vitro diagnostics where FDA regulated 

menu of infectious disease testing.

tests are not available. With the 

and the PathFlow COVID-19 Rapid 

Antigen Self-Test. As the pandemic is 

still not over and with other COVID-19 

variants still on the horizon, we will 

expand our portfolio if required, in line 

with our first responder strategy.

increased demand for food, veterinary, 

environmental and water testing, along 

with potential geographical expansion 

with the ASRs, there is an attractive 

opportunity within the RUO/LS segment.

 
 
 
Market Growth and Opportunity

Clinical Infectious Disease 

Molecular Diagnostic Market

The global clinical infectious disease 

diagnostics (excluding COVID-19) Total 

Addressable Market (TAM) was valued 

at an estimated $3,921 million in 2021 

and is projected to grow 5% to $4,117 

million by 2022.

Market Drivers: 

•  Rising prevalence of infectious 

diseases

•  The rise in funding for R&D in 

infectious disease diagnostics

•  Rising technological advancements

• 

• 

Increased demand for POC (Point of 

Care) diagnostic tests 

Increases in seasonal respiratory 

testing

COVID-19  
Diagnostic Market
The global COVID-19 (Molecular and 
LFT) market was worth $37,992 million 
in 2021 and is expected to be $34,310 
million in 2022. The market is expected 
to decline by 10% overall during 2022  
due to the global vaccination initiative, 
acquired immunity and the removal of 
testing regimes.

Market Drivers: 
•  Shift to point of care testing with 

lower cost immunoassays, such as 
lateral flow tests (LFTs), which can 
be used for early, rapid and large-
scale detection of SARS-CoV-2 
infection

•  Global vaccination initiatives and 

acquired immunity

•  Removal of state funded and travel 

testing regimes

LFT (Lateral Flow Testing) 
Diagnostic Market
The global Lateral Flow Test market 
is expected to grow 6% from $6,231 
million in 2021 to $6,626 million 
in 2022.

RUO (Research Use Only)/ 
LS (Life Sciences) Market
The global RUO/LS TAM is valued at an 
estimated $1,063 million in 2021 and is 
projected to grow 5% to $1,105 million 
by 2022.

Market Drivers: 
• 

Increased demand for food, 
veterinary, environment and water 
testing

•  Growing demand for Analyte Specific 

Reagents (ASR) in the US

Market Drivers: 
• 

Increasing public awareness of 
LFT testing capabilities
•  Reach into underdeveloped 

• 

• 

healthcare settings
Increasing prevalence of 
infectious diseases 
Increased demand for testing within 
individual LFT markets such as 
respiratory, HAI (Human Acquired 
Infection), STD (Sexually Transmitted 
Diseases) and DOA (Drugs of Abuse) 
testing

Global Clinical ID TAM by Portfolio

Global COVID TAM by Portfolio

Global LFT TAM by Portfolio

Global RUO TAM by Portfolio

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$37,000

$36,000

$35,000

$34,000

$33,000

$32,000

$37,992

$954

$2,728

$34,310

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Key Trends and Opportunities
Although the COVID-19 PCR and 
Lateral Flow market is reducing, it 
is still significant, and we need to 
maintain COVID-19 relevance with 
innovative solutions both in PCR and 
LFT formats. We offer an excellent 
portfolio of products with the PathFlow 
range; PathFlow SARS-CoV-2 IgG, 
Pathflow COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Pro 
and the PathFlow COVID-19 Rapid 
Antigen Self-Test. As the pandemic is 
still not over and with other COVID-19 
variants still on the horizon, we will 
expand our portfolio if required, in line 
with our first responder strategy.

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Key Trends and Opportunities
LFT can bring testing closer to the 
“point of need” improving the patient 
pathway. With increasing prevalence of 
infectious diseases, rising demand in 
various end use settings like hospitals, 
clinics, diagnostics laboratories, care 
homes, cruise ships and prisons we see 
an opportunity to expand our Lateral 
Flow Test portfolio to cater for a wider 
menu of infectious disease testing.

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Key Trends and Opportunities
The ASR market is largely driven by 
routine translational research which 
has returned to pre-pandemic levels. 
Increases in use of biotechnology-
based diagnostic tests for detection 
of diseases is expected to present 
lucrative opportunities in the ASR 
market, particularly in the field of in-
vitro diagnostics where FDA regulated 
tests are not available. With the 
increased demand for food, veterinary, 
environmental and water testing, along 
with potential geographical expansion 
with the ASRs, there is an attractive 
opportunity within the RUO/LS segment.

1  Live Q&A on COVID-19 variants of concern – 16 February 2022. World Health Organization
2  Global Multiplex Assay Market Opportunities & Forecasts2021-2030. Allied Market Research.
3  BioTechniques Volume 69, Issue 6, December 2020, Pages 404-405  

https://doi.org/10.2144/btn-2020-0156

7  The International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) has pledged its 
collective support in countering the global COVID-19 pandemic. ICMRA April 28 2020.

8  Global lateral flow assays market, 2021 by BrandEssence (Jan 2022)
9  Global health sector strategy on sexually transmitted infections 2016-2021, World Health 

4  Global Multiplex Assay Market Report 2021-2030. Allied Market Research
5  Point-of-care Diagnostics Market Size, Share and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, 2021-2028. 

Fortune Business Insights.

6  Diagnostics for COVID-19: A case for field-deployable, rapid molecular tests for community 

surveillance. Frimpong M et al. Ghana Med J 2020; 54(4) supplement: 71-76 doi:  
http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v54i4s.11

Organization. (June 2016)

10  ASR’s and RUO’s market, U.S. Industry Analysis, size, share, trends and forecast, 2017-2031, 

by Transparency Market Research. (December 2021)

19

Key Trends and Opportunities

The global prevalence of infectious 

diseases such as TB (Tuberculosis), 

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency 

Virus), hepatitis, and influenza has 

risen considerably. In the tropics and 

subtropics, Dengue, a mosquito-borne 

viral infection, is a leading cause of 

illness and death, affecting up to 400 

million people annually. Labs are 

consolidating tests where possible and 

reducing total cost of ownership. 

With the continued trend away from 

traditional microbiology techniques, 

diagnostic labs want to maximise the 

share of wallet on their instrumentation. 

This strategy presents a huge 

opportunity for Novacyt to expand its 

installed base of instruments.

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shaping the future  
with the right portfolio

With a heritage of diagnostic testing in 
the food and veterinary industries for the 
Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics 
areas, Novacyt will continue to develop 
into a global leader in infectious 
diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has 
carved out a new segment for simple, 
scalable molecular diagnostics in 
decentralised settings with a targeted 
multi-panel approach.

Pre-pandemic, molecular testing 
was mainly confined to medium to 
large-size laboratories, where testing 
was centralised in high volumes on 
established high-output instruments. 
There is a shift to acute, near-patient 
settings where syndromic testing was 
being adopted with the pandemic.

Scalable near patient testing
Our PROmate® technology on our 
genesig® real-time PCR Instruments 
has proven to compete and beat 
competitors in these near-to-patient 
and decentralised settings. PROmate® 
is Novacyt’s proprietary innovation that 
enables real-time PCR accessible to 
everyone, everywhere. 

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
PROmate® was innovated to provide 
total viral inactivation, with a ready-
prepared master mix containing internal 
control for run validity. This means there 
is no need for a category 2 laboratory 
to handle the live virus, so the risk in 
handling is nullified, and tests can be 
nearer to patients. With the success 
of accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, 
PROmate® is being explored with other 
pathogens to continue the application 
of Novacyt’s innovation and expertise to 
support other healthcare threats. 

Seasonal Respiratory 
Diagnostics
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught 
us that identifying the right seasonal 
respiratory testing solutions and 
ensuring healthcare providers have 
the right tools to support optimal 
treatment is more critical than ever. 

20

Prioritisation of seasonal respiratory 
diagnostics, especially where winter 
diseases are prevalent, remains 
essential to governmental policies 
and health economies worldwide. The 
global addressable market of seasonal 
respiratory diagnostics is estimated to 
be $1,372 million for 2022 growing at a 
CAGR of 4% to 2026.

Viral and Bacterial 
Gastrointestinal Diagnostics
Diagnostics offer valuable insights 
when a patient is suspected of suffering 
from a gastrointestinal (GI) disease 
or disorder; or if a patient reports 
unexplained symptoms in their gut. 
Diagnostic tests and procedures can 
range from invasive to non-invasive and 
can help healthcare professionals learn 
more about the causes, symptoms, and 
severity of different health conditions. 
Providing simple and easy-to-use test 
solutions saves time to diagnose and 
provide vital information on patients’ 
health, eventually saving lives. Global 
GI diagnostics (including viral and 
bacterial) total addressable market is 
estimated to be $632 million for 2022 
growing at a CAGR of 5% to 2026.

Insect-Borne Diagnostics, 
connecting to clinical and first 
responder strategy
Insect-borne or vector-borne diseases 
are emerging or re-emerging in many 
geographical areas, especially in tropical 
and subtropical regions, and they 
disproportionately affect the poorest 
populations. The emergence of these 
diseases is starting to raise alarms 
on new health threats and economic 
losses. Besides vector control, the WHO 
has urged other medical organisations 
to provide technical support to 
manage cases and outbreaks. With 
our established relationships with aid 
agencies, it remains an opportunity 
for us to provide diagnostics tools 
that can rapidly give results. The total 
addressable market of insect-borne 
diagnostics globally is estimated to be 

$156 million for 2022 growing at a CAGR 
of 5% to 2026.

Viral and Bacterial Meningitis 
Diagnostics
Meningitis can be caused by a bacterial 
or viral infection of the fluid surrounding 
the brain and spinal cord and usually 
causes swelling; it is crucial to know the 
specific cause of meningitis because 
the treatment differs depending on 
the cause. Viral meningitis is the most 
common type of meningitis, while 
bacterial meningitis is very dangerous 
to patients. Those who do not recover 
can have permanent disabilities, such 
as brain damage. Therefore, diagnostics 
tests are essential to determine the 
pathogen that is causing meningitis. 
Global meningitis diagnostics’ total 
addressable market is estimated to be 
$74 million for 2022 growing at a CAGR 
of 7% to 2026.

Transplant
There are two distinct markets for 
transplantation: pre-transplant screening 
and post-transplant monitoring. The 
total market value of both segments 
was estimated in 2017 at $3,600 million 
and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 
7.6% to almost $5,000 million in 2024. 
The market is made up of PCR and 
other molecular assays, sequencing, 
and a variety of non-molecular assays 
including HLA tissue typing and cross 
matching. Molecular technologies 
account for the most significant share  
of the market.

The post-transplant screening market 
is based upon determination of the 
donor recipients viral load for several 
infectious disease agents and other 
critical markers. Viral load monitoring 
of common viral infections is critical as 
increased viral loads is associated with 
organ/graft rejection and morbidity. 
There are three main targets which cover 
60% of viral load monitoring these are 
CMV, EBV, BKV with the remaining 40% 
being HSV1/2, HHV6, HHV8, Adenovirus, 
Parvovirus and JCV.

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT

With the help of Health Advances Research, 6 key areas 
are identified for future development and growth

Test Opportunity Comparison

Better Fit

Transplant

Common
Illnesses

V

GI Viral

B

GI Bacterial

Less
Attractive

Blood-borne
Viruses

Other Resp
Viruses

Meningitis/
Encephalitis

V

UTI

More
Attractive

Insect-borne

Eye
Infection

Joint
Infection

Atypical
Pneumonia

B

Worse Fit

Recommended

Legend

Bubble size indicates
relative size of total
addressable market

Meningitis / Encephalitis opportunities are still under review

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

21
21

MARKET ATTRACTIVENESSSTRATEGIC FIT FOR NOVACYTNovacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 20213. What motivates you to succeed?
I am motivated by three primary things. Firstly, I am 
motivated by success, which comes in many forms and I 
feel there is huge opportunity to be successful in Novacyt 
from the jump off point I have inherited. Secondly, I am 
motivated by making a difference and leaving a legacy.  
The company has clearly demonstrated this during the 
pandemic but will continue to add value to global health 
in the future across a whole range of infectious diseases 
where there is high unmet need and thirdly by a sense of 
belonging, working with talented, like-minded people in a 
progressive, diverse company culture.

4. Can you summarise the vision and growth 
strategy for Novacyt over the coming years? 
Novacyt’s vision is to become a leading clinical diagnostics 
company in the fight against infectious diseases. We are 
passionate about protecting lives from invisible threats by 
enabling informed clinical decision making in the right place 
at the right time. We plan to build a strong, sustainable base 
business across human in vitro diagnostics, life sciences 
research and integrated instrumentation. We will continue 
to be a global first responder for disease outbreaks and 
neglected diseases where our base business serves as 
the innovation engine enabling us to act with speed and 
agility. We will continue to identify areas of high unmet need 
in infectious diseases and bring the right solutions to our 
customers.

Q&A  
with CEO

1. What attracted you to join Novacyt?
David Allmond
Chief Executive Officer
I joined Novacyt because there are exciting times ahead. The 
company has developed strong foundations with a talented 
team, research and development, manufacturing and supply 
at scale, global commercial reach and significant capital. 
These capabilities are hard to come by and it’s an inspiring 
business challenge to put this machinery to work, in the 
right direction to take the company to the next level and 
significantly contribute to global health.

2. What strengths do you feel you bring to the 
company and how will these enhance future 
success?
I have worked all over the world in leadership roles in 
healthcare, largely pharmaceuticals. This global experience 
of building early to mid-stage companies is precisely what 
Novacyt needs. I come with a strength of leadership to 
attract and develop talent and build a strong company 
culture. I have a particular interest and skill set in defining 
strategy, choosing where to play and how to win in the future, 
and seeing this through to execution. As the diagnostic 
industry becomes more regulated I can use 
my strong pharmaceutical background to 
ensure we can be successful.

22

STRATEGIC REPORT5. Why are you focused on 
infectious diseases?
Infectious diseases are the core strength 
of the company and when defining 
strategy it is important to leverage one’s 
strengths. Infectious diseases pose 
a significant burden to populations 
around the world. Recent examples 
include the COVID-19 and influenza 
outbreaks, where viruses cross the 
animal-human divide to infect people 
and easily spread from person to person. 
These are considered novel to humans 
and have the potential to become 
global pandemics. Pathogens are also 
subject to genetic mutations leading to 
the emergence of new variants, as we 
have experienced with the COVID-19 
pandemic. In addition, the emergence 
of antimicrobial resistance, where 
bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites 
change over time and no longer respond 
to medicines, leaves us at significant 
risk from being unable to treat diseases, 
leading to significant morbidity and 
mortality. Climate change also continues 
to accelerate the spread of vector borne 
diseases such as Zika, Yellow Fever and 
Dengue as mosquitoes expand their 
habitats. On a macro level, these issues 
drive Novacyt to work towards finding 
solutions and to materially contribute to 
global health.

6. What have been Novacyt’s 
key learnings from its 
track record in COVID-19 
responsiveness, and how 
can these be leveraged in the 
future?
The company has learned how to 
design IVD products for human health, 
conduct clinical research, gain regulatory 
approvals and manufacture at scale 
while ensuring quality. This puts us in 
good stead for our future strategy. The 
company has also shown great flexibility 
moving from government contracts to 
a diversified customer base both in the 
UK and aboard. Our ability to capitalise 
on new opportunities will be of great 
value as we diversify the company 
beyond COVID-19. We have a talented 
committed team who have hands on 
experience, shown great tenacity and 
worked tirelessly to respond to the 
pandemic and we are well placed to 
put our energy into new areas of high 
unmet need.

7. Novacyt has traditionally 
developed through UK 
business. What more can you 
do to drive business growth 
internationally?
Novacyt has already established global 
commercial reach. Beyond the UK 
we have a growing team overseeing 
Europe, Middle East, Africa, employees 
deployed in the US and Latin America 
managing our distributor networks and 
we manage Asia Pacific and NGOs 
through our global key accounts team. 
In 2021 over half of the revenues were 
from international markets and while we 
continue to develop our business in the 
UK, we expect this trend to continue as 
we serve customers across the world.

8. What do you see as the 
main challenges facing the 
company in the year ahead 
and beyond?
As we transition away from COVID-19 we 
will see an initial decline in revenue from 
the peak experienced in the pandemic 
therefore we need to judiciously manage 
our operating costs whilst maintaining 
our core capabilities to develop and 
launch the post-COVID-19 portfolio. 
This is always a fine balance, but I 
believe we are well placed to do this 
and we will have a stronger business 
as we implement our future strategy. 
The implementation of IVDR poses a 
higher regulatory hurdle for the future 
and will likely lead to consolidation in 
the diagnostics sector but I feel Novacyt 
has the capability to be successful and 
ultimately this will be a competitive 
advantage for the company. Lastly, we 
will be entering new markets and serving 
different unmet medical needs and 
new customers. We will need to remain 
focused, disciplined and agile ensure 
future success.

9. How does Novacyt intend to 
retain the skills and experience 
in its current workforce, and 
what does the company do to 
ensure talent development?
People are our greatest asset. With the 
executive leadership team, we plan to 
engage with the whole company face to 
face to seek feedback on future strategy, 
build strong relationships and provide 
answers to questions people raise. 
We will build a strong culture based 
on a clear set of values we identify 
together and the behaviours we want 
to encourage in the company. We will 
develop a performance culture through 
coaching and leadership development 
so that our team can individually and 
collectively become the best they 
can be.

23

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTChief Executive 
Officer’s Review

David Allmond
Chief Executive Officer

2021 highlights

•  Established an international scientific advisory board, and 
in-country and therapeutic area advisory boards to assist 
with market surveillance and directing future innovation

•  Significant investment in new product development 

programmes

•  Continued geographic expansion and built marketing, 

direct sales, and distribution channels with hand-selected 
partners, leveraging adjacent markets across Europe

24

In 2021, Novacyt achieved revenues of £95.8 million in line 
with market expectations, excluding £40.8 million of DHSC 
revenues under contractual dispute, with a gross margin 
of 68% and an EBITDA margin of 39% in the underlying 
business, excluding the DHSC dispute. Revenue derived 
from COVID products accounted for 86% compared to 
95% in 2020, with the UK representing 45% of total revenue 
compared to 79% in 2020. The Company remains debt free 
with a cash position of £101.7 million on 31 December 2021.

The Company’s vision is to become a leading global clinical 
diagnostics company in the fight against infectious diseases 
by enabling informed clinical decision-making through quality 
diagnostics delivered in the right place at the right time.

Having undergone a period of internal review, Novacyt’s 
management remains focused on the previously announced 
strategic development pillars of portfolio development, 
geographic expansion, and business development. This will 
support the development of a substantive, sustainable base 
business and will serve to provide financial stability for the 
Company moving forward. It will also act as an innovation 
engine so Novacyt can continue to be a global first 
responder, tackling disease outbreaks and neglected tropical 
diseases, working with a global leading health organisation, 
other NGOs and philanthropic organisations. 

During 2021, the Company demonstrated its flexibility and 
agility to rapidly respond to customer needs for COVID-19 
testing, moving from a largely government contract base, to 
supplying a highly diversified set of customers in the private 
sector focusing on film and media, events, employee, and 
travel testing. Taking testing to the front line with highly 
sensitive, medium throughput, scalable, molecular testing 
solutions with exceptional customer service and technical 
support puts Novacyt in a strong position as it looks to 
continue diversifying beyond COVID-19. 

Novacyt is adapting and maturing its offering to become 
market and customer-led, as outlined in our strategy update 
in January 2022, focusing on solutions to serve high unmet 
needs in infectious diseases. The integrated near-patient 
workflow the Company has developed, with its proprietary 
q16 and q32 PCR instruments and user-friendly direct-
to-PCR assays, has been further enhanced with semi-
automation through the recent launch of CO-Prep™. This 
product automates liquid handling, reducing hands-on time 
and risk of contamination, whilst providing robust sample 
stewardship to reduce the chance of human error. This 
workflow platform can, in the future, be used where currently 
decentralised sample-to-result solutions are not easily 
scalable, slow and very costly.

STRATEGIC REPORTIn 2021, the Company continued to 
diversify its revenue streams beyond 
the UK, with over half its revenues from 
international markets. This trend is 
expected to continue as the Company 
strengthens its focus in Europe, where 
CE Mark accreditation applies across the 
European Economic Area largely without 
additional regulatory hurdles, and in 
the Americas and Asia Pacific where 
Novacyt’s distributor network is being 
refined and enhanced.

With the impending implementation 
of the European IVDR in late May 
2022, the Company is well-placed to 
manage this increased clinical and 
regulatory complexity where other 
smaller organisations may struggle. It 
is anticipated this change will ultimately 
be a competitive advantage for a mid-
size, established clinical diagnostics 
company which can take advantage of 
opportunities with lower competition.

In addition to the clinical diagnostics 
and instrument portfolio, Novacyt has 
an extensive life sciences portfolio of 
research-use-only (“RUO”) products 
developed before the pandemic. In 
2021 and early 2022, the portfolio has 
been refreshed and refined to ensure 
the primers and probes are up to date 
to reliably target given pathogens. 
The portfolio will be relaunched in the 
second half of 2022 to deliver near-
term growth to underpin the base 
business. This portfolio will also act 
as an innovation engine for future IVD 
products for use in human health. 

To support the Company’s growth, the 
Executive team has been reorganised 
and strengthened and we continue 
to enhance capability across key 
areas of the business, including R&D, 
regulatory and manufacturing/supply. 

Most notably, in 2021, the Company 
invested significantly to strengthen the 
commercial organisation, recruiting 
commercial leaders with significant 
diagnostic industry experience to 
execute on the international growth 
strategy. 

Whilst we note COVID-19 remains with 
us, and we continue to offer one of the 
market’s best diagnostic portfolios for 
SARS-CoV-2 enabling our customers 
to continue tackling the virus on the 
front line, we are excited by the future 
of Novacyt as we evolve the business 
beyond the pandemic.

Looking ahead, Novacyt’s management 
believes it can achieve annual revenue 
in excess of £100 million in five years, 
whilst also delivering profit margins 
comparable to its peer group. This 
projection is based on the successful 
implementation of the strategy to 
deliver material growth in non-COVID-19 
revenues.

The Lab21 Products business continued 
to be impacted in 2021 by its core 
customers diverting testing from 
veterinary and food testing to COVID-19 

testing and as communicated in January 
2022, the Company commenced 
a strategic review of the business. 
As outlined in the review, the costs 
associated with updating the existing 
portfolios in these businesses to comply 
with IVDR and ISO regulations are 
prohibitive versus the sales opportunity 
it presents. 

Ongoing dispute with the 
DHSC
As previously disclosed, the business 
remains in dispute with the DHSC in 
relation to a supply contract entered into 
in Q4 2020, which has now become a 
legal claim. The 2021 accounts show the 
underlying performance of the business 
by excluding any financial impact of 
the disputed revenue. The Company is 
disappointed a satisfactory resolution 
has not yet been found and continues to 
believe it has strong grounds to assert 
its contractual rights in the claim. The 
Board is determined to carry on with the 
core business and to use the Company’s 
balance sheet to invest in both continued 
organic growth and M&A opportunities 
to support its strategic aims.

I am excited for what we can achieve in 2022 
and beyond. I truly believe we can deliver great 
success in the future and leave a legacy by 
applying our science and innovation, ensuring 
integrity in everything we do to create long-term 
Shareholder value.”

David Allmond
Chief Executive Officer

25

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTSection 172(1)  
Statement

The Directors acknowledge their duty 
under s172 of the Companies Act 
2006 and consider that they have, both 
individually and together, acted in the 
way that, in good faith, would be most 
likely to promote the success of the 
Company for the benefit of its members 
as a whole. In doing so, they have had 
particular regard to: 

• 

• 

the likely consequences of any 
decision in the long term  
The Group’s long-term strategic 
objectives, including progress made 
during the year, and principal risks to 
these objectives, are set out in the 
Chief Executive Officer’s Report on 
pages 24 to 25, and in the Principal 
Risks and Risk Management section 
on pages 64 to 70 respectively.

the interests of the Company’s 
employees  
Our employees are fundamental to 
the Group achieving its long-term 
strategic objectives, and further 
disclosure on how we look after 
the interests of our employees 

• 

• 

is contained in Principle 3 of the 
Corporate Governance Statement on 
pages 48 to 49. 

the need to foster the Company’s 
business relationships with 
suppliers, customer and others  
A consideration of our relationship 
with wider stakeholders and their 
impact on our long-term strategic 
objectives is disclosed in Principles 
2 and 3 of the Corporate Governance 
Statement on pages 48 and 49. 

the impact of the Company’s 
operations on the community and 
the environment  
The Group operates honestly and 
transparently. We consider the 
impact of our day-to-day operations 
on the community and the 
environment, and how this can be 
minimised, as more fully explained 
in Principle 3 of the Corporate 
Governance Statement on pages 48 
and 49. Further disclosure on how we 
promote a corporate culture based 
on ethical values and behaviours 

• 

• 

is included in Principle 8 of the 
Corporate Governance Statement on 
page 55. 

the desirability of the Company 
maintaining a reputation for high 
standards of business conduct  
Our intention is to behave in a 
responsible manner, operating 
within a high standard of business 
conduct and good corporate 
governance. This is explained more 
fully in our Corporate Governance 
Statement on pages 48 to 56, and 
is also encapsulated in our risk 
management framework on pages 
64 to 70. 

the need to act fairly as between 
members of the Company  
Our intention is to behave responsibly 
towards our Shareholders and to 
treat them fairly and equally so 
that they may also benefit from the 
successful delivery of our strategic 
objectives.

26

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTFinancial  
Review

James McCarthy
Chief Financial Officer

2021 highlights

•  The business finished 2021 debt free with a cash 

balance in excess of £100 million.

•  Successful integration of IT-IS business

•  Underlying EBITDA margin 39%

Financial performance 
Novacyt Group’s underlying business performed well in a 
challenging and diverse COVID-19 market in 2021, generating 
revenue of £95.8 million, of which COVID-19 products 
accounted for 86% of revenue, compared with 95% of revenue 
in 2020. Revenue to private laboratories increased by 98% 
year-on-year to £55.9 million, compared with £28.3 million in 
2020 including £10.5 million from NGOs.

Primerdesign delivered revenue of £89.9 million (2020: £272.8 
million) and remains the main generator of revenue for the 
Group, of which £84.0 million (93%) related to COVID-19 
revenue and £5.0 million non-COVID-19 revenue (7%). 
Following the launch of one of the world’s first approved 
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in Q1 2020, the 
business launched 15 new assays since the beginning of 
2021 to support laboratories, clinicians, and private testing 
of COVID-19. In addition, the business launched VersaLab™ 
mobile processing laboratories and VersaLab™ Portable 
to expand near-patient testing opportunities in private 
sector testing. 

Core distributor and reseller business across UK and 
international markets delivered £32.2 million revenue, with 
sales to over 80 countries. Despite price erosion and market 
competition, the distributor business retains a strong global 
footprint and has increased its contribution from 18% of total 
revenue in 2020 to 36% in 2021. 

The private sector testing market delivered £55.9 million 
revenue in 2021, equating to 62% of total revenue, compared 
with £32.1 million revenue and 12% of total revenue in 2020. 
2021 includes £10.5 million revenue from NGOs, such as 
UNICEF, and saw a large shift in market demand, principally in 
the travel and media sectors. 

The Asia-Pacific region saw growth of 37%, taking revenue to 
£7.3 million for 2021 driven by strong distributor sales. The 
European region maintained strong revenue of £31.0 million 
in 2021, in line with the prior year. Strong revenue of q16/q32 
instruments continued in 2021, helping to grow the installed 
base with over 300 instruments placed during the year.

UK revenues fell significantly in 2021 as a result of 
significantly lower revenue with DHSC/UK Health and Security 
Agency compared with 2020. 

IT-IS International delivered revenue of £9.3 million in 2021 
compared with £6.9 million of post-acquisition revenue in 
2020. The £9.3 million included £6.5 million intercompany 
sales that are eliminated in the Group’s consolidated 
accounts. The business placed over 500 instruments in its 
MyGo product range in over 35 countries.

27

STRATEGIC REPORTFinancial  
Review continued

Lab21 Products sales fell by £0.6 million 
in 2021 to £4.6 million, compared with 
sales of £5.2 million in 2020. The £4.6 
million included £1.4 million intercompany 
sales that are eliminated in the Group’s 
consolidated accounts. This intercompany 
revenue relates to services that Microgen 
Bioproducts® provided to Primerdesign in 
support of manufacturing COVID-19 kits, 
rather than outsourcing to a third party 
and thus diluting the gross profit. The 
Lab21 Products business continued to be 
impacted in 2021 by its core customers 
diverting testing from veterinary and food 
testing to COVID-19 testing. 

The Group delivered an underlying gross 
profit of 68% or £65.4 million which is 
below the 2020 gross profit of 76%. This 
is due to two main factors: i) a higher 
stock provision based on obsolescence 
of COVID-19 products as variants drove 
product proliferation; and ii) margin 
dilution as result of increased instrument 
placements as the Group builds its 
installed base.

Due to the ongoing commercial 
dispute with the DHSC, £35.8 million of 
exceptional costs of sales have been 
incurred in 2021 that are one-off and non-
recurring. The two largest items making 

28

million Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) 
expense in 2020 that was not repeated 
in 2021 offset by higher investment in 
R&D and sales and distribution resources. 
Headcount increased from 237 at the end 
of December 2020 to 283 at the end of 
December 2021.

The Group delivered an EBITDA before 
cost of sales exceptional items of £37.1 
million (39%) in 2021 compared with 
£176.1 million in 2020, driven mainly by 
significantly reduced sales. After cost 
of sales exceptional items, the Group 
EBITDA was £1.3 million (1%).

