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Pelatro Plc

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FY2020 Annual Report · Pelatro Plc
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ANNUAL
REPORT 2020
Recurring Value Delivery

UK | USA | Singapore | Russia | India | Malaysia | Philippines | Brazil

Our Presence

ANNUAL REPORT

3

Company Information

Directors

Registrars

Subash Menon (Managing Director and CEO)

Equiniti Limited

Sudeesh Yezhuvath (COO)

Aspect House , Spencer Road

Richard Day (Chairman – Non-executive)

Nic Hellyer (Finance Director)

Pieter Verkade (Non-executive)

Lancing

West Sussex

BN99 6DA

Auditor

Crowe U.K. LLP

55 Ludgate Hill

London EC4M 7JW 

Bankers

ICICI Bank UK PLC

One Thomas More Street

London E1W 1YN

Bank of America, N.A.

P.O. Box 25118

Tampa, FL 33622-5118

DBS Bank Ltd

12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial 

Centre, Tower 3, Singapore 018982

Shareholder enquiries:

Tel. 0371 384 2030* (from UK); 

      +44 121 415 7047 (from overseas)

* lines are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday

Nominated Advisers and Stockbrokers

Cenkos Securities plc

6-8 Tokenhouse Yard

London, EC2R 7AS

Solicitors

Memery Crystal LLP

165 Fleet Street

London EC4A 2DY

Share Capital 

The ordinary share capital of Pelatro Plc is admitted 

to trading on AIM, a market operated by London Stock 

Exchange Group plc. The shares are quoted under the 

Kotak Mahindra Bank

trading ticker PTRO.

4m-411 – S.K.L.N.S Complex, 3rd Block, Kam-

manahalli

Bangalore 560043, India

ICICI Bank Ltd

Kalyan Nagar, No.4 M-417, 80 Feet Road

HRBR 3rd Block, Kammanahalli,

Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore 560043, India

The ISIN number is GB00BYXH8F66 and the SEDOL 

number is BYXH8F6.

Website

http://www.pelatro.com/investors/

4

ANNUAL REPORT

Five Year Track Record

Year to/as at 31 December

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Revenue

Revenue growth

$’000

4,020

6,667

6,123

3,146

1,205

%

(40%)

9%

95%

161%

241%

Adjusted EBITDA  (see Note 7)

$'000

441

2,893

3,776

2,004

498

Adjusted EBITDA margin

%

11%

43%

61%

64%

41%

Operating profit/(loss) (before exceptional items)

$'000

(2,055)

883

2,861

1,801

360

Operating margin

%

n/a

13%

47%

57%

30%

Reported profit/(loss) before tax

$'000

(2,082)

1,009

2,513

1,096

360

Adjusted earnings/(loss) per share (basic and diluted)

Statutory earnings/(loss) per share (basic and diluted)1

¢

¢

(5.5¢)

4.2¢

10.2¢

8.9¢

2.0¢

(7.2¢)

2.5¢

8.0¢

4.8¢

2.0¢

Net cash flow from operating activities

$'000

2,262

1,412

881

(33)

447

Net cash used in investing activities

$'000

(4,569)

(2,393)

(9,092)

(744)

(401)

Net cash used in/(from) financing activities

$'000

3,071

(289)

6,814

4,707

54

Net cash at year end

$'000

365

484

1,823

3,086

196

ANNUAL REPORT

5

Highlights of 2020

Completed  successful  transition  from  license  to 

recurring revenue model

Completed roll out of mViva for our largest 

customer – over 400m subscribers spread 

across 23 markets

Launched new version of mViva - V6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. Strategic Report

About Pelatro

Chairman’s Statement

Managing Director and CEO’s Report

Relevance – the key consideration

Analytics in mViva

Vein - connecting them all!

Proactively managing human capital during the pandemic

Environmental, Social and Governance report (“ESG”)

Key Performance Indicators

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Financial Review

B. Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance Review

s.172 statement

Audit Committee Report

Director’s Report

C. Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

Group Statement of Financial Position

Group Statement of Cash Flows

Group Statement of Changes in Equity

Notes to Group Financial Statements 

Company Statement of Financial Position

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

7

9

11

16

18

21

23

25

27

28

32

38

47

50

54

60

66

67

69

71

72

116

118

119

ANNUAL REPORT

7

Strategic Report  

For the year ended 31 December 2020

About Pelatro

Pelatro  is  a  focused  and  specialised  player  in  the 

in  real  time,  in  the  form  of  marketing  campaigns  and 

telecom  marketing  space.  We  provide  enterprise 

promotions to subscribers, resulting in improved results 

class  software  solutions  that  help  our  customers, 

as  compared  to  legacy  solutions.  In  order  to  provide 

the  telecom  operators,  to  increase  revenue  and  re-

high quality marketing campaigns and promotions, our 

duce  churn.  This  is  achieved  by  analysing  the  be-

solutions employ AI/ML techniques coupled with various 

haviour  of  each  subscriber  in  the  telecom  network, 

algorithms, models etc. This has resulted in a high level 

creating 

their  profile  and  suggesting  appropriate 

of  predictive,  descriptive  and  prescriptive  analytics  in 

products  and  promotions  to  each  subscriber  in  a 

our solutions.

“segment of one” manner to enable higher consump-

tion  and  an  increased  level  of  customer  satisfaction.

Products

Technology

The mViva Customer Engagement Hub is a suite of 

solutions designed for deep engagement between tel-

cos and its customers to increase revenue and reduce 

Given  the  extremely  high  volume  of  data  that  is 

churn. The mViva suite offers solutions for Contextual 

generated  in  each  telecom  network,  our  solutions 

Campaign  Management,  Loyalty  Management,  Data 

employ  Big  Data  technology  to  collect  and  process 

Monetisation and Unified Communication Management 

all the data in real time. Our technologically advanced 

in a single integrated tool that enables teams to deliver 

products  are  telco-grade  with  significant  scalability, 

effective customer interactions that maximize value, at 

security and high availability. As data is processed in 

high work velocity. Its ready-to-use propensity models 

real time, the output from our solutions is also in real 

and  data  analytics  functionality  is  optimised  for  Cam-

time and is relevant and contextual. This output leads 

paign Analysts to anatomise customer data, to launch 

to relevant, contextual and personalised interventions

precisely  targeted  campaigns  not  just  to  micro-seg-

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ANNUAL REPORT

-ments  but  to  segments-of-one.  The  seamless,  intuitive,  and  concise  campaign  management  workflow  enables 

teams to easily extend campaign management services to enterprise customers and monetize subscriber data.

The  mViva  suite  empowers  Customer  Value  Man-

agement (“CVM”) teams to rapidly design and deploy 

campaigns, launch loyalty programs to reduce churn 

of customers and provide omni-channel communica-

tion.  The  mViva  Customer  Engagement  Hub  offers 

four key solutions tailor-made for CVM Teams:

mViva Contextual Campaign 
Management Solution 

A  comprehensive  tool  to  design,  configure 
and run campaigns to manage the entire life-
cycle for subscribers, retailers and enterprises

mViva Loyalty Management 
Solution 

Enables  design  and  launch  of  loyalty  pro-

grams to reward and retain customers

mViva Data Monetisation Platform 
Solution 
Enables  teams  to  easily  extend  campaign 

management  services  to    other  B2C  enter-

prises  and  brands  in  order  for  the  telco  to 

monetise subscriber data

mViva Unified Communication 
Management Solution 

Makes it possible to manage all messaging to 

customers from a central platform and thus en-

sure that all contact policies are honoured

Presence

We have offices in five countries and serve large telco groups (including Telenor, Vodafone, SingTel, Axiata etc.) in 

17 countries. The largest single network that we serve has about 400 million subscribers, one of the largest globally. 

As all telcos have some solution for campaign management, our aim is to replace the incumbents to win customers. 

Given the advanced nature and uniqueness of our products and the fact that we have successfully replaced legacy 

solutions from IBM, SAS, Oracle, FlyTxt, Evolving Systems etc. in multiple telcos, our market opportunity is huge with 

over 300 telcos to be addressed around the world.

ANNUAL REPORT

9

Chairman’s Statement  

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Dear Stakeholder

Overview

This  past  year  always  promised  to  be  one  of  continuing  development 

at  Pelatro,  and  significant  progress  has  been  made  notwithstanding  the 

COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on social and business interaction. There 

is still a long way to go but there is clearly light at the end of the tunnel, with 

the increasing roll-out of effective vaccines around the world and effective 

steps being taken to help keep the virus in check. Most of our employees 

have been working from home, with an increasing though limited number 

working from our offices in India as the lockdown restrictions are being lift-

ed there. We currently have 20-30% of our staff safely attending our offices 

for work and we expect that to rise steadily over the coming months.

Our customers, the telcos, have continued to rely on our support and our mViva software platform to help them with 

dedicated and appropriate customer engagement across their networks. We started the year with 18 telco customers 

and increased that to 19; we have focused this year on extending our reach across our managed networks systems 

services. Our shareholders will be aware that we have, over the last two years been gradually moving our business 

model from a predominantly licence fee one to one based on annual recurring revenues. Subash in his CEO’s report 

covers this more fully. I will simply say that this has been a process which we knew would take some time and we 

very much appreciate the support we have had from all our stakeholders in going through this process. We already 

have visibility of c. $6m of revenues for this current year, which is a much stronger position than we have been in 

before; furthermore, our earnings from predominantly licence fee income historically tended to be more back-end 

weighted, whereas we are now seeing with our annual recurring revenues model a much more even income stream 

throughout the year. The collection cycle for trade debtors also tends to be shorter.

Operations

From an operational point of view, the roll-out of our upgraded version of mViva to the current V6 has been well re-

ceived, with three existing customers placing contracts to upgrade. We are also seeing numerous Change Requests 

coming in as well as customers taking up the Group’s new modules. Importantly, this demonstrates Pelatro’s ability 

to enhance our mViva platform to ensure we continue to satisfy the changing and evolving needs of our industry.

In August, we took the opportunity to raise $2.6m net of expenses by way of an equity placing. The funds were raised 

to invest in growing the business, as well as to fund working capital to ensure we were well placed to look for larger 

contracts. Marketing for new business is still being impacted due to the pandemic, allowing us to focus more on sell-

10

ANNUAL REPORT

-ing our services to our existing customers. We have taken on two new salespeople, for Latin America and also for 

Africa, the Middle East and Asia. We were also able to expand our relationship with two separate large telco groups 

which were already customers of Pelatro, by winning from each a new contract from other operating companies in 

other territories respectively within those groups.

We continue to develop and look at new applications for our mViva platform. By way of example, during the year we 

collaborated closely with one of our large telco group customers which is seeing us develop with them advanced 

analytical capabilities for four operating companies in their group in different countries. 

In February 2021, we were delighted to be able to announce the final implementation of mViva had been completed 

in the network of our largest customer under our five-year Managed Services contract with them. The network has 

over 400 million individual subscribers and the roll-out was achieved in several tranches, with a smooth and success-

ful implementation. It was executed during the pandemic remotely without any on-site activity being required. This is 

a significant validation of the scalability of our mViva product.

Environmental, Social and Governance 

We  present  in  these  accounts  our  Environmental,  Social  and  Governance  report. As  a  support  service  company 

to the telco industry, we are not engaged in any manufacturing process directly producing harmful substances or 

products. However, we are mindful of the sustainable conservation of natural resources and monitor and control our 

energy and water consumption as well as our waste production. All employees are valued members of the team and 

we seek to implement provisions to retain and incentivise them in a fair and open way. We have adopted the Quoted 

Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code and believe that strong and transparent governance policies are 

a key ingredient of our success.

Outlook

We ended 2020 in a much stronger position, with a substantial order book and good visibility over revenues for the 

coming year. Our mViva platform has been successfully stress-tested to the extreme in being implemented across 

a network of over 400m subscribers without any losses or fall out. We have been successfully selling our enhanced 

offering out across our customer base and reaching out to new customers. The start of the second phase of our 

journey into the mobile advertising space is particularly exciting as an area complementary to our existing operations. 

We  have  every  confidence  in  meeting  our  customers’  requirements,  growing  our  business  and  meeting  financial 

expectations for the year.  

Richard Day
Chairman

 
  
ANNUAL REPORT

11

Managing Director and CEO’s Report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Dear Shareholder

Relationships between organisations are heavily dependent on the val-

ue delivered by one organisation to the other. The higher the value, the 

deeper and stronger the relationship. As a reliable partner to the tele-

com industry, your company endeavours to consistently deliver value 

in every area of engagement covering all aspects of our business like 

provisioning  of software, implementation,  support, consulting  and re-

lated services. This leads to the concept of recurring delivery of value.

Recurring Value Delivery

Pelatro has been morphing from a company that relies on one-time revenue engagements with telcos to a company 

that derives most of its revenue from recurring engagements. Such recurring engagements result in higher revenue 

at a lower cost of obtaining that sale and also leads to a deep relationship with our customers. It enables us to be-

come an integral and almost indispensable part of their business process and system architecture. Attaining such a 

position is very valuable and will ensure zero or minimal churn in our customer base. 

When your company embarked on this journey of strategic change in the nature and quality of our revenue, most of 

our revenues were “one off” in nature. Over a three year period the scenario has changed significantly with Annual 

Recurring Revenue (“ARR”)1 run rate moving from zero to $5.4 million. The graph given below shows the trajectory 

of growth:

5.4

4.0

1.5

0

Dec 17

Dec 18

Dec 19

Dec 20

Recurring Revenue Run Rate in US$M

1 ARR is calculated by reference to the full annualised value of a contract; the total ARR thus calculated may not all accrue in the 12 months 
following due to (for example) implementation periods and other timing differences between signing a contract and the “Go Live” or similar date

12

ANNUAL REPORT

This metamorphosis is the result of various new products being accepted by our customers and a marked change 

in the underlying activities that are part of the engagement model. The most fundamental shift is the addition of sev-

eral customers for our Managed Services offering. While the scope and size of the operations for each customer is 

different, the general offering is by and large the same - Pelatro handles the operations of the mViva Campaign Man-

agement Solution on behalf of the telco, including configuration of campaigns, execution of campaigns, reporting, 

support and business consulting.

This change has led to increasing value addition from Pelatro to its customers. It is pertinent to note that this value 

addition continues for a long period of time spread over several years. The period is generally between three to five 

years and the contracts provide for further extension of this period. An important consequence of such long periods 

of value creation is the embedding of Pelatro and its products and services within the business of our customers. We 

will continue to endeavour to leverage the relationships thus built to further grow our business and revenue.

Quality of Revenue

One time revenues are both lumpy and unpredictable which leads to a high level of volatility in annual revenue and 

profit. Further, new contracts need to be won each year to generate revenue for that particular year. In contrast, re-

curring revenue contracts ensure a stable predictable stream of revenue each year. New contracts will continue to 

build on the existing base resulting in the power of compounding. Given the excellent visibility provided by recurring 

revenue contracts, the Group can also plan investments well in advance and for a longer period of time. Thus, the 

recurring revenue model tends to be more highly valuable to us compared new business from one-off contracts.

Our strategy to shift our business from reliance largely on one time revenues to predominantly recurring revenue 

has led to an increasing proportion of recurring revenue in the overall revenue of the Group. This proportion has 

increased steadily over the past four years to reach 71% in 2020. As the Group continues to win recurring revenue 

contracts, we expect the proportion to tilt further in favour of this attractive and highly beneficial revenue model.

71%

44%

30%

15%

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Recurring Revenue as %of Total Revenue

ANNUAL REPORT

13

2019 and 2021 – a study in contrast

As we have stated many  times in recent years, your company started the shift from contracts with one time revenues 

to contracts with recurring revenues in early 2019. The process gathered momentum, and was largely complete to-

wards the end of 2020. Consequently, 2021 will be our first full year of operation after this strategic shift. During the 

2019-20 period, reported revenues experienced stagnation and decline, although the overall value of contracts over 

a longer period is higher, as we are able to rely on dependable receipts over several years. The  natural consequence 

was lumpy revenue giving way to more dependable revenue spread over a longer period of time. 

In view of this major shift, it is pertinent to compare the two relevant years (2019 and 2021) to appreciate the full 

impact of the change. At the start of 2021, we had $5.6m of contracts in hand to be executed and the associated 

revenue recognised in 2021 (and have since increased that figure to $6.0m). With the mix of potential contracts in 

our current pipeline, we would expect the year end outturn to be broadly as follows:

The graph given below shows the significant change in the composition of revenue in 2019 and 2021.

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

2019A

2021P

Non Recurring Revenue %

Recurring Revenue %

Thus, while the level of revenues in 2019 and the anticipated revenues in 2021 are similar, the composition and 

quality has changed dramatically with Recurring Revenue increasing in proportion from 44% to around 80%. This is 

leading to a fundamental change in the quality of revenue and the underlying value of the business. As explained ear-

lier, we expect this trend to continue in the coming years with the proportion of recurring revenue increasing steadily.

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ANNUAL REPORT

Establishing scale

The year that passed has been one when the scalability of our platform mViva and that of our operations was estab-

lished. We rolled out mViva across 23 markets covering the entire country of India encompassing over 400 million 

subscribers. This huge project was executed remotely without any onsite presence. The execution was flawless and 

the migration from two incumbent campaign management solutions was completed without negatively impacting the 

business of our customer. Consequent to this successful roll out, mViva now has one of the largest implementations 

in the world and handles the data of over 800 million subscribers globally.

Entry into mobile advertising space

For some time, the Group has been reviewing opportunities in the fast-growing mobile advertising space, as an area 

complementary to its existing operations. The global mobile advertising market, according to a survey by IMARC 

Group, is expected to grow from $52 billion in 2018 to $221 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 27%. Commenting on this 

space as one of the key opportunities for telecom companies, Gartner identified entry into mobile advertising model 

as given below and commented as follows: 

“Market Trends: CSPs Must Transform Their Advertising Model”, Gartner

Formulate and prioritize investments to develop a position in data monetisation in the advertising market before other 

advertising strategies. Focus should be on maximising Communication Service Provider (“CSP”) data usage and 

availability, rather than on generating and selling ad inventory.

Develop  a  trusted  data  provider  position  with  brands,  agencies  and  the  wider  ecosystem  on  top  of  the  media  or 

technology activities already developed. As a trusted source of data, CSPs will add transparency by reducing fraud 

and waste.” 

The Business

Mobile phones are ubiquitous and the significant penetration of smart phones (in developed countries as high as 

80%, and in Asia for example currently about 50%) has opened up a new channel for advertising, namely mobile 

advertising.  This  segment  is  growing  at  a  frenetic  pace  and  currently  accounts  for  about  $100  billion  globally. 

Communication Service Providers or CSPs are in a unique situation in this market as they hold the maximum amounts 

of data about their customers (who may number tens of millions and even hundreds of millions in some countries). 

This  data,  with  appropriate  consent  and  anonymity,  can  be  shared  with  B2C  players  in  financial  services,  retail, 

travel & hospitality, FMCG and brands to enable the latter to engage in targeted marketing of their products across 

advertising, campaigns, surveys, loyalty programmes etc. Such targeted campaigning will be contextual, relevant, 

personalised and real time. Pelatro’s platform mViva, which handles such marketing for telcos using the vast quantity 

of data that it collects and processes applying AI/ML and other analytical techniques, is uniquely positioned to provide 

access to the segments mentioned earlier for mobile advertising and related activities. 

 
ANNUAL REPORT

15

Pelatro’s strategy and readiness

Pelatro  is  now  seeing  various  opportunities  by  partnering  with  its  telco  customers  to  enter  this  huge  market.  To 

start with, we have already identified six large markets where we have several telco customers using our software 

collecting and processing the data of about 700 million mobile subscribers. Out of these, about 350 million i.e. 50%, 

have smart phones. Our technology can help brands and B2C companies to target these 350 million subscribers 

and mViva’s AI/ML capabilities will help us to differentiate our offering from that of the competition by enriching the 

data through deep analysis. Pelatro’s strategy is to partner with our telco customers and sell this access to data to ad 

agencies who will in turn on-sell to their customers, who are the brands and B2C companies. These end customers 

will pay based on their usage (i.e. number of campaigns sent, targeting parameters used, number of people targeted 

etc.). This is then shared by the ad agency, Pelatro and the telco, with a large portion being retained by Pelatro.  This 

strategy therefore builds on our relationships with our telco customers, underpinned by the expansion of our existing 

business and with clear synergies between the two.

Looking forward

Your company has come a long way since its inception in 2013 and the IPO in December 2017. Apart from winning 

several Tier 1 telecom companies as customers in 17 countries, we have also built a strong foundation for the future. 

We will continue to build on this strong foundation to deliver superior results and shareholder value in the coming 

years.

I thank every one of our stakeholders for the support extended during the last year while the company was progressing 

on the recurring revenue front. We will continue to build Pelatro into a global leader in our chosen space.

Subash Menon
Managing Director, CEO and Co-Founder

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ANNUAL REPORT

Relevance – the key 
consideration

In 2007, Yankelovich, a market research firm, estimat-

ed  that  the  average American  was  exposed  to  about 

5,000 advertisements in a day. While there are no offi-

Objective

cial estimates as to what that number would be today, 

Measure

Data

by some reckoning that figure is now probably around 

10,000, with some variations likely depending on which 

part of the planet they are in. The point is pretty clear 

though  –  people  are  inundated  with  advertisements 

and  marketing  messages.  This  would  only  have  in-

creased with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic as 

physical contact has reduced. It is obvious that the key 

question facing marketers is about how to ensure that 

their messages stand out and are seen and noticed by 

customers. 

This is where the concept of relevance becomes very 

important. When people are faced with a deluge of mes-

sages, it is important that the message connects with 

them if they have to notice it. They should feel that this 

is meant for them or people like them. As Peter Drucker 

said:  ““The  perfect  advertisement  is  one  of  which  the 

reader  can  say,  “This  is  for  me,  and  me  alone.”  The 

Lexico  Dictionary  defines  the  word  “relevant”  as  “ap-

propriate to the current time, period, or circumstances; 

of contemporary interest”. So, if a marketing message 

has  to  be  relevant  to  a  potential  customer,  it  has  to 

be squarely in the context of that particular individual. 

Thankfully, in these days of abundant data, this is not 

an impossible (though not easy) task for someone with 

the right tools. 

Deploy

Analyse

Strategise

A key requirement for successful adoption of this frame-

work is for the marketer to have access to a tool that 

can help with all the steps mentioned in the framework. 

Operationally, this means:

•  Gather all relevant data 

•  Use AI/ML and rules to identify behaviour and con-

text of customers

• 

Identify the right offer for each individual customer

•  Communicate the offer through the right channel at 

the right time

This  is  an  approach  completely  in  contrast  with  the 

“spray-and-pray”  approach  taken  by  many  marketers 

even now. We can all relate to experiences of having 

received offers which have left us wondering why such 

This is especially true in the telecom world wherein a 

an offer was sent to us at all. It is a pity that even today, 

large  telco  may  be  faced  with  billions  of  records  per 

there  are  marketers  who  believe  that  their  chance  of 

day,  which  pertain  to  customer  transactions  and  be-

success is directly related to the number of messages 

haviour. To sift through these in real time or near real 

they  send  out  in  a  given  day.  Needless  to  say,  these 

time to pin-point a customer and his or her context is 

are the marketers who are losing the attention and trust 

quite  a  daunting  task  indeed.  In  essence,  what  is  re-

of their customers. Once this happens, customers will 

quired is Precision Marketing. Given below is a frame-

likely not notice any offer from that marketer. 

work that facilitates this.

ANNUAL REPORT

17

Pelatro facilitates Precision Marketing for its customers through its mViva Contextual Campaign Management Solu-

tion. It handles very large volumes of data – tens of billions of transactions a day – and churns through it in real time 

to address each individual customer in his or her context.

Sudeesh Yezhuvath
COO and Co-Founder

18

ANNUAL REPORT

Analytics in mViva

In the last year we added several AI/ML and analytics 

components to mViva:

Analytics Workbench 

mViva has added a GUI-driven Analytics Workbench 

that  has  been  designed  to  be  used  by  Citizen  Data 

Scientists – business users with domain expertise but 

without the deep knowledge in statistics and machine 

learning required by data scientists. The motivation be-

hind the workbench is to enable these users to develop 

models on their own with the aid of a “wizard”, thus per-

mitting the rapid development, testing and deployment 

of  different  models  for  several  classes  of  problems. 

This  approach  has  the  advantage  of  freeing  up  the 

data science team to work on more complex problems. 

The  Workbench  supports  several  algorithms  config-

ured  with  sensible  defaults  that  work  out  of  the  box 

on different problems. More knowledgeable users can 

modify these defaults within the wizard to improve per-

The Workbench includes all the standard stages pres-

ent in model building – definition of data sets, labelling 

for  supervised  problems,  pre-processing  pipelines, 

splitting  data  into  train/test  and  validation  sets  and  so 

on. The Workbench supports an iterative approach to-

wards  building  models  for  a  specific  problem  –  differ-

ent algorithms, parameters and pre-processing can be 

tried. The performance of different models can then be 

compared  and  the  best  performer  deployed  into  pro-

duction.

Next Best Offer Module

Subscribers  are  often  eligible  for  multiple  offers.  The 

Next Best Offer (“NBO”) module automatically suggests 

the  best  offer  for  a  subscriber.  The  module  works  for 

both  push  (configured  by  the  campaign  manager)  as 

well as pull offers (initiated by the user or on request by 

a CRM system).

One of the difficulties is, of course, deciding what should 

be regarded as best – it is sometimes a retention cam-

paign and at other times an upsell offer. This is handled 

by permitting the user to modify or define a set of rules 

that is used by the NBO module while determining the 

best campaign. Ideally, these rules should align to the 

business  objectives.  For  example,  one  may  want  to 

specify that if subscribers have been on the network for 

6 months, to try to send an offer that maximises upsell. 

It is important to note that the rules are only guidance 

formance.  Several  algorithms  are  included  for  both 

and not absolute.

supervised and unsupervised learning models. After a 

model  has  been  trained,  its  performance  can  be  as-

sessed using automatically generated reports that in-

clude  recommendations  and  explanatory  text.  Once 

performance is assessed as sufficient, the model can 

be deployed into production directly from the GUI and 

have its predictions populated into the subscriber pro-

file,  enabling  immediate  usage  in  campaigns  without 

any support from engineering or data science teams.

ANNUAL REPORT

19

This approach requires an accurate estimation of offer 

and-dice”. However, this approach has several practical 

performance. This is achieved by:

limitations:

• 

recording the outcome of offers on several differ-

• 

it requires the user to band/create bins for each of 

ent criteria, for example: uptake, uplift, success at 

the continuous features. These bands will often fail 

cross-selling, popularity etc.

to reveal distinctive behaviour

• 

recording  offer  performance  criteria  for  different 

• 

If many dimensions are used, the ensuing combina-

subscribers  with  regards  to  both  their  short-term 

torial explosion makes analysis difficult. In addition, 

state (e.g. current balance) and long-term charac-

many of the resulting segments may be too small to 

teristics (e.g. ARPU). 

target to be worth targeting with a campaign

The  module  uses  several  different  algorithms  to  de-

ments  may  not  contain  enough  information  of  rel-

• 

If  too  few  dimensions  are  used,  the  ensuing  seg-

cide on the best offer, mixing clustering and variations 

evance. 

of expectation maximisation. 

Recency-Frequency-Monetary 
Modelling

A  new  component  to  support  Recency-Frequen-

cy-Monetary  (“RFM”)  modelling  and  analysis  has 

been  added  into  mViva. This  is  a  popular  marketing 

approach qualitatively to understand a base in terms 

of the recency, frequency and quantum of some key 

metrics such as top-ups or purchases.

The  component  permits  building  RFM  segments  on 

any ordinal field that has a time component associat-

ed with it. These segments can then be overlaid onto 

other  aggregable  metrics  such  as  counts,  revenue, 

data usage etc. and analysed using different interac-

tive  visualizations.  As  the  analysis  proceeds,  users 

can allocate the segments into larger, more meaning-

ful  groups  (for  example,  users  at  risk  of  churn,  can-

didates  for  up-sell  etc.). Appropriate  campaigns  can 

then be built for each of these segments.

Segment Shattering

The  traditional  technique  used  to  analyse  the  be-

haviour  of  a  subscriber  base  (or  segment)  is  “slice-

Segment  Shattering  is  an  approach  specifically  de-

signed  to  overcome  these  shortcomings.  It  can  work 

with  a  large  number  of  dimensions  and  automatically 

identifies  a  few,  manageable  and  relevant  segments. 

In  addition,  the  identified  segments  are  automatically 

described in terms of their distinguishing features. For 

example,  Segment  A  contains  subscribers  with  very 

high age in network and low data usage, whereas Seg-

ment B contains subscribers that recharge three times 

a  week  or  more.  This  description  makes  it  easier  for 

the user to develop a campaign to encourage desirable 

behaviour, or to head off undesirable tendencies.

The  Shattering  component  displays  the  different  seg-

ments  using  an  interactive  visualisation  that  permits 

further analysis as well as directly creating a campaign 

for  the  segment.  The  number  of  segments  can  also 

be increased and decreased by the user at any point. 

20

ANNUAL REPORT

While the default parameters are usually sufficient, the module also supports configurability for more complex analy-

sis. An advantage in using a visualisation is that subscribers in bordering segments are in fact very close together in 

behaviour. This makes it easier to design campaigns to encourage subscribers to move from one segment to another 

neighbouring segment that exhibits more desirable behaviour.

Segment shattering uses a neural network to identify patterns in high-dimensional data. Intuitively, the network can 

be thought of like a cloth laid over a rough and uneven object. It is in a sense a dimensionality reduction algorithm but 

unlike techniques like Principal Component Analysis it is dimension preserving. 

Customer Lifetime Value

mViva has also introduced a component that estimates Customer Lifetime Value using Markov chains. Using this 

module, the Customer Lifetime Value (“CLV”) values for each subscriber are added to the subscriber profile, making 

it simple to design campaigns that take a long-term view. While this component is most frequently used for lifetime 

value, it can also be repurposed to predict other metrics such as data usage. 

The  following  graph  shows  the  performance  of  this  module  over  10  months  of  real-world  data.  Notice  how  much 

closer it is to estimating the aggregated value than a campaign that is based off a subscriber’s ARPU (the simple 

baseline estimate).

Actual Network Revenue

Baseline estimate using ARPU

Revenue  predicted  by  the  CLV 

Component

P T George
Principal Architect - Analytics

ANNUAL REPORT

21

Vein - connecting them all!

