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Public Service Enterprise Group

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253591 Petards cover spread 5mm spine.qxp  12/04/2019  10:31  Page 1

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Petards
Group plc

Parallel House, 32 London Road, Guildford, GU1 2AB, United Kingdom 
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 230345 

www.petards.com 

Annual Financial Report 2018

Petards Group plc 

Registered number 02990100

Petards
Group plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
253591 Petards cover spread 5mm spine.qxp  12/04/2019  10:31  Page 2

Introduction

Petards’ operations continue to be focused upon the development, supply and maintenance of 
technologies used in advanced security, surveillance and ruggedized electronic applications, the 
main markets for which are: 

Rail – software driven video and other sensing systems for on-train applications sold under the 
eyeTrain brand to global train builders, integrators and rail operators, and web-based real-time 
safety critical integrated software applications supporting the UK rail network infrastructure sold 
under the RTS brand; 

Traffic –Automatic Number Plate Recognition (“ANPR”) systems for lane and speed enforcement 
and other applications, and UK Home Office approved mobile speed enforcement systems, sold 
under the QRO and ProVida brands to UK and overseas law enforcement agencies and commercial 
customers; and 

Defence  –  electronic  countermeasure  protection  systems,  mobile  radio  systems  and  related 
engineering services sold predominantly to the UK Ministry of Defence (“MOD”).

Overview 

Financial statements 

Financial and operational highlights 

1
2 Chairman’s statement 

Strategic report 

Business review 

4
8 Our business, business model and strategy 
9
Key performance indicators 
10 Principal risks and uncertainties 

Corporate governance 

11 Directors’ report 
20 Remuneration report 
22 Statement of directors’ responsibilities 

23 Independent auditor’s report 
31 Consolidated income statement 
31 Consolidated statement of comprehensive 

income 

32 Statements of changes in equity 
33 Balance sheets 
34 Statements of cash flows 
35 Notes 
72 Alternative performance measures glossary 

AGM and information 

73 Directors, officers and advisors 
74 Notice of Annual General Meeting 

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Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  1

Overview

Financial and operational highlights 

Revenue  

Adjusted EBITDA* 

Net funds 

£20.0m  +28% 

13.5 13.1

15.3

15.6

20.0

£2.1m  +27% 

2.1

1.6

1.6

1.3

1.0

£1.0m  –25% 

0.9

0.8

1.3

1.0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA*

Operating profit

Profit before taxation

Cash from operating activities

Net funds (cash less debt)

Net assets

(0.1)
2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2018
£000

2017 
£000 

19,973

15,581 

2,057

1,156

1,126

2,515

969

8,091

1,619 

1,245 

1,205 

539 

1,286 

7,231 

*Adjusted EBITDA comprises operating profit adjusted to remove the impact of depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, acquisition costs and share 
based payments. See Alternative Performance Measures Glossary on page 72. 

The Group has adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers using the cumulative effect method, under which the comparative information is not 
restated. The cumulative effect of adopting IFRS 15 is recognised in equity at the date of first adoption on 1 January 2018. The impact of this on the above 
results is set out at note 3 to the financial statements.

– Total revenues increased to £20.0m (2017: £15.6m) 

– Gross margins 34.5% (2017: 38.6%) 

– Adjusted EBITDA £2.1m (2017: £1.6m) 

– Operating profit £1.2m (2017: £1.2m including £0.4m exceptional income) 

– Cash generated from operating activities of £2.5m (2017: £0.5m) 
– Significant investment of £1.4m (2017: £1.3m) in our eyeTrain automated software applications 

has created new orders and opened up new business opportunities 

– Order book at 31 December 2018 over £19m (2017: £18m) 

– 2019 revenue coverage of over £13m from 2018 closing order book 

– Acquired RTS Solutions software business focused on UK rail infrastructure 

– QRO generated over £1 million of revenues from two new UK police framework agreements 

 
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2  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Chairman’s statement

I am pleased to report on the Group’s annual results for 2018 together with the progress made in meeting our strategic growth objectives. 
While the development of our new eyeTrain software solutions presented some technical challenges, it is gratifying that Petards’ market 
position has been strengthened and that the Group is well positioned to continue to win significant new projects. 

Group revenues increased to £20.0 million (2017: £15.6 million) with Adjusted EBITDA* of £2,057,000 (2017: £1,619,000) and profits before tax 
of £1,126,000 (2017: £1,205,000 that included £491,000 of net exceptional profit). The Group closed 2018 with net funds of £969,000 (2017: 
£1,286,000). As I reported at the half year stage, the 2018 results reflect the adoption of IFRS 15, the new revenue recognition standard, details 
of which are set out in note 3 to the financial statements. 

Rail products continued to provide the majority of the Group’s revenues with around 60% relating to eyeTrain in 2018. The majority of the 
Group’s overseas sales also derive from the rail sector with overall Group exports accounting for 23% of revenues. Over the past few years the 
Group has placed considerable emphasis on establishing a strong position in its home rail market, which is expected to provide good growth 
prospects over the coming years for train new build and retrofit applications as the train operators continue to increase network capacity. 
Significant investment was made in 2018 in developing Driver Controlled Operation (“DCO”) and Automatic Selective Door Opening (“ASDO”) 
safety critical software systems. ASDO forms a key part of the overall solution to help train operators increase passenger carrying capacity 
particularly on rail lines with shorter platforms. 

QRO’s traffic products had an excellent 2018 in its second full year as part of the Group. Following its success in winning two long-term 
framework agreements with UK police forces, QRO is well positioned to achieve continued growth for its ANPR products and new service 
agreements. In April 2019 it is moving to larger nearby facilities in Northamptonshire to manage this new business, with plans to expand the 
product range. 

Defence products had a mixed year. Following a strong first half year with a number of good contract wins and related revenues, the second 
half year proved to be more difficult. The MOD has not presently sought to re-tender the radio catalogue framework agreement previously 
held by the Group for the past 5 years, which expired in September 2018. While we understand that the MOD will re-tender in due course, 
this delay means that the large orders received in 2018 are not expected to be repeated in 2019. 

RTS Solutions made a maiden contribution to Petards’ results following its acquisition in May 2018. I would like to welcome the team at RTS 
to the Group and look forward to supporting them in the future development of the business. The acquisition affirmed the Board’s strategy 
to pursue ownership of a broader portfolio of products and RTS provides the Group with its first exposure to rail infrastructure. Leeds based 
RTS supplies real-time software solutions and services that support the operational, maintenance and safety functions of the UK’s rail 
infrastructure. Since its acquisition we have created a business development function to market the software products on a wider basis while 
at the same time pursuing business with existing customers where we believe there is potential for the provision of additional services. 

The importance and contribution that the staff within the Group make cannot be underestimated and 2018 was certainly a challenging year. 
On behalf of the Board and shareholders I would like to express thanks to all of our management and staff at all levels for their hard work and 
professionalism and their contribution to the success of the Group. We look forward to their continued support in 2019. 

In line with its strategy the Board is reviewing opportunities to increase the Group’s market presence which will either be in the form of 
strategic alliances or the acquisition of complementary organisations, which is its preferred route.

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Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  3

Overview

The Group continues to enjoy a strong order book that provides the Board with good visibility to plan for the future. The order book at 31 
December 2018 was over £19 million, of which over £13 million is scheduled for revenue during 2019, with customer delivery schedules 
weighted towards the second half of the year. The Group has a strong pipeline of new contracts under negotiation which it is anticipated 
will add to the orders for delivery in the second half of 2019 and for 2020. These together with the Group’s strong market position provides 
the Board with confidence in its prospects for the year ahead. 

Raschid Abdullah  
Chairman 

9 April 2019 

*Adjusted EBITDA comprises operating profit adjusted to remove the impact of depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, acquisition costs and share based payments. A 
reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating profit is included on the face of the consolidated income statement. This is considered useful by the Board since by removing 
exceptional items, acquisition costs and share based payments, the year on year operational performance comparison is more comparable (see Alternative Performance Measures 
Glossary on page 72).

 
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4  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Strategic report

The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2018. 

Business review 

Petards’ operations continue to be focused upon the development, supply and maintenance of technologies used in advanced security, 
surveillance and ruggedized electronic applications, the main markets for which are: 

● Rail – software driven video and other sensing systems for on-train applications sold under the eyeTrain brand to global train builders, 
integrators and rail operators, and web-based real-time safety critical integrated software applications supporting the UK rail network 
infrastructure sold under the RTS brand; 

● Traffic –Automatic Number Plate Recognition (“ANPR”) systems for lane and speed enforcement and other applications, and UK Home 
Office approved mobile speed enforcement systems, sold under the QRO and ProVida brands to UK and overseas law enforcement 
agencies and commercial customers; and 

● Defence – electronic countermeasure protection systems, mobile radio systems and related engineering services sold predominantly to 

the UK Ministry of Defence (“MOD”). 

Operating review 
2018 saw the Group continue to secure the majority of orders available for its products placed by new train builders for the UK market. Order 
intake for eyeTrain products was similar to the prior year with recurring revenues for spares and repairs continuing to grow. The acquisition 
of RTS during the year added to the Group’s rail-related software solutions. The Group also secured year-on-year increases in both order intake 
and revenues for its Traffic and Defence products. 

At an operational level the year presented a number of challenges, particularly in respect of the delivery of some complex eyeTrain projects. 
The Group addressed these head-on and it is pleasing that these have been overcome to the satisfaction of our customers, albeit at some 
higher than anticipated cost. 

Order intake for eyeTrain products was weighted towards the second half of the year with significant orders being received for delivery in 
2019 and 2020 from Bombardier Transportation and Siemens Mobility worth in the region of £6.5 million. The Group’s industry experience, 
the growing number of train types on which eyeTrain is installed, our willingness to innovate, and the strong customer relationships built 
over time, all play a significant role in continuing to secure such projects. 

The Group has invested heavily in developing software that provides Automatic Selective Door Operation (ASDO), Driver Controlled Operation 
(DCO) and Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) systems that integrate with its other eyeTrain video systems. The programme required a 
significant scaling up of our software team with both permanent and contract staff. It has taken longer than originally envisaged, however, 
the core system is now operational and provides a further differentiator for Petards. It is well suited to retrofit applications and we have been 
presented with new sales opportunities, some of which we expect to be converted in the coming 12 months. 

As more eyeTrain projects go into service, revenues from spares and service support are expected to continue to grow. This is a key long-
term objective to enhance our customer and product support and we are seeking to reach agreement on service contracts as warranty 
periods expire. 

The UK’s demand for new and upgraded rolling stock remains strong and there are a number of major projects for which orders are scheduled 
to be placed by customers over the course of the next year. If Petards is selected then the majority of these are expected to utilise our existing 
proven eyeTrain software systems developed over the past two years. While the development of new on-board product applications for 
eyeTrain remains core to the Group’s strategy, the quantum of spend is presently expected to be much lower in 2019. 

Defence products had a strong first half year with the receipt and delivery of £1.5 million in radio equipment orders and the delivery of the 
£1 million emulator tool for the MOD’s transport aircraft. The MOD also extended Petards post design services contract for another two years 
to the end of 2021, worth an additional £1.1 million. However, regretfully that level of performance was not carried through to the second 

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 Strategic report 

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  5

half of the year. While Petards continues to win some radio business, at the present time the MOD has not as yet re-tendered its radio catalogue 
framework agreement, previously held by the Group, which expired in September 2018. While we understand that the MOD will re-tender 
in due course, this delay means that the large orders received in 2018 are not expected to be repeated in 2019. Other than the provision of 
specialist engineering services, the Group’s current defence activities are mainly as a value-added re-seller of radio communications and 
electronic countermeasures equipment. 

The strong order and revenue performance of Traffic products continued into the second half buoyed by QRO’s success in securing two 
framework agreements with UK police forces; one with the Cheshire force and a joint one with Thames Valley and Hampshire. While Cheshire 
has been a longstanding customer, the growth in revenues over the prior year can be attributed to the second agreement. This has been 
utilised by other forces in England with deliveries worth over £1 million being made during 2018. Commercial sales also increased and 
customer service support contracts continued to be an important aspect of the business. In April 2019 QRO will be relocating to new premises 
in Northamptonshire to support its anticipated future growth. The Board is very satisfied with the return on its investment in QRO over the 
past two years and looks forward to further growth. 

The RTS acquisition in May 2018 was the first since QRO joined the Group back in April 2016. The initial and contingent consideration of 
£1.85 million was paid during the year, including £0.6 million paid on a pound for pound basis for surplus cash in RTS’s acquired balance 
sheet. The consideration was satisfied in cash from the Group’s existing cash reserves and a new £1.25 million five year bank term loan. No 
further consideration is expected to be payable. 

RTS adds to Petards’ existing capabilities in the rail sector providing the Group with an entry into the UK rail infrastructure market. It brings 
with it a portfolio of software solutions and recurring revenues. In June 2018 it added significantly to its recurring revenues order book with 
the renewal of a contract that related to software licences, maintenance and third line support in respect of Network Rail’s real time failure 
and incident management system. The contract will generate annual revenues in excess of £250,000 and runs until June 2023. The final two 
years are at Network Rail’s option which would add to the order book when exercised. 

Since its acquisition RTS has made steady progress and contributed £0.2 million to Group profits in the period to 31 December 2018 on 
revenues of £0.5 million. Investment of £0.1 million was also made in developing a new core module for its software portfolio, the first 
revenues on which were realised in the period. While customer related project delays had an impact on its financial performance in 2018, 
those projects remain live and the revenues are expected to be realised during the course of 2019. The Board remains confident that RTS will 
prove to be a good contributor to Group profits going forward. 

Following 2018’s positive order intake performance, the Group closed the year with an order book of over £19 million (2017: over £18 million). 
This provides good coverage of the Group’s forward revenues with over £13 million scheduled for recognition during 2019 and a further £5 
million for 2020. 

Financial review 
Operating performance 

The year ended 31 December 2018 is the first year that the Group has reported under IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” and 
its implementation has not altered the revenue recognition policy for the majority of the Group’s revenue streams. The one area of the Group’s 
business in which the adoption of IFRS 15 has resulted in a change, is that of the work performed relating to the delivery of customer specific 
development projects. 

Prior to the adoption of IFRS 15, the Group recognised such revenue upon achievement of specific pre-agreed, customer-set milestones 
(other than advance payments) and for which the Group could invoice the customer for payment. Under IFRS 15, work of this nature results 
in later recognition of the related revenue and predominantly affects eyeTrain revenues. The Group has adopted IFRS 15 using the “cumulative 
effect” method under which comparative information is not restated. The cumulative effect of revising the revenue and profit previously 
recognised up to 31 December 2017 is shown as an adjustment to brought forward retained earnings, details of which are set out in note 3 
to the financial statements, as is the effect of the deferral of revenues that would have been recognised in 2018 IFRS 15 not been adopted. 

Revenues for the year were £20.0 million (2017: £15.6 million) including exports of £4.7 million (2017: £5.3 million). The majority of exports 
related to shipments of eyeTrain system to customers in Germany, Switzerland and Poland, most of which are destined for rail vehicles that 
will be operated in the UK. 

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6  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Strategic report (continued)   

Business review  (continued)  

Gross margins for the year remained in line with those reported in the first half year at 34.5%, with the reduction over those achieved in 2017 
(38.6%) reflecting both product mix and higher than anticipated project costs. With regards to mix, Defence products comprised almost a 
third of 2018 total revenues. The increase over the prior year related to additional bought-in lower margin product and this had a dilutive 
effect on the overall margin. In addition, higher non-recurring project costs were incurred in the implementation of eyeTrain projects on two 
new train platforms, and this work has been completed in the first quarter of 2019. While the benefits will be seen on future new orders, 
these costs had an effect on the gross margin in 2018. While those higher specific project costs are one-off in nature, the Group has embarked 
on a programme of margin improvement across its supply chain, which it is expected will drive better returns. 

Overall administrative expenses were up to £5,728,000 (2017: £4,770,000). The main increases related to higher amortisation and depreciation 
charges, the effect of the RTS acquisition and exceptional income of £362,000 netted off against 2017 administrative expenses. Other 
administrative expenses increased by 4% over the prior year primarily due to higher indirect staff costs and one-off Defence product tendering 
costs. 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, acquisition costs and share based payment charges (“Adjusted 
EBITDA”) totalled £2,057,000 up from £1,619,000 in 2017. Operating profits were £1,156,000 against £1,245,000 in 2017 (2017 included £362,000 
exceptional income). 

Net financial expenses totalled £30,000 (2017: £40,000) albeit that its composition was very different than the prior year which included 
interest relating to loan notes converted in 2017 of £131,000, and net exceptional financial income of £129,000. 

A tax credit of £17,000 for the year (2017: £32,000 credit) included the benefit of research and development tax credits relating to prior years. 

Profit after tax was £1,143,000 (2017: £1,237,000) and basic earnings per share 2.01p (2017: 3.31p). The equity issued as a result of the conversion 
of loan notes in December 2017 had little effect on 2017’s basic earnings per share as they were only in issue for two weeks but impacted 
that of 2018 as they were in issue for the whole year. Fully diluted earnings per share were not affected to the same extent and were 1.95p 
(2017: 2.32p). 

Research and development 

The Group continues to invest in its product offering and during 2018 made a significant investment in its rail products. This investment 
totalled £1,608,000 (2017: £1,290,000) of which £1,444,000 was capitalised (2017: £1,043,000). The capitalised costs relate predominantly to 
the Group’s next generation of eyeTrain software products which will sit alongside its existing software portfolio. These new products will 
support future sales to the Group’s most recent new customers as well as those for all ASDO systems, retrofitted DCO systems and integrated 
APC systems. In addition to eyeTrain, the Group invested to support RTS’s software development roadmap. 

Cash and cash flow 

Net cash flows from operating activities for the year were £2,515,000 (2017: £539,000). 

Net cash outflows from investing activities were £3 million comprising the acquisition of RTS, investment in new product development and 
equipment. Net financing inflows were £1.3 million of which a net £1.1 million concerned the term loan financing of the RTS acquisition. 

At 31 December 2018 the Group’s net cash and cash equivalents were £2,117,000 up by £793,000 over the year (2017: £1,324,000). The Group 
also has available to it a £0.75 million 2-year revolving credit facility secured in June 2018. 

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 Strategic report 

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  7

Brexit 

In common with most UK companies, Petards would not be immune to any potential adverse impact that a disorderly Brexit might have on 
the wider economy. However, the Board’s current assessment is that the specific sectors in which the Group operates are not significantly 
exposed to particular Brexit risk, although some impact may be felt in the days immediately following any disorderly Brexit. 