The Group generated a recurring 
operating profit before cost of sales 
exceptional items of £35.1 million 
compared with £174.8 million in 2020, 
due to lower year-on-year revenue. 
Amortisation and depreciation increased 
to £2.0 million from £1.3 million in 2020. 
Depreciation charges increased to £1.3 
million (2020: £0.6 million) as a result of 
increased capital expenditure, as we have 
in-sourced more manufacturing work and 
reduced our reliance on sub-contractors, 
whilst amortisation charges remained 
flat year-on-year at £0.7 million. The 2021 
depreciation charge included £0.4 million 
IFRS 16 leasing costs, predominantly 
covering the rental charges for Novacyt 
premises. After cost of sales exceptional 
items, the Group moved to a recurring 
operating loss of £0.7 million.

up the £35.8 million are a £26.1 million 
stock provision, as a result of the Group 
buying stock to fulfil expected future 
DHSC orders that did not materialise, 
and the expensing of £6.9 million of 
stock delivered to the DHSC which has 
not been paid for as it is now part of the 
ongoing contract dispute. This reduces 
the overall Group gross profit to 31% or 
£29.7 million. 

Group operating costs fell by £7.0 
million year-on-year to £28.4 million in 
2021, compared with £35.4 million in 
2020. This is mainly due to the £19.0 

Novacyt’s underlying business performed well 
in a challenging and diverse COVID-19 market 
in 2021.”

James McCarthy
Chief Financial Officer

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTThe Group delivered an operating profit 
before cost of sales exceptional items 
of £28.0 million including non-recurring 
charges of £7.1 million compared with 
£167.4 million in 2020. The 2021 non-
recurring charges comprise a £5.8 
million impairment charge in relation 
to the goodwill associated with the 
Lab21 Products and IT-IS International 
businesses, £0.8 million legal and 
professional costs in relation to the 
ongoing Department of Health and Social 
Care contract dispute and £0.5 million 
restructuring costs, predominantly 
covering redundancy payments. After 
cost of sales exceptional items, the Group 
moved to an operating loss of £7.8 million.

The Group generated a profit after tax 
before cost of sales exceptional items 
of £19.2 million compared with £132.4 
million in 2020. After cost of sales 
exceptional items the Group moved to 
a loss after tax of £9.7 million, stated 
after charging other financial expenses 
of £2.0 million (2020: £0.9 million) and a 
tax credit of £0.1 million (2020: charge of 
£32.7 million). Other financial expenses 
in 2021 are primarily comprised of 
foreign exchanges losses which are 
mainly driven by revaluations of the 
2017 to 2020 LTIP scheme and bank and 
intercompany accounts held in foreign 
currencies. The tax charge, that mainly 
represents corporation tax due in the UK, 
has significantly decreased, moving to a 
credit position as the Group has swung 
from a profit before tax position in 2020 
to a loss before tax position in 2021. 
Gross borrowing costs fell to £nil in 2021 
from £1.4 million as a result of settling all 
outstanding debt during 2020. 

2021 reported a £0.14 loss per share 
versus a £1.94 profit per share in 2020.

Balance Sheet 
Goodwill has fallen from £17.9 million in 
2020 to £11.5 million in 2021. Following 
the 2021 impairment review, goodwill 
associated with the acquisition of IT-IS 
International Ltd has been impaired by 
£4.0 million. The key drivers for this are 

reduced COVID-19 demand and not 
receiving further DHSC orders, which 
reduces the future expected cash flow. 
In addition, the remaining goodwill 
associated with the Lab21 Products 
acquisition has been fully impaired 
resulting in a £1.8 million charge to 
the income statement. The remaining 
£0.6 million goodwill decrease is due to 
exchange revaluations on balances held 
in Euros.

A deferred tax asset of £3.1 million has 
been recorded in 2021 compared with 
£3.0 million in 2020. £2.1 million of the 
balance relates to the portion of the 
Long-Term Incentive Plan charge that 
was recognised in the accounts in 2020, 
but that will not be deducted for taxation 
until the remaining payments are made 
in 2022. £0.3 million arises from the 
elimination of internal profit on products 
and services purchased by Primerdesign 
from Microgen Bioproducts® and IT-IS 
International and still held in stock at 
the year end. The remaining £0.7 million 
relates to UK losses that can be carried 
forward to offset future tax liabilities. 

Other non-current assets (excluding 
right-of-use assets) have increased to 
£8.5 million from £6.1 million in 2020. 
Other intangible assets have fallen by £0.6 
million, but include £0.3 million additions 
predominantly relating to patent filling 
costs due to the launch of new products, 
offset by amortisation and foreign 
exchange revaluations totalling £0.9 
million. Property, plant and equipment has 
increased by £3.0 million, and includes 
£3.8 million of capital expenditure offset 
by depreciation totalling £0.8 million. 

Total inventories and work in progress 
has fallen significantly to £11.5 million 
at December 2021, predominantly due to 
the booking of a large stock provision. 
Inventory levels were built up as a 
result of the Group’s direct response to 
support the UK Government’s call for UK 
manufacturers to build manufacturing 
capacity and supply chain flexibility in 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic and 
was based on likely demand indicated by 

the DHSC. As future material contracts 
were not secured with the DHSC in 2021, 
a large stock provision was booked. The 
Group continues to explore opportunities 
to drive value from this inventory.

Trade and other receivables have fallen to 
£38.5 million from £79.6 million in 2020, 
mainly due to receiving £47.9 million from 
the DHSC in 2021 to clear a 2020 invoice. 
The closing 2021 trade receivable balance 
includes a £24.0 million DHSC invoice 
raised in December 2020, in respect of 
products delivered during 2020, that 
remains unpaid at the date of signing 
the accounts. Recovery of the invoice is 
dependent on the outcome of the contract 
dispute. Also included in trade and other 
receivables is a £8.2 million VAT receivable 
balance (2020: £0.3 million), that mainly 
relates to UK VAT paid on sales invoices in 
dispute with the DHSC. As the associated 
sales have not been recognised in 
accordance with IFRS 15, the revenue, 
trade receivable and VAT element of the 
transactions have been reversed, resulting 
in a VAT debtor balance. An expected 
credit loss provision of only £0.1 million 
(2020: £0.2 million) was booked at year-
end demonstrating a robust credit control 
process.

A tax receivables balance of £5.0 million 
existed at the end of 2021 versus a £nil 
balance in 2020. The main item making up 
the tax receivable balance is a £4.2 million 
overpayment of 2020 UK corporation 
tax. The Group received a refund of the 
overpayment from HMRC in March 2022. 
The remaining balance predominantly 
relates to 2021 losses that can be offset 
against 2020 taxable profits.

Other current assets have fallen to £2.0 
million from £3.7 million in 2020, driven by 
a £1.7 million reduction in prepayments. 
The key balances at 31 December 2021 
include prepayments for the annual Group 
commercial insurance, rent, rates and 
prepaid support costs. The balance at 31 
December 2020 included a large amount 
of prepaid stock that was delivered in 
2021, which was not repeated in 2021. 

29

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTFinancial  
Review continued

All outstanding debt was fully repaid 
during 2020 using cash generated in the 
year and as at 31 December 2021 the 
Group remained debt free.

Contingent consideration fell from 
£1.8 million to £0.8 million in 2021 
as a result of settling the first of two 
earnout milestones associated with the 
IT-IS International acquisition. The final 
tranche is expected to be paid in late 
2022 upon the achievement of certain 
deliverables.

Short-term provisions remained flat year-
on-year at £20.0 million (2020: £19.9 
million). A product warranty provision for 
£19.8 million booked in 2020 to cover 
Management’s view of the maximum 
cost of replacing products in relation to 
the ongoing commercial dispute with the 
DHSC remained unchanged in 2021.

Trade and other liabilities fell to £17.2 
million from £36.8 million in 2020. Trade 
payables and accrued invoices have 
fallen by £8.3 million in line with reduced 
fourth quarter sales. The UK VAT liability 
has fallen by £16.7 million to £0.1 million 
in 2021 due to sales in November and 
December 2020 being substantially 
higher than sales in the corresponding 
months of 2021. These reductions have 
been offset by the increase in other 
liabilities, moving from £5.6 million 
to £11.2 million, as the balance now 
includes the two remaining tranches of 
the LTIP, which are forecast to be paid 
during 2022.

No corporation tax was due at the end of 
2021 as the Group was in a loss-making 
position, compared with a £15.1 million 
liability in 2020. 

Other long-term liabilities is £nil in 2021, 
the £5.6 million 2020 balance related 
to the third tranche of the LTIP payment 
that is due to be paid in November 2022 
and has therefore been reclassified to 
short-term liabilities. 

Cash held at the end of 2021 increased 

to £101.7 million from £91.8 million in 
2020, driven by the strong underlying 
trading performance of the business 
when excluding cost of sales exceptional 
items. Net cash generated from 
operating activities was £15.7 million 
compared with £103.0 million in 2020 
driven by the EBITDA profitability of the 
business after cost of sales exceptional 
items of £1.3 million combined with a 
working capital inflow of £14.4 million.

Net cash used in investing activities 
fell to £5.0 million from £8.0 million in 
2020. Capital expenditure increased 
by £3.0 million to £4.1 million in 2021, 
as more manufacturing work has been 
brought in-house to reduce our reliance 
on sub-contractor manufacturing. This 
was offset by a £6.0 million reduction 
in acquisition-related cash outflows in 
2021. During 2021, £1.0 million was 
paid to settle the first IT-IS International 
contingent milestone, whereas the net 
cash outflow for the IT-IS International 
acquisition in 2020 totalled £6.9 million; 
the remaining £0.1 million variance 
was as a result of receiving an earnout 
milestone payment in 2021 associated 
with the sale of Lab21 Ltd.

Net cash used in financing activities in 
2021 totalled £0.6 million verses £5.0 
million in 2020. The main financing 
cash outflow in 2021 related to lease 
payments and the associated interest 
payments. The year-on-year decrease is 
due to Novacyt clearing all outstanding 
debt in 2020. In addition, all warrants 
had been converted in 2020.

Post Balance Sheet Events
In March 2022, Novacyt received 
confirmation that the UK Intellectual 
Property Office had granted the key 
patent (ORF1a/b), with patent number 
GB2593010. This means that subject to 
a number of adjustments, the effective 
rate of tax on profits derived from the 
sale of products covered by this patent 
is close to 10% rather than the current 

UK corporation tax rate of 19% (due 
to increase to 25% in 2023) and will 
be claimed from the time the patent 
application was made in October 2020. 
This will be treated as a corporation tax 
credit against future profits rather than a 
refund for prior periods. 

In April 2022, the Company concluded 
a review of its Lab21 Healthcare and 
Microgen Bioproducts® businesses. 
The review confirmed that the costs 
associated with updating the existing 
portfolios in these businesses to comply 
with IVDR and ISO regulations are 
prohibitive versus the sales opportunity it 
presents. Therefore, Novacyt is proposing 
to discontinue both businesses, which 
will be treated as discontinued under IFRS 
5 for 2022 accounting. The estimated 
sales impact of this decision is circa 
£2.9 million in 2022, with a gross margin 
reduction of £1.45 million, which is 
expected to be fully offset by cost 
savings. A cash restructuring charge of 
circa £0.5 million is expected; however, 
this should be fully financed from in-year 
savings and the release of working capital 
to make the closure of the businesses 
cash neutral in 2022.

The Company remains in dispute with 
the DHSC in relation to a supply contract 
entered into in Q4 2020, which became a 
legal claim in April 2022. The Company 
is disappointed a satisfactory resolution 
has not yet been found and continues to 
believe it has strong grounds to assert 
its contractual rights in the claim. The 
Board is determined to carry on with the 
core business and to use the Company’s 
balance sheet to invest in both continued 
organic growth and M&A opportunities 
to support its strategic aims. 

y order of the Board

James McCarthy
Chief Financial Officer

30

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTSustainability

As Novacyt has grown, we 
have also increased our 
focus on Environment, Social 
and Governance (“ESG”) 
matters. We are pleased to 
share ESG data in this Annual 
Report and will continue to 
develop our approach over 
time. Environment and Social 
information is covered in 
this section, while our overall 
approach to Governance is 
addressed on page 46.

Environment: Measuring  
our impact
Streamlined Energy & Carbon 
Reporting
This report is Novacyt’s second 
year of reporting under the new 
Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting 
requirements. 

The reporting period is the same as the 
Company’s financial year, 1 January 
2021 to 31 December 2021.

Organisation boundary and 
scope of emissions
We have reported on all of the emission 
sources required under the Companies 
Act 2006 (Strategic Report and 
Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2018. 
These sources fall within Novacyt’s 
consolidated financial statement.

An operational control approach 
has been used in order to define the 
organisational boundary. This is the 
basis for determining the Scope 1, 2 
and 3 emissions for which Novacyt is 
responsible, and includes emissions from 
Novacyt’s three operational facilities:

•  Microgen Bioproducts Ltd and Lab 
21 Healthcare Ltd (“Microgen”), 
based in Camberley, UK;

•  Primerdesign, based in Southampton, 

UK; and

• 

IT-IS International, based in 
Stokesley, Middlesbrough.*

*  The IT-IS International business was acquired in 

October 2020 and excluded from the 2020 reported 
numbers. For 2021, we have included IT-IS for the 
full year and restated 2020 numbers as if IT-IS had 
been part of the Group for the whole year to create 
a comparable baseline. 

Methodology
The following methodology was applied 
in the preparation and presentation of 
this data:

• 

the Greenhouse Gas Protocol 
published by the World Business 
Council for Sustainable Development 
and the World Resources Institute 
(the “WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol”); 

•  application of appropriate emission 
factors to Novacyt’s activities to 
calculate GHG emissions; 

•  Scope 2 reporting methods – 
application of location-based 
emission factors for electricity 
supplies;

• 

inclusion of all the applicable Kyoto 
gases, expressed in carbon dioxide 
equivalents, or CO2e; and

•  presentation of gross emissions as 
Novacyt does not purchase carbon 
credits (or equivalents).

31

STRATEGIC REPORTSustainability continued

Total energy use
The total energy use for Novacyt for the year ending 31 December 2021 was 995.302 kWh. 

This represents a 52% increase in total energy use compared to the year ending 31 December 2020 (654,753 kWh). The increase 
in total energy use in 2021 relative to 2020 can largely be attributed to the continued scale-up of operations and production in 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included in-sourcing of manufacturing that was previously done by third parties and 
therefore outside the scope of 2020 numbers.

Figure 1.1 Total energy use

2020

2021

Microgen  

Microgen 

& Lab21 Primerdesign

IT-IS 

Total

& Lab21 Primerdesign

IT-IS 

Total

Gas1

Electricity2

Transport3

Total

18,653

42,144

36,468

97,265

19,266

98,689

107,077

225,031

296,498

224,863

36,126

557,487

275,703

392,045

102,523

770,271

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

315,151

267,007

72,595

654,753

294,968

490,734

209,600

995,302

Absolute emissions
The total Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions from Novacyt’s operations in the year ending 31 December 2021 were 204.8 tonnes of 
CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), using a “location-based” emission factor methodology for Scope 2 emissions. 

This represents a 38% increase in total emissions compared to the year ending 31 December 2020 (147.9 tCO2e). As with 
total energy use, the increase in total emissions in 2021 relative to 2020 can largely be attributed to the continued scale-up of 
operations and production in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Figure 1.2 Absolute emissions (tCO2e)

2020

2021

Microgen  

Microgen 

& Lab21 Primerdesign

IT-IS 

Total

& Lab21 Primerdesign

IT-IS 

Scope 14

Scope 25 

Scope 3 

Total

3.4

69.1

–

72.6

7.7

52.4

–

6.7

8.4

–

17.9

130.0

–

3.5

58.5

–

18.1

83.2

–

19.6

21.8

–

60.2

15.1

147.9

62.1

101.3

41.4

204.8

Total

41.2

163.6

–

Intensity ratios
As well as reporting the absolute emissions, Novacyt’s GHG emissions are reported below on the metrics of kg of CO2 equivalent 
per full-time employee (“FTE”) and kg of CO2 equivalent per square foot of occupied areas. These are the most appropriate metrics 
given that the majority of emissions result from the operation of Novacyt’s offices and the day-to-day activities of the employees. 
All of the intensity ratios have been calculated using Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions only.

The intensity metrics based on floor area in the year ending 31 December 2021 was 37.1 kg CO2e per m2 which is a reduction of 
12% versus last year. The employee number metric in the year ending 31 December 2020 was 741.9 kg CO2e per FTE using the 
location-based method which is a reduction of 13% versus prior year. 

32

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTTable 1.3 Intensity ratios

Scope 1

Scope 2

Scope 3

2020

2021

kg CO2e/FTE6

kg CO2e/m2 8  kg CO2e/FTE7

kg CO2e/m2 9 

102.8 

747.0 

–

5.1 

37.0 

–

149.3 

592.6 

–

7.5 

29.6 

–

37.1 

Total GHG emissions

849.8 

42.0 

741.9 

Energy efficiency actions undertaken
Novacyt has taken a number of actions to increase the business’s energy efficiency in the year ending 31 December 2021, 
focused on: 

i.  Reducing absolute energy consumption through capital investment projects; and

ii.  Reducing energy consumption per unit output through scaling up production (economies of scale), increasing asset utilisation, 

and increasing automation.

Principal actions reported have had a direct impact on the energy efficiency related to Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, as defined 
by the Company’s operational boundary for the year ending on 31 December 2021. For increased transparency in emissions 
disclosure reporting, additional information has been provided on actions impacting the energy efficiency related to Scope 3 
emissions despite falling outside the Company’s operational boundary.

Table 1.4 Energy efficiency actions 
Principal actions 

Scope 1 (Gas Consumption) and 
Scope 2 (Electricity Usage)

Additional information Scope 3 
(Transport) 

Reduced energy consumption  
(per unit output)

Reduced transportation across the 
value chain

• 

• 

Increased asset utilisation 
Novacyt has improved asset 
utilisation efficiency by optimising 
manufacturing batch size, adopting 
more efficient practices, and scaling 
up asset size commensurate with the 
ramp up in operations.

Improved processes from high 
energy consumption methods to 
more energy efficient processes.

•  Reduced global transportation 

RNase-free water production has 
been brought in-house, displacing 
the need for RNase-free water 
procurement from North America. 

•  Reduced road transportation 

Increased manufacturing in-house 
rather than at external sub-
contractors and consolidation of all 
storage at the same site has reduced 
the transport of products.

Reducing packaging 

• 

Improved product design  
New PROmate® design features 
less plasticware, pipettes, PPE, 
and laboratory decontamination 
materials to reduce end-to-end 
consumables. 

New laser-etched barcodes have 
replaced standard labels to reduce 
material usage. 

•  Reduced waste  

Novacyt has continued to take 
action to reduce single-use waste 
by increasing the materials reused 
and recycled through the Company’s 
operation.

Managing waste

Novacyt’s manufacturing process generates very low levels of non-hazardous and hazardous waste.

33

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTSustainability continued

The importance of talent  
to Novacyt
Novacyt prides itself in the talented 
people we employ, who are critical to 
our vision to become global leaders in 
the fight against infectious diseases, 
and ensure we retain our competitive 
advantage in a challenging market. Our 
success is truly down to their passion, 
commitment, and continued successful 
performance. Our employees rapidly 
respond to opportunities with innovation, 
drive and agility. 

How we attract and retain talent
We use several methods to attract 
talent from the market. We have very 

successful partnerships with a select 
number of recruitment consultancies 
that represent us internationally. Our 
“Refer A Friend” programme rewards 
existing employees that recommend 
their friends and family to apply to 
and join Novacyt, and vacancies are 
advertised internally across our sites. 
We maximise the use of the Novacyt 
career webpage, social media sites and 
job boards to promote our brand and 
advertise our career opportunities. 

Novacyt’s workforce expanded in 2021 
due to continued growth of the business. 
The number of full-time equivalents 
rose from 237 in 2020 to 284 in 2021. 

During 2021, we hired 199 employees on 
permanent or fixed-term contracts, and 
brought in a further 134 temporary staff 
in order to support peaks in customer 
demand. 90% of our roles were filled 
externally, and the average time it took to 
fill a role was 35 working days.

Due to the rapidly changing business 
landscape, and following the scale-up 
during the pandemic, we experienced an 
unplanned turnover rate of 30% for 2021, 
averaging around 3% of headcount per 
month. Reducing voluntary turnover and 
enhancing engagement and retention is 
an area of focus for our leaders. 

How we support our 
employees
We provide an Employee Assistance 
Programme in order to help all our 
employees and their families when 
faced with adversity in their lives. They 
offer confidential assessments, short-
term counselling, referrals, and follow-
up services to employees who have 
personal and/or work-related issues.

We also partner with a specialist 
organisation that provide advice 
to Novacyt on how we re-engage 
with people who have been absent 

due to health issues or extenuating 
circumstances that have occurred in 
their lives. They help our people with 
how they can best settle back into their 
job and career. 

include regular testing of employees 
coming into our workplaces, as well 
as good hygiene practices. These 
are reviewed regularly in response to 
evolving legislation.

We offer a comprehensive and 
competitive range of employment 
benefits for our people. We also hold 
regular “townhall” meetings to support 
communication and engagement. 

Novacyt has a set of Coronavirus 
policies, designed to ensure the safety 
and wellbeing of our employees as well 
as the continuity of our business. These 

Social diversity and inclusion
Novacyt actively supports diversity and 
inclusion and seeks to create a culture 
where everyone feels comfortable to 
be themselves at work and have their 
contribution valued, and where individual 
differences can be celebrated. This 
approach is captured in our Equality, 
Inclusion and Diversity policy.

34

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORT35

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTSustainability continued

A summary of the gender split at the management level in the organisation in 2021 is below.

Non-Executives

Total Employees

Executive Leaders

People Managers

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

schools and 50 charities throughout 
2021. We contributed to projects 
supporting critically ill children and 
adults, the homeless, old age pensioners 
and war veterans. 

The Novacyt Group is proud to have 
played a part in supporting local 
communities and is truly humbled by the 
impact our charitable donations have 
made to so many people in 2021.

Since May 2021, Novacyt has supported 
UNICEF with the donation of one million 
COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction 
(PCR) tests that have been sent to the 
Maldives, South Sudan, Democratic 
Republic of Congo, Palestine, Bosnia, 
Herzegovina, Montenegro and Nigeria. 

Social – training and 
development
The Manager Development Programme 
continued to support and develop 
our people managers through 2021, 
ensuring they have the requisite 
skills and capabilities required to 
lead, coach and develop their teams. 
We have 43 managers progressing 
through the programme which includes 
modules on Developing and Coaching 
your Team; Motivating your Team; 
Understanding your Leadership Style 
and Handling Conflict, to name a few. 
We anticipate that all participants will 
hold certifications by the end of 2022. 
Typically, each participant attending the 
programme spends a day per month 
in the formal programme, and further 
time reflecting on and consolidating the 
content in their roles, supported by their 
manager. 

In addition to internal training on product 
launches, we also invest in upskilling 
our external partners. During 2021, we 
ran over 150 training events covering 
all segments from Non-Governmental 
Organisations to Distributors and direct 
end users.

Novacyt also provides individuals with 
ad hoc training courses as and when 
required to meet their role requirements 
and career aspirations. We also support 
employees who wish to undertake 
professional qualifications.

Health and Safety
At Novacyt, we have a clear policy 
on health and safety. Employees are 
provided with health and safety training, 
and protective clothing and other 
equipment if required. Novacyt complies 
with the OHSAS 18001 standard.

In 2021, no injuries were reported 
at work. 

Supporting communities  
and wider society 

Charitable giving

At Novacyt, we believe in contributing 
to communities where we operate, and 
we have made donations to various 
charities and schools in the Camberley, 
Southampton and Middlesbrough areas. 

Following the transformational financial 
performance of Novacyt in 2020, a 
Charity Committee was created from 
a number of key employees within the 
Group tasked with identifying schools 
and charities in need of support 
particularly following the COVID-19 
pandemic. A sum of £500,000 was 
dedicated to supporting a total of 25 

36

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTReferences: 

1  Scope 1 covers direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the Company, including emissions from fuel combustion (e.g. emissions from 

combustion in owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc.), process emissions (e.g. emissions from chemical production in owned or controlled 
process equipment), and fugitive emissions (e.g. intentional and unintentional). Of the aforementioned facilities or assets, only natural gas combustion within 
boilers is applicable to Novacyt’s operations.

2  Scope 2 covers energy use and related emissions from electricity purchased for Novacyt’s own use.

3  Scope 3 covers energy use and related emissions from business travel in rental cars or employee owned vehicles where Novacyt is responsible for purchasing 
the fuel.  Novacyt does not purchase fuel for business travel or employee-owned vehicles, as such Scope 3 emissions are not applicable based on the defined 
organisational boundary.

4  Scope 1 data calculated by multiplying total fuel consumption (gas – kWh) by the UK Government GHG Conversion Factor for natural gas defined for the given 

year (2020: 0.18387 kg 2021: 0.18316 kg CO2e/kWh).

5  Scope 2 data calculated by multiplying total electricity consumption (kWh) by the UK Government GHG Conversion Factor for electricity generated defined for 

the given year (2020: 0.23314 kg CO2e/kWh; 2021: 0.21233 kg CO2e/kWh).

6  Number of FTE equivalents in 2020 was 174. this has been re-stated to include IT-IS for the full calendar year.

7  Number of FTE equivalents in 2021 was 276.  This increase can be attributed to the significant scale-up of the organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic, 

including  the insourcing of manufacturing and warehousing activities during the course of 2021.

8  Building area in 2020 was 3,517 m2.  This has been restated to include IT-IS premises for the full year.

9  Building area in 2021 was 5.516 m2. This reflects the expansion in production in both IT-IS and Primerdesign and the shift from 3rd party warehousing to using 

our own managed facilities.

37

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021STRATEGIC REPORTAn
internationally
diversified
Board

The Directors present their Report together with  
the audited financial statements for the year ended  
31 December 2021. The Corporate Governance 
Statement on pages 46 to 56 also form part of  
the Directors’ Report.

It is my pleasure to present our Corporate 
Governance Statement for the year ended  
31 December 2021."

James Wakefield
Chairman

38

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

GOVERNANCEAximpedit faccus earchiliqui imaximus dolectur 
ressum quis expedit eicillab intur? Amus, omnis 
ma coreritiunt est voluptas sus, omnimetur, 
omnis sincim et que debis seque ipidunt hillitas 
aut volupta tatiuscimet que eratem consequo 
essus, to optiorro venda numquod itibus nis qui 
alis doluptas eseque volendis et quo moluptu 
rectusae sed quis verio. Ut alis autem natur?

James Wakefield

Chairman

39

GOVERNANCEThe Board  
of Directors

40

James Wakefield
Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board
James is an experienced private equity investor, having spent over 30 years in the finance 
industry. He has been involved with over 50 businesses of varying sizes and stages of 
development across a wide range of sectors, including Board representation as Chairman 
or non-executive director in a number of these. He is Chairman of WestBridge Capital LLP 
of which he was a founder partner in 2008. He previously spent 18 years at Bridgepoint 
(previously NatWest Equity Partners) and, prior to that, spent 4 years at NatWest Markets/
NatWest Investment Bank. He is also Chairman of the Nomination Committee and a 
graduate of Harvard Business School (AMP).

David Allmond
Chief Executive Officer
David was appointed as CEO of Novacyt in October 2021.

He has over 25 years of experience in international pharmaceuticals and 
biopharmaceutical companies, and he is a strategic business leader with a strong track 
record in global commercialisation. David has built and led multiple diverse, successful 
teams in dynamic growth companies including Amgen, Celgene & Amryt Pharma. 

James McCarthy
Chief Financial Officer
James joined the Group as Chief Financial Officer in January 2021 and was appointed as 
a member of the Board in October 2021. He has over 30 years of finance experience in 
international businesses in both consumer and B2B and in both private equity and publicly 
listed companies. During his career, he has led large-scale transformation initiatives both 
organic and supported by M&A. He has also held general management roles, which gives him 
broad commercial experience and a strong appreciation for effective business partnership. 
He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. 

Juliet Thompson 
Independent Non-Executive Director
Juliet has 20 years of experience working as an investment banker and strategic advisor to 
healthcare companies in Europe. She has built a strong track record of advising companies on 
corporate strategy, equity and debt fundraisings and international M&A. Her experience includes 
senior roles (managing director, head of corporate finance and partner) at Stifel Financial Corp, 
Nomura Code Securities and WestLB Panmure. Juliet sits on the Board of Indivior PLC, a UK listed 
global pharmaceutical company working to develop medicines to treat addiction and Organox Ltd, 
a private company that was spun out of Oxford University. 

Juliet is also a trustee of Leadership through Sport & Business, a social mobility-focused charity, 
and trustee of the De Hann family trusts and Director of their associated investment companies.

She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ACA) and holds 
a BSc degree in Economics from the University of Bristol, UK.

Juliet is Chair of the Audit Committee and is a member of the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committees.

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEAndrew Heath MD, PhD
Independent Senior Non-Executive Director
Andrew is a healthcare and biopharmaceutical Executive with in-depth knowledge of the US 
and UK capital markets, with international experience in marketing, sales, R&D and business 
development. In addition to his role as Senior Independent Director for Novacyt since 2015, he is 
also currently Chairman of TauC3 Biologics Ltd. He served as Chairman of Shield Therapeutics plc 
from 2016–2018 and as a Non-Executive Director of Oxford Biomedica plc from 2010-2021.

From 1999–2008, Andrew was the Chief Executive Officer of Protherics plc, taking the company 
from 30 to 350 members of staff and managing its eventual acquisition by BTG plc for £220 
million. Prior to this, he served as vice president of marketing and sales for Astra Inc in the US, and 
worked within clinical and academic medicine at Vanderbilt University. He is also a former Director 
of The BioIndustry Association.

He graduated in medicine from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, where he also completed 
his doctoral thesis in human toxicology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Clinical 
Toxicology and a fellow of the UK Institute of Directors.

Andrew is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, and a member of the Audit and Nomination 
Committees. 

