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FY2018 Annual Report · SDI Group
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2018
Delivering  
our vision of  
strategic growth

Scientific Digital Imaging plc
Annual Report and Accounts

Scientific	Digital	Imaging	plc	(“SDI”)	designs		
and	manufactures	analytical	technology	products	
for	use	in	applications	including: 

Astronomy

Consumer 
Manufacturing

Life Sciences

Art Conservation

Thermal Control

Healthcare

Contents

Strategic report

 01  Financial	highlights

02   Group	overview

Financial statements

25  Report	of	the	Independent	Auditor

32  Consolidated	income	statement

 04  –	Chairman’s	statement 

32  Consolidated	statement	of	comprehensive	income

 06  –	Chief	Executive’s	operating	report

33  Consolidated	balance	sheet

16  –	Strategic	report

34  Consolidated	statement	of	cash	flows 

Governance

18   Board	of	Directors

19  Group	Executive

20   Report	of	the	Directors 

21  Corporate	governance	statement

23  Directors’	remuneration	report

24  Directors’	responsibilities

35  Consolidated	statement	of	changes	in	equity	

36  Notes	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements

62  Company	balance	sheet 

63  Company	statement	of	changes	in	equity 

64  Notes	to	the	company	financial	statements

72  Five-year	summary

IBC Shareholder	information

Strategic report

Financial highlights

●	 Revenue increased by 35% to £14.5m	(2017:	£10.7m)	

●	 Revenue growth driven by organic and acquisitions;	
	 organic	revenue	growth	delivered	by	Sentek	and	Atik	Cameras		
	 with	growth	from	acquisitions	delivered	by	Astles	Control	Systems		

and	Applied	Thermal	Control	

●	 Gross margin increased to 65.8%	(2017:	64.3%)	

●	 Adjusted profit before tax* increased by £991,000 to £2,300,000		 	

(2017:	£1,309,000)	

●	 Profit before tax increased by £810,000 to £1,713,000	

(2017:	£903,000)	

Profit	before	tax	

90% Basic	earnings		
55%

per	share

Group	revenue

Gross	profit

35%

38%

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

01

 
	
	
	
	
 
Strategic report

Our aim
Group overview

Our Vision – to develop 
our existing technologies  
and to grow through 
strategic acquisitions.

SynOPtICS

Syngene

Synbiosis

Synoptics
Health

AtIK
CAMERAS 

Quantum
Scientific
Imaging 

Acquired  
February 2018

Opus
Instruments

SEntEK

AStlES
COntROl
SyStEMS 

APPlIEd
tHERMAl
COntROl 

Acquired  
August 2017

SEntEK
The	Uk’s	largest	independent	
producer	of	electrochemical,	
pH	and	conductivity	sensors		
for	water-based	applications.

AStlES COntROl 
SyStEMS
Astles	Control	Systems	is	a	
supplier	of	chemical	dosing	
and	control	systems	to	different	
manufacturing	industries	
including	manufacturers	of	
beverage	cans,	engineering	
and	motor	components,	white	
goods,	architectural	aluminium	
and	steel.

APPlIEd tHERMAl 
COntROl
Applied	Thermal	Control	
(“ATC”),	the	largest	acquisition	
made	by	the	SDI	Group	
during	the	financial	year,	
designs	and	manufactures	
precision	re-circulating	chillers,	
coolers	and	heat	exchangers	
used	to	control	the	thermal	
environment	within	life	science	
and	analytical	system.

SynOPtICS
Principal	focus	is	on	the	
application	of	digital		
imaging	technology.	

Offered	through	3	brands:

Syngene
Produces	advanced	systems	for	
documentation	and	analysis	of	
gels	for	the	molecular	biologist.

Synbiosis
Provides	equipment	to	the	
microbiologist	to	automate	the	
process	of	microbial	colony	
counting	and	zone	sizing.

Synoptics Health
manufactures	ProReveal,	a	
test	to	detect	residual	proteins	
on	surgical	instruments	using	
fluorescence.

AtIK CAMERAS
Designs	and	manufactures	
highly	sensitive	cameras.	These	
are	marketed	for	life	science	
and	industrial	applications	under	
its	Atik	Camera	brand.

Opus Instruments
Atik	Cameras	(under	the	Opus	
Instruments	brand)	designs	and	
manufactures	cameras	for	art	
conservation	and	restoration.

Quantum Scientific 
Imaging
Quantum	Scientific	Imaging	
(“QSI”)	designs	and	manufactures	
a	range	of	high	performance	
cameras	that	have	applications	in	
astronomy,	life	sciences	and	flat	
panel	inspection.

Our aim
…and how we achieve it.

Together, we are helping  
to advance medical and 
scientific knowledge,  
increasing the technical 
capabilities of industry and 
ultimately, improving the 
standard of living.

With science and industry 
sourcing globally for best-
in-class niche products and 
with strong UK scientific and 
engineering capabilities, SDI 
is well placed to continue its 
current trajectory of growth 
and profitability.

Purpose

Horizons

Acquiring companies 
that complement the 
capabilities within the 
Group promotes organic 
growth. It provides the 
opportunity to explore  
new challenges and 
markets within the fast 
evolving science and 
technology sectors.

Synergy

Identify

Invest

Create

Build

Unlock the potential  
of the companies we  
invest in, enabling them  
to consolidate their  
technical capabilities  
and helping them grow  
in adjacent markets and 
geographical areas.

Seek out potential 
investment opportunities 
that will add value to our 
business and fall within 
our current business 
development strategy.

We’re investing in people,  
not just companies, the 
brightest minds who like  
to make things better,  
faster, smaller, more  
efficient and reliable. 

The companies within the 
Group are at the forefront of 
scientific and technological 
innovation, addressing key 
challenges within their own 
niche markets. 

02	

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018	

03

	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

Our aim
Chairman’s statement

oVerVieW

I have great pleasure to announce a record set of results. Revenue advanced 
from £10.7m in 2017 to £14.5m and generated operating profits of £1.8m.  
This compares with £1.0m in 2017 on an equivalent basis. The growth in 
revenues and profitability was through both organic growth and acquisitions.

During	the	year	to	30	april	2018,	Scientific	Digital	imaging	
plc	(“SDi”)	acquired	one	new	business,	Applied	Thermal	
Control	(“aTC”),	a	UK	manufacturer	of	precision	chillers,	
for	£1.1m,	as	well	as	the	assets	and	technology	of	Quantum	
Scientific	Imaging	(“QSi”),	a	US-based	manufacturer	of	
high	performance	cameras	for	$0.3m.	These	profitable	
businesses	produce	complementary	technologies	to		
those	of	existing	businesses	in	the	SDi	Group	and	offer	
both	sales	growth	and	intra-company	revenues.

ATC is developing a new environmentally-friendly product 
which can be used in automated systems alongside our 
Sentek single-use electrodes and offers an opportunity for 
cross-promotional marketing. Becoming part of the SDI 
group has allowed ATC access to new distributors and 
Original Equipment Manufacturers who are evaluating  
their products. 

QSI was a smaller acquisition. Their technology, which 
is now being manufactured at Atik Camera’s Lisbon site, 
provides the Atik camera range with a higher specification 
camera for astronomy and life science applications and 
completes its imaging portfolio. 

These new acquisitions will help ensure the SDI Group 
achieves sustainable growth and profitability in the coming 
year. We are continuing with our successful buy and 
build strategy and have identified several other potential 
acquisitions with technologies which will complement the 
capabilities of our existing activities.

Board 
The Board has been strengthened in 2018 with the 
addition of David Tilston as a Non-Executive Director and 
Jon Abell as Chief Financial Officer. I would like to thank  
Dr Ann Simon for her service as Non-Executive Director 
until September 2017.

Financial	results
Revenue for the year ended 30 April 2018 was £14.5m 
(2017: £10.7m). This has resulted in an operating profit 
for the year of £1.8m. The Group gross margin is above 
the previous year and the additional profit has come 

04	

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Ken	ForD 
Chairman	
26	July	2018

from several SDI brands and the inclusion of a one-off 
retrospective licencing payment for the sale of Auto-
Montage imaging software in Synoptics’ sales, as previously 
disclosed in the interim results. Basic earnings per share 
were 1.81p (2017: 1.17p) and diluted earnings per share 
were 1.74p (2017: 1.14p). 

Approximately 31% of the revenue growth arose organically 
with approximately 69% accounted for by acquisitions. The 
organic growth was delivered by Sentek and Atik Cameras 
with the growth from acquisitions delivered by Astles 
Control Systems and Applied Thermal Control. 

Acquisitions	and	investments
During the year SDI has seen strong growth with our 2017 
acquisition, Astles Control Systems (ACS) contributing high 
levels of profitability in its first full year of trading as part of 
the Group. 

In the financial year to the end of April 2018, SDI 
successfully added ATC and QSI to the Group. The 
acquisitions have increased our in-house imaging 
capabilities and added another manufacturing site with 
complementary technology to our portfolio, and 
introduced new customers to the SDI group. ATC and QSI 
have not yet contributed a full year’s revenue in 2018 as the 
businesses were only acquired in August 2017 and January 
2018 respectively, but SDI expects these new acquisitions 
will enhance the earnings of the group in their first full 
trading year in 2018-19. SDI will continue to evaluate new 
technology businesses, with the intention of acquiring at 
least one additional company by the close of calendar 2018. 

“We are investing in  
companies at the  
forefront of scientific 
and technological 
innovation”

Divisional percentage  
of Group turnover

Applied 
thermAl 
Control

6%

Astles 
Control 
systems

15.7%

20.6%

Atik / opus 

24.4%

sentek 

synoptiCs 

33.3%

SDI also continues to invest in staff and facilities, as well 
as research and development to maintain SDI’s technical 
expertise and production capacity. During the year we 
have continued to invest in research and development 
across the group, and are expanding capacity at Sentek 
through the recruitment of staff and the leasing of 
additional floor space.

Bank	finance
During the year we refinanced our bank debt with a new 
£3m committed facility provided by HSBC Bank plc. 
This facility has a more flexible covenant package than 
the previous facility and has an accordion option which 
enables it to be extended to £5m with HSBC Bank plc’s 
consent. The Company also has an option to extend the 
maturity of the facility by a maximum of an extra two years.

Dividend
The Board has decided not to declare a dividend for  
2017-18 but will keep this matter under review.

Staff
On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all our staff 
for their dedication and to ensuring that our products  
are delivered to budget, as well as meet our distributors,  
OEM and direct customers’ technical expectations.  
The Board views the coming financial year with  
continued confidence.

Current	trading	and	outlook
All parts of the Group have contributed to improved 
profitability this year, with Atik Cameras and Sentek 
being the major drivers of organic growth. Atik Cameras 

significantly exceeded its operating targets, driven mainly 
by repeat sales of a high specification camera to a major 
life science OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) 
customer. The imager range that uses this camera is now 
in full production and is selling well globally. The addition 
of QSI’s technology to Atik Cameras offers the opportunity 
to market very high specification cameras into the life 
science sector. Atik Cameras expects the addition of new 
QSI cameras alongside the Atik ranges will ensure OEM 
sales continue to be strong throughout 2018/19. 

Sentek also exceeded its targets mainly due to expansion 
of the OEM business, where major life science and 
healthcare firms have repeat forward orders to purchase 
single-use or limited life sensors for use in automated 
systems. This type of sensor business is therefore providing 
a continuous, sustainable revenue stream for Sentek and is 
expected to continue in the coming years.

The positive contribution of Atik Cameras and Sentek 
via their global OEM business, as well as direct sales of 
Synoptics and ACS products are expected to drive growth 
and profitability in 2018-19. To maintain and develop its 
portfolio, SDI will continue its proven strategy of organic 
and acquisitive growth.

The Board is confident that the SDI Group will continue to 
deliver profitable growth through increased revenue and 
new acquisitions in 2018-19. 

Annual Report and Accounts 2018	

05

	
 
Strategic report

Chief Executive’s operating report

SDI designs and manufactures scientific products for use in applications 
including life sciences, healthcare, astronomy and art conservation, through 
its Synoptics Divisions (Syngene, Synbiosis and Synoptics Health) and its Atik 
brands (Atik Cameras, Opus Instruments and Quantum Scientific Imaging 
(QSI)). SDI also develops and manufactures precision chillers at ATC and 
electrochemical sensors through Sentek, as well as chemical dosing and 
control equipment, which uses these sensors via Astles. 

During the year, SDI redesigned and launched a new 
website, making it easier for investors to navigate and 
understand our main business areas and which 
market segment they supply, as well as how each of  
the divisions complement each other.

The following paragraphs describe developments at  
SDI’s brands:

mIKe CreeDOn
CHIef exeCUTIve OffICeR 
26 July 2018

ATIK CAMERAS

Atik Cameras designs and manufactures highly sensitive 
cameras. These are marketed for life science and industrial 
applications under its Atik Camera brand. In 2018, SDI 
acquired assets and technology from QSI to enable Atik 
Cameras to supply a very high specification camera, which 
will be available by Q4 2018. Several firms have expressed 
an interest in assessing the camera to produce the world’s 
first 12Mp DNA and protein image analyser.

Integrating QSI’s complementary imaging technology into 
the Atik Camera portfolio will ensure economies of scale in 
terms of overheads and development costs in the future.

Atik Cameras continued to increase penetration of its 
CCD cameras into life science applications this year, 
with a significant increase coming from high OEM sales 
volumes of a bespoke CCD camera to one of the world’s 
leading life science companies. Sales of cameras to OEM 
customers, including intra-group sales to SDI’s Synoptics 
brands accounted for around 75 percent of turnover 
this financial year and Atik Cameras expects this trend to 
continue in 2018-19. 

In its amateur astronomy market, Atik Cameras introduced 
its new Atik Horizon camera, the first Atik camera to use 
CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) 
sensors instead of CCDs. CMOS sensors are less expensive 
than CCD-based sensors and the Atik Horizon is a 
competitively priced, yet sensitive, high megapixel camera.  

using this camera offers the opportunity to increase 
margin without compromising on image quality, and as 
well as being used by astronomers, this technology is 
being assessed by life science companies for use in their 
mid-range imaging systems.

To complete its portfolio in the astronomy market, Atik 
Cameras introduced the EFW3 Filter Wheel, an electronic 
filter wheel for large format cameras which will fit directly 
onto its high-resolution astrophotography camera, the Atik 
16200 which was launched in 2017.