The ability to ingest billions of records at real time into mViva and stream them reliably in parallel to a number of real 

time analytical engines holds the key to solving the contextual marketing puzzle. Pelatro achieves streaming at that 

scale using an indigenously designed messaging framework called Vein, built on top of a high speed Zero MQ mes-

saging library. Vein is a cross-over between four fundamental messaging patterns – Request Reply, Service Oriented 

Reliable Queuing, Push Pull and Publish Subscribe, carefully curated to achieve the best of both worlds, reliability 

and accuracy, while maintaining very high transfer rates.

Client

Client

Client

“Give me coffee”

“Give me tea”

Client

REQ

Broker

Hello

World

“Water”

Worker

“Tea”

Worker

“Coffee”

Worker

REP

Server

Publisher

PUB

REP

(3)         (1)         (2)

SUB

REQ

Subscriber

PUSH

PUSH

PUSH

R1,          R2, R3                     R4                       R5,      R6            

fair

queuing

R1, R4, R5

R2, R6, R3

PULL

22

ANNUAL REPORT

Vein data services are made available to clients using agents backed service discovery with negotiable QoS pa-

rameters. Vein is modelled on a real life Post Box metaphor where rightful owners seamlessly relocate with their 

postboxes to newer container addresses as and when engines hop from one node to another as part of transparent 

failovers and failbacks that are the norm with elastic services.

CAGE is Pelatro’s proprietary, patent pending real time aggregation and event check framework leveraging on in-

place 2s complement algebra on user-managed-heaps for high-speed addition with low memory access overheads. 

Vein  feeds  into  CAGE  and  facilitates  consumption  of Telco  Grade  Deep  Packet  Inspection  data  at  real  time  and 

aggregates them on the fly. Labelling rules perform traffic categorization and CAGE aggregates them on the fly to 

different levels of granularity like last 1m, 2m, 5m, 10m, 30m, 60m across different traffic types such as YouTube, 

Facebook, Twitter, gaming etc.

Vein and CAGE complement each other enabling mViva to ingest diverse streaming data at rates in excess of One 

Million Events Per Second, build real time contextual profiles using a multitude of dimensions spanning across IP 

traffic,  Geo  Location  and  various  time-aware  business  datasets  and  then  target  subscribers  using  real-time  con-

text-aware campaigns. mViva Contextual targeting uses a mix of Rule based Decisioning and Machine Learning to 

arrive at the right offer for the subscriber riding on insights drawn from ongoing-browsing-sessions and sends them 

an actionable notification to activate the right offer through an interactive channel like web-push from where they can 

avail the benefits instantly.

We are proud to be able to claim that mViva Vein seamlessly ingests data from over two dozen sources for 400m 

subscribers in one of our largest installations whereas CAGE continues to stream records in excess of 800k records 

processing over 63 billion transactions with ease every-day at one of our other customer installations.

Pramod K P
Chief Architect

ANNUAL REPORT

23

Proactively managing human 
capital during pandemic

Amid the changes of a still-unfolding COVID-19 crisis, 

Post on boarding, an elaborate training plan was imple-

employees  are  increasingly  seen  by  Pelatro  as  vital 

mented  to  integrate  the  new  joiners,  with  all  activities 

stakeholders.  At  Pelatro,  human  capital  governance 

happening  remotely.  Induction  talks  by  both  the  CEO 

has a renewed focus.

and COO as well as “open house” meetings were con-

Future of work: fast-tracked

While the debate on the “future of work” was well un-

derway  before  the  pandemic,  COVID-19  has  clearly 

hastened  its  arrival.  For  example,  in  the  era  of  so-

cial distancing and increased remote working, it was 

very easy for Pelatro to move to a remote model. As 

all  employees  get  a  laptop  and  internet  connectivity 

on  joining,  the  transition  to  working  from  home  was 

seamless,  we  simply  had  to  add  more  bandwidth  to 

our  leased  line  and  VPN  connections.  With  applica-

tions such as Microsoft Teams, we were easily able to 

achieve work portability quite quickly.

Prioritise talent acquisition and 
management

This was also the year in which we achieved one of 

our  largest  product  deployments  at  an  operator  with 

400m+  subscribers.  This  required  procurement  and 

deployment  of  hardware,  software  deployment  and, 

since the contract was for Managed Services, we also 

needed  to  hire  about  50  new  people  with  different 

functions and skill sets. Hiring was done remotely and 

HR used the following tools to ensure that the expe-

rience of hiring “in person” was not diluted. We used:

• 

• 

tools for incorporating tests remotely

video  calls  in  all  rounds  with  the  shortlisted  can-

didates

• 

“on boarding” remotely by HR

ducted remotely.

Communication is key

Communication  is  a  low-cost  way  to  reduce  turnover 

and effectively manage the workforce. The normal dai-

ly “stand up” meetings went virtual and all tasks were 

allocated and tracked in Jira, a specialised agile project 

management  software,  with  managers  stepping  in  to 

help as needed. Getting the right message to the right 

people at the right time can be critical to help quell anxi-

ety and instil confidence in the Group’s future, especial-

ly during an economic downturn.

Employee pay: a focus on fairness

At  Pelatro,  we  continued  with  business  as  usual  with 

regard to pay, with increases given in line with the nor-

mal  timetable  even  though  many  organisations  were 

not increasing pay or were even reducing variable pay 

or postponing rises.

Well-being: critical to sustaining 
operations

Change  and  uncertainty  have  strained  employees 

physically,  emotionally  and  financially.  Even  before 

COVID-19, employee emotional and financial well-be-

ing  were  top  concerns  for  businesses.  Now,  as  com-

panies  continue  to  adapt  to  changing  pandemic  con-

ditions, workforce health, resilience and well-being are 

even more critical to sustaining operations.

24

ANNUAL REPORT

With  widespread  stay-at-home  orders,  employers 

physical  modifications  or  take  the  workplace  entirely 

have  adjusted  and  shifted  workforces  online,  all  of 

online. With this transformation, Pelatro has promoted 

which  have  affected  overall  employee  well-being. At 

a culture for physical and psychological safety, all while 

Pelatro,  we  ran  many  programmes  remotely.  These 

delivering business results.

included:

• 

ergonomics during work from home – conducted 

by a physiotherapist

• 

nutrition during Work from Home, guided by a nu-

trition expert  

• 

nutrition  for  women  for  common  health  issues, 

• 

• 

guided by a nutrition expert 

6 mental wellbeing webinars

confidential  free  counselling  by  certified  coun-

sellors  for  any  issue  that  employees  might  face 

whether personal or work.

Leadership: promoting a culture 
that encourages well-being

Since the physical workplace has become a potential 

health hazard, companies have been quick to make

Culture: values and purpose move 
to the forefront

Pelatro has remained committed to its employees, or-

ganisational purpose and values in these difficult times. 

We have used our purpose and cultural values to make 

fast decisions and create as much certainty as possible 

for employees. 

Bringing it together

Pelatro  has  prioritised  human  capital  as  part  of  its 

broader  sustainability  strategy  and  to  be  able  to  miti-

gate  risk  and  support  value  creation  more  broadly  in 

the coming years.

Anuradha
Chief Mentor

ANNUAL REPORT

25

Environmental, Social and 
Governance report (“ESG”)

Social

With the increasing focus on environmental, social and 

A key ethos at Pelatro is encouraging our talented peo-

governance (“ESG”) issues around the world and the 

ple to do well with us and giving them every opportu-

widespread concern over sustainable conservation of 

nity  to  succeed.  Our  main  research  and  development 

natural resources, we present below our key ESG met-

operations  is  at  our  sites  in  Bangalore,  India  and,  by 

rics. In reporting these metrics, we have carefully not-

the nature of our business, most of our intake of new 

ed the message from the stakeholders in our business 

employees are graduates. There is a wide talent pool 

that they do not feel one size fits all: they would rather 

available  from  the  major  cities  in  India;  however,  we 

have a relevant review with the right metrics, appropri-

also  have  an  active  recruitment  drive  of  approximate-

ate to the company. We also consider that a responsi-

ly  30%  of  our  intake  from  the  second-tier  villages  as 

ble corporate outlook helps us demonstrate the quality 

well, where opportunities to progress in an international 

of our management, identify how we are mitigating ex-

technology company such as Pelatro can be more limit-

posure to any business risks and work on areas where 

ed.  As such, we are able to make a major contribution 

we can leverage business opportunities. 

to  the  overall  quality  of  lives  of  our  employees  which 

Environmental

may otherwise be out of their reach. 

Pelatro  recognises  the  importance  of  investing  in  its 

employees and provides opportunities for training and 

Being  a  provider  of  services  to  telcos,  we  are  not  di-

personal  development,  as  well  as  encouraging  the  in-

rectly  involved  in  the  direct  manufacture  of  harmful 

volvement  of  employees  in  the  planning  and  direction 

substances  or  products.  In  more  normal  times,  our 

of their work.

operations  are  predominantly  office-based  or  deliv-

ered from the offices of our customers, where we can 

Employee turnover  

6%

monitor and control our energy and water consumption 

Tax paid (% of turnover) 

             8%

as well as waste production more effectively. Howev-

Male/female employee ratio  

er,  with  the  widespread  lockdowns  as  a  result  of  the 

Health & Safety events in year  

3/1

None

COVID-19 pandemic, our teams have been predomi-

Employees participating in share scheme 

32%

nantly  working  from  home. As  such,  these  measures 

are  not  currently  relevant,  but  are  set  out  below  for 

The pandemic this year has seen a necessary change 

more normal working times.

Energy consumption (MWh/$m)

18

in working practices, with national lockdowns in various 

countries.  Mindful  of  our  overall  employee  well-being, 

we  have  sought  to  be  flexible  and  supportive  of  their 

needs, as well as those of our business. We have run 

various support programmes open to our employees to 

Water consumption (m3/$m) 

32

attend  remotely,  such  as:  ergonomics  during  working 

from  home,  run  by  a  physiotherapist;  nutrition  during 

work  and  also  nutrition  for  women’s  common  health 

problems, run by a nutrition expert; mental well-being; 

and free counselling by certified counsellors.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26

Governance

ANNUAL REPORT

We have a diversity on our Board of various skill sets, experience and qualities, with members from Asia, the Neth-

erlands and the United Kingdom. We believe that good governance is also good business, with transparency helping 

to build trust and confidence with our stakeholders.   

Pelatro  aims  to  conduct  its  business  with  integrity,  respecting  the  different  cultures  and  the  dignity  and  rights  of 

individuals in the countries where it operates. The Group supports the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights 

and recognises the obligation to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental 

freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, religion, gender, language or disability.

Independent board members   

                          40%

CEO cash compensation v UK median earning 

             5.9x

Chairman/CEO role split 

                          Yes

Adheres to Corporate Governance Code 

                          Yes - QCA

Our Chairman’s statement on corporate governance with fuller details and information on the way the Board oper-

ates and the various committees of our Board is set out in the separate corporate governance section in this report.  

 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT

27

Key Performance
Indicators 

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Introduction

of overall strategy execution success. All KPIs are re-

viewed annually, including consideration of appropriate 

The  Directors  consider  that  revenue,  recurring  rev-

non-financial KPIs.

enue,  adjusted  EBITDA  (Earnings  Before  Interest, 

Depreciation  and Amortisation)  and  profit  before  tax, 

In  a  growing  business  with  a  high  proportion  of  well 

and the related margins as a percentage of revenue, 

qualified and experienced staff the rate of staff reten-

are key performance indicators (“KPIs”) in measuring 

tion  is  seen  as  an  important  KPI:  in  2020  we  recruit-

ed 81 new members of staff and 24 left the business 

(2019: 75 joined and 20 left). Some 40 of these joiners 

were  staff  taken  on  specifically  to  implement  various 

managed services contracts started in the year.

As the business develops the Board will consider add-

ing,  as  appropriate,  further  KPIs  to  monitor  progress 

against a broader range of objectives.

Group financial performance.

We  track  revenue  as  it  is  an  indicator  of  the  Group’s 

overall size and complexity and adjusted EBITDA as it 

is a key measure of the Group’s effectiveness in con-

verting  revenue  to  earnings,  excluding  the  effects  of 

certain  non-operational  and/or  exceptional  transac-

tions. We track contractually recurring revenue as this 

KPI  provides  a  forward-looking  view  of  the  minimum 

expected  revenues  in  the  next  twelve  months,  which 

gives confidence to business planning and investment 

decisions.

In addition, the Directors believe that further important 

KPIs  are  the  Group’s  cash  flows,  including  operating 

cash flow and expenditure on investing activities (prin-

cipally  on  software  development  and  where  relevant, 

third-party hardware installations).

Performance of these KPIs is discussed further in the 

Managing Director’s Statement and Financial Review.

Non- financial performance 
indicators

The Group monitors certain non-financial performance 

indicators at an operational level, including the number 

of  new  customers  in  the  year,  Requests  for  Propos-

al  received,  movement  of  sales  pipeline  and  Change 

Requests. However, none of these are currently con-

sidered  to  be  individually  appropriate  as  a  measure 

 
28

ANNUAL REPORT

Principal Risks and Uncertainties
For the year ended 31 December 2020  

Introduction

Our aim is to recognise and address the key risks and uncertainties facing the Group at all levels of our business.

There are a number of risk factors that could adversely affect the Group’s execution of its strategic plan and, more 

generally, the Group’s operations, business model, financial results, future performance, solvency, or the value or 

liquidity of its equity. The Board is committed to addressing these risks by implementing systems for effective risk 

management and internal control.

The Board continually assesses the principal risks and uncertainties that could threaten Pelatro’s business, business 

model, strategies, financial results, future performance, solvency or liquidity. The items listed below represent the 

known principal risks and uncertainties but does not list all known or potential risks and uncertainties exhaustively. 

Where possible, steps are taken to mitigate risks.

Principal risk

Technology

Mitigation

The Group employs highly qualified software engineers and 

senior management who monitor closely developments in 

The  industry  in  which  Pelatro  operates  is  in  the  process 

technology  that  might  affect  its  research  capability  and 

of  continual  change  reflecting  technical  developments  as 

product  evolution.

industry and government standards and practices change and 

emerge.

New  products  and  features  are  assessed  against  their 

target markets and in response to customer feedback prior 

The  markets  in  which  Pelatro  operates  are  competitive  and 

to development. As Pelatro engages with more customers 

rapidly evolving. The Group’s existing products may become 

with  an  increased  product  portfolio,  a  broader  spread  of 

less competitive or even obsolete if competitors introduce new 

feedback is obtained enabling the business to engage with 

products and/or customer behaviour or requirements change.

customers  more  quickly  and  effectively.

Building sales

We  have  been  investing  in  our  sales  and  marketing 

operations  by  working  closely  with  specialist  consultants 

Central  to  our  strategic  growth  plan  is  winning  new  mViva 

and  have  sales  capability  covering  most  global  regions, 

contracts, increasingly those which deliver recurring revenue 

enhanced  by  partners  in  various  other  countries  to 

over a period of years. Failure to do so would directly impact 

assist  us.  Following  the  release  of  the  advanced  version 

our achievement of overall objectives or lengthen the period 

of  our  core  software  in  early  2020,  we  are  continuing  to 

taken to achieve them.

add  features  and  functionalities  to  ensure  technological 

advantage  over  competing  products.

Sales  cycles  are  often  very  lengthy  and  may  sometimes  be 

delayed or restructured late in the process. Whilst the impact 

The  Group  (along  with  the  telco  industry  generally) 

of  COVID-19  is  diminishing,  a  worsening  of  the  situation  in 

has  evolved  systems  and  processes  to  work  remotely 

any of the areas in which the Group is seeking to sell products 

where  necessary  and  otherwise  to  mitigate  the  effect  of 

to new or existing customers could further lengthen the sales 

COVID-19,  and  continues  to  do  so  in  line  with  changing 

cycle.

circumstances.

ANNUAL REPORT

29

Principal risk

Mitigation

Misdirected product, operational or strategic investments

We  are  continually  investing  in  product  development  and 

Strong communication lines between relevant stakeholders 

operational requirements to support mViva-led growth. Failure 

are ensured through regular formal meetings and monthly 

to  achieve  meaningful  returns  on  investments  would  hinder 

reporting. The Board reviews and challenges all strategic 

the  Group’s  strategic  growth  plan  and  potentially  jeopardise 

investments.

the Group’s position in the market and its prospects.

IP, data and cyber risks

A  significant  IP  loss,  third  party  IP  challenge,  data  loss, 

We implement robust processes across IP and IT systems, 

security  breach  or  cyber-attack  could  significantly  threaten 

which are overseen by the Head of Engineering. 

Pelatro’s ability to do business, particularly in the short term, 

and  could  result  in  significant  financial  loss.

Reputational risk 

Maintaining a strong reputation is vital to the Group’s success 

Strong  corporate  governance  and  dedicated  senior 

as  a  business. A  loss  of  confidence  in  the  Group’s  ability  to 

management  remain 

the  key  elements  of  effective 

undertake  new  client  opportunities  may  be  caused  by  an 

reputational management. Senior management provide a 

adverse impact to the Group’s reputation which may, in turn 

model of best practice and guidance to ensure the Group’s 

significantly  affect  our  financial  performance  and  growth 

values and expected behaviours are clear and understood 

prospects.

by  everyone.

Significant impact to the Group’s reputation could be caused 

As  our  business  continues  to  grow  and  develop,  we  will 

by an incident involving major harm to one of our people or 

remain  strongly  focused  on  protecting  the  strength  of 

customers,  inadequate  financial  control  processes  or  failure 

the  Group’s  reputation  through  effective  governance, 

to  comply  with  regulatory  requirements.  Impact  of  this  type 

leadership,  and  through  cultivating  open  and  transparent 

would  potentially  result  in  financial  penalties,  losses  of  key 

relationships  with  all  stakeholders.

contracts, an inability to win new business and challenges in 

retaining  key  staff  and  recruiting  new  staff.

Product and service delivery failures

Issues or failures with our software products or services could 

Pelatro  mitigates  inherent  product  and  service  risks 

lead to failed implementations, project delays, cost overruns, 

through robust quality assurance and project governance 

data  loss,  security  issues,  customer  dissatisfaction,  early 

processes. Product releases are unit tested prior to delivery 

termination,  service  level  breaches  and  contractual  claims, 

and subjected to further customer testing prior to first use. 

all  of  which  could  adversely  impact  the  Group’s  revenues, 

Customer  testing  and  acceptance  sign-offs  are  required 

earnings  and  reputation.

prior  to  go-live.

The risks of servicing large telcos are significant but generally 

stable and well understood, and the Group has not suffered 

any  material  product  or  service  failures  since  inception. 

Risks are generally greater with new clients, but formal RFP 

processes are routinely carried out by telcos, which provides 

clarity  as  to  requirements  and  expectations.

30

ANNUAL REPORT

Principal risk

Mitigation

Attracting and retaining skilled people 

Attracting and retaining the best skilled people at all levels of the 

Our business model has created a pipeline of opportunities 

business is critical. This is particularly the case in ensuring we 

for staff at every level of the business. This will continue to 

have access to a diverse range of views and experience and in 

be  the  case  as  the  Group  develops. The  Group’s  focus  on 

attracting specific expertise at both managerial and operational 

competency at all levels of the business continues to ensure 

levels where the market may be highly competitive.

that  we  develop  the  Group’s  people  and  enable  them  to 

Failure to attract new talent, or to develop and retain the Group’s 

business. Incentive programmes are also in place to ensure 

successfully  manage  the  changing  profile  of  the  Group’s 

existing employees, could impact the Group’s ability to achieve 

that  key  individuals  are  retained.

the Group’s strategic growth objectives. As we continue to grow 

and diversify into new areas, this risk will continue to be a focus 

Pelatro  recognises 

the 

importance  of  investing 

in 

its 

for the Board.

employees  and  provides  opportunities  for  training  and 

personal  development,  as  well  as  encouraging 

the 

involvement  of  employees  in  the  planning  and  direction  of 

their  work.

Economic, international trade and market conditions

The Group is generally exposed to economic, trade and market 

Mitigation  against  the  short-term  impact  of  such  risks  is 

risk  factors,  such  as  global  or  localised  economic  downturn, 

provided  through  an  increasing  spread  of  geographies  and 

changing  international  trade  relationships,  foreign  exchange 

customers. Pelatro monitors political developments and will 

fluctuations, consolidation or insolvency of existing or prospective 

seek to mitigate emerging risks where possible. Pelatro’s high 

customers or competitor products, all of which could significantly 

margin revenues provide a level of protection against volatile 

threaten Pelatro’s performance and prospects. Pelatro’s current 

economic  or  market  conditions  and  our  policy  of  ongoing 

focus on emerging markets customers may increase such risks.

product  development  helps  us  to  maintain  our  competitive 

advantage.

Credit risks 

The Group is exposed to the credit risk of an increasing range 

The  Group’s  principal  financial  assets  comprise  cash  and 

of counterparties with whom it does business, often in respect of 

cash  equivalents,  deposits,  trade  and  other  receivables 

considerable amounts. Extended delivery, installation and sales 

and  contract  assets.  As  these  instruments  are  exposed  to 

cycles may cause the Group to be so exposed for considerable 

conventional  risks,  they  are  managed  on  the  simple  basis 

periods of time.

of  credit  terms,  credit  worthiness  and  cash  collection  or 

settlement.  The  Group  only  contracts  with  major  (often 

regional  or  global)  telcos  who  have  sound  credit  ratings.

Increasingly the Group is entering into longer-term managed 

service/recurring revenue contracts, where billing is monthly 

or quarterly, thus shortening the billing cycle and reducing the 

overall credit risk per customer.

The  Group  did  not  enter  into  derivative  transactions  during 

the year. It is the Group’s policy that no speculative trading in 

financial instruments will be undertaken.

ANNUAL REPORT

Principal risk

Liquidity risks

31

Mitigation

Fluctuations  in  working  capital  may  leave  the  Group  with 

Group  cash  balances  are  monitored  on  a  weekly  basis  to 

inadequate  cash  resources  to  fund  its  operations.

ensure that the Group has sufficient funds to meet its needs. 

Cash flow forecasts are generated and reviewed regularly by 

management.

The Directors have prepared projected cash flow information 

for  the  coming  year.  The  projections  take  into  account  the 

new  business  opportunities  highlighted  in  the  Managing 

Director’s  Statement,  the  timing  and  quantum  of  which  will 

affect the Group’s cash requirements, which are continually 

monitored  by  the  Board.  On  the  basis  of  these  projections, 

the  Group  has  sufficient  working  capital  facilities  for  the 

foreseeable  future.

32

ANNUAL REPORT

Financial Review

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Introduction

For the year, total revenue decreased by 40 per cent, to $4.02m. This included $2.85m of recurring revenue (which 

comprises gain share, managed services and post-contract support (“PCS”)) accounting for around 71% of the total; 

together with around $0.4m of change request revenue this resulted in repeating revenue of $3.3m. The decline in 

revenue year on year arose principally from a significant reduction in “one off” type revenue (typically license fees) 

which was not unexpected as our sales efforts were targeted towards the pivot of the Group’s revenues towards a 

recurring revenue base; however, in addition and as announced in November 2020, whilst the coronavirus pandemic 

had a relatively limited impact on high-level decision making at our customers, other than them necessarily needing 

to focus more on their day-to-day operations, by Q4 COVID-19 had started to affect some of the employees and 

immediate relatives of both Pelatro and our customers. This led to a slower than scheduled implementation of certain 

projects (principally change requests), and as this revenue is recognised only on completion of the relevant project, 

certain revenue which was visible and expected in 2020 was deferred to the first half of 2021.

Key Performance Indicators

Revenue

Recurring revenue

2020

2019

Growth

$4.02m

$6.67m

(40)%

$2.85m

$2.96m

(4)%

Recurring revenue as percentage of total

71%

44%

Adjusted EBITDA (see Note 7)

$0.44m

$2.89m

(85)%

Adjusted EBITDA margin

11%

43%

Profit/(loss) before tax (before exceptional items)

$(2.23)m

$0.77m

Cash generated from operating activities

$2.26m

$1.41m

Contracted customers (at year end)

20

19

n/a

60%

1

ANNUAL REPORT

33

Income Statement

Revenue

Out  of  the  total  revenue  of  $4.02m,  approximately 

Additionally, whilst net staff numbers grew in the year, 

$0.7m  arose  from  sales  of  licenses  and  associated 

leavers were all employees whose cost was charged to 

implementation (2019: $1.9m) and some $2.9m arose 

overheads,  whilst  the  majority  of  new  joiners  were  re-

from  recurring  revenue,  comprising  approximately 

cruited for specific customer contract roles (and hence 

$1.5m from managed service and gain share contracts 

are charged to cost of sales); accordingly the net cost of 

and  the  balance  from  post-contract  support.  Change 

staff charged to overheads reduced. There was also a 

request income fell from $1.5m to just over $0.4m, prin-

general reduction in other costs including plc costs and 

cipally due to the effect of COVID-19 which affected the 

certain consultancy contracts.

scheduled implementation of certain projects as noted 

above.

Exceptional gains

The second stage earn-out payment due to the vendors 

One  new  customer  was  added  during  the  year;  this, 

of Danateq was agreed in the year at $1m gross under 

together with the number of recurring revenue custom-

the terms of the SPA. The net amount paid was some 

ers, further reduced customer concentration with now 

$193,000 lower, being reduced by sums relating either 

only three customers accounting for more than 10% of 

to amounts paid by customers in advance to the former 

revenue. As noted last year, a proportion of the Group’s 

Danateq business but due to Pelatro, or amounts de-

revenue is now invoiced in Indian Rupees (“INR”) which 

ductible under the terms of the SPA due to differences 

forms a natural hedge against the Group’s cost base, 

in outturn in disclosure items. The difference between 

of which around 60% (in cash terms) is in INR.

the estimated value of the liability brought forward and 

Cost of sales

the amount paid (as adjusted for the imputed discount 

due to the time value of money to the date of payment) 

resulted in the exceptional gain shown of $149,000.

Cost  of  sales  increased  by  71%  to  $1.71m  (2019: 

$1.00m).  These  costs  comprise  principally  (i)  the  di-

Profitability

rect  salary  costs  of  providing  software  support  and 

Adjusted  EBITDA  (earnings  before  interest,  tax,  de-

maintenance,  professional  services  and  consultancy; 

preciation,  amortisation  and  exceptional  items)  fell  by 

(ii)  expensed  customer  implementation;  (iii)  third-par-

85% in the year to $0.44m (2019: $2.89m). Loss before 

ty software maintenance and licensing costs; and (iv) 

tax before exceptional items was $(2.22)m (2019: prof-

sales  commissions.  The  increase  in  FY20  results  al-

it  $0.77m). Adjusted  loss  per  share  was  (5.5)¢  (2019: 

most  entirely  from  the  cost  of  extra  staff  taken  on  to 

positive 4.2¢), and reported loss per share was (7.2)¢ 

service several managed service and similar contracts 

(2019: positive 2.5¢). The reported loss before tax was 

implemented during the year.

$(2.08)m (2019: profit $1.01m).

Overheads

Taxation

Pre-exceptional  overheads  (excluding  depreciation 

The Group suffers a tax charge despite a reported con-

and amortisation) decreased to $1.9m (2019: $2.8m), 

solidated  loss  before  tax  as  (i)  the  Group’s  operating 

largely due to a substantial reduction in travel costs.

subsidiary in India is necessarily profitable on a stand-

34

ANNUAL REPORT

-alone basis in order to comply with local tax laws; and 

Development costs

(ii) customer payments in respect of sales to certain ju-

risdictions suffer Withholding Tax (“WHT”) deductions: 

subject  to  various  restrictions  this  may  be  offsetable 

against other profits but, in the absence of such profits, 

the WHT is treated as tax suffered. 

The  taxation  charge  for  the  year  comprises  a  charge 

of $0.30m relating to current tax (2019: $0.25m), which 

is  net  of  a  credit  of  $18,000  relating  to  the  reassess-

ment of prior year Group tax liabilities and WHT assets, 

principally in the UK and the US. Partly as a result of 

that  reassessment,  the  Group  is  due  a  tax  refund  of 

approximately $42,000. WHT also accounts for the ma-

jority of the “Income tax paid” of $0.34m in the Group 

Statement of Cash Flows.

The  Group  is  committed  to  the  continuous  enhance-

ment  of  its  software  suite,  and  we  aim  to  offer  a  mar-

ket-leading platform which addresses the needs of our 

telco  customers.  The  Group  now  employs  around  95 

developers in Bangalore and around 20 in the Group’s 

other development centre in Nizhny Novgorod. In addi-

tion to the release of the advanced V6 of our proprietary 

mViva  software,  the  Group  released  various  add-on 

modules (as detailed above), thus further expanding the 

scope, functionality and optionality of the software suite. 

Costs  incurred  of  around  $2.9m  (2019:  $2.1m)  were 

capitalised  accordingly.  Amortisation  on  development 

cost assets increased to $1.4m (2019: $1.0m) and, net 

of amortisation, this capitalisation resulted in a net book 

value of intangible assets relating to development costs 

in  the  statement  of  financial  position  of  approximately 

The tax charge also reflects a charge of $72,000 relat-

ing to the derecognition of deferred tax assets (2019: 

$5.9m (2019: $4.4m).

$53,000  credit)  due  to  uncertainty  over  the  timing  of 

Property, plant and equipment

when  the  previously  recognised  deferred  tax  assets 

could be offset against future profits.

Statement of Financial Position

Intangible assets

Customer  relationships  and  acquired  software  for  re-

sale

Expenditure  of  $0.90m  on  property,  plant  and  equip-

ment relates principally to $0.87m spend on IT equip-

ment  placed  on  site  at  a  customer’s  premises  to  im-

plement  the  related  managed  services  contract.  The 

balance related mainly to spend on fixtures, fittings and 

leasehold improvements due to the continued expan-

sion of the Group’s office space. 

Depreciation in the year amounted to $0.20m (exclud-

ing amounts relating to Right-to-Use assets now rec-

Assets  acquired  pursuant  to  the  Danateq Acquisition 

ognised  under  IFRS  16,  and  gross  of  amounts  capi-

comprised  principally  customer  relationships  and  en-

talised as intangible assets) (2019: $93,000), and the 

terprise software for resale to third parties; the custom-

aggregate net book value of property, plant and equip-

er relationships acquired are being amortised over 10 

ment rose from $0.52m to $1.22m.

years.  Net  of  accumulated  amortisation  for  the  year, 

the net book value of the standalone intangible assets 

Trade receivables and contract assets

acquired (i.e. the customer relationships) was approxi-

mately $5.2m at the year end.