Edwin Snape, PhD
Independent Non-Executive Director
Ed has over 40 years of experience in founding, investing in and guiding the development of many 
public and private healthcare and specialty materials companies. He was a founder of NMT Capital 
(a successor of Nexus) and continues to serve as one of its senior advisors. He is also a senior 
advisor to Maruho Co., Ltd. Prior to NMT Capital, Ed was managing general partner of The Vista 
Group, at the time a leading east coast venture capital firm; Chairman of Orien Ventures, a private 
equity firm with Pacific Rim affiliations, and a Director of the Cygnus Funds, two UK-based private 
equity firms that specialised in investments throughout Europe. He was also a founder of Indonesia 
Growth Fund, a private equity fund based in Indonesia. Early in his career, he founded the Liposome 
Company, which listed and was later sold to Elan Corporation. Over the years, he has been a 
recipient of several awards in the material sciences industry, including the AB Campbell Award and 
the Hunt Silver Medal. He also holds several patents in the advanced materials field where he has 
pioneered various technological innovations and authored numerous technical papers.

He holds BSc and PhD degrees in Metallurgy from Leeds University, UK. Ed is a member of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Jean-Pierre Crinelli
Independent Non-Executive Director
Jean-Pierre is one of Novacyt’s founders, having established the business in July 2006. He has 
some 30 years of experience in the car and electrical components industry, with various roles in 
M&A and business restructuring. During this period, he was located for 10 years in Singapore, North 
America, Belgium and Italy.

He holds a Diplôme from ESC Le Havre (business school, France) and a DECS (Diplôme d’Études 
Comptable Supérieures, national diploma).

Jean-Pierre is a member of the Audit Committee.

41

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCE42

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

GOVERNANCEDirectors’ 
Report

General information and 
principal activity
Novacyt S.A. is a public limited company 
incorporated and registered in France 
with registered number 491 062 527.

Review of business
The Chairman’s Statement on page 12, 
the Chief Executive Officer’s Report 
on page 24 and the Strategic Report 
on pages 12 to 37, provide a review of 
the business, the Group’s trading for 
the year ended 31 December 2021, key 
performance indicators and an indication 
of future developments and risks, and 
form part of this Directors’ Report.

The Company is listed on both Euronext 
Growth Paris and on the Alternative 
Investment Market (“AIM”) of the London 
Stock Exchange. Its principal activities in 
the year under review were specialising 
in infectious disease diagnostics.

Future developments
Likely future developments in the 
business of the Group are discussed in 
the Strategic Report.

Results and dividend
The results for the period and financial 
position of the Company and the Group 
are as shown in the financial statements 
and are reviewed in the Strategic Report.

Since its inception, the Company has 
not paid any dividends and the Directors 
do not intend to recommend a dividend 
at present. In the future, the Company’s 
dividend policy will form part of a wider 
review of capital allocation, which will 
be formulated in conjunction with the 
requirements of the business.

The Directors will only recommend 
dividends when appropriate, and they 
may, from time to time, revise the 
Company’s dividend policy. No dividends 
will be proposed for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2021 so we can 
continue to invest in R&D, manufacturing 
and commercial aspects of the business.

Directors
The Directors of the Company who served during the year ended 31 December 2021, 
and up to the date of this Report are listed below.

The brief biographical details of the currently serving Directors are set out on pages 
40 to 41.

Director

Capacity

James Wakefield

Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board

Graham Mullis

Chief Executive Officer (until 18th October)

David Allmond

Chief Executive Officer (from 18th October)

Anthony Dyer

Chief Corporate Development Officer (until 29th September)

James McCarthy

Chief Financial Officer (from 18th October)

James McCarthy

Company Secretary

Juliet Thompson 

Independent Non-Executive Director

Dr Andrew Heath 

Independent Senior Non-Executive Director

Dr Edwin Snape 

Independent Non-Executive Director

Jean-Pierre Crinelli

Independent Non-Executive Director

Directors’ interests
The Directors’ interests in the Company’s shares and the Novacyt LTIP are shown in 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 57 to 60.

No Director has any beneficial interest in the share capital of any subsidiary or 
associate undertaking.

Directors’ indemnity provisions
The Directors have the benefit of an indemnity, which is a qualifying third-party 
indemnity provision as defined by s236 of the Companies Act 2006. The indemnity 
was in force throughout the financial period and at the date of approval of the 
financial statements. In addition, the Group has purchased and maintains Directors’ 
and Officers’ liability insurance in respect of itself and its Directors.

Political and charitable donations
The Company created a Charity Committee who were responsible for organising 
a number of charitable donations and activities during the reporting period, as 
explained further on page 37.

Financial instruments – risk management
The Group’s financial risk management policy is set out in note 44 to the financial 
statements.

Share capital structure
The Company’s share capital, traded on Euronext Growth Paris and AIM, comprises 
a single class of ordinary shares each having a nominal value of 1/15th of one Euro. 
Except as otherwise provided by law, every Shareholder has one vote for every fully 
paid up share of which they are the holder. Each ordinary share creates a share in the 
Company’s assets, profits and in any liquidation surplus. In the event of a liquidation 

43

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEthe Group operates, as well as providing 
guidance to those working within the 
Group on how to recognise and deal 
with bribery issues and the potential 
consequences.

Management at all levels of the Group 
is responsible for ensuring that those 
reporting to them, internally and 
externally, are made aware of and 
understand this policy.

Significant agreements
The Company is not party to any 
significant agreement that takes effect, 
alters or terminates upon a change of 
control of the Company other than the 
Directors’ service contracts, details of 
which are set out in the Remuneration 
Report.

Statement of engagement 
with suppliers, customers 
and others in a business 
relationship with the Group 
The Directors are mindful of their 
statutory duty to act in a way they each 
consider, in good faith, would be most 
likely to promote the success of the 
Group for the benefit of its members 

as a whole, as set out in the s172(1) 
statement on page 26. A review of the 
Group’s approach to developing and 
maintaining relationships with its wider 
stakeholders, and the impact on the 
Group’s long-term strategic objectives, is 
set out under Principle 3 of the Corporate 
Governance Statement on pages 46 
and 56.

Going concern
The Directors have, at the time of 
approving the financial statements, 
a reasonable expectation that the 
Company has adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. Thus, they adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting in 
preparing the financial statements.

The going concern model covers the 
period up to and including April 2023. In 
making this assessment, the Directors 
have considered the following elements: 

• 

the working capital requirements of 
the business;

•  a positive cash balance at 31 

December 2021 of £101,746,000;

•  Full payment of the remaining Long-

Directors’ 
Report continued

of the Company, any outstanding cash 
would be distributed to each Shareholder 
in proportion to their holdings in the 
Company.

The share rights follow the ordinary 
shares from owner to owner and any 
transfers of the shares include all 
dividends due and unpaid, and those 
due and, where applicable, the share of 
the reserves (following payment of any 
outstanding liabilities) of the Company.

Movements in the Company’s issued 
share capital during the year under 
review are set out in note 36 to the 
financial statements.

As of 31 December 2021, the Company’s 
share capital of €4,708,416.54 was 
divided into 70,626,248 shares with a par 
value of 1/15th of a Euro each. 

Major interests
As at 31 March 2022, the Company had 
been notified of the following significant 
shareholdings of 5.54% of the issued 
share capital of the Company: 

Shareholder 

Number of 
shares held 

Percentage 
of issued 
shares 

Biosynex SA 

3,915,350

5.54% 

UK Bribery Act 2010
The Group is committed to complying 
with the UK Bribery Act 2010, both within 
its UK and overseas business activities.

As such, the Group has implemented 
an anti-bribery policy, which has been 
adopted by the Board, designed to 
ensure that the Group operates in an 
open, transparent and ethical manner. 
This policy applies to the Board 
and employees of the Group, and 
to temporary workers, consultants, 
contractors and agents acting for, or on 
behalf of, the Group (both in the UK and 
overseas). The policy generally sets out 
their responsibilities in observing and 
upholding a “zero tolerance” position 
on bribery in all jurisdictions in which 

44

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCETerm Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) that 
commenced in November 2017 and 
vested in November 2020; 

•  Payment of the final earn-out 
milestone related to the IT-IS 
International acquisition; and

•  Management’s expectation of 

settling the outstanding commercial 
dispute as per notes 49 and 50.

In the event the current dispute is fully 
settled in favour of the counterparty, the 
forecast prepared by the Group shows 
that it is able to cover its cash needs 
during the financial year 2022 and up to 
April 2023 without raising any banking or 
other financing facility. 

Independent auditor
Deloitte LLP has indicated that they 
are willing to continue in office as the 
Group’s auditor. Under French law the 
company were required to appoint a 
second auditor and Alberis Audit were 
appointed for a period of 6 years to 
approve the financial statements up to 
the year ended 31 December 2026.

Disclosure of information to 
the auditor
As far as the Directors are aware, there 
is no relevant audit information (that is, 
information needed by the Group’s auditor 
in connection with preparing their report) 
of which the Group’s auditor is unaware, 
and each Director has taken all reasonable 
steps that they ought to have taken as a 
Director in order to make themself aware 
of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Group’s auditor is aware 
of that information. 

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the 
Company will be held on 21st June, 
further information can be found on the 
companies website at www.novacyt.com.

By order of the Board

By order of the Board

James McCarthy
Chief Financial Officer

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

45

GOVERNANCEAn introduction from  
the Chairman

Dear Shareholders,
As Chairman of Novacyt S.A., it is my responsibility to 
lead the Board to ensure that the Group has in place the 
strategy, people, structure and culture to deliver value to 
Shareholders and other stakeholders of the Group over the 
medium to long term. During another transitional year for 
the Group, there continued to be a number of staff changes 
at all levels to reflect the requirements of the current 
business. This has included the reshaping of the Executive 
team following the retirement of Graham Mullis after 14 
years with the enlarged Group. I would again like to thank 
Graham for his considerable commitment and contribution 
to the business during his tenure. In particular the changes 
of the Executive team have included the appointment of 
David Allmond as Chief Executive Officer and a member 
of the Board of Directors and the appointment of James 
McCarthy as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the 
Board of Directors.

Good governance dictates that Non-Executive Directors 
can only serve for a finite term. Therefore, in the next 12 
months, we will need to find a replacement for Edwin Snape 
who has been involved with the company (in its various 
guises) for over 11 years. This will also ensure compliance 
with the original Articles/French regulation concerning the 
proportion of Directors over the age of 70. I would like to 
thank Ed for his significant contribution and the support he 
has provided over the years.

A number of new internal control procedures and positive 
actions have been implemented and finalised, whilst other 
areas for improvement continue to be identified.  
On behalf of the Board, I am, therefore, pleased to present 
our Corporate Governance Statement for the year ended  
31 December 2021.

Novacyt S.A. is incorporated in France and is listed on 
Euronext Growth Paris and AIM. The Directors recognise 
the value and importance of high standards of corporate 
governance. As the Company is traded on AIM, it is not 
required to comply with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code. However, the Board has adopted the 2018 Quoted 
Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code  
(the “QCA Code”) as the basis of the Group’s governance 
framework. The Company complies with the provisions 
of the QCA Code as far as is practicable for a company of 
Novacyt S.A.’s size, nature and stage of development,  
and in accordance with the regulatory framework that 
applies to companies admitted to trading on AIM. 

James Wakefield
Chairman

46

GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE

The Company also continues to comply 
with all the requirements of being listed 
on Euronext Growth Paris.

It is the responsibility of the Board to 
ensure that the Group is managed for the 
long-term benefit of all Shareholders and 
stakeholders, with effective and efficient 
decision-making. Corporate governance 
is an important aspect of this, reducing 
risk and adding value to our business. 
As individual Directors, we are mindful of 
our statutory duty to act in the way each 
of us considers, in good faith, would 
be most likely to promote the success 
of the Company for the benefit of its 
members as a whole, as set out in our 
s172(1) statement on page 26.

The QCA Code sets out ten principles, 
in three broad categories, and in this 
Corporate Governance Statement, I have 
set out the Group’s application of the 
QCA Code, including, where appropriate, 
cross references to other sections of the 
Annual Report and to our website.

James Wakefield
Non-Executive Director and  
Chairman of the Board 

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

47

GOVERNANCEQCA 
Principles

Deliver growth

1.  Establish a strategy 
and business model 
that promote long-term 
value for Shareholders 

The Board is responsible to 
Shareholders for setting the Group’s 
strategy by: maintaining the policy 
and decision-making process around 
which the strategy is implemented; 
ensuring that necessary financial and 
human resources are in place to meet 
strategic aims; monitoring performance 
against key financial and non-financial 
indicators; providing leadership whilst 
maintaining the controls for managing 
risk; overseeing the system of risk 
management; and setting values and 
standards in corporate governance 
matters.

The Board has established a strategy 
and business model which seek 
to promote long-term value for 
Shareholders and the business is 
focused on two strategic pillars of 
growth:

•  Global first responder

•  Build a base

A fuller explanation of how the strategy 
and business model are executed is set 
out on pages 16 and 17 of the Strategic 
Report. 

2. Seek to understand and 
meet Shareholder needs 
and expectations 

The Company has a strong commitment 
to market communication, with the 
Directors seeking to be accountable 
against the stated strategic objectives 
of the Group. The Company maintains 
regular contact with Shareholders 
through publications such as the Annual 
Report and Accounts, operational 

48

updates, regular press announcements 
made via a regulatory information 
service and the Company’s website. 

The Company is responsive to 
Shareholder telephone and email 
enquiries throughout the year and the 
Board regards the AGM as a particularly 
important opportunity for Shareholders 
and members of the Board to meet and 
exchange views.

The Company receives occasional 
feedback direct from investors, which is 
carefully considered by the Board, with 
appropriate action being taken where 
the Board believes it is in the interests of 
Shareholders to do so. 

3.  Take into account wider 
stakeholder and social 
responsibilities and their 
implications for long-
term success 

In addition to its Shareholders, the 
Company believes its main stakeholder 
groups are its employees, clients, 
suppliers and relevant statutory 
authorities in its areas of operation.

The Group is committed to maintaining 
the highest standards of corporate 
social responsibility in its business 
activities by: aiming to comply with 
all applicable laws and regulations, 
wherever the Group operates; achieve 
and comply with relevant quality and 
people management standards; consult 
with and respond to the concerns 
of its stakeholders; work towards 
realising the Group’s mission and vision 
statements; and behave with honesty 
and integrity in all the Group’s activities 
and relationships with others and reject 
bribery and corruption in all its forms.

The Board recognises the benefits of 
a diverse workforce, which enables the 
Group to make better decisions about 
how to optimise resources and work 

by eliminating structural and cultural 
barriers and bias. It allows us to: 
protect and enhance our reputation by 
recognising and respecting the needs 
and interests of diverse stakeholders; 
deliver strong performance and growth 
by attracting, engaging and retaining 
diverse talent; and innovate by drawing 
on the diversity of perspectives, skills, 
styles and experience of our employees 
and stakeholders. 

The Group is committed to ensuring that 
it treats its employees fairly and with 
dignity. This includes being free from 
any direct or indirect discrimination, 
harassment, bullying or other form of 
victimisation. The Group has policies in 
place to encourage employees to speak 
up about any inappropriate practices or 
behaviour.

It was important for us to continue 
looking after our employees during 2021 
as they are keyworkers and the majority 
had to come into work whilst many 
were encouraged to work from home. 
We continued to pay employees who 
had to shield, self-isolate or take time 
off for childcare. At the end of 2020, 
we introduced a COVID-19 screening 
programme, using our tests, to prevent 
the spread of Coronavirus amongst 
the workforce, which we continued to 
enforce throughout 2021. During this 
time, we reminded our employees of 
the Employee Assistance Programme, 
which provides 24/7 support for any 
issues they were facing, particularly with 
mental health challenges, relationship 
issues, etc.

The Group believes that having 
empowered and responsible employees 
who display sound judgement and 
awareness of the consequences of their 
decisions or actions, and who act in an 
ethical and responsible way, is key to the 
success of the business. 

The operation of a profitable business 
is a priority and that means investing for 
growth as well as providing returns to its 

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEShareholders. To achieve this, the Group 
recognises that it needs to operate in a 
sustainable manner and therefore has 
adopted core principles to its business 
operations, which provide a framework 
for both managing risk and maintaining 
its position as a good “corporate citizen”, 
and also to facilitate the setting of goals 
to achieve continuous improvement. 

The Group encourages feedback from 
its clients through engagement with 
individual customers. As a consequence 
of such feedback, the Group has 
collaborated with multiple existing 
and prospective clients to develop and 
validate new products, work flows and 
know-how to improve accuracy, testing 
turnaround times, cost per test, and 
ultimately deliver improved clinical 
outcomes for millions of individual 
patients globally.

The Board is aware of the need to 
maintain good working relationships 
with the Group’s key suppliers and 
receives regular updates from 
the Executive team on key supply 
agreements. 

Health and safety
The Group is committed to complying 
with all relevant health and safety 
regulations in its operations. As such, 
the Group has adopted a Health & Safety 
Policy, which forms part of the Employee 
Handbook, issued to all employees 
upon commencement of employment 
within the Group. The policy sets out 
arrangements and responsibilities 
across the Group and includes aspects 
such as: emergency procedures; security 
recommendations; accidents/incidences 
and first aid; manual handling/lifting 
and moving; work-related upper limbs 
disorders (including strains to hands and 
arms); display screen equipment/visual 
display equipment; alcohol and drugs 
policy; smoking policy; and COVID-19 in 
the workplace.

The Group is not aware of any orders 
made in respect of a breach of health 
and safety regulation during the period.

Environment
The Directors consider that the nature of 
the Group’s activities is not detrimental 
to the environment. The Group adopts a 
systematic approach to its environmental 
responsibility and has good knowledge 
of the environmental impacts caused by 
its operations. The Group aims to meet 
all relevant environmental standards in its 
production and products. The Group aims 
to establish, implement and maintain 
a risk-based programme to reduce or 
minimise any negative environmental 
impact caused by its operations, taking 
precautionary measures as soon as there 
is reason to believe that an action could 
harm the environment. 

4.  Embed effective 

risk management, 
considering both 
opportunities and 
threats, throughout the 
organisation

The Board has overall responsibility for 
the Group’s system of internal control 
and for reviewing the effectiveness 
of internal control to safeguard 
Shareholders’ investment and the 
Group’s assets. There is an ongoing 
process for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the significant risks the Group 
faces. 

The Board delegates to the Executive 
team the responsibility for designing, 
operating and monitoring both the 
risk management and internal control 
systems, and the maintenance of 
effective internal controls within 
the Group. The Company also has a 
whistleblowing policy. 

The systems and controls in place 
include policies and procedures, which 
relate to the maintenance of records 
that fairly and accurately reflect 
transactions, correctly evidence and 
control the Group’s assets, provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions 
are recorded as necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and review 
and reconcile reported results. 

The Group’s key internal controls are: 

•  establishing a comprehensive risk 

register for the Group;

•  a regular review of the Group’s 

insurance policies with its insurance 
broker to ensure that the policies are 
appropriate for the Group’s activities 
and exposures; 

•  a comprehensive system for 

• 

• 

consolidating financial results from 
Group companies and reporting 
these financial results to the Board; 

reviewing cash flow, annual revenue 
and capital forecasts regularly during 
the year, along with regular monitoring 
of management accounts and capital 
expenditure reported to the Board and 
comparisons with forecasts; 

financial controls and procedures, 
including in respect of bank 
payments, bank reconciliations and 
petty cash; 

•  monthly review of outstanding 

debtors; 

• 

regular meetings of the 
Executive team; 

•  an Audit Committee that approves 
audit plans and published financial 
information and reviews reports from 
the external auditor arising from 
the audit and deals with significant 
control matters raised;

•  an independent review on whether 
the Group’s tax processes and 
controls are appropriate to manage 
tax risk and compliance for Senior 
Accounting Officer (‘SAO’) purposes.

49

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEQCA 
Principles continued

The Board monitors the activities of the 
Group through regular Board meetings 
and it retains responsibility for approving 
any significant financial expenditure or 
commitment of resources.

Risk management is focused around 
the operational areas of the Group. 
The Group has a dedicated Regulatory 
Affairs and Quality Assurance Director, 
who has extensive operational 
experience at senior management 
and board levels, and particularly 
strong experience in quality system 
development and regulatory compliance. 
He is responsible for a Regulatory team 
operating across the Group, working at 
identifying and prioritising operational 
risks and working with the operational 
teams to mitigate the identified risks. 
This work is supported by the risk 
assessment procedure in place across 
the Group, with the objective to ensure 
that risk assessment of the Group’s 
equipment, procedures and processes 
is approached consistently across the 
Group. 

With the assistance of the Audit 
Committee, the Board’s review process 
is principally based on reviewing regular 
reports from the Executive team to 
consider whether significant risks are 
identified, evaluated, managed and 
controlled effectively, and whether any 
significant weaknesses are promptly 
remedied. The system is designed to 
manage rather than eliminate the risk 
of failure to achieve the Company’s 
objectives, and can only provide 
reasonable and not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or 
loss. In assessing what constitutes 
reasonable assurance, the Board 
considers the materiality of financial and 
non-financial risks and the relationship 
between the cost of, and benefit from, 
internal control systems. 

Details of the principal risks currently 
facing the Group and how they are 
mitigated are set out on pages 64 to 70. 

The Board confirms that it has, during 
the reporting period, reviewed on an 

ongoing basis the effectiveness of 
the Company’s system of internal 
controls including financial, operational 
and compliance controls and risk 
management systems and has reviewed 
insurance provisions. No significant 
failing or weaknesses have been 
identified.

Maintain a dynamic 
management framework 

5.  Maintain the Board 

as a well-functioning, 
balanced team led by 
the Chair 

The Chairman, James Wakefield, is 
responsible for leadership of the Board, 
ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects 
of its role. The Company is satisfied 
that the current Board is sufficiently 
resourced to discharge its governance 
obligations on behalf of all stakeholders.

50

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCENone have beneficial or non-beneficial 
shareholdings in the Company 
exceeding 3%. Dr Ed Snape was 
previously co-owner of Nexus Medical, 
LLC, the general partner of Nexus 
Medical Partners II, L.P., which has a 
current shareholding in the Company of 
less than 3%. Accordingly, Dr Ed Snape 
is considered by the Directors to be 
independent for the purposes of the 
QCA Code.

All the Non-Executive Directors 
constructively challenge and help 
develop proposals on strategy and 
bring strong, independent judgement, 
knowledge and experience to the 
Board’s deliberations. The Non-Executive 
Directors are of sufficient experience 
and competence that their views 
carry significant weight in the Board’s 
decision-making and when relevant, 
would record their concerns about 
the running of the Company. At each 
meeting, the Board considers Directors’ 
conflicts of interest. 

The Non-Executive Directors have 
regular opportunities to meet without 
Executive Directors being present 
(including time after Board and 
Committee meetings).

Time commitments
Non-Executive Directors receive a 
formal appointment letter on joining the 
Board, which identifies the terms and 
conditions of their appointment.

A potential director candidate (whether 
an Executive Director or Non-Executive 
Director) is required to disclose all 
significant outside commitments prior to 
their appointment.

The Board is satisfied that both the 
Chairman and the Non-Executive 
Directors are able to devote sufficient 
time to the Company’s business.

If considered appropriate, the Board 
may authorise Executive Directors 
to take Non-Executive positions in 
other companies and organisations, 
provided the time commitment does 
not conflict with the Director’s duties to 
the Company, since such appointments 
should broaden their experience. The 
acceptance of appointment to such 
positions is subject to the approval of 
the Chairman.

Attendance at Board and 
Committee meetings
The Directors meet at least ten times 
per year for formal Board meetings 
to discuss and decide the Group’s 
business, financial performance and 
strategic decisions. In addition, and 
as required, the Board meets more 
frequently by conference call to discuss 
and decide on matters considered 
more urgent, such as those relating to 
acquisitive growth. 

During the reporting period, the Board 
met in person or via conference calls 
12 times.

In advance of each meeting of the 
Directors, the Board is provided with 
relevant information to ensure that it 
can properly carry out its role. For each 
meeting, the Directors generally consider 
the minutes of the previous meeting and 
any action points, recent forecast and 
operations, cash flows and progress on 
any particular projects.

To enable the Board to discharge its 
duties, all Directors receive appropriate 
and timely information. Briefing papers 
are distributed to all Directors in advance 
of Board and Committee meetings. 
All Directors have access to the advice 
and services of the Chief Financial 
Officer / Company Secretary, who is 
responsible for ensuring that the Board 
procedures are followed, and that 
applicable rules and regulations are 
complied with. In addition, procedures 
are in place to enable the Directors to 
obtain independent professional advice 
in the furtherance of their duties, if 
necessary, at the Company’s expense. 

In between Board meetings, the 
Executive Directors maintain regular 
informal contact with the Non-Executive 
Directors. Whilst the Board retains overall 
responsibility for, and control of, the 
Group, day-to-day management of the 
business is conducted by the Executive 
Directors, who meet with the senior 
management team on a weekly basis. 

Board of Directors
The composition of the Board during 
the period is summarised in the table 
on page 43 of the Directors’ Report. As 
at the date of this Report, the Board 
comprises seven members, of which 
five are Non-Executive Directors, all of 
whom are independent, namely James 
Wakefield, Andrew Heath, Dr Ed Snape, 
Juliet Thompson and Jean-Pierre 
Crinelli.

Independence of Directors
The Directors acknowledge the 
importance of the principles of the QCA 
Code that recommend that a company 
should have at least two independent 
Non-Executive directors. The Board has, 
therefore, considered and determined 
that, all Directors are independent of the 
Executive management and free from 
any relationship that could materially 
affect the exercise of their independent 
judgement.

51

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEQCA 
Principles continued

The attendance of each Director at Board and Committee meetings during the period is set out in the table below. Attendance 
is expressed as the number of meetings attended/number eligible to attend. Directors’ attendance by invitation at meetings of 
Committees of which they are not a member is not reflected in the following table.

Director

James Wakefield

Graham Mullis*

Anthony Dyer*

Dr Andrew Heath

Dr Edwin Snape

Jean-Pierre Crinelli

Juliet Thompson

James McCarthy*

David Allmond*

Board

Audit Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

11/12

10/10

10/10

12/12

11/12

12/12

12/12

2/2

2/2

–

–

–

4/4

–

4/4

4/4

–

–

4/4

–

–

4/4

–

–

4/4

–

–

–

–

–

4/4

4/4

–

4/4

–

–

*   Anthony Dyer resigned as Director on 29 September 2021and Graham Mullis resigned as Director on the 18 October 2021. James McCarthy and David Allmond were 

elected as Directors during the AGM held on 18 October 2021.

The skills and experience of the Board 
are set out in their biographical details 
on pages 40 to 41. The experience and 
knowledge of each of the Directors 
gives them the ability to constructively 
challenge the strategy and to scrutinise 
performance. The Board also has access 
to external advisors where necessary. 

New Directors are presented with 
appropriate levels of background 
information on the Company, meet the 
management, visit sites and spend time 
with the Chairman and other Directors 
as required. The induction is tailored to 
meet each new Director’s specific needs. 

Throughout their period in office, the 
Directors are continually updated on 

the Group’s business, the industry and 
competitive environment in which it 
operates, corporate social responsibility 
matters and other changes affecting the 
Group by written briefings and meetings 
with senior Executives. 

Each Director takes responsibility for 
maintaining their skill set, which includes 
roles and experience with other boards 
and organisations as well as attending 
formal training and seminars. 

The Executive Directors receive regular 
and ongoing updates from their 
professional advisors covering financial, 
legal, tax and the Euronext Growth Paris 
and AIM Rules.

6.  Ensure that, between 

them, the Directors have 
the necessary up-to-date 
experience, skills and 
capabilities

The Board currently comprises two 
Executive and five Non-Executive 
Directors with an appropriate balance of 
sector, financial and public market skills 
and experience to deliver the Group’s 
strategy for the benefit of Shareholders 
over the medium to long term. The 
Board considers that the Non-Executive 
Directors bring a wide experience at 
a senior level of business operations 
and strategy and have an expanse of 
knowledge and expertise gained from 
other areas of business. 

52

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEThe Company Secretary provides 
information and advice on corporate 
governance and individual support to 
Directors on any aspect of their role, 
particularly supporting the Chairman and 
those who chair Board Committees. The 
Company Secretary is also responsible 
for ensuring that Board procedures are 
followed, that the Company complies 
with company law and with the Euronext 
Growth Paris and AIM Rules. 

The Company is a strong supporter 
of diversity in the boardroom and, 
during the reporting period, the Board 
comprised one female and six male 
Directors. The Company remains of the 
opinion that appointments to the Board 
should be made relative to a number 
of different criteria including diversity 
of gender, background and personal 
attributes, alongside the appropriate skill 
set, experience and expertise.

7.  Evaluate Board 

performance based 
on clear and relevant 
objectives, seeking 
continuous improvement

Board evaluation
The Board is mindful that it needs 
to continually monitor and identify 
ways in which it might improve its 
performance. The Chairman routinely 
assesses the performance of the Board 
and its members and discusses any 
issues, problems, or shortcomings with 
the relevant Director(s). Likewise, the 
Senior Independent Director reviews the 
performance of the Chairman.

Although it is not an AIM requirement 
for an external Board appraisal to be 
undertaken, the Board believes that 
gaining independent input on a regular 
basis is best practice. It therefore 
intends to implement an external Board 
appraisal on a three-year rolling basis. 

The current intention is to conduct the 
first of these in mid-2023, once any 
required Board changes in line with the 
Articles have been made. The exact 
terms of reference of the report have yet 
to be finalised, but is likely to seek input 
from all Board members both in the 
form of a questionnaire and one-to-one 
interviews covering:

• 

• 

• 

the themes from the questionnaire;

the assessment of the Director’s 
individual performance; and

feedback on Board colleague’s 
individual performance.

In addition, the independent review will 
have access to certain historic non-
confidential/price sensitive Board packs 
and other information.