To service demand in the uS amateur astronomer market, 
Atik Cameras has appointed a new distributor. Atik Cameras 
has recruited additional software design staff at its site in 
Lisbon to keep pace with new product development and 
manufacturing and will stay in its larger premises there for 
the foreseeable future. 

www.atik-cameras.com

INTRODuCING THE NEW  
HOrIZOn CAmerA, ATIk’S
FIRST CAMERA TO uSE CMOS  
SENSORS INSTEAD OF CCDs

ATIK CAMERAS
Our aim
CASE STudy

ATIK CAmerAS DeSIGnS AnD mAnUFACTUreS A WIDe 

rAnGe oF CAmerAS From enTry level To ThoSe 

USeD In proFeSSIonAl obServATorIeS. even enTry  

level CAmerAS Are CApAble oF STAGGerInG reSUlTS.

In AprIl 2017, SerGIo KAmInSKy poSTeD A pICTUre 

(ShoWn rIGhT), TAKen WITh A moDeST Atik 414ex 

cAmerA, oF TWo GAlAxIeS neAr The bIG DIpper 

ConSTellATIon. ThIS pArT oF The SKy IS oUTSIDe 

oF The plAne oF oUr GAlAxy, So The SKy In ThIS 

AreA IS DArK WITh relATIvely FeW ForeGroUnD 

STArS. SerGIo’S pICTUre pICKS Up The WISpS oF The 

InTeGrATeD FlUx nebUlA, WhICh IS DUST oUTSIDe 

The boDy oF oUr GAlAxy AnD lIT Up by The lIGhT 

From The STArS In The mIlKy WAy. ThIS IS AT The  

lImIT oF WhAT’S poSSIble To obServe WITh  

AmATeUr eqUIpmenT.

414ex 
COOleD CCD 
CAmerA

06 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 
Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

07
07

 
 
 
 
Strategic report: Chief executive’s operating report COnTInUeD

OPuS InSTRuMEnTS

CASE STudy

The OPUS APOllO cAmerA IS The neW 
STAnDArD In InFrAreD reFleCToGrAphy AnD 
USeS An InTernAl SCAnnInG meChAnISm To 
proDUCe hIGh-qUAlITy, hIGh-reSolUTIon 
InFrAreD reFleCToGrAmS WITh An 
UnpArAlleleD level oF ClArITy AnD DeTAIl.

IT WAS USeD In FoUlDen ChUrCh, AT The 
reqUeST oF Dr lUCy WrApSon From The 
hAmIlTon Kerr InSTITUTe. She IS CUrrenTly 
STUDyInG AnD reSTorInG meDIevAl rooD 
SCreen pAnelS In The norFolK AreA, WhICh 
hAS The hIGheST ConCenTrATIon oF TheSe 
TypeS oF ArTWorKS In enGlAnD. 

We CApTUreD InFrAreD reFleCToGrAmS oF 
eIGhT oF The pAnelS ThAT hAve been pAInTeD 
over To looK lIKe orDInAry WooD pAnelS, 
reveAlInG The hIDDen TreASUreS beneATh.

Opus Instruments

befORe

Atik Cameras (under the Opus Instruments brand) designs 
and manufactures cameras for art conservation and 
restoration. In 2018 we developed and launched the 
Opus Apollo Infrared Reflectography camera. This new 
high-resolution camera generates up to 26mP images 
and has a higher dynamic range, providing superior image 
quality. This higher specification version of Opus’ world-
leading Osiris Infrared Reflectography camera, developed 
in collaboration with the national Gallery is in high 
demand with existing Osiris camera users. Two Apollo 
cameras have already been sold to major US art galleries, 
and there are forward orders for additional cameras. 

www.opusinstruments.com

AfTeR

OPUS APOllO InfRAReD 

RefleCTOlOGy CAmeRA

Our aim

THe HORSeHeAD nebUlA AnD THe flAme nebUlA – ImAGe by STefAn mUCHenHUbeR, USInG A QSI CAmeRA

Quantum Scientific  
Imaging 

Quantum Scientific Imaging (“QSI”) designs and 
manufactures a range of high performance cameras that 
have applications in astronomy, life sciences and flat panel 
inspection. In 2018, SDI acquired the assets, stock, designs 
and trademarks of QSI and shipped them from the firm’s 
manufacturing site in Mississippi, uSA, to Atik Cameras 
manufacturing facility in Lisbon, Portugal. QSI cameras 
are now in production there, while QSI customers can 
now access service and support from Atik Cameras 
headquarters in Norwich.

Atik Cameras plans to continue supplying QSI cameras to 
QSI’s OEM customers for use in life science and flat panel 
inspection systems as well as direct sales into the amateur 
astronomy and art conservation markets. SDI expects QSI 
to be earnings enhancing for the Group in 2018-19.

www.qsimaging.com

QSI CAMERAS ExCEL AT 

A vARIETy OF SCIENTIFIC 

IMAGING APPLICATIONS 

FROM CHEMILuMINESCENCE 

AND SPECTROSCOPy 

TO MATERIAL ANALySIS, 

INTERFEROMETRy AND 

LASER-ILLuMINATED 

CONDENSATE STuDIES

08 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

09

 
Strategic report: Chief executive’s operating report COnTInUeD

APPLIEd THERMAL COnTROL

CASE STudy

loUGhboroUGh UnIverSITy hAve InveSTeD £25m In 

InFrASTrUCTUre For The SCIenCe AnD enGIneerInG 

DepArTmenTS InClUDInG £17m In A neW 3,500m2 

STem lAb (SCIenCe, TeChnoloGy, enGIneerInG 

AnD mAnUFACTUrInG), CenTrAlISInG WorlD-ClASS 

TeAChInG AnD reSeArCh FACIlITIeS.

We Were CommISSIoneD To InSTAll ChIllerS For 

5 xrD (x-rAy DIFFrACTIon) ToolS InTo The neW 

phySICS AnD ChemISTry DepArTmenT, WhICh Are 

CUrrenTly UnDerGoInG mAjor reFUrbIShmenT.  

ThIS WAS The FIrST InSTAllATIon oF ITS Type For 

US – pArT oF oUr STrATeGy To reFoCUS ATTenTIon 

onTo The enD USer mArKeT by oFFerInG on-SITe 

InSTAllATIon, ServICInG AnD mAInTenAnCe.

FIrST oF mAny – on The bACK oF ThIS SUCCeSS, We 

Are noW WorKInG on SImIlAr projeCTS For oTher 

UnIverSITIeS AnD CommerCIAl orGAnISATIonS.

APPLIEd THERMAL  
COnTROL

Applied Thermal Control (“ATC”), the largest acquisition 
made by the SDI Group during the financial year, 
designs and manufactures precision re-circulating 
chillers, coolers and heat exchangers used to control the 
thermal environment within life science and analytical 
systems. Applications for the products including electron 
microscopes, x-ray diffraction, mass spectrometers and 
bioprocess automation.

During the period, SDI invested in ATC to strengthen its 
in-house engineering and equipment servicing team. This 
has enabled ATC to develop a range of new chiller systems 
which will be available from autumn 2018. These chillers 
comply with new Eu regulations that come into force 
from 2022 and prohibit the sale of equipment containing 
fluorinated greenhouse gas. The new range will work in 
bioprocessing automation and is being tested by one of  
the world’s largest suppliers to that growing market, a 
market also served by Sentek. 

Images courtesy of loughborough University

ATC has not yet returned a full year’s revenue as the 
company was only acquired in August 2017. Since ATC 
technology is a complementary fit to many of the known 
brands and products in the SDI Group, this has given uS 
dealers, life science OEMs and major uS research institutes 
the confidence to evaluate and stock ATC’s chiller 
technology. SDI believes this interest from the uS market, 
coupled with the launch of ATC’s new environmentally-
friendly products should allow ATC to be earnings 
enhancing for the Group in the new financial year. 

www.app-therm.com

ASTLES COnTROL  
SySTEMS	

Astles Control Systems (“ACS”) is a supplier of chemical 
dosing and control systems to different manufacturing 
industries including manufacturers of beverage cans, 
engineering and motor components, white goods, 
architectural aluminium and steel. The company supplies 
equipment with an average product life of ten years, as 
well as repeat business consumables. 

Since ACS utilises many of Sentek’s electrochemical 
sensors in its product range, this has meant ACS has also 
contributed to intra-group revenues.

During the year, ACS introduced its new PC500 toroidal 
conductivity sensor for use in its chemical dosing and 
control systems and this is beginning to sell well world-
wide. To ensure product development and custom 
products continue in line with demand, ACS has 
increased its staffing level by ten percent to strengthen  
its in-house engineering team. 

The Board believes that ACS will continue to increase 
SDI’s revenue utilising its current premises and expects 
ACS to maintain growth and intra-company revenues in 
the next trading year. 

www.astles.co.uk

Full year of  
sales and profits

PC500 CHemICAl  

COnTrOl SySTem

Analyser

Dosing pump

Process

Probe

10 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

11

 
Strategic report: Chief executive’s operating report COnTInUeD

direct sales 
to laboratories  
account for

25%  

of sales  
revenue

Major driver  
to SdI’s  
organic growth

SEnTEK

Sentek manufactures and markets off-the-shelf and 
custom-made electrochemical sensors for water based 
applications. These sensors are used in laboratory analysis, 
in food, beverage and personal care manufacture, as 
well as the leisure industry. Sentek’s electrodes are either 
single/limited use or have a working life of only six - twelve 
months, and must be replaced regularly, providing a repeat 
business revenue model for the SDI Group.

Sentek had another good year especially with OEM 
business. During the period, Sentek signed a five-year 
exclusive contract to supply a large healthcare company 
with sensors for its blood gas analysers. These sensors are 
limited use, being used two to three times before disposal 
providing a repeat revenue stream. Sentek also signed a 
five-year contract with a major life science company to 
supply single-use sensors. These are utillised in disposable 
bioreactors by pharmaceutical and biotech companies 
for drug development. The firm using the Sentek sensors 
has seen significant uptake of their bioprocess automation 
globally, which has led to growth in sensor sales. Both 
OEM contracts are providing Sentek with continuous 
forward orders for 2018-19.

Sales of sensors to the laboratory sector directly and via its 
dealer network, account for 25 percent of Sentek’s sales 
revenue. During the period, Sentek’s on-line marketing 
strategies to make new and existing customers aware of 
its sensor portfolio attracted new distributors. This has 
resulted in Sentek working with a new French distributor 
and increasing sales of titration sensors in France. Sentek 
will continue with its on-line marketing campaign in the 
next financial year.

Sentek has increased staffing levels by ten percent this 
year and has strengthened in-house analytical chemistry 
expertise to maintain product quality and application 
support. It has also taken an opportunity to expand the 
facility from September 2018. Sentek is continuing to 
evaluate new types of glass for sensors, which will  
adhere to Eu directives and expects to have fully-tested 
products ready to meet the 2021-22 deadline within the 
next two years.

SDI believes the combination of Sentek’s OEM business 
and direct sales via distributors will provide an on-going 
profitable revenue stream for the next financial year. 

www.sentek.co.uk

SynOPTICS

Synoptics designs and manufactures scientific 
instruments based on digital imaging, for the life 
science research, microbiology and healthcare 
markets. In terms of sales turnover, Synoptics 
remains the largest of the SDI companies and its 
divisions offer products brands including nuGenius, 
G:BOX, ProtoCOL 3, Protos and ProReveal, each 
targeting a different sector of these markets. 
Synoptics improved efficiency in the period due to 
consolidation of product ranges, and also received 
a one-off licencing payment for Auto-Montage 
software from a major microscope manufacturer. 

SynOPTICS divisions

Synoptics		
health

Synbiosis

£4.9m
contribution		
to	2017/18	
Group	
turnover

Syngene

Syngene

In 2017, Syngene, which develops and manufactures 
systems and software for analysing gels and blots assessed 
its product portfolio and discontinued six low profit-margin 
product lines. The remaining more focused product 
range has been re-engineered using more cost-effective 
designs and components. The new ranges, which were 
launched in Q1 2018, have been rebranded and colour 
coded, with red systems being the affordable imagers and 
blue systems as the high specification image analysers. 
This rebranding has been supported with a new website 
and marketing materials, making it simpler for Syngene 
distributors to market and support these imagers. 

This rebranding is proving successful and in the new 
look ranges, the NuGenius, entry level imager is selling 
well in Europe and Asia-pacific regions, while the G:BOx 
mini high-specification, small footprint image analyser 
is popular in the uS market. Supplying a smaller range 
of competitively priced imaging systems is allowing 
economies of scale with component purchasing and 
reduced build costs. The Division is also contributing to 
intra-Group revenues as it is using Atik cameras in its mid 
and high-end imagers. 

To keep pace with imaging developments, Syngene is now 
evaluating new light sources, lens and high-specification 
CCD cameras for integration into its range in 2019.

www.sygene.com

G:BOx mInI 

IMAGE ANALySER

12 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

13

 
 
 
 
Strategic report: Chief executive’s operating report COnTInUeD

SynOPTICS HEALTH

CASE STudy

noTTInGhAm UnIverSITy hoSpITAlS nhS TrUST, 

hAS one oF The UK’S lArGeST STerIle ServICeS 

DepArTmenTS (SSD). They Are USInG The hIGhly 

SenSITIve Proreveal in situ FlUoreSCenCe TeST 

To qUAnTIFy hoW mUCh proTeIn remAInS on 

SUrGICAl InSTrUmenTS AFTer They hAve been 

DeConTAmInATeD. 

“

ProReveal is great technology and is easy to use as it 
guides us step by step. the best thing about having a 
ProReveal is that if there are process issues we don’t 
have to rely on subjective judgement calls as we have 
traceable, quantitative data to assure us that the  
surgical instruments we’re sending back to be used  
on patients are safe and fit for purpose.

AlISOn Gee  STeRIle SeRvICeS AnD STOReS mAnAGeR

”

Synbiosis

Synbiosis provides automated and manual systems for 
microbiological testing in food, water, pharmaceutical 
and clinical applications. In 2018, the Division introduced 
the ProtoCOL 3 HD, automated colony counting and 
zone measurement system. This system includes 
a sensitive new camera which can generate high 
definition images of colonies and inhibition zones. The 
new ProtoCOL 3 HD and existing ProtoCOL 3 systems 
are selling well globally to major pharmaceutical 
companies where they continue to be the gold standard 
for testing human and veterinary antibiotics and 
vaccines via automated colony counts and inhibition 
zone measurement. 

Since pharmaceutical firms need to automate and 
standardise their microbiology applications, Synbiosis 
is working with an automation company to produce a 
fully integrated automated plate feed for the ProtoCOL 3 
systems. Synbiosis will launch this new automated plate 
feeder by Q4 2018 and expects to see uptake of this 
product by existing and new ProtoCOL 3 users in 2019. 