Trade receivables 

At  31  December  2020  total  trade  receivables  (i.e.  in-

cluding  long-term  receivables)  stood  at  $3.5m  (2019: 

ANNUAL REPORT

35

$5.5m).  Of  these  receivables,  approximately  $1.4m 

-pected to reverse after more than one year) decreased 

has been received since the year end to date.

to $0.31m (2019: $0.51m), reflecting the invoicing pro-

The  short-term  trade  receivables  balance  at  the  year 

end is analysed as follows:

file of various products and services, principally on PCS.

Fulfilment  assets  included  in  contract  assets  total 

$0.15m (2019: $9,000) in respect of short-term assets 

(representing  costs  directly  relating  to  certain  con-

tracts to be recognised in profit and loss in the next 12 

months);  and  $0.44m  (2019:  $nil)  in  respect  of  long-

term assets (representing costs directly relating to cer-

tain contracts to be recognised in profit and loss after 

one year).

Trade and other payables, provisions and 
contract liabilities

The above figures have been adjusted where appropriate for balance 

Trade and other payables

sheet reallocations, and exclude contract assets and the associated 

incremental revenue.

At  the  year  end,  short-term  trade  payables  stood 

at  $1.1m  (2019:  $82,000)  principally  comprising  an 

Given  the  wide  variety  and  bespoke  nature  of  the 

amount of $0.72m due in respect of sales commissions 

Group’s  contracts,  figures  shown  for  debtor  days  are 

payable.  Other  short-term  payables  of  $0.28m  (2019: 

pro forma for illustration only.

Contract assets

$0.44m), were due principally to $0.22m in respect of 

staff bonuses and the balance for sundry creditors.

Provisions

Contract assets are recognised relating to support and 

maintenance revenue and license fees as invoices are 

Short-term provisions include amounts estimated in re-

raised in arrears of the revenue recognition relating to 

spect of leave encashment and “gratuity” payments (in 

the  services  being  provided.  In  addition,  contract  as-

respect of staff leavers in the Group’s Indian subsidiary), 

sets include contract fulfilment assets relating to sales 

plus sundry expense provisions, in total $79,000 (2019: 

commission provisions, the cost of which is amortised 

$53,000). Tax provisions of $84,000 (2019: $149,000) 

over the life of the corresponding contract.

comprise $60,000 relating to current tax payable and a 

deferred tax liability of $24,000.

Short-term contract assets deriving from revenue (i.e. 

those which are expected to reverse in less than one 

Long-term provisions of $0.17m (2019: $0.12m) relate 

year) increased to $0.46m (2019: $0.29m) largely due 

solely to amounts estimated in respect of leave encash-

to  one  license  contract  signed  in  the  year  which  had 

ment and gratuity payments.

invoicing terms which differed significantly from the un-

derlying  performance  obligations.  Long-term  contract 

assets deriving from revenue (i.e. those which are ex-

36

ANNUAL REPORT

Contract liabilities 

Summary

Contract  liabilities  represent  customer  payments  re-

Our performance this year represents a year of transi-

ceived  in  advance  of  satisfying  performance  obliga-

tion:  the  change  in  the  quality  of  revenue,  which  now 

tions, which are expected to be recognised as revenue 

includes major long-term managed service contracts, a 

in 2021 and beyond. Short-term contract liabilities de-

solid base of support revenue as well as valuable high 

creased to $0.50m (2019: $0.66m) and long-term con-

margin training and other consultancy income, gives us 

tract  liabilities  to  $0.21m  (2019:  $0.27m)  as  the  per-

a  sound  platform  from  which  to  build.  Given  the  geo-

formance  conditions  in  the  underlying  contracts  were 

graphic spread of the Group, Brexit had little or no ef-

fect and, whilst we continue to stay abreast of any de-

velopments, we do not anticipate any material impact 

arising from the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agree-

ment.  Whilst  COVID-19  provides  a  continuing  cause 

for caution  across the world, the  Group  has  made an 

excellent  start  to  the  year,  with  a  material  proportion 

of the expected revenues for the year underpinned by 

recurring and repeating revenue with significant further 

change request and other contracts added in the first 

quarter. The Board therefore remains optimistic that the 

Group is on track to deliver a strong year of growth.

Nic Hellyer

Finance Director

11 April 2021

satisfied.

Statement of Cash Flows

Cash flow and financing

Cash  generated  by  operations  before  tax  payments 

amounted to $2.60m (2019: $1.75m), largely resulting 

from  the  realisation  of  trade  receivables  (net  working 

capital inflow of c. $2.2m). As the Group transitions to 

a recurring revenue model, more contracts and hence 

revenue will be on a quarterly or even monthly billing 

cycle and hence we would expect this trend to contin-

ue.

During  the  year  the  Group  secured  financing  of  ap-

proximately  $0.8m  (on  a  term  basis  over  6  years)  in 

order  to  match  fund  the  cost  of  hardware  associated 

with the major managed services contract announced 

in  December  2019.  In  addition,  the  FY19  year  end 

overdraft of $0.17m was repaid. In August the Group 

raised c. $2.6m net of expenses by way of an equity 

placing.  This  has  supported  the  Group’s  expansion, 

both in terms of recruitment (in particular in sales) and 

working capital generally. 

Net  of  expenditure  on  intangibles  (principally  devel-

opment  costs  of  $2.8m)  and  the  hardware  referred 

to above, the Group had closing gross cash of $1.8m 

(2019: $1.1m). Borrowings amounted to $1.4m (2019: 

$0.6m) excluding amounts relating to lease liabilities.

ANNUAL REPORT

37

The s172 Statement that is required to be covered in the Strategic Report is included in the Corporate Governance 

review on pages 47 and 49 and is hereby incorporated within the Strategic Report by reference.

The Strategic Report was approved by the Board of Directors on 11 April 2021

On behalf of the Board

Subash Menon

11 April 2021

Nic Hellyer

11 April 2021

38

ANNUAL REPORT

Corporate Governance Review  

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Executive Directors

Non-executive Directors

Subash Menon - Managing Director, 

CEO and Co-Founder

Richard Day – Chairman (i)(ii)(iii)

Subash  co-founded  the  Group  in April  2013.  Prior  to 

Pelatro,  Subash  was  the  CEO  and  founder  of  Subex 

Limited  (“Subex”),  a  company  he  transformed  from  a 

systems  integrator  in  telecoms  hardware  to  a  glob-

al  leader  in  Telco  software  for  business  optimisation. 

Subash also guided Subex through a successful IPO in 

India (NSE and BSE) in 1999 and through seven acqui-

sitions in the UK, US and Canada, driving revenues to 

in excess of US$100m, prior to leaving Subex in 2012.

Sudeesh Yezhuvath

COO and Co-Founder

Richard has significant board and business experience 

from  a  number  of  companies,  both  publicly  quoted 

and private. He is a qualified solicitor and a Chartered 

Member of the Securities Institute. Richard co-founded 

institutional  brokers Arden  Partners  in  2002  and  was 

instrumental in growing their corporate offering as well 

as their admission to AIM in 2006. Richard is current-

ly a director of EGS Energy Limited and Chairman of 

their special purpose vehicle Eden Geothermal Limit-

ed, which has secured funding to develop and operate 

their  deep  geothermal  site  in  Cornwall.  He  is  also  a 

director  of Alchemac  Limited,  a  UK  company  with  an 

aggregates quarrying business in Southern India.

Sudeesh co-founded the Group with Subash in 2013. 

Pieter Christiaan Verkade (i)(ii)(iii)

Sudeesh  joined  Subash  at  Subex  in  1993,  where  he 

worked as a Sales Engineer. There, he progressed to 

a board Director and Chief Operating Officer. Sudeesh 

left  Subex  in  2012,  by  which  time  it  had  grown  to  be 

a  global  leader  with  over  200  telco  operators,  across 

more than 70 countries.

Nic Hellyer, FCA 

Finance Director

Nic  is  a  Chartered  Accountant  who  brings  extensive 

board level experience from his 25 years in investment 

banking.  Nic  spent  the  majority  of  his  banking  career 

at UBS and HSBC, advising on a wide range of trans-

actions including public takeovers, private M&A, IPOs 

Pieter serves as an executive director on the board of 

Discover  Digital  International,  responsible  for  Market-

ing and Sales, and is Chairman and Co-Founder of Viva 

Africa, an African content aggregator and producer for 

video, a role he has held since February 2016. In addi-

tion, he is Chairman for Andocure (Mobile Advertising) 

and UNBOX (behavioural solutions). He was the Chief 

Commercial  Officer  for  Unitel  in  Angola  from  August 

2017 to August 2019. Prior to this, Pieter spent sixteen 

years working in numerous board level roles, varying 

from CFO, CMO, CCO to CEO for various companies 

within the telecommunications industry. These includ-

ed Telenor International, Orange and MTN, where he 

was  Group  Chief  Commercial  Officer,  working  across 

and  other  equity  fund  raisings.  Nic  joined  Pelatro  in 

both Europe and Africa.

2017  prior  to  the  IPO  of  the  Group  in  December  that 

(i)    Member of Audit Committee

year. He is also part-time CFO of Byotrol plc, a biocidal 

(ii)   Member of Remuneration Committee

products company which is also quoted on AIM.

(iii)  Member of Nomination Committee

 
 
ANNUAL REPORT

39

Statement of compliance with the 
2018 QCA Corporate Governance 
Code

QCA principles

SECTION 1: DELIVER GROWTH

Chairman’s introduction

High  standards  of  corporate  governance  are  a  key 

priority  for  the  Board  of  Pelatro  and,  in  line  with  the 

London  Stock  Exchange’s  changes  to  the AIM  Rules 

requiring all AIM-quoted companies to adopt and com-

ply with a recognised corporate governance code, the 

Board has adopted the 2019 Quoted Companies Alli-

ance  Corporate  Governance  Code  (the  “QCA  Code”) 

as the basis of the Group’s governance framework. It is 

the responsibility of the Board to ensure that the Group 

is managed for the long-term benefit of all sharehold-

ers  and  stakeholders,  with  effective  and  efficient  de-

cision-making.  Corporate  governance  is  an  important 

aspect  of  this,  reducing  risk  and  adding  value  to  the 

Group’s business.

The QCA Code is constructed around ten broad prin-

ciples  and  a  set  of  disclosures.  The  QCA  has  stated 

what  it  considers  to  be  appropriate  arrangements  for 

growing companies and asks companies to provide an 

explanation about how they are meeting the principles 

through  the  prescribed  disclosures.  We  have  consid-

ered how we apply each principle to the extent that the 

Board  judges  these  to  be  appropriate  in  the  circum-

stances,  and  below  we  provide  an  explanation  of  the 

approach taken in relation to each. The Board consid-

ers that it has complied with the principles of the QCA 

Code.

Richard Day

Non-Executive Chairman

Principle 1: Establish a strategy and business mod-

el which promote long-term value for shareholders

As  evidenced  by  continuing  progress  in  winning  con-

tracts  from  new  customers  as  well  as  new  business 

from existing customers, Pelatro has an increasing rep-

utation in the MultiChannel Marketing software space. 

To  deliver  this  growth  and  hence  promote  long-term 

value  for  shareholders,  the  Board  established  a  clear 

three-pronged  strategy  and  business  model  when  the 

Group floated on the AIM market in 2017 and identified 

the following key areas of operation to focus on improv-

ing on the Group’s performance:

Sales strategy, which encompasses all critical areas 

progressively to open up new vistas and enable the 

Group  to  address  larger  market  opportunities  while 

positioning it as a key player in its chosen space

Diversification  strategy  to  offer  complementary  ser-

vices

Acquisition-led growth strategy where and when ap-

propriate to expand the business model.

A  fuller  explanation  of  how  the  strategy  and  business 

model  have  been  executed  is  contained  in  both  the 

Company’s Admission Document dated 13th December 

2017 and Placing Circular dated 30th July 2018 (which 

documents  are  available  to  download  from  the  Group 

website). As discussed further in the Managing Direc-

tor’s statement this strategy has been evolving, in line 

with  our  growing  business  and  changing  operational 

landscape  and  we  have  moved  from  a  predominantly 

licence fee model to one now of more annual recurring 

revenues. This helps us work more closely in partner-

ship with our telco customers and is giving us greater 

financial visibility over the longer term.

40

ANNUAL REPORT

Principle  2:  Seek  to  understand  and  meet  share-

encouraged  to  contact  the  company  directly  with  any 

holder needs and expectations

enquiries  they  may  have.  Private  shareholder  events 

are usually attended by the CEO and Finance Director, 

Introduction

as well as the Chairman. 

The  Company  remains  committed  to  listening  and 

Analyst research

communicating openly with its shareholders to ensure 

that its strategy, business model and performance are 

The  Group  has  not  commissioned  any  “paid  for”  re-

clearly understood. Understanding what analysts and 

search from third party analysts and have no current in-

investors  think  about  us,  and  in  turn,  helping  these 

tention of doing so. The Company’s broker Cenkos and 

audiences  understand  our  business,  is  a  key  part  of 

equity  data  distributor  Proquote  produce  research  on 

driving our business forward and we actively seek di-

the  Group  which  is  freely  available  from  their  internet 

alogue  with  the  market.  We  do  so  via  investor  road-

portal, linked via the “Investors” section of the Pelatro 

shows, attending investor conferences, hosting capital 

website.

markets days and our regular reporting, remotely when 

necessary.

Report and accounts

Institutional shareholders

The Board has ultimate responsibility for reviewing and 

approving the Annual Report and Accounts and it has 

The Directors actively seek to build a relationship with 

considered  and  endorsed  the  arrangements  for  their 

institutional  shareholders.  Shareholder  relations  are 

preparation, under the guidance of its audit committee. 

managed by the Chief Executive Officer and Finance 

The Directors confirm that the Annual Report and Ac-

Director who make presentations to institutional share-

counts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and under-

holders and analysts regularly following the release of 

standable  and  provides  the  information  necessary  for 

the  full-year  and  half-year  results,  as  well  as  for  any 

shareholders  to  assess  the  Group’s  position  and  per-

significant strategic developments. The non-executive 

formance, business model and strategy.

Chairman  and  non-executive  Director  are  also  avail-

able to meet investors, whenever required.

The Board

Private shareholders

At  every  Board  meeting,  the  Chief  Executive  Officer 

and  the  Finance  Director  provide  a  summary  of  the 

In  normal  times  private  shareholders  have  had  ac-

content of any engagement they have had with inves-

cess  to  Pelatro  presentations  through  various  inves-

tors to ensure that major shareholders’ views are com-

tor events throughout the year which they can attend; 

municated to the Board as a whole. The Board is also 

whilst this has been curtailed in the last year because 

provided with brokers’ and analysts’ reports when pub-

of  restrictions  on  group  events,  the  Directors  plan  to 

lished. This process enables the Chairman and the oth-

address this in the coming year through online events. 

er Non-executive Director to be kept informed of major 

Private shareholders also have access to selected an-

shareholders’  opinions  on  strategy  and  governance, 

alysts’  research  which  is  made  available  to  them  by 

and for them to understand any issues or concerns.

Pelatro through the Group’s website. They are also

ANNUAL REPORT

41

The  non-executive  Directors  are  available  to  discuss 

The  Group  believes  that  having  empowered  and  re-

any  matter  stakeholders  might  wish  to  raise,  and  the 

sponsible employees who display sound judgment and 

Chairman  attends  meetings  with  investors  and  ana-

awareness  of  the  consequences  of  their  decisions  or 

lysts, as well as professional advisers, as required.

actions, and who act in an ethical and responsible way, 

Investors may also make contact requests through the 

Company’s broker.

Corporate Social Responsibility

is key to the success of the business.

Principle  3:  Take  into  account  wider  stakeholder 

The  Group  recognises  the  increasing  importance  of 

and  social  responsibilities  and  their  implications 

corporate social responsibility and endeavours to take 

for longer-term success

it into account when operating its business in the inter-

ests of its stakeholders, including its investors, employ-

Our wider stakeholder group includes our employees, 

ees,  customers,  suppliers,  business  partners  and  the 

customers, advisers and investors. Engaging with our 

communities where it conducts its activities.

stakeholder base strengthens our relationships across 

our stakeholder base and helps us make better busi-

The operation of a profitable business is a priority and 

ness  decisions  to  deliver  on  our  commitments.  The 

that  means  investing  for  growth  as  well  as  providing 

Board  is  regularly  updated  on  wider  stakeholder  en-

returns to its shareholders. To achieve this, the Group 

gagement feedback to stay abreast of stakeholder in-

recognises  that  it  needs  to  operate  in  a  sustainable 

sights into the issues that matter most to them and our 

manner  and  therefore  has  adopted  core  principles  to 

business, and to enable the Board to understand and 

its business operations which provide a framework for 

consider these issues in decision-making.

both  managing  risk  and  maintaining  its  position  as  a 

Employees

good “corporate citizen”, and also facilitate the setting 

of goals to achieve continuous improvement.

Alongside our shareholders, suppliers and customers, 

The  Group  aims  to  conduct  its  business  with  integri-

our employees are important stakeholders in our busi-

ty, respecting the different cultures and the dignity and 

ness and the Board therefore closely monitors and re-

rights of individuals in the countries where it operates. 

views the performance and satisfaction of our employ-

The  Group  supports  the  UN  Universal  Declaration  of 

ees through regular dialogue and a regular appraisal 

Human  Rights  and  recognises  the  obligation  to  pro-

programme  as  well  as  other  feedback  it  receives  to 

mote universal respect for and observance of human 

ensure alignment of interests.

rights  and  fundamental  freedoms  for  all,  without  dis-

tinction  as  to  race,  religion,  gender,  language  or  dis-

Pelatro operates an Employee Share Option scheme, 

ability.

with options having been granted to some 70 employ-

ees. The Group is still a young, dynamic business and 

Customers

is small enough to ensure that each employee is able 

to meet with management at any time to discuss busi-

Our success and competitive advantage are dependent 

ness-related issues.

upon fulfilling customer requirements. The longevity of 

customer relationships is a key part of our strategy, and 

an understanding of current and emerging 

42

ANNUAL REPORT

requirements of customers enables us to develop new 

issues so as to ensure that any adverse effects on the 

and enhanced services, together with software to sup-

environment  are  minimised.  It  strives  to  provide  and 

port the fulfilment of those services. The Group encour-

maintain  safe  and  healthy  working  conditions,  and  to 

ages feedback from its customers through engagement 

keep its entire staff informed of its environmental policy 

with  individual  customers  throughout  a  project.    The 

whilst encouraging them to consider environmental is-

number  of  customers  has  been  growing  significantly 

sues as an everyday part of their role.

over recent years, but the overall number of customers 

still  allows  us  to  have  regular  interface  with  custom-

The  Group  presents  an  Environmental,  Social  and 

ers and ensure their needs are appreciated. The team 

Governance Report elsewhere in this Annual Report.

holds periodic meetings with every customer to under-

stand  and  resolve  their  “pain  points”  while  collecting 

Principle 4: Embed effective risk management, con-

valuable feedback on all aspects of business such as 

sidering  both  opportunities  and  threats,  through-

product features, quality of delivery, support and so on.

out the organisation

Health and Safety

The  Board  has  overall  responsibility  for  the  Group’s 

internal control systems and for monitoring their effec-

The  Directors  are  committed  to  ensuring  the  highest 

tiveness.  The  Board,  with  the  assistance  of  the Audit 

standards of health and safety, both for employees and 

Committee, maintains a system of internal controls to 

for the communities within which the Group operates. 

safeguard  shareholders’  investment  and  the  Group’s 

The Group seeks to exceed legal requirements aimed 

assets, and has established a continuous process for 

at  providing  a  healthy  and  secure  working  environ-

identifying,  evaluating  and  managing  the  significant 

ment to all employees and understands that success-

risks the Group faces.

ful health and safety management involves integrating 

sound principles and practice into its day-to-day man-

The Board currently takes the view that an internal au-

agement arrangements and requires the collaborative 

dit function is not considered necessary or practical due 

effort  of  all  employees.  All  employees  are  positively 

to the size of the Group and the close day to day con-

encouraged to be involved in consultation and commu-

trol exercised by the executive directors. However, the 

nication  on  health  and  safety  matters  that  affect  their 

Board will continue to monitor the need for an internal 

work.

Environment

audit function.

Further details of the principal risks faced by the Group, 

together  with  their  potential  impact  and  the  mitigation 

The Directors are committed to minimising the impact 

measures in place, are set out in the section titled “Prin-

of  the  Group’s  operations  on  the  environment.  The 

cipal risks and uncertainties” in this Annual Report. The 

Group  recognises  that  its  business  activities  have  an 

Board believes these risks to be currently the most sig-

influence on the local, regional and global environment 

nificant with the potential to impact the Group’s strate-

and accepts that it has a duty to carry these out in an 

gy, financial and operational performance and ultimate-

environmentally responsible manner. It is the Group’s 

ly, its reputation.

policy  to  endeavour  to  meet  relevant  legal  require-

ments and codes of practice on environmental 

The Board considers risk to the business on an ongoing 

basis and the Group formally reviews and 

ANNUAL REPORT

43

documents  the  principal  risks  at  least  annually.  Both 

is summarised below:

the Board and senior management are responsible for 

reviewing and evaluating risk and the executive Direc-

Director

Board

Audit

Remuneration

tors meet on a regular basis to review ongoing trading 

Richard Day

performance, discuss budgets and forecasts and any 

Nic Hellyer

new  risks  associated  with  ongoing  trading,  the  out-

come of which is reported to the Board.

SECTION 2: MAINTAIN A DYNAMIC 
MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

Principle 5: Maintain the Board as a well-function-

ing balanced team led by the Chair

The Board is responsible to the shareholders and sets 

the Group’s strategy for achieving long-term success. 

It  is  ultimately  responsible  for  the  management,  gov-

ernance,  controls,  risk  management,  direction  and 

performance of the Group. The members of the Board 

have a collective responsibility and legal obligation to 

promote the interests of the Group and are collective-

ly  responsible  for  defining  corporate  governance  ar-

rangements.  Ultimate  responsibility  for  the  quality  of, 

and  approach  to,  corporate  governance  lies  with  the 

chairman  of  the  Board,  Richard  Day.  The  Chairman 

also ensures effective communication with sharehold-

ers and facilitates the effective contribution of the other 

non-executive Director.

The Board consists of five directors of which three are 

executive  and  two  are  independent  non-executives. 

The  Board  is  supported  by  three  committees:  audit, 

remuneration and nomination. Non-executive directors 

are  required  to  attend  all  Board  meetings  (usually  in 

London,  although  with  current  COVID-19  restrictions 

these  have  mainly  been  via  video  conferencing  host-

ed from London) and to be available at other times as 

required for face-to-face and telephone meetings with 

the executive team and investors. In addition, they at-

tend Board committee meetings as required. Meetings 

held during 2020 and the attendance of Directors

6

6

5

5

4

2

2

n/a

2

n/a

1

n/a

n/a

1

n/a

Subash Menon

Pieter Verkade

Sudeesh Yezhuvath

To enable the Board to discharge its duties, all Direc-

tors receive appropriate and timely information. Brief-

ing  papers  are  distributed  to  all  Directors  in  advance 

of Board and Committee meetings. All Directors have 

access to the advice and services of the Finance Direc-

tor (who is also Company Secretary): he 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.

The Board encourages the ownership of shares in the 

Company  by  executive  and  non-executive  Directors 

alike and in normal circumstances does not expect Di-

rectors  to  undertake  dealings  of  a  short-term  nature. 

The  Board  considers  ownership  of  Company  shares 

by non-executive Directors as a positive alignment of 

their interest with shareholders. The Board will period-

ically  review  the  shareholdings  of  the  non-executive 

Directors and will seek guidance from its advisers if, at 

any time, it is concerned that the shareholding of any 

non-executive  Director  may,  or  could  appear  to,  con-

flict with their duties as an independent non-executive 

Director of the Company or their independence itself. 

Directors’ emoluments, including Directors’ interests in 

shares and options over the Company’s share capital, 

are set out in the Report of the Directors.

44

ANNUAL REPORT

The  Company  has  adopted  a  code  for  directors’  and 

Principle 7: Evaluate board performance based on 

employees’ dealings in securities which is appropriate 

clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous 

for a company whose securities are traded on AIM and 

improvement

which is in accordance with Rule 21 of the AIM Rules 

and the Market Abuse Regulations.

The  effectiveness  of  the  Board  is  reviewed  by  the 

Chairman on an annual basis. As a quoted company, 

Principle  6:  Ensure  that  between  them  the  Direc-

we  have  an  obligation  to  keep  the  market  informed 

tors  have  the  necessary  up-to-date  experience, 

of  material  developments  and  hence  we  are  in  regu-

skills and capabilities

lar contact with our Nomad and Broker. As part of this 

The  Board  currently  comprises  three  executive  and 

on the effectiveness of the Board which they confirmed 

two  non-executive  Directors  with  an  appropriate  bal-

was  satisfactory.  We  asked  the  same  of  our  UK  law-

ance  of  sector,  financial  and  public  market  skills  and 

yers Memery Crystal and received similar confirmation.

yearly review, we specifically asked them their opinion 

experience. The skills and experience of the Board are 

set  out  in  their  biographical  details  above. The  expe-

As an AIM company, we are required to adopt a rec-

rience  and  knowledge  of  each  of  the  Directors  gives 

ognised corporate governance code and we have ad-

them the ability constructively to challenge the strate-

opted  ours  from  the  Quoted  Companies Alliance. As 

gy and to scrutinise performance. The Board also has 

a Board, we have also recently conducted an annual 

access to a network of external advisers and receive 

evaluation of the Board, led by the Chairman, in accor-

regular  briefings  on  legal,  accounting  and  regulatory 

dance with the recommendation from the FRC and with 

matters from these advisers where necessary to keep 

reference to the FRC guidance on the list of questions 

their skills and knowledge base up to date.

a board should be asking of themselves.

Executive  and  non-executive  Directors  are  subject  to 

We have three committees, being Audit, Remuneration 

re-election intervals as prescribed in the Company’s Ar-

and Nomination. Given the size of our board with only 

ticles of Association. At each Annual General Meeting 

two NEDs, the NEDs sit on each committee. Richard 

one-third of the Directors, who are subject to retirement 

Day is Chairman  of Audit and Remuneration,  and Pi-

by rotation shall retire from office. They can then offer 

eter  Verkade  is  Chairman  of  Nomination.  The  QCA 

themselves for re-election. The executive directors are 

consider it is unusual for the Chairman of an AIM com-

employed under service contracts requiring 12 months’ 

pany also to be Chairman of the Remco; however, this 

notice (by either party) in the case of Subash Menon 

was discussed with our Nomad and investors when we 

and Sudeesh Yezhuvath, and three months’ notice in 

floated in 2017. Richard Day is also a member of the 

the case of Nic Hellyer. The non-executive director and 

QCA group which recently produced the new version of 

the  Chairman  receive  payments  under  appointment 

the QCA Remuneration Code.

letters which are terminable on three months’ notice.

These  committees  are  required  to  act  independently 

of  the  executive  of  the  Board  and  indeed  may  need 

at times to be in conflict with the executive members. 

Because of the respective experience and qualities of 

the NEDs, they are considered by our Nomad to have 

sufficient qualities to fulfil these roles.

 
 
ANNUAL REPORT

45

Principle  8:  Promote  a  corporate  culture  that  is 

The  Chairman,  Richard  Day,  is  responsible  for  lead-

based on ethical values and behaviours

ership  of  the  Board,  ensuring  its  effectiveness  on  all 

aspects of its role, setting its agenda and ensuring that 

The Group adopts a policy of equal opportunities in the 

the Directors receive accurate, timely and clear infor-

recruitment and engagement of staff as well as during 

mation. The Chairman also ensures effective commu-

the course of their employment. It endeavours to pro-

nication with shareholders and facilitates the effective 

mote the best use of its human resources on the ba-

contribution  of  the  other  non-executive  Director.  Sub-

sis of individual skills and experience matched against 

ash Menon, as Chief Executive Officer, is responsible 

those required for the work to be performed.

for the operational management of the Group and the 

implementation of Board strategy and policy. By divid-

The Group recognises  the importance  of investing  in 

ing  responsibilities  in  this  way,  no  one  individual  has 

its  employees  and,  as  such,  the  Group  provides  op-

unfettered powers of decision-making.

portunities  for  training  and  personal  development 

and encourages the involvement of employees in the 

There is a formal schedule of matters reserved for de-

planning and direction of their work. These values are 

cision by the Board in place which enables the Board 

applied regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sex-

to provide leadership and ensure effectiveness. Such 

ual orientation or disability. The Group recognises that 

matters  include  business  strategy  and  management, 

commercial success depends on the full commitment 

financial reporting (including the approval of the annual 

of  all  its  employees  and  commits  to  respecting  their 

budget),  Group  policies,  corporate  governance  mat-

human rights, to provide them with favourable working 

ters,  major  capital  expenditure  projects,  material  ac-

conditions that are free from unnecessary risk and to 

quisitions and divestments and the establishment and 

maintain fair and competitive terms and conditions of 

monitoring of internal controls.

service at all times.

The  appropriateness  of  the  Board’s  composition  and 

In  regard  to  how  ethical  values  are  recognised  and 

corporate governance structures are reviewed through 

respected,  we  are  this  year  for  the  first  time  includ-

the  ongoing  Board  evaluation  process  and  on  an  ad 

ing a specific Environmental, Social and Governance 

hoc  basis  by  the  Chairman  together  with  the  other 

section in this Annual Report. We aim to conduct our 

Directors,  and  these  will  evolve  in  parallel  with  the 

business with integrity, respecting the different cultures 

Group’s  objectives,  strategy  and  business  model  as 

and the dignity and rights of individuals in the countries 

the Group develops.

where we operate. We support the UN Universal Dec-

laration of Human Rights and recognise the obligation 

Board committees 

to  promote  universal  respect  for  and  observance  of 

human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, with-

The Board has established Audit, Nomination and Re-

out distinction as to race, religion, gender, language or 

muneration Committees.

disability. All the board have a responsibility to ensure 

we follow appropriate ethical values. 

The Audit  Committee  has  Richard  Day  as  Chairman 

and has primary responsibility for monitoring the quali-

Principle  9:  Maintain  governance  structures  and 

ty of internal controls, ensuring that the financial perfor-

processes  that  are  fit  for  purpose  and  support 

mance of the Group is properly measured and reported 

good decision-making by the Board

on, and for reviewing reports from the Group’s 

46

ANNUAL REPORT

auditors 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. Pieter Verkade is the other member of the Audit 

Committee. A report on the duties of the Audit Committee and how it discharges its responsibilities is set out below.

The Remuneration Committee has Richard Day as Chairman, and reviews the performance of the Executive Direc-

tors, and determines their terms and conditions of service, including their remuneration and the grant of options, hav-

ing due regard to the interests of shareholders. The Remuneration Committee meets as necessary. Pieter Verkade is 

the other member of the Remuneration Committee. Details of the activities and responsibilities of the Remuneration 

Committee are set out below.