Rail products are the main contributor to Group revenues and while almost a quarter of the Group’s revenues for 2018 were exported to the 
EU, the majority related to UK rail projects. The market sectors to which Petards supplies tend to be highly regulated and the Group does not 
anticipate Brexit will change existing regulations significantly. Like most businesses it can be affected by any inflationary pressures in the 
supply chain but again these are not considered to be specific to the sectors in which the Group operates. Neither the Group’s current order 
book nor the orders it expects to receive during 2019 contain significant foreign currency exposures. The Group has also been monitoring 
its major suppliers within its supply chain and they have indicated that they have taken additional measures, such as stocking, to ensure 
continuity of supply. 

The UK Long Term Passenger Rolling Stock Strategy for the Rail Industry published in 2018 continued to express the view that while Brexit 
impacts remain unknown, the scenarios covered by the “worst case” industry modelling already cater for impacts much worse than the Office 
of Budgetary Responsibility predictions for Brexit. The overall long term rolling stock outlook remained unchanged from the prior year’s report 
and forecasts a national rail fleet increase of between 40% (5,500 vehicles) and 85% (12,000 vehicles) over the next 30 years. The investment 
decisions for new rolling stock require long term planning and those relating to orders which Petards expects to receive in the coming year 
were completed some time ago. 

The Group’s other sector exposure, defence and traffic, is also largely dependent upon UK government expenditure but those for Petards’ 
products and services are generally subject to shorter planning cycles. The current indications are that the Group’s forecast revenues take 
into account any likely adverse impact that Brexit might have, although Petards may possibly be a beneficiary of any boost in government 
spending that may follow Brexit.

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8  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Strategic report (continued)   

Our business, business model and strategy

Petards Group plc was listed on AIM in 1997 and the Group supplies advanced security and surveillance systems to three markets: 

Rail – Software driven on-board digital video and sensor systems for fitment to new build or retrofitted to existing rolling stock. Applications 
include Driver Controlled Operation (DCO), condition monitoring, saloon car CCTV, drivers view cameras and automatic passenger counting 
systems, as well as software solutions and services that support the UK rail network including incident and fault management, work site and 
resource management, resource management, machine plant and asset/inventory management. 

Traffic – ANPR systems for lane and speed enforcement and other applications, and UK Home Office approved mobile speed enforcement 
systems, sold under the QRO and ProVida brands to UK and overseas law enforcement agencies and commercial customers. 

Defence – Electronic defensive countermeasure systems for fitment to rotary and fixed wing aircraft, threat simulation systems and mobile 
radios predominantly for the UK Ministry of Defence. 

The Group’s customer base mainly comprises international ‘blue chip’ and government agencies and their strength, often global, gives rise 
to the opportunity to develop Petards business through the provision of good quality professional service in support of its existing and future 
product ranges. 

The Group develops its own products and services for sale to the Rail and Traffic markets whereas within the Defence market, in which it has 
a heritage of nearly 70 years, it is a specialist “value added” re-seller and supplier of related engineering services. 

The Board believes that the Group operates in growth areas and that it has the products and services plus available technical and technological 
skills to develop new products as well as the sales and marketing abilities to become a larger and more successful operator in each of the 
sectors in which it operates. 

The Group’s overriding objective is to achieve attractive and sustainable rates of growth and returns for shareholders and its strategy to 
achieve this objective is: 

● to focus upon the Group’s core products which are used in the rail, defence and traffic industries; 

● to continue to invest in developing technologies to enhance its product portfolio; 

● to increase revenues both organically by exploiting the synergies within the Group and by acquisition; 

● to expand revenues globally into the Group’s target markets; and 

● to improve operating margins through cost management. 

 
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 Strategic report 

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  9

Key performance indicators 

The Group uses a number of key performance indicators (KPI’s) to monitor its progress against its objectives. In addition to on time delivery 
and quality standards, the main KPI’s are: 

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA1

Net cash from operating activities

Net funds2

Current net funds3

2018
£000

2017 
£000 

19,973

15,581 

2,057

2,515

969

1,852

1,619 

539 

1,286 

1,309 

1  Adjusted EBITDA comprises operating profit adjusted to remove the impact of depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, acquisition costs and share based payments. A 

reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating profit is included on the face of the consolidated income statement. 

    An Adjusted EBITDA KPI is considered useful to the Board since by removing exceptional items, acquisition costs and share based payments, the year on year operational 

performance comparison is more transparent. 

2  Net funds comprises cash and cash equivalents (note 20) less interest bearing loans and borrowings (note 21). 

3  Current net funds comprises cash and cash equivalents (note 20) less current liabilities in respect of interest bearing loans and borrowings (note 21). 

See Alternative Performance Measures Glossary on page 72. 

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10  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Strategic report (continued)   

Principal risks and uncertainties

The management of the business and the execution of the Group’s strategy is subject to a number of risks. The main business risks affecting 
the Group are outlined below. Potential risks relating to Brexit and the assessment of the impact of Brexit have been addressed separately 
above. 

The Group may face increased competition – the Group may face greater competition including that from competitors with greater capital 
resources than those of the Group. 

The Group may need future access to capital – the Group’s capital requirements depend on numerous factors. In order to make future acquisitions 
and to fund growth, the Group may require further financing. This may not be able to take place if financing is not available. 

The financial results of the Group can be materially affected by the timing of large contracts – the Group’s revenue is generated from a mix of 
longer and shorter lead time orders. The timing of order placement and delivery of the larger orders is inherently difficult to predict potentially 
causing material fluctuations in actual results compared with expectations or plans. 

Government expenditure – many of the industries that utilise the Group’s products receive funding from central and local governments. The 
levels of funding for those industries may impact on demand for the Group’s products. The Group has sought to mitigate this potential 
exposure by increasing its geographic customer base and by supplying a range of products and services. 

Dependence on key personnel – the Group’s performance depends to a significant extent upon a limited number of key employees. The loss 
of one or more of these key employees and the inability to recruit people with the appropriate experience and skills could have a material 
adverse effect on the Group. The Group has endeavoured to ensure that these key employees are incentivised but their retention cannot be 
guaranteed. 

Technological changes – the Group’s product offerings may be under threat should technologies be developed by competitors that render 
those products either redundant or uncompetitive. This could potentially result in a reduction in revenues generated by the products affected. 
The Group also incurs expenditure in developing new products and services. Should such development projects not be successfully 
completed or result in offerings that are not attractive to customers, the costs incurred may not be fully recoverable. 

Currency risk – the Group buys from suppliers and sells to customers based outside of the UK and consequently these dealings may be in 
foreign currencies that are subject to exchange rate fluctuations. The Group actively manages these exposures with foreign currency 
instruments, unless there is a natural hedge between purchases and sales. The principal currencies involved are US dollars and Euros. 

Further details regarding the key accounting estimates and judgements are included in note 1. 

Signed on behalf of the Board 

Osman Abdullah 
Group Chief Executive

Parallel House 
32 London Road 
Guildford 
Surrey 
GU1 2AB 

9 April 2019 

253591 Petards pp01-pp22.qxp  12/04/2019  10:18  Page 11

Directors’ report

Corporate governance 

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  11

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

Board of Directors and Directors’ interests 
The Board currently comprises an executive Chairman, two executive directors and one non-executive director as follows: 

Raschid Abdullah – Executive Chairman 

Raschid was appointed executive Chairman in January 2013 and until its purchase by Petards was also executive Chairman of Water Hall 
Group plc, which was listed on AIM. 

He was previously executive Chairman of Evered Holding plc, a fully listed public company specialising in industrial and quarry related 
products, from 1982 to 1989. Raschid started his commercial life within the construction industry in the areas of building product supplies 
and the provision of specialist subcontracting services starting his first business in 1971 which he sold to a competitor in 1976. 

He then joined the family business providing a range of services to clients in the Middle East. These included owning and operating family 
and procurement offices for prominent families and their businesses, and co-investing in the UK stock market with a number of Middle 
Eastern families. He is a Life Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. 

Osman Abdullah – Group Chief Executive 

Osman Abdullah was appointed to the Board in September 2010 as a non-executive director, becoming executive Chairman of the Group’s 
principal trading subsidiary in 2013 to lead its restructure. He was appointed as Group Chief Executive from January 2016. 

He was formerly Group Chief Executive of Evered Holdings plc, a fully listed public company specialising in industrial manufacturing, 
distribution and quarry mining related products from 1981 to 1989. He subsequently served from 1993 to 2005 as a non-executive director 
of Umeco plc, a fully listed company specialising in component distribution and the manufacture of composite material based products 
principally to the aerospace industry. 

Paul Negus – Director 

Paul Negus joined the Board in September 2014 and is responsible for business development for Petards’ rail products. He has considerable 
commercial experience having spent eight years as Managing Director of PIPS Technology Limited, a developer of automatic number plate 
recognition and CCTV systems first under private ownership and latterly under the ownership of Federal Signal Inc. 

Terry Connolly FCA – Non-Executive Director 

Terry Connolly was appointed in August 2007. He is a chartered accountant and had a career in advertising and the entertainment sector 
where as Group Managing Director of Chrysalis he was responsible for taking that company to a public listing. Since 1989 he has been a self-
employed consultant specialising in strategic and corporate affairs. He is Chairman of the Audit and Remuneration Committees. 

Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company are set out in the Remuneration Report. 

Research and development 
The Group is committed to research and development activities in order to secure competitive advantage in the markets in which it operates. 
An amount of £1,444,000 (2017: £1,043,000) has been capitalised during the year which relates to the ongoing development of the Group’s 
rail products. In addition, the Group expensed other development expenditure totalling £127,000 (2017: £247,000) directly to the income 
statement.

253591 Petards pp01-pp22.qxp  12/04/2019  10:18  Page 12

12  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Directors’ report (continued) 

Corporate Governance Statement 
The Board is collectively responsible for Corporate Governance and I, as Chairman of the Board, am ultimately responsible for ensuring that 
a high level of Corporate Governance is embedded in the Company’s culture. 

As a company whose shares are traded on the Alternative Investment Market (‘AIM’) of the London Stock Exchange, Petards Group plc 
recognises its responsibility for the proper management of the Company and the importance of sound corporate governance, commensurate 
with the size and nature of the Company and the interests of its shareholders. In accordance with AIM Rule 26, which requires AIM companies 
to comply with a recognised code of Corporate Governance, the Board believes that the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance 
Code 2018 (the “QCA Code”) provides a suitable framework by which it is able to continue to commit to maintaining high standards of 
corporate  governance.  Accordingly,  the  Company  complies  with  the  10  principles  of  the  QCA  Code  where  considered  relevant  and 
appropriate, having regard to the size, current stage of development and resources of the Company. 

The QCA Code is applied by the Company primarily through its Board process, which includes regular meetings covering financial as well as 
non-financial matters which affect not only the Company’s shareholders but other significant stakeholders, including employees. The Board 
process and corporate governance is enhanced by the establishment of Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees. 

The Board believes that, having regard to the size of the Group, its stage of development and the resources it has available, its governance 
structures and practices are in compliance with the expectations of the QCA Code. 

Set out below are the 10 principles of the QCA Code, together with a summary under each heading explaining how the Company has applied 
these. In fulfilling their responsibilities, the directors believe that they govern the Company in the best interests of its shareholders, whilst 
having due regard to the interests of other stakeholders in the Group including, in particular, customers, employees and creditors. 

1    Establish a strategy and business model which promotes long-term value for shareholders 
Application 

The Board must be able to express a shared view of the Company’s purpose, business model and strategy. It should go beyond the simple 
description of products and corporate structures and set out how the Company intends to deliver shareholder value in the medium to long-
term. It should demonstrate that the delivery of long-term growth is underpinned by a clear set of values aimed at protecting the Company 
from unnecessary risk and securing its long-term future. 

Compliance 

The Company’s vision is to invest in and develop its business to deliver long term, sustainable growth in shareholder value. This may come 
from organic growth, acquisitions or divestments. 

The strategy for achieving this focuses on maintaining acceptable gross profit margins, underpinned with sensible cost and cash management, 
having regard to perceived risks within the industry market and sector parameters, as well as the macro economic environment. 

The Chairman’s Statement and Strategic Report include detailed analysis of the Group’s strategy, financial performance, principal risks and 
uncertainties and future expectations. 

2    Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations 
Application 

Directors must develop a good understanding of the needs and expectations of all elements of the Company’s shareholder base. The Board 
must manage shareholders’ expectations and should seek to understand the motivations behind shareholder voting decisions. 

Compliance 

The Board recognises and understands that it has a fiduciary responsibility to the shareholders. The Board is aware of the need to protect the 
interests of minority shareholders and balancing these interests with those of any more substantial shareholders. The Chairman is responsible 
for ongoing dialogue and relationships with shareholders supported by the other executive directors. As such, members of the Board meet 
with the Company’s larger shareholders during the course of the year. The Annual General Meeting is always an opportunity for the Board to 
communicate with shareholders and the Board welcomes the attendance and participation of all shareholders. 

253591 Petards pp01-pp22.qxp  12/04/2019  10:18  Page 13

Corporate governance 

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  13

This communication allows the Board to understand the shareholders’ views, and to ensure that the strategies and objectives of the Group 
are aligned with shareholders. In its decision-making, the Board will have regard to the ascertained expectations and needs of its shareholders 
(as appropriate in accordance with its statutory and fiduciary duties). 

The Group’s website (www.petards.com) allows shareholders access to information including; contact details, major shareholders and the 
current share price. In addition, all announcements issued since 2014 via RNS are available, together with an archive of recent financial reports 
and accounts and interim statements. 

The resolutions to be put to a vote at each AGM can be found at the back of the relevant Annual Financial Report and the Financial Reports 
and Circulars section of the Company’s website for any forthcoming AGM. Past AGM resolutions can be found at the back of each Annual 
Financial Report with the results now published in the RNS section. 

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

success 

Application 

Long-term success relies upon good relations with a range of different stakeholder groups both internal (workforce) and external (suppliers, 
customers, regulators and others). The Board needs to identify the Company’s stakeholders and understand their needs, interests and 
expectations. 

Where matters that relate to the Company’s impact on society, the communities within which it operates or the environment have the 
potential to affect the Company’s ability to deliver shareholder value over the medium to long-term, then those matters must be integrated 
into the Company’s strategy and business model. 

Feedback is an essential part of all control mechanisms. Systems need to be in place to solicit, consider and act on feedback from all 
stakeholder groups. 

Compliance 

The Group’s responsibilities to stakeholders including staff, suppliers and customers and the wider society are also recognised as important 
to the delivery of the Company’s business objectives. 

The Company is committed to a series of Corporate Social Responsibility principles that provide a reference point for all stakeholders on the 
elements that define the conduct of the Company’s business and relationships in the geographical markets in which it operates. 

These principles are subject to periodic review and cover the following areas; ethics and business conduct, employees (including our supply 
chain), health and safety, environment and community. 

The environmental impact of the Group’s activities is carefully considered, and the maintenance of high environmental standards is a priority. 
The Group is committed to reducing that impact as far as reasonably possible through full regulatory compliance, recycling programmes 
and other initiatives. 

The Board has regard to the feedback of relevant stakeholders in its decision-making and the formulation of strategy. 

4    Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the 

organisation 

Application 

The Board needs to ensure that the Company’s risk management framework identifies and addresses all relevant risks in order to execute 
and deliver strategy; companies need to consider their extended business, including the Company’s supply chain, from key suppliers to end-
customer. 

Setting strategy includes determining the extent of exposure to the identified risks that the Company is able to bear and willing to take (risk 
tolerance and risk appetite). 

253591 Petards pp01-pp22.qxp  12/04/2019  10:18  Page 14

14  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Directors’ report (continued) 

Compliance 

The Board has established Audit and Remuneration Committees full details of which are contained in principle 9, below. 

The Company also receives feedback from its external auditors on the effectiveness of its internal control structure. 

The Audit Committee believes that there should be no internal audit function for the Group at this time considering the size of the Group 
and the close involvement of senior management over the Group’s accounting systems. However, the Committee will keep this matter under 
review in the event that circumstances warrant an internal function in the future. 

In addition to the activities of the Board’s sub-committees, the Board approves the annual budget each year. This process allows the Board 
to identify key performance targets and risks expected during the upcoming year. The Board also considers the agreed budget when reviewing 
trading  updates  and  considering  expenditures  throughout  the  year.  Progress  is  monitored  via  monthly  reporting  of  actual  financial 
performance against budget. Where appropriate, forecasts are prepared to further appraise any risks arising during the year. 

The Group has clear authority limits deriving from the list of matters reserved for decision by the Board, including capital expenditure approval procedures. 

The Board regularly reviews and monitors Key Performance Indicators, including those related to banking covenants. 

The Board plans to develop a risk register to assist in addressing and monitoring the risks critical to executing and delivering its strategy. 

5    Maintain the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the Chair 
Application 

The Board members have a collective responsibility and legal obligation to promote the interests of the Company, and are collectively 
responsible for defining corporate governance arrangements. Ultimate responsibility for the quality of, and approach to, corporate governance 
lies with the Chair of the Board. 

The Board (and any committees) should be provided with high quality information in a timely manner to facilitate proper assessment of the 
matters requiring a decision or insight. 

The Board should have an appropriate balance between executive and non-executive directors and should have at least two independent 
non-executive directors. Independence is a Board judgement. 

The Board should be supported by committees (e.g. audit, remuneration, nomination) that have the necessary skills and knowledge to 
discharge their duties and responsibilities effectively. 

Directors must commit the time necessary to fulfil their roles. 

Compliance 

The principal risks faced by the Group are addressed by the appointment of an experienced executive Board supported by an experienced 
independent non-executive director and a team of appropriately qualified professional advisers. 

The executive directors are closely involved in the day to day operations of the Group and report to the Board in detail, typically on a monthly 
basis. Their reports include the status and trends of agreed Key Performance Indicators that are noted in the Group’s Annual Financial Report 
in the Strategic Report and Financial and Operational Highlights. 

Nine main Board meetings were held during 2018. The Company Secretary records attendance at all Board meetings and the table below 
shows attendance by each director. 

Raschid Abdullah

Osman Abdullah

Paul Negus

Terry Connolly

9/9 

9/9 

9/9 

9/9 

253591 Petards pp01-pp22.qxp  12/04/2019  10:18  Page 15

Corporate governance 

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  15

The Board currently comprises three executive directors and one independent non-executive director. Biographical details of the directors 
are provided at the beginning of this report. 

The role of the independent non-executive director is to bring independent judgement to Board deliberations and decisions. The independent 
non-executive director has no personal financial interest, other than as a shareholder, in the matters to be decided and although he has 
served for more than 9 years the Board is satisfied that the he is independent in terms of character and judgement. 

The Board believes that based on the size of the Company, its current stage of development and its internal resources, having only one 
independent non-executive director represents a sufficient balance and level of independence. The Board reviews these factors regularly 
and considers whether, or at what stage of the Company’s development, a second independent non-executive director will be required to 
further enhance this balance. 