Final feedback is likely to be in the form 
of a full report for internal use. It is 
intended that this includes an Executive 
summary and key findings, together with 
a detailed analysis of the responses 
to the questionnaire and anonymised 
comments made in response to 

53

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEQCA 
Principles continued

the questionnaire and during the 
interviews. The report will also include 
recommendations for consideration 
together with benchmarking against best 
practice.

The aim of the review will be to ensure 
that the Board contains the necessary 
skills to enable it to be satisfied that:

• 

the Board continues to meet its 
regulatory requirements and ensures 
that appropriate processes are 
in place for setting the strategic 
direction of the Group; 

•  each Committee continues to be 
effective and that all members 
were considered to have made 
valuable contributions, and individual 
Directors continue to perform 
effectively; and

• 

feedback will be provided through 
the Chairman to individual Board 
members.

8.  Promote a corporate 
culture that is based 
on ethical values and 
behaviours 

The Company recognises the 
importance of investing in its employees 
to provide foundations and leadership 
to drive performance further regardless 
of age, race, religion, gender or sexual 
orientation or disability. Our core 
Company values are the building 
blocks for developing our dynamic and 
challenging culture within the Group.

These values represent our philosophy, 
which, through our people and 
organisation, will help the business 
deliver our Company goals. The values 
represent how each of us can contribute 
to the success of the Company both now 
and in the future as an individual and 
also as part of the wider team.

•  To treat each other with trust, dignity 

and respect.

•  Enabling, empowering and energising 

others to make things happen.

•  Work as a team with colleagues and 

across functions.

• 

Innovation, inspiration and motivation, 
creating an open culture where people 
are valued for their contribution.

•  Novacyt endeavours to deliver the 
best quality service to all of our 
internal and external customers.

The Group recognises the importance 
of investing in its employees and, as 
such, the Group provides opportunities 
for training and personal development 
and encourages the involvement of 
employees in the planning and direction 
of their work. These values are applied 
regardless of age, race, religion, gender, 
sexual orientation or disability.

The Group believes that it has robust 
policies and procedures for combating 
bribery and corruption. A copy of the 
Group’s Anti-Corruption and Bribery 
Policy can be found on the Group’s 
website www.novacyt.com. 

The Group recognises that commercial 
success depends on the full commitment 
of all its employees and commits to 
respecting their human rights, to provide 
them with favourable working conditions 
that are free from unnecessary risk and 
to maintain fair and competitive terms 
and conditions of service at all times. 

54

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEThe performance and reward system 
endorses the desired ethical behaviours 
across all levels of the Group.

and these will evolve in parallel with 
the Group’s objectives, strategy and 
business model as the Group develops.

9.  Maintain governance 

structures and processes 
that are fit for purpose and 
support good decision-
making by the Board 

The Chairman, James Wakefield, is 
responsible for leading the Board, 
facilitating the effective contribution 
of all members and ensuring that it 
operates effectively in the interests of 
the Shareholders. David Allmond, the 
Chief Executive Officer, is responsible 
for the leadership of the business and 
implementation of the strategy. By 
dividing responsibilities in this way, no 
one individual has unfettered powers of 
decision-making.

The Board reserves for itself a range of key 
decisions to ensure that it retains proper 
direction and control of the Group, and a 
formal schedule of matters reserved for 
decision by the Board has been adopted 
by the Board since admission to AIM; 
a copy of which can be found at www.
novacyt.com. Such matters include 
business strategy and management, 
financial reporting (including the approval 
of the annual budget), Group policies, 
corporate governance matters, major 
capital expenditure projects, material 
acquisitions and divestments and the 
establishment and monitoring of internal 
controls. This schedule may be updated 
by the Board and approved by the Board 
only. The day-to-day management of 
the business has been delegated to the 
Chief Executive Officer and the wider 
Executive team.

The appropriateness of the Board’s 
composition and corporate governance 
structures are reviewed through the 
ongoing Board evaluation process and 
on an ad hoc basis by the Chairman 
together with the other Directors, 

Board Committees
The Board has established an Audit 
Committee, a Remuneration Committee 
and a Nomination Committee; the terms of 
these Committees reflect market practice 
on AIM. These Committees of the Board 
have formally delegated responsibilities.

Copies of each Committee’s terms of 
reference are available on the Company’s 
website at www.novacyt.com. 

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is chaired by 
Juliet Thompson, and has primary 
responsibility for monitoring the quality 
of internal controls, ensuring that the 
financial performance of the Group is 
properly measured and reported on, 
and for reviewing reports from the 
Group’s auditor relating to the Group’s 
accounting and internal controls, in all 
cases having due regard to the interests 
of Shareholders. The Audit Committee 
meets at least twice a year. Dr Andrew 
Heath and Jean-Pierre Crinelli are the 
other members of the Audit Committee. 

A report on the duties of the Audit 
Committee and how it discharges its 
responsibilities is provided on pages 
61 to 63.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is chaired 
by Dr Andrew Heath, and reviews 
the performance of the Executive 
Directors, and determines their terms 
and conditions of service, including 
their remuneration, having due regard 
to the interests of Shareholders. The 
Remuneration Committee meets at least 
twice a year. Dr Ed Snape and Juliet 
Thompson are the other members of the 
Remuneration Committee. 

The Directors’ Remuneration Report 
and details of the activities and 
responsibilities of the Remuneration 
Committee are set out on pages 57 to 60. 

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee is chaired 
by James Wakefield, and identifies 
and nominates, for the approval of 
the Board, candidates to fill Board 
vacancies as and when they arise. The 
Nomination Committee meets at least 
once a year. Dr Andrew Heath and Juliet 
Thompson are the other members of the 
Nomination Committee. 

Details of the activities and 
responsibilities of the Nomination 
Committee are set out on page 56. 

Build trust

10.  Communicate how the 
Company is governed 
and is performing

As explained earlier in this Corporate 
Governance Statement, the Board has 
established a Nomination Committee, 
an Audit Committee and a Remuneration 
Committee. The work of each of the 
Board Committees undertaken during 
the year ended 31 December 2021 is 
detailed on pages 56 to 63. 

The Board places its responsibility to the 
Company’s Shareholders and setting the 
Group’s strategy for achieving long-term 
success as a high priority. The Group’s 
website is regularly updated with all 
press releases, AGM and EGM results 
and investor presentations.

The results of the votes received in 
relation to the 2021 AGM and EGM are 
available on the Company’s website. All 
resolutions were passed at the 2021 
General Assembly and no resolution had 
a significant proportion (>20%) of votes 
cast against them at that meeting. 

The Board maintains a healthy dialogue 
with all of its stakeholders. Throughout 
the course of the year, the Board 
communicates with Shareholders 
directly on any views, concerns and 
expectations they may wish to express.

55

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCENomination 
Committee Report

The Company established a 
Nomination Committee during 
2017 prior to its admission 
onto the AIM market.

James Wakefield acts as Chairman of 
the Nomination Committee and its other 
members are Juliet Thompson and 
Dr Andrew Heath. All members of the 
Nomination Committee are considered 
independent.

The Nomination Committee is 
responsible for identifying and 
nominating for the approval of the Board 
candidates to fill Board vacancies as 
and when they arise, and to ensure that 
the Board consists of members with 
the range of skills and qualities needed 
to meet its principal responsibilities 
in a way that promotes the protection 
of the interests of stakeholders and 
compliance with the requirements of the 
AIM Rules.

The Nomination Committee will meet at 
least once a year and at such other times 
as the Chairman or any other member of 
the Nomination Committee requires.

2021 was a particularly busy year for 
the Nomination Committee in view of 
the retirement of Graham Mullis as 
CEO. This meant that the Nomination 
Committee met significantly more often 
than would usually be the case as it 
went about finding a new CEO. Initially 
the Committee met to decide who it 
wished to appoint to assist the search 
and thereafter a number of meetings 
were held with the chosen search firm 
to determine the exact specification and 
skill requirements of the new CEO. All 
members of the Nomination Committee 
were then involved with the recruitment 
process, which involved a number of 
interviews of potential parties. This was 
then narrowed down in a structured 
process and additional interviews 
undertaken until a final candidate was 
selected and an offer made.

56

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEDirectors’ 
Remuneration Report

Dr Andrew Heath
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Key responsibilities

The Remuneration Committee determines performance-
related targets for the members of the Executive team, 
reviews their performance and makes recommendations 
to the Board on matters relating to their remuneration and 
terms of employment.

The Remuneration Committee also makes 
recommendations to the Board on proposals relating to 
all long-term incentive scheme structures and any future 
option schemes, and the granting of any share options 
under such schemes. The remuneration and terms and 
conditions of appointment of the Non-Executive Directors 
are set by the Board.

As Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, I am pleased 
to present our Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2021.

This report does not constitute a Directors’ Remuneration 
Report in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. As a 
Company whose shares are admitted to trading on AIM, the 
Company is not required by the Companies Act to prepare 
such a report. We do, however, have regard to the principles 
of the QCA Code, which we consider to be appropriate 
for an AIM company of our size. The report provides a 
general statement of policy on Directors’ remuneration as 
it is currently applied, and details the remuneration for all 
Directors during the year. It also provides a summary of the 
Novacyt LTIP, which has established during 2022.

Composition and meetings
The Remuneration Committee comprises at least two 
members, and all members are Non-Executive Directors 
considered independent. Dr Andrew Heath acts as 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, and Dr Edwin 
Snape and Juliet Thompson are the other members.

Only members of the Remuneration Committee have the 
right to attend meetings, but other Directors and external 
advisors may be invited to attend all or part of any meeting 
as and when appropriate. No Director may be involved in 
discussions relating to their own remuneration.

The Remuneration Committee meets as appropriate but not 
less than twice a year. During the period, the Remuneration 
Committee met four times. Details of meeting attendance 
are shown in the table in the Corporate Governance 
Statement on page 52.

Policy on Executive remuneration
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for 
determining and agreeing with the Board the framework or 
broad policy for the remuneration of the Executive team. 
In determining such policy, the Remuneration Committee 
takes into account all factors that it deems necessary 
including the relevant legal and regulatory requirements 
and corporate governance guidelines. The Remuneration 
Committee also takes into account emerging best practice 
and guidance from major institutional Shareholders. The 
objective of the Company’s remuneration policy is to attract, 
retain and motivate individuals of the quality required to 
run the Company successfully without paying more than 
is necessary, having regard to views of Shareholders and 
other stakeholders.

57

GOVERNANCEDirectors’ 
Remuneration Report continued

The Remuneration Committee 
recognises that the remuneration 
policy should have regard to the risk 
appetite of the Company and alignment 
to the Company’s long-term strategic 
goals, with a significant proportion of 
remuneration being structured to link 
rewards to corporate and individual 
performance, designed to promote the 
long-term success of the Company.

The Remuneration Committee, when 
setting the remuneration policy for 
Executive Directors, also has regard to 
the pay and employment conditions 
across the Group, particularly when 
conducting salary reviews.

The main elements of the remuneration 
packages of the Executive Directors are 
as follows.

Basic annual salary and 
pension
Basic salary is reviewed annually by 
the Remuneration Committee, usually 
in February, and takes into account a 
number of factors, including the current 
position and progress of the Group, 
individual contribution and market 
salaries for comparable organisations.

The Company makes contributions into 
the private pension schemes of the 
Executive Directors.

Discretionary bonus
At the discretion of the Remuneration 
Committee, taking into account 
performance against certain financial and 
individual targets, an Executive Director 
may be entitled to an annual discretionary 
cash bonus on such terms and subject 
to such conditions as may be decided 
from time to time by the Remuneration 
Committee. 

The Novacyt 2022 
Performance Share Awards 
Scheme
This new LTIP replaces the previous 
phantom share award scheme which 
ended in November 2020. 

The 2022 Performance Share Awards 
(structured as nil-cost options1) will 
apply to the Executive management 
team only, which currently comprises 
seven members. The performance 
shares will vest (“Vest”) after three 
financial years (the “Performance 
Period”) subject to the Company 
achieving Total Shareholder Return 
(“TSR”) Growth conditions as follows:

TSR Growth

% of the Award 
that may Vest

Less than 10% p.a. Nil

Equal to 10% p.a.

25%

Greater than 10% 
p.a. but less than 
30% p.a.

Pro-rata between 
25% and 100% on a 
straight-line basis

Equal to or greater 
than 30% p.a.

100%

1  Executive team salaries and short-term bonuses 

were reviewed and agreed.

58

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEThe baseline for TSR is based on the average closing price of the Company’s shares in December 2021, which was £3.54. This will 
then be compared to the equivalent figure in December 2024.

Once vested, a Performance Share Award shall normally remain exercisable up until the tenth anniversary of the date of grant (3 
February 2022 for these awards). 

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer will be required to hold 50% of vested shares, or such other percentage 
determined by the Board from time to time, (less any shares sold to pay any tax liability) for a minimum period of one year after 
the vesting date. 

Benefits in kind
Executive Directors are entitled to benefits in kind commensurate with their position, including company car allowance, private 
medical and death in service insurance.

Directors’ remuneration
The remuneration of the Directors who served on the Company’s Board during the year to 31 December 2021 was as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2021

Year ended 31 December 2020

Basic 
salary 
and fees

Bonus Pension

LTIP

Total

Basic 
salary 
and fees

Bonus Pension

LTIP

Total

Executive Directors

Graham Mullis4

349,758

Anthony Dyer4

165,000

–

–

2,533

8,383

– 352,291

322,263 264,341

20,327

8,204,1963 8,811,127

– 173,383

175,868

65,922

8,873

2,905,6503 3,156,313

David Allmond4

85,744 200,0005

–

– 285,744

– 150,0006 223,883

–

–

James McCarthy4

73,883

Non-Executive Directors

James Wakefield

95,000

Juliet Thompson

47,500

Andrew Heath

47,500

Jean-Pierre Crinelli1

32,672

Edwin Snape2

31,802

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

95,000

90,000

47,500

43,875

47,500

43,875

32,672

35,767

31,802

28,053

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

90,000

43,875

43,875

35,767

28,053

1  Salaries paid in Euros and disclosed in GBP, translated at the average exchange rate of 1.163068 in 2021 (2020: 1.125107).

2  Salary paid in USD and disclosed in GBP, translated at the average exchange rate of 1.375659 in 2021 (2020: 1.283601).

3  1/3 received in 2020, the following two payments are deferred and due to be paid in 2022.

4  Anthony Dyer resigned as Director on 29 September 2021 and Graham Mullis resigned as Director on the 18 October 2021. James McCarthy and David Allmond were 

elected as Directors during the AGM held on 18 October 2021.

5  Payment received by way of a signing on bonus.

6  Cash payment received in lieu of 2021 LTIP entitlement.

59

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCE 
Directors’ 
Remuneration Report continued

Directors’ shareholdings and share interests 
The interests of the Directors who served during the year in the share capital of the Company as of 31 December 2021, 31 
December 2020 and the date of this report were as follows:

Graham Mullis and family

Anthony Dyer

James McCarthy

David Allmond

James Wakefield

Dr Andrew Heath and family

Dr Edwin Snape

Jean-Pierre Crinelli

Juliet Thompson

As at the 
date of 
report

31 
December 
2021

31 
December 
2020

122,506

122,506 

122,506

16,839

49,670

43,500

36,839

20,000

17,919

33,981

–

16,839

10,000

–

36,839

20,000

17,919

30,773

–

16,839

10,000

–

36,839

20,000

17,919

30,773

–

All interests are beneficially held. There is no requirement for Directors to hold shares in the Company. 

Directors’ share interests under the 2022 Performance Share Awards Scheme

The Performance Share Awards allocated to the Executive team under the 2022 Performance Share Awards scheme, which 
represent 1.41% of the current issued share capital, are as follows:

Participants

David Allmond

Chief Executive Officer *

James McCarthy

Chief Financial Officer *

Guillermo Raimondo

Chief Commercial Officer

David Franks

Bryan Close

Chief Human Resources Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Navin Nauth-Misir

Group QA/RA Director

Paul Oladimeji

Group Head of R&D

Total

* David Allmond and James McCarthy are members of the Novacyt Board.

LTIP Award # Shares

 358,262 

 228,333 

 128,161 

 83,968 

 83,968 

 58,335 

 57,452 

  998,479

Conclusion
This report is intended to explain clearly the remuneration approach adopted by the Company and to enable Shareholders 
to appreciate how it underpins the Group’s business growth and strategic objectives. The Board considers that the current 
remuneration policy is fair and is fully aligned with the interests of Shareholders.

Dr Andrew Heath
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

60

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEAudit Committee  
Report

Juliet Thompson
Chair of the Audit Committee 

Key responsibilities

The audit committee administers the financial reporting 
of the company and related risks, internal controls, 
compliances, and ethics.

It must coordinate with management and the auditors 
to come up with financial reporting for the Group results 
that is compliant with International Financial Reporting 
Standards, as adopted by the EU, and French GAAP for the 
parent Company.

Ensuring the financial reports are accurate, the audit 
committee should be aware of the processes and internal 
controls put in place by the company’s management.

The audit committee is responsible for appointing 
individual auditors, along with evaluating their 
performance and compensation. In some organisations, 
they may oversee the internal auditors as well.

The Audit Committee comprises at least two members, with 
at least one Non-Executive Director considered independent, 
including the Chairman. 

In addition, the Chief Financial Officer and other members of 
the Company may be invited to attend as required.

Independent Non-Executive Director, Juliet Thompson, 
being a chartered accountant, acts as Chair of the Audit 
Committee, and its other members are Jean-Pierre Crinelli 
and Dr Andrew Heath.

Summary of the role of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee’s primary responsibility is to monitor 
the quality of internal controls and ensure that the financial 
performance of the Group is properly measured and 
reported on.

It receives and reviews reports from the Executive team and 
external auditors relating to the interim and annual accounts 
and the accounting and internal control systems in use 
throughout the Group.

The Audit Committee meets as appropriate, but not less than 
twice a year, and minutes are recorded for each meeting 
by the Chief Financial Officer. The Audit Committee is able 
to call for information from the Executive team and has 
unrestricted access to the Company’s external auditors.

The Audit Committee operates within specific terms of 
reference that include:

•  Reviewing management procedures to monitor the 

effectiveness of the accounting systems, accounting 
policies and internal controls;

•  Conducting a regular and ongoing process of risk 

assessment;

•  Reviewing the scope and planning of the external audit;

•  Reviewing the findings of the external auditor’s and 

management’s response;

•  Reviewing the annual financial statements before their 

submission to the Board for approval;

•  Making recommendations to the Board concerning the 
appointment and remuneration of the external auditor;

•  Reviewing any profit forecasts or working capital 

statements published in any bid document or listing 
particulars as investigated and verified by the Company’s 
auditor and/or reporting accountant;

•  Reviewing from time to time the cost effectiveness of 
the audit including a review of the performance of the 
external auditor;

61

GOVERNANCEAudit Committee 
Report continued

•  Monitoring the fees paid to 

the external auditor and where 
the external auditor supplies a 
substantial volume of non-audit 
services to the Company, to keep the 
nature and extent of such services 
under review, in order to achieve 
a balance between objectivity and 
value for money; and 

•  Having the right to obtain outside 
legal help and any professional 
advice, at the Company’s expense, 
which might be necessary for the 
fulfilment of its duties.

The Audit Committee is responsible 
for ensuring the “right tone at the top” 
and that the ethical and compliance 
commitments of the Executive team 
and other employees are understood 
throughout the Group.

External auditors
The Audit Committee is responsible for 
making recommendations to the Board 
on the appointment, reappointment 
and removal of the external auditor and 
assesses annually the qualifications, 
expertise, resources, remuneration 
and independence of the external 
auditor. The Audit Committee receives 
reports on the external audit firm’s 
own internal quality control procedures 
and confirmation of the auditor’s 
independence. The Audit Committee 

ensures that appropriate plans are 
in place for the external auditor each 
annual cycle.

The Group’s external auditors are 
Deloitte LLP and Alberis Audit. Under 
French law, the mandatory term for 
auditors is six years. Deloitte LLP was 
reappointed as external auditor during 
the AGM held in 2018 and has now been 
the auditor for ten years at the end of 
the audit of the annual accounts for 
the year ended 31 December 2021, in 
additon, Alberis Audit were appointed in 
2021 for a period of 6 years to approve 
the financial statements up to the year 
ended 31 December 2026. 

The Audit Committee annually reviews 
the effectiveness of the external auditor. 
This process involves overseeing the 
relationship with the Group’s external 
auditor, including reporting to the Board 
each year whether it considers the audit 
contract should be put out to tender, 
adhering to any legal requirements 
for tendering or rotation of the audit 
services contract as appropriate, 
reviewing and monitoring the external 
auditor’s objectivity and independence, 
agreeing the scope of their work 
and fees paid to them for audit, and 
assessing the effectiveness of the audit 
process. The external auditor presents 
to the Audit Committee the output 

of its detailed year-end work and the 
Audit Committee challenges significant 
judgements (if any). In making its 
assessment of external auditor 
effectiveness, the Audit Committee 
reviews the audit engagement letters 
before signature, reviews the external 
auditor’s summary of Company issues, 
and conducts an overall review of the 
effectiveness of the external audit 
process and the external auditor. The 
Audit Committee reports its findings to 
the Board.

The Audit Committee and the Board have 
been satisfied with the performance of 
the external auditors during the year and 
with the policies and procedures they 
have in place to maintain their objectivity 
and independence.

The Audit Committee also approves in 
advance any non-audit services to be 
performed by the auditor such as tax 
compliance and advisory work, audit-
related assurance services (e.g. reviews 
of internal controls and reviewing the 
Group’s interim financial statements).

Any non-audit services that are to 
be provided by the external auditor 
are reviewed in order to safeguard 
auditor objectivity and independence. 
Accordingly, the Board can confirm 
that, during the reporting period, there 
have been no non-audit services that 

62

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEare considered to have impaired the 
objectivity and independence of the 
external auditor. A full breakdown 
of payments made to the external 
auditor during the financial year is 
disclosed within note 47 to the financial 
statements.

Work undertaken by the Audit 
Committee during the period
The Audit Committee met four times 
during the period. Details of meeting 
attendance are shown in the Corporate 
Governance Statement on page 52.

Deloitte LLP and Alberis Audit, as the 
auditors, were also present at one of the 
meetings.

The key matters considered by the Audit 
Committee whilst discharging its duties 
and responsibilities are set out below:

•  Review of the Annual Report 

and Accounts for the year ended 
31 December 2020;

•  Consideration and approval of 
the unaudited interim financial 
statements for the period ended  
30 June 2021;

•  Review of the financial integrity of 
the Group’s financial statements 
including relevant corporate 
governance statements;

•  Review of the Company’s interim 
report for the six months ended 
30 June 2021;

•  Approval of the audit fees 

for the financial year ended 
31 December 2021;

•  Approval of non-audit work to be 

carried out by the auditor;

•  Consideration of the independence 
and objectivity of the external 
auditor;

•  Review of the internal controls and 
risk management systems within 
the Group;

•  Consideration of the requirement for 
the Group to have an internal audit 
function;

•  Review of the effectiveness of 

the external auditor, as more fully 
described above;

company such as the Group, and because 
the internal audit principles already fall 
under the remit of the Audit Committee.

•  Discussions with the auditor on 
the audit approach and strategy, 
the audit process, significant audit 
risks and key issues of focus for the 
annual audit;

•  Review and approval of the 

continuing appointment of Deloitte 
LLP as the Group’s auditor; and

•  Appointment of Alberis Audit as 2nd 

auditor.

The ultimate responsibility for reviewing 
and approving the financial statements 
in the interim and annual reports 
remains with the Board.

The Audit Committee, in conjunction 
with the auditor, has considered there 
are no significant issues relating to the 
preparation of the financial statements 
contained in this Annual Report.

Risk management and internal 
control
The Board has overall responsibility for 
the Group’s system of internal control 
and for reviewing the effectiveness 
of internal control to safeguard 
Shareholders’ investment and the 
Group’s assets. There is an ongoing 
process for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the significant risks the Group 
faces. The Board regularly reviews 
the process, which has been in place 
throughout the period and up to the date 
of approval of the Annual Report and 
Accounts.

The Board’s internal control and 
risk management review process 
(conducted with the assistance of the 
Audit Committee), is outlined on pages 
61 to 63.

Internal audit
The Board has reviewed the need for 
a separate internal audit function and 
concluded that such a function is 
not currently appropriate for a size of 

Going concern
The Directors have, at the time of 
approving the financial statements, a 
reasonable expectation that the Group 
has adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. Thus, they adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting in preparing 
the financial statements.

The going concern model covers the 
period up to and including April 2023.  
In making this assessment, the Directors 
have considered the following elements:

•  The working capital requirements of 

the business;

•  A positive cash balance at 

31 December 2021 of £101,746,000;

•  Full payment of the remaining Long-
Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) that 
commenced in November 2017 and 
vested in November 2020;;

•  Payment of the final earn-out 
milestone related to the IT-IS 
International acquisition; and

•  Management’s expectation of 

settling the outstanding commercial 
dispute as per notes 49 and 50.

In the event the current dispute is fully 
settled in favour of the counterparty, the 
forecast prepared by the Group shows 
that it is able to cover its cash needs 
during the financial year 2022 and up to 
April 2023 without raising any banking or 
other financing facility.

Approved by on behalf of the Board. 

Juliet Thompson
Chair of the Audit Committee

63

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEPrincipal Risks and  
Risk Management

The Group’s risk management strategy is a key responsibility of the Board of Directors. The 
Board ensures that all major risks are understood and appropriately managed in light of the 
Group’s strategy and objectives and is satisfied that the Group’s risk management and internal 
control systems are adequate.

The Group’s risk management framework supports the risk assessment procedure across the Group, with the objective of 
ensuring that the assessment of the strategic, operational, financial and external risks of the Group is approached consistently 
Group-wide.

At this stage of the Company’s development, the Board does not consider it to be appropriate to establish an internal audit 
function, but this will be kept under review.

The principal risks faced by the Group are set out below.

The pace of development in 
the healthcare industry

The Group operates within the biotechnology sector, a complex area of the healthcare 
industry. Rapid scientific and technological change within the biotechnology sector could 
lead to other market participants creating approaches, products and services equivalent or 
superior to the diagnostic testing products and services offered by the Group, which could 
adversely affect the Group’s performance and success. If the Group is unable to keep pace 
with these changes in the biotechnology sector and in the wider healthcare industry, the 
demand for its technological platforms and associated products and services could fall.

Competitive pressures

Companies operating within the biotechnology sector are subject to competitive forces that 
may result in price discounting and product obsolescence.

Better resourced competitors may be able to devote more time and capital towards the R&D 
process, which, in turn, could lead to scientific and/or technological breakthroughs that may 
materially alter the outlook or focus for markets in which the Group operates.

In addition, a certain number of the Group’s competitors may have significantly greater 
financial and human resource capacity and, as such, better manufacturing capability or 
sales and marketing expertise. Competitors could also resort to price discounting or other 
sales and marketing strategies. Equally, new companies with alternative technologies and 
products may also emerge.

The Group is largely based in the UK, and its products are distributed to and sold across 
multiple jurisdictions. In each of these jurisdictions, there may be a number of associated 
risks in respect of which the Group will have no, or limited, control. These may include: 
contract renegotiation, contract cancellation, economic, social or political instability or 
change, hyperinflation, currency non-convertibility or instability, and changes of laws 
affecting foreign ownership, taxation, working conditions, rates of exchange, exchange 
control and licensing.

Additional products and services developed through the element of the Group’s strategy 
focused on R&D transformation will be required to drive the Group’s growth, such as 
Primerdesign’s focus on transferring assays from RUO to clinical CE-IVD products. The 
development of such additional diagnostic testing products and services may take longer 
than expected or not be successful at all, which may adversely impact the Group’s ability to 
generate revenues and achieve sustainable profitability. In addition, the value of additional 
diagnostics tests and products may not prove as robust as currently envisaged by the 
Group. Any delays or unbudgeted expenditures incurred by the Group could postpone or halt 
the commercialisation of particular diagnostics tests and products.

Geographic markets

Product development

64

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEProduct liability claims

The Group faces an inherent risk of product liability and associated adverse publicity as a 
result of the sales of its products.

Reliance on sole suppliers

Reliance on third-party 
distributors

Acquisition strategy

Criminal or civil proceedings might be filed against the Group by patients, the regulatory 
authorities, pharmaceutical companies and any other third party using or marketing 
its products. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in 
manufacturing, defects in design, negligence, strict liability, a breach of warranties and a 
failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product.

If the Group cannot successfully defend itself against product liability claims, it may incur 
substantial liabilities or be required to limit commercialisation of its products, if approved. 
Even successful defence could require significant financial and management resources.

Although the Group maintains a level of insurance that is customary for its industry to cover 
its current business, any claim that may be brought against the Group could result in a 
court judgement or settlement in an amount that is not covered, in whole or in part, by its 
insurance or that is in excess of the limits of its insurance coverage.

Its insurance policies also have various exclusions and the Group may be subject to a 
product liability claim for which the Group has no coverage.

Due to the specific and innovative nature of some of the Group’s products, there may only 
be a single supplier of goods or services to the Group in respect of those products or 
services, which may or may not be pursuant to the terms of exclusive supplier agreements. 
The Group’s purchases may be delayed if that single supplier, in respect of any one product 
or service, has its own manufacturing difficulties or is not able to meet the purchase 
requirements of the Group within a reasonable time frame. Further, any exclusive supplier 
arrangements may be terminated by either the supplier or the Company on notice. In the 
event of serious delays or non-performance by such suppliers, or upon such arrangements 
being terminated, the Group’s own stock levels could diminish or be exhausted. The 
Group may consider expanding its current supplier base to reduce the reliance on certain 
suppliers. However, there is no guarantee that they will be successful in doing so in a 
manner that complies with regulatory requirements.