The Nomination Committee has Pieter Verkade as Chairman, and identifies and nominates, for the approval of the 

Board, candidates to fill board vacancies as and when they arise. The Nomination Committee meets as necessary 

and did not meet in the financial year 2020 as there have been no Board vacancies. Richard Day is the other member 

of the Nomination Committee.

The terms of reference of each Committee can be downloaded from www.pelatro.com

SECTION 3: BUILD TRUST

Principle 10: Communicate how the Group is governed and is performing

The Board maintains a frequent dialogue with all of its stakeholders, both in person and through formal channels 

such as the Annual Report (which, inter alia, contains details of the work of the Board and the various committees 

during the year) and the London Stock Exchange Regulatory News Service.  

ANNUAL REPORT

47

s.172 statement
For the year ended 31 December 2020

Companies Act 2006 s. 172 statement

The Board acknowledges its responsibilities under the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) and below sets out the re-

quirements of the Act and in particular section 172(1), and the key processes and considerations that demonstrate 

how  the  Directors  discharge  their  duties  and  promote  the  success  of  the  Company.  References  to  the  Company 

include the wider Group where relevant.

As noted in the Corporate Governance Report, the Board meet 6 times a year with papers circulated in advance to 

allow the Directors to fully understand the performance and position of the Company, alongside matters arising for 

decision. Each decision that is made by the Directors is supported by analyses of the possible outcomes so that an 

educated decision can be made based upon the likely impact on the Company, so a decision can be made which best 

promotes the success of the Company and what impact there may be on the wider stakeholder group.

Decisions of the Board take into account not just short-term, but also medium- and long-term consequences, which 

are carefully considered and balanced, having regard to the needs and priorities of the business, its customers, part-

ners, employees and other stakeholders. For example, the decision to prioritise recurring revenue contracts as op-

posed to license contracts, leading to a reduction in short-term revenue, was based on the view that this strengthens 

customer relationships, creates a more stable revenue stream and boosts the value of the business in the long-term.

Factors (a) to (f) below, are all taken into account during the decision-making process.

(a) The likely consequences of any decision in the long term

Supporting each key decision, the Board are given access to management papers which set out the potential out-

come of decisions. The papers include diligence on the financial impact via forecasts, as well as non-financial factors 

and how the decision fits with the strategy of the Company. Strategy is reviewed in detail each year at a Board “Away 

Day” (travel restrictions permitting) and this strategic thinking is intrinsic to future decision-making processes. Where 

appropriate, the Board will delegate responsibility to a sub-committee of Directors for areas such as M&A, investor 

relations and so on.

(b) The interests of the Company’s employees

The Directors actively consider the interest of employees in all major decisions. The Directors’ Report and Corporate 

Governance report set out in greater detail Pelatro’s policy towards its employees. Value is created through innova-

tion and customer service, which is a product of motivated employees. This year in particular has been challenging 

for all employees, both corporately and personally, and our efforts to address this are set out in the section entitled 

“Proactively managing human capital during the pandemic”. 

48

ANNUAL REPORT

(c) The need to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others

Pelatro’s success also depends on strategic relationships with key partners, customers and suppliers, so the Board 

maintains ongoing  oversight  of these. Management packs  report  to  the  Board  on the status of key relationships, 

which have Board-level engagement from an operational perspective through the CEO and the COO. Product per-

formance is constantly monitored, and customer feedback continuously captured through regular account meetings, 

which are always attended by management-level, and often director-level representatives.

(d) The impact of the Company’s operations on the community and environment

The Company takes its responsibility within the community and wider environment seriously and acknowledge that 

more can be done. Pelatro is a global company and has based itself in strategic locations for the long term.  The 

Company has a relatively low carbon footprint in terms of its operations, but acknowledges improvements can always 

be made, particularly as travel schedules can be extensive. In normal times employees typically would travel for three 

activities – sales, implementation and support. With regard to sales, whilst traveling is essential and much more help-

ful to progress various cases, video conferencing as a tool can replace physical meetings to a limited extent. With 

respect to implementation and support, the Company has always been keen to minimise the need for on-site activity 

to minimise costs, hence implementation and support processes lend themselves very well to remote handling; in 

fact the Group has managed successfully to transition almost entirely to remote implementation this year with a con-

sequent reduction of both costs and environmental impact. Further information on our environmental impact and the 

steps being taken to mitigate it are set out in our Environmental, Social and Governance report.

Pelatro seeks to make a positive contribution to its community, at local and global levels, and to minimize as far as 

possible its impact on the environment. Pelatro backs its employees’ interests in community activities, supporting 

them in terms of time to attend to these commitments and financial backing. Of particular note is the Group’s commit-

ment to employing graduates and others from local second-tier villages in India, hence enabling us to make a major 

contribution to the overall quality of lives of our employees which may otherwise be out of their reach.

The  Board’s  adoption  and  application  of  the  QCA  Corporate  Governance  Code  further  supports  these  principles, 

with more detail of the steps Pelatro has taken set out in the disclosures against the relevant Principles of the Code, 

which can be found in the section on Corporate Governance and on the Pelatro website at https://www.pelatro.com/

investors/corporate-governance/.

(e) The desirability of the Group maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct

The Directors and the Group are committed to high standards of business conduct and governance. The Group has 

fully adopted the QCA Corporate Governance Code. Additionally, where there is a need to seek advice on particular 

issues, the Board will seek advice from its lawyers and/or nominated adviser to ensure the consideration of business 

conduct, and its reputation is maintained.

ANNUAL REPORT

49

(f) The need to act fairly between members of the Company

The Directors regularly meet with investors and strive to give equal access to all investors and potential investors. We 

intend to enhance this contact this coming year by increasing use of online platforms giving private investors access 

to the management team.

Through  its  advisers,  the  Directors  seek  and  obtain  feedback  from  meetings  with  investors  and  incorporate  such 

feedback into its decision-making processes where appropriate. Where conflicting needs arise, advice is sought from 

the wider Board and, as necessary, from advisers. Through the careful balancing of stakeholder needs, Pelatro seeks 

to promote success for the long-term benefit of shareholders.

50

ANNUAL REPORT

Audit Committee Report
For the year ended 31 December 2020

Dear Shareholder

As Chairman of Pelatro’s Audit Committee, I present the Audit Committee Report for the year ended 31 December 

2020, which has been prepared by the Committee and approved by the Board.

The Committee is responsible for reviewing and reporting to the Board on financial reporting, internal control and risk 

management, and for reviewing the performance, independence and effectiveness of the external auditors in carrying 

out the statutory audit. The Committee advises the Board on the statement by the Directors that the Annual Report 

when read as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders 

to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.

During  the  year,  the  Committee’s  primary  activity  involved  meeting  with  the  external  auditors  Crowe  U.K.  LLP 

(“Crowe”), considering material issues and areas of judgement, and reviewing and approving the interim and year 

end results and accounts.

In addition, the Committee reviewed the audit and tax services provided by Crowe. The Committee concluded that 

Crowe are delivering the necessary audit scrutiny and that the tax services provided did not pose a threat to their 

objectivity and independence. Accordingly, the Committee recommended to the Board that Crowe be re-appointed 

for the next financial year.

In the coming year, in addition to the Committee’s ongoing duties, the Committee will:

• 

consider significant issues and areas of judgement with the potential to have a material impact on the financial 

statements, including impairments of the Company’s investments and technologies;

• 

keep the need for an internal audit function under review, having regard to the Company’s strategy and resources

ANNUAL REPORT

51

Audit committee and attendance

Objectives and responsibilities

The Audit Committee comprises Richard Day and Piet-

The  Committee  is  responsible  for  monitoring  the  in-

er Verkade. The Board considers that Richard Day has 

tegrity  of  the  Group’s  financial  statements,  including 

sufficient relevant financial experience to chair the Au-

its Annual and Interim Reports, preliminary results an-

dit Committee given that he has worked for more than 

nouncements  and  any  other  formal  announcements 

25 years in corporate finance, first at Cazenove & Co 

relating to its financial performance prior to release.

(now  JP  Morgan  Cazenove)  and  then  at  institutional 

The  Committee’s  main  responsibilities  can  be  sum-

stockbrokers Arden Partners plc, where he was Head 

marised as follows:

of Corporate Finance for most of his time there. He is 

a qualified solicitor and was chief financial officer from 

• 

to review the Company’s internal financial controls 

2015 to 2020 at iEnergizer Limited, quoted on the AIM 

and risk management systems;

market of the London Stock Exchange. Pieter Verkade 

• 

to monitor the integrity of the financial statements 

holds a Bachelor’s degree in business economics and 

and  any  formal  announcements  relating  to  the 

has held a number of controller and management ac-

Group’s  financial  performance,  reviewing  signifi-

countant roles in AT&T and Telenor, culminating in the 

cant judgements contained in them;

CFO role for KPN Orange in Belgium.

• 

to make recommendations to the Board in relation 

to the appointment of the external auditors and to 

The Committee is required by its terms of reference to 

recommend  to  the  Board  the  approval  of  the  re-

meet at least twice a year. During the year, the Commit-

muneration  and  terms  of  engagement  of  the  ex-

tee met twice. In addition, Nic Hellyer, Finance Direc-

ternal auditors;

tor, attended both Committee meetings by invitation.

• 

to  review  and  monitor  the  external  auditors’  in-

dependence  and  objectivity,  taking  into  consid-

eration  relevant  UK  professional  and  regulatory 

requirements;

• 

to develop and implement policy on the engage-

ment of the external auditors to supply non-audit 

services, taking into account relevant ethical guid-

ance regarding the provision of non-audit services 

by the external auditors; and

• 

to  report  to  the  Board,  identifying  any  matters  in 

respect  of  which  it  considers  that  action  or  im-

provement is needed, and to make recommenda-

tions as to steps to be taken.

The terms of reference are reviewed annually and are 

available  on  the  Company’s  website  at  pelatro.com/

investors.

52

ANNUAL REPORT

Significant issues considered during 
the year

During the year, the Committee:

• 

reviewed and approved the annual audit plan and 

met with the external auditors to receive their find-

ings and report on the annual audit;

whether there was any indication that those assets had 

suffered any impairment. The Audit Committee consider 

the key judgements to be the discount rate and growth 

rates used in the value in use calculations. Following a 

review  of  the  impact  of  the  sensitivities  performed  by 

management  on  the  discount  rate  and  growth  rate  in 

the value in use calculations, the Audit Committee con-

sidered that the rates used were reasonable and indi-

• 

considered  significant  issues  and  areas  of  judge-

cated no impairment.

ment  with  the  potential  to  have  a  material  impact 

on the financial statements, including impairments 

of the Group’s investments and technologies;

• 

considered  the  integrity  of  the  published  financial 

information  and  whether  the  Annual  Report  and 

Accounts taken as a whole are fair, balanced and 

understandable  and  provide  the  information  nec-

essary to assess the Group’s position and perfor-

mance, business model and strategy; and

The  Committee  also  reviewed  the  basis  of  capitalisa-

tion and considered the intangible value attributed to its 

intangible software development costs. The Committee 

was  satisfied  that  the  resultant  net  book  values  were 

appropriately prepared on a reasonable basis.

Going Concern

• 

reviewed  and  approved  the  interim  and  year  end 

The  Committee  reviewed  the  cash  flow  forecasts  for 

results and accounts.

the  Group  and  discussed  the  key  assumptions  and 

risks relevant to their achievement. The Committee was 

The significant accounting areas and judgements con-

satisfied that the basis for adopting the going concern 

sidered by the Committee were:

Recoverability of trade receivables

basis  in  preparing  the  Group  and  Company  financial 

statements, set out in note 3, was reasonable.

Alternative performance measures

The  Committee  continued  to  review  the  track  record 

of receipts from slow-paying debtors and sought regu-

The Group reports a number of performance measures 

lar updates from management as to the status of trade 

which are not in accordance with the reporting require-

receivables.  In  light  of  this,  the  Committee  reviewed 

ments of IFRS. The audit committee has reviewed these 

and  accepted  management  proposals  that  no  impair-

during  the  year  ended  31  December  2020  to  ensure 

ment of trade receivables was required (other than as 

they are appropriate and that in each case the reason 

required  by  IFRS  9)  and  was  satisfied  that  the  trade 

for  their  use  is  clearly  explained;  they  are  reconciled 

receivables balance was fairly stated.

to  the  equivalent  IFRS  figure;  and  they  are  not  given 

prominence over the equivalent IFRS figure.

Carrying value of goodwill and other intangible as-

sets

Risk review process

The Audit  Committee  reviewed  the  judgements  taken 

in  the  impairment  review  performed  for  each  of  the 

Group’s two cash generating units to determine 

The Audit  Committee  is  responsible  for  reviewing  the 

financial risks and the internal controls relating thereto 

but the Board as a whole has responsibility for reviewing 

the overall business risks and risk management frame-

ANNUAL REPORT

53

framework. The Group’s principal risks and uncertainties are set out in the Strategic Report together with mitigating 

actions and the internal controls and risk management procedures are summarised in the Corporate Governance 

Report.

External auditor

The Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the audit process in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019. 

In doing so, the Committee considered the reports produced by Crowe, met the audit engagement partner and dis-

cussed the audit with the Finance Director. The Committee continues to be satisfied that the external auditors are 

delivering the necessary scrutiny and robust challenge in their work. Accordingly, the Committee recommended to 

the Board that it is appropriate to re-appoint Crowe as the Group’s external auditors for the next financial year.

External audit and non-audit services

During the year, Crowe provided tax advisory services in respect of FY19. However, the Financial Reporting Coun-

cil’s Revised Ethical Standard 2019 became effective on 15 March 2020, and accordingly Crowe was precluded from 

providing such services in respect of FY20 and another firm was engaged by the Group in respect of those services.

Richard Day

Chairman of the Audit Committee

11 April 2021

54

ANNUAL REPORT

Directors’ Report
For the year ended 31 December 2020

Remuneration Committee Report

Dear Shareholder

As Chairman of Pelatro’s Remuneration Committee, I present the Remuneration Committee Report for the year end-

ed 31 December 2020, which has been prepared by the Committee and approved by the Board. As an AIM company, 

the Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations do not apply to Pelatro and so the report that follows is disclosed 

voluntarily and has not been subject to audit.

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining the remuneration policy for the Executive Directors, 

and for overseeing the Company’s long-term incentive plans. The Board as a whole is responsible for determining 

non-executive Directors’ remuneration.

In setting the Group’s remuneration policy, the Remuneration Committee considers a number of factors including 

the following

• 

• 

• 

salaries and benefits available to executive directors of comparable companies;

the need to both attract and retain executives of appropriate calibre; and

the  continued  commitment  of  executives  to  the  Group’s  development  through  appropriate  incentive  arrange-

ments.

Consistent with this policy, benefit packages awarded to executive directors comprise a mix of basic salary and per-

formance-related remuneration that is designed as an incentive. The remuneration packages comprise the following 

elements:

• 

base salary: the Remuneration Committee sets base salaries to reflect responsibilities and the skills, knowledge 

and experience of the individual;

• 

bonus scheme: the executive directors are eligible to receive a bonus dependent on both individual and Group 

• 

• 

performance as determined by the Remuneration Committee;

equity: share options (for non-founder executive directors); and

provision of car (leased or purchased), and company contribution into a personal pension scheme (in the UK 

only).

Purchased cars remain the property of the Group and the annual benefit to the individual comprises (i) the interest 

cost on the loan taken to fund the purchase; (ii) the depreciation on the vehicle and (iii) sundry expenses defrayed 

by the Group.

ANNUAL REPORT

55

Remuneration decisions for 2020

Notwithstanding the difficult trading conditions encountered this year from the COVID-19 pandemic, significant prog-

ress has still been made across the business. However, both Subash Menon and Sudeesh Yezhuvath declined to 

take a bonus payment this year, until the trading conditions we face are on a more normalised footing. A bonus was 

paid to Nic Hellyer in regard to significant progress made in aligning market expectations more in line with our evolv-

ing strategy of focussing more on annual recurring revenues. A payment was also made in respect of work undertak-

en outside the usual terms of his contract. No performance bonuses were granted during the year.

Richard Day

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

11 April 2021

56

ANNUAL REPORT

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their annual report on the affairs 

Reporting  Standards  (IFRSs)  as  adopted  by  the  EU 

of  the  Group,  together  with  the  consolidated  financial 

and applicable law.

statements  and  independent  auditor’s  report,  for  the 

year ended 31 December 2020.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the 

Principal activities

financial statements unless they are satisfied that they 

give  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  state  of  affairs  of  the 

Company and the Group and of the profit or loss of the 

The  Pelatro  Group  provides  specialised,  enterprise 

Group for that period.

class software solutions, principally through its flagship 

software suite mViva, to telecommunication companies 

In  preparing  these  financial  statements,  the  Directors 

(“telcos”),  who  face  a  series  of  challenges  including 

are required to:

market maturity, saturation and customer churn. Pela-

tro’s  software  enhances  the  telco’s  understanding  of 

• 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

its customers and hence its engagement with them, in-

them consistently;

creasing revenue enhancement, enabling smart pricing 

•  make  judgements  and  accounting  estimates  that 

bundling, predicting churn and plugging revenue leak-

are reasonable and prudent.

ages. The software can be extended further to enable 

• 

state  whether  applicable  accounting  standards 

data monetisation. 

have  been  followed,  subject  to  any  material  de-

partures  disclosed  and  explained  in  the  financial 

Pelatro is well positioned in the Multichannel Marketing 

statements; and

Hub space (MMH) - this is technology that orchestrates 

• 

prepare the financial statements on the going con-

a  customer’s  communications  and  offers  to  customer 

cern  basis  unless  it  is  inappropriate  to  presume 

segments  across  multiple  channels  to  include  web-

that the Company will continue in business.

sites, social media, apps, SMS, USSD and others.

Further information on the Group’s activities, its pros-

accounting records that are sufficient to show and ex-

pects  and  likely  future  developments  is  given  in  the 

plain  the  Company’s  transactions  and  disclose  with 

sections titled “Strategic Report” and “Financial State-

reasonable  accuracy  at  any  time  the  financial  posi-

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  adequate 

ments”.

tion  of  the  Company  and  enable  them  to  ensure  that 

the financial statements comply with the requirements 

Directors’ responsibilities

of  the  Companies Act  2006.  They  are  also  responsi-

ble  for  safeguarding  the  assets  of  the  Company  and 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual 

hence  for  taking  reasonable  steps  for  the  prevention 

report  and  the  financial  statements  for  each  financial 

and detection of fraud and other irregularities. They are 

year  in  accordance  with  applicable  law  and  regula-

further responsible for ensuring that the Report of the 

tions.  Company  law  requires  the  Directors  to  prepare 

Directors and other information included in the Annual 

financial statements for each financial year. Under that 

Report and Financial Statements is prepared in accor-

law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial 

dance with applicable law in the United Kingdom.

statements in accordance with International Financial 

 
ANNUAL REPORT

Website publication

57

The Directors at 31 December 2020 and their beneficial 

interests in the share  capital of the Company  were as 

The maintenance and integrity of the Pelatro Plc web 

follows:

site,  which  includes  compliance  with AIM  Rule  26,  is 

the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out 

Name of Director

Number of Ordinary 
Shares of 2.5p each

Options over Ordinary 
shares

by  the  auditor  does  not  involve  the  consideration  of 

these matters and, accordingly, the auditor accepts no 

responsibility for any changes that may have occurred 

Subash Menon 1

9,684,244

Sudeesh Yezhuvath 1

3,309,309

in the accounts since they were initially presented on 

Richard Day

the website.

Financial instruments

Nic Hellyer 2

Pieter Verkade

19,457

105,000

-

-

-

-

17,000

-

Information  about  the  use  of  financial  instruments  by 

the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  and  the  Group’s  fi-

1 held in the name of Bannix Management LLP

2 52,600 Ordinary shares held by his wife, Dr Fawzia Ali; a further 84,000 op-
tions over ordinary shares are unvested

nancial risk management policies are given in note 28 

No  changes  took  place  in  the  beneficial  interests  of 

of the financial statements.

the Directors between 31 December 2020 and 11 April 

Directors and their interests

2021.

The Directors who served during the year are as shown 

ber  2020  was  38p  and  the  range  during  the  year  was 

below:

27p to 70p.

The market price of the Ordinary Shares at 31 Decem-

Subash Menon                      Managing Director

Sudeesh Yezhuvath 

        Executive Director 

Substantial shareholdings

Richard Day 

                     Chairman

As at 11 April 2021, the Company had received notifica-

Nic Hellyer 

                     Finance Director

Pieter Verkade                      Non-Executive 

tion of the following significant interests in the ordinary 

share capital of the Company*:

In accordance with the Company’s articles Pieter Ver-

Name of Holder

Number of
Ordinary Shares

Percentage of Issued 
Share Capital

kade will retire by rotation at the Annual General Meet-

Bannix Management LLP*

12,993,553

35.1%

ing and, being eligible, will offer himself for re-election.

Chelverton Asset 

Management

Rathbones Investment 
Management

Herald Investment 
Management

1,725,000

1,615,626

1,561,986

4.7%

4.4%

4.2%

* Bannix Management LLP (“Bannix”) is the investment vehicle of Kiran Me-
non, Varun Menon and Sudeesh Yezhuvath, who hold shares in Bannix pro-
portional to the interests shown in “Directors’ interests” above

58

ANNUAL REPORT

Corporate governance

which is periodically undertaken by the Board

The Company has formalised the following matters by 

•  main control procedures, which include the setting 

Board resolution:

• 

• 

a formal schedule of Board responsibilities;

the  procedure  for  Directors  to  take  independent 

professional advice if necessary, at the Company’s 

expense;

of annual and longer-term budgets and the month-

ly  reporting  of  performance  against  them,  agreed 

treasury management and physical security proce-

dures,  formal  capital  expenditure  and  investment 

appraisal approval procedures and the definition of 

authorisation limits (both financial and otherwise).

• 

the procedure for the nomination and appointment 

•  monitoring, particularly through the regular review 

of  non-executive  Directors,  for  specified  periods 

and without automatic re-appointment; and

• 

establishment of and written terms of reference for 

an audit, nomination and remuneration committees

Internal control

The  Board  has  overall  responsibility  for  ensuring  that 

of performance against budgets and the progress 

of development and sales undertaken by the Board.

The Board reviews the operation and effectiveness of 

this framework on a regular basis. The Directors con-

sider that there have been  no weaknesses  in  internal 

controls that have resulted in any losses, contingencies 

or  uncertainties  requiring  disclosures  in  the  financial 

the Group maintains a system of internal control to pro-

statements.

vide  its  members  with  reasonable  assurance  regard-

ing  the  reliability  of  financial  information  used  within 

Going concern 

the  business  and  for  publication,  and  that  assets  are 

safeguarded. There are inherent limitations in any sys-

tem of internal control and accordingly even the most 

effective system can provide only reasonable, and not 

absolute, assurance with respect to the preparation of 

accurate financial information and the safeguarding of 

assets.

The  key  features  of  the  internal  control  system  that 

operated throughout the year are described under the 

following headings:

• 

control  environment  -  particularly  the  definition 

of  the  organisation  structure  and  the  appropriate 

delegation of responsibility to operational manage-

ment

• 

identification and evaluation of business risks and 

control  objectives  -  particularly  through  a  formal 

process  of  consideration  and  documentation  of 

risks and controls

The Group’s business activities, together with the fac-

tors likely to affect its future development, performance 

and position are set out in the Strategic Report; the fi-

nancial  position  of  the  Group,  its  cash  flows,  liquidity 

position  and  borrowing  facilities  are  described  in  the 

notes  to  the  financial  statements,  in  particular  in  the 

consolidated  cash  flow  statement,  in  Note  23  “Loans 

and borrowings” and Note 28 “Financial instruments”.

The financial statements have been prepared on a go-

ing concern basis. Overall, the Directors are of the view 

that  the  Group  has  adequate  financing  to  be  able  to 

meet its financial obligations for a period of at least 12 

months from the date of approval of this annual report 

and financial statements.

 
ANNUAL REPORT

59

Events after the reporting date

Coronavirus/COVID-19

There have been no significant events which have oc-

Whilst  the  Group  suffered  some  impact  of  in-country 

curred subsequent to the reporting date.

restrictions during the year due to the coronavirus pan-

Research and development

lifted in the principal countries in which the Group op-

Details  of  the  Group’s  activities  on  research  and  de-

the part of our customers and the global rollout of vac-

velopment during the year are set out in the Financial 

cination programmes, means that the Directors consid-

erates. This, as well as a gradual “return to normal” on 

demic, such restrictions have now been partly or fully 

Review.

Auditor

er that coronavirus no longer presents a material risk 

to the Group.

Each of the persons who are Directors of the Compa-

ny at the date when this report was approved confirms 

that:

By order of the Board

• 

so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant 

audit information (as defined in the Companies Act 

2006) of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; 

and

• 

the  Director  has  taken  all  steps  that  he  ought  to 

have  taken  as  a  Director  to  make  himself  aware 

Nic Hellyer

of  any  relevant  audit  information  (as  defined  in 

Company Secretary

the Companies Act 2006) and to establish that the 

49 Queen Victoria Street 

Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

London

EC4N 4SA 

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in 

accordance  with  the  provisions  of  section  418  of  the 

11 April 2021

Companies Act 2006.

The  Directors  intend  to  place  a  resolution  before  the 

Annual General Meeting to appoint Crowe U.K. LLP as 

auditor for the following year.

Liability insurance for Company officers

As  permitted  by  section  233  of  the  Companies  Act 

2006, the Company has purchased insurance cover for 

the Directors against liabilities that might arise in rela-

tion to the Group.

60

ANNUAL REPORT

Independent Auditors’ Report 
For the year ended 31 December 2020

Opinion

•          the  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in 

accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  Companies 

We  have  audited  the  financial  statements  of  Pelatro 

Plc  (the  “Parent  Company”)  and  its  subsidiaries  (the 

“Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2020, which 

Act 2006.

Basis for opinion 

comprise:

• 

the Group statement of comprehensive income for 

the year ended 31 December 2020;

• 

the  Group  and  Parent  Company  statements  of  fi-

nancial position as at 31 December 2020;

• 

the Group statement of cash flows for the year then 

ended;

• 

the  Group  and  Parent  Company  statements  of 

changes in equity for the year then ended; and

• 

the  notes  to  the  financial  statements,  including  a 

summary of significant accounting policies.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied 

in  the  preparation  of  the  group  financial  statements  is 

applicable  law  and  International  Financial  Reporting 

Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied 

in the preparation of the parent company financial state-

ments is applicable law and United Kingdom Account-

ing Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 

101 Reduced Disclosures Framework (UKGAAP).

In our opinion:

• 

the  financial  statements  give  a  true  and  fair  view 

of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Com-

pany’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of the 

Group’s loss for the year then ended;

• 

the Group financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 

the European Union; 

• 

the  Parent  Company  financial  statements  have 

been  properly  prepared  in  accordance  with  UK-

GAAP; and

We conducted our audit in accordance with Internation-

al  Standards  on Auditing  (UK)  (ISAs (UK)) and  appli-

cable  law.  Our  responsibilities  under  those  standards 

are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for 

the audit of the financial statements section of our re-

port. We are independent of the Group in accordance 

with  the  ethical  requirements  that  are  relevant  to  our 

audit  of  the  financial  statements  in  the  UK,  including 

the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our 

other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 

requirements.  We  believe  that  the  audit  evidence  we 

have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 

basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have conclud-

ed  that  the  directors’  use  of  the  going  concern  basis 

of accounting in the preparation of the financial state-

ments  is  appropriate.  Our  evaluation  of  the  directors’ 

assessment  of  the  ability  of  the  Group  and  Parent 

Company to continue to adopt the going concern basis 

of accounting included the following procedures:

•  Obtaining the directors’ assessment of going con-

cern  which  covered  the  period  to  31  December 

2022 and included a range of scenarios

•  Evaluating the reasonableness of the assumptions 

used in the assessment including obtaining details 

of  the  latest  sales  pipeline  and  the  current  cash 

position

•  Considering  the  plausibility  of  potential  actions 

that the directors could take to preserve cash in a 

‘worst case scenario’ position.

ANNUAL REPORT

61

Based on the work we have performed, we  have not 

We agreed with the Audit Committee to report to it all 

identified any material uncertainties relating to events 

identified errors in excess of $2,400. Errors below that 

or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast 

threshold  would  also  be  reported  to  it  if,  in  our  opin-

significant  doubt  on  the  group  and  parent  company’s 

ion  as  auditor,  disclosure  was  required  on  qualitative 

ability  to  continue  as  a  going  concern  for  a  period  of 

grounds.

at least twelve months from when the financial state-

ments are authorised for issue.

Overview of the scope of our audit

Our  responsibilities  and  the  responsibilities  of  the  di-

Whilst the Parent Company’s activity and accounting is 

rectors with respect to going concern are described in 

in the United Kingdom, the main activity of the Group is 

the relevant sections of this report.

accounted for from its operating location in India.

Overview of our audit approach

In establishing our overall approach to the Group audit, 

Materiality

we determined the type of work that needed to be under-

taken at each of the components by us, as the primary 

audit engagement team. For the full scope components 

In  planning  and  performing  our  audit  we  applied  the 

in  Singapore  and  India  where  the  finance  functions 

concept of materiality. An item is considered  material 

were carried out in India work was performed by a local 

if it could reasonably be expected to change the eco-

audit team in India under our direction. The local audit 

nomic decisions of a user of the financial statements. 

team were from a Crowe Global network firm. We de-

We  used  the  concept  of  materiality  to  both  focus  our 

termined the appropriate level of involvement to enable 

testing  and  to  evaluate  the  impact  of  misstatements 

us to determine that sufficient audit evidence had been 

identified.

obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group as a 

whole. We discussed the risks of material misstatement 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined 

with the subcontracting auditor.

overall  materiality  for  the  Group  financial  statements 

as a whole to be $80,000, based on approximately 5% 

The  primary  team  led  by  the  Senior  Statutory Auditor 

of group adjusted operating loss, a key reporting metric 

was  ultimately  responsible  for  the  scope  and  direc-

(2019: $90,000 based on 5% of group adjusted profit).

tion of the audit process. The primary team interacted 

regularly with the local team where appropriate during 

We  use  a  different  level  of  materiality  (“performance 

various stages of the audit, reviewed relevant working 

materiality”) to determine the extent of our testing for 

papers and were responsible for the scope and direc-

the audit of the financial statements. Performance ma-

tion of the audit process. As part of the audit and due to 

teriality is set based on the audit materiality as adjust-

COVID-19 travel restrictions the Senior Statutory Audi-

ed for the judgements made as to the entity risk and 

tor had meeting calls with both local management and 

our  evaluation  of  the  specific  risk  of  each  audit  area 

the local audit team. This, together with the additional 

having regard to the internal control environment.

procedures  performed  at  Group  level,  gave  us  appro-

priate  evidence  for  our  opinion  on  the  Group  financial 

Where considered appropriate performance materiality 

statements.

may be reduced to a lower level, such as, for related 

party transactions and directors’ remuneration.