Synbiosis expects its new and existing automation for 
antimicrobial resistance and vaccine testing will continue 
to drive profitable growth in the next financial year. 

www.synbiosis.com

ProtoCOl 3 – AuTOMATED 

COLONy COuNTING & zONE 

MEASuREMENT SySTEM

Synoptics Health

Synoptics Health manufactures and supplies ProReveal, 
a highly sensitive fluorescence-based patented protein 
detection test to check for residual protein on surgical 
instruments after they have been through a washer 
disinfector. The ProReveal conforms to BS EN ISO 15883-1  
and is the only commercial test currently available 
that complies with uk Department of Health (DoH) 
guidelines (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/
management-and-decontamination-of-surgical-
instruments-used-in-acute-care) for preventing iatrogenic 
variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) infection. These 
state that protein levels on a surgical instrument should 
be measured directly on the surface rather than by 
swabbing or other commonly used methods. All NHS 
England hospitals received a letter from the DoH stating 
that instruments likely to be in contact with high risk 
neurological tissue, were expected to move to in situ 
protein detection methodologies by July 2017.

The new DoH guideline, has resulted in targeting ProReveal 
to major teaching hospitals specialising in neurosurgery 
and orthopaedics in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 
This includes a sale to Nottingham university Hospitals 
NHS Trust, one of the uk’s largest NHS run Sterile Services 
Departments (SSDs), where the test is now in regular use. 
The test is also in use at and has also been endorsed in 
an article from the university Hospitals Coventry and 
Warwickshire (uHCW) NHS Trust, published in the well-
respected publication, the Clinical Services Journal 

https://www.clinicalservicesjournal.com/story/26036/
implementing-an-in-situ-test-to-detect-residual-proteins-
on-surgical-instruments. There is now a group of 
committed ProReveal Product Champions in the NHS that 
have set up a user group to promote the technology and 
its application. Synoptics Health believes this will further 
encourage uptake of ProReveal by the NHS.

ProReveal is now also considered by the decontamination 
industry to be the gold standard test for detecting proteins 
on surgical instruments, resulting in ProReveal being 
purchased by sonic cleaning systems’ manufacturers 
and decontamination service companies to validate their 
cleaning processes. 

The increasing numbers of ProReveal tests in regular use 
during the period has resulted in a continuous revenue 
stream from associated consumables, as the test requires a 
spray to detect proteins. 

www.synopticshealth.com 

The SDI Group now has a range of brands, technologies, 
production facilities and sales channels covering diverse 
technology sectors and geographical markets, ensuring 
our portfolio is profitable and with the opportunity 
for continued organic growth and related-market 
acquisition activity. The outlook for SDI in the next 
financial year continues to be positive. 

14 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

15

 
 
Strategic report

Strategic report

Principal activity and business review
The Scientific Digital Imaging Plc 
Group (SDI) designs and manufactures 
scientific and technology products 
for use in applications including life 
sciences, healthcare, astronomy, 
consumer manufacturing and art 
conservation. 

The Board intends to pursue a strategy 
of acquiring related companies, as 
well as seeking to generate organic 
growth. The Board believes there are 
many businesses operating within 
the market, a number of which have 
not achieved critical mass, and that 
this presents an ideal opportunity for 
consolidation. This strategy will be 
primarily focused within Europe but, 
where opportunities exist, acquisitions 
in the united States and elsewhere will 
also be considered. In previous years 
we have acquired Atik Cameras, Opus 
Instruments, Sentek and Astles Control 
Systems. This acquisition strategy 
continued through the financial 
year ended 30 April 2018 with two 
acquisitions completed during the 
year, Applied Thermal Control and 
Quantum Scientific Imaging.

The Chairman’s Statement and Chief 
Executive’s operating report, which 
appear on pages 04 to 15, give an 
overview of the performance of the 
Group during the year and likely  
future developments.

Key Performance Indicators
The key financial performance 
indicators (kPI’s) used to monitor the 
business include the order pipeline, 
revenue, gross profit, operating profit, 
cash and earnings per share. The 
kPI’s are reviewed on a monthly basis 
against budget by the Directors and 
management in respect of changes 
within periods and changes between 
reporting periods. 

The non-financial key performance 
indicators are monitoring cost 
and timelines for research and 
development projects compared to 
project management targets.

16 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Group Summary
Group revenue for the year is £14.5m 
(2017: £10.7m)

Finance Costs and Income
Net financing expense was £63k  
(2017: £61k). 

Gross profit increased to £9.5m (2017: 
£6.9m) with increased gross margin at 
65.8% (2017: 64.5%).

Operating profit for the year was 
£1,776k (2017: £964k), and £2,069k 
(2017: £1,218k) before reorganisation 
costs, acquisition costs and share 
based payments.

Financing expense was £63k  
(2017: £61k).

Investment in r&D
Total research and development in the 
current year was £856k, representing 
5.9% of Group sales (2017: £781k 
representing 7.3% of Group sales). 
under IFRS we are required to 
capitalise certain development 
expenditure and in the year ended 
30 April 2018 £606k (2017: £630k) 
of cost was capitalised and added to 
the balance sheet. This expenditure 
represents the Group’s investment 
in new product development. The 
amortisation charge for 2018 was 
£528k (2017: £404k). The carrying 
value of the capitalised development 
at 30 April 2018 was £1,186k (2017: 
£1,108k) to be amortised between  
3 -5 years.   

reorganisation Costs
The Board carries out a thorough 
review of the operations and structures 
of the Group which gave rise to £63k 
(2017: £87k) of costs from the review 
and reorganisation incurred in 2018.

Acquisition and Fundraising Costs
£165k of costs relate to the acquisition 
of Astles Control Systems, Applied 
Thermal Control and Quantum 
Scientific. In 2017 the Group also 
incurred £165k of costs relating to the 
acquisition of Astles Control Systems.

earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share for Group 
was 1.81p (2017: 1.17p) and diluted 
earnings per share for the Group was 
1.74p (2017: 1.14p). 

Taxation
Taxation for the year was £98k  
(2017: £75k) arising through  
improved profitability.

Cash Flow
During the year the Group generated 
cash from operating activities of 
£2,579k (2017: £1,326k) and reported a 
cash balance of £2.01m (2017: £2.35m) 
at the year end. Net cash (cash less 
debt) including deferred consideration 
to be paid shortly in relation to the 
recent Applied Thermal Control 
acquisition stood at £435k (2017:  
net cash £212k).

Principal risks and uncertainties
The following represent, in the opinion 
of the Board, the principal risks of the 
business. It is not a complete list of all 
the risks and the priority, impact and 
likelihood of the risks may change  
over time.

Dependence on key distributors
Failure to effectively manage our 
distributors of products could damage 
customer confidence and adversely 
affect our revenues and profits. 

In order to mitigate this risk the Group 
has a team dedicated to maintaining 
close relationships with our distributors.

Competition
Competition from direct competitors 
or third party technologies could impact 
upon our market share and pricing. 

In order to mitigate this risk the Group 
continues to invest in researching its 
markets and continues to offer new 
products in response to changing 
customer preferences. In addition 
the Group invests in research 
and development to maintain its 
competitive advantage.

Currency translation
The results for the Group’s overseas 
businesses are translated into Pounds 
Sterling at the average exchange rates 

for the relevant year. The balance 
sheets of overseas businesses are 
translated into Pounds Sterling at the 
relevant exchange rate at the year 
end. Exchange gains or losses from 
translating these items from one year 
to the next are recorded in other 
comprehensive income.

As with the majority of international 
companies, the Group’s uk and 
overseas businesses purchase 
goods and services, and sell some 
of their products, in non-functional 
currencies. Where possible, the Group 
nets such exposures or keeps this 
exposure to a minimum. The Group’s 
principal exposure is to uS Dollar and 
Euro currency fluctuations.

brexit
The Group manufactures its products 
in the uk and in Portugal, and sells 
worldwide. The impending exit of the 
uk from the European union may 
cause some initial disruption to goods 
movements, may increase barriers 
to trade between the uk and the Eu, 
and may impact the investment plans 
of some of our customers. There 
are likely also to be macroeconomic 
developments impacting exchange 
rates, interest rates, GDP growth 
and government spending levels. 
The Group has operating flexibility 
to mitigate some of the potential 
effects, but is exposed to economic 
downturns within the markets in 
which it operates,

A review of the Group’s exposure to 
credit risk, liquidity and currency risk  
is provided in Note 25. 

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, 
together with the factors likely 
to affect its future development, 
performance and position are set 
out within this Strategic report. The 
financial position of the Group, its 
cash flows, and liquidity position  
are provided in the financial 
statements on pages 32-35.  
In addition, notes to the financial 

statements include the Group’s 
objectives, policies and processes for 
managing its capital; its financial risk 
management objectives; details of 
its financial instruments and hedging 
activities; and its exposures to credit 
risk and liquidity risk. The Board has 
prepared forecasts for the period to  
31 December 2019. These reflect the 
sales projections for new products 
coming on stream as a result of the 
Group’s research and development 
activity and continued cost 
management. The Group meets its 
cash flow and borrowing requirements 
through an invoice discounting facility 
which is a 12 month rolling contract 
and a bank loan as detailed in note 19. 
The Board’s forecasts indicate that the 
Group will continue to trade within its 
existing facilities with scope to further 
manage its cost base if necessary. 
The Board is confident that continued 
focus on research and development, 
new product development and sales 
& marketing will deliver growth. The 
Board considers that the Group will 
have adequate cash resources within 
its existing facilities to continue to trade 
for the foreseeable future and therefore 
continue to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting in preparing the 
annual financial statements. 

Acquisition strategy
The Board plans to make acquisitions 
of businesses if the targets fit 
appropriately into the Group by 
strengthening our product range 
and existing technologies, offering 
new and attractive routes to market, 
high performance and motivated 
management and a proven track 
record, and if the targets are available 
at a fair price.

The successful implementation of 
our acquisition strategy depends 
on our ability to identify targets, in 
completing the transactions, to achieve 
an acceptable rate of return, and to 
successfully integrate the business in a 
timely manner post acquisition.

Five-year	summary	

Group revenue (£m) 

14.5

10.7

8.5

7.0

7.0

14

15

16

17

18

Gross profit (£m) 

9.5

6.9

5.2

4.0

4.1

14

15

16

17

18

Operating profit (£’000) 

1,776

964

536

59

1

14

15

16

17

18

Summary
The Strategic report, which 
incorporates the Chairman’s 
Statement, Chief Executive’s operating 
report and Strategic report was 
approved by the Board of Directors, 
and signed on its behalf by

mIKe CreeDon
CHIEF ExECuTIvE OFFICER
26 July 2018 

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

17

 
 
 
Governance

Board of Directors

Group Executive

KEN FORD
ChAIRMAN

MIKE CREEDON
ChIEF ExECuTIvE OFFICER

JON ABELL
ChIEF FINANCIAl OFFICER

Ken joined the Board in 2010. he was 
previously Chief Executive of Teather & 
Greenwood, the investment bank, and 
brings over 36 years of City experience 
to the Company, including a strong 
understanding of shareholder value, 
strategic planning and corporate 
transactions. his previous roles include 
Aberdeen Asset Management, Morgan 
Grenfell and Wedd Durlacher. Ken 
is currently Chairman of AIM-listed 
Gear4music, and is a Fellow of the 
Chartered Securities Institute. 

Mike joined the Board in 2010. A Chartered 
Certified Accountant with an MBA from 
henley Management College, Mike 
brings to SDI considerable experience of 
working within quoted companies and 
technology businesses, and fundraising, 
mergers and acquisitions. In particular, 
he has recent experience of AIM-listed 
technology companies.

Jon joined the Board in July 2018 and 
has over 35 years of business experience. 
Prior to joining SDI he was Divisional vP 
of Finance, Electronic Instruments Group 
at Ametek, Inc. where his principle duties 
include performance management,  
M&A, business controls and accounting 
for several scientific and industrial 
instrument businesses.

Previous Finance Director posts include 
Ninth Floor plc and Ideal Shopping  
Direct plc.

Jon started his career as a financial analyst 
and then management accountant 
for various industrial companies in the 
uK and Italy, before undertaking his 
MBA at Columbia Business School. he 
subsequently went on to senior financial 
management roles in Germany, the 
Netherlands, uSA and uK including at 
Philips Electronics and Broadcom Inc. 

KATY GEORGE 
DIRECTOR
SYNOPTICS

CLARE HOUGH 
DIRECTOR
SYNOPTICS

STEVE CHAMBERS 
DIRECTOR
ATIK CAMERAS

PAUL COOK 
DIRECTOR
SENTEK

KEN PETRIE 
DIRECTOR
SENTEK

ROBERT PONIATOWSKI 
DIRECTOR
APPLIED THERMAL CONTROL

ISABEL NAPPER
NON-ExECuTIvE DIRECTOR

DAVID TILSTON
NON-ExECuTIvE DIRECTOR

Isabel joined the Board in February  
2017 and has more than 25 years’ 
experience in advising clients in the 
technology and healthcare/life science 
areas, both public and private sector, 
leading on business development and 
managing regulatory issues, governance 
risk and strategic change. Isabel was 
previously a Partner at the law firm Mills 
& Reeve where she acted as legal  
adviser and company secretary to a 
number of boards.

David joined the Board in July 2017 and 
has over 30 years’ experience in finance 
functions within public companies. Most 
recently, David held the role of Interim 
Group CFO at the lSE Main Market listed 
company Northgate plc. Prior to that, 
David held senior finance roles at Consort 
Medical plc, Innovia Group, Mouchel 
Group plc, Findel plc, SABMiller plc and 
SThree plc.

PETER ASTLES 
MANAGING DIRECTOR
ASTLES CONTROL SYSTEMS

HAL STEPHENSON 
DIRECTOR
ASTLES CONTROL SYSTEMS

18	

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018	

19

	
Governance

Report of the directors

Corporate governance statement

Group results 
The Group profit for the year after taxation amounted to 
£1,615k (2017: £828k) and has been transferred to reserves.

As at 30 April 2018 the Company had 89,633,424 (2017: 
88,864,194) ordinary shares in issue with a nominal value 
of 1p each.

The Board does not recommend the payment of a dividend.

Directors
The Directors who served during the period are set out below. 
e K Ford I m j Creedon I I napper I Dr A Simon 
(resigned 27 September 2017) I D Tilston (appointed 26 
July 2017) I j Abell was appointed to the Board after the 
year end.

The interests of the Directors and their families in the share 
capital of the Company are shown in the Remuneration 
report on page 23.

The appointment and replacement of Directors of the 
Company is governed by its Articles of Association and the 
Companies Act 2006. The Articles of Association may be 
amended by special resolution of the shareholders.

The Company must have a minimum of two Directors 
holding office at all times. There is no maximum number 
of Directors. The Company may by ordinary resolution, 
appoint any person to be a Director. The Board may 
appoint a person who is willing to act as Director, either 
to fill a vacancy or as an addition to the Board. A Director 
appointed in this way may hold office only until the 
dissolution of the next Annual General Meeting unless he 
or she is reappointed during the meeting.