The Group uses third-party distributors in a number of its business areas. Although 
the Group enters into agreements with such distributors, it cannot ultimately control 
their actions and they may underperform or not act in the best interests of the Group. 
Furthermore, the distribution agreements may be terminated by the distributors or the 
Group. If so, and if appropriate from the Group’s strategy at that time, the Group may seek 
to find a replacement distributor but there can be no guarantee that they will be successful 
in doing so.

A core part of the Group’s strategy is to undertake acquisitions that are strategically 
complementary to its existing businesses. The success of such a strategy will depend on 
the Group’s ability to identify potential targets, complete the acquisition of such targets on 
favourable terms, including securing appropriate financing, and to generate value from the 
acquired targets. This strategy may not be successful under all or any market conditions. 
The Group may not be able to acquire targets on attractive terms or to generate resulting 
returns for Shareholders and prospective investors.

65

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEPrincipal Risks and  
Risk Management continued

Litigation and arbitration

Key personnel

Tenders

Regulatory environment

From time to time, the Group may be subject to litigation arising from its operations, 
distribution and sales. Damages claimed, awarded, settled or paid under any litigation or 
arbitration may be material or may be indeterminate, and the outcome of such litigation or 
arbitration may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial condition, 
capital resources, results and or future operations. Please refer to Notes 49 and 50 of the 
accounts regarding the ongoing DHSC dispute.

The Group depends on the services of its key personnel, which includes a number of 
individuals some of whom are currently on a short notice period of three months or less. 
The Group’s ability to manage its R&D and product development activities, wider operations 
and financing will depend in large part on the efforts of its key personnel. The loss of 
services of key personnel, the inability to attract, retain and integrate suitably qualified 
personnel or delays in hiring required personnel, could delay the achievement of the Group’s 
objectives and strategy.

A proportion of the Group’s revenues stem from tenders awarded to the Group and it is not 
possible to control and/or predict the outcomes of these tender processes. The success 
of such tender awards is based upon the ability of the organisation or country to finance 
tenders, and then it is based upon the historical performance, price and quality of the 
competitors who have been invited to participate in the tender process. The Group may not 
be successful in future tender processes.

The failure to gain new business through the award of tender contracts may have a material 
adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial condition, capital resources, results and/or 
future operations.

The Group’s products are subject to various laws, regulations and standards in each of the 
jurisdictions in which products are manufactured and distributed. These laws, regulations 
and standards may change and, if the Group fails to meet those regulatory or other 
requirements, it could face delays or prohibitions on the operation of its business.

The Group’s ability to conduct business is predicated on being in compliance with all licence 
requirements as specified by each relevant jurisdiction. The Group may not continue to hold 
all of the necessary consents, approvals and licences required to conduct its business, and 
where new permissions are required, these may be delayed or not forthcoming. If any new 
approvals or licences are required in order for the Group to carry on its business, the Group 
could face delays or prohibitions on the development, manufacture, sale or distribution of 
its products, which may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial 
condition, capital resources, results and/or future operations.

66

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCENew IVDR regulations

Employment laws

European General Data 
Protection Regulation

Information technology

The entire IVD industry within the EU is currently undergoing a significant regulatory 
transition from the existing In Vitro Diagnostic Directive (“IVDD”) (98/79/EC) to a new In 
Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (“IVDR”) (2017/746). There are a limited number of notified 
bodies available to IVDD manufacturers, which reflects a risk that the industry may not 
be ready when the new IVDR regulations to come into force. In recognition of this, the 
European Commission has now delayed the full implementation of IVDR for existing 
products until 2025, 2026 or 2027 depending on the risk classification of the device  
(COVID tests must meet the requirements by 2025). Whilst there is now more time to meet 
requirements for existing tests, any new products launched after May 2022 must meet 
IVDR requirements. The cumulative effect of the introduction of the new regulation will 
be a significantly increased burden on the resources of IVD manufacturers to maintain 
regulatory compliance, and this could result in older products being deleted due to cost 
of compliance or the up-classification of products and the increased scrutiny by notified 
bodies. The IVDR will apply to any products sold in Europe even though the UK has left 
the EU. The UK, in turn, is applying its own regulatory regime to IVDDs, which will involve 
applying a UK certification mark for any products sold in the UK and this increases the 
regulatory burden.

The Group is also subject to various UK, US, French and EU regulations governing the 
Group’s relationship with employees, including such matters as the treatment of part-time 
or agency workers, employers’ National Insurance contributions (or equivalent in France), 
overtime and other working conditions. A failure to comply with one or more regulations 
could result in the imposition of sanctions, including the closing of facilities for an 
indeterminate period of time or third-party litigation.

The Group is committed to ensuring compliance with European General Data Protection 
Regulation (“GDPR”). Failure to demonstrate appropriate actions to comply with GDPR 
could result in a one-off discretionary caution or can escalate to a fine of up to 4% of annual 
global turnover.

The Group is heavily reliant upon its information technology systems to enable it to manage 
a growing business and to service its customers online. Information systems are used 
across all aspects of the Group’s business, including R&D, product development, sales, 
production, stock control, distribution, and accounting and finance. The Group’s business 
would be adversely affected by a material or sustained breakdown in its key computer and 
communication systems.

In addition, the Group may face online security breaches, including hacking and vandalism. 
The Group cannot guarantee absolute protection against unauthorised attempts to access 
its information technology and communication systems, including malicious third-party 
applications that may interfere with or exploit security flaws in its products and services.

67

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEPrincipal Risks and  
Risk Management continued

Brexit 

Protection of intellectual 
property rights

On 23 June 2016, the UK held a referendum on the UK’s continuing membership of the 
EU, the outcome of which was a decision for the UK to leave the EU (Brexit). Following 
Royal Assent of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act on 23 January 2020 and 
ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement by the European Parliament on 24 January 2020, 
the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 and became a third country with a transition period 
running to 31 December 2020. 

As the IVDD regulations apply to all products placed on the market, we still need to comply 
with IVDD and IVDR but as we are now considered a non-EU manufacturer, we have to 
appoint a European Authorised Representative based in the EU, make labelling changes and 
register our products with an EU Competent authority. This adds cost and complexity to 
selling in Europe. In addition, the UK Government has decided not to recognise CE marking 
after 2023 and will require IVDDs placed on the UK market to undergo a regulatory process 
that duplicates the CE marking process, with a separate registration in the UK and the 
application of a UKCA mark adding further cost and complexity.

The Group’s ability to compete depends, in part, upon the successful protection of its 
intellectual property, in particular its patents, trademarks, know-how and trade secrets. The 
Group seeks to protect its intellectual property through the filing of worldwide patent and 
trademark applications, as well as robust confidentiality obligations on its employees (and 
any contractors).

Despite these precautions that may be taken by the Group to protect its intellectual 
technology and products, unauthorised third parties may attempt to copy, or obtain and use, 
its technology and products.

A third party may infringe upon the Group’s intellectual property, release information 
considered confidential about the Group’s intellectual property and/or claim technology 
that is registered to the Group. In addition, the Group may fail to discover infringement of its 
intellectual property, and/or any steps taken or that will be taken by it may not be sufficient 
to protect its intellectual property rights or prevent others from seeking to invalidate its 
intellectual property, or block sales of its products by alleging a breach of their intellectual 
property. Applications filed by the Group in respect of new patents and trademarks may 
also not be granted.

The Directors intend to defend the Group’s intellectual property vigorously through litigation 
and other means.

68

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEInfringement of third-party 
patents and other intellectual 
property rights

The Group’s products may infringe or may be alleged to infringe existing patents or patents 
that may be granted in the future, which may result in costly litigation and could result in the 
Group having to pay substantial damages or limit the Group’s ability to commercialise its 
products.

Protection of trademarks

If the Group is sued for patent infringement, the Group would need to demonstrate that its 
products or methods either do not infringe the patent claims of the relevant patent or that 
the patent claims are invalid, and the Group may not be able to do this. If the Group is found 
to have infringed a third-party’s patent, the Group could be required to obtain a licence 
from such third party to continue developing and marketing its products and technology 
or the Group may elect to enter into such a licence in order to settle litigation or in order 
to resolve disputes prior to litigation. However, the Group may not be able to obtain any 
required licence on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if the Group is able to 
obtain a licence, it could be non-exclusive, thereby giving its competitors access to the 
same technologies licensed to the Group, and could require the Group to make substantial 
royalty payments. The Group could also be forced, including by court order, to cease 
commercialising the infringing technology or products.

A finding of infringement could prevent the Group from commercialising its products or 
force the Group to cease some of its business operations, which could materially harm its 
business. Claims that the Group has misappropriated the confidential information or trade 
secrets of third parties could have a similarly negative impact on its business.

The Group owns certain trademarks that are important to its business and competitive 
position. Third parties may infringe or misappropriate these rights by, for example, imitating 
the Group’s products, asserting rights in, or ownership of, the Group’s trademarks or other 
intellectual property rights or in trademarks that are similar to trademarks that the Group 
owns. In addition, the Group may fail to discover infringement of its intellectual property, 
and/or any steps taken or that will be taken by it may not be sufficient to protect its 
intellectual property rights or prevent others from seeking to invalidate its trademarks by 
alleging a breach of their trademarks and intellectual property.

Applications filed by the Group in respect of new trademarks may not be granted. In 
addition, some of the Group’s intellectual property may not be capable of being registered 
as belonging to the Group in all types of trademarks and all classes and the Group may, 
therefore, have difficulty protecting such intellectual property. Further, the Group may not 
be able to prevent others from using its brands (or other intellectual property that is not 
registered as belonging to the Group) at all or in a particular market.

If the Group is unable to protect its intellectual property rights against infringement or 
misappropriation, or if others assert rights in or seek to invalidate its intellectual property 
rights, this could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial condition, 
capital resources, results and/or future operations.

69

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEPrincipal Risks and  
Risk Management continued

Customer concentration

The Group’s 2021 revenue includes approximately £9,702,000 from sales to the Group’s 
largest customer. No other customers contributed 10% or more to the Group’s revenue 
in 2021.

Bad debtors

Foreign exchange rates

SARS-CoV-2  
Pandemic

The Group sells to companies of all sizes from small to medium-sized enterprises to blue-
chip institutions, and operates in emerging markets, such as the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, 
Africa and South America. Whilst the Group has, to date, successfully managed the risk of 
being paid for products and services sold into these companies and regions, as the Group 
grows and its customer base and distribution channels expands, there could be a higher 
risk that new customers do not pay in a timely manner and that bad debt increases.

The Group operates on a global basis and it has exposure to foreign exchange risk on 
purchases and sales that are denominated in currencies other than the Pound Sterling, 
Euro and US Dollar, which are the currencies of most of its receivables, expenditures, cash 
reserves and borrowings. The Pound Sterling, Euro and US Dollar exchange rates have 
fluctuated significantly in the past and may do so in the future. Consequently, revenue, 
expenditure, cash and borrowings may be higher or lower than anticipated by the Group.

In addition, the financial statements of the Group are denominated in Pounds Sterling 
which, therefore, give further exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations and may 
impact the financial results reported to its Shareholders, particularly as profits and losses 
arising from foreign currency transactions and on settlement of amounts receivable and 
payable in foreign currency are dealt with through the profit and loss statement.

The global pandemic has caused significant disruption and volatility to the entire 
diagnostics market. As clinical laboratories tried to meet the demand for COVID-19 testing, 
all other diagnostic testing has been impacted and reduced as testing capacity has been 
insufficient to meet all clinical demands. This balance of supply and demand has improved 
considerably in some parts of the world but continues to be challenging for all testing 
service providers as the pandemic evolves in waves across the globe and as the specific 
requirements for testing changes with the evolution of new virus mutations and the need 
for near patient testing alongside central testing. This makes the diagnostics market 
as a whole and COVID-19 testing specifically very difficult to predict and so diagnostic 
manufacturers are unable to plan or forecast their business requirements with any degree 
of accuracy.

70

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

71

Financial 
Statements

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in 
respect of the Annual Report and financial 
statements.

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

72

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021

Company law requires the Directors 
to prepare Group and parent company 
financial statements for each financial 
year. Under that law, they are required to 
prepare the Group financial statements 
in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards, as 
adopted by the EU, and applicable law, 
and have elected to prepare the parent 
company financial statements under 
French GAAP. 

Under company law the Directors must 
not approve the financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Group and parent company and of 
their profit or loss for that period. 

In preparing each of the Group and 
parent company financial statements, 
the Directors are required to: 

•  Select suitable accounting policies 
and then apply them consistently;

•  Make judgements and accounting 
estimates that are reasonable and 
prudent;

•  State whether they have been 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the EU; and 

•  Prepare the financial statement on 
the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the 
group and the parent company will 
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the parent 
company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the 

financial position of the parent company 
and enable them to ensure that the 
Group’s financial statements comply 
with the Companies Act 2006. They have 
general responsibility for taking such 
steps as are reasonably open to them to 
safeguard the assets of the group and 
to prevent and detect fraud and other 
irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, 
the Directors are also responsible for 
preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ 
Report, Directors’ Remuneration Report 
and Corporate Governance Statement 
that complies with that law and those 
regulations.

Responsibility statement of 
the Directors in respect of the 
annual financial report
We confirm that to the best of our 
knowledge:

•  The financial statements, prepared 

in accordance with the applicable set 
of accounting standards, 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 Strategic report 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.

73
73

Statutory Auditor’s report on the 
consolidated financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2021

This is a translation into English of the statutory auditor’s report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company issued 
in French and it is provided solely for the convenience of English speaking users.

This statutory auditor’s report includes information required by European regulation and French law, such as information about the 
appointment of the statutory auditors or verification of the management report and other documents provided to Shareholders.

This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional auditing standards 
applicable in France.

To the NOVACYT Shareholders’ Meeting

Emphasis of Matter
We draw attention to the following matter:

•  Notes 49. Contingent Liabilities and 
50. Subsequent Events, identifying 
an ongoing commercial dispute 
and disclosing the underlying 
assumptions and the potential 
impacts in the consolidated financial 
statements.

Our opinion is not modified in respect of 
this matter.

Justification of Assessments
Due to the global crisis related to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, the consolidated 
financial statements of this period 
have been prepared and audited under 
specific conditions. Indeed, this crisis 
and the exceptional measures taken 
in the context of the state of sanitary 
emergency have had numerous 
consequences for companies, 
particularly on their operations 
and their financing, and have led to 
greater uncertainties on their future 
prospects. Those measures, such as 
travel restrictions and remote working, 
have also had an impact on the 
companies’ internal organisation and the 
performance of the audits.

It is in this complex and evolving 
context that, in accordance with the 
requirements of Articles L. 823-9 and 
R. 823-7 of the French Commercial 
Code relating to the justification of 
our assessments, we inform you of 
the following assessments that, in our 
professional judgment, were of 

most significance in our audit of the 
consolidated financial statements of the 
current period.

These matters were addressed in the 
context of our audit of the consolidated 
financial statements as a whole, and 
in forming our opinion thereon, and 
we do not provide a separate opinion 
on specific items of the consolidated 
financial statements.

Goodwill
Goodwill was subject to impairment 
tests according to the procedures 
describes in the “Impairment testing” 
note to the consolidated financial 
statements. We reviewed the procedures 
used to implement these tests as 
well as the cash flow forecasts and 
assumptions used for this purpose, 
and we verified that the “Impairment 
testing” and “Goodwill” notes provided 
appropriate disclosures.

Specific Verifications
We have also performed, in accordance 
with professional standards applicable 
in France, the specific verifications 
required by law and regulations of the 
information pertaining to the Group 
presented in the Board of Directors’ 
management report. 

We have no matters to report as to its 
fair presentation and its consistency 
with the consolidated financial 
statements.

Opinion
In compliance with the engagement 
entrusted to us by your annual 
general meeting, we have audited the 
accompanying consolidated financial 
statements of NOVACYT for the year 
ended 31 December 2021. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial 
statements give a true and fair view 
of the assets and liabilities and of the 
financial position of the Group as at  
31 December 2021 and of the results of 
its operations for the year then ended in 
accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the 
European Union.

Basis for Opinion
Audit Framework
We conducted our audit in accordance 
with professional standards applicable 
in France. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion.

Our responsibilities under those 
standards are further described in the 
“Statutory Auditors’ Responsibilities for 
the Audit of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements” section of our report.

Independence
We conducted our audit engagement 
in compliance with independence 
requirements of the French Commercial 
Code (code de commerce) and the 
French Code of Ethics (code de 
déontologie) for statutory auditors, for 
the period from 1 January 2021 to the 
date of our report.

74

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSResponsibilities of 
Management and Those 
Charged with Governance for 
the Consolidated Financial 
Statements 
Management is responsible for the 
preparation and fair presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the 
European Union, and for such internal 
control as management determines is 
necessary to enable the preparation of 
consolidated financial statements that 
are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial 
statements, management is responsible 
for assessing the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, 
as applicable, matters related to 
going concern and using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless it is 
expected to liquidate the Company or to 
cease operations. 

The consolidated financial statements 
were approved by the Board of Directors.

Statutory Auditor’s 
Responsibilities for the Audit 
of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements 
Our role is to issue a report on the 
consolidated financial statements. 
Our objective is to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the 
consolidated financial statements 
as a whole are free from material 
misstatement. Reasonable assurance 
is a high level of assurance but is not 
a guarantee that an audit conducted 
in accordance with professional 
standards 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. 

As specified in Article L. 823-10-1 of the 
French Commercial Code, our statutory 
audit does not include assurance on the 
viability of the Company or the quality 
of management of the affairs of the 
Company.

As part of an audit conducted in 
accordance with professional standards 
applicable in France, the statutory 
auditor exercises professional judgment 
throughout the audit and furthermore: 

• 

Identifies and assesses the risks 
of material misstatement of the 
consolidated financial statements, 
whether due to fraud or error, 
designs and performs audit 
procedures responsive to those 
risks, and obtains audit evidence 
considered to be sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for 
his opinion. The risk of not detecting 
a material misstatement resulting 
from fraud is higher than for one 
resulting from error, as fraud may 
involve collusion, forgery, intentional 
omissions, misrepresentations, or 
the override of internal control. 

•  Obtains an understanding of internal 
control relevant to the audit in order 
to design audit procedures that are 
appropriate in the circumstances, 
but not for the purpose of expressing 
an opinion on the effectiveness of 
the internal control. 

•  Evaluates the appropriateness of 
accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting 
estimates and related disclosures 
made by management in the 
consolidated financial statements. 

•  Assesses the appropriateness of 
management’s use of the going 
concern basis of accounting 
and, based on the audit evidence 
obtained, whether a material 
uncertainty exists related to 

events or conditions that may cast 
significant doubt on the Company’s 
ability to continue as a going 
concern. This assessment is based 
on the audit evidence obtained 
up to the date of his audit report. 
However, future events or conditions 
may cause the Company to cease 
to continue as a going concern. If 
the statutory auditor concludes that 
a material uncertainty exists, there 
is a requirement to draw attention 
in the audit report to the related 
disclosures in the consolidated 
financial statements or, if such 
disclosures are not provided or 
inadequate, to modify the opinion 
expressed therein. 

•  Evaluates the overall presentation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements and assesses whether 
these statements represent the 
underlying transactions and events 
in a manner that achieves fair 
presentation. 

•  Obtains sufficient appropriate 
audit evidence regarding the 
financial information of the entities 
or business activities within the 
Group to express an opinion on the 
consolidated financial statements. 
The statutory auditor is responsible 
for the direction, supervision and 
performance of the audit of the 
consolidated financial statements 
and for the opinion expressed 
on these consolidated financial 
statements.

Cergy and Paris-La Défense, 
27 April 2022 

The Statutory Auditors 
French original signed by 
Alberis Audit 
Deloitte & Associés 
Guillaume TURCHI 
Benoit PIMONT

75

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSConsolidated income statement 

for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020

Amounts in £’000

Continuing Operations

Revenue

Cost of sales

Cost of sales – exceptional

Gross profit

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

Research and development expenses

General and administrative expenses

Governmental subsidies

Operating (loss)/profit before exceptional items

Other operating income

Other operating expenses

Operating (loss)/profit after exceptional items

Financial income

Financial expense

(Loss)/profit before tax

Tax income/(expense)

(Loss)/profit after tax attributable to owners of the Company (*)

(Loss)/profit per share (£)

Diluted (loss)/profit per share (£)

(*) There are no non-controlling interests.

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

Notes

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

13

14

14

15

16

16

95,780 

277,204 

(30,332) 

(65,704) 

(35,770)

–

29,678 

211,500

(7,025) 

(4,815) 

(4,492) 

(1,630) 

(18,833) 

(30,532) 

308 

(3) 

(687) 

174,843 

65 

–

(7,173) 

(7,402) 

(7,795) 

167,441 

466 

83 

(2,500) 

(2,353) 

(9,829) 

165,171 

101 

(32,748) 

(9,728) 

132,423 

(0.14)

(0.14)

1.94

1.94

76

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSConsolidated statement of 
comprehensive income  

for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020

Amounts in £’000

(Loss)/profit for the period recognised in the income statement

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:

Translation reserves

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to:

Owners of the Company (*)

(*) There are no non-controlling interests. 

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

(9,728) 

132,423 

862 

290 

(8,866) 

132,713 

(8,866) 

132,713 

77

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStatement of financial position   

for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020

Amounts in £’000

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Non-current financial assets

Deferred tax assets

Other long-term assets

Total non-current assets

Inventories and work in progress

Trade and other receivables

Tax receivables

Prepayments and short-term deposits

Investments short-term

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Lease liabilities short-term

Contingent consideration short-term

Provisions short-term

Trade and other liabilities

Tax liabilities

Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Net current assets

Lease liabilities long-term

Contingent consideration long-term

Provisions long-term

Deferred tax liabilities

Other liabilities long-term

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Share capital

Share premium account

Own shares

Other reserves

Equity reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity – owners of the Company

Total equity

78

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

Notes

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

30

24

25

27

29

31

32

33

34

27

29

31

21

35

36

37

38

39

40

11,471 

17,877 

3,710 

4,594 

1,788 

 144 

3,143 

 64 

24,914 

11,461 

38,499 

5,034 

2,034 

9 

101,746 

158,783 

183,697 

424

836 

19,956 

17,190 

 – 

498 

4,255 

1,643 

2,259 

 138 

 3,023 

 96 

29,291 

29,888 

79,592 

 – 

3,731 

9 

91,765 

204,985 

234,276 

414

1,022 

19,856 

36,784 

 15,116 

950 

38,904 

74,142 

119,879 

130,843 

1,446

1,964

 – 

308 

1,224 

– 

2,978 

41,882 

 812 

242 

800 

5,606 

9,424 

83,566 

141,815 

150,710 

4,053 

50,671 

4,053 

50,671 

(78) 

(49) 

(1,174) 

(2,036) 

1,155 

87,188 

141,815 

141,815 

1,155

96,916 

150,710 

150,710 

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStatement of changes in equity   

for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020

Amounts in £’000

Notes

Share 
capital

Share 
premium

Own 
shares

Equity 
reserves

Acquisition of 
the shares of 
Primerdesign

Translation 
reserve

OCI on 
retirement 
benefits

 Retained 
earnings 

Total 
equity

Total

Other Group reserves 

Issue of share capital

36, 37

567

2,011

Balance at  
1 January 2020

Translation differences

Profit for the period

Total comprehensive 
income/(loss) for the 
period

Own shares acquired/
sold in the period

Conversion of warrants 
and debts

Balance at  
31 December 2020

Translation differences

Loss for the period

Total comprehensive 
(loss)/income for the 
period

Own shares acquired/
sold in the period

Balance at  
31 December 2021

3,311

46,999

(141)

336

(2,407)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

92

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

36, 37

175

1,661

–

819

4,053

50,671

(49)

1,155

(2,407)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(29)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

491

(112)

–

(112)

–

–

–

379

862

–

862

–

(8) (1,924) (36,119) 12,462

–

–

–

–

–

–

(112)

–

(112)

– 132,423 132,423

(112) 132,423 132,311

–

–

–

–

–

2,578

92

612

3,267

(8) (2,036) 96,916 150,710

–

–

–

–

862

–

862

– (9,728)

(9,728)

862

(9,728)

(8,866)

–

–

(29)

4,053

50,671

(78)

1,155

(2,407)

1,241

(8) (1,174) 87,188 141,815

79

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

15,689

102,976

Notes

42

(330)

(3,770)

16

(943)

(5,027)

–

(432)

–

(29)

–

–

(138)

(599)

10,063

91,765

(82)

(168)

(1,013)

74

(6,858)

(7,965)

(4,592)

(303)

2,577

92

(720)

(439)

(1,655)

(5,040)

89,971

1,542

252

101,746

91,765

Statement of cash flows    

for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2020

Amounts in £’000

Net cash from operating activities

Investing activities

Purchases of patents and trademarks

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Variation of deposits

Acquisition of subsidiary net of cash acquired

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Repayments of borrowings

Repayment of lease liabilities

Proceeds from issue of shares

Disposal/(purchase) of own shares – net

Repayment of other short-term financing facilities

Negma phantom awards settlement

Interest paid

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

80

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts   

1. Applicable accounting standards
The Novacyt Group is an international diagnostics business generating an increasing portfolio of invitro and molecular diagnostic 
tests. Its core strengths lie in diagnostics product development, commercialisation, contract design and manufacturing. The 
Group’s lead business units comprise of Primerdesign, and IT-IS International, supplying an extensive range of high-quality assays, 
reagents and instruments worldwide. The Group directly serves microbiology, haematology and serology markets as do its global 
partners, which include major corporates. Its registered office is located at 13 Avenue Morane Saulnier, 78140 Vélizy Villacoublay.

The financial information contained in this report comprises the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its 
subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Group”). They are prepared and presented in Great British Pounds (“GBP”), 
rounded to the nearest thousand (“£’000s”). 

The 2021 consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 27 April 2022.

2. Adoption of new standards and amendments to existing standards 
•  Standards, interpretations and amendments to standards with mandatory application for the period beginning on or after 
1 January 2021 had no material impact on Novacyt’s consolidated financial statements at 31 December 2021. These are:

 − Amendment to IFRS 4 to extend the temporary exemption from applying IFRS 9;

 − Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2.

•  There are no standards or interpretations not mandatorily applicable in 2021 that would be available for an early application.

The texts adopted by the European Union are available on the website of the European Commission. 

3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). The 
financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with IFRSs adopted by the European Union.

The financial information has been prepared on the historical cost basis except in respect of those financial instruments that have 
been measured at fair value. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for the 
goods and services.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date, regardless of whether that price is directly observable or estimated using another valuation 
technique. In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group takes into account the characteristics of the asset or 
liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement 
date. Fair value for measurement and/or disclosure purposes in the financial information is determined on such a basis, except for 
leasing transactions that are within the scope of IFRS 16, and measurements that have some similarities to fair value but are not 
fair value, such as net realisable value in IAS 2 or value in use in IAS 36.

The areas where assumptions and estimates are material in relation to the financial information are the measurement of goodwill 
(see note 17), the carrying amounts and useful lives of the other intangible assets (see note 18), deferred taxes (see note 21), 
trade receivables (see note 23) and provisions for risks and other provisions related to the operating activities (see note 31).

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in the financial information.

Change of presentation currency
The Group opted to change its presentation currency to GBP in 2020 to better reflect the Group’s trading activities, which are 
mainly conducted in GBP. 

The functional currency of the Parent Company, Novacyt SA, remains the Euro. Translation differences arising from the Parent 
Company are presented in “Other reserves”.

81

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group continued
Basis of consolidation
The financial information includes all companies under control. The Group does not exercise joint control or have significant 
influence over other companies. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which the Group obtains effective control.

Controlled companies are consolidated by the full consolidation method with recognition of non-controlling interests. Under 
IFRS 10, an investor controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the 
investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

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

• 

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

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

• 

rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

•  any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that the Company has, or does not have, the current ability to direct the 
relevant activities at the time that decisions need to be made, including voting patterns at previous Shareholders’ meetings. 

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

Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to the owners of the Group and to the non-
controlling interests. Total comprehensive income of the subsidiaries is attributed to the owners of the Group and to the non-
controlling interests even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. 

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line 
with the Group’s accounting policies. 

All intragroup assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between the members 
of the Group are eliminated on consolidation. The Group’s scope of consolidation included the following companies, all fully 
consolidated when included in the scope.

Companies

Biotec Laboratories Ltd

IT-IS International Ltd

Lab21 Healthcare Ltd

Novacyt US Inc

Novacyt Inc

Microgen Bioproducts Ltd

Novacyt SA

Novacyt Asia Ltd

Novacyt China Ltd

Novacyt UK Holdings Ltd

Primerdesign Ltd

Legend:  FC: Full consolidation 

82

At 31 December 2021

At 31 December 2020

 Interest 
percentage 

Consolidation 
method

 Interest 
percentage 

Consolidation 
method

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

FC

FC

FC

FC

FC

FC

FC

FC

FC

FC

FC

100%

100%

100%

0%

0%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

FC

FC

FC

–

–

FC

FC

FC

FC

FC

FC

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group continued
Consolidation methods
The consolidated historical financial information is prepared using uniform accounting policies for transactions and other similar 
events in similar circumstances.

Elimination of intercompany transactions
The intercompany balances arising from transactions between consolidated companies, as well as the transactions themselves, 
including income, expenses and dividends, are eliminated.

Translation of accounts denominated in foreign currency
The historical financial information is presented in £’000 GBP. The financial statements of companies whose functional currency 
is not GBP are translated into GBP as follows:

• 

Items in the statement of financial position are translated at the closing exchange rate, excluding equity items, which are 
stated at historical rates; and

•  Transactions in the income statement and statement of cash flows are translated at the average annual exchange rate.

Translation differences on earnings and equity are recognised directly in other comprehensive income under “Translation 
reserves” for the portion attributable to the Group. On disposal of a foreign company, the translation differences relating thereto 
and recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.

Exchange differences arising from intragroup balances are recognised as exchange losses or gains in the consolidated income 
statement. 