62

Key audit matters

ANNUAL REPORT

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the 

financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement 

(whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the 

overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These 

matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion 

thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

We identified going concern as a key audit matter and have detailed our response in the conclusions relating to going 

concern section above.

This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

Key audit matter

How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit matter

Revenue recognition 

We  selected  a  sample  of  contracts  to  ensure  that  the  performance 

obligations had been correctly identified, the transaction price allocated 

The  Group’s  operating  revenue  arises  from  mViva  products. 

appropriately  and  evidence  existed  of 

the  satisfaction  of 

those 

Customer  contracts  can  contain  multiple  different  performance 

performance  obligations  before  revenue  was  recognised.  For  support 

obligations with different revenue recognition points. We considered 

and  maintenance  revenue  recognised  over  time  we  reperformed  the 

the  risk  that  the  incorrect  application  of  the  policy  could  result  in 

calculation  on  the  recognition  of  revenue  for  a  sample  of  contracts.

material  error.

Capitalisation of development costs

We  obtained  an  understanding  of  the  processes  and  controls  over  the 

recognition  of  research  and  development  expenses. 

As disclosed in note 18, the Group has capitalised approximately 

$2.9  million  of  development  costs  relating  to  the  development  of 

We  have  evaluated  the  appropriateness  of  the  capitalisation  of  the 

the  mViva  product.

development expenditure by discussing with management and obtaining 

We  have  focussed  on  this  because  research  and  development 

the  year,  we  challenged  management  to  ensure  that  the  developments 

represents  a  significant  part  of  this  business  and  judgement  is 

were capital in nature and did not relate to routine software maintenance. 

required  in  determining  the  appropriate  accounting  treatment.

As part of this work we met with the Head of Technology. Tests of detail 

a technical overview of the developments made to the mViva software in 

The  Directors  use  judgement  to  determine  whether  research  and 

included:

development costs should be expensed or whether they meet the 

• 

testing the allocation of overhead costs to capitalised development 

criteria  for  capitalisation. This  criteria  includes  assessing  whether 

costs  for  mathematical  accuracy  and  reasonableness  including 

the  product  being  developed  is  commercially  feasible,  whether 

challenging whether the overheads were directly attributable to the 

the  Group  has  adequate  technical,  financial  and  other  required 

software  development  and  agreeing  underlying  data  to  headcount 

resources to complete the development and whether the costs will 

information;

be  fully  recovered  through  future  sale  or  licensing  of  the  product. 

• 

On a sample basis, we tested the amounts allocated to development 

The  Directors  determined  that  the  development  costs  meet  the 

costs to underlying payroll records and invoices; and

criteria  for  capitalisation.

• 

Reviewing  the  pipeline  of  potential  work  to  assess  whether  the 

software  still  has  commercial  potential.

The  capitalisation  of  intangibles  is  included  within  note  4  as  an 

area of critical accounting estimate and judgement. The accounting 

policy for intangibles is outlined in note 3.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our 

opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

ANNUAL REPORT

63

Other information

Matters on which we are required to report by ex-

The  other  information  comprises  the  information  in-

ception

cluded in the annual report including the Strategic and 

In  light  of  the  knowledge  and  understanding  of  the 

Governance  reports  set  out  on  pages  7  to  59,  other 

Group and the Parent Company and their environment 

than the financial statements and our auditor’s report 

obtained in the course of the audit, we have not iden-

thereon.  The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  other 

tified material misstatements in the strategic report or 

information.  Our  opinion  on  the  financial  statements 

the Directors’ report.

does not cover the other information and, except to the 

extent  otherwise  explicitly  stated  in  our  report,  we  do 

We  have  nothing  to  report  in  respect  of  the  following 

not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 

report to you if, in our opinion:

our responsibility is to read the other information and, 

in doing so, consider whether the other information is 

• 

adequate accounting records have not been kept 

materially inconsistent with the financial statements or 

by  the  Parent  Company,  or  returns  adequate  for 

our  knowledge  obtained  in  the  audit  or  otherwise  ap-

our  audit  have  not  been  received  from  branches 

pears  to  be  materially  misstated.  If  we  identify  such 

not visited by us; or

material inconsistencies or apparent material misstate-

• 

the Parent Company financial statements are not 

ments, we are required to determine whether there is 

in agreement with the accounting records and re-

a material misstatement in the financial statements or 

turns; or

a  material  misstatement  of  the  other  information.  If, 

• 

certain  disclosures  of  Directors’  remuneration 

based  on  the  work  we  have  performed,  we  conclude 

specified by law are not made; or

that there is a material misstatement of the other infor-

•  we have not received all the information and expla-

mation, we are required to report that fact.

nations we require for our audit.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities  of  the  Directors  for  the  financial 

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Com-

panies Act 2006

statements

As  explained  more  fully  in  the  Directors’  responsibil-

ities  statement  set  out  on  page  63,  the  Directors  are 

In  our  opinion  based  on  the  work  undertaken  in  the 

responsible  for  the  preparation  of  the  financial  state-

course of our audit:

ments and for being satisfied that they give a true and 

fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors 

• 

the  information  given  in  the  strategic  report  and 

determine  is  necessary  to  enable  the  preparation  of 

the Directors’ report for the financial year for which 

financial  statements  that  are  free  from  material  mis-

the financial statements are prepared is consistent 

statement, whether due to fraud or error.

with the financial statements; and

• 

the Directors’ report and strategic report have been 

In  preparing  the  financial  statements,  the  Directors 

prepared  in  accordance  with  applicable  legal  re-

are responsible for assessing the Group’s and Parent 

quirements.

Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, dis-

closing, as applicable, matters related to going concern 

64

ANNUAL REPORT

and  using  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  un-

outcome.  Our  audit  procedures  to  respond  to  these 

less the Directors either intend to liquidate the group or 

risks  included  enquiries  of  management  about  their 

the  Parent  Company  or  to  cease  operations,  or  have 

own identification and assessment of the risks of irreg-

no realistic alternative but to do so.

ularities, sample testing on the posting of journals and 

reviewing accounting estimates for bias.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an 

unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some 

material  misstatements  in  the  financial  statements, 

even though we have properly planned and performed 

our  audit  in  accordance  with  auditing  standards.    We 

are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and 

cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all 

laws and regulations. 

These inherent limitations are particularly significant in 

the  case  of  misstatement  resulting  from  fraud  as  this 

may involve sophisticated schemes designed to avoid 

detection,  including  deliberate  failure  to  record  trans-

actions, collusion or the provision of intentional misrep-

resentations.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit 

of the financial statements is located on the Financial 

Reporting  Council’s  website  at:  www.frc.org.uk/audi-

torsresponsibilities. This  description  forms  part  of  our 

auditor’s report.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the finan-

cial statements

Our  objectives  are  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance 

about whether the financial statements as a whole are 

free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 

or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes 

our  opinion.  Reasonable  assurance  is  a  high  level  of 

assurance  but  is  not  a  guarantee  that  an  audit  con-

ducted  in  accordance  with  ISAs  (UK)  will  always  de-

tect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstate-

ments 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 de-

cisions  of  users  taken  on  the  basis  of  these  financial 

statements.

Irregularities, 

including 

fraud,  are 

instances  of 

non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design 

procedures  in  line  with  our  responsibilities,  outlined 

above, to detect material misstatements in respect of 

irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our 

procedures  are  capable  of  detecting  irregularities,  in-

cluding fraud is detailed below: 

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regu-

latory frameworks within which the company operates, 

focusing  on  those  laws  and  regulations  that  have  a 

direct effect on the determination of material amounts 

and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements. The  laws 

and regulations we considered in this context were the 

relevant  company  law  and  taxation  legislation  in  the 

UK and India, the Group’s primary operating locations. 

We  identified  the  greatest  risk  of  material  impact  on 

the  financial  statements  from  irregularities,  including 

fraud,  to  be  the  override  of  controls  by  management 

and the inappropriate use of accounting estimates and 

judgements  to  achieve  a  particular  financial  reporting 

ANNUAL REPORT

Use of our report 

65

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the 

Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those 

matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted 

by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members 

as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Matthew Stallabrass (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of 

Crowe U.K. LLP

Statutory Auditor

London

11 April 2021

66

ANNUAL REPORT

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Revenue

Cost of sales and provision of services

Gross profit

Adjusted administrative expenses

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)

Exceptional items

Amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles

Share-based payments

Operating profit/(loss)

Finance income

Finance expense

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Income tax expense

PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT

Other comprehensive income/(expense):

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

Earnings per share

Note

5

6

7

18

11

12

13

14

2020

$’000
(audited)

4,020

(1,710)

2019

$’000
(audited)

6,667

(999)

_______

_______

2,310

5,668

(3,647)

_______

(1,337)

149

(686)

(32)

_______

(1,906)

64

(240)

(4,048)

_______

1,620

236

(686)

(52)

_______

1,118

54

(164)

_______

_______

(2,082)

(375)

_______

(2,457)

1,008

(194)

_______

814

25

_______

25

(25)

_______

(25)

(2,432)

789

Attributable to the owners of the Pelatro Group (basic and diluted)

15

(7.2)¢

2.5¢

The accompanying notes 1 to 32 are an integral part of these financial statements.

  
 
ANNUAL REPORT

67

Group Statement of Financial Position 
For the year ended 31 December 2020

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Tangible assets

Right-of-use assets

Deferred tax assets

Contract assets

Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Contract assets

Trade receivables

Other assets

Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Contract liabilities

Long-term provisions

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Short term borrowings

Lease liabilities

Contract liabilities

Provisions

Other financial liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

Note

2020

$’000
(audited)

2019

$’000
(audited)

18

19

20

14

21

21

21

21

22

23

24

25

26

25

23

24

25

26

27

11,649

1,218

308

16

751

149

10,891

515

339

63

519

231

_______

_______

14,091

12,558

609

3,335

485

1,805

293

5,283

501

1,101

_______

_______

6,234

20,325

7,178

19,736

1,196

172

207

173

_______

1,748

1,093

244

174

495

163

-

362

187

274

124

_______

947

321

246

205

665

202

948

_______

_______

2,169

3,917

2,587

3,534

16,408

16,202

68

ANNUAL REPORT

Issued share capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent

Share capital

Share premium

Other reserves

Retained earnings

TOTAL EQUITY

Note

28

28

28

2020

$’000
(audited)

1,212

14,045

(583)

1,734

2019

$’000
(audited)

1,065

11,603

(643)

4,177

_______

_______

16,408

16,202

The financial statements of Pelatro Plc, registered number 10630166, were approved by the board of Directors and 

authorised for issue on 11 April 2021. They were signed on its behalf by:

Subash Menon (Director) 

                                                                                                  Nic Hellyer (Director)

The accompanying notes 1 to 32 are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
ANNUAL REPORT

Group Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit/(loss) for the year

Adjustments for:

Income tax expense recognised in profit or loss

Finance income

Finance costs

Depreciation of tangible non-current assets

Profit on disposal of fixed assets

Amortisation of intangible non-current assets

Fair value adjustment on contingent consideration

Share-based payments

Foreign exchange gains/(losses)

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

(Increase) in contract assets

Increase in trade and other payables

Increase/(decrease) in contract liabilities

Cash generated from operating activities

Income tax paid

Net cash generated from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Development of intangible assets

Purchase of intangible assets

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Payment of earn out consideration relating to prior period acquisition

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares, net of issue costs

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Repayments of principal on lease liabilities

Interest received

Interest paid

69

2019

$’000
(audited)

814

194

(11)

160

188

-

1,726

(236)

52

(8)

_______

2,879

(1,509)

(428)

103

701

_______

1,746

(334)

_______

1,412

(2,102)

(35)

(256)

-

_______

(2,393)

-

317

(313)

(171)

11

(93)

2020

$’000
(audited)

(2,457)

375

(20)

232

366

(10)

2,122

(149)

32

25

_______

516

2,229

(544)

676

(276)

_______

2,601

(339)

_______

2,262

(2,807)

(9)

(902)

(851)

_______

(4,569)

2,589

1,753

(919)

(171)

20

(185)

70

ANNUAL REPORT

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Net cash generated by/(used in) financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Foreign exchange differences

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Comprising:

Cash at bank and in hand

Overdraft

2020

$’000
(audited)

(16)

_______

3,071

764

(60)

1,101

_______

1,805

1,805

-

_______

1,805

2019

$’000
(audited)

(40)

_______

(289)

(1,270)

(20)

2,224

_______

934

1,101

(167)

_______

934

ANNUAL REPORT

71

Group Statement of Changes in Equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Share 
capital

Share
premium

Exchange 
reserve

Merger 
reserve

Retained 
profits

Total

Share-
based 
payments 
reserve

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Balance at 1 January 2019 as previously reported

1,065

11,603

(193)

(527)

Profit after taxation for the period

Share-based payments

Other comprehensive income:

Exchange differences

Transactions with owners:

Shares issued by Pelatro Plc for cash

Issue costs

Balance at 31 December 2019

Profit after taxation for the period

Share-based payments

Transfer on lapse of share options

Other comprehensive income:

Exchange differences

Transactions with owners:

Shares issued by Pelatro Plc for cash

Issue costs

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(23)

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

100

-

-

3,363

15,311

814

-

-

814

100

(23)

-

-

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

1,065

11,603

(216)

(527)

100

4,177

16,202

-

-

-

-

-

-

147

-

2,620

(178)

-

-

(24)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

(2,457)

(2,457)

98

(14)

-

-

-

-

14

-

-

-

98

-

(24)

2,767

(178)

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

Balance at 31 December 2020

1,212

14,045

(240)

(527)

184

1,734

16,408

Reserve

Sales

Description and purpose

Nominal value of issued shares

Software development

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value less associated costs

Support

Marketing

The difference arising on the translation of foreign operations denominated in currencies other than US 

Dollars into the presentational currency of the Group

Amounts arising on the elimination of the members’ capital in Pelatro LLC and its subsidiary on 

presentation of the Group results under merger accounting principles

Administration

Cumulative amounts charged in respect of unsettled options issued

All other net gains and losses not recognised elsewhere

The accompanying notes 1 to 32 are an integral part of these financial statements. 

72

ANNUAL REPORT

Notes to the Group Financial
Statements 
As at 31 December 2020

1. General information

measured  at  fair  value),  and  in  accordance  with  the 

AIM  Rules,  International  Financial  Reporting  Stan-

dards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union that 

are applicable to the Group’s statutory accounts, and 

the applicable provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

Pelatro Plc (“Pelatro” or the “Company”) is a public lim-

ited company incorporated and domiciled in England. 

Basis of consolidation

The Company’s ordinary shares are traded on the AIM 

market of the London Stock Exchange. These financial 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the 

statements  are  the  consolidated  financial  statements 

financial statements of the Company and entities con-

of Pelatro Plc and its subsidiaries (“the Pelatro Group” 

trolled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 

or the “Group”) and the company financial statements 

December each year. Pelatro Solutions Private Limited 

for Pelatro Plc. The financial statements are presented 

(“PSPL”,  the  Group’s  Indian  subsidiary)  has  a  statu-

in US dollars as the currency of the primary economic 

tory year end of 31 March, however, for the purposes 

environment in which the Group operates.

of  consolidation,  financial  statements  have  been  pre-

pared for PSPL as at 31 December 2020 on the same 

Pelatro’s  registered  office  is  at  49  Queen  Victoria 

accounting principles as for the rest of the Group.

Street,  London  EC4N  4SA  and  its  principal  place  of 

business is at 403, 7th A Main, 1st Block, HRBR Lay-

The Company controls an investee if, and only if, the 

out, Bangalore 560043, India.

Company has the following:

2. Adoption and impact of new and/
or revised standards

•  Power  over  the  investee  (i.e.  existing  rights  that 

give it the current ability to direct the relevant activ-

ities of the investee);

•  Exposure  of  rights  to  variable  returns  from  its  in-

One amendment has been adopted in the annual finan-

volvement with the investee; and 

cial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020, 

•  The  ability  to  use  its  power  over  the  investee  to 

but have not had a significant effect on the Group:

affect its returns.

•  Revised Conceptual Framework for Financial Re-

The  results  of  subsidiaries  or  businesses  acquired 

porting

3. Significant accounting policies

Basis of accounting

The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  on  a 

historical cost basis (except for certain financial instru-

ments and share-based payments that have been

during  the  year  are  included  in  the  consolidated  in-

come statement from the effective date of acquisition. 

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the finan-

cial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting 

policies  used  into  line  with  those  used  by  the  Group. 

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and ex-

penses are eliminated on consolidation.

  
 
ANNUAL REPORT

Going concern

73

When the consideration transferred by the Group in a 

business  combination  includes  assets  or  liabilities  re-

These financial statements have been prepared on a 

sulting  from  a  contingent  consideration  arrangement, 

going concern basis. The Directors have reviewed the 

the contingent consideration is measured at its fair val-

Company’s  and  the  Group’s  going  concern  position 

ue on the acquisition date and included as part of the 

taking  account  of  its  current  business  activities,  bud-

consideration transferred in a business combination.

geted performance and the factors likely to affect its fu-

ture development, set out in this Annual Report, and in-

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

cluding the Group’s objectives, policies and processes 

for managing its capital, its financial risk management 

Goodwill

objectives and its exposure to credit and liquidity risks. 

The excess of the:

Following  such  review,  the  Directors  are  of  the  view 

that  the  Group  has  adequate  financing  to  be  able  to 

meet its financial obligations for a period of at least 12 

• 

• 

consideration transferred;

amount  of  any  non-controlling  interest  in  the  ac-

months from the date of approval of the Annual Report 

quired entity; and

and  financial  statements. Accordingly  the  Group  and 

• 

acquisition-date  fair  value  of  any  previous  equity 

Company continue to adopt the going concern basis in 

interest in the acquired entity.

preparing these financial statements.

over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  identifiable  assets  ac-

quired  is  recorded  as  goodwill,  which  is  initially  rec-

Business  combinations,  goodwill  and  contingent 

ognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently mea-

consideration

Business combinations

sured at cost less any accumulated impairment. For the 

purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to 

the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the 

combination.  Cash-generating  units  to  which  goodwill 

The  acquisition  method  of  accounting  is  used  to  ac-

has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, 

count  for  all  business  combinations,  regardless  of 

or more frequently when there is an indication that the 

whether  equity  instruments  or  other  assets  are  ac-

unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the 

quired.  The  consideration  transferred  for  the  acquisi-

cash-generating  unit  is  less  than  the  carrying  amount 

tion of a business comprises the:

of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to re-

duce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to 

• 

• 

• 

• 

fair values of the assets transferred;

the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata 

liabilities to the former owners of the acquired busi-

on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the 

ness incurred;

unit. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the 

equity interests issued by the Group;

income statement and is not subsequently reversed.

fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a 

contingent consideration arrangement; and

• 

fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the 

subsidiary.

74

ANNUAL REPORT

Where  settlement  of  any  part  of  cash  consideration  is 

(iii) collection of the amount due from the customer is 

deferred  (whether  because  it  is  contingent  or  other-

reasonably assured

wise), the amounts payable in the future are discounted 

to their present value as at the date of exchange. The 

The amount which is recognised is the amount to which 

discount rate used is the Group’s incremental borrowing 

the Group expects to be entitled to in exchange for the 

rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing could 

goods or services transferred. Some contracts include 

be obtained from an independent financier under com-

multiple deliverables, such as the sale of hardware as 

parable terms and conditions.

Contingent consideration

well  as  software,  and/or  services  such  as  post-con-

tract support, and usually include installation services 

- typically, software installation could be performed by 

another party and is therefore accounted for as a sep-

Contingent consideration is initially measured at fair val-

arate performance obligation. Where contracts include 

ue at the date of completion of the acquisition and may 

multiple performance obligations, the transaction price 

be classified either as equity or a financial liability. The 

is allocated to each performance obligation based on 

accounting  for  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  contingent 

the  Group’s best  estimate of their  Standalone  Selling 

consideration  arising  on  business  combinations  that 

Price (“SSP”) notwithstanding any absence or contrary 

do not qualify as measurement period adjustments de-

allocation of total cost within a contract. Where this is 

pends on how the contingent consideration is classified:

not  directly  observable,  it  is  estimated  based  on  the 

best  available  evidence,  for  example  expected  cost 

• 

amounts  classified  as  a  financial  liability  are  sub-

plus margin.

sequently  remeasured  to  fair  value  at  subsequent 

reporting dates and the corresponding gain or loss 

Software licenses

is  recognised  in  the  Statement  of  Comprehensive 

Income

Revenue in respect of the sale of perpetual licenses for 

• 

contingent consideration that is classified as equity 

on-premise software is recognised on the later of the 

is  not  remeasured  at  subsequent  reporting  dates 

grant of the license or delivery of the software as ap-

and  its  subsequent  settlement  is  accounted  for 

propriate. Certain contracts provide for revenue which 

within equity

Revenue recognition

is contractually linked to the incremental revenue de-

rived  by  that  customer  from  use  of  the  software,  the 

amount being based on a pre-agreed share of that in-

cremental  revenue  which  is  recognised  at  the  end  of 

Revenue  is  measured  based  on  the  consideration  to 

each month (a “gain share” contract). Certain contracts 

which the Group expects to be entitled in a contract with 

may  provide  for  both  a  guaranteed  (usually  monthly) 

a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf 

payment over a period (typically 2-3 years) as well as 

of third parties. Each element of revenue (described be-

a  gain  share  component.  If  the  contract  is  a  “right  to 

low) is recognised only when:

use”  contract,  then  the  upfront  and  fixed  payments 

are  recognised  on  transfer  of  the  license  at  their  ag-

(i)  when  a  performance  obligation  has  been  satisfied, 

gregate present value using an imputed cost of funds. 

that is, a customer obtains control of a good or service;

A notional finance income recognised on the reducing 

(ii)  consideration  receivable  is  fixed  or  determinable; 

balance of the notional balance outstanding (which is 

and

recognised as a contract asset).

ANNUAL REPORT

75

Implementation services

Hardware

Revenue  in  respect  of  implementation  of  on-premise 

Revenue in respect of sales of third-party hardware is 

software is recognised on completion of the implemen-

recognised when goods are delivered.

tation.

Change Requests

ing Component

Interest income on contracts with a Significant Financ-

Revenue  in  respect  of  Change  Requests  (i.e.  formal 

Interest income is recognised on contracts with a Sig-

proposals from customers to change an existing sys-

nificant Financing Component as interest accrues using 

tem, product or service) is recognised on completion of 

the effective interest method. The effective interest rate 

the work necessary to implement the required change.

is the rate that discounts estimated future cash receipts 

through the expected life of the financial instrument to 

Professional services

its net carrying amount.

Revenue and profits from the provision of professional 

Cost of sales and provision of services

services such as managed services, training and con-

sultancy  are  delivered  under  a  “time  and  materials” 

The  cost  of  provision  of  services  includes  the  direct 

type  contract  and  are  therefore  recognised  rateably 

costs  of  consultants  and  employees  who  provide  ser-

over  time  and  based  upon  number  of  days  worked. 

vices,  support  or  maintenance  to  customers,  direct 

Revenue  from  this  revenue  stream  may  create  “Un-

sales  commissions  paid  to  third  parties,  and  certain 

billed  Revenue”  receivables  through  yet  to  be  billed 

third-party  software  licenses  which  are  integral  to  the 

time input and expenses at the reporting date.

performance  of  contracts.  Cost  of  sales  also  includes 

the acquisition cost of hardware resold to end custom-

Annual  support  and  maintenance  (also  known  as 

ers.

Post-Contract Support or “PCS”)

Leases

Revenue  from  support  and  maintenance  services  is 

recognised  rateably  over  the  period  of  the  contract. 

Applying IFRS 16, for all leases (except as noted be-

Revenue is recognised when the provision of support 

low), the Group:

and maintenance and completion of the performance 

obligations  are  carried  out  which  is  deemed  to  be 

(i) recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in 

evenly  throughout  the  term  of  the  contract.  Revenue 

the consolidated statement of financial position, initial-

from this revenue stream may create a contract liabil-

ly measured at the present value of future lease pay-

ity if contractually stated PCS income is lower than its 

ments;

SSP and an element thereof has thus effectively been 

included  in  the  license  fee  as  stated  in  the  contract. 

(ii) recognises depreciation of right-of-use assets, and 

A  contract  asset  may  be  recognised  if  PCS  income 

interest  on  lease  liabilities,  in  the  consolidated  state-

is  recognised  even  though  it  is  not  contractually  due 

ment of comprehensive income; and

and payable (for example when the first year of PCS is 

deemed as “free” to the customer).

76

ANNUAL REPORT

(iii) separates the total amount of cash paid in respect 

the  functional  currency  of  the  Company  and  the  pre-

of lease obligations into a principal portion and interest 

sentation currency for the consolidated financial state-

(both  presented  within  financing  activities)  in  the  con-

ments.

solidated statement of cash flows.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual 

Lease payments under (i) are discounted using the in-

companies,  transactions  in  currencies  other  than  the 

terest rate implicit in the lease, if that rate can be deter-

entity’s functional currency (foreign currencies) are re-

mined, or the Group’s estimated incremental borrowing 

corded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates 

rate. The finance expense is charged to the Consolidat-

of the transactions. At each balance sheet date, mon-

ed Statement of Comprehensive Income over the lease 

etary assets and liabilities that are denominated in for-

period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of in-

eign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing 

terest on the remaining balance of the liability for each 

on  the  balance  sheet  date.  Non-monetary  items  that 

period.  The  right-of-use  asset  is  depreciated  over  the 

are  measured  in  terms  of  historical  cost  in  a  foreign 

shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a 

currency are not retranslated.

straight-line basis. Additionally under IFRS 16, right-of-

use assets are tested for impairment in accordance with 

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of mon-

IAS  36  Impairment  of Assets. This  replaces  the  previ-

etary items, are included in profit or loss for the period. 

ous  requirement  to  recognise  a  provision  for  onerous 

For  the  purpose  of  presenting  consolidated  financial 

lease contracts.

statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s for-

eign operations are translated at exchange rates pre-

For short-term leases (lease term of 12 months or less) 

vailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense 

and leases of low-value assets the Group has opted to 

items are translated at the average exchange rates for 

recognise  a  lease  expense  on  a  straight-line  basis  as 

the period where it approximates the rates on the dates 

permitted by the Standard. This expense is presented 

of  the  underlying  transactions.  Exchange  differences 

within other expenses in the consolidated statement of 

arising, if any, are classified as equity and transferred 

profit or loss.

to the Group’s translation reserve.

Where lease-related expenses are directly attributable 

Share-based payments

to  the  cost  of  development  of  the  Group’s  proprietary 

software (as further detailed in Note 18), such expenses 

The  Group  has  applied  the  requirements  of  IFRS  2 

are capitalised in accordance with the Group’s account-

Share-based  payments  in  respect  of  options  granted 

ing policy relating to such development expenditure.

under  a  share  option  plan  for  senior  employees  dat-

Foreign currencies

ed  15  January  2019  (the  “Plan”)  and  certain  options 

issued  at  the  time  of  the  Company’s  IPO.  Under  the 

terms of both the Plan and the options issued at IPO, 

The individual financial statements of each Group com-

the Group is able to make equity-settled share-based 

pany are prepared in the currency of the primary eco-

payments to certain employees and a Director by way 

nomic  environment  in  which  it  operates  (its  functional 

of  issue  of  options  over  ordinary  shares.  Such  equi-

currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial 

ty-settled share-based payments are measured at fair 

statements,  the  results  and  financial  position  of  each 

value at the date of grant. This fair value is determined 

Group company are expressed in US Dollars, which is

as at the grant date of the options and is expensed on

ANNUAL REPORT

77

a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on 

Taxation

the Group’s estimate of the number of options that will 

eventually vest. A corresponding amount is credited to 

Any tax payable is based on taxable profit for the year. 

equity reserves.

Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the 

income statement because it excludes items of income 

Fair value is measured by use of a Black-Scholes mod-

or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years 

el  and  key  inputs  to  that  model  have  been  assessed 

and it further excludes items that are never taxable or 

as follows:

deductible. The  Group’s  liability  for  current  tax  is  cal-

culated using tax rates that have been enacted or sub-

• 

expected volatility was based upon historical vol-

stantively enacted by the reporting date.

atility  and  applied  over  the  expected  life  of  the 

schemes;

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recov-

• 

expected life was based upon historical data and 

erable on differences between the carrying amounts of 

was  adjusted  based  on  management’s  best  esti-

assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the 

mates  for  the  effects  of  non-transferability,  exer-

corresponding  tax  bases  used  in  the  computation  of 

cise  restrictions  and  behavioural  considerations; 

taxable  profit  and  is  accounted  for  using  the  balance 

and

sheet  liability  method.  Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  pro-

• 

risk-free rate was taken as the two-, three- and four 

vided  in  full,  with  no  discounting,  for  all  taxable  tem-

year UK gilt yields as appropriate for the expected 

porary differences; deferred tax assets are recognised 

life of the options concerned

to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will 

be available against which deductible temporary differ-

Proceeds  received  on  exercise  of  share  options  and 

ences can be utilised. Deferred tax is calculated at the 

warrants  are  credited  to  share  capital  (in  respect  of 

tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when 

nominal value) and share premium account (in respect 

the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred 

of the excess over nominal value). Cancelled options 

tax is charged or credited in the income statement, ex-

are  accounted  for  as  an  acceleration  of  vesting.  The 

cept when it relates to items charged or credited direct-

unrecognised grant date fair value is recognised in the 

ly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt 

consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income  in 

with in equity.

the year that the options are cancelled.

Such  assets  and  liabilities  are  not  recognised  if  the 

Where share-based payment expenses are directly at-

temporary difference arises from the initial recognition 

tributable  to  the  cost  of  development  of  the  Group’s 

of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in 

proprietary  software  (as  further  detailed  in  Note  18), 

a business combination) of other assets and liabilities 

such expenses are capitalised in accordance with the 

in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the 

Group’s  accounting  policy  relating  to  such  develop-

accounting profit.

ment expenditure.

Borrowing costs

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 

All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in 

will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be 

the period in which they are incurred.

recovered.