Power of Directors
The Directors are responsible for the management of the 
business of the Company and may exercise all powers of the 
Company subject to applicable legislation and regulation and 
the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

At the Annual General Meeting held on 25 September 2017, 
the Directors were given the power to:

●  Arrange for the Company to purchase its own shares in 
the market up to a limit of 15% of its issued share capital;

●  Allot ordinary shares up to an aggregate nominal value 
of £296,000. Issue equity securities for cash, otherwise 
than to existing shareholders in proportion to their 
existing shareholdings, up to an aggregate nominal 
value of £44,432.

Similar powers will form part of the resolutions to be put to 
the forthcoming AGM to be held on 25 September 2018.

Structure of share capital
As at 30 April 2018 the Company’s authorised share capital 
of £10,000,000 comprised 1,000,000,000 ordinary shares 
of 1p each.

Financial risk management objectives and policies
Financial risk management objectives and policies are discussed 
in Note 25 ‘Financial risk management objectives and policies’.

employee involvement
During the year, the policy of providing employees 
with information about the Group has been continued 
through regular meetings which are held between local 
management and employees to allow a free flow of 
information and ideas.

The Group gives and fair consideration to applications 
for employment from disabled persons where the 
requirements full of the job can be adequately fulfilled by  
a handicapped or disabled person. Employees who 
become disabled are provided, where practicable, 
with continuing employment under normal terms and 
conditions and are provided with training and career 
development where appropriate.

Health and safety policies
The Group is committed to conducting its business in a 
manner which ensures high standards of health and safety 
for its employees, visitors and general public. It complies 
with all applicable and regulatory requirements.

Substantial shareholdings
As at 30 April 2018 the following shareholders had each 
notified the Company that they held an interest of 3% or 
more, in the Company’s ordinary share capital. 

business Growth Fund
octopus Investments
miton Asset management
berenberg Wealth and  
Asset management
Canaccord Genuity Group

number of 
ordinary shares

Percentage of 
share capital

10,769,231
7,706,430
5,089,930

4,658,873

4,081,834

12.01%
8.60%
5.68%

5.20%

4.55%

Auditor
A resolution to re-appoint Grant Thornton uk LLP as 
auditors for the ensuing year will be proposed at the 
Annual General Meeting in accordance with section 489  
of the Companies Act 2006.

On behalf of the Board

mIKe CreeDon
CHIEF ExECuTIvE OFFICER
26 July 2018 

The Board remains committed to maintaining high 
standards of corporate governance throughout the Group. 
The Board is accountable to the Company’s shareholders 
for good corporate governance. This statement describes 
how the principles of corporate governance are applied to 
the Company.

The workings of the Board and its committees
SDI does not comply with the uk Corporate Governance 
Code but has reported on the Company’s Corporate 
Governance arrangements drawing upon best practice 
available, including those aspects of the uk Corporate 
Governance Code which the Board considers to 
be relevant to the Company. The Board will address 
requirements to formally adopt a governance code in 
advance of the requirement to do so.

The Board
The Board comprises the Chairman, one Executive Director 
(two from 2 July 2018) and two Non-Executive Directors. 
The Non-Executive Directors are considered to be 
independent, provide a solid foundation for good corporate 
governance for the Group, and ensure that no individual or 
group dominates the Board’s decision making process.  
The Non-Executive Directors are independent of 
management. Each Non-Executive Director continues to 
demonstrate that they have sufficient time to devote to  
the Company’s business.

The Non-Executive Directors constructively challenge 
and assist in developing the strategy of the Group using 
their experience and knowledge of acquisition targets 
and fundraising. They scrutinise the performance of 
management against the Group’s objectives and also 
monitor the reporting of performance. The Board is 
provided with regular and timely information on the 
financial performance of the Group as a whole, together 
with reports on trading matters, markets and other  
relevant matters.

There are clearly defined roles for the Chairman and Chief 
Executive. The Chairman is responsible for leadership 
of the Board, ensuring effectiveness of the Board in all 
aspects, conducting Board meetings and the effective and 
timely communication of information to shareholders. The 
Chairman is able to provide advice, counsel and support to 
the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive has direct charge 
of the Group’s day-to-day activities and sets the operating 
plans and budgets required to deliver the agreed strategy. 
The Chief Executive is also responsible for ensuring that 
the Group has in place appropriate risk management and 
control mechanisms.

The Board is collectively responsible for the performance 
of the Group and is responsible to shareholders for proper 
management of the Group. A statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities is given on page 24 and a statement on 
going concern is given on page 17.

The Board has a formal schedule of matters specifically 
reserved to it for decisions including the approval of annual 
and interim results and recommendation of dividends, 
approval of annual budgets, approval of larger capital 
expenditure and investment proposals, review of the 
overall system of internal control and risk management 
and review of corporate governance arrangements. Other 
responsibilities are delegated to the Board Committees, 
being the Audit and Remuneration committees, which 
operate within clearly defined terms of reference, and 
which report back to the Board.

Relevant papers are distributed to members in advance 
of Board and Committee meetings. Directors’ knowledge 
and understanding of the Group is enhanced by visits to 
the operations and by receiving presentations by senior 
management on the results and strategies of the business 
units. Directors may take independent professional advice 
on any matter at the Company’s expense if they deem it 
necessary in order to carry out their responsibilities. The 
Company has secured appropriate insurance cover for 
Directors and Officers.

Board Committees
The following committees deal with specific aspects of  
the Group’s affairs.

remuneration Committee
Details of the Remuneration Committee can be found in 
the Directors’ remuneration report on page 23.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, which is chaired by D Tilston and 
has I Napper and k Ford as members, meets not less than 
twice annually and more frequently if required. 

The Board considers that each member of the Audit 
Committee has recent and relevant financial experience 
and an understanding of accounting and financial issues 
relevant to the industries in which Scientific Digital Imaging 
operates. The Committee provides a forum for reporting 
by the Group’s external auditors. Meetings are also 
attended by executives at the invitation of the Committee.

20 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

21

 
 
Governance

Corporate governance statement  COnTInUeD

directors‘ remumeration report

Audit Committee (COnTInUeD) 

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing a 
wide range of matters including the half year and annual 
accounts before their submission to the Board, and 
monitoring the controls which are in force to ensure 
integrity of the information reported to shareholders. 
The Audit Committee makes recommendations to the 
Board on the appointment and responsibilities of external  
auditors and on their remuneration both for audit and  
non-audit work, and discusses the nature, scope and 
results of the audit with external auditors.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the 
cost effectiveness, independence and objectivity of Grant 
Thornton uk LLP, the external auditor, and agreeing the 
level of remuneration and extent of non-audit services.

Audit independence
The Board and Audit Committee place great emphasis 
on the objectivity of the Group’s auditors, Grant Thornton 
uk LLP. Audit Committee meetings are attended by 
the auditors to ensure full communication of matters 
relating to the audit and the Audit Committee meets with 
the auditors without the executives present to discuss, 
amongst other matters, the adequacy of controls and any 
material judgement areas.

Internal control
The Board has overall responsibility for establishing and 
maintaining the Group’s system of internal control and for 
reviewing its effectiveness. The Directors have reviewed the 
effectiveness of the system of internal controls in operation. 
The role of the Group’s management is to implement the 
Board policies on risk and control. Internal control systems 
are designed to meet the particular needs of the business 
concerned and the risks to which it is exposed and by their 
nature can provide reasonable but not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss.

The key procedures, which the Directors have 
established to review and confirm the effectiveness of 
the system of internal control, include the following:

●  mAnAGemenT STrUCTUre 
  The Board has overall responsibility for the Group 

and there is a formal schedule of matters specifically 
reserved for decision by the Board. The Chief 
Executive has been given responsibility for specific 
aspects of the Group’s affairs. The Chief Executive 
also meets regularly with the Managing Directors and 
management teams of the subsidiary businesses.

●  qUAlITy AnD InTeGrITy oF perSonnel 
  The integrity and competence of personnel is ensured 
through high recruitment standards and subsequent 
training. High quality personnel are seen as an 
essential part of the control environment.

●  FInAnCIAl InFormATIon 
  There is a comprehensive budgeting and forecasting 
system. Each year the Board approves the annual 
budget. key risk areas are identified and reported to 
the Board. Performance is monitored on a monthly 
basis against budget and the prior year and relevant 
actions identified.

  The Board receives and reviews monthly management 
accounts together with full year forecasts which are 
updated quarterly. Performance against forecast and 
budget is closely monitored.

  The Chief Executive prepares a monthly report for the 
Board on key developments, performance and issues 
in the businesses.
●  AUDIT CommITTee 
  The Audit Committee monitors, through reports 
to it by the external auditors, the controls which 
are in force and any perceived gaps in the control 
environment. The Audit Committee also considers 
and determines relevant action in respect of any 
control issues raised by these reports.

remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by I Napper.  
D Tilston and k Ford are also members of the Committee. 
In determining the remuneration packages, the 
Remuneration Committee may seek the view of the 
other Board members. The Committee consults with the 
Chief Executive on matters relating to the performance 
and remuneration of other senior executives within the 
Group. The Chief Executive was present for part of the 
Remuneration Committee meetings, but not when his 
own remuneration was discussed.

Statement about basis of preparation 
SDI has produced this report to comply with AIM rule 19.

remuneration policy
The objective of the remuneration policy is to provide 
packages for executives that are designed to attract, retain 
and motivate people of high quality and experience.

The remuneration package for the Chief Executive  
and senior executives consists of an annual salary,  
short-term incentive scheme, pension arrangements,  
and health benefits.

The Committee believes that the base salary and 
benefits for executives should represent a fair return 
for employment but that the maximum total potential 
remuneration may only be achieved in circumstances 
where the executive has met challenging objectives 
that contribute to the Group’s overall profitability and 
performance. Performance-related elements, being the 
quarterly performance related pay, form a significant 
proportion of the remuneration of the executives aligning 
their interests with those of the shareholders and providing 
incentives for performance. A significant proportion of the 
executive’s total package is therefore required to be at risk.

Basic salary and benefits
The basic salaries of the Chief Executive and senior 
executives are reviewed annually and take effect from  
1 May each year. The basic salary is determined by 
reference to relevant market data and the individual’s 
experience, responsibilities and performance. Benefits 
principally comprise pension arrangements, life insurance, 
permanent health insurance, private healthcare and in 
some cases a company car.

Directors’ remuneration and pension entitlements
The remuneration of the Directors is set out below:

Salary
/Fees
£’000

Taxable 
Benefits
£’000

Bonus
£’000

Pension
£’000

2018
Total
£’000

2017
Total
£’000

K e Ford

m Creedon

I napper

A Simon

j Gibbs

D Tilston

43
128
24
10
-
19
225

- 
40
-
-
-
-
40

-
1
-
-
-
-
1

-
6
-
-
-
-
6

43
175
24
10
-
19
271

30
147
4
20
20
-
221

Directors’ beneficial interests
Directors’ beneficial interests in shares in the Company are 
set out below:

K Ford

m Creedon

D Tilston

2018
number

2017
number

1,350,000
146,924  
70,000

1,250,000
146,924
-

None of the Directors had or has an interest in any material 
contract relating to the business of the Company or any of 
its subsidiary undertakings.

Directors’ beneficial interests in share options in the 
Company are set out below:

K e Ford

m Creedon

I napper

D Tilston

2018
number

500,000
1,385,000
250,000
250,000

2017
number

-
385,000

-

-

Service contracts
The service contract with M Creedon dated 25 April 2010 
includes a notice period of six months if given by either party.

The non-executive Directors’ service contracts include a 
notice period of three months if given by either party.

remuneration policy for non-executive Directors
Fees for the Non-Executive Directors are determined by 
the Board as a whole. The Non-Executive Directors do not 
participate in the Company’s performance related pay 
scheme, and are not eligible for pension scheme 
membership.

22 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

23

 
Governance

Financial statements

director’s responsibilities

Report of the Independent Auditor 

The Directors confirm that:

●  so far as each Director is aware there is no relevant 

audit information of which the Company’s auditor is 
unaware; and

●  the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to 
have taken as Directors in order to make themselves 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

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

By order of the Board

Ken ForD  
CHAIRMAN  
26 July 2018 

 mIKe CreeDon
 CHIEF ExECuTIvE OFFICER
 26 July 2018

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. under that law 
the Directors have to prepare consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European 
union and have elected to prepare separate parent 
company financial statements in accordance with united 
kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (united 
kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable laws, 
including FRS101 Reduced Disclosure Framework). 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 the 
Company and the profit or loss of the company and 
the Group for that period. In preparing these financial 
statements, the Directors are required to:

●  select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently

●  make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent

●  state whether applicable IFRSs and uk Accounting 

Standards have been followed, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained in the Group and 
parent company financial statements respectively

●  prepare the financial statements on the going concern 
basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the 
Company will continue in business.

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

Independent 
auditor’s report to 
the members of 
Scientific Digital 
Imaging Plc

opinion

Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of Scientific Digital Imaging Plc (the 
‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 30 April 2018 
which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated balance Sheet, Consolidated Statement 
of Cash flows, Consolidated Statement of Changes in equity, Company balance 
Sheet, Company Statement of Changes in equity and notes to the financial 
statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial 
statements is applicable law and International financial Reporting Standards (IfRSs) 
as adopted by the european Union. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements is applicable 
law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including financial Reporting 
Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosures framework’ (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion:
●  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and 
of the Parent company’s affairs as at 30 April 2018 and of the Group’s profit for 
the year then ended;

●  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with 

IfRSs as adopted by the european Union;

●  the Parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in 

accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

●  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 

requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (uk) (ISAs (uk) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further 
described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of 
the financial statements section of our report. We are 
independent of the Group and the parent company in 
accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant 
to our audit of the financial statements in the uk, including 
the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, 
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements. We believe that 
the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Who we are reporting to
This report is made solely to the company’s members, 
as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of 
the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been 
undertaken so that we might state to the company’s 
members those matters we are required to state to them 

in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the 
fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than the company 
and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, 
for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Conclusions relating to Going Concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters in relation to which the ISAs (uk) require us to 
report to you where:

●  the directors’ use of the going concern basis of 
accounting in the preparation of the financial 
statements is not appropriate; or

●  the directors have not disclosed in the financial 

statements any identified material uncertainties that 
may cast significant doubt about the Group’s or the 
parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting for a period of at 
least twelve months from the date when the financial 
statements are authorised for issue.

24 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Report of the Independent Auditor COnTInUeD

overview	of	our	audit	approach

●  Overall materiality: £96,000, which represents 5% of the group’s profit before 

taxation before reorganisation costs;

●  We performed full scope procedures at Scientific Digital Imaging Plc, Synoptics 
limited, Synoptics Inc, Atik Cameras limited, Sentek limited, Astles Control 
Systems limited and Applied Thermal Control limited; targeted procedures 
on Perseu Comercio De equipamento Para Informatica e Astronomica SA; 
analytical procedures were performed for all other components; and

●  Key audit matters were identified as 
  ●  improper recognition of revenue due to fraud;
  ●  the capitalisation of intangible development

    costs may not be appropriate; and 

  ●  impairment of the carrying value of capitalised development costs.