The  Board  has  sub-committees  appointed  to  review  the  specific  matters  of  Audit,  Remuneration  and  Nominations.  The  Audit  and 
Remuneration Committees are chaired by the independent non-executive director and the whole Board undertakes the responsibilities of 
the Nominations Committee. Further details are provided under principle 9, below. 

The  Board  is  confident  that  each  current  member  has  the  necessary  skills,  experience  and  knowledge  to  discharge  his  duties  and 
responsibilities effectively and that each commits the time necessary to fulfil his role. 

6    Ensure that between them the directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and 

capabilities 

Application 

The Board must have an appropriate balance of sector, financial and public markets skills and experience, as well as an appropriate balance 
of personal qualities and capabilities. The Board should understand and challenge its own diversity, including gender balance, as part of its 
composition. 

The Board should not be dominated by one person or a group of people. Strong personal bonds can be important but can also divide a 
Board. 

As companies evolve, the mix of skills and experience required on the Board will change, and Board composition will need to evolve to reflect 
this change. 

Compliance 

Each Board director has a wealth of knowledge and experience of the Group’s business operations and financial management, and of the 
market the sector in which it operates. 

The Board is collectively aware of its need to consider and review its composition, in terms of individual personalities, diversity and gender. 
Having regard to the size and stage of development of the Group and of its internal resources and management support structure beneath 
it, the Board believe that it currently has an appropriate mix of personal qualities, experience and capability. 

7    Evaluate Board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous 

improvement 

Application 

The Board should regularly review the effectiveness of its performance as a unit, as well as that of its committees and the individual directors. 

The Board performance review may be carried out internally or, ideally, externally facilitated from time to time. The review should identify 
development or mentoring needs of individual directors or the wider senior management team. 

It is healthy for membership of the Board to be periodically refreshed. Succession planning is a vital task for Boards. No member of the Board 
should become indispensable. 

253591 Petards pp01-pp22.qxp  12/04/2019  10:18  Page 16

16  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Directors’ report (continued) 

Compliance 

The Board undertakes regular monitoring of personal and corporate performance using agreed key performance indicators and detailed 
financial reports. 

Key performance indicators include; revenues, Adjusted EBITDA, pre-tax profit, cash generation, net cash, net assets and earnings per share. 

The Board considers the need for refreshing its membership and is also responsible for succession planning. Having regard to the size and 
stage of development of the Group and of its internal resources and management support structure beneath it, the Board believes that it 
currently has an appropriate mix of personal qualities, experience and capability and that it undertakes sufficient procedures to review its 
own effectiveness and performance as a unit, as well as that of its committees and individual members. 

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

The Board should embody and promote a corporate culture that is based on sound ethical values and behaviours and use it as an asset and 
a source of competitive advantage. 

The policy set by the Board should be visible in the actions and decisions of the Chief Executive and the rest of the management team. 
Corporate values should guide the objectives and strategy of the Company. 

The culture should be visible in every aspect of the business, including recruitment, nominations, training and engagement. The performance 
and reward system should endorse the desired ethical behaviours across all levels of the Company. 

The corporate culture should be recognisable throughout the disclosures in the Annual Report, website and any other statements issued by 
the Company. 

Compliance 

The Board is committed to embodying and promoting a sound corporate culture and has endorsed various policies which require ethical 
behaviour of staff and relevant counterparties (such as those mandating anti-corruption, anti-counterfeiting, fair treatment and equality of 
opportunity). 

The Board and management conduct themselves ethically at all times. The Group values its reputation for ethical behaviour and has a set of 
values that are at the core of its business philosophy. 

9    Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision-

making by the Board 

Application 

The Company should maintain governance structures and processes in line with its corporate culture and appropriate to its: 

–     size and complexity; and 

–     capacity, appetite and tolerance for risk. 

The governance structures should evolve over time in parallel with its objectives, strategy and business model to reflect the development of 
the Company. 

Compliance 

Whilst the Company recognises the importance of high standards of Corporate Governance, the Board has sought to address the matter in 
a proportionate way having regard to the size and resources of the Group. 

The principal risks faced by the Group are addressed by the appointment of an experienced executive Board, supported by an experienced 
independent non-executive director, an experienced, capable and diverse operational management support structure and a team of 
appropriately qualified external professional advisers. 

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Corporate governance  

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  17

The Board aims to hold twelve formally constituted meetings per annum at which it typically reviews the Group’s financial performance and 
risk profile and considers strategies for future growth. 

The Board is supported by the Company Secretary who records and distributes minutes of the meetings on a timely basis. 

In support of its aim of maintaining governance structures and processes, the Board has sub-committees appointed to review the specific 
matters of Audit, Remuneration and Nominations. 

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that the financial performance of the Group is properly reported on and monitored and for 
meeting the auditors and reviewing their reports in relation to the accounts and the audit. It holds a formal meeting with the external auditors 
at least twice a year. 

The Audit Committee evaluates the independence and objectivity of the external auditor and takes into consideration all United Kingdom 
professional and regulatory requirements. Consideration is given to all relationships between the Group and the audit firm including in 
respect of the provision of non-audit services. The Audit Committee considers whether those relationships appear to impair the auditor’s 
judgement or independence. The Audit Committee believes they do not. 

The Audit Committee believes that there should be no internal audit function for the Group at this time considering the size of the Group 
and the close involvement of senior management over the Group’s accounting systems. However, the Committee will keep this matter under 
review in the event that circumstances warrant an internal function for the Group in the future. 

Remuneration Committee 

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for setting the scale and structure of the executive directors’ remuneration. It also recommends 
the allocation of share options to directors and other employees. 

The responsibilities of both the Audit and Remuneration Committees are undertaken by the Company’s independent non-executive director, 
who seeks independent advice from external advisors as he feels is appropriate and necessary. 

Nomination Committee 

The whole Board undertakes the Nomination Committee responsibilities. The remit comprises all new appointments of directors and senior 
management throughout the Group; nominations, interviewing, taking up references and considering related matters. 

10 Communicate how the Company is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with 

shareholders and other relevant stakeholders 

Application 

A healthy dialogue should exist between the Board and all of its stakeholders, including shareholders, to enable all interested parties to come 
to informed decisions about the Company. 

In particular, appropriate communication and reporting structures should exist between the Board and all constituent parts of its shareholder 
base. This will assist: 

–     the communication of shareholders’ views to the Board; and 

–     the shareholders’ understanding of the unique circumstances and constraints faced by the Company. 

It should be clear where these communication practices are described. 

Compliance 

The Board is conscious of the need to engage with shareholders and other stakeholders so that interested parties have sufficient information 
on which to make informed decisions about the Company.

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18  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Directors’ report (continued) 

The Company’s Annual Financial Report provides information on a number of key areas, including the following: 

–     Corporate Governance, including reference to the QCA Code; 

–     Operational and Financial review 

–     A summary of the business, the business model and strategy; 

–     Significant risks and uncertainties; 

–     Significant accounting policies and particularly areas which are subject to judgements, estimates and assumptions; and 

–     A Remuneration Committee Report. 

The Company’s website provides further information on a number of key areas, including the following: 

–     Material on the Company’s Corporate Governance Framework; 

–     The AGM Statement and results of voting at the AGM; 

–     Regulatory News; and 

–     Historical Annual Financial Reports. 

Both this Annual Financial Report and the Company’s Website provide information on forthcoming AGMs and a list of external advisers. 

Further details regarding the communication between the Company and its shareholders is explained in the disclosure above against 
principle 2. 

Financial instruments and financial risk management 
The Group presently finances its operations through a mixture of cash resources, bank borrowings, retained earnings and share capital. Its 
principal financial instruments comprise cash and bank borrowings together with trade receivables and trade payables. 

The Group’s other financial instruments arise from its day to day operations and comprise primarily of short term debtors and creditors and, 
where deemed appropriate, forward currency contracts. 

Further details of the Group’s financial instruments are given in note 26 to the financial statements and the directors consider the principal 
risks associated with the Group’s financial instruments to be liquidity risk and currency risk. 

Employment policies 
The  Group  has  established  policies  to  comply  with  the  relevant  legislation  and  codes  of  practice  regarding  employment  and  equal 
opportunities. It keeps its employees informed of matters affecting them as employees through regular team briefings throughout the year 
and has a policy that training, career development and promotion opportunities should be available to all employees. 

It is the Group’s policy to give full and fair consideration to applications for employment by people who are disabled, to continue wherever 
possible  the  employment  of  staff  who  become  disabled  and  to  provide  equal  opportunities  for  the  career  development  of  disabled 
employees. 

Disclosure of information to auditor 
The directors who held office at the date of approval of this directors’ report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and each director has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a 
director to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

253591 Petards pp01-pp22.qxp  12/04/2019  10:18  Page 19

Corporate governance  

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  19

Substantial shareholdings 
At 5 April 2019 the Company was aware of the following interests in three percent or more of its issued share capital. 

Name of holder

El-Khereiji Financial Company WLL

Charwell Investments Limited

PFS Downing Active Management Limited

R M Abdullah

Miton UK Microcap Trust PLC

A Perloff

O Abdullah

Chelverton Growth Trust plc

MT Zahid

YT Zahid

T W G Charlton

Number
of shares

Percentage 
held 

8,615,268

5,083,767

3,605,000

3,476,909

2,639,375

2,500,000

2,139,948

2,000,000

1,875,000

1,875,000

1,725,000

14.9% 

8.8% 

6.3% 

6.1% 

4.6% 

4.4% 

3.7% 

3.5% 

3.3% 

3.3% 

3.0% 

Going concern 
After making detailed enquiries, the Board has a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future and accordingly continues to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. Further details 
relating to going concern are provided at note 1 on page 35 to the financial statements. 

Auditor 
In accordance with section 489 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditor of the Company is to 
be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

By order of the Board 

Raschid Abdullah 
Director

Parallel House 
32 London Road 
Guildford 
Surrey 
GU1 2AB 

9 April 2019

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20  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Remuneration report

Remuneration Committee  
The Remuneration Committee is presently comprised of Mr T Connolly. 

Remuneration Policy 
The Remuneration Committee reviews the performance of executive directors and sets the scale and structure of their remuneration and 
other benefits. Individual rewards and incentives are aligned with the performance of the Group and the interests of the shareholders and 
are set at an appropriate level in order to attract, retain and motivate executives who are expected to meet challenging performance criteria. 

The committee also recommends the allocation of share options to directors and other employees. 

Service contracts 
No directors have contracts of service with notice periods that exceed 12 months. 

Directors’ emoluments 
Details of individual director’s emoluments are set out in note 6 to the financial statements. 

Directors’ share interests 
The directors’ beneficial interests in the shares of the Company at the year-end were as follows: 

Ordinary 
Shares of 
1p each at

Ordinary 
Shares of 
1p each at 
 31 December 31 December 
2017 

2018

R Abdullah

O Abdullah

T Connolly

P Negus

3,476,909

2,139,948

30,000

575,000

3,476,909 

2,724,585 

30,000 

– 

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Corporate governance  

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  21

Directors’ interests in share options 
At 31 December 2018 the number of options to subscribe for ordinary shares of 1p held by directors were as follows: 

                                                          Number of                              
                                                           options at           Exercised 
                                                            1 January                during
                                                                      2018             the year

Granted

Number of 
options at
during 31 December 
2018

the year

Exercise 
price
(pence)

Date first 
exercisable

Expiry date 

R Abdullah1                                      1,000,000          (1,000,000)

                                                              850,000                           –

–

–

                                                                         –                           –

575,000

O Abdullah                                      1,312,500                           –

                                                              850,000                           –

–

–

                                                                         –                           –

575,000

–

8.00p

25.11.13

24.11.23 

850,000

575,000

12.25p

21.50p

06.01.19

05.01.26 

31.10.21

31.10.28 

1,312,500

8.00p

25.11.13

24.11.23 

850,000

575,000

12.25p

21.50p

06.01.19

05.01.26 

31.10.21

31.10.28 

P Negus2                                              700,000             (700,000)

–

–

11.625p

23.04.18

24.04.25 

                                                                         –                           –

300,000

300,000

21.50p

31.10.21

31.10.28 

1  There was a gain on the exercise of these options of £136,000. R Abdullah also exercised share options in 2017 on which there was a gain of £81,250. 
2  The options were held by Adcel Ltd, a company solely controlled by P Negus. There was a gain on the exercise of these options of £97,125. 

The share price at 31 December 2018 was 26.50p and the share price has ranged during the year from 19.00p to 27.50p. 

There have been no changes to directors’ interests since the year end. 

Non-executive director 
Fees for the non-executive director are determined by the Board as a whole having regard to the time devoted to the Company’s affairs. The 
non-executive director is not part of any pension, share option or bonus schemes of the Group. 

Terry Connolly  
Director 

9 April 2019

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22  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

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

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and parent Company financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and parent Company financial statements for each financial year. As required by the 
AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (IFRSs as adopted by the EU) and applicable law and have elected to prepare the parent 
Company financial statements on the same basis. 

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

● select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;  

● make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant and reliable; 

● state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;  

● assess the Group and parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 

concern; and 

● use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, 

or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent Company and enable them to ensure 
that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general 
responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities. 

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

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s website. 
Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 23

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  23

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  
Petards Group plc 

       Overview 

Materiality: Group financial                          £195k (2017: £156k) 1%  
statements as a whole                                        (2017: 1%) of revenue 

Coverage                                                                  100% (2017: 100%) 
                                                                                       of Group revenue 

Key audit matters                                                                       vs 2017 

Event driven – New: The impact of uncertainties due 
to the UK exiting the European Union on our audit                     

Event driven – New: Completeness and valuation of 
intangibles arising on acquisition                                                     

New: Going concern                                                                           

▲

▲

▲

Recurring risk – Revenue from contracts ongoing at 
year end                                                                                            

▲ ▲

Recurring risk, Parent Company – Recoverability of 
Parent Company’s investments in subsidiaries                         

▲ ▲

1. Our opinion is unmodified 

       We have audited the financial statements of Petards Group plc 
(“the Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2018 which 
comprise the consolidated income statement, consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income, Group and parent 
Company statements of changes in equity, Group and parent 
Company balance sheets, Group and parent Company 
statements of cash flows, and the related notes, including the 
accounting policies in note 1. 

       In our opinion: 

       –     the financial statements give a true and fair view of the 

state of the Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs as 
at 31 December 2018 and of the Group’s profit for the year 
then ended; 

       –     the Group financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union 
(IFRSs as adopted by the EU); 

       –     the parent Company financial statements have been 

properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the EU and as applied in accordance with the provisions of 
the Companies Act 2006; and 

       –     the financial statements have been prepared in 

accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006. 

       Basis for opinion 

       We conducted our audit in accordance with International 

Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities are described below. We have fulfilled our 
ethical responsibilities under, and are independent of the 
Group in accordance with, UK ethical requirements including 
the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities. We 
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient 
and appropriate basis for our opinion.

 
 
 
 
 
253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 24

24  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  
Petards Group plc (continued)  

2. Key audit matters: including our assessment of risks of material misstatement 

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

statements and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, 
including 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. We summarise below the key audit matters in arriving at our audit opinion above. 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. 

                                                                    The risk                                                                                  Our response

The impact of uncertainties 
due to the UK exiting the 
European Union on our audit 

Refer to page 7 (financial review).

Unprecedented levels of uncertainty 

All audits assess and challenge the 
reasonableness of estimates, in particular as 
described in the recoverability of the parent 
company’s investments in subsidiaries and the 
completeness and valuation of intangibles 
arising on acquisition (see below), and related 
disclosures and the appropriateness of the 
going concern basis of preparation of the 
financial statements (see below). All of these 
depend on assessments of the future 
economic environment and the Group’s future 
prospects and performance. 

Brexit is one of the most significant economic 
events for the UK and at the date of this report 
its effects are subject to unprecedented levels 
of uncertainty of outcomes, with the full range 
of possible effects unknown.

We developed a standardised firm-wide approach 
to the consideration of the uncertainties arising 
from Brexit in planning and performing our audits. 
Our procedures included: 

•      Our Brexit knowledge – We considered the 
directors’ assessment of Brexit-related sources 
of risk for the group’s business and financial 
resources compared with our own 
understanding of the risks. We considered the 
directors’ plans to take action to mitigate the 
risks. 

•      Sensitivity analysis – When addressing 

estimates, in particular the recoverability of the 
parent company’s investments in subsidiaries, 
the completeness and valuation of intangibles 
arising on acquisition and the appropriateness 
of the going concern basis of preparation of 
the financial statements key audit matters and 
other areas that depend on forecasts, we 
compared the directors’ analysis to our 
assessment of the full range of reasonably 
possible scenarios resulting from Brexit 
uncertainty and, where forecast cash flows are 
required to be discounted, considered 
adjustments to discount rates for the level of 
remaining uncertainty. 

•      Assessing transparency – As well as assessing 
individual disclosures as part of our procedures 
on estimates, in particular as described in the 
recoverability of the parent company’s 
investments in subsidiaries, the completeness 
and valuation of intangibles arising on 
acquisition and the appropriateness of the 
going concern basis of preparation of the 
financial statements key audit matters, we 
considered all of the Brexit related disclosures 
together, including those in the strategic 
report, comparing the overall picture against 
our understanding of the risks. 

However, no audit should be expected to predict 
the unknowable factors or all possible future 
implications for a Group and this is particularly the 
case in relation to Brexit. 

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 25

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  25

                                                                    The risk                                                                                  Our response

Completeness and valuation 
of intangibles arising on 
acquisition of RTS Solutions 
(Holdings) Limited and its 
subsidiary 

Intangible assets of £553k: 

Refer to note 1 on page 38 
(accounting policy) and note 15 
on page 58.

Forecast based valuation 

Our procedures included: 

•      Use of an expert – With the assistance of our 
own valuation specialists, we assessed the 
appropriateness of the valuation 
methodologies applied and challenged the 
completeness of the intangible assets 
identified and the discount rates applied. 

•      Assessing transparency – We considered the 
adequacy of the disclosures in respect of the 
acquisition. 

•      Historical comparison – We challenged the 

reasonableness of the assumptions, particularly 
the projected sales volumes, by assessing the 
historical accuracy of the Group’s forecasting.

There is significant judgement with regard to 
the assumptions and estimates involved in the 
forecasting of future cash flows that form the 
basis of the assessment of the value of the 
intangible assets recognised on acquisition. 
The key assumptions are the expected future 
revenue and discount rates applied to the cash 
flows. 

Given the level of goodwill recognised on this 
acquisition, there is a risk that not all intangible 
assets have been recognised on acquisition. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of 
our risk assessment, we determined that the 
recognition and valuation of intangible assets 
has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, 
with a potential range of reasonable outcomes 
greater than our materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole. 

In conducting our final audit work, we 
reassessed the degree of estimation 
uncertainty to be less than materiality.