78

ANNUAL REPORT

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there 

Patents and licenses

is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax as-

sets against current tax liabilities and when they relate 

The costs incurred in purchasing licenses and estab-

to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority 

lishing patents are measured at cost, net of any amor-

and  the  Group  intends  to  settle  its  current  tax  assets 

tisation and any provision for impairment. Amortisation 

and liabilities on a net basis.

is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less 

its estimated residual value, over the useful economic 

Intangible assets

life of that asset as follows:

Development expenditure

Intellectual property/patents

over 10 years on a straight-line 

basis

Expenditure  on  the  development  of  the  Group’s  pro-

Licenses

over 5 years on a straight-line 

prietary  enterprise  software  where  it  meets  certain 

basis

criteria (given below), is capitalised and subsequently 

amortised  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  its  useful  life. 

Where no internally generated intangible asset can be 

Customer relationships

recognised,  development  expenditure  is  written-off  in 

the period in which it is incurred.

Customer relationships acquired are recognised as in-

tangible assets at their fair values (see note 18). Cus-

An asset is recognised only if all of the following con-

tomer  relationships  are  amortised  on  a  straight-line 

ditions are met:

basis over 10 years.

• 

• 

the product is technically feasible and marketable;

Impairment  of  tangible  and  intangible  assets  ex-

the Group has adequate resources to complete the 

cluding goodwill

development of the product;

• 

it is probable  that the asset created will  generate 

At  each  reporting  date,  the  Group  reviews  the  carry-

future economic benefits; and

ing  amounts  of  its  tangible  and  intangible  assets  to 

• 

the  development  cost  of  the  asset  can  be  mea-

determine  whether  there  is  any  indication  that  those 

sured reliably

assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such 

indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset 

Development  expenditure  is  amortised  on  a  straight-

is estimated in order to determine the extent of the im-

line  basis  over  4  years,  such  amortisation  being 

pairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not gen-

charged to profit or loss. Expenditure on research ac-

erate  cash  flows  that  are  independent  from  other  as-

tivities  is  recognised  as  an  expense  in  the  period  in 

sets,  the  Group  estimates  the  recoverable  amount  of 

which it is incurred.

the  cash-generating  unit  to  which  the  asset  belongs. 

An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is test-

ed for impairment annually and whenever there is an 

indication that the asset may be impaired.

ANNUAL REPORT

79

Recoverable  amount  is  the  higher  of  fair  value  less 

Financial assets

costs to sell and value in use. If the recoverable amount 

of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be 

Financial  assets  are  recognised  on  the  consolidated 

less  than  its  carrying  amount,  the  carrying  amount  of 

statement  of  financial  position  when  the  Group  has 

the asset (cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recov-

become a party to the contractual provisions of the in-

erable amount. Any impairment loss is recognised as 

strument. The Group’s financial assets consist of cash, 

an expense through profit and loss.

loans, deposits, and receivables and contract assets. 

Property, plant and equipment

The classification of financial assets at initial recogni-

tion depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash 

flow characteristics and the Group’s business model for 

Items  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  are  stated  at 

managing them. The Group has reviewed its business 

cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  accumulated 

model  for  its  financial  assets  and  has  concluded  that 

impairment  losses,  if  any.  The  cost  of  an  asset  com-

they are held for collecting contractual associated cash 

prises  its  purchase  price  and  any  directly  attributable 

flows.  Under  IFRS  9  receivables  and  contract  assets 

costs of bringing the asset to the location and condition 

(other than those which contain a significant financing 

for its intended use.

component)  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  and 

will subsequently be measured at amortised cost.

Depreciation  is  charged  to  profit  or  loss  (unless  it  is 

included in the carrying amount of another asset) on a 

The  Group  recognises  lifetime  expected  credit  loss-

straight-line basis to write off the depreciable amount 

es  (“ECL”)  for  trade  receivables  and  contract  assets. 

of the assets net of the estimated residual values over 

The  expected  credit  losses  on  these  financial  assets 

their estimated useful lives as follows:

are  estimated  using  a  provision  matrix  based  on  the 

Computer equipment

Over 3 years on a straight-line 

basis

Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for 

factors  that  are  specific  to  the  debtors,  general  eco-

nomic conditions and an assessment of both the cur-

Leasehold improvements

Over 5 years on a straight-line 

rent as well as the forecast conditions at the reporting 

basis

date, including time value of money where appropriate.

Office equipment

Over 5 years on a straight-line 

basis

Trade and other receivables and contract assets

Vehicles

Over 8 years on a straight-line 

These  assets  arise  principally  from  the  provision  of 

basis

sales of software and services and support and main-

tenance  to  customers  in  the  ordinary  course  of  busi-

The  assets’  residual  values  and  useful  lives  are  re-

ness. They  are  generally  due  for  settlement  between 

viewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting 

30 and 90 days and therefore are generally classified 

date. An  asset’s  carrying  amount  is  written  down  im-

as current other than where the terms of the contract 

mediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s car-

provide  for  payment  over  an  extended  period  of  time 

rying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable 

(in which case the relevant element of the receivable 

amount.

is classified as current and the balance is classified as 

non-current, net of an allowance for the time value of 

money). The timing of revenue recognition, invoicing

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ANNUAL REPORT

and cash collections results in both invoiced accounts 

is multiplied by the amount of the expected loss arising 

receivable  and  uninvoiced  receivables,  as  well  as 

from  default  to  determine  the  lifetime  expected  credit 

contract  assets.  Invoicing  may  be  implemented  (de-

loss  for  the  trade  receivables.  In  the  absence  of  any 

pending  on  the  contract  with  the  end  customer)  ac-

historic credit losses and the expectation of no specif-

cording to usage or upon achievement of contractual 

ic  losses  in  the  foreseeable  future,  the  Directors  as-

milestones.

sessed a hypothetical likely default amount by applying 

a percentage “probability of default” to the receivables 

Trade  receivables  are  recognised  initially  at  the 

balance, such probability being related to the underly-

amount  of  consideration  that  is  unconditional  unless 

ing  credit  rating  of  the  customer  or  country  of  origin. 

they  contain  significant  financing  components,  when 

Trade receivables and contract assets are reported net, 

they  are  recognised  at  fair  value.  The  Group  holds 

with  such  provisions  recorded  in  a  separate  provision 

the trade receivables with the objective to collect the 

account  with  the  loss  being  recognised  within  cost  of 

contractual cash flows and therefore measures them 

sales in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 

subsequently at amortised cost using the effective in-

income.

terest method, less provision for impairment.

Long-term trade receivables

Contract  assets  represent  amounts  relating  to  reve-

nue recognised at the date of the statement of finan-

Long-term  trade  receivables  represent  amounts  relat-

cial position but not yet due or invoiceable under the 

ing to revenue recognised at the date of the statement 

terms  of  the  contract.  These  arise  most  typically  for 

of financial position but not yet due or invoiceable un-

the Group either in (i) licenses of software where the 

der the terms of the contract. These arise most typically 

consideration is structured as an upfront payment fol-

for the Group as a result of the sale of licenses as an 

lowed by a series of additional payments, which may 

upfront payment followed by a series of additional pay-

comprise fixed sums or fixed sums plus sums relating 

ments, which may comprise fixed sums or fixed sums 

to some measure of (for example) sales made by the 

plus  sums  relating  to  some  measure  of  (for  example) 

purchaser  of  the  license;  or  (ii)  licenses  of  software 

gains made by the purchaser of the license. Such pay-

where payment for the aggregate consideration may 

ments may extend over several years. Under IFRS 15, 

be structured such that the initial consideration does 

if the contract is a “right to use” contract, then the up-

not fully reflect the SSP of the license.

front and fixed payments are recognised on transfer of 

the  license  at  their  aggregate  present  value  using  an 

Such payments may extend over several years. Un-

imputed cost of funds.

der IFRS 15, if the contract is a “right to use” contract, 

then  the  upfront  and  fixed  payments  are  recognised 

Contract fulfilment assets

on  transfer  of  the  license  at  their  aggregate  present 

value using an imputed cost of funds.

Contract fulfilment costs are divided into: (i) costs that 

give rise to an asset; and (ii) costs that are expensed as 

Impairment  provisions  for  current  and  non-current 

incurred. When determining the appropriate accounting 

trade receivables and contract assets are recognised 

treatment  for  such  costs,  the  Group  firstly  considers 

based on the simplified approach within IFRS 9 using 

any other applicable standards. If those standards pre-

a provision matrix for the determination of lifetime ex-

clude capitalisation of a particular cost, then an asset is 

pected  credit  losses,  which  assesses  the  probability 

not recognized under IFRS 15. If other standards are

ANNUAL REPORT

81

not  applicable  to  contract  fulfilment  costs,  the  Group 

Cash and cash equivalents

applies the following criteria which, if met, result in cap-

italisation:  (i)  the  costs  directly  relate  to  a  contract  or 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, de-

to a specifically identifiable anticipated contract; (ii) the 

posits  held  at  call  with  banks,  other  short  term  high-

costs generate or enhance resources of the entity that 

ly  liquid  investments  with  original  maturities  of  three 

will  be  used  in  satisfying  (or  in  continuing  to  satisfy) 

months or less, and – for the purpose of the statement 

performance obligations in the future; and (iii) the costs 

of  cash  flows  -  bank  overdrafts.  Bank  overdrafts  are 

are expected to be recovered.

shown within loans and borrowings in current liabilities 

on the consolidated statement of financial position.

The  assessment  of  these  criteria  requires  the  appli-

cation  of  judgement,  in  particular  when  considering  if 

Financial liabilities and equity instruments

costs generate or enhance resources to be used to sat-

isfy future performance obligations and whether costs 

Equity and debt instruments are classified as either fi-

are expected to be recoverable.

nancial  liabilities  or  as  equity  in  accordance  with  the 

substance  of  the  contractual  arrangements  and  the 

The Group’s contract fulfilment assets are due princi-

definitions  of  a  financial  liability  and  an  equity  instru-

pally to sales commissions payable to third parties in 

ment. The Group’s financial liabilities include trade and 

return for assistance in obtaining certain contracts. The 

other payables and borrowings which are measured at 

Group amortises capitalised costs to obtain a contract 

amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 

over  the  expected  life  of  that  contract  in  line  with  the 

Financial  liabilities  are  recognised  on  the  consolidat-

recognition  of  revenue  relating  to  that  contract.  Such 

ed statement of financial position when the Group has 

amortisation is included within cost of sales.

become a party to the contractual provisions of the in-

strument.

A capitalised cost to obtain a contract is derecognised 

either when it is disposed of or when no further econom-

An equity instrument is any contract which evidences 

ic benefits are expected to flow from its use or disposal. 

a  residual  interest  in  the  assets  of  an  entity  after  de-

At  each  reporting  date,  the  Group  determines  wheth-

ducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by 

er there is an indication that cost to obtain a contract 

the Group, such as share capital and share premium, 

maybe  impaired.  If  such  indication  exists,  the  Group 

are recognised at the proceeds received net of direct 

makes an estimate by comparing the carrying amount 

issue costs.

of the assets to the remaining amount of consideration 

that  the  Group  expects  to  receive  less  the  costs  that 

Borrowings

relate to providing services under the relevant contract. 

In determining the estimated amount of consideration, 

Interest-bearing loans are recorded initially at fair val-

the Group uses the same principles as it does to de-

ue, net of direct issue costs. Finance charges, includ-

termine the contract transaction price, except that any 

ing  premiums  payable  on  settlement  or  redemption 

constraints used to reduce the transaction price will be 

and direct issue costs, are accounted for on an accru-

removed for the impairment test.

als basis in profit or loss using the effective interest rate 

method  and  are  added  to  the  carrying  amount  of  the 

instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the 

period in which they arise.

82

ANNUAL REPORT

Provisions

Exceptional items

Provisions  are  recognised  when  the  Group  has  a 

Exceptional  items  are  disclosed  separately  in  the  fi-

present obligation as a result of a past event, and it is 

nancial  statements  where  it  is  necessary  to  do  so  to 

probable that the Group will be required to settle that 

provide  further  understanding  of  the  financial  perfor-

obligation.  Provisions  are  measured  at  the  Directors’ 

mance of the Company or the Group. They are items of 

best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the 

income or expense that have been shown separately 

obligation at the reporting date and are discounted to 

due to their nature.

present  value  where  the  effect  is  material.  Long-term 

provisions  are  those  provisions  where  the  settlement 

of the obligation is expected to be on a date more than 

one year from the reporting date.

4. Critical accounting judgements 
and key sources of estimation 
uncertainty

Segmental information

For  management  purposes,  the  Group’s  activities  are 

principally related to the provision of data analytics ser-

vices  to  customers,  and  all  other  activities  performed 

by the Pelatro Group are solely to support its primary 

revenue generation activities. All the processes are pri-

marily  subject  to  the  same  risks  and  returns  and  the 

Directors therefore consider  that there are no identifi-

able  business  segments  that  are  subject  to  risks  and 

returns different to the core business. As such, internal 

reporting provided to the chief operating decision-mak-

er  (“CODM”),  which  has  been  determined  to  be  the 

Board of Directors for making decisions about resource 

allocations and performance assessment relates to the 

consolidated operating results of the Pelatro Group.

The  preparation  of  financial  information  in  conformity 

with IFRS requires management to make judgements, 

estimates and assumptions that affect the application 

of policies and the reported amounts of assets and lia-

bilities, and income and expenses. The estimates and 

associated assumptions are based on historical expe-

rience  and  various  other  factors  that  are  believed  to 

be reasonable under the circumstances. However, the 

nature of estimation means that actual outcomes could 

differ from those estimates. Estimates and underlying 

assumptions  are  reviewed  on  an  ongoing  basis.  Re-

visions 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.

Accordingly,  the  Directors  have  determined  that  there 

is only one reportable segment under IFRS 8 and the 

financial information therefore presents entity-wide in-

formation. The results and assets for this segment can 

be  determined  by  reference  to  the  statement  of  com-

prehensive income and statement of financial position.

The  key  assumptions  and  critical  accounting  judge-

ments concerning the future and other key sources of 

estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have 

a  significant  risk  of  causing  a  material  adjustment  to 

the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the 

next financial year, are discussed below:

The Pelatro Group primarily serves customers in south 

and south-east Asia and Africa, with a developing pres-

ence in Europe.

ANNUAL REPORT

Revenue

83

Critical judgements

Estimates

Revenue  and  the  associated  profit  are  recognised  from  sale 

Estimates relating to revenue include the appropriate SSP for various 

of  software  licences,  rendering  of  services,  and  maintenance 

components of a contract, and in the case of contracts which have 

and support. When software licences are sold, the Board must 

a Significant Financing Component, the appropriate discount rate to 

exercise judgement as to when the appropriate point in time has 

apply to the payment profile in order to derive an appropriate present 

passed  at  which  all  performance  obligations  for  that  software 

value to record as revenue.

licence have been performed, at which point revenue in relation 

to  the  stand-alone  sales  price  (“SSP”)  of  the  software  licence 

A  number  of  contracts  entered  into  by  the  Group  during  the  year 

is  recognised.  In  many  cases  performance  obligations  do  not 

are  recognised  for  revenue  in  a  manner  which  differs  materially 

simply  follow  the  commercial  and  contractual  arrangement 

from the contractual terms; in certain cases this resulted in revenue 

agreed  with  the  customer,  in  some  cases  the  revenue  streams 

being recognised earlier than contractually due; in others it deferred 

are  combined  within  an  overall  commercial  arrangement. 

revenue after the date at which it was contractually due. The effect of 

Such  combined  circumstances  require  judgement  to  assess 

this is shown in Note 5.

performance  obligations  associated  with  each  revenue  stream 

and  further  judgement  as  to  when  and  how  such  performance 

obligations  have  been  discharged  in  order  to  recognise  the 

associated  revenue.  Furthermore,  agreements  with  customers 

may  include  multiple  performance  obligations.

Determination of the appropriate revenue recognition is therefore 

considered a critical judgement. The critical judgement includes, 

but  is  not  limited  to,  assessment  as  to  whether  a  performance 

obligation  has  been  satisfied  and  allocation  of  revenue  where 

such agreements involve more than one performance obligation. 

Assessment of performance obligations also involves determining 

whether  a  set  of  contractual  obligations  represent  distinct 

performance  obligations  or  whether  they  are  highly  dependent 

on, or highly interrelated with one another, and hence fall to be 

treated as one single performance obligation under IFRS 15.

84

ANNUAL REPORT

Capitalised development costs

Critical judgements

Estimates

Estimates  relating  to  capitalised  development  costs  include  the 

asset’s likely revenue generation and its applicable useful economic 

life.  These  estimates  are  continually  reviewed  and  updated  based 

on past experience and reviews of competitor products available in 

the  market.

Development  costs  are  accounted  for  in  accordance  with  IAS 

38 Intangible Assets, and costs that meet the qualifying criteria 

are  capitalised  and  systematically  amortised  over  the  useful 

economic  life  of  the  intangible  asset.  Determining  whether 

development costs qualify for capitalisation as intangible assets 

requires judgement, including assessments of the nature of the 

work  underlying  the  costs  carried  out  by  relevant  employees, 

estimates of the technical and commercial viability of the asset 

created, and its applicable useful economic life. These estimates 

are continually reviewed and updated based on past experience 

and  reviews  of  competitor  products  available  in  the  market.

Impairment reviews

Critical judgements

Estimates

The  Group  tests  goodwill,  intangible  assets  and  property,  plant 

The Group uses long-term forecasts of cash flow and estimates of 

and  equipment  annually  for  impairment,  or  more  frequently 

future growth both to value acquired intangible assets and goodwill 

if  there  are  indications  that  an  impairment  may  be  required. 

and  to  assess  whether  goodwill  or  intangible  assets  are  impaired, 

Judgement  is  required  as  to  whether  indicators  of  impairment 

and to determine the useful economic lives of its intangible assets. 

exist  and  hence  whether  to  perform  more  detailed  analysis  to 

Estimates  are  therefore  required  of  the  level  of  future  growth, 

evaluate  any  impairment  required.  Identifying  indicators  of 

resulting cash flows as well as an appropriate discount rate to derive 

impairment requires judgements to be made as to the prospects 

their  carrying  value.  Assumptions  regarding  sales  and  operating 

and  value  drivers  of  the  individual  assets.

profit  growth,  gross  margin,  and  discount  rate  are  considered  to 

be the key areas of estimation in the impairment review process – 

In valuing these assets and liabilities, judgement is required as to 

further  disclosure  regarding  such  estimates  is  made  in  Note  18.

the likelihood of occurrence of future events which will affect the 

value of such assets.

ANNUAL REPORT

5. Revenue and segmental analysis

An analysis of revenue by type is as follows:

The  Directors  consider  that  the  Group  has  a  single 

Recurring software sales and services

business segment, being the sale of information man-

Maintenance and support

At 31 December

agement software and related services to providers of 

telecommunication  services  (“telcos”).  The  operations 

of  the  Group  are  managed  centrally  with  Group-wide 

functions  covering  sales  and  marketing,  development, 

professional  services,  customer  support  and  finance 

and administration.

Total recurring revenues

Change requests

Total repeating revenues

Software – new licenses

Consulting

Resale of hardware

2020
$’000

1,528

1,323
––––––

2,851

426
______

3,277

698

45

-

85

2019
$’000

133

256
––––––

2,962

1,551
______

4,513

1,887

258

9

An  analysis  of  revenue  by  product  or  service  and  by 

geography is given below.

Revenue by geography 

4,020

6,667

Revenue by type

The Group has five principal revenue models, being:

1.  contracts  for  the  use  of  the  Group’s  software  on 

a  regular  (usually  monthly)  basis,  which  may  also 

provide  for  Group  employees  to  provide  related 

services the customer (“managed services”) and/or 

for the Group to take a share of the revenue gain 

achieved through use of the software (“gain share”);

2.  contracts  based  on  the  sale  of  perpetual  licenses 

for  use  of  the  Group’s  proprietary  enterprise  soft-

ware;

3.  provision of specific customer-requested modifica-

tions to Group software (“change requests”);

4.  provision of maintenance and support for the soft-

ware and its users; and

5.  provision of consultancy services and/or training re-

lating to the use of the software

The Group recognises revenue in seven geographical 

regions based on the location of customers, as set out 

in the following table:

At 31 December

Caribbean

Central Asia

Eastern Europe

North Africa

South Asia

South East Asia

Sub-Saharan Africa

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

145 

175

168 

64 

1,096 

2,372

133

256

91

135

1,791

4,181

- 
_______

80
_______

4,020

6,667

Management  makes  no  allocation  of  costs,  assets  or 

liabilities between these segments since all trading ac-

tivities are operated as a single business unit.

An analysis of revenue by status of invoicing is as fol-

lows:

At 31 December

In addition, the Group may, if required by the customer, 

supply appropriate hardware on which to host the soft-

(i) Revenue invoiced to customers under 
contractual terms

(ii) Revenue recognised under terms of 
contract but unbilled at period end (“UBR”)

ware, either for the account of the customer or (partic-

(iii) Net revenue recognised other than (ii)

ularly in the case of managed services) retained in the 

ownership of the Group.

Less: revenue recognised or to be 
recognised as interest under IFRS 15

2020
$’000

2,593

2019
$’000

2,619

1,232

3,947

239

(44)

3,947

(43)

_____

_____

Total revenue recognised in the year

4,020

6,667

86

ANNUAL REPORT

Customer concentration

PCS at other than a standalone selling price (“SSP”). 

The Group has three customers representing individual-

deemed  to  accrue  over  the  full  term  of  the  service 

ly over 10% of revenue each and in aggregate approxi-

provision (whether paid or otherwise) and, as far as is 

mately 53% of total revenue at $2.14m (2019: four such 

estimable, at a deemed market rate (i.e. the SSP). Ac-

customers, in aggregate approximately 67% of revenue 

cordingly, the financial statements reflect adjustments 

For  revenue  recognition  purposes  PCS  income  is 

at  $4.48m).  The  three  customers  accounted  for  reve-

to income:

nue of $0.89m, $0.63m and $0.62m respectively (2019: 

$2.02m, $0.82m, $0.81m and $0.79m).

(i)  to  accelerate  the  recognition  of  revenue  for  initial 

Revenue recognition

years  for  which  no  contractual  payment  is  due  (and 

consequent  adjustments  to  revenue  to  derecognise 

revenue in later years when contractual payments ex-

License revenue

ceed revenue to be recognised); and

As explained in Note 2, the Group recognises revenue 

(ii) to accelerate or defer the recognition of revenue in 

from the sale of licenses and the implementation of the 

cases where the contractual PCS charge is lower (or 

software  so  licensed  separately,  as  the  two  activities 

higher) than a market rate (the difference being netted 

represent distinct performance obligations. However, as 

off or added to the revenue recognised in respect of the 

implementation to date has always been carried out by 

license fee).

Group personnel and is usually viewed by the customer 

as an integral part of the license purchase, the two ac-

For the financial year 2020 revenue includes/(excludes) 

tivities are reported as one.

(i)  a  net  amount  of  $(101,000)  representing  income 

from  PCS  already  recognised  ahead  of  its  contractu-

Irrespective of the split between license and implemen-

ally  due  dates  (2019:  $104,000  recognised  ahead  of 

tation recognition, some contracts provide for fixed pay-

its contractually due dates), and (ii) an amount of $nil 

ments to be made by customers (usually monthly) over 

(2019:  $248,000)  representing  revenue  netted  off  li-

a given term (e.g. three or five years). Under IFRS 15, in 

cense income and allocated to PCS.

order to reflect the time value of money, such contracts 

are  recognised  (at  the  point  of  transfer  of  the  license) 

Remaining performance obligations

as the capitalised value of the income stream. In addi-

tion,  interest  income  accrues  on  the  credit  deemed  to 

There  are  certain  software  support,  professional  ser-

be  extended  to  the  customer  (on  a  reducing  balance 

vice,  maintenance  and  licences  contracts  that  have 

basis). For the financial year 2020 this figure amounts 

been entered into for which both:

to  license  revenue  of  $0.20m  and  interest  income  of 

$44,000 (2019:  $0.45m and $7,000).

• 

the  original  contract  period  was  greater  than  12 

PCS

Ancillary to a license sale, the Group typically provides 

five years of PCS but does not charge for the first year; 

similarly  in  certain  contracts  the  Group  may  provide 

months; and

• 

the Group’s right to consideration does not corre-

spond directly with performance.

ANNUAL REPORT

87

The amount of revenue that will be recognised in future 

Non-current assets comprise intangible assets, good-

periods on these contracts when those remaining per-

will, and plant, property and equipment.

formance obligations will be satisfied is shown below

Year to 31 December

2021
$’000

2022
$’000

2023-6
$’000

579

394

442

Revenue expected to be 
recognised on software and 
service contracts

Comparative figures for the year ended 31 December 

6. Operating expenses

Profit for the year has been arrived at after charging:

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

Amortisation of intangible non-current assets

2,122

1,726

Depreciation of tangible non-current assets

(Profit)/loss on disposal of Right to Use 

198

(10)

93

-

2019 were as follows:

assets

Year to 31 December

2020
$’000

2021
$’000

2022-5
$’000

595

461

522

Staff costs (see note 9)

1,787

1,503

Auditor’s remuneration (see note 8)

Short-term lease expenses

Realised foreign exchange (gains)/losses

41

23

3

41

23

(14)

Revenue expected to be 
recognised on software and 
service contracts

Costs  of  obtaining  and  fulfilling  contracts  of  $0.59m 

have  been  capitalised  in  2020  (net  of  amortisation 

against  revenue  recognised  in  respect  of  those  con-

tracts) (2019: $9,000).

Non-current assets

Information  about  the  Group’s  non-current  assets  by 

location of assets is as follows:

At 31 December

India

Russia

Singapore

UK

2020
$’000

1,208

25

5,516

6,426

2019
$’000

495

53

3,825

7,603

_______

_______

13,175

11,976

88

ANNUAL REPORT

7. Non-GAAP profit measures and 
exceptional items

Reconciliation  of  operating  profit  to  adjusted  earnings 

years relating to that grant; also the value of the share 

before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation 

option  to  the  employee  differs  considerably  in  value 

(“EBITDA”)

and timing from the actual cash cost to the Group.

Year to 31 December

Operating profit/(loss)

Adjusted for:

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

(1,906)

1,118

Amortisation and depreciation

2,420

1,915

Revenue recognised as interest under IFRS 15

44

43

Exceptional items:

 - gain on adjustment of contingent liability

(149)

(236)

Expensed share-based payments

32

52

Adjusted EBITDA

______

______

441

2,892

Criteria for adjustments to operating profit or loss in the 

calculation of adjusted EBITDA are that they (i) arise 

from an irregular and significant event or (ii) are such 

that the income/cost is recognised in a pattern that is 

unrelated to the resulting operational performance.

Exceptional items are treated as exceptional by reason 

of their nature and are excluded from the calculation of 

adjusted EBITDA (and adjusted earnings per share in 

Note 15) to allow a better understanding of comparable 

year-on-year trading and thereby an assessment of the 

underlying trends in the Group’s financial performance. 

These  measures  also  provide  consistency  with  the 

Group’s  internal  management  reporting.  Exceptional 

items in 2020 comprise the gain on the adjustment of 

contingent  liabilities  relating  to  the  final  earnout  pay-

ment in respect of the Danateq Acquisition.

Elements  of  depreciation  on  right-to-use  assets  rec-

ognised under IFRS 16 and share-based payment ex-

pense are deemed to be directly attributable overheads 

for the purposes of capitalising relevant expenditure on 

developing  intangible  assets  (see  Note  18).  The  fig-

ures above are shown net of amounts so capitalised.

EBITDA  (and  adjusted  EPS)  are  financial  measures 

that  are  not  defined  or  recognised  under  IFRS  and 

should not be considered as an alternative to other in-

dicators  of  the  Group’s  operating  performance,  cash 

flows or any other measure of performance derived in 

accordance  with  IFRS.  Accordingly,  these  non-IFRS 

measures  should  be  viewed  as  supplemental  to,  but 

not as a substitute for, measures presented in this An-

nual Report and Accounts. Information regarding these 

measures is sometimes used by investors to evaluate 

the efficiency of an entity’s operations; however, there 

are no generally accepted principles governing the cal-

culation of these measures and the criteria upon which 

these measures are based can vary from company to 

company. These measures, by themselves, do not pro-

vide a sufficient basis to compare the Group’s perfor-

mance with that of other companies and should not be 

considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating 

profit or any other measure as an indicator of operating 

performance,  or  as  an  alternative  to  cash  generated 

from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.

Adjustment for share-based payment expense is made 

The  calculation  of  adjusted  earnings  per  share  is 

because, once the cost has been calculated for a giv-

shown in Note 15.

en grant of options, the Directors cannot influence the 

share-based  payment  charge  incurred  in  subsequent 

ANNUAL REPORT

8. Auditor’s renumeration

Year to 31 December

Audit of the financial statements of Pelatro Plc 

Amounts receivable by auditor in respect of: Tax compliance

9. Staff costs

Wages and salaries

Social security contributions

Less: amounts capitalised as intangible assets

The average number of persons employed by the Com-

pany during the period was:

Year to 31 December

Sales

Software development

Support

Marketing

Administration

89

2019
$’000

41

3

2020
$’000

41

4

_______

______

45

44

2020
$’000

4,410

83

2019
$’000

3,495

65

(2,706)

(2,057)

_______

______

1,787

1,503

2020

2019

4

96

48

3

15

4

88

40

3

15

_______

______

166

150

90

ANNUAL REPORT

10. Directors’ remuneration and transactions

The Directors’ emoluments in the year ended 31 December 2020 were:

Executive Directors

S. Menon

S. Yezhuvath

N. Hellyer

Non-Executive Directors

R. Day

P. Verkade

Basic
salary

2020
$’000

Bonus

2020
$’000

Benefits
in kind

Share-based 
payments

Pension

Total

Total

2020
$’000

2020
$’000

2020
$’000

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

191

191

90

70

39

-

-

28

-

-

29

16

11

-

-

-

-

5

-

-

-

-

3

2

-

220

207

137

72

39

262

253

111

72

38

_______

______

______

______

_______

_______

______

581

28

56

5

5

675

736

The remuneration of the executive Directors is decided by the Remuneration Committee. Save as disclosed above 

no Director had a material interest in any contract of significance with the Group in either year.

11. Share-based payments

In addition to options granted to a director at the time of the Group’s IPO, the Group introduced a share option plan 

for senior employees on 15 January 2019 (the “Plan”). Each share option converts into one ordinary share of the 

Company on exercise. No amounts are paid or payable by the recipient on receipt of the option and the Company 

has no legal obligation to repurchase or settle the options in cash. The options carry neither rights to dividends nor 

voting rights prior to the date on which the options are exercised. Options may be exercised at any time from the date 

of vesting to the date of expiry.