Key audit matters
The graph below depicts the audit risks identified and their relative significance based on the extent of the financial 
statement impact and the extent of management judgement. 

Carrying value of 
capitalised development 
costs and goodwill may 
not be appropriate

Management  
override of controls

high

potential 
financial 
statement 
impact

validity  
of trade 
receivables

low

Inventory  
quantities 
are not valid

Improper recognition  
of revenue  
due to fraud

Capitalisation  
of intangible  
development costs 

Completeness  
of payables

Goodwill  
on business  
acquisitions

Inventory  
values are  
not valid

low

extent of management judgement

high

key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the 
financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement 
(whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those that had the greatest effect on: the overall 
audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters 
were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Key audit matter – GrOUP 

How the matter was addressed in the audit – GrOUP 

Improper recognition of revenue due to fraud

under International Standard on Auditing (uk) 240 ‘The 
Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of 
Financial Statements’, there is a rebuttable presumed 
risk that revenue may be misstated due to the improper 
recognition of revenue due to fraud.

The Group has recognised revenues of £14.5m (2017: 
£10.7m) in the year, which is comprised of revenues 
from sales of goods, contract income and services. The 
nature of the Group’s revenue involves the processing 
of numerous transactions, with each stream possessing 
different revenue recognition criteria.

As the Group’s revenue is material to the financial 
statements, comprises various streams and is subject to 
different recognition policies, the presumed risk of 
improper recognition of revenue due to fraud has been 
identified as a significant risk, which was one of the 
most significant assessed risks of material misstatement.

our audit work included, but was not restricted to:

●  assessing whether revenue recognition policies are 
compliant with relevant accounting standards and 
checking consistency with prior year;

●  analytical procedures over revenue to identify and 

analyse key movements and significant transactions 
which have occurred in the year;

●  obtaining explanations and corroborating evidence 
for key movements and significant transactions 
identified;

●  testing a sample of revenue transactions in respect 
of sale of goods and agreeing them to signed 
contracts or shipping documentation to vouch that 
income has been appropriately recognised;

●  testing a sample of revenue transactions in respect 

of contract income for services by obtaining 
purchase orders and supporting documentation, 
recalculating the revenue recognised, and verifying 
the appropriateness of any deferred or accrued 
income at year end; and

●  agreeing a sample of transactions around the year 

end to supporting documentation to ensure cut off 
has been correctly applied.

The Group’s accounting policy on revenue recognition 
is disclosed in note 3 to the financial statements and 
related disclosures are included in note 5.

Key observations
our testing did not identify any material 
misstatements in the revenue recognised during  
the year or any instances of revenue not being  
recognised in accordance with stated accounting 
policies and IFrSs.

26 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

27

 
 
Financial statements

Report of the Independent Auditor COnTInUeD

Key audit matter – GrOUP 

How the matter was addressed in the audit – GrOUP 

Our application of materiality

Carrying value of capitalised development costs and goodwill may not be appropriate 

The carrying value of goodwill on acquisitions at the 
year end amounted to £5.4m (2017: £4.9m). 

The net book value of capitalised development costs at 
the year end amounted to £1.2m (2017: £1.1m), 
including amortisation charged in the year on 
capitalised development costs of £0.57m (2017: 
£0.40m). These costs are amortised by the Group to 
ensure the capitalised cost reflects the anticipated 
benefit of the development project to the Group over 
time. In accordance with IAS 36, ‘Impairment of Assets’, 
an annual review is required to assess whether there is 
any indication that assets may be impaired. 

Due to the financial performance of the Group, 
impairment reviews have been performed by 
management to determine whether the carrying  
value of each of both development costs and  
goodwill is appropriate.

The impairment reviews of development costs are 
based on identifiable assets for which future revenues 
and gross margins can be assigned to calculate a value 
in use based on a discounted cash flow model. 

The impairment reviews of goodwill are based on 
forecasting cash flows relating to cash generating units 
using a discounted cash flow model.

Due to the inherent uncertainty and key assumptions  
involved in forecasting and discounting future cash 
flows, we therefore identified the carrying value of 
capitalised development costs and goodwill as not 
appropriate a significant risk, which was one of the 
most significant assessed risks of material misstatement.

our audit work included, but was not restricted to:

●  ensuring the amortisation policy relating to 

capitalised development costs was consistent with 
prior year and assessing the adequacy of the useful 
economic life; 

●  comparing the carrying value of each of the 

development projects and goodwill against the 
net present value calculations, produced by 
management, based on  
future cash flows; 

●  checking the mathematical accuracy of the 

impairment models for capitalised development 
costs and goodwill;

●  testing the accuracy of management’s forecasting 
by comparing the 2018 budgeted sales and gross 
profit to the results achieved for the year;

●  challenging management on the basis of key 

assumptions used within the forecasts;

●  performing sensitivity analysis of cash flow inputs 

including the discount rate applied; and

●  discussing and corroborating the ongoing 

viability of development projects with relevant 
Group personnel.

The Group’s accounting policy on intangible assets 
is disclosed in note 3 to the financial statements and 
related disclosures are included in note 10. 

Key observations
our testing did not identify any material 
misstatements in the revenue recognised during  
the year or any instances of revenue not being 
recognised in accordance with stated accounting 
policies and IFrSs.

We did not identify any Key Audit matters relating to the audit of the financial statements of the parent company.

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the 
economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality in 
determining the nature, timing and extent of our audit work and in evaluating the results of that work. 

 materiality was determined as follows:

materiality measure

GrOUP 

PArenT

Financial statements as a whole

£96,000 which is 5% of estimated 
profit before tax and reorganisation 
costs. This benchmark is considered 
the most appropriate because the 
net trading result is a key measure 
used by management in assessing 
the performance of the business.

£27,000 which is 5% of estimated 
loss before tax. This benchmark is 
considered the most appropriate 
because it is consistent with the 
rest of the Group and net trading 
result is a key measure used by 
management.

Materiality for the current year is  
higher than the level that we 
determined for the year ended  
30 April 2017 to reflect the  
increased trading following growth 
in the Group.

Materiality for the current year is 
equal to the level that we 
determined for the year ended  
30 April 2017.

performance materiality used to 
drive the extent of our testing

75% of financial statement 
materiality.

75% of financial statement 
materiality.

Specific materiality

Communication of misstatements 
to the audit committee

We also determine a lower level of 
specific materiality for directors' 
remuneration and related party 
transactions due to the inherent 
sensitivity of these transactions and 
related disclosures.

We also determine a lower level of 
specific materiality for directors' 
remuneration and related party 
transactions due to the inherent 
sensitivity of these transactions and 
related disclosures.

£4,800 and misstatements  
below that threshold that, in our 
view, warrant reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

£1,350 and misstatements  
below that threshold that, in our 
view, warrant reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

The graph below illustrates how performance materiality interacts with our overall materiality and the tolerance for 
potential uncorrected misstatements.

Tolerance for potential  
uncorrected mistatements

25%

25%

75%

oVERAll		
mATERIAlITy	
 GROUP

performance materiality

oVERAll		
mATERIAlITy	
 PARENT

75%

28 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

29

 
Financial statements

Report of the Independent Auditor COnTInUeD

An	overview	of	the	scope	of	our	audit

Our audit approach was a risk-based approach founded on a thorough 
understanding of the group’s business, its environment and risk profile and in 
particular included:

●  evaluation by the group audit team of identified components to assess the 

significance of each component and to determine the planned audit response 
based on a measure of materiality. Significance was determined as a percentage 
of the Group’s total assets, revenues and profit before taxation; 

●  full scope audit procedures performed at Scientific Digital Imaging plc, Synoptics 

limited, Synoptics Inc, Sentek limited, Astles Control Systems limited, Atik 
Cameras limited, Applied Thermal Control limited, targeted procedures 
performed at Perseu Comercio De equipamento Para Infomatica e Astronomica 
SA, and analytical procedures performed at all other components; 

●  the total percentage coverage of full-scope and targeted procedures over 

the Group’s revenue was 100%; 

matters on which we are required to report under  
the Companies Act 2006
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the 
group and the parent company and its environment 
obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified 
material misstatements in the Strategic report or the 
Report of the Directors. 

matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 
requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

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

●  the parent company financial statements are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

●  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified 

●  the total percentage coverage of full scope and targeted procedures over 

by law are not made; or

the Group’s total assets was 100%; and

●  our audit approach in the current year is consistent with the audit approach 

adopted for the year ended 30 April 2017, being substantive in nature.

Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006 is unmodified

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

  ●  the information given in the Strategic report and   
the Report of the Directors for the financial year    
for which the financial statements are prepared is  

  consistent with the financial statements; and
  ●  the Strategic report and the Report of the  

  Directors have been prepared in accordance  
  with applicable legal requirements.

Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. 
The other information comprises the information included 
in the annual report set out on pages 02-24, other than 
the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover 
the other information and, except to the extent otherwise 
explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form 
of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 
our responsibility is to read the other information and, 
in doing so, consider whether the other information is 
materially inconsistent with the financial statements or 
our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears 
to be materially misstated. If we identify such material 
inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we 
are required to determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the 
work we have performed, we conclude that there is a 
material misstatement of this other information, we are 
required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

●  we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit 

responsibilities of directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on page 24, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for 
being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and 
for such internal control as the directors determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements 
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are 
responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent 
company’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern 
and using the going concern basis of accounting unless 
the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the 
parent company or to cease operations, or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the  
financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, 
and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is 
not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance 
with ISAs (uk) will always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or 
error and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of 
these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit 
of the financial statements is located on the Financial 
Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of 
our auditor’s report.

DAvID neWSTeAD
SENIOR STATuTORy AuDITOR

for and on behalf of  
GrAnT ThornTon UK llp
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants 
Cambridge

26 July 2018

30 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 30 April 2018

Consolidated balance sheet 
for the year ended 30 April 2018

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit

administrative expenses
operating profit
analysed as:
Gross profit
Other administrative expenses

Reorganisation costs
Share-based payments
acquisition and fundraising costs

operating profit

Finance payable and similar charges 
net financing expenses
Profit before tax
Income tax 
Profit for the year

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Note

£’000

5

9,542
(7,473)
2,069

(63)
(65)
(165)

1,776

(63)

8

6
9

21
21

2018
£’000

14,496
(4,954)
9,542

(7,766)
1,776

(63)
1,713
(98)
1,615

1.81p
1.79p

£’000

6,911
(5,693)
1,218

(87)
(2)
(165)

964

(61)

2017
£’000

10,748
(3,837)
6,911

(5,947)
964

(61)
903
(75)
828

1.17p
1.14p

all activities of the Group are classed as continuing. 
The results attributable to business combinations in the year are disclosed in note 29. 
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 April 2018

Profit for the period
other comprehensive income
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations
Total comprehensive income for the period

 2018
£’000

1,615

(30)
1,585

2017
£’000

828

126
954

Assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment 
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Current tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liability

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables
Provisions for warranties
Borrowings
Current tax payable

Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Merger reserve
Share premium account
Own shares held by Employee Benefit Trust
Other reserves
Foreign exchange reserve
Retained earnings 
Total equity

Note

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

10
11
12

13
14

15

19
16
12

16
18
19

20

22

10,727
431
37
11,195

2,090
2,221
–
2,007
6,318
17,513

1,391
–
969
2,360

2,309
11
29
244
2,593
4,953
12,560

896
3,030
6,390
(82)
148
109
2,069
12,560

9,770
478
48
10,296

1,747
1,931
–
2,355
6,033
16,329

940
–
950
1,890

3,228
19
254
228
3,729
5,619
10,710

889
3,030
6,200
(85)
83
139
454
10,710

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 July 2018

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

KEN Ford  
ChaIRMan  

 MiKE CrEEdoN
 ChIEF ExECuTIvE OFFICER

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 
Company registration number: 6385396

32 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

33

 
 
	
Financial statements

Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 April 2018

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 April 2018

operating activities
Profit for the year 
Depreciation
amortisation
Finance costs and income
(Decrease) increase in provision
Release of deferred consideration
Taxation in the income statement
Employee share-based payments
operating cash flows before movement in working capital
Increase in inventories
Changes in trade and other receivables
Changes in trade and other payables
Cash generated from operations

Interest paid
Income taxes received/(paid)
Cash generated from operating activities

investing activities
Capital expenditure on fixed assets
Sale of property, plant and equipment
Expenditure on development and other intangibles
acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash
Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities
Finance leases repayments
Proceeds from bank borrowing
Deferred consideration paid
Exchange difference
Repayment of borrowings
Issues of shares
Net cash from financing

Net changes in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

Note

29

2018
£’000

1,615
240
836
63
(8)
–
98
65
2,909
(134)
(106)
185
2,854

(63)
(198)
2,593

(184)
3
(620)
(1,341)
(2,142)

(33)
1,370
(1,201)
(24)
(1,111)
200
(799)

(348)
2,355
2,007

2017
£’000

828
213
556
61
1
(41)
75
2
1,695
(237)
(72)
20
1,406

(61)
(19)
1,326

(215)
–
(643)
(3,277)
(4,135)

(10)
1,164
(62)
119
(745)
2,990
3,456

647
1,708
2,355

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Share 
capital
£’000

Merger 
reserve
£’000

Foreign 
exchange
£’000

Share 
premium
£’000

Own shares 
held by EBT
£’000

Other 
reserves
£’000

Retained 
earnings
£’000

Total
£’000

Balance at 30 April 2016

642

3,030

13

3,457

(85)

81

(374)

6,764

Shares issued
Share-based payments
Transactions with owners

Profit for the year
Foreign exchange on 
consolidation of subsidiaries

Total comprehensive  
income for the period

247
–
247

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

126

126

2,743
–
2,743

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

Balance at 30 April 2017

889

3,030

139

6,200

(85)

Shares issued
Share-based payments
Transactions with owners

Profit for the year
Foreign exchange on 
consolidation of subsidiaries

Total comprehensive  
income for the period

7
–
7

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

(30)

(30)	

190
–
190

–

–

–

3
–
3

–

–

–

–
2
2

–

–

–

83

–
65
65

–

–

–

–
–
–

828

–

828

2,990
2
2,992

828

126

954

454

10,710

–
–
–

200
65
265

1,615

1,615

–

(30)

1,615

1,585

Balance at 30 April 2018

896

3,030

109

6,390

(82)

148

2,069

12,560

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

34 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

35

	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2018

1  REpORTiNg ENTiTy

Scientific Digital Imaging plc, a public limited company, is 
the Group’s ultimate parent. It is registered and domiciled 
in England and Wales. The consolidated financial 
statements of the Group for the year ended 30 april 2018 
comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together 
referred to as the “Group”). The details of subsidiary 
undertakings are listed in note 4 to the Company  
Financial Statements.