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 26

26  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  
Petards Group plc (continued)   

                                                                    The risk                                                                                  Our response

Going concern 

Disclosure quality 

Our procedures included: 

Refer to page 10 (principal risks), 
note 1 on page 35 (accounting 
policy) and note 21 on page 64 
(financial disclosures).

The financial statements explain how the Board 
has formed a judgement that it is appropriate 
to adopt the going concern basis of 
preparation for the Group and parent 
Company. 

•      Funding assessment – We inspected the 

bank facility documents and correspondence 
with the lender to ascertain the committed 
level of financing and the related covenant 
requirements. 

That judgement is based on an evaluation of 
the inherent risks to the Group’s and parent 
Company’s business model and how those 
risks might affect the Group’s and parent 
Company’s financial resources or ability to 
continue operations over a period of at least a 
year from the date of approval of the financial 
statements. 

The risk most likely to adversely affect the 
Group’s and parent Company’s available 
financial resources and compliance with the 
terms of the bank facilities over this period is 
the timing and delivery of larger orders which 
are difficult to predict, and can cause material 
fluctuations in actual cash flows compared to 
those forecast. 

There are also less predictable but realistic 
second order impacts, such as the impact of 
Brexit and the erosion of customer confidence, 
which could result in a rapid reduction of 
available financial resources. 

The risk for our audit was whether or not those 
risks were such that they amounted to a 
material uncertainty that may have cast 
significant doubt about the ability to continue 
as a going concern. Had they been such, then 
that fact would have been required to have 
been disclosed.

•      Historical comparisons – We compared the 

Group’s forecasts to actual cash flows achieved 
in the year and in earlier years. 

•      Sensitivity analysis – We considered 

sensitivities over the level of available financial 
resources (and related covenant requirements) 
indicated by the Group’s financial forecasts 
taking account of reasonably possible (but not 
unrealistic) adverse effects that could arise 
from these risks individually and collectively. 

•      Benchmarking assumptions – We tested the 
integrity of the cash flow projections and 
challenged the appropriateness of the key 
assumptions used therein by reference to our 
knowledge of the business. We also assessed 
the projections and assumptions by reference 
to general market conditions and post year 
end trading and cash flows, and assessed the 
potential risk of management bias. 

•      Assessing transparency – We assessed the 
completeness and accuracy of the going 
concern disclosures, and disclosures on the 
maturity and classification of debt. 

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 27

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  27

                                                                    The risk                                                                                  Our response

Revenue from contracts with 
customers ongoing at year 
end 

Refer to note 1 on page 36 and 
note 2 on page 46 (accounting 
policy notes).

Accounting application 

Our procedures included: 

The Group’s contracts comprise the 
construction and delivery of a combination of 
electronic services and/or electronic assets. A 
typical contract identifies the consideration 
applicable to each deliverable and milestones 
are usually specified for the provision of 
electronic services. This is the first year that the 
Group is required to account for revenue under 
the revised revenue accounting standard. 

Each contract is reviewed to identify and assess 
distinct performance obligations, and the 
consideration applicable to each. 

For contracts ongoing at year end, inaccurate 
identification of the performance obligations 
and/or incorrectly concluding whether 
performance obligations have been satisfied 
could lead to material variances in the amounts 
recognised in revenue. 

Inaccurate assessment of whether revenue 
from ongoing contracts at year end should be 
recognised ‘over time’ rather than ‘point in 
time’, under the relevant accounting standards, 
could lead to material variances in the amounts 
recognised in revenue.

•      Accounting analysis – For selected contracts 
ongoing at year end we inspected the signed 
contracts to identify relevant performance 
obligations and other key information in order 
to assess whether the Group’s determination 
that contract revenue should be recognised 
over time or at a point in time was appropriate. 

•      Test of detail – For selected contracts 

ongoing at year end, we inspected the signed 
contracts to identify relevant performance 
obligations and corroborated with reference to 
customer correspondence, other 
documentation, or client project personnel 
interviews whether these obligations had been 
satisfied and revenue appropriately allocated 
to the performance obligations and reflected 
in the financial statements. 

•      Assessing transparency – We assessed the 
adequacy of the disclosures about the 
judgement involved in the identification of 
performance obligations and the classification 
of ongoing contracts at year end as over time 
or point in time under the relevant accounting 
standards.

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 28

28  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  
Petards Group plc (continued)   

                                                                    The risk                                                                                  Our response

Parent Company: 
Recoverability of 
investments in subsidiaries 

£12.9m million; 
2017: £11.0 million 

Refer to note 1 on page 37 
(accounting policy) and note 16 
on page 60 (financial 
disclosures).

Low risk, high value 

Our procedures included: 

The carrying amount of the parent company’s 
investments in subsidiaries represents 96% 
(2017: 92%) of the Company’s total assets of 
£13.3 million (2017: £11.9 million). Their 
recoverability is not at a high risk of significant 
misstatement or subject to significant 
judgement, and the market capitalisation is in 
excess of the carrying value. However, due to 
their materiality in the context of the parent 
Company’s financial statements, this is 
considered to be the area that had the greatest 
effect on our overall parent Company audit.

•      Tests of detail – We compared the carrying 
value of all investments to with the relevant 
subsidiaries’ draft balance sheets to identify 
whether their net assets, being an 
approximation of their minimum recoverable 
amount, were in excess of their carrying 
amount and assessed whether those 
subsidiaries had historically been profit making. 
For investments where the carrying amount 
exceeded the net asset value of the subsidiary, 
we compared the carrying amount of the 
investment with an estimate of the recoverable 
amount of the investment determined by 
reference to discounted cash flow forecasts. 

•      Assessing the subsidiary audits – We 
considered the results of the audit work 
performed on all of those subsidiaries’ profits 
and net assets. 

•      Comparing valuations – We compared the 
carrying amounts of investments to the 
Group’s market capitalisation to assess whether 
there were any indicators of impairment.

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 29

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  29

3. Our application of materiality and an overview of the 

4. We have nothing to report on going concern 

scope of our audit 

       Materiality for the group financial statements as a whole was 
set at £195k (2017: £156k), determined with reference to a 
benchmark of total revenue of £20.0 million (2017: 
£15.6 million of which it represents 1% (2017: 1%). We consider 
total revenue to be the most appropriate benchmark as it 
provides a more stable measure year on year than Group profit 
before tax. 

       Materiality for the Parent Company financial statements as a 
whole was set at £131k (2017: £119k) determined with 
reference to a benchmark of Company total assets of 
£13.3 million (2017: £11.9 million) which it represented 1% 
(2017: 1%). 

       We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or 
uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £9k (2017: 
£8k), in addition to other identified misstatements that 
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

       The Group audit team performed full scope audits for Group 

purposes on all 9 (2017: 7) of the Group’s reporting 
components, as well as the audit of the Parent Company. 
These components accounted for 100% (2017: 100%) of total 
Group revenue, Group profit before tax and total Group assets. 
The component materialities ranged from £14k to £157k 
(2017: £35k to £141k), having regard to the mix of size and risk 
profile of the Group across the components. 

       The group team conducted all audits at the Group’s offices in 

Gateshead. 

       The Directors have prepared the financial statements on the 
going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the 
parent Company or the Group or to cease their operations, and 
as they have concluded that the parent Company’s and the 
Group’s financial position means that this is realistic. They have 
also concluded that there are no material uncertainties that 
could have cast significant doubt over their ability to continue 
as a going concern for at least a year from the date of approval 
of the financial statements (“the going concern period”). 

       Our responsibility is to conclude on the appropriateness of the 

Directors’ conclusions and, had there been a material 
uncertainty related to going concern, to make reference to 
that in this audit report. However, as we cannot predict all 
future events or conditions and as subsequent events may 
result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that 
were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of 
reference to a material uncertainty in this auditor’s report is not 
a guarantee that the group or the company will continue in 
operation. 

       We identified going concern as a key audit matter (see 

section 2 of this report). 

       Based on the work described in our response to that key audit 
matter, we are required to report to you if we have concluded 
that the use of the going concern basis of accounting is 
inappropriate or there is an undisclosed material uncertainty 
that may cast significant doubt over the use of that basis for a 
period of at least a year from the date of approval of the 
financial statements. 

       We have nothing to report in this respect.

Revenue
£20.0m (2017: £15.6m)

Group materiality
£195k (2017: £156k)

£195k
Whole financial
statements materiality
(2017: £156k)

£146k
Range of materiality at 
components (£14k to £157k)
(2017: £35k to £141k)

(cid:81)(cid:3)Revenue
(cid:81)(cid:3)Group materiality

£9k
Misstatements reported to the
audit committee (2017: £8k)

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 30

30  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  
Petards Group plc (continued)   

5. We have nothing to report on the other information in the 

Annual Report 

       The directors are responsible for the other information 

presented in the Annual Report together with the financial 
statements. Our opinion on the financial statements does not 
cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not 
express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, 
any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

       Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing 
so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit 
work, the information therein is materially misstated or 
inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit 
knowledge. Based solely on that work we have not identified 
material misstatements in the other information. 

       Strategic report and directors’ report 

       Based solely on our work on the other information: 

       •      we have not identified material misstatements in the 

strategic report and the directors’ report; 

       •      in our opinion the information given in those reports for 
the financial year is consistent with the financial 
statements; and 

       •      in our opinion those reports have been prepared in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

6. We have nothing to report on the other matters on which 

we are required to report by exception 

       Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to 

you if, in our opinion: 

       •      adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 
parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have 
not been received from branches not visited by us; or 

       •      the parent Company financial statements are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

       •      certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by 

law are not made; or 

       •      we have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit. 

       We have nothing to report in these respects. 

7. Respective responsibilities 

       Directors’ responsibilities 

       As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 22, 

the directors are responsible for: the preparation of the 
financial statements including being satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements 

that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error; assessing the Group and parent Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern; and using the going concern basis of 
accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or 
the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so. 

       Auditor’s responsibilities 

       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 our opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance 
is a high level of assurance, but does not guarantee that an 
audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always 
detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements 
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken 
on the basis of the financial statements. 

       A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the 
FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 

8. The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our 

responsibilities 

       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. 

Paul Moran 
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
Quayside House 
110 Quayside 
Newcastle upon Tyne 
NE1 3DX 

9 April 2019

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 31

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  31

Consolidated income statement 

For year ended 31 December 2018

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Administrative expenses

Adjusted EBITDA*
Amortisation of intangibles
Depreciation
Exceptional income
Acquisition costs
Share based payment charges

Operating profit
Financial income (2017 included £340,000 exceptional income)
Financial expenses (2017 included £211,000 exceptional expense)

Profit before tax
Income tax

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the parent

Earnings per ordinary share (pence) 
Basic
Diluted

Note

4

14
12
7
15
23

8
8

9

11
11

2018
£000

19,973
(13,089)

6,884
(5,728)

2,057
(590)
(209)
–
(77)
(25)

1,156
3
(33)

1,126
17

1,143

2.01
1.95

2017 
£000 

15,581 
(9,566) 

6,015 
(4,770) 

1,619 
(547) 
(162) 
362 
– 
(27) 

1,245 
340 
(380) 

1,205 
32 

1,237 

3.31 
2.32 

*  Earnings before financial income and expenses, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, acquisition costs and share based payment charges. See Alternative Performance 
Measures Glossary on page 72. 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
For year ended 31 December 2018 

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income 
Items that may be reclassified to profit: 
Release of foreign currency reserve on abandonment of US subsidiary (included in 
    financial expenses)

Total comprehensive income for the year

Note

7,8

2018
£000

1,143

–

1,143

2017 
£000 

1,237 

211 

1,448 

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 32

32  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Statements of changes in equity 

For year ended 31 December 2018

Group

At 1 January 2017
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year
Equity-settled share based payments
Conversion of convertible loan notes
Exercise of share options

At 31 December 2017

At 1 January 2018
Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 15 (net of tax) *

Adjusted balance at 1 January 2018
Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year
Equity-settled share based payments
Exercise of share options

Share
capital
£000

Share
premium
£000

Equity
reserve
£000

Currency 
Retained translation
reserve
earnings
£000
£000

357
–
–

–
–
198
3

558

558
–

558
–

–
–
17

68
–
–

–
–
1,383
22

1,473

1,473
–

1,473
–

–
–
144

200
–
–

–
–
(169)
(6)

25

25
–

25
–

–
–
(11)

14

3,768
1,237
–

1,237
27
142
–

5,174

5,174
(468)

4,706
1,143

1,143
25
11

5,885

(211)
–
211

211
–
–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–

Total 
equity 
£000 

4,182 
1,237 
211 

1,448 
27 
1,554 
19 

7,230 

7,230 
(468) 

6,762 
1,143 

1,143 
25 
161 

8,091 

At 31 December 2018

575

1,617

*  The Group has adopted IFRS 15 using the cumulative effect method, under which the comparative information is not restated (note 3). The cumulative effect of adopting IFRS 15 
is recognised in equity at the date of first adoption on 1 January 2018. 

Company

At 1 January 2017
Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year
Equity-settled share based payments
Conversion of convertible loan notes
Exercise of share options

At 31 December 2017

At 1 January 2018
Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year
Equity-settled share based payments
Exercise of share options

Share
capital
£000

Share
premium
£000

Equity
reserve
£000

Retained
earnings
£000

Total 
equity 
£000 

357
–

–
–
198
3

558

558
–

–
–
17

68
–

–
–
1,383
22

1,473

1,473
–

–
–
144

200
–

–
–
(169)
(6)

25

25
–

–
–
(11)

14

5,897
1,038

1,038
27
142
–

7,104

7,104
514

514
25
11

6,522 
1,038 

1,038 
27 
1,554 
19 

9,160 

9,160 
514 

514 
25 
161 

7,654

9,860 

At 31 December 2018

575

1,617

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 33

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  33

Balance sheets 

At 31 December 2018

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments in subsidiary undertakings
Deferred tax assets

Current assets 
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Share capital
Share premium
Equity reserve
Currency translation reserve
Retained earnings

Total equity

Non-current liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables

Current liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Note

12,13
14
16
17

18
19
20

24

25

21
22

21
22

Group
2018
£000

943
4,676
–
284

5,903

4,104
2,553
2,117

8,774

2017
£000

825
2,488
–
344

3,657

3,403
3,743
1,324

8,470

Company 
2018
£000

2
–
12,851
130

12,983

–
258
85

343

2017 
£000 

2 
– 
10,999 
130 

11,131 

– 
743 
30 

773 

14,677

12,127

13,326

11,904 

575
1,617
14
–
5,885

8,091

883
–

883

265
5,438

5,703

6,586

558
1,473
25
–
5,174

7,230

23
–

23

15
4,859

4,874

4,897

575
1,617
14
–
7,654

9,860

875
901

1,776

250
1,440

1,690

3,466

558 
1,473 
25 
– 
7,104 

9,160 

– 
870 

870 

– 
1,874 

1,874 

2,744 

14,677

12,127

13,326

11,904 

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 9 April 2019 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Raschid Abdullah 
Director 

Registered number: 02990100

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

253591 Petards pp23-pp034.qxp  12/04/2019  10:25  Page 34

34  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Statements of cash flows 

For year ended 31 December 2018

Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit for the year
Adjustments for: 
    Depreciation
    Amortisation of intangible assets
    Financial income
    Financial expenses
    Equity settled share-based payment expenses
    Income tax (credit)/charge

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital
Change in inventories
Change in trade and other receivables
Change in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations
Interest received
Interest paid
Tax received

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Capitalised development expenditure
Acquisition of subsidiary

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 
Bank loan received
Bank loan repaid
Finance lease repayments
Proceeds from exercise of share options

Net cash inflow from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Total movement in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

Note

12,13
14
8
8
23
9

12,13
14
15,16

21
21

24

20

Group
2018
£000

2017
£000

Company 
2018
£000

2017 
£000 

1,143

1,237

514

1,038 

209
590
(3)
33
25
(17)

1,980
1,024
1,344
(1,834)

2,514
3
(58)
56

2,515

(325)
(1,444)
(1,224)

(2,993)

1,250
(125)
(15)
161

1,271

793

793
1,324

2,117

162
547
(340)
380
27
(32)

1,981
(1,450)
(1,003)
1,057

585
–
(107)
61

539

(509)
(1,043)
–

(1,552)

–

(10)
25

15

(998)

(998)
2,322

1,324

1
–
–
31
25
–

571
–
685
(603)

653
–
(31)
–

622

(1)
–
(1,852)

(1,853)

1,250
(125)
–
161

1,286

55

55
30

85

1 
– 
(340) 
157 
27 
– 

883 
– 
(373) 
(1,165) 

(655) 
– 
(133) 
– 

(788) 

(1) 
– 
– 

(1) 

– 
– 
– 
25 

25 

(764) 

(764) 
794 

30 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 35

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  35

Notes 

(forming part of the financial statements) 

Accounting policies 

1
Petards Group plc (the “Company”) is a company incorporated in the UK. 

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”). The parent 
company financial statements present information about the Company as a separate entity and not about its Group. 

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated 
financial statements. 

In these financial statements the Group has changed its accounting policies in the following areas: 

●

●

Revenue recognition 

Financial instruments 

These are further described in note 2. 

Statement of compliance 
Both the parent company financial statements and the Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the directors in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (“Adopted IFRSs”). On publishing the parent company 
financial statements here together with the Group financial statements, the Company is taking advantage of the exemption in section 408 
of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income statement and related notes that form a part of these approved financial 
statements. 

Basis of preparation 
The financial information is presented in pounds sterling, rounded to the nearest thousand, and is prepared on the historic cost basis. 

Going concern 
Information on the Group’s business activities, cashflows and liquidity position, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, 
performance and position are described in the Strategic Report. In addition note 26 to the financial statements includes the Group’s objectives, 
policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its exposures 
to credit risk and liquidity risk. 

The Group currently meets its day to day working capital requirements through its own cash resources, and also has available a revolving 
credit facility of £0.75m which was undrawn at the year end and which is available until 21 June 2020. Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
total £1.15m at the year end, of which only £0.26m is payable within one year. The Group has prepared forecasts which have been flexed to 
take into account reasonably possible changes in future trading performance, in particular to take into account uncertainty as to the timing 
of contract awards. This reflects the fact that the Group contracts with a number of customers across different industries and that the Group’s 
revenue is generated from a mix of longer and shorter lead time orders. The order book at the year end was in excess of £19m with over 
£13m scheduled for revenue in 2019 with an ongoing pipeline of new contracts under negotiation. The timing and delivery of the larger 
orders are difficult to predict, and can cause material fluctuations in actual results compared with forecast results and cash flows. These flexed 
forecasts show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its cash resources and available bank facilities and accordingly 
the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. 

Judgements and estimates 
The preparation of financial statements requires the directors to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that may affect the application 
of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and income and expenses. The key areas requiring the use of 
estimates and judgements which may significantly affect the financial statements are considered to be: 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 36

36  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

1
a)

Accounting policies continued 
Revenue recognition (notes 2 and 3) 
The Group has adopted IFRS 15 retrospectively from 1 January 2018 and has chosen to apply the cumulative effect approach. 