A charge of $32,000 (net of amounts capitalised of $66,000) (2019: $52,000) has been recognised during the year 

for share-based payments over the vesting period. This share-based payment expense comprises the charge in the 

current period relating to the expensing of the fair value of (a) the 1,640,000 options granted under the Plan and (b) 

the 50,000 options issued at the time of the Company’s IPO. The options issued under the terms of the Plan were 

granted with an exercise price of 73p, vesting in tranches as follows: 25% after one year, 25% after two years and 

50% after three years. There are no conditions attaching to the vesting of the options other than continued employ-

ment. Of this amount, $27,000 net (2019: $45,000) relates to costs of share options issued to subsidiary employees.

ANNUAL REPORT

91

Movements in the number of share options outstanding and their related weighted average exercise prices are as 

follows:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year

Granted during the year

Forfeited/cancelled during the year

No. of options

Weighted average exercise price

2020

1,631,500

-

(126,000)

2019

50,000

1,640,000

(58,500)

2020

72.7p

-

73.0p

___________

__________

2019

62.5p

73.0p

73.0p

Outstanding at the end of the year

1,505,500

1,631,500

72.7p

72.7p

Outstanding options are exercisable at prices between 62.5p and 73p, and have a weighted average remaining con-

tractual life of 6.8 years. 

The fair values of the share options issued in the year was derived using a Black Scholes model. The following key 

assumptions were used in the calculations:

Grant date

Exercise price

Share price at grant date

Risk free rate

Volatility

Expected life

Fair Value

17 January 2019

73p

73p

0.86 - 0.92%

35%

4.5 - 5.5 years

19.0 - 20.8p

The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of 

non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. The share price per share at 31 December 

2020 was £0.380 (31 December 2019: £0.705) and hence no deferred tax is provided in respect of the potential ex-

ercise of options currently extant.

12. Finance income

Interest receivable on interest-bearing deposits

Notional interest accruing on contracts with a significant financing component

Total finance income

2020

$’000

20

44

2019

$’000

11

43

_______

_______

64

54

92

ANNUAL REPORT

13. Finance expense

Interest and finance charges paid or payable on borrowings

Interest on lease liabilities under IFRS 16

Less: amounts capitalised as intangible assets

Acquisition-related financing expense (unwinding of discount on financial liabilities)

Total finance income

2020

$’000

198

31

(14)

25
_______

240

2019

$’000

96

40

(19)

47
_______

164

An element of interest on lease liabilities is deemed to be directly attributable overheads for the purposes of capital-

ising relevant expenditure on developing intangible assets (see Note 18).

14. Taxation

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

Year to 31 December

Current tax

UK corporation tax charge/(credit) on profit for the current year

Overseas income tax charge/(credit)

Adjustments in respect of prior periods

Total current income tax

Deferred tax

Reversal/(recognition) of deferred tax asset

Total deferred income tax

Total income tax expense recognised in the year

Reconciliation of the total tax charge

2020

$’000

-

321

(18)

2019

$’000

(32)

286

(7)

_______

_______

303

247

72

(53)

_______

_______

72

375

(53)

194

The effective tax rate in the income statement for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 

of 19% (2019: lower). A reconciliation of income tax expense applicable to the profit before taxation at the statutory 

tax rate to income tax expense at the effective tax rate is as follows:

ANNUAL REPORT

Year to 31 December

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Tax charge/(credit) at the applicable rate of 19%

Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible (taxable) in calculating taxable income:

Fixed asset differences

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes and other permanent items

Income not taxable and other permanent items

Movement in fair value of contingent consideration not taxable

Tax exemptions, allowances and rebates

Foreign tax credits

Overseas taxation at different rates

Overseas withholding tax expenses

Recognition of deferred tax liability

Derecognition of deferred tax asset

Adjustments recognised in current year tax in respect of prior years

Current tax (prior period) exchange difference

Deferred tax not recognised

Income tax expense recognised for the current year

93

2019

$’000

1,009

192

(113)

179

(118)

(45)

(22)

109

51

21

-

(53)

(7)

-

-

2020

$’000

(2,082)

(396)

(425)

247

5

(28)

(47)

186

63

-

24

61

(18)

(1)

704

_______

375

_______

194

The tax effect of exchange differences recorded within the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income is a credit of 

$6,000 (2019: $5,000 credit).

Temporary differences associated with Group investments

At 31 December 2020, there was no recognised deferred tax liability (2019: $nil) for taxes that would be payable on 

the unremitted earnings of certain of the Group’s subsidiaries as the Group has determined that undistributed profits 

of its subsidiaries will not be distributed in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax

Recognised deferred tax asset

At 1 January

Recognised in profit and loss

At 31 December

Comprising:

Timing differences

Tax losses

2020

$’000

63

(47)

2019

$’000

10

53

_______

_______

16

-

16

63

8

55

_______

_______

16

63

94

ANNUAL REPORT

Deferred income tax assets have only been recognised to the extent that it is considered probable that they can be 

recovered against future taxable profits based on profit forecasts for the foreseeable future. The deferred income tax 

assets at 31 December 2020 above are expected to be utilised in the next two years.

Recognised deferred tax liability

At 1 January

Recognised in profit and loss

At 31 December

Comprising:

Timing differences

Factors affecting future tax charges

UK

2020

$’000

-

24

2019

$’000

-

-

_______

_______

24

24

-

-

_______

_______

24

-

The current rate for corporation tax in the UK is 19% but, as a result of the March 2021 Budget statement, this is due 

to rise to 25% from 1 April 2023 for profits in excess of £250,000. This tax rate is yet to be substantively enacted.

India

Under Indian tax law, with effect from 1 April 2019 any company which opted not to utilise certain tax exemptions or 

incentives was eligible for a reduced income tax rate of 22% (previously 25%). For the tax year to 31 March 2020 

the effective tax rate for the Group’s Indian subsidiary PSPL was therefore 27.82% inclusive of surcharges and cess. 

PSPL has now opted for the reduced rate and its effective tax rate from henceforth will be 25.17%.

 
ANNUAL REPORT

15. Earnings

Reported earnings per share

95

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts are calculated by dividing net profit or loss for the year attributable to 

owners of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

The Group has one category of security potentially dilutive to ordinary shares in issue, being those share options 

granted to employees where the exercise price (plus the remaining expected charge to profit under IFRS 2) is less 

than the average price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the period in issue. No dilution arose in the year as 

the exercise price was above the average share price for the year.

The following reflects the earnings and share data used in the basic earnings per share computations:

Year to 31 December

2020

$’000

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent:

Profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent for basic earnings

(2,457)

2019

$’000

814

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue

34,136,617

32,532,431

Basic earnings/(loss) per share attributable to shareholders

(7.2)¢

2.5¢

Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per share is calculated as follows:

Year to 31 December

Profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent for basic earnings

Adjusting items:

 - exceptional items (see note 7)

 - share-based payments

 - finance expense on liabilities relating to contingent consideration

- amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles

 - prior year adjustments to tax charge

Adjusted earnings attributable to owners of the Parent

2020

$’000

(2,457)

(149)

32

25

686

(18)

_______

(1,881)

2019

$’000

814

(236)

52

47

686

(7)

_______

1,356

Weighted number of ordinary shares in issue

34,136,617

32,532,431

Adjusted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to shareholders

(5.5)¢

4.2¢

96

ANNUAL REPORT

The criteria for inclusion of adjusting items in the calculation of adjusted EPS are the same as those relating to the 

calculation of adjusted EBITDA as set out in Note 7. Additionally, finance expense on liabilities relating to contingent 

consideration are non-cash costs reflecting the time value of money in arriving at the fair value of such liabilities and 

the effluxion of time over the period for which they are outstanding; and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles 

relates to the amortisation of intangible assets in respect of customer relationships and brands which are recognised 

on a business combination and are non-cash in nature.

16. Dividends paid and proposed

No dividends were declared or paid during the year and no dividends will be proposed for approval at the AGM (2019: 

none).

17. Group investments

The Company has investments in the following subsidiary undertakings, which contribute to the net assets of the 

Group:

Subsidiary undertakings

Country of
incorporation
and operation

Registered office

Principal activity

Description and 
proportion
of shares held by 
the Company

Pelatro LLC

USA

110 Summit Avenue Montvale, NJ 07645, USA

Sales

100% of 
members’ capital

Pelatro Pte Limited

Singapore

One Raffles Place,
#10-62, Tower 2, Singapore 048616

Ownership of IP; 
operation of branch 
in Russia

100% ordinary 
shares

Pelatro Solutions Private 
Limited

India

403, 7th A Main, HRBR Layout, Bangalore 560043, 
India

Research, 
development and 
support

100% ordinary 
shares

Pelatro Sdn Bhd

Malaysia

Suite 21.02, Level 21, Centerpoint South, Mid Valley 
City, Lingakaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur 
W.P., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Employment of 
Malaysian national

100% ordinary 
shares

ANNUAL REPORT

97

18. Intangible assets

Intangible assets comprise capitalised development costs (in relation to internally generated software and software 

acquired through business combinations), software acquired from third parties for use in the business, patents, cus-

tomer relationships and goodwill.

An analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets is as follows:

Development 
costs

$’000

Third party 
software

 $’000

Patents

Customer 
relationships

Goodwill

Total

 $’000

 $’000

 $’000

 $’000

Financial year 2020

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Foreign exchange

At 31 December 2020

Amortisation

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the year

Foreign exchange

At 31 December 2020

Net carrying amount

At 31 December 
2020

6,391

2,872

-

_______

9,263

(1,957)

(1,416)

-

_______

(3,373)

5,890

At 1 January 2020

4,434

108

4

(2)

23

4

-

6,862

470

13,854

-

-

-

-

2,880

(2)

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

110

27

6,862

470

16,732

(34)

(20)

2

-

-

-

(972)

(686)

-

-

-

-

(2,963)

(2,122)

2

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

(52)

-

(1,658)

-

(5,083)

58

74

27

23

5,204

470

11,649

5,890

470

10,891

98

ANNUAL REPORT

Financial year 2019

Development 
costs

Third party
software

Patents

Customer 
relationships

Goodwill

Total

$’000

 $’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Cost

At 1 January 2019

Additions

Fair value adjustment

Foreign exchange

4,144

2,247

-

-

98

12

-

(2)

-

23

-

-

6,862

-

-

-

745

-

(275)

-

11,849

2,282

(275)

(2)

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

At 31 December 2019

6,391

108

23

6,862

470

13,854

Amortisation

At 1 January 2019

Charge for the year

Foreign exchange

(935)

(1,022)

-

(19)

(18)

3

-

-

-

(286)

(686)

-

-

-

-

(1,240)

(1,726)

3

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

At 31 December 2019

(1,957)

(34)

Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2019

At 1 January 2019

Development costs

4,434

3,209

74

79

-

23

-

(972)

-

(2,963)

5,890

6,576

470

745

10,891

10,609

Development costs comprise capitalised staff costs (and allocable related direct costs, including depreciation and 

interest charges relating to property leases held by the Group and accounted for under IFRS 16) associated with the 

development of new products and services which will be saleable to more than one customer.

Software

Software assets represent purchased licences and distribution rights for third party software which are capitalised at 

cost and amortised on a straight-line basis over the relevant estimated useful life.

Patents

Patent costs represent the capitalised value of work undertaken (either internally or externally by appropriate legal or 

other consultants) to develop and protect patents, know-how and other similar assets.

Customer relationships

Customer relationships as stated were acquired as part of a business combination.

ANNUAL REPORT

Goodwill

99

Goodwill arose on the acquisition of (i) the Danateq Assets and (ii) PSPL. It is assessed as having an indefinite life 

but the Group tests whether goodwill has suffered any impairment on an annual basis.

Danateq

The Danateq Acquisition in 2018 comprised various contracts and customer relationships, certain enterprise software 

and the related workforce. Given the opportunity to leverage this expertise across Pelatro’s existing business and the 

ability to exploit the Group’s thus enlarged customer base, the fair value of the Danateq assets acquired was deemed 

to be greater than the assessed book value of the assets as recognised in the financial statements of Pelatro, thus 

leading to the recognition of an amount of goodwill. Given that the software acquired has been subsumed into the 

Group’s mViva product suite, the contracts acquired have been transitioned onto and/or are being fulfilled (for ex-

ample in the case of the Telenor framework agreement) by the mViva product, and the workforce are employed by a 

branch of Pelatro in Singapore and work across the product suite, the former Danateq cash-generating unit (“CGU”) 

no longer has a separable identity. The goodwill relating to this former CGU was tested for impairment at 31 Decem-

ber 2020 by comparing its carrying value with the recoverable amount, which was determined using a value in use 

methodology based on discounted cash flow projections, comparing the estimated implicit values of the Group cum 

and ex the acquisition.

PSPL cash-generating unit

The PSPL CGU comprises the Group’s software development and administrative centre in Bangalore which was ac-

quired in December 2017, and whose principal activity was at the time to develop the Group’s software and provide 

administrative support for the rest of the Group. Subsequent to its acquisition, the activities of this subsidiary have 

grown to include the provision of post-contract support and other services to customers.

The goodwill relating to this CGU was tested for impairment at 31 December 2020 by comparing the carrying value 

of the CGU with the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount was determined using a value in use methodology 

based on discounted cash flow projections over 5 years. The key assumptions used in the value in use calculations 

were as follows:

(i) 

The operating cash flows for this business for the years to 31 December 2021 and 2022 are taken from the 

budget approved by the Board which is closely linked with recent historical performance and current expected levels 

of activity. The operating cash flow budget is most sensitive to the number of employees, particularly the more highly 

skilled developers, and the related costs of employment; revenue for the CGU is all intra-Group and is thus depen-

dent on other Group companies making third-party sales;

(ii) 

Growth has been assumed in operating cash flows for the remainder of the value in use such that a con-

sistent post-tax margin is maintained over the calculation period (which is how the business is managed within the 

Group). Revenue growth after 5 years is forecast at nil% in local currency terms;

 
A pre-tax discount rate of 11.6% has been used (being the Weighted Average Cost of Capital in local curren-

ANNUAL REPORT

100

(iii) 

cy).

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions

The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding growth rates, discount rates and expected 

changes to selling prices and direct costs during the period. Changes in selling prices and direct costs, if any, are 

based on expectations of future changes in the market. Management estimates discount rates using pre-tax rates 

that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money. A change in a key assumption in respect to oper-

ating cash flows could cause the carrying value of the goodwill to exceed the recoverable amount, resulting in an im-

pairment charge. The Board is confident that the assumptions in respect of operating cash flows remain appropriate. 

The Group has conducted sensitivity analyses on the impairment test of the goodwill’s carrying value which reflects 

the risk profile of the Danateq and PSPL CGUs. The Group believes that there are no reasonably possible changes to 

the key assumptions in the next year which would result in the carrying amount of goodwill exceeding the recoverable 

amount. This view is based upon inherently judgemental assumptions; however, it takes account of the headroom in 

the Value-in-Use calculation versus the current carrying value.

Conclusion

The Directors have concluded that, based on the above, recoverable value exceeds the carrying value of the goodwill 

at 31 December 2020.

101

Total

 $’000

677

902

-

_______

1,579

(162)

(198)

(1)

_______

(361)

1,218

515

Total

 $’000

436

256

(15)

ANNUAL REPORT

19. Tangible assets

Financial Year 2020

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the year

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2020

Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2020

Cost

At 1 January 2019

Additions

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2019

Depreciation

At 1 January 2019

Charge for the year

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2019

Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2019

At 1 January 2019

Leasehold 
improvements

$’000

Computer
equipment

 $’000

Office 
equipment

 $’000

Vehicles

 $’000

312

1

(7)

59

1

(1)

_______

_______

59

(9)

(11)

-

305

(59)

(36)

-

_______

_______

(20)

39

50

(95)

210

253

109

24

(2)

_______

131

(7)

(17)

-

_______

(24)

107

102

197

877

10

_______

1,084

(87)

(134)

(1)

_______

(222)

862

110

Financial Year 2019

Leasehold 
improvements

$’000

Computer
equipment

 $’000

Office 
equipment

 $’000

Vehicles

 $’000

49

63

(3)

93

106

(2)

30

31

(2)

264

56

(8)

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

109

-

(7)

-

197

(46)

(44)

3

59

(2)

(8)

1

312

(26)

(34)

1

_______

_______

_______

_______

(7)

102

49

(87)

110

47

(9)

50

28

(59)

253

238

677

(74)

(93)

5

_______

(162)

515

362

102

ANNUAL REPORT

20. Right-of-use assets

Right-of-use assets comprise leases over office buildings and vehicles as follows:

2020

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions in respect of new leases

Disposals in respect of leases terminated

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the period

Eliminated on leases terminated

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2020

Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2020

2019

Cost

At 1 January 2019

Effect of adoption of IFRS 16

Additions in the period

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2019

Depreciation

At 1 January 2019

Effect of change of accounting policy

Charge for the period

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2019

Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2019

At 1 January 2019

Office building

$’000

690

227

(231)

(25)

_______

661

(368)

(153)

157

9

_______

(355)

306

322

Office buildings

$’000

-

557

139

(6)

_______

690

-

(212)

(160)

4

_______

(368)

322

-

Vehicles

 $’000

31

-

-

1

_______

32

(14)

(14)

-

(2)

_______

(30)

2

17

Vehicles

 $’000

-

-

30

1

_______

31

-

-

(13)

(1)

_______

(14)

17

-

Total

 $’000

721

227

(231)

(24)

_______

693

(382)

(167)

157

7

_______

(385)

308

339

Total

 $’000

-

557

169

(5)

_______

721

-

(212)

(173)

3

_______

(382)

339

-

ANNUAL REPORT

103

21. Trade and other receivables and contract assets

The timing of revenue recognition, invoicing and cash collection results in the recognition of the following assets on 

the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position:

(i) invoiced accounts receivable;

(ii) accounts invoiceable but uninvoiced at the period end (i.e. “unbilled revenue” or UBR) (collectively with (i) rec-

ognised as “trade receivables”); and

(iii) amounts relating to revenue recognised at the date of the statement of financial position but not invoiceable under 

the terms of the contract, or fulfilment assets (“contract assets”).

Aged analysis of trade receivables

Year to 31 December

Carrying amount

Neither impaired or 
past due

Past due (in days) but not impaired

2020

Trade receivables

2019

Trade receivables

$’000

3,484

5,514

$’000

3,152

5,114

61-90
$’000

91-120
$’000

More than 121
$’000

34

-

93

-

205

400

 
104

Contract assets

Due after one year

At 1 January

Contract assets recognised in the period

Transfer to current contract assets

At 31 December

Due within one year

At 1 January

Contract assets recognised in the period, net of releases to receivables or cash, or 
amortisation to profit or loss

Transfer from non-current contract assets

At 31 December

Contract assets are comprised as follows:

Due after one year

Contract assets relating to revenue

Contract fulfilment assets

Due within one year

Contract assets relating to revenue

Contract fulfilment assets

ANNUAL REPORT

2019

$’000

312

320

(113)

_______

519

2019

$’000

72

108

113

_______

293

2019

$’000

519

-

_______

519

2019

$’000

284

9

_______

293

2020

$’000

519

441

(209)

_______

751

2020

$’000

293

107

209

_______

609

2020

$’000

311

440

_______

751

2020

$’000

457

152

_______

609

ANNUAL REPORT

105

Trade terms, credit risk and impairments

The Group’s exposure to credit risk equates to the carrying value of cash held on deposit (whether at banks or as 

deposits against liabilities, e.g. leases) and trade and other receivables and contract assets. The Group’s credit risk is 

primarily attributable to trade receivables and contract assets, and management has a credit policy in place to ensure 

exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. Credit evaluations are performed on customers as deemed 

necessary based on, inter alia, the nature of the prospect and size of order.

Unless specific agreement has been reached with individual customers, sales invoices are typically due for payment 

between 60 and 90 days after the date of the invoice; where customers delay making payment, an assessment of 

the potential loss of customer goodwill arising from the enforcement of contractual payment terms may take place 

when considering actions to be taken to secure payment. Trade receivables include amounts that are past due at the 

reporting date for which no specific impairment provision has been recognised as these amounts are still considered 

to be recoverable. The Group does not require collateral in respect of financial assets.

As outlined in Note 2, the Group recognises impairments under IFRS 9 for relevant classes of assets. The Group thus 

reviews the amount of expected credit loss associated with its trade receivables based on forward looking estimates 

that take into account current and forecast credit conditions as opposed to relying on past historical default rates. In 

the absence of any historic credit losses and the expectation of no specific losses in the foreseeable future, the Di-

rectors assess a hypothetical likely default amount by applying a percentage “probability of default” to the receivables 

balance, such probability being related to the underlying credit rating of the customer or country of origin. Further-

more, taking into account the time value of money when applied to contracts assets (which may unwind over a period 

of years following their initial recognition), a loss allowance for expected credit losses has been recorded as follows:

Loss allowance at 1 January

Increase in loss allowance

Loss allowance at 31 December

The loss allowance is comprised as follows:

On trade receivables

On contract assets

Loss allowance at 31 December

2020

$’000

29

8

_______

37

2020

$’000

30

7

_______

37

2019

$’000

-

29

_______

29

2019

$’000

25

4

_______

29

106

ANNUAL REPORT

The largest individual counterparty to a receivable included in trade and other receivables at 31 December 2020 was 

$562,000 (of which some $523,000 related to unbilled revenue) (2019: $1,067,000). Based on invoiced receivables, 

the largest individual counterparty owed the Group $200,000 (2019: $210,000). The Group’s customers are spread 

across a broad range of geographies and consequently it is not otherwise exposed to significant concentrations of 

credit risk on its trade receivables.

22. Other assets

At 31 December

Prepayments

Deposits

Other assets (including withholding tax, GST and VAT refunds)

Total other assets

23. Loans and borrowings

Loans and borrowings comprise:

At 31 December

Non-current liabilities

Secured term loans

Unsecured borrowings

Current liabilities

Current portion of term loans

Unsecured borrowings

Total loans and borrowings

2020

$’000

130

80

275

_______

485

2020

$’000

277

919

_______

1,196

99

145

_______

244

1,440

2019

$’000

109

131

261

_______

501

2019

$’000

362

-

_______

362

79

167

_______

246

608

The Group has six term loans, all in its operating subsidiary in India and denominated in INR, with interest rates be-

tween 10% and 13.5% (in INR) and one USD-linked loan at 5.5%, and repayable between 5 and 6 years from their 

inception, between April 2023 and September 2026.

ANNUAL REPORT

107

Reconciliation between opening and closing balances for liabilities resulting in financing cash flows

1 January 
2020

Non-cash 
changes 
– foreign 
exchange 
movements

Non-cash 
changes – 
net lease 
liabilities 
taken on

Interest 
accruals 
included in 
cash flow

Transfer from 
non-current to 
current

31 
December 
2020

Cash flows -
 net 
(repayments) 
and 
drawdowns

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Non-current liabilities

Secured term loans

Unsecured borrowings

Lease liabilities

Current liabilities

Current portion of secured 
term loan

Unsecured borrowings

Lease liabilities

362

187

79

167

205

(8)

-

(9)

5

(5)

(9)

-

135

-

-

8

Total

1,000

(26)

143

-

-

-

6

-

6

(77)

(114)

(141)

77

114

141

-

-

1,033

-

(62)

(137)

(171)

277

919

172

99

145

174

663

1,786

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

24. Lease liabilities

Lease liabilities comprise liabilities arising from the committed and expected payments on leases over office buildings 

and vehicles.

Financial year 2020

Amounts due in more than one year

At 1 January 2020

Liabilities taken on in the period

Liabilities (disposed of) in the period

Transfer from long-term to short-term

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2020

Office
buildings

Vehicles

Total

$’000

$’000

$’000

186

163

(28)

(140)

(9)

1

-

-

(1)

-

187

163

(28)

(141)

(9)

_______

_______

_______

172

-

172

108

ANNUAL REPORT

Amounts due in less than one year

At 1 January 2020

Liabilities taken on in the period

Liabilities (disposed of) in the period

Repayments of principal

Transfer from long-term to short-term

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2020

Financial year 2019

Amounts due in less than one year

At 1 January 2019

Effect of change of accounting policy

Leases taken on in the period

Transfer from long-term to short-term

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2019

Amounts due in less than one year

At 1 January 2019

Effect of adoption of IFRS 16

Leases taken on in the period

Repayments of principal

Transfer from long-term to short-term

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2019

Office
buildings

Vehicles

Total

$’000

193

69

(56)

(164)

140

(8)

$’000

12

-

-

(12)

1

(1)

$’000

205

69

(56)

(176)

141

(9)

_______

_______

_______

174

-

174

Office
buildings

Vehicles

Total

$’000

$’000

$’000

-

273

97

(180)

(4)

-

-

12

(11)

-

-

273

109

(191)

(4)

_______

_______

_______

186

1

187

Office
buildings

Vehicles

Total

$’000

$’000

$’000

-

124

43

(155)

180

1

-

-

17

(16)

11

-

-

124

60

(171)

191

1

_______

_______

_______

193

12

205

PSPL, the Group’s main operating subsidiary, has entered into various leases over office space in Bangalore and 

Mumbai, typically on 3 to 4 year terms with rollover options. The Group also has a lease on office space in Nizhny 

Novgorod in Russia.  Given the impact of COVID-19 and working from home options, and the near-term expiry of 

certain leases, the Group intends to review its office accommodation arrangements in 2021/22.

ANNUAL REPORT

109

25. Trade and other payables and 
contract liabilities

At 31 December

Due within one year

Trade payables

Other payables

2020

$’000

2019

$’000

810

283

82

239

_______

_______

Total trade and other payables

1,093

321

Trade payables include amounts due in respect of sales 

commissions due to sales agents which is payable in 

less than one year. Other payables comprise principal-

ly amounts due in respect of staff bonuses declared for 

December and paid in January.

The average credit period taken for normal trade pur-

chases is between 30 and 60 days. Most suppliers do 

not  charge  interest  on  trade  payables  for  the  first  30 

days from the date of the invoice. The Group has risk 

management  policies  in  place  to  ensure  that  all  pay-

ables are paid within the appropriate credit time frame. 

The  Directors  consider  that  the  carrying  amount  of 

trade payables approximates to their fair value.

At 31 December

Due within one year

2020

$’000

2019

$’000

Contract liabilities at 1 January

665

61

Contract liabilities recognised/
(released to revenue) in the 
period

Transfers from long-term 
liabilities

Contract liabilities at 31 
December

26. Provisions

At 31 December

Due within one year

Employee gratuities

Leave encashment

Other provisions (including tax)

(257)

564

87

40

_______

_______

495

665

2020

$’000

2019

$’000

13

24

126

9

16

177

_______

_______

163

202

Contract liabilities

At 31 December

2020

2019

Contract liabilities represent consideration received in 

respect of unsatisfied performance obligations. Chang-

es  to  the  Group’s  contract  liabilities  are  attributable 

solely to the satisfaction of performance obligations.

Due after one year

Employee gratuities

Leave encashment

$’000

$’000

116

57

81

43

_______

_______

173

124

At 31 December

Due after one year

Contract liabilities at 1 January

Contract liabilities recognised 
in the period

Transfers to short-term 
liabilities

2020

$’000

2019

$’000

274

20

112

202

(87)

(40)

Other provisions comprise tax and other expenses.

Under the Indian Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, em-

Contract liabilities at 31 
December

207

274

for  the  payment  of  a  “gratuity”  upon  certain  end  of 

_______

_______

ployees  with  more  than  5  years’  service  are  eligible 

110

ANNUAL REPORT

employment events, including retirement, resignation, 

arising taken to goodwill or profit and loss as appropri-

death and termination or redundancy. The calculation 

ate.  These  valuations  were  based  on  Level  3  inputs, 

of  the  gratuity  due  is  based  on  the  last  drawn  salary 

i.e. Inputs which are not based on observable market 

and number of years of service. The potential liability 

data. The valuation technique used was based on ex-

arising from these requirements is calculated by third 

pectations of future revenue and the probability that the 

party actuaries based on employee profiles, their com-

acquired assets would meet the obligations under the 

pleted number of years in the organization, their age, 

sale and purchase agreement; inputs for the valuation 

salary and also on the probability of termination of em-

were  principally  management  estimates  on  the  prob-

ployment, and a provision made accordingly.

ability  and  timescale  of  the  assets  acquired  meeting 

the revenue targets specified in the sale and purchase 

Under the terms of their employment, employees are 

agreement. There have been no changes to valuation 

eligible to carry forward 30 “earned leaves” (EL) to the 

techniques in the year.

next  calendar  year. Any  EL  balance  over  and  above 

this is paid in cash by March the following year, hence 

A reconciliation of such liabilities carried at fair value is 

resulting in a long-term provision.

as follows:

27. Other financial liabilities

As at 31 December

2020

2019

$’000

$’000

Consideration on the acquisition of the 

Danateq Assets

- potentially due within one year

-

948

As at 31 December

Balance b.f.

Finance expense

Fair value adjustment to 
goodwill

Fair value adjustment to profit 
or loss

Settlement of liability net of 
other SPA adjustments

_______ _______

-

948

Balance c.f.

2020

$’000

948

25

-

2019

$’000

1,439

47

(275)

(149)

(263)

(824)

_______

_______

-

948

Part  of  the  consideration  for  the  Danateq Acquisition 

in  August  2018  was  contingent  on  the  achievement 

of certain stretch targets for revenue pertaining to the 

assets  acquired,  payable  (if  earned)  in  two  tranches 

in respect of the first year following completion of the 

acquisition and similarly the second.

On  acquisition  these  liabilities  were  provisionally  as-

sessed  at  an  aggregate  fair  value  of  $1.43m  (as  dis-

counted to the present value at the time of acquisition) 

based  on  a  probability-weighted  analysis  of  revenue 

expectations  at  the  time  and  hence  the  likely  outturn 

payments; this valuation was subsequently reassessed 

at the end of each reporting period and the differences 

ANNUAL REPORT

111

28. Share capital and reserves

Share capital and share premium

Ordinary shares of 2.5p 
each (issued and fully paid)

$’000

Number

of  the  Pelatro  LLC  capital  LLC  capital  at  the  time  of 

the acquisition was transferred to the merger reserve, 

together with certain other items relating to investments 

At 1 January 2019

1,065

32,532,431

in subsidiaries.