2  BaSiS OF pREpaRaTiON

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared 
and approved by the Directors in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as 
adopted by the Eu and as applied with the provisions of 
the Companies act 2006. The consolidated financial 
statements have been prepared under the historical cost 
convention as modified by the recognition of certain 
financial instruments at fair value.

The principal accounting policies of the Group are set  
out below. 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in 
British pounds (£), which is also the functional currency  
of the ultimate parent company. all values are rounded  
to the nearest thousand (£’000) except where  
otherwise indicated.

The Group’s business activities, together with the factors 
likely to affect its future development, performance and 
position are set out within the Strategic report. The 
financial position of the Group, its cash flows, and liquidity 
position are provided in the financial statements on pages 
32-35. In addition, notes to the financial statements include 
the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for 
managing its capital; its financial risk management 
objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging 
activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. 
The Board has prepared forecasts for the period to  
31 December 2019. These reflect the sales projections for 
new products coming on stream as a result of the Group’s 
research and development activity and continued cost 
management. The Group meets its cash flow and 
borrowing requirements through an invoice discounting 
facility which is a 12 month rolling contract and a bank loan 
as detailed in note 19. The Board’s forecasts indicate that 
the Group will continue to trade within its existing facilities 
with scope to further manage its cost base if necessary. 
The Board is confident that continued focus on research 
and development, new product development and sales & 

marketing will deliver growth. The Board considers that the 
Group will have adequate cash resources within its existing 
facilities to continue to trade for the foreseeable future and 
therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing the annual financial statements. 

accounting judgements and estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires the 
management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of policies and 
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and 
expenses. actual amounts may differ from these estimates. 

Estimates
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an 
ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised 
and in any future periods affected.

In particular, information about significant areas of 
estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying 
accounting policies that have the most significant effect  
on the amount recognised in the financial statements are 
described in the following notes:

Intangibles – development costs
The Group is required to capitalise any development  
costs that meet the criteria as per IaS 38. (See Research 
and Development accounting policy, page 38).  
Significant assumptions are made in categorising 
development costs and in estimating the future profits 
expected from the development. 

Changes in these assumptions could affect the value of 
costs capitalised and hence the amount charged to the 
income statement.

The point at which development costs meet the criteria for 
capitalisation is critically dependent on management’s 
judgement of the point at which technical and commercial 
feasibility is demonstrable. Development costs are only 
capitalised if all of the following conditions are met:

●  completion of the intangible asset is technically feasible 

so that it will be available for use or sale;

●  the Group intends to complete the intangible asset and 

use or sell it; 

●  the Group has the ability to use or sell the intangible asset;
●  the intangible asset will generate probable future 

economic benefits. among other things, this requires 
that there is a market for the output from the intangible 
asset or for the intangible asset itself, or, if it is to be 
used internally, the asset will be used in generating  
such benefits;

●  there are adequate technical, financial and other 

resources to complete the development and to use or 
sell the intangible asset; and

●   the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset  
 during its development can be measured reliably.

The carrying value of development costs at the year-end 
was £1,186k (2017: £1,108k).

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
The impairment analysis of intangible assets is based upon 
future discounted cash flows and a number of assumptions 
have been made to estimate the future cash flows 
expected to arise from the cash generating unit as well as a 
suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. 
Factors like lower than anticipated sales and resulting 
decreases of net cash flows and changes in discount rates 
could lead to impairment. For details of assumptions see 
note 10. The carrying amount of goodwill at the year-end 
was £5,419k (2017: £4,907k). Other intangibles had a 
carrying amount of £4,122k (2017: £3,755k).

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax is provided for based on management’s 
estimation of future profits and utilisation of tax losses. 
Changes in these assumptions could affect the value of 
deferred tax provided for and hence the amount charged 
to the income statement. 

The total carrying amount of the deferred tax asset at  
30 april 2018 is £37k (2017: £48k) of which £37k (2017: 
£48k) relates to trading losses.

The total deferred tax liability at 30 april 2018 is £969k 
(2017: 950k), relating to deferred tax on acquired 
intangibles and capitalised R&D.

Contingent consideration 
Contingent consideration on acquisitions is measured at 
fair value. Where future payments are dependent on 
performance, predicted revenue levels for three years from 
the date of acquisition based on financial forecasts have 
been used, when recognising the liability. The fair value at 
30 april 2018 was £152k (2017: £1,367k). 

3  pRiNcipal accOuNTiNg pOliciES 

The principal accounting policies adopted are consistent 
with those of the annual financial statements for the year 
ended 30 april 2017. The adoption of new accounting 
standards and interpretations which came into effect has 
not had a material impact on the Group’s financial 
statements in this period of initial application. 

Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group where 
control is the power to govern the financial and operating 
policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its 
activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are 
included in the consolidated financial statements from the 
date that control commences until the date that control 
ceases. The subsidiaries transitioned to FRS 101 from 
previously extant uK Generally accepted accounting 
Practice for all periods presented.

Intra group balances and any unrealised income and 
expenses arising from intra group transactions are eliminated 
in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the 
acquisition method under the revised IFRS 3 Business 
combinations. The consideration transferred by the Group 
to obtain control of a subsidiary is calculated as the sum of 
the acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred, 
liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the 
Group, which includes the fair value of any asset or liability 
arising from a contingent consideration agreement. 
acquisition costs are expensed within administration 
expenses as incurred. The Group recognises identifiable 
assets acquired and liabilities assumed including 
contingent liabilities in a business combination regardless 
of whether they have been previously recognised in the 
acquiree’s financial statements prior to the acquisition. 
assets acquired and liabilities assumed are generally 
measured at their acquisition-date fair values. 

Foreign currency
Transactions entered into by Group entities in a currency 
other than the functional currency of the company which 
incurred them are recorded at the rate of exchange at the 
time of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet 
date are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at that 
date. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of 
unsettled monetary assets and liabilities are recognised 
immediately in profit or loss.

For the purpose of presenting the consolidated financial 
statements the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas 
operations are translated using exchange rates prevailing 
on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences on net 
assets arising from this policy are recognised in other 
comprehensive income and accumulated in the foreign 
exchange reserve; such translation differences are 

36 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

37

	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 April 2018

reclassified from equity to profit or loss as a reclassification 
adjustment in the period in which the foreign operation is 
disposed of.

Income and expense items of overseas operations are 
translated at exchange rates approximating to those ruling 
when the transactions took place. 

property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, less 
accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged to 
profit or loss on a straight line basis over the estimated 
useful lives of each part of property, plant and equipment 
to write down the cost of the asset to its residual value. 
Residual values are reviewed annually.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Motor vehicles
Computer equipment
Tools and other equipment
Furniture, fixtures and fittings
Building and leasehold improvements

3 years
3 years 
3 years 
5 years 
5 years 

goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the 
consideration transferred over the Group’s interest in the 
net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and 
contingent liabilities of the acquiree. When the excess is 
negative, it is recognised immediately in profit or loss as a 
gain from a bargain purchase. Goodwill is reviewed for 
impairment annually or more frequently if events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value 
may be impaired. Goodwill is also reviewed for impairment 
immediately following an acquisition. The impairment of 
goodwill is based upon value in use, determined using 
estimated future discounted cash flows.

Research and development
Expenditure on research activities undertaken with the 
prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge 
and understanding is recognised in the income statement 
as an expense as incurred.

Expenditure on development activities, whereby research 
findings are applied to a plan or design for the production 
of new or substantially improved products and processes, 
is capitalised if the following conditions are met:

●   Completion of the intangible asset is technically feasible 

so that it will be available for use or sale;

●   The Group intends to complete the intangible assets 

and use or sell it;

●  The Group has the ability to use or sell the intangible asset;
●   The intangible asset will generate probable future 

economic benefits. among other things, this requires 
that there is a market for the output from the intangible 
asset or the intangible asset itself, or, if it is to be used 
internally, the asset will be used for generating such 
benefits;

●   The expenditure attributable to the intangible asset 
during its development can be measured reliably.

The expenditure capitalised includes direct cost of material, 
direct labour and an appropriate proportion of overheads. 
Other development expenditure is recognised in the 
income statement as an expense as incurred. Capitalised 
development is stated at cost less accumulated 
amortisation and impairment losses.

amortisation is charged to profit and loss on a straight-line 
basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets. 
amortisation is shown within administrative expenses in the 
income statement. The estimated useful lives of current 
development projects are between three and five years. 
until completion of the project the assets are subject to 
impairment testing.

Other intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired as part of an acquisition of a 
business are capitalised separately from goodwill providing 
the assets are separable or they arise from contractual or 
other legal rights and their fair value can be measured 
reliably. The fair value of intangible assets includes any  
tax benefit.

Intangible assets with a finite life are amortised over their 
useful economic lives. amortisation is recognised in the 
income statement within administrative expenses on a 
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of 
intangible assets, other than goodwill, from the date that 
they are available for use.

Capitalised development costs 
Other intangible assets
Customer relationships and trade marks

3 years
3–15 years 
15 years

impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, 
other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are 
reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether 
there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication 
exists then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. 
For intangible assets that have indefinite lives or that are 
not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is 
estimated at each reporting date.

The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its 
value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing 
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are 
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount 
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

For the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are 
grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely 
independent cash flows (cash-generating units). as a result, 
some assets are tested individually for impairment and 
some are tested at cash-generating unit level. Goodwill is 
allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected 
to benefit from synergies of the related business 
combination and represent the lowest level within the 
Group at which management monitors goodwill. 

an impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of 
an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment 
losses are recognised in profit or loss. Impairment losses 
for cash-generating units reduce first the carrying value of 
any goodwill allocated to that cash generating unit. any 
remaining impairment loss is charged pro rata to the other 
assets in the cash-generating unit. With the exception of 
goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for 
indicators that an impairment loss previously recognised 
may no longer exist.

any impairment in respect of goodwill is not reversed. 
Impairment losses on other assets recognised in prior 
periods are assessed at each reporting date for any 
indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. 
an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change 
in the estimates used to determine the recoverable 
amount. an impairment loss 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 had  
been recognised.

inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net 
realisable value. The cost of inventories comprises all costs 
of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred 
in bringing the inventories to their location and condition 
at the balance sheet date. Items are valued using the first 
in, first out method. When inventories are used, the carrying 
amount of these inventories is recognised as an expense in 
the period in which the related revenue is recognised. 
Provisions for write-down to net realisable value and losses 
of inventories are recognised as an expense in the period 
in which the write-down or loss occurs.

cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances  
and deposits. 

Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of 
transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently 
stated at amortised cost. any difference between the 
proceeds and the redemption value is recognised in the 
income statement over the period of the borrowings using 
the effective interest method.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the 
Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the 
liabilities for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date. 

Equity
Equity comprises the following:

●  “Share capital” represents the nominal value of 

equity shares

●  “Merger reserve” represents the difference between 
the parent company’s cost of investment and the 
subsidiary’s share capital and share premium where  
a group reorganisation qualifies as a common  
control transaction.

●	“Share premium account” represents the excess over 

nominal value of the fair value of consideration received 
for equity shares, net of expenses of the share issue.
●  “Foreign exchange reserve” represents the differences 
arising from translation of investments in overseas 
subsidiaries.

●  “Own shares held by Employee Benefit Trust” represents 

shares held in trust for the benefit of employees
●  “Other reserve” represents equity-settled share-based 
employee remuneration until such share options are 
exercised. The equity component of convertible stock is 
also included. On conversion of the loan stock the 
equity component is transferred into the retained 
earnings reserve. 

●  “Retained earnings” represents retained profits. 

contributions to pension schemes
defined Contribution Scheme
Obligations for contributions for defined contribution plans 
are recognised as an expense in the income statement 
when they are due.

38 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

39

	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

Financial assets
The Group’s financial assets comprise trade receivables, 
other receivables, cash and cash equivalents. Trade and 
other receivables are initially stated at fair value and 
thereafter at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method. The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial 
assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to 
determine whether there is any indication of impairment. 
The amount of the impairment loss is measured as the 
difference between the assets’ carrying amount and the 
present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at 
the original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is 
recognised in profit or loss. 

an impairment loss in respect of trade and other 
receivables is reversed if the amount of the impairment 
loss decreases and the decrease can be related  
objectively to an event occurring after the impairment  
was recognised.

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other 
financial assets and are recognised when the Group 
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument. The Group’s financial liabilities comprise trade 
payables, other payables, other loans and bank borrowings. 
all financial liabilities are measured at fair value plus 
transaction costs on initial recognition and subsequently 
are measured at amortised cost. Contingent consideration 
is measured at fair value through profit and loss in the 
income statement.

Financial instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified 
according to the substance of the contractual 
arrangements entered into. an equity instrument is any 
contract that results in a residual interest in the assets of 
the Company after deducting all of its financial liabilities. 
Equity instruments do not include a contractual obligation 
to deliver cash or other financial assets to another entity.

any instrument that does have the obligation to deliver 
cash or another financial asset to another entity is classified 
as a financial liability. Financial liabilities are presented 
under liabilities on the balance sheet.

Revenue recognition
Revenue is from the sale of goods, contract income and 
services and is recognised in the income statement when 
transfer of control of goods and services to the customer 
has occurred. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable, net of returns, vaT 
and trade discounts. 

The company has reviewed the impact of the new IFRS 15 
standard ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ on our 
revenue streams from the supply of goods and services 
and has concluded that there is no material impact. 

leased assets
Leases are classified as finance leases when they transfer 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership; 
otherwise leases are classified as operating leases.

assets held under finance leases and hire purchase 
contracts are capitalised in the balance sheet and 
depreciated over their expected useful economic lives. 
Depreciation is over the shorter of the lease term and the 
useful life of the asset. The interest element of leasing 
payments represents a constant proportion of the capital 
balance outstanding and is charged to profit or loss over 
the period of the lease.

all other leases are regarded as operating leases and the 
payments made under them are recognised in profit or 
loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

contingent consideration
Contingent consideration on acquisitions is measured  
at fair value. Future payments are dependent on  
revenue targets. 

Taxation
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on the taxable profit for 
the year. Current tax is recognised in profit or loss, except 
that current tax relating to items recognised in other 
comprehensive income is recognised in other 
comprehensive income and current tax relating to items 
recognised directly in equity is recognised in equity. 
Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the income 
statement because it excludes items of income or expense 
that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further 
excludes items that are never taxable or deductible.