The Group recognises revenue when it transfers control over a product or service to its customer. Revenue is measured based on the 
consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. 

Where a modification to an existing contract occurs, the Group assesses the nature of the modification and whether it represents a 
separate performance obligation required to be satisfied by the Group, or whether it is a modification to the existing performance 
obligation. 

A proportion of the Group’s contracts were previously treated as construction contracts under IAS 11 on the basis that they comprised 
contracts specifically negotiated for the construction and delivery of a combination of electronic assets and/or electronic services in 
a single package which were so closely related as to be in essence part of a single project, with an overall profit margin, being performed 
concurrently or in a continuous sequence. In applying IFRS 15 the Group has had to apply judgements and estimates to its portfolio 
of contracts in order to identify specific performance obligations and the timing of transfer of control of a product or service to a 
customer. 

The Group does not expect to have any contracts where the period between the transfer of the promised goods or services to the 
customer and payment by the customer exceeds one year. As a consequence, the Group has not needed to apply estimates and 
judgements in respect of the time value of money as applied to transaction prices. 

Recognition of deferred tax assets (notes 9 and 17) 
The Group has substantial deferred tax assets. In determining how much of these assets can be recognised this requires an assessment 
of the extent to which it is probable that future taxable profits will be available. This assessment is based on management’s future 
assessment of the Group’s financial performance and forecast financial information. 

Capitalised development expenditure (note 14) 
This involves the identification of development expenditure which is recoverable through future product revenue together with an 
assessment of the estimated useful economic life of any asset recognised. Assets recognised in this way are also subject to impairment 
reviews. 

The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be 
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgements about carrying values of assets 
and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

Valuation of intangible assets arising on acquisition (note 15) 
The determination of the fair value of intangible assets including goodwill arising on acquisition includes significant judgement. The 
fair value of these intangible assets is determined by discounting the estimated future net cash flows to be generated by those assets 
where no active market exists. 

b)

c)

d)

The use of different assumptions for the cash flows, the discount rate and the useful life of these assets would all change the valuation. 

Allocation of the purchase price impacts the results of the Group as finite life intangible assets are amortised whereas goodwill is not 
amortised but is tested annually for impairment. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 37

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  37

Accounting policies continued 

1
Basis of consolidation 
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from 
its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. In assessing control, the Group 
takes into consideration potential voting rights that are currently exercisable. The acquisition date is the date on which control is transferred 
to the acquirer. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control 
commences until the date that control ceases. 

Inter-company balances, and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated 
when preparing the consolidated financial information. 

Foreign currency 
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Non-
monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at 
the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the income statement. 

The Group has taken advantage of the relief available in IFRS 1 to deem the cumulative translation differences for all foreign operations to 
be zero at the date of transition to Adopted IFRSs (1 January 2006). 

Classification of financial instruments issued by the Group 
Following the adoption of IAS 32, financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity only to the extent that they meet the 
following two conditions: 

(a)

they include no contractual obligations upon the Company (or Group as the case may be) to deliver cash or other financial assets or 
to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Company 
(or Group); and 

(b) where the instrument will or may be settled in the Company’s own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that includes no 
obligation to deliver a variable number of the Company’s own equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the Company 
exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial assets for a fixed number of its own equity instruments. 

To the extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of issue are classified as a financial liability. Where the instrument so classified takes 
the legal form of the Company’s own shares, the amounts presented in these financial statements for called up share capital and share 
premium account exclude amounts in relation to those shares. 

Finance payments associated with financial liabilities are dealt with as part of financial expenses. Finance payments associated with financial 
instruments that are classified in equity are treated as distributions and are recorded directly in equity. 

Investments in subsidiaries 
Investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost less impairment in the Company balance sheet. 

Derivative financial instruments 
Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently re-measured. The gain or loss on remeasurement to 
fair value is recognised immediately in the income statement. 

Intra-group financial guarantee contracts 
Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within its Group, the 
Company considers these to be insurance arrangements and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee 
contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under the 
guarantee. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 38

38  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

Accounting policies continued 

1
Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 

Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, 
plant and equipment. 

Leases in which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased asset are classified as finance leases. 
Leased assets acquired by way of finance lease are stated at an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and the present value of the 
minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 

Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, 
plant and equipment. Land is not depreciated. The estimated useful lives are as follows: 

Leasehold improvements                          life of lease straight line 
Plant and equipment: 
    Plant and equipment                             3-10 years 
    Computer equipment                           3-5 years 
    Furniture and fittings                             3-5 years 
Motor vehicles                                             4-5 years 

The residual values and useful economic lives are reassessed annually. 

Business combinations 
Subject to the transitional relief in IFRS 1, all business combinations are accounted for by applying the acquisition method. Business 
combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is transferred to 
the Group. 

Acquisitions on or after 1 January 2010 
For acquisitions on or after 1 January 2010, the Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as: 

●

●

●

●

the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus 

the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus 

the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less 

the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, are expensed as incurred. 

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, 
it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent 
consideration are recognised in profit or loss. 

On a transaction-by-transaction basis, the Group elects to measure non-controlling interests, which have both present ownership interests 
and are entitled to a proportionate share of net assets of the acquiree in the event of liquidation, either at its fair value or at its proportionate 
interest in the recognised amount of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree at the acquisition date. All other non-controlling interests are 
measured at their fair value at the acquisition date. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 39

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  39

Accounting policies continued 

1
Acquisitions between 1 January 2006 and 1 January 2010 
For acquisitions between 1 January 2006 and 1 January 2010, goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the Group’s 
interest in the recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. When 
the excess was negative, a bargain purchase gain was recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurred in connection with business 
combinations were capitalised as part of the cost of the acquisition. 

Acquisitions prior to 1 January 2006 
IFRS 1 grants certain exemptions from the full requirements of Adopted IFRSs in the transition period. The Group elected not to restate 
business combinations that took place prior to transition date. In respect of acquisitions prior to 1 January 2006, goodwill is included at 
transition date on the basis of its deemed cost, which represents the amount recorded under UK GAAP. Goodwill is stated at cost less any 
accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units and is not amortised but is tested annually for impairment. 

Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. 

Amortisation is charged on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets. Other intangible assets are amortised 
from the date they are available for use. 

Research and development 
Expenditure on research activities is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. 

Expenditure on activities for the development of new or substantially improved products is capitalised if the product is technically and 
commercially feasible, and the Group has the technical ability and has sufficient resources to complete development and if the Group can 
measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development. The expenditure capitalised includes the cost 
of materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of overheads. Development expenditure not meeting the above criteria is recognised 
in the income statement as an expense as incurred. Capitalised development expenditure is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation 
and impairment losses. 

Internally generated development expenditure is amortised on a straight-line basis over the period which the directors expect to obtain 
economic benefits (typically 3 to 8 years from asset being available for use). Where no internally generated intangible asset can be recognised, 
development expenditure is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. 

Other intangible assets 
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. 

Amortisation 
Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless such lives 
are indefinite. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and goodwill are systematically tested for impairment at each balance sheet 
date. Other intangible assets are amortised from the date they are available for use. The estimated useful lives are as follows: 

Technology related assets                         4-10 years 
Customer related assets                             3-5 years 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Bank borrowings that 
are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash 
equivalents for the purpose only of the statement of cash flows. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 40

40  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

Accounting policies continued 

1
Impairment 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to 
determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. 

Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units and is tested annually for impairment and more frequently if there are indications of impairment. 

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. 
Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement. Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash generating units are allocated 
first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash generating units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other 
assets in the unit on a pro rata basis. A cash generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are 
largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. 

Reversals of impairment 
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. 

An impairment loss in respect of other assets is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying 
amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised. 

Interest-bearing borrowings 
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-
bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the income 
statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis. 

Employee benefits 
Defined contribution plans 
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement as service is 
provided. 

Short-term benefits 
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided. A 
liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit-sharing plans if the Group has a present 
legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated 
reliably. 

Share-based payment transactions 
Options granted under the Group’s employee share schemes are equity settled. The grant date fair value of options granted to employees 
is  recognised  as  an  employee  expense,  with  a  corresponding  increase  in  equity,  over  the  period  in  which  the  employees  become 
unconditionally entitled to the options. The fair value of the options granted is measured using an option valuation model, taking into account 
the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual 
number of share options that vest except where forfeiture is due only to share prices not achieving the threshold for vesting. 

Provisions 
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and 
it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, provisions are determined 
by discounting the expected, risk adjusted, future cash flows at a pre-tax risk-free rate. 

Contracts with customers – accounting policies applied since 1 January 2018 
The Group has adopted IFRS 15 retrospectively from 1 January 2018 in accordance with paragraph C3(a) and has chosen to apply the 
cumulative effect approach. As a result, the Group has restated its opening equity position as at 1 January 2018 to reflect the impact of 
transitioning to IFRS 15. Comparatives for the year ended 31 December 2017 have not been restated. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 41

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  41

Accounting policies continued 

1
The following expedients have been used in accordance with paragraph C5: 

–

–

–

revenue in respect of completed contracts that begin and end in the same accounting period has not been restated; 

revenue in respect of completed contracts with variable consideration reflects the transaction price at the date the contracts were 
completed; and 

in the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2018, the comparative information for the year ending 31 December 
2017 will not disclose the amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations or an explanation of 
when the Group expects to recognise that amount as revenue. 

Following the adoption of IFRS 15, the Group’s accounting policy in respect of revenue is as follows: 

Revenue represents income derived from contracts for the provision of goods and services by the Group to customers in exchange for 
consideration in the ordinary course of the Group’s activities. 

Performance obligations 
Upon approval by the parties to a contract, the contract is assessed to identify each promise to transfer either a distinct good or service or a 
series of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Goods and services 
are distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations in the contract if the customer can benefit from them either on their 
own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer and they are separately identifiable in the contract. 

Transaction price 
At the start of the contract, the total transaction price is estimated as the amount of consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled 
in exchange for transferring the promised goods and services to the customer, excluding sales taxes. Variable consideration, such as price 
escalation, is included based on the expected value or most likely amount only to the extent that it is highly probable that there will not be 
a reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognised. The transaction price does not include estimates of consideration resulting from 
contract modifications, such as change orders, until they have been approved by the parties to the contract. The total transaction price is 
allocated to the performance obligations identified in the contract in proportion to their relative stand-alone selling prices. Given the bespoke 
nature of many of the Group’s products and services, which are designed and/or manufactured under contract to the customer’s individual 
specifications, there are sometimes no observable stand-alone selling prices. Instead, stand-alone selling prices are typically estimated based 
on expected costs plus contract margin consistent with the Group’s pricing principles. 

Revenue and profit recognition 
Revenue is recognised as performance obligations are satisfied as control of the goods and services is transferred to the customer. 

For each performance obligation within a contract, the Group determines whether it is satisfied over time or at a point in time. The Group 
has determined that the performance obligations of the majority of its contracts are satisfied at a point in time. Performance obligations are 
satisfied over time if one of the following criteria is satisfied: 

–

–

–

the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group’s performance as it performs; 

the Group’s performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced; or 

the Group’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and it has an enforceable right to payment for 
performance completed to date. 

For each performance obligation to be recognised over time, the Group recognises revenue using an input method, based on costs incurred 
in the period. Revenue and attributable margin are calculated by reference to reliable estimates of transaction price and total expected costs, 
after making suitable allowances for technical and other risks. Revenue and associated margin are therefore recognised progressively as costs 
are  incurred,  and  as  risks  have  been  mitigated  or  retired.  The  Group  has  determined  that  this  method  faithfully  depicts  the  Group’s 
performance in transferring control of the goods and services to the customer. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 42

42  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

Accounting policies continued 

1
If the over-time criteria for revenue recognition are not met, revenue is recognised at the point in time that control is transferred to the 
customer, which is usually when legal title passes to the customer and the business has the right to payment, for example, on delivery. 

The Group’s contracts that satisfy the over time criteria are typically services and maintenance support contracts where the customer 
simultaneously receives and consumed the benefit provided by the Groups performance. 

When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised immediately as an expense. 

The Group does not expect to have any contracts where the period between the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer 
and payment by the customer exceeds one year. As a consequence, the Group does not adjust its transaction price for the time value of 
money. 

Software licences 
The Group sells software licences either separately or together with other goods and services. Revenue recognition in respect of software 
licences sold as part of a bundle of goods and services is considered separately when the licence is determined to be a separate performance 
obligation. Software licences either represent a right to access the Group’s intellectual property as it exists throughout the licence period or 
a right to use the Group’s intellectual property as it exists at the point in time at which the licence is granted. Revenue in respect of right to 
access licences is recognised over the licence term and revenue in respect of right to use licences is recognised upfront on delivery to the 
customer. 

Contract modifications 
The Group’s contracts are sometimes amended for changes in customers’ requirements and specifications. A contract modification exists 
when the parties to the contract approve a modification that either changes existing or creates new enforceable rights and obligations. The 
effect of a contract modification on the transaction price and the Group’s measure of progress towards the satisfaction of the performance 
obligation to which it relates is recognised in one of the following ways: 

(a)

prospectively as an additional, separate contract; 

(b)

prospectively as a termination of the existing contract and creation of a new contract; or 

(c)

as part of the original contract using a cumulative catch up. 

The majority of the Group’s contract modifications are treated under either (a) (for example, the requirement for additional distinct goods or 
services) or (c) (for example, a change in the specification of the distinct goods or services for a partially completed contract), although the 
facts and circumstances of any contract modification are considered individually as the types of modifications will vary contract-by-contract 
and may result in different accounting outcomes. 

Costs to obtain a contract 
The Group expenses pre-contract bidding costs which are incurred regardless of whether a contract is awarded. The Group does not typically 
incur costs to obtain contracts that it would not have incurred had the contracts not been awarded. 

Costs to fulfil a contract 
Contract fulfilment costs in respect of over time contracts are expensed as incurred. Contract fulfilment costs in respect of point in time 
contracts are accounted for under IAS 2 Inventories. 

Inventories 
Inventories include raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods recognised in accordance with IAS 2 in respect of contracts with 
customers which have been determined to fulfil the criteria for point in time revenue recognition under IFRS 15. It also includes inventories 
for which the Group does not have a contract. This is often because fulfilment costs have been incurred in expectation of a contract award. 
The Group does not typically build inventory to stock. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, including all relevant overhead expenditure, 
and net realisable value. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 43

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  43

Accounting policies continued 

1
Contract receivables 
Contract receivables represent amounts for which the Group has an unconditional right to consideration in respect of unbilled revenue 
recognised at the balance sheet date and comprises costs incurred plus attributable margin. 

Contract liabilities 
Contract liabilities represent the obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which consideration has been received, or 
consideration is due, from the customer. 

Revenue – accounting policies applied prior to 1 January 2018 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and 
other sales related taxes provided that it can be measured reliably. 

Revenue  from  sales  of  goods  and  equipment  is  recognised  on  despatch  unless  the  customer  specifically  requests  deferred  delivery 
instructions. For deliveries deferred at the customer’s request, revenues are recognised when the customer takes title to the goods provided 
that it is probable that delivery will be made, the goods are identified and ready for delivery and usual payment terms apply. 

Revenue from service contracts, where services are performed by an indeterminate number of acts over a specified period of time, is 
recognised on a straight line basis over the period of the contract. 

Revenue from certain of the Group’s contracts is recognised in accordance with IAS 11 Construction Contracts by reference to the stage of 
completion of the contract, as set out in the accounting policy for construction contracts. Construction contracts comprise contracts 
specifically negotiated for the construction and delivery of a combination of goods and/or services in a single package which are so closely 
related as to be in essence part of a single project and are performed concurrently or in a continuous sequence. 

Construction contracts – accounting policies applied prior to 1 January 2018 
Construction contracts comprise contracts specifically negotiated for the construction and delivery of a combination of electronic assets 
and/or electronic services in a single package which are so closely related as to be in essence part of a single project with an overall profit 
margin and are performed concurrently or in a continuous sequence. 

Contract revenue includes the initial amount agreed in the contract plus any variations in contract work, to the extent that it is probable that 
they will result in revenue and can be measured reliably. As soon as the outcome of a contract can be estimated reliably, contract revenue 
and expenses are recognised in profit or loss in proportion to the stage of completion of the contract. 

The stage of completion is assessed by reference to completion of a physical proportion of the contract work. When the outcome of a 
contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised only to the extent of contract costs incurred that are likely to be 
recoverable. An expected loss on a contract is recognised immediately in the income statement. 

Contract work in progress represents the gross unbilled amount expected to be collected from customers for contract work performed to 
date. It is measured at cost plus any appropriate profit recognised to date less progress billing and recognised losses. Cost includes all 
expenditure related directly to specific projects and an allocation of fixed and variable overheads incurred in the Group’s contract activities 
based on normal operating capacity. 

Payments from customers, to the extent that they exceed income recognised, are included as payments on account within trade and other 
payables. 

Inventories – accounting policies applied prior to 1 January 2018 
Raw materials and consumables 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the first-in first-out principle and includes expenditure 
incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories 
and work in progress, cost includes an appropriate share of overheads based on normal operating capacity. Net realisable value is the 
estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 44

44  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements) 

Accounting policies continued 

1
Expenses 
Operating lease payments 
Payments under operating leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives 
received are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the total lease expense. 

Financial income 
Financial income comprises interest receivable on funds invested, and foreign exchange gains. Interest income is recognised in the income 
statement as it accrues using the effective interest method. 

Financial expenses 
Financial expenses comprise interest payable on borrowings, and foreign exchange losses. 

Taxation 
Income tax on the profit or loss for the period comprises both current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance 
sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is 
based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or 
substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can 
be utilised. 

Exceptional items 
Exceptional items are items of income and expenditure that are individually material due to size or incidence that the directors consider 
require separate disclosure in order for the reader to obtain a full understanding of the performance of the Group in the year. 

Standards issued but not yet effective 
The following Adopted IFRSs have been issued but have not been applied by the Group in these financial statements. Their adoption is not 
expected to have a material effect on the financial statements unless otherwise indicated: 

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

IFRS 17: Insurance Contracts (effective date 1 January 2021); 

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards (effective date 1 January 2020); 

Amendment to IFRS 3: Business Combinations (effective date 1 January 2020); 

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of material (effective 1 January 2020); 

Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle (effective 1 January 2019); 

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

Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures (effective 1 January 2019); 

IFRIC 23: Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (effective 1 January 2019); 

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

IFRS 16: Leases (effective date 1 January 2019). 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 45

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  45

Accounting policies continued 

1
IFRS 16 Leases 
IFRS 16 introduces a single, on-balance sheet accounting model for lessees. A lessee recognises a right-of-use asset representing its right to 
use the underlying asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. There are optional exemptions for short-
term leases and leases of low value items. 