Issued for cash during the year

-

-

_______

_______

29. Financial instruments

At 31 December 2019

1,065

32,532,431

Issued for cash during the year

147

4,500,000

Financial risk management

At 31 December 2020

1,212

37,032,431

_______

_______

On  21  and  22 August  the  Company  issued  a  further 

4,500,000 2.5 pence Ordinary shares at a price of 47.0 

pence per share by way of a placing to institutional and 

other  investors.  The  Company  incurred  incremental 

costs totalling $178,000 in respect of the Placing. IAS 

32  Financial  Instruments:  Presentation  requires  the 

costs of issuing new shares to be charged against the 

share  premium  account.  Management  reviewed  the 

incremental  costs  to  identify  those  solely  incurred  in 

issuing new shares, those incurred in connection with 

the entire share capital, and those not associated with 

issuing new shares. All of the costs relating to the Plac-

ing were deemed to relate directly to the issue of new 

shares and thus resulted in a debit to share premium 

of $178,000. 

Merger reserve

The  Group’s  principal  financial  instruments  are  cash 

and  deposits,  trade  receivables,  contract  assets,  bor-

rowings,  trade  payables  and  contingent  consideration 

payable  in  respect  of  certain  acquisitions.  The  Group 

therefore has exposure to certain risks from its use of 

financial  instruments  unrelated  to  the  performance  of 

the Group itself. The Group’s overall risk management 

programme seeks to minimise potential adverse effects 

on  the  Group’s  financial  performance  and  such  risk 

management is carried out by the Directors.

The  Group’s  activities  expose  it  to  certain  financial 

risks:  market  risk,  credit  risk  and  liquidity  risk,  as  ex-

plained below.

•  Market  risk  is  the  risk  of  loss  that  may  arise  from 

changes  in  market  factors  such  as  interest  rates 

and foreign currency movements

•  Credit  risk  is  the  financial  loss  to  the  Group  if  a 

The  acquisition  by  Pelatro  Plc  of  Pelatro  LLC  on  7 

customer  or  counterparty  to  financial  instruments 

September 2017 was accounted for as a reverse asset 

fails  to  meet  a  contractual  obligation.  Credit  risk 

acquisition.  Consequently,  the  previously  recognised 

arises from the Group’s cash and cash equivalents 

book  values  and  assets  and  liabilities  were  retained 

and  receivables  balances.  Cash  is  held  predomi-

and the consolidated financial information for the peri-

nantly  with  ICICI,  an  institution  with  a  Baa3  bank 

od from the date of acquisition has been presented as 

deposit credit rating from Moody’s, and Kotak Ma-

a continuation of the Pelatro business which was previ-

hindra  Bank,  which  has  an  A-3  (short  term)  and 

ously wholly owned by Pelatro LLC. The difference be-

BBB-  (long  term)  credit  rating  from  Standard  and 

tween the nominal value of the shares issued pursuant 

Poors. The credit quality of customers is assessed 

to the above share arrangement and the nominal value 

by taking into account their financial position, past 

112

ANNUAL REPORT

experience and other factors, and the Group mini-

Classification of financial instruments

mises credit risk by dealing exclusively with those 

customers who it believes have a high credit rating

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be 

able  to  meet  its  financial  obligations  as  they  fall 

due.  This  risk  relates  to  the  Group’s  liquidity  risk 

management  and  implies  maintaining  sufficient 

cash  and/or  committed  borrowing  facilities.  The 

Directors  monitor  rolling  forecasts  of  liquidity  and 

cash  and  cash  equivalents  based  on  expected 

cash flows

Financial assets

Cash

Deposits

Trade receivables

Contract assets

Financial liabilities

The  capital  structure  of  the  Group  consists  of  debt, 

Other payables and accruals

which  includes  borrowings  as  disclosed  in  note  23, 

Trade payables

cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  equity  attributable  to 

Short-term borrowings

equity  holders  of  the  parent,  comprising  issued  capi-

Long-term borrowings

tal, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the 

Lease liabilities

Other financial liabilities - 
contingent consideration

Group
2020

$’000

1,805

80

3,484

1,360

619

810

244

1,196

346

-

Group
2019

 $’000

1,101

131

5,514

812

441

82

246

362

379

948

Group  statement  of  changes  in  equity.  The  Group  is 

not subject to any externally imposed capital require-

ments and the objective when managing  capital is to 

maintain  adequate  financial  flexibility  to  preserve  the 

ability  to  meet  financial  obligations,  both  current  and 

long term - the resulting capital structure is managed 

and adjusted to reflect changes in economic conditions 

and with a view to maximising the return to sharehold-

ers  through  optimisation  of  the  balance  of  debt  and 

equity.  Financing  decisions  are  made  based  on  fore-

casts  of  the  expected  timing  and  level  of  capital  and 

operating  expenditure  required  to  meet  commitments 

and development plans. There was no change in the 

Group’s  approach  to  capital  management  during  the 

financial period under review.

All  trade  receivables  are  due  from  customers  outside 

the UK.

Foreign currency risk management and sensitivity 

analysis

The  Group  undertakes  certain  transactions  denomi-

nated  in  foreign  currencies.  Hence,  exposures  to  ex-

change rate fluctuations arise. The Group is mainly ex-

posed to the currencies of the UK (Great British Pounds 

or GBP), the US (US dollars or USD) and India (Indian 

Rupees  or  INR),  both  with  respect  to  balance  sheet 

amounts  and  income  and  expenditure,  with  some  ex-

penditure exposure to the currencies of Singapore (Sin-

gapore Dollars or SGD), Malaysia (Malaysian Ringgits 

or MYR) and Russia (rouble or RUB). Foreign currency 

risk is monitored closely on an ongoing basis to ensure 

that the net exposure is at an acceptable level.

ANNUAL REPORT

113

The  following  table  shows  the  denomination  of  the 

Limitations of sensitivity analysis

year end cash, cash equivalents and borrowings, and 

trade receivables and payables balances in the princi-

The  sensitivity  analysis  above  demonstrates  the  ef-

pal currencies disclosed above:

fect of a change in one of the key assumptions while 

As at 31 December 2020

USD

GBP

other assumptions remain unchanged. In reality, such 

an  occurrence  is  very  unlikely  due  to  correlation  be-

tween the factors. Furthermore, these sensitivities are 

non-linear, and larger or smaller impacts cannot easi-

ly be derived from the results. The sensitivity analysis 

does not take into consideration that the Group’s as-

sets and liabilities are actively managed and may vary 

at the time that any actual market movement occurs.

INR

’000

33,060

5,845

20,857

-

(105,146)

’000

580

-

3,271

1,360

-

’000

556

-

-

-

-

(780)

(18)

(2,550)

-

(1)

(25,191)

_______

_______

_______

Interest rate risk management and sensitivity anal-

ysis

Cash and cash equivalents

Deposits

Trade receivables

Contract assets

Borrowings

Trade payables

Lease liabilities

Net currency exposure

4,431

537

(73,125)

As at 31 December 2019

USD

GBP

INR

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future 

cash  flows  of  a  financial  instrument  will  fluctuate  be-

cause of changes in market interest rates. At the year 

end the Group had no exposure to interest rate risks 

Cash and cash equivalents

Deposits

Trade receivables

Contract assets

Borrowings

Trade payables

Lease liabilities

’000

498

-

5,541

812

-

(26)

’000

’000

as all of its borrowings were fixed rate.

8

-

-

-

-

41,358

9,347

-

642

Liquidity risk management and interest risk tables

Ultimate  responsibility  for  liquidity  risk  management 

(43,304)

rests  with  the  Board  of  Directors,  which  has  built  an 

(25)

(2,508)

appropriate  liquidity  risk  management  framework  for 

-

(10)

(27,002)

the  management  of  the  Group’s  short,  medium  and 

_______

_______

_______

long-term  funding  and  liquidity  management  require-

Net currency exposure

6,825

(27)

(21,467)

ments. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintain-

ing  adequate  reserves  and  borrowing  facilities  and 

Had the foreign exchange rate between the US dollar 

by  continuously  monitoring  forecast  and  actual  cash 

and  the  other  Group  currencies  changed  by  5%,  this 

flows.

would have affected the profit for the year and the net 

assets of the Group by $10,000 (2019: $5,000).

114

ANNUAL REPORT

The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities. 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.

As at 31 December 2020

Fixed rate instruments - borrowings

Lease liabilities

Total

As at 31 December 2019

Fixed rate instruments - borrowings

Lease liabilities

Total

Weighted average 
effective interest 
rate

Less than 1 
year

2-5 years

More than 5 
years

$’000

$’000

$’000

13.2%

9.2%

244

174

1,074

172

122

-

Total

$’000

1,440

346

_______

_______

_______

_______

418

1,246

122

1,786

Weighted average 
effective interest 
rate

Less than 1 
year

2-5 years

More than 5 
years

$’000

$’000

$’000

10.0%

9.1%

246

205

283

187

79

-

Total

$’000

608

392

_______

_______

_______

_______

451

470

79

1,000

Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities

As at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 there were no material differences between the book value and fair 

value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities.

ANNUAL REPORT

115

30. Related party transactions

Amounts outstanding at the end of the year in respect 

To comply with local legislation regarding resident di-

of transactions with related parties were as follows:

rectors,  Hamish  Christie  is  a  director  of  Pelatro  Pte 

Amount outstanding – (debtor)/
creditor

Key management personnel - 
outstanding reimbursements in respect 
of expenses incurred on behalf of Group 
companies

2020

2019

$’000

$’000

-

14

The remuneration of the Directors, who are deemed to 

be the only key management personnel of the Group, 

is set out below in aggregate for each of the categories 

specified in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures.

Wages and salaries

Bonuses

Share-based payments

Pension cost and other benefits 
in kind

2020

$’000

581

28

5

61

2019

$’000

571

98

7

60

Ltd. Mr Christie is also the proprietor of H.A. Christie & 

Co. and Christie Cosec Services Pvt. Ltd, which firms 

provide accountancy, tax and other advisory services 

to that company. During the year payments of approx-

imately $14,000 were made to those two companies; 

there  was  a  balance  of  approximately  $2,500  out-

standing at the year end in relation to 2020 expenses.

Other than disclosed in this note or elsewhere in this 

financial  information  as  appropriate,  no  related  party 

transactions  have  taken  place  during  the  year  that 

have  materially  affected  the  financial  position  or  per-

formance of the Group.

31. Capital commitments and contin-
gent liabilities

Other  than  as  disclosed  above,  as  at  31  December 

2020 the Group had no material capital commitments 

_______

_______

(2019: nil) nor any contingent liabilities (2019: nil).

675

736

During the year Suresh Yezhuvath (the brother of Sub-

32. Events after the reporting date

ash Menon and Sudeesh Yezhuvath) arranged a loan 

whereby a syndicate of certain business associates of 

There have been no events subsequent to the reporting 

his would provide funding of INR 60m (approx. $820k) 

date which would have a material impact on the finan-

in  order  to  facilitate  the  acquisition  of  computer  hard-

cial statements. 

ware  needed  for  the  implementation  of  a  long-term 

managed services contract. The loan was on a 6 year 

term basis at an interest rate of 15.25%. Neither Mr Me-

non nor Mr Yezhuvath took any benefit from this loan, 

which was considered to be on reasonable commercial 

terms. Suresh Yezhuvath participated in the funding in 

the amount of c. $130k at the same rate.

116

ANNUAL REPORT

Company Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2020

Assets

Non-current assets

Investments in subsidiaries

Intangible assets

Right-of-use assets

Contract assets

Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Contract assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total Assets

Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Lease liabilities

Contract liabilities

Other long-term liabilities

Current liabilities

Lease liabilities

Contract liabilities

Trade and other payables

Other financial liabilities

Total Liabilities

NET ASSETS

Note

7

8

9

10

11

10

11

12

13

12

13

14

2020

 $’000
(audited)

825

5,742

1

746

149

_______

7,463

552

4,042

1,206

2019

 $’000 
(audited)

746

6,740

16

467

211

_______

8,180

224

5,326

400

_______

_______

5,800

13,263

5,950

14,130

-

207

360

1

294

-

_______

_______

567

1

486

460

-

295

13

637

182

948

_______

_______

947

1,514

11,749

1,780

2,075

12,055

ANNUAL REPORT

117

Issued share capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent

Share capital

Share premium

Other reserves

Retained earnings

TOTAL EQUITY

Note

15

15

15

2020

 $’000
(audited)

2019

 $’000 
(audited)

1,212

14,045

(186)

(3,322)

1,065

11,603

(214)

(399)

_______

_______

11,749

12,055

For the period ended 31 December 2020, the Company recorded a loss of $2,923,000 (2019: loss $657,000).

The financial statements of Pelatro Plc, registered number 10630166, were approved by the board of Directors and 

authorised for issue on 11 April 2021. They were signed on its behalf by:

Subash Menon (Director) 

                                                                            Nic Hellyer (Director)

The accompanying notes 1 to 17 are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
118

ANNUAL REPORT

Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2020

Share 
capital

Share 
premium

Exchange
reserve

Retained 
profits

Total 
equity

Share-
based 
payments 
reserve

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Balance at 1 January 2019

1,065

11,603

(211)

Profit after taxation for the year

Share-based payments

Other comprehensive income:

Exchange differences

Balance at 31 December 2019

Profit after taxation for the year

Share-based payments

Other comprehensive income:

Exchange differences

Transactions with owners:

Shares issued by Pelatro Plc for cash

Issue costs

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

100

-

-

(103)

-

258

12,715

(657)

(657)

-

-

100

(103)

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

1,065

11,603

(314)

100

(399)

12,055

-

-

-

-

-

-

147

-

2,620

(178)

-

-

(54)

-

-

-

83

-

-

-

(2,923)

(2,923)

-

-

-

-

83

(54)

2,767

(178)

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

Balance at 31 December 2020

1,212

14,045

(368)

183

(3,322)

11,749

Reserve

Share capital

Share premium

Exchange reserve

Share-based payments reserve

Description and purpose

Nominal value of issued shares

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value 
less associated costs

The difference arising on the translation of balances denominated 
in currencies other than US Dollars into the presentational 
currency of the Company

Cumulative amounts charged in respect of unsettled options 
issued

Retained earnings

All other net gains and losses not recognised elsewhere

The accompanying notes 1 to 18 are an integral part of these financial statements.

ANNUAL REPORT

119

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

1. Accounting policies

Share 

capital

Share 

Exchange

premium

reserve

Share-

based 

Retained 

profits

Total 

equity

Basis of preparation

In  addition,  and  in  accordance  with  FRS  101,  further 

disclosure  exemptions  have  been  adopted  because 

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

The  Parent  Company  financial  statements  of  Pelatro 

equivalent disclosures are included in the consolidated 

Plc  (the  “Company”)  have  been  prepared  in  accor-

financial statements. These financial statements do not 

dance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced 

include certain disclosures in respect of:

Disclosure Framework and as required by the Compa-

nies Act 2006.

• 

• 

business combinations;

financial  instruments  (other  than  certain  disclo-

The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  US 

sures  required  as  a  result  of  recording  financial 

Dollars, which is the currency of the primary economic 

instruments at fair value);

environment in which the Company operates (its func-

• 

fair value measurement (other than certain disclo-

tional currency). The financial statements are prepared 

sures required as a result of recording financial in-

under the historical cost convention and were approved 

struments at fair value); and

for issue on 11 April 2021.

• 

impairment of assets.

No profit and loss account is presented by the Compa-

Investments in subsidiaries

Shares issued by Pelatro Plc for cash

Issue costs

147

2,620

(178)

ny as permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 

2006.

Balance at 31 December 2020

1,212

14,045

(368)

183

(3,322)

11,749

Disclosure exemptions adopted

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

Investments  consist  of  the  Company’s  subsidiary  un-

dertakings.  Investments  are  initially  recorded  at  cost, 

being the fair value of the consideration given and in-

cluding  directly  attributable  charges  associated  with 

Balance at 1 January 2019

1,065

11,603

(211)

258

12,715

Profit after taxation for the year

Share-based payments

Other comprehensive income:

Exchange differences

Balance at 31 December 2019

Profit after taxation for the year

Share-based payments

Other comprehensive income:

Exchange differences

Transactions with owners:

payments 

reserve

100

83

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(103)

(54)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(657)

(657)

-

-

-

-

-

-

100

(103)

83

(54)

2,767

(178)

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

_______

1,065

11,603

(314)

100

(399)

12,055

(2,923)

(2,923)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

In  preparing  these  financial  statements  the  Company 

the  investment.  Subsequently  they  are  reviewed  for 

has taken advantage of all disclosure exemptions con-

impairment if events or changes in circumstances indi-

ferred  by  FRS  101.  Therefore,  these  financial  state-

cate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

ments do not include:

Trade receivables

• 

certain disclosures regarding the Company’s cap-

• 

• 

ital;

a statement of cash flows;

Short  term  trade  receivables  are  measured  at  trans-

action  price,  less  any  impairment.  The  Company  as-

the  effect  of  future  accounting  standards  not  yet 

sesses  at  each  reporting  date  whether  any  trade  re-

adopted;

ceivables or other assets or group of financial assets 

• 

the disclosure of the remuneration of key manage-

is impaired.

ment personnel; and

• 

disclosure  of  related  party  transactions  with  other 

wholly-owned members of the Pelatro Group.

120

Taxation

Income taxes

Current  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  measured  at  the 

amount expected to be recovered from or paid to tax-

ation authorities, based on tax rates and laws that are 

enacted  or  substantively  enacted  by  the  statement  of 

financial position date.

Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary dif-

ferences arising between the tax bases of assets and 

liabilities  and  their  carrying  amounts  in  the  financial 

statements, with the following exceptions:

•  where the temporary difference arises from the ini-

tial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability 

in a transaction that is not a business combination 

that  at  the  time  of  the  transaction  affects  neither 

accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

• 

in respect of taxable temporary differences associ-

ated within investments in subsidiaries, associates 

and joint ventures, where the timing of the reversal 

of the temporary differences can be controlled and 

it is probable that the temporary differences will not 

reverse in the foreseeable future; and

• 

deferred income tax assets are recognised only to 

the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will 

be  available  against  which  the  deductible  tempo-

rary  differences,  carried  forward  tax  credits  or  tax 

losses can be utilised.

Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  mea-

sured at the tax rates that are expected to apply when 

the related asset is realised, or liability is settled, based 

on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted 

at the statement of financial position date.

ANNUAL REPORT

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is 

reviewed  at  each  statement  of  financial  position  date. 

Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset 

only if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current 

tax assets against current tax liabilities, the deferred in-

come  taxes  relate  to  the  same  taxation  authority  and 

that  authority  permits  the  Group  to  make  a  single  net 

payment.

Income tax is charged or credited to other comprehen-

sive  income  or  directly  to  equity  if  it  relates  to  items 

that  are  credited  or  charged  to  other  comprehensive 

income  or  directly  to  equity.  Otherwise,  income  tax  is 

recognised in the income statement.

Foreign currencies

Transactions  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are 

translated  at  an  approximation  of  the  exchange  rate 

ruling on the date of the transaction. Assets and liabil-

ities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  translated 

at the exchange rate ruling on the balance sheet date. 

Resulting exchange gains and losses are taken to the 

profit and loss account.

Related party transactions

The  Company  has  taken  advantage  of  the  exemption 

under  FRS  101  from  disclosing  related  party  transac-

tions with entities that are wholly owned subsidiary un-

dertakings of the Pelatro Group.

ANNUAL REPORT

121

2. Critical accounting judgements 
and key sources of estimation 
uncertainty

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

5. Share-based payments

Share-based payments associated with share options 

granted  to  employees  of  subsidiaries  of  the  parent 

company are treated as an expense of the subsidiary 

company to be settled by equity of the parent company. 

The key assumptions concerning the future and other 

The share-based payment expense increases the val-

key  sources  of  estimation  uncertainty  at  the  reporting 

ue of the parent company’s investment in the subsidiar-

date  that  have  a  significant  risk  of  causing  a  material 

ies and is credited to retained earnings.

adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabil-

ities within the next financial year, are as follows:

6. Dividends paid and proposed

Investments in subsidiary companies

No dividends were declared or paid during the year and 

no dividends will be proposed for approval at the Annu-

The carrying cost of the Company’s investments in sub-

al General Meeting of the Company.

sidiary  companies  is  reviewed  at  each  reporting  date 

by  reference  to  the  income  that  is  projected  to  arise 

7. Investment in subsidiaries

therefrom. From a review of these projections, the Di-

rectors have made no provisions against their carrying 

values  as  the  Directors  believe  that  the  investments 

concerned will generate sufficient economic benefits to 

At 1 January 2019

justify their carrying values.

Investment in the period – share-based 
payments in respect of subsidiaries

At 31 December 2019

Investment in the period – share-based 
payments in respect of subsidiaries

At 31 December 2020

3. Auditor’s remuneration

The  figures  within  the  auditors’  remuneration  note  in 

the  Pelatro  consolidated  financial  statements  include 

fees charged by the Company’s auditors to Pelatro plc 

in respect of audit and non-audit services. As such, no 

separate disclosure has been given above.

4. Directors’ remuneration

Information concerning Directors’ remuneration can be 

found in note 10 to the Group financial statements.

$’000

654

92

_______

746

79

_______

825

122

ANNUAL REPORT

8. Intangible assets

Intangible assets comprise software acquired through business combinations, customer relationships and goodwill.

An analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets is as follows:

Financial year 2020

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

Acquired software

Customer 
relationships

Goodwill

$’000

$’000

$’000

1,250

-

6,862

-

43

-

Total

$’000

8,155

-

At 31 December 2020

1,250

6,862

43

8,155

_______

_______

_______

_______

Amortisation or impairment

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2020

Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2020

(443)

(312)

_______

(755)

495

807

(972)

(686)

_______

(1,658)

5,204

5,890

-

-

(1,415)

(998)

_______

_______

-

(2,413)

43

43

5,742

6,740

Goodwill arose on the acquisition of the Danateq Assets. It is assessed as having an indefinite life but the Company 

tests whether goodwill has suffered any impairment on an annual basis. The Danateq Acquisition in 2018 comprised 

various contracts and customer relationships, certain enterprise software and the related workforce. Given the op-

portunity to leverage this expertise across Pelatro’s existing business and the ability to exploit the Group’s thus en-

larged customer base, the fair value of the Danateq assets acquired was deemed to be greater than the assessed 

book value of the assets as recognised in the financial statements of the Company, thus leading to the recognition 

of an amount of goodwill.

ANNUAL REPORT

9. Right-of-use assets

Right-of-use assets comprise a lease over a vehicle as follows:

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation

At 1 January 2020

Charge for the period

Eliminated on leases terminated

Effects of foreign exchange movements

Vehicles

$’000

31

1

_______

32

(15)

(14)

-

(2)

_______

2019

Cost

At 1 January 2019

Additions in the period

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2019

Depreciation

At 1 January 2019

Charge for the period

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2020

(31)

At 31 December 2019

Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2020

Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2019

At 1 January 2019

1

16

123

Vehicles

$’000

-

30

1

_______

31

-

(13)

(2)

_______

(15)

16

-

124

ANNUAL REPORT

10. Contract assets

Due after one year

At 1 January

Contract assets recognised in the period, 
net of releases to receivables or cash, or 
amortisation to profit or loss

2020

$’000

467

2019

$’000

198

the  expectation  of  no  specific  losses  in  the  foresee-

able future, the Directors assess a hypothetical likely 

default amount by applying a percentage “probability 

of default” to the receivables balance, such probabil-

430

330

ity being related to the underlying credit rating of the 

Transfer to current contract assets

(151)

(61)

At 31 December

_______

_______

746

467

customer or country of origin. Furthermore, taking into 

account the time value of money when applied to con-

tracts assets (which may unwind over a period of years 

following their initial recognition), a loss allowance for 

expected credit losses has been recorded as follow:

Due within one year

At 1 January

Contract assets recognised in the period, 
net of releases to receivables or cash, or 
amortisation to profit or loss

2020

$’000

224

2019

$’000

54

177

109

Loss allowance at 1 January

Increase in loss allowance

2020

2019

$’000

$’000

29

8

-

29

_______ _______

Transfer from non-current contract assets

151

61

Loss allowance at 31 December

37

29

At 31 December

552

224

The loss allowance is comprised as follows:

_______

_______

On trade receivables

On contract assets

2020

$’000

30

7

2019

$’000

25

4

_______

_______

Loss allowance at 31 December

37

29

Contract assets are comprised as follows:

Contract assets relating to revenue

Contract fulfilment assets

2020

2019

$’000

$’000

306

440

467

-

_______

_______

746

467

Credit risk and impairments

The  Group  recognises  impairments  under  IFRS  9  for 

relevant  classes  of  assets.  The  Group  thus  reviews 

the amount of expected credit loss associated with its 

trade receivables based on forward looking estimates 

that take into account current and forecast credit con-

ditions as opposed to relying on past historical default 

rates. In the absence of any historic credit losses and 

125

Vehicles

$’000

-

-

12

(11)

-

_______

1

Vehicles

$’000

-

17

(16)

11

-

_______

12

ANNUAL REPORT

11. Trade and other receivables

Due within a year

Trade receivables

Other receivables and prepayments

Intra-Group receivables

2020

$’000

2019

$’000

2,915

5,055

96

1,031

125

146

_______

_______

Total trade and other receivables

4,042

5,326

Financial year 2019

Amounts due in more than one year

At 1 January 2019

Effect of change of accounting policy

Leases taken on in the period

Transfer from long-term to short-term

Effects of foreign exchange movements

Due after more than one year

Trade receivables

149

211

At 31 December 2019

Amounts due in less than one year

At 1 January 2019

Leases taken on in the period

Repayments of principal

Transfer from long-term to short-term

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2019

12. Lease liabilities

Lease  liabilities  comprise  liabilities  arising  from  the 

committed  and  expected  payments  on  a  lease  over  a 

vehicle.

Amounts due in more than one year

At 1 January 2020

Liabilities taken on in the period

Liabilities (disposed of) in the period

Transfer from long-term to short-term

Effects of foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2020

Amounts due in less than one year

At 1 January 2020

Liabilities taken on in the period

Liabilities (disposed of) in the period

Repayments of principal

Transfer from long-term to short-term

At 31 December 2020

Vehicles

$’000

1

-

-

(1)

-

_______

-

Vehicles

$’000

12

-

-

(12)

1

_______

1

126

ANNUAL REPORT

13. Contract liabilities

Contract liabilities represent consideration received in 

respect of unsatisfied performance obligations. Chang-

es  to  the  Group’s  contract  liabilities  are  attributable 

Due after more than one year

solely to the satisfaction of performance obligations.

Trade payables

2020

$’000

2019

$’000

360

-

_______

_______

At 31 December

Due after one year

Contract liabilities at 1 January

Contract liabilities recognised in the period

Transfers to short-term liabilities

2020

2019

$’000

$’000

294

-

(87)

112

222

(40)

_______ _______

Contract liabilities at 31 December

207

294

At 31 December

Due within one year

2020

$’000

2019

$’000

Contract liabilities at 1 January

Contract liabilities recognised/(released 
to revenue) in the period

Transfers from long-term liabilities

637

(238)

87

33

564

40

Contract liabilities at 31 December

486

637

_______

_______

14.  Trade and other payables

Due within a year

Trade payables

Other payables

2020

$’000

2019

$’000

446

14

58

124

_______

_______

Total trade and other payables

460

182

Total trade and other payables

360

-

15. Share capital and reserves

Share capital and share premium

Ordinary shares of 2.5p each (issued 
and fully paid)

$’000

Number

At 1 January 2019

1,065

32,532,431

Issued for cash during the year

-

-

_______

_______

At 31 December 2019

1,065

32,532,431

Issued for cash during the year

147

4,500,000

_______

_______

At 31 December 2020

1,212

37,032,431

On  21  and  22 August  the  Company  issued  a  further 

4,500,000 2.5 pence Ordinary shares at a price of 47.0 

pence per share by way of a placing to institutional and 

other  investors.  The  Company  incurred  incremental 

costs totalling $178,000 in respect of the Placing. IAS 

32  Financial  Instruments:  Presentation  requires  the 

costs of issuing new shares to be charged against the 

share  premium  account.  Management  reviewed  the 

incremental  costs  to  identify  those  solely  incurred  in 

issuing new shares, those incurred in connection with 

the entire share capital, and those not associated with 

issuing new shares. All of the costs relating to the Plac-

ing were deemed to relate directly to the issue of new 

shares and thus resulted in a debit to share premium 

of $178,000.

ANNUAL REPORT

127

Share-based payments

As  further  detailed  in  Note  11  to  the  Consolidated 

Financial Statements, the Company has granted under 

the terms of a share option plan for employees options 

with  an  exercise  price  of  73p,  vesting  in  tranches 

as  follows:  25%  after  one  year,  25%  after  two  years 

and  50%  after  three  years.  There  are  no  conditions 

The expected life used in the model has been adjust-

ed, based on management’s best estimate, for the ef-

fects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and be-

havioural considerations. The share price per share at 

31  December  2020  was  £0.380  (31  December  2019: 

£0.705)  and  hence  no  deferred  tax  is  provided  in  re-

spect of the potential exercise of options currently ex-

attaching  to  the  vesting  of  the  options  other  than 

tant.

continued employment. An expense of $27,000 (2019: 

$45,000)  recorded  in  the  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements relates to costs of share options issued to 

subsidiary employees.

16. Capital commitments and contin-
gent liabilities

Movements in the number of share options outstanding 

Other  than  as  disclosed  in  the  Group  financial  state-

and their related weighted average exercise prices are 

ments, as at 31 December 2020 the Group had no ma-

as follows:

terial capital commitments nor any contingent liabilities 

No. of options

Weighted average 
exercise price

2020

2019

2020

2019

1,631,500

50,000

72.7p

62.5p

(2019: $nil)

17. Events after the reporting date

-

1,640,000

-

73.0p

curred subsequent to the reporting date.

There have been no significant events which have oc-

(126,000)

(58,500)

73.0p

73.0p

_______

_______

18. Related parties

1,505,500

1,631,500

72.7p

72.7p

The  Company  is  exempt  from  disclosing  transactions 

Outstanding at the 
beginning of the 
year

Granted during 
the year

Forfeited/
cancelled during 
the year

Outstanding at the 
end of the year

within the wholly owned subsidiaries in the Group. Oth-

er related party transactions are included within those 

disclosed  in  the  Group  consolidated  financial  state-

ments.

The fair values of the share options issued in the year 

was derived using a Black Scholes model. The follow-

ing key assumptions were used in the calculations:

Grant date

17 January 2019

Exercise price

Share price at grant date

73p

73p

Risk free rate

Volatility

Expected life

Fair Value

0.86 - 0.92%

35%

4.5 - 5.5 years

19.0 - 20.8p

W W W . P E L A T R O . C O M