Going concern
The Directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, they adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
in preparing the financial statements.

The going concern model covers the period up to and including April 2023. In making this assessment, the Directors have 
considered the following elements: 

•  The working capital requirements of the business;

•  A positive cash balance at 31 December 2021 of £101,746,000;

•  Full payment of the remaining Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) that commenced in November 2017 and vested in 

November 2020;

•  Payment of the final earn-out milestone related to the IT-IS International acquisition; and

•  Management’s expectation of settling the outstanding commercial dispute as per notes 49 and 50.

In the event the current dispute is fully settled in favour of the counterparty, the forecast prepared by the Group shows that it is 
able to cover its cash needs during the financial year 2022 and up to April 2023 without raising any banking or other financing 
facility. 

83

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3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group continued
Business combinations and measurement of goodwill
Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method (see IFRS 3).

Each time it acquires a company or group of companies constituting a business, the Group identifies and measures the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, most of which are carried at fair value. The difference between the fair value of the consideration 
transferred, including the recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the net amount recognised in 
respect of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed measured at fair value, is recognised as goodwill.

Pursuant to IFRS 3, the Group applies the following principles: 

•  Transaction costs are recognised immediately as operating expenses when incurred;

•  Any purchase price adjustment of an asset or a liability assumed is estimated at fair value at the acquisition date, and the 
initial assessment may only subsequently be adjusted against goodwill in the event of new information related to facts 
and circumstances existing at the acquisition date if this assessment occurs within the 12-month allocation period after 
the acquisition date. Any adjustment of the financial liability recognised in respect of an additional price subsequent to the 
intervening period or not meeting these criteria is recognised in the Group’s comprehensive income;

•  Any negative goodwill arising on acquisition is immediately recognised as income; and

•  For step acquisitions, the achievement of control triggers the remeasurement at fair value of the interest previously held by 
the Group in profit or loss. Loss of control results in the remeasurement of the possible residual interest at fair value in the 
same way.

For companies acquired during the year, only the results for the period following the acquisition date are included in the 
consolidated income statement.

Measurement of goodwill
Goodwill is broken down by cash-generating unit (“CGU”) or group of CGUs, depending on the level at which goodwill is monitored 
for management purposes. In accordance with IAS 36, none of the CGUs or groups of CGUs defined by the Group are greater in 
size than an operating segment.

Impairment testing
Goodwill is not amortised, but is subject to impairment testing when there is an indication of loss of value, and at least once a year 
at the reporting date.

Such testing consists of comparing the carrying amount of an asset to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an 
asset, a CGU or a group of CGUs is the greater of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Fair value less costs to sell is 
the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset, a CGU or a group of CGUs in an arm’s length transaction between well-informed, 
willing parties, less the costs of disposal. Value in use is the present value of future cash flows expected to arise from an asset, a 
CGU or a group of CGUs.

It is not always necessary to determine both the fair value of an asset less costs to sell and its value in use. If either of these 
amounts exceeds the carrying amount of the asset, the asset is not impaired and it is not necessary to estimate the other amount.

Intangible fixed assets
Customer relationships
In accordance with IFRS 3, the Group’s acquisition of Primerdesign, the Omega Infectious Diseases business and IT-IS 
International resulted in the recognition of the value of the acquired customer base on the statement of financial position. The 
value of these assets was determined by discounting the additional margin generated by customers after remuneration of the 
contributing assets.

Customer relationships are amortised on a straight-line basis over nine years, unless they are deemed to be impaired.

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Trademark
The acquisition price of Primerdesign, the Omega Infectious Diseases business and IT-IS International by the Group has led to the 
recognition of a number of trademarks. The value of these assets has been determined by discounting the cash flows that could 
be generated by licensing the trademark, estimated as a percentage of revenue derived from information available on comparable 
assets.

Trademarks are amortised on a straight-line basis over nine years, unless they are deemed to be impaired.

Other intangible assets
Intangible assets include licences and patents recognised at cost and amortised over useful lives of between 7 and 20 years.

Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are recognised at their acquisition cost (purchase price plus incidental expenses and 
acquisition costs).

Depreciation and amortisation
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are depreciated or amortised on a straight-line basis, with major components 
identified separately where appropriate, based on the following estimated useful lives:

•  Leasehold improvements: 

Straight-line basis – 2 to 15 years

•  Trademarks: 

Straight-line basis – 9 years

•  Customer relationships: 

Straight-line basis – 9 years

•  Plant and machinery: 

Straight-line basis – 3 to 6 years

•  General fittings, improvements: 

Straight-line basis – 3 to 5 years

•  Transport equipment: 

Straight-line basis – 5 years

•  Office equipment: 

Straight-line basis – 3 years

•  Computer equipment: 

Straight-line basis – 2 to 3 years

Any leased buildings, equipment or other leases that fall under the scope of IFRS 16 have been capitalised as a right-of-use asset 
and will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

The depreciation or amortisation of property, plant and equipment begins when they are ready for use and ceases at their 
disposal, scrapping or reclassification as assets held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5.

Given the nature of its assets, the Group does not recognise residual value on the items of property, plant and equipment it uses.

Depreciation and amortisation methods and useful lives are reviewed at each reporting date and revised prospectively if 
necessary.

Asset impairment 
Depreciable and non-depreciable assets are subject to impairment testing when indications of loss of value are identified. In 
assessing whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the Group considers the following external and internal 
indicators:

External indicators:

•  Drop in the market value of the asset (to a greater extent than would be expected solely from the passage of time or the 

normal use of the asset);

•  Significant changes with an adverse effect on the entity, either having taken place during the period or expected to occur in the 
near future, in the technical, economic or legal environment in which the Group operates or in which the asset is used; and

• 

Increases in market interest rates or other market rates of return during the year when it is likely that such increases will 
significantly reduce the market value and/or value in use of the asset.

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3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group continued
Internal indicators:

•  Existence of indication of obsolescence or physical damage of an asset unforeseen in the depreciation or amortisation 

schedule;

•  Significant changes in the way the asset is used;

•  Weaker-than-expected performance by the asset; and

•  Significant reduction in the level of cash flow generated by the asset.

If there is an indication of impairment, the recoverable amount of the asset is compared with its carrying amount. The recoverable 
amount is the greater of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Value in use is the present value of future cash flows 
expected to flow from an asset over its estimated useful life.

The recoverable amount of assets that do not generate independent cash flows is determined by that of the CGU to which it 
belongs; a CGU being the smallest homogeneous group of identifiable assets generating cash flows that are largely independent 
of other assets or groups of assets.

The carrying amount of an asset is its gross value less accumulated depreciation, for depreciable property, plant and equipment, 
and impairment losses.

In the event of loss of value, an impairment charge is recognised in the income statement. Impairment is reversed in the event 
of a change in the estimate of the recoverable value or if indications of loss of value disappear. Impairment is recognised under 
“Depreciation, amortisation and provisions for impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets” in the income 
statement.

Intangible assets not subject to amortisation are tested for impairment at least once a year.

Leases 
The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at the inception of the contract. The Group recognises a right-of-
use asset and a lease liability at lease commencement for all lease arrangements in which it is the lessee, except for short-term 
leases and leases of low-value assets.

•  The Group records right-of-use assets at cost at the commencement date of the lease, which is the date the underlying asset 
is available for use, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for subsequent remeasurement 
of lease liabilities. Cost includes the amount of lease liabilities recognised, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments 
made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives received. The Group charges depreciation to the income 
statement on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life and the lease term.

•  The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments discounted using the discount rate 
implicit in the lease (or if that rate cannot be readily determined, the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate). Subsequently, the 
lease liability is adjusted for interest and lease payments, as well as the impact of lease modifications, amongst others.

Inventories
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes materials and supplies, and, where applicable, 
direct labour costs incurred in transforming them into their current state. It is calculated using the weighted average cost method. 
The recoverable amount represents the estimated selling price less any marketing, sales and distribution expenses.

The gross value of goods and supplies includes the purchase price and incidental expenses.

A provision for impairment, equal to the difference between the gross value determined in accordance with the above terms and 
the current market price or the realisable value less any proportional selling costs, is recognised when the gross value is greater 
than the other stated item.

86

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group continued
Trade receivables
The Group has an established credit policy under which the credit status of each new customer is reviewed before credit is 
advanced, including external credit evaluations where possible. Credit limits are established for all significant or high-risk 
customers, which represent the maximum amount permitted to be outstanding without requiring additional approval from the 
appropriate level of senior management. Outstanding debts are continually monitored by each division. Credit limits are reviewed 
on a regular basis, and at least annually. Customers that fail to meet the Group’s benchmark creditworthiness may only transact 
with the Group on a prepayment basis.

Trade receivables are recorded initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. This generally results in their 
recognition at nominal value less an allowance for any doubtful debts. Trade receivables in foreign currency are transacted in 
their local currency and subsequently revalued at the end of each reporting period, with any foreign exchange differences being 
recognised in the income statement as an income/expense. 

The allowance for doubtful debts is recognised based on management’s expectation of losses without regard to whether an 
impairment trigger happened or not (an “expected credit loss” model). Through implementation of IFRS 9, the Group concluded 
that no real historical default rate could be determined due to a low level of historical write-offs across the business. The Group 
therefore recognises an allowance for doubtful debts on the basis of invoice ageing. Once an invoice is overdue from its due date, 
based on agreed credit terms, by more than 90 days, this invoice is then more likely to default than those invoices operating within 
90 days of their due date. As such, these invoices will be provided for in full as part of an expected credit loss model, except where 
management have reviewed and judged otherwise.

Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there may be no reasonable 
expectation of recovery may include the failure of the debtor to engage in a payment plan, and failure to make contractual 
payments within 365 days of the original due date.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are held to meet short-term cash commitments rather than for investment or other purposes. For an investment 
to qualify as a cash equivalent, it must be readily convertible into a known amount of cash and be subject to an insignificant risk 
of change in value. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash funds, current bank accounts and marketable securities (cash 
Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (“UCITS”), negotiable debt securities, etc.) that can be liquidated 
or sold within a very short time (generally with original maturities of three months or less) and which have a negligible risk of 
change in value. All such items are measured at fair value, with any adjustments recognised in the income statement.

Financial liabilities
The Group records bank and other borrowings initially at fair value, which equals the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs, 
and subsequently at amortised cost. The Group accounts for finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or 
redemption and direct issue costs, using the effective interest rate method.

Compound financial instruments 
Some financial instruments contain both a debt at amortised cost and derivative recognised as a financial liability through 
the income statement. This is notably the case of the convertible bonds with warrants attached (Obligations Convertibles en 
Actions avec Bons de Souscription d’Actions (“OCABSAs”)), which are bonds convertible into shares with warrants. The various 
components of these instruments are accounted for and presented separately according to their substance, as defined in IAS 32 
“Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation”. The amortised cost is calculated on the basis of the liability only once the 
embedded derivatives have been separated.   

IT-IS International Ltd contingent consideration
The Group negotiated a contingent consideration for the acquisition of the IT-IS International securities with its former 
Shareholders in 2020, subject to the achievement of a production volume target.

In accordance with IFRS 9, the financial liability has been remeasured at its fair value as of the balance sheet date. 

87

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group continued
Trade payables
Trade payables are obligations to provide cash or other financial assets. They are recognised in the balance sheet when the Group 
becomes a party to a transaction generating liabilities of this nature. Trade and other payables are recognised in the balance 
sheet at fair value on initial recognition, except if settlement is to occur more than 12 months after recognition. In such cases, 
they are measured using the amortised cost method. The use of the effective interest rate method will result in the recognition 
of a financial expense in the income statement. Trade and other payables are eliminated from the balance sheet when the 
corresponding obligation is discharged.

Trade payables have not been discounted, because the effect of doing so would be immaterial.

Provisions
In accordance with IAS 37 “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets”, a provision is recognised when the Group 
has a current obligation as of the reporting date in respect of a third party and it is probable or certain that there will be an outflow 
of resources to this third party, without at least equivalent consideration from the said third party. Provisions for risks and charges 
cover the amount corresponding to the best estimate of the future outflow of resources required to settle the obligation.

The provisions are for the restoration of leased premises, risks related to litigations, a long-term management incentive plan and 
product warranties.

Long-Term Incentive Plan
Novacyt granted to certain employees shares under a long-term management incentive plan adopted on 1 November 2017. 
The exercise price is set at the share price on the grant date and the options will be settled in cash. The options fully vested 
on the third anniversary of the grant date, 1 November 2020. The payment expenses are calculated under IFRS 2 “Share-Based 
Payments”. The accounting charge has been spread across the vesting period to reflect the services received and a liability 
recognised in the statement of financial position. Payment of the second tranche was not made in November 2021 and has been 
delayed until 2022.

In December 2021, Novacyt implemented a cash long-term incentive plan to qualifying employees, based on achieving certain 
annual EBITDA targets over a three-year qualifying period. The plan will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date and be 
settled in cash.

Consolidated revenue
IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” establishes a principles-based approach to recognising revenue only when 
performance obligations are satisfied, and control of the related goods or services is transferred. It addresses items such as the 
nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue, and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. IFRS 15 replaces IAS 18 
“Revenue” and other related requirements. IFRS 15 applies a five-step approach to the timing of revenue recognition and applies to 
all contracts with customers except those in the scope of other standards. 

•  Step 1 – Identify the contract(s) with a customer 

•  Step 2 – Identify the performance obligations in the contract 

•  Step 3 – Determine the transaction price 

•  Step 4 – Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract 

•  Step 5 – Recognise revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation 

The Group principally satisfies its performance obligations at a point in time and the amounts of revenue recognised relating to 
performance obligations satisfied over time are not significant. Therefore, the accounting for revenue under IFRS 15 does not 
represent a substantive change for recognising revenue from sales to customers.

The Group’s revenue recognition processes are generally straightforward, with recognition of revenue at the point of sale and little 
significant judgement required in determining the timing of transfer of control. 

88

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group continued
Some contracts with customers contain a limited assurance warranty that is accounted for under IAS 37 (see provisions 
accounting policy). If a repair or replacement is not possible under the assurance warranty, a full refund of the product price may 
be given. The potential refund liability represents variable consideration. 

Under IFRS 15.53, the Group can use either:

•  The expected value (sum of probability weighted amounts); or

•  The most likely amount (generally used when the outcomes are binary).

The method used is not a policy choice. Management use the method that it expects will best predict the amount of consideration 
based on the terms of the contract. The method is applied consistently throughout the contract. Variable revenue is constrained if 
appropriate. IFRS 15 requires that revenue is only included to the extent that it is highly probable that there will not be a significant 
reversal in future periods. 

In making this assessment, management have considered the following factors (which are not exclusive):

• 

If the amount of consideration is highly susceptible to factors outside the Group’s influence;

•  Whether the uncertainty about the amount of consideration is not expected to be resolved for a long period of time;

•  The Group’s experience (or other evidence) with similar types of contract;

•  The Group has a practice of either offering a broad range of price concessions or changing the payment terms and conditions 

of similar contracts in similar circumstances; and

•  The contract has a large number and broad range of possible consideration amounts.

The decision as to whether revenue should be constrained is considered to be a significant judgement as the term ”highly 
probable” is not defined in IFRS 15, management consider highly probable to be significantly more likely than probable.

The activity of Primerdesign 
Primerdesign Ltd is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of molecular “real-time” qPCR testing devices and reagents in the area 
of infectious diseases. 

Revenue is recognised upon delivery of products sold and, where appropriate, after formal customer acceptance.

The activity of Lab21 Products
Lab21 Healthcare Ltd and Microgen Bioproducts Ltd is a developer, manufacturer and distributor of a large range of protein-based 
infectious disease IVD products. 

Revenue is recognised upon delivery of products sold and, where appropriate, after formal customer acceptance.

The activity of IT-IS International
IT-IS International Ltd is a diagnostic instrument development and manufacturing company specialising in the development of 
PCR devices for the life sciences and food testing industry.

Revenue is recognised upon delivery of products sold and, where appropriate, after formal customer acceptance.

Taxation
Income tax on profit or loss for the period comprises current and deferred tax.

89

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group continued
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income 
statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years, and it further excludes 
items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted 
or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

A provision is recognised for those matters for which the tax determination is uncertain but it is considered probable that there 
will be a future outflow of funds to a tax authority. The provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amount expected to 
become payable. The assessment is the result of the Group’s judgement based on the advice of external tax professionals and 
supported by previous experience in respect of such activities.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using 
the liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets 
are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences 
can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of 
goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that 
affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit. 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, 
and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable 
that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary 
differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that there will be 
sufficient taxable profits against which to utilise the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the 
foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled, or the asset is 
realised based on tax laws and rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Deferred tax is 
charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited in other comprehensive income, 
in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in other comprehensive income.

The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which 
the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current 
tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current 
tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Current tax and deferred tax for the year
Current and deferred tax are recognised in the income statement, except when they relate to items that are recognised in 
other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and deferred tax are also recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively. Where current tax or deferred tax arises from the initial accounting for a 
business combination, the tax effect is included in the accounting for the business combination.

Research and development expenditure credits
Novacyt UK Holdings Ltd subsidiary companies and Primerdesign Ltd benefit from an R&D expenditure credit in respect of some 
of their research activities. The tax credit is calculated per calendar year as 13% of the actual expenditure and is shown in the 
income statement against governmental subsidies. The credit is taxable and therefore the tax charge on this credit is included in 
the tax line of the income statement. 

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Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS3. Summary of accounting policies applied by the Group continued
Profit/loss per share
The Group reports basic and diluted profit/loss per ordinary share. Basic profit/loss per share is calculated by dividing the profit/
loss attributable to ordinary Shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during 
the period.

Diluted profit/loss per share is determined by adjusting the profit/loss attributable to ordinary Shareholders by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares outstanding, taking into account the effects of all potential dilutive ordinary shares, including 
options. These options are taken into account for the calculation of the profit/loss per share only if their exercise price is higher 
than the market price and if they have a dilutive effect on the result per share. 

Exceptional items
Exceptional items are those costs or incomes that in the view of the Board of Directors, require separate disclosure by virtue 
of their size or incidence, and are charged or credited in arriving at operating profit on the face of the consolidated income 
statement.

4. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimate uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 3, the Directors are required to make judgements 
(other than those involving estimations) that have a significant impact on the amounts recognised and to make estimates and 
assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates 
and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual 
results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised 
in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future 
periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical accounting judgements
Constraint of revenue
Revenue is only constrained if it is highly probable there will not be a significant reversal of revenue in the future. Highly probable 
is not defined in IFRS 15 and so it is a significant judgement to be exercised by management. The value of revenue related to 
performance obligations fulfilled in 2020 to which constraint has not been applied is £130,642,000.

Measurement and useful lives of intangible assets
Other intangible assets (except for goodwill) are considered to have a finite economic useful life. They are amortised over their 
estimated useful lives that are reviewed at each reporting date. In the event of impairment, an estimate of the asset’s recoverable 
amount is made.

The main intangible assets requiring estimates and assumptions are the trademarks and the customer relationships identified 
as a result of the acquisition of Primerdesign, and IT-IS International. The intangible assets associated with the Omega Infectious 
Diseases business acquisition were fully written down in 2020.

The value of the intangible assets is tested whenever there are indications of impairment and reviewed at each annual closing 
date or more frequently should this be justified by internal or external events.

Trademarks
The value of these assets was determined by discounting the cash flows that could be generated by licensing the trademark, 
estimated as a percentage of revenue derived from information available on comparable assets.

Trademarks are amortised on a straight-line basis over a period of nine years, estimated as their useful life. They are also tested 
for impairment at least annually. Their recoverable amount is determined using forecasts of future cash flows. The total amount 
of anticipated cash flows reflects management’s best estimate of the future benefits and liabilities expected from the operation of 
the trademark. The resulting estimates are subject to discount rate, percentage of revenue and useful life assumptions.

The carrying amount of trademarks at 31 December 2021 is £938,000 (2020: £1,114,000). The amortisation charge for the period 
is £157,000 (2020: £94,000) and the cumulative amortisation is £458,000 (2020: £372,000).

91

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

4. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimate uncertainty continued
Customer relationships
The value of these assets was determined by discounting the additional margin generated by customers after remuneration of the 
contributing assets.

Customer relationships are amortised on a straight-line basis over a period of nine years, estimated as their useful life. They 
are also tested for impairment at least annually. Their recoverable amount is determined using forecasts of future cash flows 
over an estimated period of time. The total amount of anticipated cash flows reflects management’s best estimate of the future 
benefits and liabilities expected from customer relationships. The resulting estimates are subject to assumptions in respect of the 
discount rate, additional margin generated by customers after remuneration of contributing assets and useful lives.

The carrying amount of customer relationships at 31 December 2021 is £2,339,000 (2020: £2,950,000). The amortisation charge 
for the period is £502,000 (2020: £513,000) and the cumulative amortisation is £2,113,000 (2020: £2,055,000).

Deferred taxes
Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is considered probable that the Group will have future taxable profits 
against which the corresponding temporary difference can be offset. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and 
derecognised if it is no longer probable there will be taxable profits against which the deductible temporary differences can be 
utilised.

For deferred tax assets on tax loss carry forwards, the Group uses a multi-criteria approach that takes into account the recovery time 
frame based on the strategic plan, but which also factors in the strategy for the long-term recovery of tax losses in each country. 

The Group has recognised a deferred tax asset on the LTIP charge that can be deducted from a tax perspective only when the 
related payments are made. The LTIP charge was recognised in 2020. The corresponding tax deduction was partly recorded as a 
reduction of the tax liability and partly as a deferred tax asset in 2020.

Deferred tax liabilities on temporary differences relate to the assets acquired as part of the IT-IS International acquisition in 
October 2020 and accelerated capital allowances.

Trade and other receivables
An estimate of the risks of non-receipt based on commercial information, current economic trends and the solvency of individual 
customers is made to determine the need for impairment on a customer-by-customer basis. Management use significant 
judgement in determining whether a credit loss provision is required.

At the year end, the Group had trade receivables of £30,279,000 against which a credit loss provision of £89,000 has been applied. 
At the date of signing the financial statements, £23,957,000 of the 31 December 2021 receivables were overdue due to the 
contract dispute with the Department of Health and Social Care “DHSC” (see notes 49 and 50). Management considers it to be 
more likely than not that the 31 December 2021 balances are recoverable; this is a significant judgement.

Provisions
The carrying value of provisions at 31 December 2021 and 2020 are as per the table below:

Amounts in £’000

Provisions for restoration of premises

Provisions for litigation

Provisions for product warranty

Total provisions

Provisions for restoration of premises

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021 

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

 308 

 157 

 19,799 

 20,264 

 242 

 68 

 19,788 

 20,098 

The value of provision required is determined by management on the basis of available information, experience and, in some 
cases, expert estimates. When these obligations are settled, the amount of the costs or penalties that are ultimately incurred or 
paid may differ significantly from the amounts initially provisioned. Therefore, these provisions are regularly reviewed and may 
have an effect on the Group’s future results.

92

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS4. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimate uncertainty continued
To the Group’s knowledge, there is no indication to date that the parameters adopted as a whole are not appropriate, and there are 
no known developments that could significantly affect the amount of provision.

Provisions for product warranty

The value of provision required is determined by management based on available information, experience and, in some cases, 
expert estimates. Product warranty provisions are only included if it is considered to be probable that an outflow of economic 
benefit will be required. Determination of probable is a significant judgement especially in light of the dispute described in notes 
49 and 50.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Group has a number of key sources of estimation uncertainty as listed below. Of these items, only the measurement of 
goodwill (see note 17) is considered likely to result in a material adjustment. Where there are other areas of estimates these have 
been deemed not material. 

Measurement of goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis. The recoverable amount of goodwill is determined mainly on the basis of 
forecasts of future cash flows. The total amount of anticipated cash flows reflects management’s best estimate of the future 
benefits and liabilities expected for the relevant CGU. The assumptions used and the resulting estimates sometimes cover very 
long periods, taking into account the technological, commercial and contractual constraints associated with each CGU. These 
estimates are mainly subject to assumptions in terms of volumes, selling prices and related production costs, and the exchange 
rates of the currencies in which sales and purchases are denominated. They are also subject to the discount rate used for 
each CGU.

The value of the goodwill is tested whenever there are indications of impairment and reviewed at each annual closing date or 
more frequently should this be justified by internal or external events.

The carrying amount of goodwill in the statement of financial position and related impairment loss over the periods is 
shown below:

Amounts in £’000

Goodwill Lab21 Products

Cumulative impairment of goodwill

Net value

Goodwill Primerdesign

Cumulative impairment of goodwill

Net value

Goodwill Omega Infectious Diseases

Cumulative impairment of goodwill

Net value

Goodwill IT-IS International 

Cumulative impairment of goodwill

Net value

Total goodwill

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021 

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

14,868

16,022

(14,868)

(14,105)

–

6,053

–

6,053

–

–

–

9,437

(4,019)

5,418

11,471

1,917

6,523

–

6,523

85

(85)

 – 

9,437

–

9,437

 17,877 

Sensitivity analysis has been performed on the goodwill balance and there is significant headroom associated with the 
Primerdesign balance, but there is limited headroom on the IT-IS International goodwill balances, which could result in future 
impairments. The goodwill sensitivity analysis is presented in note 17.

93

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

4. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimate uncertainty continued
Litigations
The Group may be party to regulatory, judicial or arbitration proceedings that, in view of the relating uncertainties, may have an 
impact on the Group’s financial position.

The Group’s management regularly reviews current proceedings, their progress and assesses the need to establish appropriate 
provisions or to change their amount if the occurrence of events during the course of the proceedings necessitates a 
reassessment of the risk. Internal or external advisors are involved in determining the costs that may be incurred.

The decision to set aside provisions to cover a risk and the amount of such provisions are based on the risk assessment on 
a case-by-case basis, management’s assessment of the unfavourable nature of the outcome of the proceeding in question 
(probability) and the ability to reliably estimate the associated amount.

5. Revenue
The table below shows revenue from ordinary operations on a geographical basis:

Amounts in £’000

Geographical area 

United Kingdom

Europe (excluding UK)

America

Asia-Pacific 

Middle East 

Africa 

Total revenue 

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

42,732

32,477

9,099

9,494

718

1,260

219,389

32,031

10,311

6,678

5,742

3,053

95,780

277,204

During 2021, £40,861,000 (excluding VAT) of product and services were delivered and invoiced to the DHSC, which has now been 
included as part of the ongoing dispute. Management have made the judgement that per IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers”, it is not appropriate at this stage to recognise as revenue, any sales invoices raised to the customer in 2021 that are 
in dispute. However, management remains committed to obtaining payment for these products and services.

This accounting treatment does not change the Group’s legal position or rights in relation to the dispute between the DHSC and 
the Group’s subsidiary, Primerdesign Ltd.

A portion of the Group’s revenue is generated in foreign currencies (particularly in Euros and US Dollars). The Group has not 
hedged against the associated currency risk.

The breakdown of revenue by operating segment is presented in note 6.

94

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS6. Operating segments
Segment reporting
Pursuant to IFRS 8, an operating segment is a component of an entity:

• 

that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses 
relating to transactions with other components of the same entity);

•  whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Group’s Chief Executive and the managers of the various entities to 

make decisions regarding the allocation of resources to the segment and to assess its performance; and

• 

for which discrete financial information is available.

The Group has identified four operating segments, whose performances and resources are monitored separately:

Primerdesign 
This segment represents the activities of Primerdesign Ltd, which is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of molecular  
“real-time” qPCR testing devices and reagents in the area of infectious diseases based in Southampton, UK. 

Lab21 Products
This segment represents the activities of Lab21 Products, which is a developer, manufacturer and distributor of a large range 
of protein-based infectious disease IVD products covering Microgen Bioproducts Ltd and Lab21 Healthcare Ltd, both based in 
Camberley, UK.

IT-IS International 
This segment represents the activities of IT-IS International Ltd, a diagnostic instrument development and manufacturing 
company specialising in the development of PCR devices for the life sciences and food testing industry based in Stokesley, UK.

Corporate
This segment represents Group central/corporate costs. Where appropriate, costs are recharged to individual business units via a 
management recharge process.

Intercompany eliminations 
This column represents intercompany transactions across the Group that have not been allocated to an individual operating 
segment, but is not a discrete segment.

The Chief Operating Decision Maker is the Chief Executive Officer. 