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial 
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the 
computation of taxable profit, and are accounted for using 
the balance sheet liability method. however, deferred tax is 
not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, or on 
the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the 
related transaction is a business combination or affects tax 
or accounting profit. Deferred tax on temporary 
differences associated with investments in subsidiaries is 
not provided if reversal of these temporary differences can 
be controlled by the Group or it is probable that reversal 
will not occur in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax 
liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary 
differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the 
extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available 
against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

The carrying value of deferred tax asset is reviewed at each 
balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no 
longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be 
available to allow part or all of the assets to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates that are enacted 
or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 
Deferred tax is charged or credited to the income 
statement, except when it relates to items charged or 
credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is 
also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax relating to items 
recognised in other comprehensive income is recognised 
in other comprehensive income.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a 
legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes 
levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends 
to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Segment reporting
The Group identifies reportable operating segments based 
on internal management reporting that is regularly 
reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. The chief 
operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer.

provisions
Provisions are recognised when present obligations as a 
result of a past event will probably lead to an outflow of 
economic resources from the Group and the amounts can 
be estimated reliably. 

a provision for warranties is recognised when the 
underlying products are sold. The provision is based on 
historical warranty data and a weighting of possible 
outcomes against their associated probabilities.

Employee benefit trust
The employee benefit trust is a separately administered 
discretionary trust for the benefit of employees, the assets 
of which comprise shares in the Company. The material 
assets, liabilities, income and costs of the ESOP or EBT are 
consolidated within these financial statements. until such 
time as the Company’s own shares held by the trust vest 
unconditionally in employees, the consideration paid for 
the shares is deducted in arriving at shareholders’ funds.

Share-based payments
Scientific Digital Imaging plc regularly issues share options 
to employees. The fair value of the award granted is 
recognised as an employee expense within the Income 
Statement with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair 
value is measured at the grant date and allocated over the 
vesting period based on the best available estimate of the 
number of share options expected to vest. Estimates are 
subsequently revised if there is any indication that the 
number of share options expected to vest differs from 
previous estimates. 

When shares are issued for the purchase of intangibles, the 
fair value is measured at the issue date.

The fair value of the grants is measured using the Black-
Scholes model taking into account the terms and 
conditions upon which the grants were made. 

4  STaNdaRdS aNd iNTERpRETaTiONS
  cuRRENTly iN iSSuE BuT NOT yET EFFEcTivE

The following new Standards and Interpretations, which 
are yet to become mandatory, have not been applied in 
the consolidated financial statements.

●  IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 January 2018)
●  amendments to IFRS 2: Classification and Measurement 
of Share-based Payment Transactions issued June 2016 
(effective 1 January 2018)

●  amendments to IFRS 4: applying IFRS 9 financial 

instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (effective  
1 January 2018)

●  amendments to IaS 12: Recognition of Deferred Tax 

assets for unrealised Losses (effective 1 January 2018)

●  IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers 

(effective 1 January 2018) 

●  IFRS 16 Leases (IaSB effective 1 January 2019) will bring 
the majority of all operating leases onto the balance 
sheet in line with the accounting treatment for finance 
leases. This will affect the balance sheet, though it is  
not expected to materially affect the consolidated 
income statement.

40 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

41

	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

The Group has reviewed the new standard IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers to assess the impact it would 
have had on the 2018 financial statements, including specifically regarding maintenance contracts, extended warranties, 
and installation and commissioning services, as well as for shipped products. Criteria considered have included the 
contract, the location of underlying product, the specificity of the product to a particular customer. Management believes 
that that there would have been no material impact on the 2018 financial statements.

Based on the Group’s current business model and accounting policies, management does not expect material impacts 
on the consolidated income statement when the Standards and Interpretations listed above and others not listed become 
effective. The Group does not intend to apply any of these pronouncements early.

5  SEgMENT aNalySiS

Management consider that there is a single operating segment encompassing Synoptics three marketing brands 
(Syngene, Synbiosis, Synoptics health), the atik brand which is used within the Synoptics products and sold externally to 
the amateur astronomy market, Osiris, astles Control Systems, applied Thermal Control and Sentek. Each of the brands 
has a number of products and whilst sales performance of each brand is monitored, resources are managed and strategic 
decisions made on the basis of the Group as a whole. .

The geographical analysis of revenue by destination and non-current assets (excluding deferred tax) by location is set  
out below:

Revenue by destination of external customer

united Kingdom (country of domicile)
Europe
america
asia
Rest of World

Non-current assets by location (excluding deferred tax)

united Kingdom
Portugal
america

2018
£’000

4,857
3,051
2,736
3,319
533
14,496

2018
£’000

10,988
96
111
11,195

2017
£’000

3,515
2,508
2,595
1,554
576
10,748

2017
£’000

10,006
79
163
10,248

6  pROFiT BEFORE TaxaTiON

Profit for the year has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

amortisation other intangibles
depreciation charge for year:
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment held under finance leases 
research and development costs:
Expensed as incurred 
amortisation charge
Auditor’s remuneration Group:
audit of Group accounts
Fees paid to the auditor and its associates in respect of other services:
audit of Company’s subsidiaries 
Tax advisory services
Tax compliance services
audit related assurance services
Currency exchange loss (gains)
rental of land and buildings 
rental of other items

Note

10

2018
£’000

294

240

250
528

26

47
5
17
12
33
156
20

2017
£’000

152

204
9

140
404

15

47
3
15
10
(67)
199
22

During the year the Board carried out a thorough review of the operations and structures of the Group which gave rise  
to £63k of costs incurred for the reorganisation (2017: £87k).

additionally £165k of costs relating to work on acquisitions and fundraising (2017: £165k) were also incurred. 

42 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

43

	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

7  diREcTORS’ aNd EMplOyEES’ REMuNERaTiON

Staff costs during the year were as follows:

Wages and salaries 
(including restructuring costs and other termination benefits £63k (2017: £72k))
Social security costs
Share-based payments
other pension costs

The share-based payment charge is included in the income statement separately.

The average number of employees of the Group during the year was:

Administration
Production
Product development 
Sales and marketing

The remuneration of the Directors is set out below:

K E Ford
M Creedon
J Gibbs  
(resigned 30/05/17)
I napper
a Simon
D Tilston

Salary/
fees
£’000

Bonus 
£’000

Taxable 
benefits
£’000

Sub Total
£’000

pension
£’000

42
128

–
24
10
19
223

–
40

–
–
–
–
40

–
1

–
–
–
–
1

42
169

–
24
10
19
264

–
6

–
–
–
–
6

2018

£’000

4,106
409
65
123
4,703

2017

£’000

3,751
367
2
101
4,221

2018
Number

2017
Number

15
80
11
15
121

2018
Total
£’000

42
175

–
24
10
19
270

17
65
10
17
109

2017
Total
£’000

30
147

20
4
20
–
221

The aggregate emoluments and amounts receivable under incentive schemes of the highest paid director were £169k 
(2017: £141k). Company pension contributions of £6k (2017: £6k) were made to a money purchase scheme. as at 30 april 
2018 the highest paid Director held a total of 1,385,000 share options (2017: 385,000 share options). no share options 
were exercised by any Director during the year.

Key management for the Group is considered to be the Directors of the Group. Employer’s national Insurance in respect 
of Directors was £25k in 2018 (2017: £24k), and share-based payment charge in respect of Directors was £35k in 2018 
(2017: £2k).

Share-based employee remuneration
Two employee share option schemes (an EMI scheme and an approved scheme) have been established, under which 
options may be granted to employees (including Directors) to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company. a further 
share option scheme (unapproved scheme) has been established under which options may be granted to employees and 
directors to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company. all schemes have been approved by shareholders in general 
meetings. The approved scheme has been approved by hM Revenue & Customs. The options can be exercised three 
years after the share options are granted. upon vesting, each option allows the holder to purchase one ordinary share. 
The options lapse if share options remain unexercised after a period of 10 years after the date of grant or if the  
employee leaves. 

a summary of options outstanding currently is as follows:

2018

Weighted 
average 
Exercise  
price of 
options

0.177
0.250
0.125
0.157
0.224
0.201

Number of 
share options

1,645,000
2,750,000
(92,000)
(74,000)
4,229,000
589,000

2017

Weighted 
average 
Exercise  
price of 
options

£0.173
£0.165
£0.125
£0.125
£0.177
£0.198

Number of 
share options

881,000
840,000
(24,000)
(52,000)
1,645,000
665,000

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Exercised 
Expired during the year
Outstanding at the end of the year
Exercisable at the end of the year

The share options outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 8.5 years 
(2017: 7.3 years). The range of exercise prices for the outstanding options is £0.125 to £0.33. During the year, the share 
price of SDI fluctuated between a low of £0.190 and a high of £0.4155.

under the rules of the share option schemes, options are not normally exercisable until after 3 years from the date of the 
grant. Options may, however, be exercised early in certain circumstances such as, for example, option holders ceasing to 
be employed as a result of injury, disability, redundancy or retirement. Option holders in the unapproved scheme may 
exercise their options within 6 months of leaving the Board of Directors or Company for reasons other than for dismissal.

Options were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price over three years. 
The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based upon management’s best estimate, for the effects of  
non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. For options issued in 2018, expected volatility  
was 50%, the expected life was 3 years, the risk free interest rate was 0.72%, and the exercise price and share price ranged 
from £0.23 to £0.33.

The share-based payment expense for the Group totalled £65k (2017: £2k).

pensions
The Group operates defined contributions pension schemes for the benefit of the employees. The assets of the schemes 
are administered by trustees in funds independent from those of the Group. Total contributions for the Group were £123k 
(2017: £101k).

Current pension obligations included in liabilities

2018
£’000

7

2017
£’000

7

44 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

45

	
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

8  FiNaNcE cOSTS

Invoice discounting and bank loans 
Finance leases and hire purchase contracts

9  TaxaTiON

Corporation tax:
Prior year corporation tax adjustment 
Current tax

Deferred tax (income)/expense
Income tax charge

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Profit on ordinary activities before tax 

Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of
Corporation tax in the uK of 19% (2017: 20%)

Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation and amortisation
additional deduction for R&D expenditure
Prior year tax adjustments
Transferred to/(from) tax losses 

2018
£’000

59
4
63

2017
£’000

59
1
60

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

(51)
233
182
(84)
98

2018
£’000

1,713

325

63
(91)
(136)
(51)
(14)
98

51
–
51
24
75

2017
£’000

903

181

123

(131)
(1)
(97)
75

The Group takes advantage of the enhanced tax deductions for Research and Development expenditure in the uK and 
expects to continue to be able to do so. 

10  iNTaNgiBlE aSSETS

The amounts recognised in the balance sheet relate to the following:

Cost
at 1 May 2017
additions
Fair value adjustment
Disposals/Eliminations
At 30 April 2018

amortisation
at 1 May 2017
Fair value adjustment
amortisation for the year
Disposals/Eliminations
At 30 April 2018
Net book amount at 30 April 2018

Cost
at 1 May 2016
Fair value adjustments
additions
Disposals/Eliminations

amortisation
at 1 May 2016
Fair value adjustment
amortisation for the year
Disposals/Eliminations
at 30 april 2017
net book amount at 30 april 2017

customer 
relationships
£’000

Other 
intangibles
£’000 

goodwill
£’000

development 
costs
£’000

3,680
561
–
–
4,241

129
–
260
–
389
3,852

580
114
–
(44)
650

376
–
48
(44)
380
270

4,907
512
–
–
5,419

–
–
–
–
–
5,419

2,505
606
–
(653)
2,458

1,397
–
528
(653)
1,272
1,186

customer 
relationships 
£’000

Other 
intangibles 
£’000 

goodwill 
£’000

development 
costs 
£’000

875
–
2,805
–
3,680

24
–
105
–
129
3,551

477
24
79
–
580

305
24
47
–
376
204

2,404
–
2,503
–
4,907

–
–
–
–
–
4,907

2,917
(37)
630
(1,005)
2,505

2,035
(37)
404
(1,005)
1,397
1,108

Total
£’000

11,672
1,793
–
(697)
12,768

1,902
–
836
(697)
2,041
10,727

Total 
£’000

6,673
(13)
6,017
(1,005)
11,672

2,364
(13)
556
(1,005)
1,890
9,770

Goodwill relates to various acquisitions as follows:

(a)  The acquisitions of artemis CCD Ltd, Perseu Comercio De Equipamento Para Informatica E astronomica Sa, Opus 
Instruments, and the assets of QSI have been treated as a single cash generating unit (atik) for the purpose of 
calculating the recoverable amount of goodwill which is based on its value in use. The impairment assessment for the 
cash generating unit was based on value-in-use calculations covering a detailed one year forecast, followed by an 
extrapolation of expected cash flows. These cash flows have been extrapolated over ten years with a long-term 
growth rate of 2%, a short-term growth rate of 3%, and a discount rate of 12%. This period has been chosen because 
management’s experience and knowledge of the business indicates that an equivalent business will have a useful life 
in excess of ten years. Management’s key assumption for this cash generating unit and resulting cash flows is to 
maintain market share in this market. The Group is not currently aware of any changes that would lead to the carrying 
value exceeding the recoverable amount. 

46 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

47

	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

10  iNTaNgiBlE aSSETS continued

11  pROpERTy, plaNT aNd EquipMENT 

(b)   The acquisition of Sentek. The impairment assessment for the cash generating unit was based on value-in-use 

calculations covering a detailed one year forecast, followed by an extrapolation of expected cash flows. These cash 
flows have been extrapolated over ten years with a long-term growth rate of 2%, a short-term growth rate of 3%, and 
a discount rate of 12%. This period has been chosen because management’s experience and knowledge of the 
business indicates that an equivalent business will have a useful life in excess of ten years. Management’s key 
assumption for this cash-generating unit and resulting cash flows is to maintain market share. The Group is not 
currently aware of any changes that would lead to the carrying value exceeding the recoverable amount.

(c)  The acquisition of astles Control Systems. The impairment assessment for the cash generating unit was based on 

value-in-use calculations covering a detailed one year forecast, followed by an extrapolation of expected cash flows. 
These cash flows have been extrapolated over ten years with a long-term growth rate of 2%, a short-term growth rate 
of 3%, and a discount rate of 12%. This period has been chosen because management’s experience and knowledge of 
the business indicates that an equivalent business will have a useful life in excess of ten years. Management’s key 
assumption for this cash-generating unit and resulting cash flows is to maintain market share. The Group is not 
currently aware of any changes that would lead to the carrying value exceeding the recoverable amount.