IFRS 16 replaces existing leases guidance including IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, SIC-15 Operating 
Leases—Incentives and SIC-27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease. 

The Group will adopt the requirements of IFRS 16 for the first time in 2019. As a result, it will recognise a balance sheet asset and corresponding 
obligation relating to its use of properties under multi-year agreements. The Group will not apply IFRS 16 to its commitments under operating 
leases on certain low value non-property assets. 

Rental payments made under leases will be accounted for as repayments of the balance sheet liability, which will include an implied interest 
element, and the asset recognised will be depreciated over the remaining lease term. 

The Group will adopt the modified approach to transition where the initial asset values will be equal to the present value of the future lease 
payments as at the date of transition. This will result in all existing leases being capitalised over their remaining lives, as if they had just been 
entered into, and the Group’s accounts will reflect a higher interest charge following adoption. 

Although the final determination has not been concluded, it is estimated that on transition the opening balance sheet position for 2019 will 
be adjusted to include approximately £0.4m of right-of-use assets and a corresponding lease liability. 

The effect on the Group’s net profit before tax for 2019 is not expected to be material with the pre-IFRS 16 rental charge being replaced by 
depreciation and interest. The depreciation will be charged on a straight-line basis; however interest is charged on the outstanding lease 
liabilities and will therefore be higher in the earlier years and will decrease over time. 

The transition to IFRS16 will have no effect on cash flows. 

Changes in significant accounting policies 

2
IFRS 9 Financial instruments (effective 1 January 2018) 
IFRS 9 addresses the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities and replaces IAS 39. Among other things, the standard 
introduces a forward looking credit loss impairment model whereby entities need to consider and recognise impairment triggers that might 
occur in the future (an ‘expected loss’ model). The Board has considered the impact of the introduction of IFRS 9 and determined that it does 
not have a significant impact on the numbers reported in these financial statements or as previously presented. 

IFRS 9 replaces the provisions of IAS 39 that relate to recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, 
de-recognition of financial instruments, impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. The adoption of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
from 1 January 2018 resulted in changes in accounting policies however no adjustments were required to the amounts recognised in the 
financial statements in previous periods. The new accounting policies are set out below. 

Classification and measurement 
On 1 January 2018, the Group has classified its financial instruments in the appropriate IFRS 9 categories. 

The Group has no derivative financial instruments either designated as cash flow hedges or not qualifying for hedge accounting. 

Financial assets previously classified in the “loans and receivables” category and measured at amortised cost under IAS 39 (being trade and 
other receivables and amounts owed by equity accounted investments) continue to be classified in the “amortised cost” category under 
IFRS 9. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 46

46  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

Changes in significant accounting policies continued 

2
Impairment of financial assets 
The Group has two types of financial assets that are subject to IFRS 9’s new expected credit loss model: 

–

–

trade and other receivables; and 

contract receivables. 

Trade and other receivables, and contract receivables, do not contain a significant financing element and therefore expected credit losses 
are measured using the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from the initial 
recognition of the receivables. 

The Group has assessed credit risk in relation to defence-related sales to government customers or sub-contractors to governments and 
believes it to be extremely low, therefore no expected credit loss provision is required for these trade and other receivables, or contract 
receivables. The Group also considers expected credit losses for non-government commercial customers, however this risk is not expected 
to be material to the financial statements. 

While cash and cash equivalents are also subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9, no impairment loss was identified. 

There was no IFRS 9 impact on retained earnings at 1 January 2018. 

Classification 
From 1 January 2018, the Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories: 

–

–

those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income, or through profit or loss); and 

those to be measured at amortised cost. 

Measurement 
At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not measured at fair value 
through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. 

The Group subsequently measures trade and other receivables and contract receivables at amortised cost. 

Impairment 
For trade and other receivables, contract receivables and amounts due from equity accounted investments, the Group applies the simplified 
approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the receivables. 

Financial liabilities 
There are no changes to the accounting policies in respect of loans, overdrafts, and trade and other payables, which continue to be measured 
at amortised cost. 

IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers (effective 1 January 2018) 
IFRS 15 sets out a single and comprehensive framework for revenue recognition. The guidance in IFRS 15 is considerably more detailed than 
previous IFRSs for revenue recognition (IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IAS 18 Revenue and associated interpretations). 

The Group has adopted IFRS 15 retrospectively from 1 January 2018 and has chosen to apply the cumulative effect approach. As a result, the 
Group has restated its opening equity position as at 1 January 2018 to reflect the impact of transitioning to IFRS 15. A summary of the effect 
of the impact of the adoption of IFRS 15 is set out at note 3 below. 

In line with the requirements of the standard in regard to the transition option adopted, the Group has not restated its comparative 
information which continues to be reported under previous revenue standards, IAS 11 and IAS 18. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 47

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  47

Impact of the adoption of IFRS 15 

3
Impact in respect of the position on adoption at 1 January 2018 
IFRS 15 
                                                                                                                                 As reported                                                                         
                                                                                                                             31 December                                                                         
as adopted 
                                                                                                                                               2017    Reclassification  Remeasurement 1 January 2018 
£000 
Balance sheet headings                                                                                              £000                          £000                          £000

Work in progress within inventories                                                                       2,211                                –                         1,707
Payments on account within current trade and other payables                         (382)                           382                                –
Deferred revenue within current trade and other payables                                      –                           (382)                      (2,271)
Deferred tax assets                                                                                                        344                                –                              96

3,918 
– 
(2,653) 
440 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 As reported 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       1 January 2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            £000 
Retained earnings as previously reported                                                                                                                                                                     5,174 
Adjustment to earnings from adoption of IFRS 15 – profit before tax                                                                                                                      (564) 
Adjustment to earnings from adoption of IFRS 15 – deferred tax                                                                                                                                 96 

Retained earnings on adoption of IFRS 15 – at 1 January 2018                                                                                                                             4,706 

Impact on the result for the year ended 31 December 2018 

Consolidated income statement 
Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Administrative expenses

Operating profit
Financial income
Financial expense

Profit before tax
Income tax

Profit for the year

Revenue before the adoption of IFRS 15 was accounted for under IAS 11 and IAS 18. 

Result before
adoption
of IFRS 15
£000

Impact of
change
in GAAP
£000

Result after 
adoption 
of IFRS 15 
£000 

18,198
(11,719)

6,479
(5,728)

751
3
(33)

721
103

824

1,775
(1,370)

19,973 
(13,089) 

405
–

405
–
–

405
(86)

319

6,884 
(5,728) 

1,156 
3 
(33) 

1,126 
17 

1,143 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 48

48  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

Impact of the adoption of IFRS 15 continued 

3
An assessment of the impact of IFRS 15 was completed during the year across the Group’s revenue streams, including a comprehensive 
review of contracts that were not completed contracts at the date of initial application. 

This review ascertained that under IFRS 15, £2,271,000 of revenue and £564,000 of profit recognised in previous accounting periods up to 
and including 31 December 2017 would be deferred to future periods. The effect of this assessment based on the progress of these contracts 
during the current year, has been to recognise revenue of £1,961,000 and profit of £451,000 in 2018, leaving revenue of £310,000 and profit 
of £113,000 to be recognised in accounting periods after 31 December 2018. 

The impact of IFRS 15 on contracts commencing during the year and which are incomplete at 31 December 2018 has been to defer revenue 
of £186,000 and estimated profit of £46,000 to future accounting periods. 

A summary of the new accounting policies and the nature of the changes to previous accounting policies in relation to the Group’s various 
goods and services are set out below. 

                                                                      Nature, timing and satisfaction of performance  
Type of product or service              obligations and significant payment terms                   Nature, timing and satisfaction of performance  

Revenue from the sale of goods and 
equipment

Revenue from service contracts

Revenue from construction 
contracts

Revenue  from  sales  of  goods  and  equipment 
is 
recognised on despatch unless the customer specifically 
requests deferred delivery. For deliveries deferred at the 
customer’s request, revenues are recognised when the 
customer  takes  title  to  the  goods  provided  that  it  is 
probable  that  delivery  will  be  made,  the  goods  are 
identified and ready for delivery and usual payment terms 
apply.

Revenue  from  service  contracts,  where  services  are 
performed by an indeterminate number of acts over a 
specified period of time, is recognised on a straight line 
basis over the period of the contract.

Construction  contracts  comprise  contracts  specifically 
negotiated  for  the  construction  and  delivery  of  a 
combination  of  electronic  services  and/or  electronic 
assets.  A  typical  contract  identifies  the  consideration 
applicable to each and milestones are usually specified for 
the provision of electronic services. 

Each contract is reviewed to identify and assess distinct 
performance obligations, and the consideration applying 
to each. 

An expected loss on a contract is recognised immediately 
in the income statement.

No material impact on adoption of IFRS 15.

No material impact on adoption of IFRS 15.

The impact of IFRS 15 has been to identify and segregate 
the elements of the contracts relating to the construction 
and delivery of electronic services as these have distinct 
performance obligations. This is outlined below.

Revenue from sale of electronic 
assets

Revenue deriving from the provision of electronic assets 
is  recognised  at  the  point  in  time  that  the  assets  are 
provided.

There is no material impact on the adoption of IFRS 15.

    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 49

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  49

Impact of the adoption of IFRS 15 continued 

3
                                                                      Nature, timing and satisfaction of performance  
Type of product or service              obligations and significant payment terms                   Nature, timing and satisfaction of performance  

Revenue from provision of 
electronic services

Revenue deriving from the provision of electronic services, 
which is normally classified as non-recurring development 
expenditure,  is  recognised  at  the  point  that  each 
development service obligation has been completed. 

If at the end of a reporting period the provision of this 
service is incomplete, costs incurred are included in the 
balance sheet as work in progress within inventories. Costs 
include all expenditure related directly to specific projects 
and an allocation of fixed and variable overheads incurred 
in  the  Group’s  contract  activities  based  on  normal 
operating capacity. 

If at the end of a reporting period the provision of this 
service is incomplete, payments received from customers 
on  the  achievement  of  milestones  are  included  in  the 
balance sheet as deferred income until the provision of 
the service is complete.

The impact of IFRS 15 on this element of contract revenue 
is to defer revenue and profit until the completion of each 
development service obligation. 

Under IAS 11 revenue was recognised in proportion to the 
stage of completion of the contract, which was assessed 
by reference to the completion of each customer agreed 
milestone. 

Contract work in progress represented the gross unbilled 
amount  expected  to  be  collected  from  customers  for 
contract work performed to date. It was measured at cost 
plus  any  appropriate  profit  recognised  to  date  less 
progress billings and recognised losses. 

Payments  from  customers,  to  the  extent  that  they 
exceeded income recognised, were included as payments 
on account within trade and other payables.

Segmental information 

4
The analysis by geographic segment below is presented in accordance with IFRS 8 on the basis of those segments whose operating results 
are regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors (the Chief Operating Decision Maker as defined by IFRS 8) to make strategic decisions, to 
monitor performance and allocate resources. 

The Board regularly reviews the Group’s performance and balance sheet position for its entire operations as a whole. The Board receives 
financial information, assesses performance and makes resource allocation decisions for its UK based business as a whole, therefore the 
directors consider the Group to have only one segment in terms of products and services, being the development, supply and maintenance 
of technologies used in advanced security, surveillance and ruggedized electronic applications. 

As the Board of Directors receives revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and operating profit on the same basis as set out in the consolidated income 
statement no further reconciliation or disclosure is considered necessary. 

Revenue by geographical destination can be analysed as follows: 

United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Rest of World

The timing of revenue recognition can be analysed as follows: 

Products and services transferred at a point in time – IFRS 15
Products and services transferred over time – IFRS 15
Products and services – IAS 11 and IAS 18
Construction contract revenue – IAS 11

Details of the revenues relating to the Group’s main customers in the year are given in note 19. 

2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

15,285                 10,227 
4,250                   4,930 
424 

438

19,973

15,581 

2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

19,058                           – 
915                           – 
–                   5,921 
9,660 
–

19,973

15,581 

    
 
253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:28  Page 50

50  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

Expenses and auditor’s remuneration 

5
Profit before tax is stated after charging/(crediting): 

Amortisation of intangibles
Development costs expensed directly to income
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment – owned
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment – leased
Net write down/(up) of inventories

Auditor’s remuneration: 

Audit of these financial statements
Amounts receivable by the Company’s auditor and its associates in respect of: 
Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
Other services relating to taxation

2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

590                      547 
164                      247 
196                      147 
13                        15 
(64) 

7

2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 
15                        13 

57                        44 
13 
17

Amounts receivable by the Company’s auditor and its associates in respect of services to the Company, other than the audit of the Company’s 
financial statements, have not been disclosed as the information is required instead to be disclosed on a consolidated basis. 

Staff numbers and costs 

6
The aggregate payroll costs, including directors, were as follows: 

Wages and salaries
Share based payments (note 23)
Social security costs
Other pension costs (note 23)

The average number of employees during the year (including directors) was as follows: 

Direct labour
Development
Sales
Administration

Group 
2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

4,816                   4,606 
25                        27 
489                      458 
202 
206

5,536

5,293 

Group 
2018                    2017 
Number              Number 

70                        69 
26                        20 
10                        12 
19 
20

126

120 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 51

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  51

6

Staff numbers and costs continued 

Directors’ remuneration 

Directors’ emoluments
Company contributions to defined contribution pension schemes

2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

669                      497 
– 

–

669

497 

The aggregate of emoluments of the highest paid director was £282,000 (2017: £186,000). 

                                                                                                                                                                               Share options 
                                                                Salaries and fees                      Other benefits                            exercised                         Total
                                                             2018                  2017                 2018                  2017                 2018                  2017                 2018
Name of director                          £000                  £000                 £000                  £000                 £000                  £000                 £000

R Abdullah                                        111                   105                        –                        –                   136                     81                   247
O Abdullah                                        111                   105                        –                        –                        –                        –                   111
P Negus ¹                                           185                   182                        –                        –                     97                        –                   282
T Connolly ²                                         29                     24                        –                        –                        –                        –                     29

                                                            436                   416                        –                        –                   233                     81                   669

Total 
2017 
£000 

186 
105 
182 
24 

497 

¹ Includes fees for the services of P Negus payable to Adcel Limited of £171,000 (2017: £182,000). 
² Includes ex-gratia fee of £5,000 (2017: £nil) 

No performance bonus is payable in respect of the year ended 31 December 2018 (2017: £nil). 

No directors are accruing rights to shares under long term incentive schemes. 

Number of directors exercising share options

Number of directors accruing benefits under a defined contribution pension scheme

Directors’ rights to subscribe for shares in the Company are as follows: 

2018                    2017 
Number              Number 

2

1

1 

– 

                                                                                                                                           At start of year             At end of year
Director                                                                                                                            Number of shares      Number of shares

Exercise price 
(pence) 

R Abdullah                                                                                                                                   1,850,000                       1,425,000
O Abdullah                                                                                                                                   2,162,500                       2,737,500
P Negus                                                                                                                                           700,000                          300,000

8p – 21.5p 
8p – 21.5p 
11.6p – 21.5p 

Further details of movement in rights to subscribe for shares are included in the Remuneration Report, under the heading ‘Directors’ Interests 
in Share Options’, which forms part of these audited financial statements. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 52

52  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

7

Exceptional items 

Exceptional income included in administrative expenses
Exceptional interest received included in financial income
Exceptional loss on currency translation reserve

2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

–                      362 
–                      340 
(211) 
–

The 2017 results included two exceptional items. First, the Group accepted an offer to settle a historic matter, unrelated to the current trading 
activities of the Group, which arose over ten years ago. Under the settlement, on 9 January 2018, the Group received a total of £702,000 in 
cash comprising an amount of £362,000 plus compensatory interest of £340,000. 

The second exceptional item was also unrelated to the current trading activities of the Group. During 2017 the Board decided that the US 
subsidiary that had been dormant for several years should be abandoned, and any future activities that the Group may undertake in the US 
would not be conducted through the subsidiary. The £211,000 deficit on the Group’s currency translation reserve was reclassified from equity 
to income and shown as an expense. 

8

Financial income and expenses 

Recognised in profit or loss 
Exceptional item – interest receivable on settlement (note 7)
Interest on bank deposits
Other exchange gain

Financial income

Interest expense on financial liabilities at amortised cost
Exceptional item – foreign exchange loss (note 7)
Other exchange loss

Financial expenses

2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

–                      340 
1                           – 
– 
2

3

340 

2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 
33                      133 
–                      211 
36 
–

33

380 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 53

9

Taxation  

Recognised in the income statement 

Current tax (credit)/expense 
Current tax charge
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total current tax

Deferred tax (credit)/expense 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Derecognition of previously recognised tax losses
Recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses
Utilisation of recognised tax losses
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Effect of differential tax rate for deferred tax

Total deferred tax

Total tax credit in income statement

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  53

2018
£000

34
(113)

105
73
(56)
75
(145)
10

2018
£000

2017 
£000 

2017
£000

5 
(57) 

(79)

(52) 

5 
– 
(148) 
303 
(162) 
22 

62

(17)

20 

(32) 

The majority of the adjustments to tax in respect of prior years (2017: same) relates to research and development claims. These claims are 
recognised when receipt is determined to be probable. 

Factors that may affect future current and total tax charges 
The main rate of UK corporation tax changed from 20% to 19% with effect from 1 April 2017. 

The main rate of UK corporation tax will reduce to 17% from 1 April 2020. These tax changes were substantively enacted on 26 October 2016 
and therefore the effect of this rate reduction has been applied to the deferred tax balances as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. 

Reconciliation of effective tax rate 

Profit before tax

Tax using the UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2017: 19.25%)
Non-deductible expenses
Non taxable income
Derecognition of previously recognised tax losses
Recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Effect of differential tax rate for deferred tax
Other reconciling items

Total tax credit

2018                    2017 
£000 
£000

1,126

1,205 

214                      232 
42                        81 
(21)                         – 
73                           – 
(56)                    (148) 
(258)                    (219) 
10                        22 
– 
(21)

(17)

(32) 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 54

54  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

10 Profit for the financial year – parent company 
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the parent company’s income statement has not been included in these financial 
statements. The parent company’s profit for the financial year was £514,000 (2017: £1,038,000). 

11 Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the year attributable to the shareholders by the weighted average number of 
shares in issue. 

Earnings 
Profit for the year (£000)

Number of shares 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (‘000)

Basic earnings per share (pence)

2018                    2017 

1,143

1,237 

56,752

37,418 

2.01

3.31 

Diluted earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share assumes conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares, which arise from share options, and is calculated by 
dividing the adjusted profit for the year attributable to the shareholders by the assumed weighted average number of shares in issue. The 
adjusted profit for 2017 comprised the profit for the year attributable to the shareholders after adding back the interest on convertible loan 
notes amounting to £131,000. 