Headcount
The average headcount by segment is presented in the table below:

Segment

Primerdesign

Lab21 Products

IT-IS International

Corporate

Total headcount

2021

169

45

38

24

276

2020

81

47

36

10

174

95

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

6. Operating segments continued
Breakdown of revenue by operating segment and geographic area
At 31 December 2021

Amounts in £’000

Geographical area 

United Kingdom

Europe (excluding UK)

America

Asia-Pacific 

Middle East 

Africa 

Total revenue 

At 31 December 2020

Amounts in £’000

Geographical area 

United Kingdom

Europe (excluding UK)

America

Asia-Pacific 

Middle East 

Africa 

Total revenue 

Primerdesign

Lab21 
Products

IT-IS 
International

41,944

31,045

8,047

7,262

501

1,053

624

1,077

270

856

200

151

164

355

782

1,376

17

56

 Total

42,732

32,477

9,099

9,494

718

1,260

89,852

3,178

2,750

95,780

Primerdesign

Lab21 
Products

IT-IS 
International

218,552

30,917

9,655

5,305

5,492

2,896

591

1,058

340

920

250

151

246

56

316

453

–

6

 Total

219,389

32,031

10,311

6,678

5,742

3,053

272,817

3,310

1,077

277,204

Breakdown of result by operating segment
Year ended 31 December 2021

Amounts in £’000

Revenue

Cost of sales

Cost of sales – exceptional

Sales and marketing costs

Research and development

General and administrative

Governmental subsidies

ADJUSTED Earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation, amortisation and cost of sales 
– exceptional, as per management reporting

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 
and amortisation as per management 
reporting

Depreciation and amortisation

Operating (loss)/profit before  
exceptional items

96

Primerdesign

Lab21 
Products

IT-IS 
International

Corporate

Intercompany
eliminations

Total

89,856

(27,582)

(37,192)

(5,659)

(4,148)

4,621

(3,169)

–

(800)

(170)

9,270

(5,131)

(3,984)

(228)

(497)

(12,448)

(2,259)

(1,494)

254

–

54

–

–

–

(338)

–

(637)

–

(7,967)

95,780

5,550

5,406

–

–

10

–

(30,332)

(35,770)

(7,025)

(4,815)

(16,828)

308

40,273

(1,777)

1,974

(975)

(2,407)

37,088

3,081

(1,362)

(1,777)

(215)

(2,010)

(404)

(975)

(24)

2,999

–

1,318

(2,005)

1,719

(1,992)

(2,414)

(999)

2,999

(687)

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS6. Operating segments continued
Year ended 31 December 2020

Amounts in £’000

Revenue

Cost of sales

Sales and marketing costs

Research and development

General and administrative

Governmental subsidies

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 
and amortisation as per management 
reporting

Depreciation and amortisation

Operating profit/(loss) before  
exceptional items

Primerdesign

Lab21 
Products

IT-IS 
International

Corporate

Intercompany
eliminations

Total

272,817

(63,987)

(3,550)

(1,515)

5,203

(3,088)

(929)

(3)

(25,133)

(2,138)

 –

(3)

6,905

(1,627)

9

(112)

(245)

 –

 –

 –

(22)

 –

(1,725)

 –

(7,721)

277,204

2,998

(65,704)

 –

 –

11

 –

(4,492)

(1,630)

(29,230)

(3)

178,632

(795)

(958)

(416)

4,930

(70)

(1,747)

(4,712)

176,145

(21)

 –

(1,302)

177,837

(1,374)

4,860

(1,768)

(4,712)

174,843

Assets and liabilities are not reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker on a segmental basis and are therefore not disclosed.

7. Cost of sales

Amounts in £’000

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense

Change in stock provision

Non-stock items and supplies

Freight costs

Direct labour

Product warranty

Other

Total cost of sales

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

20,697

(10,063)

203

462

18,423

11

599

20,113

2,978

2,088

284

20,243

19,753

245

30,332

65,704

Total cost of sales has fallen significantly year on year in line with reduced revenue.

After making a full stock provision against “Cost of sales – exceptional” for stock bought to fulfil expected future DHSC orders 
that did not materialise (see note 8), all other stock provision movements are part of the normal course of business.

A large amount of stock, which had previously been provided for, was written off and disposed of during late 2021, with the cost 
being charged to “Cost of inventories recognised as an expense” and a corresponding release of the stock provision being made.

A product warranty provision was booked in 2020 in relation to the ongoing commercial dispute with the DHSC (see notes 49 and 
50). This has been reviewed by management in 2021 with no change to the provision being made.

97

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

8. Cost of sales – exceptional 

Amounts in £’000 

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense

Change in stock provision

Direct labour

Other

Total cost of sales – exceptional

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

4,802

26,098

4,133

737

35,770

–

–

–

–

–

Due to the dispute mentioned in notes 49 and 50, management have booked a number of one-off, non-recurring cost of sales 
charges. The two largest items are a £26,098,000 stock provision, as a result of the Group buying stock to fulfil expected future 
DHSC orders that did not materialise; and the expensing of £6,884,000 (split across direct labour costs and cost of inventories 
recognised as an expense) of stock delivered to the DHSC which has not been paid for as it is now part of the ongoing contract 
dispute.

9. Gross profit
The table below provides a view of the underlying business gross profit performance when adjusting for one-off exceptional items:

Amounts in £’000

Revenue

Cost of sales

Cost of sales – exceptional

Gross profit

Add back cost of sales – exceptional

Underlying business gross profit

Underlying business gross profit percentage

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

95,780 

277,204

 (30,332)

(65,704)

(35,770)

–

29,678

35,770

65,448

68%

211,500

–

211,500

76%

The 2021 underlying business gross profit of 68% is below the Group’s historic margin. This is due to two main factors: i) a higher 
stock provision based on obsolescence of COVID-19 products as variants drove product proliferation; and ii) margin dilution as a 
result of significantly higher instrument sales as the Group builds its installed base.

10. Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

Amounts in £’000

Advertising expenses

Distribution expenses

Employee compensation and social security contributions

Travel and entertainment expenses

Other sales and marketing expenses

Total sales, marketing and distribution expenses 

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

875

784

4,839

144

383

7,025

314 

495 

3,238 

103 

342 

4,492 

A significant number of new sales and marketing employees were hired during 2021 to support and deliver the 2021 revenue, 
increasing the costs year on year.

98

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS11. Research and development expenses

Amounts in £’000

Employee compensation and social security contributions

Other expenses 

Total research and development expenses

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

2,784

2,031

4,815

939

691

1,630

A significant number of new research and development employees were hired during 2021 to support the development of new 
products. Other expenses, including consumables, non-capitalised development costs and quality control/assurance expenses, 
have increased as additional products have been developed and launched.

12. General and administrative expenses

Amounts in £’000

Purchases of non-stored raw materials and supplies

Lease and similar payments

Maintenance and repairs

Insurance premiums

Legal and professional fees

Banking services

Employee compensation and social security contributions

Depreciation and amortisation of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets

Other general and administrative expenses

Total general and administrative expenses

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

451

445

576

1,453

2,484

100

8,896

2,006

2,422

373 

337 

278 

574 

2,350 

231 

23,904 

1,302 

1,183

18,833

30,532 

2020 employee compensation and social security contributions include a significant charge for the 2017 to 2020 LTIP scheme for 
senior management that is not repeated to the same extent in 2021, reducing the costs substantially. 

Legal and professional fees include advisors’ fees, auditor fees and legal fees.

Other general and administrative expenses include costs such as building rates, regulatory fees, IT expenses and approximately 
£500,000 charitable donations in 2021.

99

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

13. Other operating income and expenses

Amounts in £’000

Other operating income

Total other operating income

Impairment of IT-IS International goodwill

Impairment of Lab21 Products goodwill

DHSC contract dispute costs

Impairment of Omega Infectious Diseases business intangible assets 

Restructuring expenses

Business sale expenses

Acquisition related expenses

Other expenses

Total other operating expenses

Year ended  
31 December 
2021

Year ended  
31 December 
2020

65

65

(4,019)

(1,822)

(802)

–

(487)

–

–

(43)

–

–

–

(5,768) 

–

(1,111)

(106)

(79)

(187)

(151)

(7,173)

(7,402)

Operating income
Other operating income predominantly relates to the settlement of a legal claim against a third party.

Operating expenses
Goodwill associated with the IT-IS International Ltd acquisition has been impaired in 2021 due to reduced future expected cash 
flow generation.

The remaining goodwill associated with Lab21 Products has been fully impaired in 2021, following a large impairment in 2020, 
due to reduced future expected cash flow generation. 

DHSC contract dispute costs relate to legal and professional fees incurred in the ongoing commercial dispute.

The remaining intangible assets associated with the Omega Infectious Diseases business were fully written down in 2020.

Restructuring expenses in 2021 include redundancy payments.

Acquisition-related expenses relate to the October 2020 purchase of IT-IS International Ltd.

14. Financial income and expense

Amounts in £’000

Financial foreign exchange gains

Discount of financial instruments

Other financial income

Total financial income

Interest on IFRS 16 liabilities

Interest on loans 

Financial foreign exchange losses

Discount of financial instruments

Other financial expense

Total financial expense

100

Year ended  
31 December
2021

Year ended  
31 December
2020

379

33

54

466

(178)

–

(2,214)

(61)

(47)

32 

46

5

83

(184)

(1,417)

(353)

(12)

(387)

(2,500)

(2,353)

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS14. Financial income and expense continued 
Interest on loans
The decrease in loan interest in 2021 is due to the settlement of all outstanding debts, predominantly the €5,000,000 Harbert 
European Growth Capital bond and its associated interest charges, in 2020.

Financial foreign exchange losses
Financial foreign exchanges losses in 2021 are mainly driven by revaluations of the 2017 to 2020 LTIP scheme and bank and 
intercompany accounts held in foreign currencies.

Other financial expense
In November 2019, Novacyt SA granted Negma 1,300,000 phantom warrants, i.e. warrants that do not give access to the share 
capital of the Company, in exchange for the cancellation of 1,300,000 warrants giving access to the share capital of Novacyt 
SA. The phantom warrants guaranteed to pay Negma the profit from the difference between the €0.20 exercise price and the share 
price on the day before the exercise date. This instrument was recognised as a derivative financial liability at 31 December 2019 
for a value of £77,000. Negma exercised the phantom warrants in February 2020, which resulted in a payment to Negma of 
£439,000. The charge at 31 December 2020 is the difference between these two amounts.

15. Income tax
The standard rate of corporation tax applied to reported profit is 19%, which is the tax rate applicable to the companies in the 
United Kingdom for the financial year 2021. It was 19% for the year 2020.

Taxation for other jurisdictions (mainly France) is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

The Group’s tax charge is the sum of the total current and deferred tax expense.

Amounts in £’000

Current tax expense

Current year income/(expense)

Deferred tax expense

Deferred tax

Total tax income/(expense) in the income statement 

The income/(expense) for the period can be reconciled to the (loss)/profit before tax as follows:

Amounts in £’000

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate (2021 and 2020: 19%)

Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions

Effect of non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income

Change in unrecognised deferred tax assets

Research tax expenditure enhancement

Other adjustments

Total tax income/(expense) for the year

Year ended  
31 December
2021

Year ended  
31 December
2020

411

(35,605)

(310) 

101 

2,857 

(32,748) 

Year ended  
31 December
2021

Year ended  
31 December
2020

(9,829)

165,171

1,868

115

(1,179)

(712)

–

9

(31,382)

727

(1,696)

(669)

169

103

101

(32,748)

At 31 December 2021, the Group has unused tax losses of £9,432,000 (2020: £8,148,000) available for offset against future 
relevant profits and their period of use is unlimited.

The key item making up the non-deductible expenses in 2020 and 2021 is the impairment of goodwill.

101

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Notes to the Annual Accounts continued   

15. Income tax continued
Matters affecting the tax charge
During 2020 and 2021, Novacyt applied for a number of patents for technology it developed during the two periods. Patents can 
take several years to be granted, if at all, and at the 2021 year end all the patents were still going through the process for approval. 
At the time of signing these accounts, a patent had been granted and to the extent there are qualifying profits the Group expects to 
apply for UK Patent Box relief in the 2022 accounts.

The UK Patent Box regime is a special low corporate tax rate used to incentivise research and development by taxing revenues 
from patented products differently from other revenues. Subject to a number of adjustments, the effective rate of tax on profits 
derived from the sale of products subject to patents is close to 10% rather than the current UK corporation tax rate of 19% (due 
to rise to 25% in 2023). The Patent Box rate can only be claimed once a patent has been granted, although the benefit can be 
backdated to the time at which the patent was applied for, and so this is not reflected in the 2021 accounts.

16. (Loss)/profit per share
The loss or profit per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. The 
diluted profit or loss per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding and the number of 
shares issuable as a result of the conversion of dilutive financial instruments. At 31 December 2021, there are no outstanding 
dilutive instruments.

Amounts in £’000

Net (loss)/profit attributable to owners of the Company

Impact of dilutive instruments

Net diluted (loss)/profit attributable to owners of the Company

Weighted average number of shares

Impact of dilutive instruments

Weighted average number of diluted shares

(Loss)/profit per share (£)

Diluted (loss)/profit per share (£)

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

(9,728)

 132,423 

– 

 – 

(9,728)

 132,423 

70,626,248

 68,187,101 

– 

–

70,626,248

 68,187,101 

(0.14)

(0.14)

 1.94 

 1.94 

102

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS16. (Loss)/profit per share continued
The table below presents the movements of stock options during 2020. They were not taken into account in the calculation of 
diluted earnings because they were anti-dilutive for the year ending 31 December 2019, and were all exercised or elapsed at 
31 December 2020.

Beneficiary

Grant date

Number of warrants

Exercise price

Exercise deadline

Accounting

Number of warrants on  
1 January 2020

Kreos

Primerdesign

Yorkville

Negma

Harbert

Total

12 May  
2016

12 May  
2016

31 July 2015 
to  
18 July 2017

25 April  
2019

5 November 
2019

353,536

1,000,000

1,501,427

2,979,544

6,017,192

€1.45

€1.16

From €5.511 
to €0.946

€0.20

€0.0698

1 November 
2022

Equity

12 May  
2021

3 years after 
issuance

25 April  
2024

5 November 
2026

Derivative 
financial 
liability

Equity

Derivative 
financial 
liability

Derivative 
financial 
liability

353,536

1,000,000

853,216

1,679,544

6,017,192

9,903,488

Warrants exercised in 2020

(353,536)

(1,000,000)

(528,541)

(1,679,544)

(6,017,192)

(9,578,813)

Number of additional shares

353,536

1,000,000

528,541

1,679,544

6,017,192

9,578,813

Share capital increase

€512,627

€1,160,000

€500,000

€335,909

€420,000

€2,928,536

Warrants cancelled in 2020

Warrants outstanding on  
31 December 2020

–

–

–

–

(324,675)

–

–

–

–

–

(324,675)

–

103

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

17. Goodwill
Goodwill is the difference recognised, upon consolidation of a company, between the fair value of the purchase price of its shares 
and the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, measured in accordance with IFRS 3.

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Write-off of the Omega Infectious Diseases goodwill

Recognition of goodwill on acquisition of IT-IS International

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2020

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2021

Accumulated impairment losses

At 1 January 2020

Impairment of the Lab21 Products goodwill

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2020

Impairment of the IT-IS International goodwill

Impairment of the Lab21 Products goodwill

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2021

Carrying value at 31 December 2019

Carrying value at 31 December 2020

Carrying value at 31 December 2021

£’000

21,364

(85)

9,437

1,266

31,982

(1,624)

30,358

7,772

5,767

566

14,105

4,019

1,822

(1,059)

18,887

13,592

17,877

11,471

Lab21 Products
The remaining goodwill associated with the acquisition of the Lab21 Products business, totalling £1,917,000 at 31 December 2020 
has been fully impaired in 2021 as the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model prepared does not provide sufficient coverage.

Omega Infectious Diseases
The goodwill associated with the acquisition of the Omega Infectious Diseases business was fully written off in 2020. 

Primerdesign
The impairment testing of the CGU as at 31 December 2021 was carried out using the DCF method, with the key assumptions as 
follows:

•  Five-year business plan;

•  Extrapolation of cash flows beyond five years based on a growth rate of 1.5%; and

•  Discount rate corresponding to the expected rate of return on the market for a similar investment, regardless of funding 

sources, equal to 12.1%.

104

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS17. Goodwill continued
The implementation of this approach demonstrated that the value of the Enterprise Value amounted to £178,529,000, which is 
greater than the carrying amount of this asset. As such, no impairment was recognised in the year ended 31 December 2021.

Sensitivity of the value derived from the discounted cash flow model to changes to the assumptions used for the 
Primerdesign acquisition

178,529

s
e
t
a
r
C
C
A
W

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%

11.0%

12.0%

12.1%

13.0%

14.0%

15.0%

Terminal growth rates

0.0%

246,317

218,905

197,015

179,138

164,271

162,921

151,718

140,981

131,696

0.5%

258,988

228,527

204,519

185,119

169,122

167,676

155,711

144,310

134,502

1.0%

273,468

239,352

212,858

191,697

174,413

172,858

160,037

147,895

137,508

1.5%

290,176

251,620

222,177

198,967

180,209

178,529

164,739

151,767

140,737

2.0%

309,669

265,641

232,661

207,046

186,584

184,762

169,868

155,961

144,214

2.5%

332,707

281,819

244,544

216,075

193,630

191,644

175,486

160,520

147,969

3.0%

360,351

300,693

258,124

226,232

201,458

199,282

181,665

165,494

152,037

This sensitivity table shows the difference in the recoverable amounts of the Enterprise Value depending on changes in the 
discount rate (WACC) and the terminal growth rate. The sensitivity analysis shows that an increase of 1% in the WACC would not 
result in the need to impair the Primerdesign goodwill.

IT-IS International
The impairment testing of the CGU as at 31 December 2021 was carried out using the DCF method, with the key assumptions as 
follows:

•  Five-year business plan;

•  Extrapolation of cash flows beyond five years based on a growth rate of 1.5%; and

•  Discount rate corresponding to the expected rate of return on the market for a similar investment, regardless of funding 

sources, equal to 12.1%.

The implementation of this approach demonstrated that the value of the Enterprise Value amounted to £5,418,000, which is lower 
than the carrying amount of this asset. As such, an impairment charge has been recognised in the year ended 31 December 2021.

Sensitivity of the value derived from the discounted cash flow model to changes to the assumptions used for the 
IT-IS International acquisition

s
e
t
a
r
C
C
A
W

5,418

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%

11.0%

12.0%

12.1%

13.0%

14.0%

15.0%

0.0%

7,870

6,871

6,076

5,428

4,891

4,842

4,439

4,054

3,721

Terminal growth rates

0.5%

8,871

7,625

6,660

5,891

5,265

5,209

4,745

4,308

3,936

1.0%

9,167

7,844

6,827

6,022

5,369

5,311

4,830

4,378

3,994

1.5%

9,487

8,077

7,003

6,159

5,478

5,418

4,919

4,451

4,055

2.0%

9,831

8,327

7,191

6,304

5,593

5,530

5,011

4,527

4,118

2.5%

10,205

8,594

7,390

6,457

5,713

5,647

5,108

4,606

4,183

3.0%

12,073

9,886

8,328

7,164

6,262

6,182

5,543

4,957

4,471

105

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Notes to the Annual Accounts continued   

17. Goodwill continued
This sensitivity table shows the difference in the recoverable amounts of the Enterprise Value depending on changes in the 
discount rate (WACC) and the terminal growth rate. The sensitivity analysis shows that an increase of 1% in the WACC would 
result in the need to further impair the IT-IS International goodwill.

18. Other intangible assets

Customer 
relationships

Trademarks

Development 
costs

Patents

Other

Total

 4,303 

–

1,366

(851) 

–

 187 

 5,005 

–

(313) 

 (240) 

4,452

(1,460) 

(513) 

–

(82) 

(2,055) 

(502) 

313

131

 785 

–

843

 451 

 111 

–

(175) 

(285) 

–

 33 

–

–

 1,486 

 277 

–

(47)

(43)

–

– 

–

1,396

 277 

(263) 

(94) 

–

(15) 

(372) 

(157)

47

24

(190) 

(67) 

104 

–

(153) 

(55)

–

–

 62 

 30 

–

(2) 

(1)

–

 89 

 300 

(5)

–

384

(47) 

(7) 

–

–

(54) 

(3)

–

–

 230 

 27 

–

–

–

 3 

 260 

 30 

(59)

(4)

227

(188) 

(37) 

–

(3) 

(228) 

(21)

55

4

 5,831 

 168 

2,209

(1,313) 

 (1) 

 223 

 7,117 

330

(424)

(287)

6,736

(2,148) 

(718) 

 104 

(100) 

(2,862) 

(738)

415

159

(2,113)

(458)

(208)

(57)

(190)

(3,026)

 2,843 

 2,950 

2,339

 522 

 1,114

938

 261 

 124 

69

 15 

 35 

327

 42 

 32 

37

 3,683 

 4,255

3,710

Amounts in £’000

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Acquisitions

Acquisition of businesses

Other disposals

Reclassifications

Foreign exchange impact

At 31 December 2020

Acquisitions

Other disposals

Foreign exchange impact

At 31 December 2021

Amortisation

At 1 January 2020

Amortisation for the year

Other disposals

Foreign exchange impact

At 31 December 2020

Amortisation for the year

Other disposals

Foreign exchange impact

At 31 December 2021

Net book value

At 1 January 2020

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2021

106

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
19. Property, plant and equipment

Amounts in £’000

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Acquisitions

Acquisition of businesses

Other disposals

Reclassifications

At 31 December 2020

Acquisitions

Other disposals

Reclassifications

At 31 December 2021

Depreciation

At 1 January 2020

Depreciation for the year

Acquisitions of businesses

Other disposals

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation for the year

Other disposals

Reclassifications

At 31 December 2021

Net book value

At 1 January 2020

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2021

Leasehold 
improvements

Plant and 
machinery

Fixtures and 
fittings

 922 

 34 

–

–

(79) 

 877 

 375 

(85)

127

 1,294 

(332) 

(89) 

–

–

(421) 

(135) 

81

(9)

 1,011 

 686 

 46 

(6) 

 56 

 1,793 

3,104

(270)

–

4,627

(809) 

(139) 

(29) 

 6 

(971) 

(518)

270

–

 267 

 253 

 143 

(16) 

 115 

 762 

291

(65)

(127)

861

(213) 

(67 

(131) 

 14 

(397) 

(159)

62

9

Total

 2,200 

 973 

 189 

(22) 

 92 

 3,432 

3,770

(420)

–

6,782

(1,354) 

(295) 

(160) 

 20 

(1,789) 

(812)

413

–

(484) 

(1,219)

(485)

(2,188)

 590 

 456 

 810 

 202 

 822 

3,408

 54 

 365

376

 846 

 1,643 

4,594

107

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Notes to the Annual Accounts continued   

Land and  
buildings

Plant and 
machinery

Total

 2,388 

 437 

 97 

(123) 

 2,799 

148

(240)

(3)

 2,704 

(263) 

(288) 

(18) 

 29 

(540) 

(453)

79

(2)

 136 

 41 

–

(123) 

 54 

 – 

(15)

– 

 39

(30) 

(32) 

–

 29 

(33) 

(10)

12

–

 2,252 

 396 

 97 

–

 2,745 

 148 

(225)

(3)

 2,665 

(233) 

(256) 

(18) 

–

(507) 

(443)

67

(2)

(885)

(31) 

(916)

 2,019 

 2,238 

1,780

 106 

 21 

8

 2,125 

 2,259 

1,788

20. Right-of-use assets

Amounts in £’000

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Acquisition of businesses

Reclassifications

At 31 December 2020

Additions

Disposals

Policy adjustment

At 31 December 2021

Depreciation

At 1 January 2020

Depreciation for the year

Acquisition of businesses

Reclassifications

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation for the year

Disposals

Policy adjustment

At 31 December 2021

Net book value

At 1 January 2020

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2021

108

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS21. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
The table below shows the movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the reporting period:

Amounts in £’000

At 1 January 2020

Credit/(charge) to income 
statement

Acquisition of IT-IS 
International

At 31 December 2020

(Charge)/credit to income 
statement

At 31 December 2021

Accelerated
capital
allowances

Intangible
assets 

Intra-Group
profit

Long-term
incentive
plan

Other 
temporary
differences

Tax losses

(42)

(194)

(2)

(238)

(542)

(780)

–

10

(499)

(489)

47

(442)

–

897

–

897

(569)

328

–

2,125

–

2,125

–

2,125

–

–

–

–

657

657

–

19

(92)

(73)

104

31

Total

(42)

2,857

(593)

2,222

(303)

1,919

At 31 December 2021, deferred tax liabilities amounting to £442,000 (2020: £489,000) result from the recognition of brand and 
customer relationships intangible assets as part of the October 2020 IT-IS International acquisition.

At 31 December 2021, deferred tax liabilities amounting to £780,000 (2020: £238,000) reflect the tax advantage from investments 
in fixed assets, that is obtained in advance of the depreciation in future financial years.

A £2,125,000 deferred tax asset relates to the portion of the Long-Term Incentive Plan charge that was recognised by Novacyt UK 
Holdings Ltd in 2020, but will not be deducted for taxation until payments are made in 2022. This deferred tax asset is still on the 
balance sheet at 31 December 2021.

At 31 December 2021, a £328,000 deferred tax asset results from the elimination of the internal margin on intercompany stock, 
provision or assets held.

At 31 December 2020, a £897,000 deferred tax asset arises from the elimination of the internal margin on intercompany 
stock held.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised on the statement of financial position as follows:

Amounts in £’000

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

Year ended  
31 December 
2021 

Year ended  
31 December 
2020 

3,143

(1,224)

1,919

3,022

(800)

2,222

Novacyt SA and Lab21 Healthcare Ltd have historic tax losses carried forward for use against future relevant taxable profits. 
However, no deferred tax assets have been recognised for these losses as there is insufficient evidence that there will be future 
profits in these companies to use the losses against.

109

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

21. Deferred tax assets and liabilities continued
The following table shows the deferred tax assets not presented in the statement of financial position:

Amounts in £’000

Novacyt SA

Lab21 Healthcare Ltd

Total unrecognised deferred tax assets

22. Inventories and work in progress

Amounts in £’000

Raw materials

Work in progress

Finished goods

Stock provisions

Total inventories and work in progress

Year ended  
31 December 
2021 

Year ended  
31 December 
2020 

990

1,368

2,358

661

1,045

1,706

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021 

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

19,382

14,406

3,350

7,831

(19,102)

11,461

8,999

9,550

(3,067)

29,888

Total inventories and work in progress has decreased significantly since December 2020 predominantly due to the booking of 
a large stock provision. Inventory levels were built up as a result of the Group’s direct response to support the UK Government’s 
call for UK manufacturers to build manufacturing capacity and supply chain flexibility in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and 
was based on likely demand indicated by the DHSC. As future material contracts were not secured with the DHSC in 2021, a large 
stock provision was booked in 2021.

The Group continues to look for ways to utilise any value from stock that has been provided for.

23. Trade and other receivables

Amounts in £’000

Trade and other receivables

Expected credit loss provision

Tax receivables – Value Added Tax

Receivables on sale of businesses

Other receivables

Total trade and other receivables

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021 

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

30,279 

79,341 

(89)

8,213

66

30

(160) 

343 

67 

1 

38,499 

79,592 

The main driver for the reduction in the trade receivables balance is a £47,927,000 receipt from the DHSC clearing a 2020 invoice. 
The current trade receivables balance includes a £23,957,000 unpaid DHSC invoice raised in December 2020, in respect of 
products delivered during 2020, that remains unpaid at the date of signing the accounts. Recovery of the invoice is dependent on 
the outcome of the contract dispute. 

During 2021, £49,034,000 (including VAT) of products and services were delivered and invoiced to the DHSC which has now been 
included as part of the ongoing dispute. As these sales have not been recognised in accordance with IFRS 15, the revenue, trade 
receivable and VAT element of the transactions have been reversed. This accounting treatment does not change the Group’s legal 
position or rights in relation to the dispute with the DHSC. 

110

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS23. Trade and other receivables continued
The “Tax receivables – Value Added Tax” balance of £8,213,000 mainly relates to VAT paid in the UK on sales invoices in dispute 
with the DHSC. As these sales have not been recognised in accordance with IFRS 15, the revenue, trade receivable and VAT 
element of the transactions have been reversed, resulting in a VAT debtor balance.

Trade receivables balances are due within one year. Once an invoice is more than 90 days overdue, it is deemed more likely 
to default and as such, these invoices have been provided for in full as part of an expected credit loss model, except where 
management have reviewed and judged otherwise.

The movement in the expected credit loss provision is shown below:

Amounts in £’000

Balance at the beginning of the period

Impairment losses recognised

Amounts written off during the year as uncollectible

Amounts recovered during the year

Balance at the end of the period

The split by maturity of the clients’ receivables is presented below:

Amounts in £’000

Less than one month

Between one and three months

Between three months and one year

More than one year

Balance at the end of the period

24. Prepayments and short-term deposits

Amounts in £’000

Liquidity contract

Short-term deposits

Prepaid expenses

Total prepayments and short-term deposits

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021 

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

160

100

(44)

(127)

89

397

163

(400)

–

160

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021 

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

5,818

217

24,200

44

77,944

1,364

6

27

30,279

79,341

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

61

12

1,961

2,034

 103 

–

 3,628 

 3,731 

The key balances at 31 December 2021 include prepayments for the annual Group commercial insurance, rent, rates and prepaid 
support costs.

The balance at 31 December 2020 included a large amount of prepaid stock that was delivered in 2021. 

111

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

25. Cash and cash equivalents
The net cash available to the Group includes the following items:

Amounts in £’000

Available cash

Total cash and cash equivalents

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

101,746

101,746

91,765

91,765

Cash and cash equivalents comprise bank and cash balances, call deposits and short-term notice accounts with original 
maturities of three months or less, with a number of them earning interest.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.

26. Borrowings
As at 31 December 2021, the Group was debt free. As of 31 December 2020, the Group had repaid or converted all bond notes 
outstanding at 31 December 2019. 

27. Lease liabilities
The following tables show lease liabilities carried at amortised cost.

Maturities

Amounts in £’000

Lease liabilities short-term

Lease liabilities long-term

Total lease liabilities

Change in lease liabilities in 2021 and 2020

Amounts in £’000

Changes in 2020

Changes in 2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

424

1,446

1,870

414

1,964

2,378

Business 
combinations 
impact

Repayment

Non-cash 
movements

73

–

(303)

(432)

367

(76)

Opening

2,241

2,378

Closing

2,378

1,870

112

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS28. Reconciliation of the movements of the borrowings and lease liabilities with the statement of 
cash flows
Repayment of borrowings and lease liabilities in 2021

Note 26 – Borrowings and note 27 – Lease liabilities

Change in lease liabilities in 2021: repayment 

Total repayments in 2021 as per notes 26 and 27

Statement of cash flows for the year 2021

Cash used in financing activities: repayment of lease liabilities

Total repayments as per the statement of cash flows

Repayment of borrowings and lease liabilities in 2020

Note 26 – Borrowings and note 27 – Lease liabilities

Change in borrowings in 2020: repayment of bond notes

Change in borrowings in 2020: repayment of short-term financing facilities

Change in lease liabilities in 2020: repayment 

Total repayments in 2020 as per notes 26 and 27

Statement of cash flows for the year 2020

Cash used in financing activities: repayment of borrowings

Cash used in financing activities: repayment of lease liabilities

Cash used in financing activities: repayment of other short-term financing facilities

Total repayments as per the statement of cash flows

29. Contingent consideration 

Amounts in £’000

Contingent consideration short-term

Contingent consideration long-term

Total contingent consideration

£’000

(432)

(432)

(432)

(432)

£’000

(4,592)

(720)

(303)

(5,615)

(4,592)

(303)

(720)

(5,615)

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

836

–

836

1,022

812

1,834

At 31 December 2021, the remaining contingent consideration relates to the acquisition of IT-IS International by Novacyt UK 
Holdings Ltd in October 2020. The first tranche was paid in late 2021 and the final tranche is due for payment in September 2022.

30. Tax receivables
The main item that makes up the corporation tax receivable balance of £5,034,000 relates to an overpayment of corporation 
tax in relation to 2020 totalling approximately £4,225,000. The Group has now received the overpayment back from HMRC in 
March 2022.

113

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

31. Provisions
The table below shows the nature of and changes in provisions for risks and charges for the period from 1 January 2021 to  
31 December 2021:

Amounts in £’000

Provisions for restoration of premises

Provisions long-term

Provision for litigation

Provisions for product warranty

Provisions short-term

At 
1 January 
2021

242

242

68

19,788

19,856

Increase

Reduction

Other 
movements

Change in 
exchange 
rates

At
31 December 
2021

117

117

157

11

168

(67)

(67)

(65)

–

(65)

16

16

–

–

–

–

–

(3)

–

(3)

308

308

157

19,799

19,956

The nature of and changes in provisions for risks and charges for the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 are as 
follows:

Amounts in £’000

Provisions for restoration of premises

Long-term management incentive plan

Provisions long-term

Provision for litigation

Provisions for product warranty

Provisions short-term

Provisions chiefly cover: 

•  Risks related to litigations;

At 
1 January 
2020

192

13

205

43

–

43

Increase

Reduction

Business 
combinations 
impact

Change in 
exchange 
rates

At
31 December 
2020

37

19,006

19,043

22

19,753

19,775

–

(19,018)

(19,018)

–

–

–

13

–

13

–

35

35

–

(1)

(1)

3

–

3

242

–

242

68

19,788

19,856

•  The restoration expenses of the premises as per the lease agreements; and

•  Product assurance warranties.

The provisions for the restoration of the premises are an estimation of the cash payable to cover dilapidations at the end of the 
rental periods, thus at the following dates: 

•  Microgen Bioproducts Ltd: May 2032 

•  Primerdesign Ltd: November 2025

• 

IT-IS International Ltd: September 2022 and December 2023, as there are two sites that do not have co-terminus leases.

The provision for product assurance warranties predominantly relates to the notification of a product warranty claim with the 
DHSC (see notes 49 and 50).

The details for the long-term management incentive plan are shown in note 3, and the liability for the 2017 to 2020 scheme 
crystallised in November 2020 with the remaining costs associated with that scheme shown against other liabilities.

114

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS32. Trade and other liabilities

Amounts in £’000

Trade payables

Accrued invoices

Social security liabilities

Tax liabilities – Value Added Tax

Other liabilities

Total trade and other liabilities

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021 

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

1,363

3,534

954

115

11,224

17,190 

5,228 

8,016 

1,082 

16,831 

5,627 

36,784 

Trade payables and accrued invoices have fallen in line with reduced sales in late 2021 versus late 2020.

The closing 2020 “Tax liabilities – Value Added Tax” balance predominantly related to UK VAT payable to HMRC covering the 
months of November and December 2020. This was paid in January and February 2021.

The other liabilities balance relates to the second and third tranches of the 2017 to 2020 LTIP scheme, which are forecast to be 
paid during 2022. 

33. Tax liabilities
The balance of £nil at 31 December 2021 (2020: £15,116,000) reflects that no UK corporation tax is due by the Group as a result 
of the loss for the year. The amount reflects the tax due at the full UK rate (19%) on taxable profits, although in due course, as 
patents are granted and a Patent Box claim is made, future taxable profits should be taxable at a much lower rate, to the extent 
there are qualifying profits.

34. Other current liabilities

Amounts in £’000

Deferred income and advance payments received from customers

Total other current liabilities

The balances above predominantly relate to customer payments in advance of receiving the products.

35. Other liabilities long-term

Amounts in £’000

Share-based payment benefits – LTIP, long-term

Total other liabilities long-term

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

 498 

498 

 950 

 950 

 Year ended 
31 December 
2021 

 Year ended 
31 December 
2020 

– 

–

5,606 

5,606

The 2020 “other liabilities long-term” balance related to the third tranche of the 2017 to 2020 LTIP scheme that is due to be paid in 
November 2022 and has now moved to short-term liabilities as shown in note 32.

115

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

36. Share capital
As of 1 January 2020, the Company’s share capital of €3,872,983.59 was divided into 58,094,754 shares with a par value of 1/15th 
of a Euro each. 

The transactions on share capital from this date are summarised below:

•  On 31 January 2020, the Company completed a capital increase resulting from the exercise of 1,679,544 Negma warrants from 
€3,872,983.59 to €3,984,953.20, through the issue of 1,679,544 shares at a price of €0.070 per share with a share premium of 
€223,939.20.

•  On 17 February 2020, the Company completed a capital increase resulting from the exercise of 228,541 Yorkville warrants 

from €3,984,953.20 to €4,000,189.27, through the issue of 228,541 shares at a price of €0.070 per share with a share premium 
of €200,963.72.

•  On 17 February 2020, the Company completed a capital increase resulting from the exercise of 886,632 Primerdesign warrants 
from €4,000,189.27 to €4,059,298.07, through the issue of 886,632 shares at a price of €0.070 per share with a share premium 
of €969,384.32.

•  On 18 February 2020, the Company completed a capital increase resulting from the exercise of 113,368 Primerdesign warrants 
from €4,059,298.07 to €4,066,855.94, through the issue of 113,368 shares at a price of €0.070 per share with a share premium 
of €123,949.01.

•  On 18 February 2020, the Company completed a capital increase resulting from the exercise of 6,017,192 Harbert warrants 
from €4,066,855.94 to €4,468,002.06, through the issue of 6,017,192 shares at a price of €0.070 per share with a share 
premium of €18,853.87.

•  On 18 February 2020, the Company completed a capital increase resulting from the exercise of 300,000 Yorkville warrants 

from €4,468,002.06 to €4,488,002.06, through the issue of 300,000 shares at a price of €0.070 per share with a share premium 
of €263,800.00.

•  On 18 February 2020, the Company completed a capital increase resulting from the exercise of 353,536 Kreos warrants from 
€4,488,002.06 to €4,511,571.13, through the issue of 353,536 shares at a price of €0.070 per share with a share premium of 
€489,058.13.

•  On 3 June 2020, the Company completed a capital increase by conversion of 2,066,257 Vatel convertible bonds from 

€4,511,571.13 to €4,708,416.54 through the issue of 2,952,681 shares at a price of €0.070 per share, with a share premium of 
€1,869,411.09.

At 1 January 2020

Capital increase by exercise of warrants

Capital increase by conversion of bonds

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2021

Amount of 
share capital
£’000

Amount of 
share capital 
€’000

Unit value per 
share
€

Number of 
shares 
issued

3,311

3,873

0.07

58,094,754

567

175

4,053

4,053

638

197

4,708

4,708

0.07

0.07

9,578,813

2,952,681

0.07

70,626,248

0.07

70,626,248

As of 31 December 2021, the Company’s share capital of €4,708,416.54 was divided into 70,626,248 shares with a par value of 
1/15th of a Euro each. 

The Company’s share capital consists of one class of share. All outstanding shares have been subscribed, called and paid.

116

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS37. Share premium account

Amounts in £’000

Balance at 1 January 2020

Premium arising on issue of equity shares

Expenses of issue of equity shares

Balance at 31 December 2020

Balance at 31 December 2021

38. Other reserves

Amounts in £’000

Balance at 1 January 2020

Translation differences

Balance at 31 December 2020

Translation differences

Balance at 31 December 2021

39. Equity reserve

Amounts in £’000

Balance at 1 January 2020

Conversion of Vatel bonds

Exercise Negma warrants

Exercise Harbert European Growth Capital warrants

Exercise Primerdesign warrants

Balance at 31 December 2020

Balance at 31 December 2021

This reserve represents the equity component of warrants and loans.

 46,999

 3,697 

(25) 

 50,671 

 50,671 

(1,924) 

 (112)

(2,036)

862

(1,174)

336 

 19 

 103 

 693 

 4 

 1,155 

 1,155 

117

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Notes to the Annual Accounts continued   

40. Retained earnings/losses

Amounts in £’000

Balance at 1 January 2020

Profit for the year

Other variations

Balance at 31 December 2020

Loss for the year

Balance at 31 December 2021

(36,119) 

 132,423 

612 

 96,916 

(9,728)

 87,188 

41. Business combinations
Acquisition of IT-IS International Ltd
On 15 October 2020, Novacyt UK Holdings Ltd completed the purchase of the entire share capital of IT-IS International Ltd, a 
company incorporated in England and Wales. The company specialises in the development and manufacturing of PCR diagnostic 
instruments for the life sciences and food testing industry.

The purchase price was £13,387,000, broken down as follows:

Cash disbursed

Deferred consideration for reaching a target turnover in year one

Deferred consideration for reaching a target turnover in year two

Total purchase price

The fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are as follows: 

Net property, plant and equipment

Trademark

Customer relationships

Inventory

Clients and other receivables

Suppliers and other creditors

Deferred tax on assets acquired

Cash acquired

Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

Goodwill

£11,564,000

£1,016,000

£807,000

£13,387,000

£108,000

£843,000

£1,366,000

£1,774,000

£424,000

(£4,680,000)

(£591,000)

£4,706,000

£3,950,000

£9,437,000

The table above shows how the opening goodwill figure of £9,437,000 was arrived at after allocating the purchase price across 
all the assets and liabilities acquired. The residual goodwill arising from the acquisition reflected the future growth expected to be 
driven by new and existing customers, the value of the workforce, patents and know-how.

The value of “customer relationships” was determined by discounting the additional margin generated by customers after 
remuneration of the contributing assets.

The value of the trademark was determined by discounting the cash flows that could be generated by licensing the trademark, 
estimated as a percentage of revenue derived from information available on comparable assets.

IFRS 3 provides for a period of 12 months from acquisition to complete the identification and measurement of the fair value of 
assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The acquisition accounting has been finalised and no adjustments were made to the 
opening gross amount of goodwill.

118

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
41. Business combinations continued
Goodwill is a residual component calculated as the difference between the purchase price for the acquisition of control and the 
fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. It includes unrecognised assets such as the value of the personnel and 
know-how of the acquiree. 

The acquisition costs amounted to £187,000. They are included on the statement of comprehensive income in the year ended 
31 December 2020 as “acquisition related expenses” (see note 13).

IT-IS International contributed £1,077,000 to consolidated revenue in the year ended 31 December 2020 between its consolidation 
on 15 October 2020 and 31 December 2020.

If the acquisition of the IT-IS International shares were deemed to have been completed on 1 January 2020, the opening date of 
the Group’s 2020 financial year, consolidated Group revenue would have amounted to £279,781,000 and net profit attributable to 
owners of the Company would have amounted to £132,219,000.

The table below presents the Group income statement for the 12-month period ended on 31 December 2020 as if the acquisition 
of IT-IS International had been completed on 1 January 2020.

Amounts in £’000

Revenue 

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

Research and development expenses

General and administrative expenses

Governmental subsidies

Operating profit before exceptional items

Costs related to acquisitions

Other operating expenses

Operating profit after exceptional items

Financial income

Financial expenses

Profit before tax

Tax expense

Profit after tax

Profit after tax attributable to owners of the Company

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
 Pro forma

279,781

(66,961)

212,820

(4,867)

(1,929)

(31,484)

(3)

174,537

(187)

(7,215)

167,135

85

(2,357)

164,863

(32,644)

132,219

132,219

119

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

42. Notes to the cash flow statement

Amounts in £’000

(Loss)/profit for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation, amortisation, impairment loss and provisions

Product warranty provision

Unwinding of discount on contingent consideration

Losses on disposal of assets

Income tax charge (credit)/charge

Operating cash flows before movements of working capital

Decrease/(increase) in inventories (*)

Decrease/(increase) in receivables

(Decrease)/increase in payables

Cash used in operations

Income taxes paid

Finance costs

Net cash from operating activities

(*) The variation of the inventories value results from the following movements:

Amounts in £’000

Decrease/(increase) in the gross value of inventories

Variation of the stock provision

Total variation of the net value of inventories

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

(9,728)

132,423

7,882

–

(17)

75

8,196

19,753

(114)

407

(101)

32,751

(1,889)

193,416

18,427

42,754

(25,966)

(80,773)

(23,996)

34,838

35,296

121,515

(19,745)

(20,574)

138

2,035

15,689

102,976

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

2,392

16,035

18,427

(28,941)

2,975

(25,966)

The details for the increase in the stock provision are covered in notes 7, 8 and 22.

43. Leases
In application of IFRS 16 as from 1 January 2019, the Group has recognised on the statement of financial position some 
“right-of-use” assets and lease liabilities. 

Novacyt SA
Novacyt SA rents a small office in Vélizy, on a rolling 12-month basis.

Primerdesign Ltd
A lease exists for the York House site, which is used for office, storage and laboratory purposes. The annual charge for the site 
(with service charges) is now £183,795 per annum, with all leases running to November 2025.

In November 2020, the company took out a new lease at a nearby site called Unit A, primarily for storage purposes. The annual 
charge for the site (with service charges) is now £146,750 per annum, with the lease running to November 2022.

120

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS43. Leases continued
Microgen Bioproducts Ltd
A lease exists at Watchmoor Park, which has a mixed use for office, storage and laboratory purposes. This commenced in May 
2017 and will run until May 2032. There are rent review clauses in May 2022 and 2027. The annual charge for the site is £175,643 
per annum (including service charges).

IT-IS International Ltd
A lease exists at units 1, 3 and 4 Wainstones Court, which has a mixed use for office, storage and production purposes. This 
commenced in October 2019 and will run until September 2022. The annual charge for the site is £31,500 per annum (including 
service charges).

In September 2020, the company took out a 12-month lease at a nearby site called Pulrose House for production purposes. The 
annual charge for the site is £17,000 per annum. The lease was not renewed after the initial 12-month period.

In December 2020, the company took out a new lease at a nearby site called MMC House, for mixed use of office, storage and 
production purposes. The lease runs to December 2023 with an annual charge of £75,000 (including service charges).

The table below presents the impacts of the leases in the consolidated income and cash flow statements of the financial years 
2021 and 2020:

Amounts in £’000

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Cash outflows for leases accounted for as per IFRS 16

Expenses related to short-term and low-value leases

Total cash outflows for leases

At 
31 December 
2021

At 
31 December 
2020

178

432

445

877

184

487

252

739

44. Financial instruments
Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern whilst maximising 
the return to Shareholders through the optimisation of debt and equity balances. The Group’s overall strategy is to ensure there is 
sufficient working capital to optimise the performance of the business.

The capital structure of the Group consists of net debt (borrowings disclosed in note 26 after deducting cash and cash 
equivalents) and equity of the Group (comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings in notes 36 to 40). 

The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

The Group is focused on cash management and this is reviewed on a regular basis by the Group Finance Director and the Chief 
Financial Officer. The funding mix of the business is reviewed and managed regularly by the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief 
Executive Officer.

Gearing ratio
The gearing ratio at the year end is as follows:

Amounts in £’000

Debt (lease liabilities)

Cash and cash equivalents

Net (cash)/debt

Equity

Net (cash)/debt to equity ratio

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

 1,870 

 2,378 

 101,746 

 91,765 

(99,876) 

(89,387) 

 141,815 

 150,710 

(70%)

(59%)

121

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

44. Financial instruments continued
Debt is defined as long-term and short-term borrowings and lease liabilities (excluding derivatives and financial guarantee 
contracts) as detailed in notes 26 and 27. 

For both years, 2020 and 2021, debt in the table above relates to the leases’ liability as per IFRS 16.

Equity includes all capital, premiums and reserves of the Group that are managed as capital.

Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted (including the criteria for recognition, the basis of 
measurement and the bases for recognition of income and expenses) for each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity 
instrument are disclosed in note 3.

Categories of financial instruments

Amounts in £‘000

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and receivables

Financial liabilities

Fair value through profit and loss

Amortised cost

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

 101,746 

 30,439 

 91,765 

 79,396 

836 

1,834 

 17,991 

 21,249 

Financial risk management objectives
The Group’s finance function is responsible for managing the financial risks relating to the running of the business. These risks 
include market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.

If a material risk is identified, then the Group would look to mitigate that risk through the appropriate measure, such as hedging 
against currency fluctuations.

The Group does not use complex derivative financial instruments to reduce its economic risk exposures.

Market risk
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. 

There has been no change to the Group’s exposure to market risks or the way these risks are managed and measured.

Foreign currency risk management
The Group undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currencies; consequently, exposures to exchange rate fluctuations 
arise. Exchange rate exposures are not managed utilising forward foreign exchange contracts.

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

Amounts in £’000

Assets

Liabilities

Net Exposure

122

Assets and liabilities 
denominated in EUR

Assets and liabilities 
denominated in USD

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

15,028

(1,419)

13,609

5,419

(1,995)

3,424

9,100

(39)

9,061

6,068

(5)

6,063

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
44. Financial instruments continued
Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Group is mainly exposed to the Euro and US Dollar currencies, used in all segments.

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 5% increase and decrease in GBP against the relevant foreign currencies. 
5% represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates. The sensitivity analysis 
includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period end for a 5% 
change in foreign currency rates. The sensitivity analysis includes external loans as well as loans to foreign operations within the 
Group where the denomination of the loan is in a currency other than the currency of the lender or the borrower. A positive number 
below indicates an increase in profit and other equity. 

Amounts in £’000

EUR

Conversion rate

Impact GBP strengthening: FX + 5%

Impact GBP weakening: FX - 5%

USD

Conversion rate

Impact GBP strengthening: FX + 5%

Impact GBP weakening: FX - 5%

Net exposure

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

13,608

3,424

1.19107

1.10531

(648)

716

171

(171)

9,061

6,063

1.34894

1.35772

(431)

477

(289)

319

Interest rate risk management
The Group borrows funds at fixed interest rates and therefore it is not exposed to significant interest rate risk.

Credit risk management
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the 
Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral 
where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group uses publicly available financial 
information and its own trading records to rate its major customers’ risk levels. The Group’s exposure and the credit ratings of 
its counterparties are continuously monitored and the aggregate value of transactions concluded is spread amongst approved 
counterparties.

The Group uses debt collection agencies and government-backed schemes to collect difficult aged debts as a last resort.

Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across diverse geographical areas. Ongoing credit evaluation 
is performed on the financial condition of accounts receivable and, where appropriate, credit guarantee insurance cover is 
purchased.

The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international 
credit-rating agencies. 

The carrying amount of the financial assets recorded in the historical financial information, which is net of impairment losses, 
represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk as no collateral or other credit enhancements are held.

123

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued   

44. Financial instruments continued
Reliance on major customers and concentration risk
Primerdesign’s revenue includes approximately £9,702,000 (2020: £190,000,000. This was a different customer) from sales to the 
Group’s largest customer. No other customers contributed 10% or more to the Group’s revenue in 2021.

79% of trade receivables are with one counterparty, with whom there is a contract dispute as disclosed in notes 49 and 50. 
Management considers it to be more likely than not that the 31 December 2021 balances are recoverable.

Liquidity risk management
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors, which has established an appropriate 
liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group’s short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity 
management requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves, banking facilities and reserve 
borrowing facilities, by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows, and by matching the maturity profiles of financial 
assets and liabilities.

Liquidity and interest risk tables
The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities with agreed 
repayment periods. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the 
earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows. 

Effective 
interest rate
%

Less than 
1 month
£’000

1–3 months
£’000

3 months to 
1 year
£’000

1–5 years
£’000

5+ years
£’000

Total
£’000

31 December 2021

Variable interest rate 
instruments

Fixed interest rate instruments

1.2

31 December 2020

Variable interest rate 
instruments

Fixed interest rate instruments

1.3

–

1,408

–

91

–

11,638

–

1,086

–

859

–

15,082

–

5,286

–

103

–

6,035

–

7,172

–

–

1,224

19,820

The following table details the Group’s expected maturity for its non-derivative financial assets. The table below has been drawn 
up based on the undiscounted contractual maturities of the financial assets including any interest that will be earned on those 
assets. The inclusion of information on non-derivative financial assets is necessary to understand the Group’s liquidity risk 
management as the liquidity is managed on a net asset and liability basis.

Effective 
interest rate
%

Less than 1 
month
£’000

1–3 months
£’000

3 months to 1 
year
£’000

1–5 years
£’000

Total
£’000

–

–

107,483

278

24,296

188

132,245

169,558

1,467

74

234

171,333

31 December 2021

Non-interest bearing

31 December 2020

Non-interest bearing

124

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS44. Financial instruments continued
Fair value measurements
The information set out below provides information about how the Group determines fair values of various financial assets and 
financial liabilities.

The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, 
grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable:

•  Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or 

liabilities;

•  Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are 

observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

•  Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that 

are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

Fair value of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Some of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The 
following table gives information about how the fair values of these financial assets and financial liabilities are determined (in 
particular, the valuation technique(s) and inputs used).

Financial assets/ 
financial liabilities

1)  Contingent 

consideration 
(current and non-
current portion)

Fair value as at

31/12/21

31/12/20

 Fair value 
hierarchy

 Valuation technique(s) and key 
input(s)

 836 

 1,834 

 2 Payment made in September 

 Significant 
unobservable 
input(s) 

 Relationship of 
unobservable 
inputs to fair 
value 

2021 and remaining 
payment due in September 
2022, estimated according 
to the probability of payment

Fair value measurements recognised in the statement of financial position

Amounts in £’000

Financial liabilities at FVTPL

Debts from the acquisition of shares

Total liabilities at FVTPL

Amounts in £’000

Financial liabilities at FVTPL

Debts from the acquisition of shares

Total liabilities at FVTPL

Year ended 31 December 2021

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

–

–

836

836

–

–

836

836

Year ended 31 December 2020

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

–

–

1,834

1,834

–

–

1,834

1,834

There were no transfers between Levels during the current or prior year.

The table above only shows the fair value of the financial liabilities as the fair value of the applicable financial assets are not 
materially different from their carrying value.

Fair value of financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value (but fair value disclosures are required)
There are no financial liabilities in the statement of financial position at 31 December 2021 or 31 December 2020 that are not 
measured at fair value but for which fair value must be disclosed.

125

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Annual Accounts continued  

45. Commitments given and received
As the Group repaid all borrowings in 2020, excluding lease liabilities, any related guarantees granted to the lenders no longer exist 
as at 31 December 2021.

46. Related parties
Parties related to Novacyt SA are:

• 

• 

the managers, whose compensation is disclosed below; and

the Directors of Novacyt SA.

Remuneration of key management personnel

Amounts in £’000

Fixed compensation and company cars

Variable compensation

Social security contributions

Contributions to supplementary pension plans

Termination benefits

Share-based payment benefits – LTIP

Total remuneration

Aggregate Directors’ remuneration

Amounts in £’000

Fixed compensation and company cars

Variable compensation

Social security contributions

Contributions to supplementary pension plans

Fees

Share-based payments – LTIP

Total remuneration

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

2,176

590

412

48

371

–

3,597

867

495

899

40

–

14,233

16,534

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

897

350

181

11

32

–

1,471

705 

330 

658 

29 

33 

11,110 

12,865 

Related party transactions were made on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm’s length transactions.

126

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS47. Audit fees

Amounts in £’000

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor and its associates in respect of the audit

Group audit of these financial statements

Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries’ financial statements

Total audit remuneration

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor and its associates in respect of non-audit-related services

Audit-related assurance services

All other services

Total non-audit-related remuneration

Year ended 
31 December 
2021

Year ended 
31 December 
2020

103

260 

363 

–

5

5

144

232

376

 –

 14

14

48. Impact of Brexit on the Group’s activity
Novacyt was well prepared for the end of the Brexit transition period and the Group has seen no directly related material disruption 
to its supply chain.

49. Contingent liabilities
During 2021, the Group received notification of a contract dispute between its subsidiary, Primerdesign Ltd, and the DHSC related 
to revenue totalling £129,125,000 in respect of performance obligations satisfied during the financial year to 31 December 2020. 
Following the issuance of legal proceedings on 25 April 2022 by the DHSC, this figure has now increased by £1,517,000 due to the 
inclusion of q16 instruments, taking the total 2020 revenue in dispute to £130,642,000. Payment for £23,957,000 of invoices in 
respect of products delivered during 2020 remains outstanding at the date of signing the financial statements and recovery of the 
invoice is dependent on the outcome of the dispute.

Management have reviewed the position at 31 December 2021 and deem this to still be an appropriate reflection of the current 
commercial dispute.

During 2021, a further £49,034,000 (including VAT) of products and services were delivered and invoiced to the DHSC and has 
now been included as part of the ongoing dispute. Management have made the judgement that as per IFRS 15 “Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers”, it is not appropriate at this stage in the dispute to recognise as revenue, any sales invoices raised to 
the customer in 2021 that are in dispute. However, management remains committed to obtaining payment for these goods and 
services.

Management and the Board of Directors have reviewed the product warranty provision totalling £19,753,000 booked in 2020 in 
relation to the DHSC dispute and have deemed that it remains appropriate at 31 December 2021.

50. Subsequent events 
On 25 April 2022, legal proceedings were issued by the DHSC to the Group for amounts paid to Novacyt totalling £134,635,000 
(including VAT). This refers to £132,814,000 (including VAT) of reagent sales out of a total disputed amount of £154,950,000 
(£129,125,000 excluding VAT as previously reported in note 49) plus £1,821,000 (£1,517,000 excluding VAT) of q16 instruments, 
which have been added to the dispute.

The Group continues to believe it has strong grounds to defend the claim and assert its contractual rights, including in relation to 
recovering outstanding sums due from the DHSC.

127

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Glossary of terms

BKV

CAGR

CE mark

CMV

BK Virus

compound annual growth rate

Conformitè Europëenne 

Cytomegalovirus

COVID-19

coronavirus disease of 2019

department of health and social care

Epstein-Barr Virus

US food and drug administration

human leukocyte antigen

Herpes Simplex Virus 1

Herpes Simplex Virus 2

Human Herpes Virus 6

Human Herpes Virus 7

international financial reporting standards

international standards organization

in vitro diagnostic

in vitro diagnostic regulation

John Cunningham Virus

lateral flow tests

polymerase chain reaction

point of care

quantitative polymerase chain reaction

ribonucleic acid

research use only

single nucleotide polymorphisms

total shareholder return

United Nations Children’s Fund

World Health Organisation

DHSC

EBV

FDA

HLA

HSV1

HSV2

HHV6

HHV8

IFRS

ISO

IVD

IVDR

JVC

LFT

PCR

POC

qPCR

RNA

RUO

SNPs

TSR

UNICEF

WHO

128

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCompany Information

Directors

James Wakefield 
David Allmond 
James McCarthy 
Juliet Thompson 
Dr Andrew Heath 
Dr Edwin Snape 
Jean-Pierre Crinelli

Company Secretary

James McCarthy 

Registered office

Novacyt S.A. 
13 Avenue Morane Saulnier 
78140 Vélizy-Villacoublay 
France 

Registered number

491 062 527 (France)

Company website

www.novacyt.com

Bankers

(Nominated Advisor  
and Joint Broker)

(Joint Broker)

French Listing  
Sponsor

Legal advisers to the 
Company

S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP* 
Prince Frederick House 
35-39 Maddox Street 
London W1S 2PP 
United Kingdom

Numis Securities Limited 
The London Stock Exchange Building 
10 Paternoster Square 
London EC4M 7LT 
United Kingdom

Allegra Finance 
213 Boulevard Saint-Germain 
75007 Paris 
France

English law:

Stephenson Harwood LLP 
1 Finsbury Circus 
London 
EC2M 7SH 
United Kingdom

Pitmans LLP 
47 Castle Street 
Reading 
RG1 7SR 
United Kingdom

French law:

Stance Avocats 
37-39 Avenue de Friedland 
Paris 75008 
France

French Auditors

Deloitte & Associés 
6 place de la Pyramide 
92908 Paris-La Défense Cedex 
France

UK Auditors

Alberis Audit 
2 rue Colmar 
92400 Courbevoie 
France

Constantin Limited 
Statutory Auditor 
25 Hosier Lane 
London 
EC1A 9LQ 
United Kingdom

Banque Populaire Val de France 
Accueil Entreprises Trs 
2 Avenue De Milan 
37924 Tours Cedex 9

Barclays Bank plc 
48a-50 Lord Street 
Liverpool 
L2 1TD 
United Kingdom

National Westminster Bank plc 
Southampton University 
Southampton Customer Service Centre 
Brunswick Gate 
23 Brunswick Place 
SO15 2AQ

Investec Bank PLC 
30 Gresham Street 
London 
3C2V 7QP 
United Kingdom

HSBC 
Bonham Strand Commercial 
Service Centre 
35-45 Bonham Strand 
Sheung Wan 
Hong Kong

Bank of China 
First Floor 
No. 50 Tai Nan Road 
Pudong 
Shanghai 
200131

Novacyt Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 129

Headquarters:
Novacyt (UK)  
Unit 1, Watchmoor Point, Watchmoor 
Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3AD
T +44 (0) 1276 600081  
F +44 (0) 1276 600151  
E investor.relations@novacyt.com

www.novacyt.com

Registered Address: 
Novacyt Group (France)  
13 Avenue Morane Saulnier, 78140 
Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
Registered Number: 491 062 527