Adjusted earnings 
Profit for the year (£000)

Number of shares 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (‘000)

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

2018                    2017 

1,143

1,368 

58,627

58,844 

1.95

2.32 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 55

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  55

12 Property, plant and equipment – Group 

Leasehold
improvements
£000

Plant and
equipment
£000

Motor 
vehicles
£000

Cost 
Balance at 1 January 2017
Acquisitions
Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2017

Balance at 1 January 2018
Acquisitions
Arising on acquisition (note 15)

Balance at 31 December 2018

Depreciation and impairment 
Balance at 1 January 2017
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2017

Balance at 1 January 2018
Depreciation charge for the year

Balance at 31 December 2018

Net book value 
At 1 January 2017

At 31 December 2017 and 1 January 2018

At 31 December 2018

255
30
–

285

285
–
–

285

193
17
–

210

210
18

228

62

75

57

1,324
477
(274)

1,527

1,527
325
2

1,854

965
134
(274)

825

825
175

1,000

359

702

854

51
24
(3)

72

72
–
–

72

16
11
(3)

24

24
16

40

35

48

32

The net book value of assets held under finance lease obligations is £29,000 (2017: £43,000). 

Total 
£000 

1,630 
531 
(277) 

1,884 

1,884 
325 
2 

2,211 

1,174 
162 
(277) 

1,059 

1,059 
209 

1,268 

456 

825 

943 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 56

56  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

13 Property, plant and equipment – Company 

Plant and 
equipment 
£000 

Cost 
Balance at 1 January 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                        3 
Acquisitions                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1 

Balance at 31 December 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                4 

Balance at 1 January 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                        4 
Acquisitions                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1 

Balance at 31 December 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                5 

Depreciation and impairment 
Balance at 1 January 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                        1 
Depreciation charge for the year                                                                                                                                                                                            1 

Balance at 31 December 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                2 

Balance at 1 January 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                        2 
Depreciation charge for the year                                                                                                                                                                                            1 

Balance at 31 December 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                3 

Net book value 
At 1 January 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2 

At 31 December 2017 and 1 January 2018                                                                                                                                                                           2 

At 31 December 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 57

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  57

14 Intangible assets – Group 

Cost 
Balance at 1 January 2017
Additions – internally developed
Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2017

Balance at 1 January 2018
Additions – internally developed
Arising on acquisition (note 15)

Balance at 31 December 2018

Amortisation and impairment 
Balance at 1 January 2017
Amortisation for the year
Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2017

Balance at 1 January 2018
Amortisation for the year

Balance at 31 December 2018

Net book value 
At 1 January 2017

At 31 December 2017 and 1 January 2018

At 31 December 2018

Customer
related
intangibles
£000

Technology 
related
intangibles
£000

Goodwill
£000

Development 
costs
£000

32
–
–

32

32
–
146

178

9
6
–

15

15
67

82

23

17

96

41
–
–

41

41
–
407

448

13
18
–

31

31
34

65

28

10

707
–
–

707

707
–
781

1,488

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

707

707

383

1,488

3,466
1,043
(973)

3,536

3,536
1,444
–

4,980

2,232
523
(973)

1,782

1,782
489

2,271

1,234

1,754

2,709

Total 
£000 

4,246 
1,043 
(973) 

4,316 

4,316 
1,444 
1,334 

7,094 

2,254 
547 
(973) 

1,828 

1,828 
590 

2,418 

1,992 

2,488 

4,676 

Development costs relate to the ongoing development of the Group’s rail products. This includes an amount of £1,249,000 (2017: £156,000) 
for which amortisation has not yet commenced. 

Amortisation 
The amortisation charge is recognised within administrative expenses in the income statement. 

Impairment testing 
The  Group  considers  that  for  the  purpose  of  goodwill  impairment  testing  it  has  three  cash  generating  units  (CGUs)  involved  in  the 
development, supply and maintenance of technologies used in advanced security, surveillance, web-based real-time safety critical integrated 
software applications and ruggedised electronic applications. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 58

58  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

14 Intangible assets – Group continued 
Goodwill has been allocated to cash generating units as follows: 

Petards Joyce-Loebl
QRO Solutions
RTS Solutions

2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

401                      401 
306                      306 
– 
781

1,488

707 

Impairment is tested by calculating its value in use by reference to discounted cash flow forecasts over a five year period. The key assumptions 
for the value in use calculation are those regarding the growth rates, discount rates and expected changes in profit margins during the 
period. These are based on approved forecasts for the next year and an assumption of no growth thereafter has been applied in perpetuity 
(2017: approved forecasts for the next year and an assumption of no growth thereafter) and are based on forecast profit margin being maintained 
(2017: profit margin maintained). The discount rate applied is 10% (2017: 10%). 

For Petards Joyce-Loebl the discount rate would have to increase to 260% before there is an impairment. The profit margin would have to 
fall by 96% before there is an impairment. 

For QRO Solutions the discount rate would have to increase to 33% before there is an impairment. The profit margin would have to fall by 
70% before there is an impairment. 

For RTS Solutions (UK) the discount rate would have to increase to 43% before there is an impairment. The profit margin would have to fall 
by 77% before there is an impairment. 

The Company had no intangible assets in 2017 or 2018. 

15 Acquisitions 
On 11 May 2018, the Group acquired the entire issued share capital of RTS Solutions (Holdings) Limited which was the sole shareholder of 
RTS Solutions (UK) Limited (RTS) for £1.8 million, comprising £1.2 million for the business and £0.6 million for surplus cash. This consideration 
was settled by an initial cash consideration of £1 million, funded by a 5 year bank loan and £547,000 paid from internal cash reserves. Further 
deferred consideration of £250,000 was paid in June 2018, funded by an additional drawdown on the 5 year bank loan and a further £55,000 
was paid in July, funded from cash reserves. The terms of the acquisition provided for a further amount of up to £250,000 to be payable in 
the event that the financial performance of RTS for the year ended 31 March 2019 met certain targets. The fair value of this element of 
consideration has been determined to be £nil on the basis that the forecast results were expected to be below the target amounts. 

During the period from acquisition to 31 December 2018, RTS contributed £511,000 of revenue and £183,000 of profit to the Group. Had 
the results been consolidated from 1 January 2018, Group revenue would have been £20,165,000 and net profit would have been 
£1,167,000. In determining these amounts, management has assumed that the fair value adjustments that arose on the date of acquisition 
would have been the same if the acquisition occurred on 1 January 2018.

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 59

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  59

15 Acquisition continued 
The acquisition had the following effect on the Group’s assets and liabilities on the acquisition date: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Provisional fair values  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 recognised on acquisition 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            £000 
Net assets acquired 
Intangible assets 
    Technology related assets                                                                                                                                                                                               407 
    Customer related assets                                                                                                                                                                                                  146 
Property, plant and equipment                                                                                                                                                                                              2 
Inventories                                                                                                                                                                                                                                18 
Trade and other receivables                                                                                                                                                                                                131 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                                                                  628 
Trade and other payables                                                                                                                                                                                                   (167) 
Deferred tax                                                                                                                                                                                                                             (94) 

Net identified assets and liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                  1,071 
Goodwill on acquisition                                                                                                                                                                                                       781 

Total consideration                                                                                                                                                                                                            1,852 

Cash flow 
Consideration paid in cash                                                                                                                                                                                               1,852 
Cash and cash equivalents acquired                                                                                                                                                                                (628) 

Net cash flow                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1,224 

Pre-acquisition carrying amounts were determined based on applicable IFRSs, immediately prior to the acquisition. The values of assets and 
liabilities recognised on acquisition are the estimated fair values. The goodwill arising on acquisition can be attributed to a multitude of 
assets that cannot be readily separately identified for the purposes of fair value accounting. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible 
for tax purposes. 

The fair value adjustments arise in accordance with the requirements of IFRSs to recognise intangible assets acquired. In determining the fair 
value of intangible assets, the Group has used discounted cash flow forecasts and these are being amortised over their estimated useful life. 

The Group incurred acquisition related costs of £77,000 that are included within administrative expenses. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 60

60  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

16 Investments in subsidiary undertakings 
The Group and Company have the following investments in subsidiary undertakings: 

Name of company

Country of operation
and registration

Petards Joyce-Loebl Limited
QRO Solutions Limited
RTS Solutions (UK) Limited
RTS Solutions (Holdings)  
Limited
Water Hall Group plc
Petards Limited
Joyce-Loebl Group Limited
Petards International Limited

England (2)
England (1)
England (1)

England (1)
England (1)
England (2)
England (2)
England (2)

Nature of business

Holding

Specialist electronic systems
Specialist electronic systems
Specialist electronic systems

Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares

Non-trading
Non-trading
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant

Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares

Proportion held 

Group

Company 

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

Registered offices: 
(1) Parallel House, 32 London Road, Guildford, GU1 2AB 
(2) 390 Princesway, Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 0TU 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Shares in 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 subsidiary 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           undertakings 
Company                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         £000 
Cost 
At 1 January 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                             16,515 
Investment in Petards Inc written off                                                                                                                                                                                    (2) 

At 31 December 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                     16,513 

At 1 January 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                             16,513 
Acquisition – RTS Solutions (Holdings) Limited                                                                                                                                                           1,852 

At 31 December 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                            18,365 

Provisions for impairment in value 
At 1 January 2017, 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2018                                                                                                                               5,514 

Net book value 
At 1 January 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                             11,001 

At 31 December 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                     10,999 

At 31 December 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                            12,851 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 61

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  61

17 Deferred tax assets and liabilities 
Group 
Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

Property, plant and equipment
Provisions
Tax value of loss carry-forwards
Intangible fixed assets
Initial application of IFRS 15

Tax assets/(liabilities)
Offset of tax

Net tax assets

Assets

Liabilities

Net 

2018
£000

–
5
418
–
10

433
(149)

284

2017
£000

–
5
401
–
–

406
(62)

344

2018
£000

(46)
–
–
(103)
–

(149)
149

–

2017
£000

(45)
–
–
(17)
–

(62)
62

–

2018
£000

(46)
5
418
(103)
10

284
–

284

2017 
£000 

(45) 
5 
401 
(17) 
– 

344 
– 

344 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets are attributable to the following: 

Property, plant and equipment
Provisions
Tax value of loss carry-forwards

Tax assets

There is no expiry date on the above unrecognised deferred tax assets. 

Movement in deferred tax during the year 

Assets                 Assets 
2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

209                      248 
3                           4 
1,359 

1,424

1,636

1,611 

Property, plant and equipment
Provisions
Tax value of loss carry-forwards
Intangible fixed assets
Initial application of IFRS 15

31 December
2017
£000

Initial 
application
of IFRS 15
£000

1 January
2018
£000

Arising on
acquisitions
£000

Recognised 31 December 
2018 
£000 

in income
£000

(45)
5
401
(17)
–

344

–
–
–
–
96

96

(45)
5
401
(17)
96

440

–
–
–
(94)
–

(94)

(1)
–
17
8
(86)

(62)

(46) 
5 
418 
(103) 
10 

284 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 62

62  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

17 Deferred tax assets and liabilities continued 
Movement in deferred tax during the prior year 

Property, plant and equipment
Provisions
Tax value of loss carry-forwards
Intangible fixed assets

Company 
Recognised deferred tax assets are attributable to the following: 

Tax value of loss carry-forwards

Tax assets

Unrecognised deferred tax assets are attributable to the following: 

Property, plant and equipment
Provisions
Tax value of loss carry-forwards

Tax assets

There is no expiry date on the above unrecognised deferred tax assets. 

18 Inventories 

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress

1 January
2017
£000

Recognised 31 December 
2017 
£000 

in income
£000

(24)
6
423
(41)

364

(21)
(1)
(22)
24

(20)

(45) 
5 
401 
(17) 

344 

Assets                 Assets 
2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

130

130

130 

130 

Assets                 Assets 
2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 

23                        22 
3                           3 
168 

132

158

193 

Group

Company 

2018
£000

1,855
2,249

4,104

2017
£000

1,192
2,211

3,403

2018
£000

–
–

–

2017 
£000 

– 
– 

– 

The Group has adopted IFRS 15 using the cumulative effect method, under which the comparative information is not restated (note 3). The 
cumulative effect of adopting IFRS 15 is recognised in equity at the date of first adoption on 1 January 2018. The work in progress balance 
at 31 December 2018 includes £337,000 representing the impact of the adoption of IFRS 15. 

The directors consider all inventories to be essentially current in nature although the duration of certain contracts is such that a proportion 
of inventories will not be realised within 12 months. It is not possible to determine this amount with precision as this is dependent on a 
number of issues including future order volumes, the timing of project milestones and customer call off schedules.

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 63

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  63

18 Inventories continued 
Inventories recognised as cost of sales in the year amounted to £12,530,000 (2017: £8,730,000). At 31 December 2018 inventories are shown 
net of provisions of £191,000 (2017: £184,000). 

Construction contract work in progress 
The Group’s 2017 net balance on construction contracts work in progress of £1,224,000 was analysed into the following assets and liabilities 
under IAS 11; work in progress £1,458,000 and payments on account of £234,000. Work in progress at 31 December 2017 related to 
construction contracts in progress at that date comprising cumulative costs incurred plus recognised profits less losses of £13,975,000 less 
cumulative progress billings received and receivable of £12,517,000. These disclosures are not relevant to IFRS 15 that was adopted in 2018. 

19 Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Corporation tax recoverable
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

Group

Company 

2018
£000

2,236
–
75
29
213

2,553

2017
£000

2,771
–
–
791
181

3,743

2018
£000

–
213
–
16
29

258

2017 
£000 

– 
– 
– 
722 
21 

743 

At 31 December 2018 trade receivables include retentions of £197,000 (2017: £2,000). 

The Group has a variety of credit terms depending on the customer. The majority of the Group’s sales are made to government agencies 
and blue chip companies and consequently have very low historical default rates. 

At 31 December 2018 trade receivables are shown net of an allowance for credit notes of £nil (2017: £nil) arising from the ordinary course of 
business. 

The ageing of trade receivables at the balance sheet date was: 

Group 
Not past due date
Past due date (0-90 days)
Past due date (over 90 days)

2018
Gross and
net trade
receivables
£000

2017 
Gross and 
net trade 
receivables 
£000 

1,452                   1,850 
603                      758 
163 
181

2,236

2,771 

Management has no indication that any unimpaired amounts will be irrecoverable. No other receivables are past due in either the current 
or prior year. 

In 2018 revenues for three customers each exceeded 10% of the Group’s revenues. Revenues from these customers were £5,063,000, 
£3,362,000 and £2,569,000 (2017: Three customers: £4,376,000, £2,690,000 and £2,381,000) of which £1,048,000 was included in the carrying 
amount of trade receivables at 31 December 2018 (2017: £1,589,000).

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 64

64  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

19 Trade and other receivables continued 
The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was: 

UK
Europe
Other regions

Group 
2018                    2017 
£000                    £000 
1,364                   1,962 
815                      808 
1 

57

2,236

2,771 

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risks and impairment losses related to trade receivables are disclosed in note 26. 

The Company has no trade receivables. 

20 Cash and cash equivalents 

Group

Company 

2018
£000

2017
£000

2018
£000

2017 
£000 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents per balance sheet and per cash flow statement

2,117

1,324

85

30 

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risk related to cash and cash equivalents are disclosed in note 26. 

21 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group’s and Company’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings, which are 
measured at amortised cost. For more information about the Group’s and Company’s exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risk, see 
note 26. 

Non-current liabilities 
Bank loan
Finance lease liabilities

Current liabilities 
Bank loan
Current portion of finance lease liabilities

Group

Company 

2018
£000

2017
£000

2018
£000

2017 
£000 

875
8

883

250
15

265

–
23

23

–
15

15

875
–

875

250
–

250

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

During the year the Company entered into a term loan facility of £1.25 million repayable by equal quarterly instalments over 60 months. 
The interest rate is set at LIBOR plus 3.19% and the loan is secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the Group. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 65

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  65

21 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings continued 
During the year the Company was also provided a revolving credit facility of up to £750,000 which was undrawn at 31 December 2018. 
The interest rate on amounts drawn is set at LIBOR plus 3.19%. 

Changes in liabilities from financing activities 

Balance at 1 January 2018
New bank loan
Repayment of bank loan
Payment of finance lease liabilities

Total changes from financing cash flows

Balance at 31 December 2018

22 Trade and other payables 

Non-current liabilities 
Amounts owed to group undertakings

Current liabilities 
Trade payables
Amounts owed to group undertakings
Deferred income*
Payments on account*
Non-trade payables and accrued expenses
Interest payable

Loans and Finance lease 
liabilities 
£000 

borrowings
£000

–                        38 
1,250                           – 
(125)                         – 
(15) 

–

1,125

1,125

(15) 

23 

Group

Company 

2018
£000

2017
£000

2018
£000

2017 
£000 

–

–

901

870 

3,268
–
1,167
–
995
8

5,438

2,869
–
148
234
1,575
33

4,859

62
1,239
–
–
131
8

1,440

82 
1,616 
– 
– 
143 
33 

1,874 

* The Group has adopted IFRS 15 using the cumulative effect method, under which the comparative information is not restated (note 3). The cumulative effect of adopting IFRS 15 
is recognised in equity at the date of first adoption on 1 January 2018. The deferred income balance at 31 December 2018 includes £496,000 representing the impact of the adoption 
of IFRS 15. 

No amounts included in current liabilities are expected to be settled in more than 12 months (2017: £nil). In both 2018 and 2017 amounts 
payable to group undertakings in current liabilities are due on demand but have no fixed repayment dates. 

The non-current amount payable to a group undertaking is formally agreed, attracts interest at 3.25% and is not repayable before 31 March 2020. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 66

66  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

23 Employee benefits 
Defined contribution plans 
The Group operates defined contribution pension plans. 

The total expense relating to defined contribution plans in the current year was £206,000 (2017: £202,000). 

Share-based payments 
The Company has granted share options under its Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme (‘EMI Scheme’), and an Unapproved Share 
Option Scheme (‘Unapproved Scheme’). Options granted have a contractual life of ten years and are exercisable on the third anniversary 
from the date of grant. All options are to be settled by physical delivery of shares. 

The unexercised options at 31 December 2018 are stated below. 

Date of grant

Scheme

Nov 2013
Jan 2016
Jan 2016
Jul 2017
Oct 2018
Oct 2018
(1) Fully vested 

(2) 3 years from date of grant 

EMI Scheme
EMI Scheme
Unapproved Scheme
EMI Scheme
EMI Scheme
Unapproved Scheme

Exercise 
price
(pence)

8.00p
12.25p
12.25p
29.00p
21.50p
21.50p

Number of 
shares granted

Vesting 
conditions

1,312,500
1,810,204
189,796
80,000
575,000
875,000

(1)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)

Exercise period 

Nov 2013 – Nov 2023 
Jan 2019 – Jan 2026 
Jan 2019 – Jan 2026 
Jul 2020 – Jul 2027 
Oct 2021 – Oct 2028 
Oct 2021 – Oct 2028 

Outstanding at beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Forfeited/lapsed during the year
Exercised

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

2018

2017 

Weighted
average
exercise
price
£

0.105
0.22
0.18
0.09

0.141

Number of
shares

5,515,000
80,000
(70,000)
(312,500)

5,212,500

0.08

2,312,500

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
£ 

0.10 
0.29 
0.25 
0.08 

0.105 

0.08 

Number of
shares

5,212,500
1,570,000
(240,000)
(1,700,000)

4,842,500

1,312,500

The estimated fair value of the options ranges between 2.5p and 9.8p. These were calculated by applying the Black-Scholes option pricing 
model. The model inputs were the share price at the date of grant, the appropriate exercise price, expected volatility of 40% (2017: 50%) and 
a risk free interest rate of 0.8% (2017: 0.13%). It was assumed that option holders would exercise their options during the first year after the 
option vesting date. The volatility measured at the standard deviation of continuously compounded share returns is based on statistical 
analysis of daily share prices over the period of one year to the date of grant. 

During the year options were exercised in respect of 1,700,000 shares which were satisfied by the issue of new shares and for which the 
related weighted average share price at the time of exercise was 23p. The options outstanding at 31 December 2018 had exercise prices 
ranging from 8p to 29p and the weighted average remaining contractual life of the options was 7.3 years. 

The Group and Company recognised a total expense of £25,000 (2017: £27,000) in respect of equity settled share options. 

253591 Petards pp35-end.qxp  12/04/2019  10:29  Page 67

Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  67

24 Share capital 

Number of shares in issue – allotted, called up and fully paid 
Ordinary shares of 1p each

Value of shares in issue – allotted, called up and fully paid 
Ordinary shares of 1p each

At

At 
31 December 31 December 
2017 
Number 

2018
Number

57,468,229

55,768,229 

£000

£000 

575

558 

The Company’s issued share capital comprises 57,468,229 ordinary shares of 1p each, all of which have equal voting rights. 

On 22 May 2018 the Company issued 700,000 ordinary 1p shares at a price of 11.625p each and on 11 June 2018 the Company issued a 
further 1,000,000 ordinary 1p shares at a price of 8p each, on the exercise of options. 

25 Equity reserve 
The equity reserve relates to the fair value of the share options issued but not yet exercised in respect of the acquisition of Water Hall Group plc 
in 2013. During the year 1,000,000 of these share options were exercised, resulting in a transfer of £11,000 from this equity reserve to retained 
earnings. 

26 Financial risk management 
The Group’s and Company’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base with a view to ensuring that entities within the Group will be able to 
continue as going concerns. 

The Group’s and Company’s principal financial instruments comprise short term debtors and creditors, short term bank deposits, cash, bank 
borrowings and, when required, forward currency contracts and options. Neither the Group nor the Company trades in financial instruments 
but, where appropriate, uses derivative financial instruments in the form of forward foreign currency contracts and options to help manage 
foreign currency exposures. The prime objective of the Group’s and Company’s policy towards financial instruments is to manage their 
working capital requirements and finance their ongoing operations. 

Capital management 
The Group’s and Company’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base with a view to ensuring that entities within the Group will be able to 
continue as going concerns. The Group and Company finance their operations through retained earnings, cash resources, bank borrowings, 
share placings and the management of working capital. It is the intention to issue new shares when satisfying share based incentive schemes. 
Capital is defined as total equity as set out in the balance sheet. 

Management of financial risk 
The main risks associated with the Group’s financial instruments have been identified as credit risk, liquidity risk and foreign currency risk. 
The main risks associated with the Company’s financial instruments have been identified as liquidity risk. The Board is responsible for managing 
these risks and the policies adopted, which have remained largely unchanged throughout the year. 

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68  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

26 Financial risk management continued 
Credit risk 
The carrying amount of financial assets included in the balance sheet, which represents the maximum credit risk, and the headings in which 
they are included are as follows: 

Current assets 
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Group

Company 

2018
£000

2,236
–
2,117

4,353

2017
£000

2,771
–
1,324

4,095

2018
£000

–
229
85

314

2017 
£000 

– 
722 
30 

752 

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, 
and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers. The Group’s risk is influenced by the nature of its customers. The majority 
of sales are made to government agencies and blue chip companies. New customers are analysed for creditworthiness before the Group’s 
standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered and appropriate credit limits set. Customers that fail to meet the Group’s 
benchmark creditworthiness may transact with the Group only on a prepayment basis. The carrying amount of trade receivables in the 
balance sheet represents the maximum exposure to credit risk and further details are given in note 19 to the financial statements. The Board 
considers the Group’s exposure to credit risk to be acceptable and normal for an entity of its size given the industries in which it operates. 

Surplus cash balances are placed on short term deposit with UK banks. 

Interest rate risk 
The Group has financed its operations from its own cash resources and a bank loan for the acquisition of RTS Solutions (Holdings) Limited. 
The Group’s bank borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.19%. 

The interest rate risk profile of the Group’s and Company’s interest bearing financial instruments was as follows: 

Interest rate risk profile of financial assets

Floating rate assets (by currency): 
Sterling
US dollar
Euro

Interest rate profile of financial liabilities 
Fixed rate liabilities (by currency): 
Sterling

Floating rate liabilities (by currency): 
Sterling

The fixed rate financial liabilities comprises finance leases. 

Group

Company 

2017
£000

1,186
135
3

1,324

38

–

2018
£000

2017 
£000 

85
–
–

85

–

1,125

30 
– 
– 

30 

– 

– 

2018
£000

1,937
123
57

2,117

23

1,125

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Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  69

26 Financial risk management continued 
While the Group and Company have access to a revolving credit facility which carries a variable interest rate, this facility was not used in the 
year and so the Group and Company are not exposed to interest rate risk on this facility. 

Liquidity risk 
The carrying amount of financial liabilities included in the balance sheet and the headings in which they are included are as follows: 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables
Finance leases
Bank loan
Amounts owed to group undertakings

Non-current liabilities 
Finance leases
Bank loan
Amounts owed to group undertakings

Group

Company 

2018
£000

5,438
15
250
–

8
875
–

2017
£000

4,859
15
–
–

23
–
–

2018
£000

201
–
250
1,239

–
875
901

2017 
£000 

258 
– 
– 
1,616 

– 
– 
870 

6,586

4,897

3,466

2,744 

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the effect of netting 
agreements: 

Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities
Bank loan
Trade and other payables

Carrying
amount
£000

Contractual
cash flows
£000

23
1,125
5,438

24
1,230
5,438

6,692

The contractual cash flows include interest estimated at a rate of 4%. 

Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities
Trade and other payables

Carrying
amount
£000

Contractual
cash flows
£000

38
4,859

40
4,859

4,899

2018 

1 to
<2 years
£000

2 to
<5 years
£000

5 years 
and over 
£000 

8
280
–

288

–
665 
–

665

– 

– 

– 

2017 

1 to
<2 years
£000

2 to
<5 years
£000

5 years 
and over 
£000 

24
–

24

–
–

–

– 
– 

– 

1 year
or less
£000

16
285
5,438

5,739

1 year
or less
£000

16
4,859

4,875

 
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70  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notes (continued) 

(forming part of the financial statements)

26 Financial risk management continued 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group and Company will not be able to access the necessary funds to finance their operations. Their own 
cash resources and bank borrowings are the predominant source of funds. Surplus cash is placed on short term deposit with UK banks. 

The Group manages its liquidity risk by monitoring existing facilities and cash flows against forecast requirements based on a rolling cash 
forecast. 

The directors consider that the carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values. 

Foreign currency risk 
The Group is exposed to currency risk on sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than the respective functional 
currencies of Group entities. About 21 percent (2017: 32 percent) of the Group’s sales are to customers in Continental Europe and a further 
2 percent (2017: 3 percent) are to customers in the Rest of the World. These sales are priced in sterling and euros. The Group’s policy is to 
reduce currency exposures on sales through, where appropriate, forward foreign currency contracts. The Group also makes purchases in 
sterling, euros and US dollars and this provides an element of natural hedge. All the other sales are denominated in sterling. 

Currency risk of financial assets and liabilities 
The Group also has non-structural currency exposures i.e. those exposures arising from sales and purchases by group companies in currencies 
other than that company’s functional currency. These exposures give rise to net currency gains/losses recognised in the income statement, 
and represent monetary assets and liabilities of the Group that were not denominated in the functional currency of the company involved. 

At 31 December 2017 and 2018 the significant exposures in this respect were trade receivables and payables and were as follows: 

Currency 
US Dollar
Euro

2018
Receivables
£000

2018
Payables
£000

2017
Receivables
£000

2017 
Payables 
£000 

–
465

465

(177)
(269)

(446)

–
419

419

(546) 
(306) 

(852) 

In the opinion of the directors the business has no significant exposure to market risk arising from currency exchange or other price 
fluctuations at 31 December 2018 and it has therefore not been deemed necessary to include a sensitivity analysis. 

27 Operating leases 
Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows: 

Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years

Group

Company 

2018
£000

113
359
–

472

2017
£000

122
400
67

589

2018
£000

2017 
£000 

–
–
–

–

– 
– 
– 

– 

Group 
During the year £123,000 was recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2017: £132,000). 

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Financial statements

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  71

27 Operating leases continued 
The Group leases office and factory facilities under operating leases and these comprise £95,000 of the above total (2017: £95,000). Land and 
buildings have been considered separately for lease classification. 

28 Capital commitments 
At 31 December 2018 the Group was committed to capital expenditure of £48,000 (2017: none). The Company had no such commitments 
(2017: none). 

29 Contingent liabilities 
The Company has guaranteed the contract performance of subsidiary companies amounting to £4,605,000 (2017: £4,519,000). 

30 Related party transactions 
Transactions/balances with subsidiaries – Company 
During the year the Company provided administrative services to subsidiary undertakings totalling £946,000 (2017: £949,000). The balances 
due by subsidiaries at year end are shown in note 19 and comprised amounts owed by RTS Solutions (Holdings) Ltd of £200,000 and by 
Petards Joyce-Loebl Ltd of £13,000. At 31 December 2017 the Company was not due any amounts from its subsidiary undertakings. 

The balances due to subsidiaries at year end shown in note 22 comprised amounts owed to QRO Solutions Ltd of £614,000, Water Hall Group 
plc £901,000 and to RTS Solutions (UK) Ltd £625,000 (2017: Petards Joyce-Loebl Ltd £923,000, QRO Solutions Ltd £693,000 and Water Hall Group 
£870,000). 

There is no ultimate controlling party of Petards Group plc. 

Transactions with directors – Group 
Fees of £171,000 (2017: £182,000) were paid to Adcel Limited, a company wholly controlled by P Negus, in respect of fees for the provision 
of consultancy services (note 6). 

Key Management Compensation 
Key management compensation comprises salaries and fees, employer pension contributions, share based payment charges and employer 
social security costs. 

The key management of the Group are the directors of Petards Group plc and their compensation is as follows: 

Salaries and fees
Employer pension contributions
Share based payment charges
Employer social security costs

Group 

2017 
£000 

416 
– 
22 
26 

464 

2018
£000

436
–
22
28

486

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72  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Alternative Performance Measures Glossary

This report provides alternative performance measures (“APMs”), which are not defined or specified under the requirements of International 
Financial Reporting Standards. The Board believes that these APMs provide management with useful performance measurement indicators 
and readers with important additional information on the business. 

Adjusted EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before financial income and expenses, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, acquisition costs and 
share based payment charges. Adjusted EBITDA is considered useful by the Board since by removing exceptional items, acquisition costs 
and share based payment charges, the year on year operational performance comparison is more comparable. 

Order intake 
The  value  of  contractual  orders  received  from  customers  during  any  period  for  the  delivery  of  performance  obligations.  This  allows 
management to monitor the performance of the business. 

Order book 
The  value  of  contractual  orders  received  from  customers  yet  to  be  recognised  as  revenue.  This  allows  management  to  monitor  the 
performance of the business and provides forward visibility of potential earnings. 

Net funds 
Net funds comprises cash and cash equivalents less interest bearing loans and borrowings. This allows management to monitor the 
indebtedness of the Group. 

Current net funds 
Current net funds comprises cash and cash equivalents less current liabilities in respect of interest bearing loans and borrowings. This allows 
management to monitor the short term indebtedness of the Group. 

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AGM and information    

Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  73

Directors, officers and advisors

Directors 
Raschid Abdullah (Chairman) 
Osman Abdullah 
Terry Connolly FCA 
Paul Negus 

Company Secretary 
James Murray FCCA 

Registered Office 
Parallel House 
32 London Road 
Guildford 
Surrey 
GU1 2AB 

Company Registration Number 
02990100 

Independent Auditor 
KPMG LLP 
Quayside House 
110 Quayside 
Newcastle upon Tyne 
NE1 3DX 

Bankers 
Santander UK plc 
1 Dorset Street 
Southampton 
SO15 2DP 

Nominated Advisor & Joint Broker 
WH Ireland Limited 
4 Colston Avenue 
Bristol 
BS1 4ST 

Joint Broker 
Hybridan LLP 
20 Ironmonger Lane 
London 
EC2V 8EP 

Registrar 
Share Registrars 
The Courtyard 
17 West Street 
Farnham 
GU9 7DR 

Website 
www.petards.com 

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74  |  Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the 2019 Annual General Meeting of Petards Group plc (the “Company”) will be held at The County Club, 158 High 
Street, Guildford, GU1 3HJ on 9 May 2019 at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes: 

Ordinary Business 
1.        To receive and consider the audited accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2018 together with the directors’ 

report and the auditor’s report. 

2.        To re-elect Raschid Abdullah as a director of the Company. 

3.        To re-appoint KPMG LLP as auditor to hold office from the conclusion of the meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting 

at which the accounts are laid before the Company. 

4.        Subject to resolution 3 being approved, to authorise the directors to fix the auditor’s remuneration. 

Special Business 
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions of which resolution number 5 shall be passed as an ordinary resolution and 
resolution number 6 shall be passed as a special resolution: 

5.        That, in substitution for all existing authorities, to the extent unused, and pursuant to section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) 
the directors of the Company be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all the powers of the 
Company to allot shares in the Company or to grant rights to subscribe for or convert any security into shares in the Company up to 
an aggregate nominal amount of £189,645 (being approximately 33% of the present issued ordinary share capital of the Company) 
provided that this authority shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked, expire on the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the 
Company to be held in 2020, save that the directors be and they are hereby entitled, as contemplated by section 551(7) of the Act, to 
make at any time prior to the expiry of such authority any offer or agreement which would or might require shares to be allotted or 
rights to subscribe for or convert securities into shares to be granted after the expiry of such authority and the directors may allot 
shares or grant rights to subscribe for or convert securities into shares in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if the authority 
conferred hereby had not expired. 

6.        That, subject to and conditional on resolution 5 above being duly passed, the directors of the Company be and they are hereby 
empowered pursuant to section 570 of the Act to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the Act) in the capital 
of the Company for cash pursuant to the authority conferred by resolution 5 above as if section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to such 
allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities: 

            (a)      in connection with an offer of such securities by way of rights, or other pre-emptive offer, to holders of ordinary shares in 
proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings of such shares, but subject to such exclusions or other 
arrangements as the directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements or any legal or practical 
problems under the laws of any relevant territory, or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and 

            (b)      otherwise than pursuant to (a) above up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £86,202 (being approximately 15% of 

the present issued ordinary share capital of the Company): 

            (c)      provided that such power shall expire at the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the Company to be held in 2020, save 
that the Company may make an offer or agreement prior to such expiry which would or might require equity securities to be 
allotted after the expiry of such power, and the directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of that offer or agreement as 
if such power had not expired. 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD 

James Murray 
Company Secretary 

16 April 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                    Registered Office: 
Parallel House 
32 London Road 
Guildford 
GU1 2AB 

Company Number: 02990100 

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Petards Group plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2018  |  75

Notes: 

1        Pursuant to Part 13 of the Act and paragraph 18(c) of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments) (Uncertificated Securities) Order 2009, only those members 
registered in the register of members of the Company at 11.00am. on 7 May 2019 (or if the AGM is adjourned, 11.00am. on the date falling two days before the date (not 
including non-working days) fixed for the adjourned AGM) shall be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM in respect of the number of shares registered in their name at that 
time. Any changes to the register of members after such time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the AGM. 

2        Members who wish to attend the AGM in person should ensure that they arrive at the venue for the AGM in good time before the commencement of the meeting. Members 

may be asked to provide proof of identity in order to gain admission to the AGM. 

3        A member who is entitled to attend, speak and vote at the AGM may appoint a proxy to attend, speak and vote instead of him. A member may appoint more than one proxy 
provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares (so a member must have more than one share to be able to appoint more than one proxy). A 
proxy need not be a member of the Company but must attend the AGM in order to represent you. A proxy must vote in accordance with any instructions given by the member 
by whom the proxy is appointed. Appointing a proxy will not prevent a member from attending in person and voting at the AGM (although voting in person at the AGM will 
terminate the proxy appointment). 

4        A form of proxy accompanies this document. The notes to the proxy form include instructions on how to appoint the Chairman of the AGM or another person as a proxy, and 

should be followed carefully. 

5        To be valid, a proxy form, and the original or duly certified copy of the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed or authenticated, should reach the 

Company’s registrar, Share Registrars, The Courtyard, 17 West Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7DR, by no later than 11.00 a.m. on 7 May 2019. 

6        In the case of joint holders of shares, the vote of the first named in the register of members who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the 

exclusion of the votes of other joint holders. 

7        A member that is a company or other organisation not having a physical presence cannot attend in person but can appoint someone to represent it. This can be done in one 
of two ways; either by the appointment of a proxy (described in Notes 3 to 6 above) or by a corporate representative. Members considering the appointment of a corporate 
representative should check their own legal position, the articles of association and the relevant provision of the Act. 

8        In order for a proxy appointment made by means of CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a CREST Proxy Instruction) must be properly authenticated in accordance 
with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s specifications and must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message must be 
transmitted so as to be received by Share Registrars (ID 7RA36) no later than 48 hours, excluding non-working days, before the time fixed for the AGM. For this purpose, the 
time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which Share Registrars is able to 
retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST. After this time any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through 
other means. Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages and normal system timings and limitations will 
apply in relation to the input of a CREST Proxy Instruction. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a 
message is transmitted by means of the CREST System by any particular time. The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in 
Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001. 

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Petards
Group plc

Parallel House, 32 London Road, Guildford, GU1 2AB, United Kingdom 
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 230345 

www.petards.com 

Annual Financial Report 2018

Petards Group plc 

Registered number 02990100

Petards
Group plc