(d)  The acquisition of applied Thermal Control. The impairment assessment for the cash generating unit was based on 
value-in-use calculations covering a detailed one year forecast, followed by an extrapolation of expected cash flows. 
These cash flows have been extrapolated over ten years with a long-term growth rate of 2%, a short-term growth rate 
of 3%, and a discount rate of 12%. This period has been chosen because management’s experience and knowledge of 
the business indicates that an equivalent business will have a useful life in excess of ten years. Management’s key 
assumption for this cash-generating unit and resulting cash flows is to maintain market share. The Group is not 
currently aware of any changes that would lead to the carrying value exceeding the recoverable amount.

amortisation charges are included within administrative expenses within the Income Statement.

The average remaining amortisation period of intangible assets excluding Goodwill is 6.3 years (2017: 8.7 years).

Motor 
vehicles
£’000

computer 
equipment
£’000

Tools and 
other 
equipment
£’000

Furniture 
fixtures 
& fittings
 £’000

Building and 
leasehold 
improvements
£’000

56
–
–
–
–
56

47
4
–

51

5
9

290
1
–
–
(167)
124

203
29
–
(167)
65

59
87

928
167
18
(18)
(149)
946

630
190
(12)
(147)
661

285
298

139
16
–
–
(32)
123

118
13
–
(31)
100

23
21

141

–
–
–
141

78
4
–

82

59
63

Motor 
vehicles
£’000

computer 
equipment
£’000

Tools and 
other 
equipment
£’000

Furniture 
fixtures 
& fittings
 £’000

Building and 
leasehold 
improvements
£’000

42
–
14
–
56

40
7
–
47

9

217
77
–
(4)
290

193
14
(4)
203

87

1,093
194
–
(359)
928

810
179
(359)
630

298

127
8
10
(6)
139

115
9
(6)
118

21

135
6
–
–
141

74
4
–
78

63

Total
£’000

1,554
184
18
(18)
(348)
1,390

1,076
240
(12)
(345)
959

431
478

Total
£’000

1,614
285
24
(369)
1,554

1,232
213
(369)
1,076

478

Cost
at 1 May 2017
additions
additions on acquisition
Fx movement
Disposals
At	30	April	2018

depreciation
at 1 May 2017
Charge for year
Fx movement
Disposals
At	30	April	2018

Net book value
At 30 April 2018
at 30 april 2017

Cost
at 1 May 2016
additions
additions on acquisition
Disposals
At	30	April	2017

depreciation
at 1 May 2016
Charge for year
Disposals
At	30	April	2017

Net book value
At	30	April	2017

The net book value of building and leasehold, motor vehicles, computer equipment, tools and equipment and furniture, 
fixtures and fittings includes an amount of £47k (2017: £71k) in respect of assets held under finance leases and hire 
purchase contracts, all relating to computer equipment. Depreciation on these assets is £24k (2017: £9k, including £7k  
for computer equipment and £2k for motor vehicles). 

48 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

49

	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

12  dEFERREd Tax

14   TRadE aNd OThER REcEivaBlES

2018

deferred 
tax asset
£’000

deferred 
tax liability
£’000

2017

deferred 
tax asset
£’000

deferred 
tax liability
£’000

Opening
Deferred tax on capitalised R & D
Trading losses recognised
Other temporary differences
Deferred tax on acquired intangibles
Charge on intangibles recognised on acquisition
At	30	April	2018

Deferred tax on capitalised R & D
Other temporary differences
Deferred tax on acquisition intangibles
Trading losses recognised

48
–
(11)
–
–
–
37

asset
£’000

–
–
–
37
37

(950)
(115)
5
59
125
(93)
(969)

2018

liability
£’000

(204)
4
(769)
–
(969)

67
–
(27)
8
–
–
48

asset
£’000

–
–
–
48
 48

(377)
(12)
–
(19)
–
(542)
(950)

2017

liability
£’000

 (158)
(55)
(737)
 –
(950) 

Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax losses available for carrying forward to the extent that the realisation of the 
related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable. The Group did not recognise deferred tax assets of £308k 
(2017: £322k) in respect of losses. Total losses (provided and unprovided) totalled £1.8m (2017: £1.8m).

13  iNvENTORiES

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished goods

2018
£’000

1,600
76
414
2,090

2017
£’000

1,038
103
606
1,747

There is no material difference between the replacement cost of inventory and the amounts stated above.

In the year ended 30 april 2018 a total of £4,954k (2017: £3,837k) of inventories were consumed and charged to the 
Income Statement as an expense. 

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments 

2018
£’000

1,946
80
195
2,221

2017
£’000

1,700
98
133
1,931

all amounts are short-term. all of the receivables have been reviewed for indications of impairment. a provision is made 
against debtors that are considered not to be recoverable.

a reconciliation of the movement in the impairment provision for trade receivables is as follows:

Impairment provision as at 1 May 2017
Increase/(decrease) in provision
Provision as at 30 april 2018

2018
£’000

53
(44)
9

2017
£’000

22
31
53

In addition, some of the unimpaired trade receivables are past due at the reporting date. There are no indications that 
financial assets past due but not impaired are irrecoverable. The age of financial assets past due but not impaired is  
as follows:

Less than 1 month
More than 1 month but not more than 3 months
More than 3 months but not more than 6 months
More than 6 months but not more than 1 year
More than 1 year

2018
£’000

536
161
49
14
–
760

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value. 

15   caSh aNd caSh EquivalENTS

Cash at bank and in hand

2018
£’000

2,007

2017
£’000

671
329
176
14
14
1,204

2017
£’000

2,355

50 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

51

	
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

16   TRadE aNd OThER payaBlES

Trade payables
Social security and other taxes
Other payables
accruals and deferred income
Contingent consideration

2018
£’000

1,011
216
141
789
152
2,309

2017
£’000

888
158
350
465
1,367
3,228

all amounts are short-term. The carrying values are considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value.

17  lEaSE liaBiliTiES

The Group’s motor fleet, a number of computers and a leasehold property in Portugal are held under finance lease 
arrangements. The net carrying amount of the assets held under leases is £47k (2017: £83k).

30 april 2018

Gross lease payments
Future interest 
net present values

30 april 2017

Gross lease payments
Future interest 
net present values

Within 1 year
£’000

1 to 5 years
£’000

Over 5 years
£’000

Total
£’000

39
(4)
35

7
–
7

–
–
–

46
(4)
42

Within 1 year
£’000

1 to 5 years
£’000

Over 5 years
£’000

Total
£’000

43
(4)
39

47
(3)
44

–
–
–

90
(7)
83

Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are secured on the assets to which they relate.

18   pROviSiON FOR WaRRaNTiES 

as at 1 May 2017
Provided for (released) in year (net)
Warranty	provision	as	at	30	April	2018

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

19
(8)
11

18
1
19

Warranties of between one and three years are given with the sales of products. There are potential costs associated with 
the repair of goods under these warranties which could occur at any time over the next three years. The level of costs is 
uncertain. The warranty provision is based on the historical cost of warranty repairs over the last three years. It is expected 
that the majority of this expenditure will be incurred in the next financial year. 

19  BORROWiNgS

Borrowings are repayable as follows:

Within one year
Bank finance
Finance leases

After one and within five years
Bank finance
Other loan
Finance leases

Total borrowings

2018
£’000

–
29
29

1,370
–
21
1,391
1,420

2017
£’000

215
39
254

896
–
44
940
1,194

Bank finance for 2018 relates to amounts drawn down under the Group’s revolving bank facility with hSBC Bank plc. The 
Group has a £3,000,000 facility with an accordion option of an additional £2,000,000. The termination date of the facility 
is 3 april 2021, with options to extend for a further two years. 

20  ShaRE capiTal

Authorised
1,000,000,000 (2017: 1,000,000,000) Ordinary shares of 1p each

Allotted, called up and fully paid 89,633,424
(2017 : 88,864,194) Ordinary shares of 1p each

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

10,000

10,000

896

889

During the year 769,230 Ordinary shares of 1p were issued as part of the consideration for the purchase of aTC.

Ordinary shares 619,528 (2017: 711,528) are held by the Synoptics Employee Benefit Trust and are reserved for providing 
employee benefits such as satisfying the exercise of share options.

52 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

53

	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

21  EaRNiNgS pER ShaRE

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the profits attributable to the shareholders of Scientific Digital 
Imaging plc divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year, excluding shares held by the 
Synoptics Employee Benefit Trust. all earnings per share calculations relate to continuing operations of the Group.

23  OpERaTiNg lEaSES cOMMiTMENTS aNd cONTiNgENT liaBiliTiES

Operating lease commitments
Future total minimum rental payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows;

Year ended 30 April 2018
Year ended 30 april 2017

profit/(loss) 
attributable to 
shareholders
£’000

Weighted 
average 
number of 
shares

Basic 
earnings/
(loss) per 
share amount 
in pence

1,615
828

89,391,064
70,972,367

1.81
1.17

group

In one year or less
Between one and five years
Over five years

land and
Buildings
£’000

193
618
872
1,683

2018

Other
£’000

17
7
–
24

land and
Buildings
£’000

224
672
926
1,822

2017

Other
£’000

17
24
–
41

The calculation of the diluted earnings per share is based on the profits attributable to the shareholders of Scientific  
Digital Imaging plc divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year, as adjusted for dilutive 
share options. 

Year ended 30 April 2018
Year ended 30 april 2017

The reconciliation of average number of ordinary shares used for basic and diluted earnings is as below:

diluted 
earnings/
(loss) per 
share amount 
in pence

1.79
1.14

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used for basic earnings per share
Weighted average number of ordinary shares under option
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used for diluted earnings per share

22   OWN ShaRES hEld By EMplOyEE BENEFiT TRuST

The group

Investment in own shares

2018

2017

89,391,064
723,173
90,114,237

70,972,367
1,645,000
72,617,367

2018
£’000

82

2017
£’000

85

as at 30 april 2018 the trust held 619,528 shares (30 april 2017 the trust held 711,528 shares) in Scientific Digital Imaging plc.

Lease payments recognised as an expense during the year amount to £176k (2017: £221k).

Synoptics Limited have signed a rental contract for the office building rented from 28 September 2014 at Beacon house, 
nuffield Road, Cambridge which expires in 28 September 2039. 

Synoptics Inc. have a rental contract for the office building rented since January 2003 at Frederick, Maryland. This lease 
has been renewed until July 2018 and includes a 3% per year increase clause for the duration of the lease.

artemis CCD Limited has a lease on two office buildings at Lodge Farm Barns, new Road, Bawburgh, norwich. The lease 
commenced on 1 May 2015 and expires on 30 april 2020. artemis CCD Limited shall be entitled to terminate the lease  
20 months and 40 months from the commencement date serving six months prior written notice. 

Sentek Limited has a lease on three buildings at Crittal Drive, Springwood Industrial Estate, Braintree.

astles Control Systems Limited has a lease for the office building at B3 Regent Park, Summerleys Road, Princes 
Risborough, hP27 9LE

applied Thermal Control Limited has a lease on an office building at unit 1, Garden Court, Coalville LE67 4nB

contingent liabilities
Performance guarantees totalling £32k are held by the bank. These would become payable by the Group if, once the 
customer has placed an order, the Group fails to deliver goods to the customer.

24   RElaTEd paRTy TRaNSacTiONS aNd cONTROlliNg RElaTEd paRTy

The Group’s related parties comprise its Board of Directors and shareholders. Transactions with Directors are disclosed 
within the Directors’ Remuneration Report and note 7.

a payment of £1,354k was made to Peter astles and his family, relating to the deferred consideration of astles Control 
Systems Limited

a deferred consideration balance of £152k is outstanding at the year-end relating to the acquisition of applied Thermal 
Control Limited. 

unless otherwise stated, none of the transactions incorporated in these financial statements include any special terms or 
conditions. There is no ultimate controlling party.

54 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

55

	
 
	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

25   FiNaNcial RiSk MaNagEMENT OBjEcTivES aNd pOliciES

Financial instruments
The Group uses various financial instruments, including assets, liabilities, short-term loans and loan stock. The main 
purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations. The existence of these financial 
instruments exposes the Group to a number of financial risks, primarily interest rate risk and currency risk. 

interest rate risk
The Group finances its operations through a mixture of retained profits, short-term bank borrowings, loan stock and 
shareholders’ equity. The Group’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings is managed by the use of both 
fixed and floating facilities for the bank overdraft and invoice discounting facility.

currency risk
a significant proportion of the Group’s assets are denoted in Dollars and Euros but only a small amount are within an 
entity with a differing functional currency. an adverse movement in exchange rate could lead to a devaluation of these 
assets. as at 30 april 2018 an adverse movement in the dollar of 5% would result in a reduction in the Group’s equity and 
profit or loss of £8k (2017: £101k). an adverse movement in the Euro of 5% would result in a reduction in the Group’s 
equity and profit or loss of £15k (2017: £17k)

The carrying amount of the Group’s Dollar- and Euro-denominated monetary assets with a differing functional currency 
at the reporting date is as follows:

uS Dollars
Euros

 assets
2018
 £’000

429
436

2017
£’000

72
55

In addition an element of the Group’s revenue and overhead transactions is completed in a foreign currency. Transaction 
exposure is hedged through the use of currency accounts. 

credit risk
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of cash deposits and trade and other receivables 
recognised at the balance sheet date of £4,512k (2017: £4,286k). Risks associated with cash deposits are limited as the 
banks used are reputable with quality external credit ratings.

The principal credit risks lies with trade receivables. In order to manage credit risk credit limits are set for customers based 
on a combination of payment history and third party credit references. Details of overdue trade receivables are provided  
in note 14.

liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is that the Group might be unable to meet its obligations and arises from trade and other payables. The 
Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities and by continuously monitoring 
forecasts and actual cash flows. 

liquidity risk
The Group monitors its liquidity by monitoring cash outflows and available credit facilities on a regular basis. The funding 
for long-term liquidity is additionally secured by an adequate amount of external credit facilities.

as at 30 april 2018, the Group’s financial liabilities have contractual maturities as summarised below: 

Trade and other payables 
Borrowings
Contingent consideration

as at 30 april 2017

Trade and other payables 
Borrowings
Contingent consideration

current

Between  
6 and 12 
months
£’000

–
15
–

current

Between  
6 and 12 
months
£’000

–
128
–

Within  
6 months
£’000

2,164
14
152

Within  
6 months
£’000

1,861
126
1,367

Between  
1 and 5  
years
£’000

–
1,391
–

Between  
1 and 5  
years
£’000

–
940
–

Non-current

later than  
5 years
£’000

–
–
–

Non-current

later than  
5 years
£’000

–
–
–

56 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

57

	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

26   SuMMaRy OF FiNaNcial aSSETS aNd liaBiliTiES By iaS 39 caTEgORy

27   capiTal MaNagEMENT pOliciES aNd pROcEduRES

The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities as recognised at the balance sheet date of the years 
under review may also be categorised as follows;

loans 
and other 
receivables
2018
£’000

Non 
financial 
assets
2018
£’000

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
2018
£’000

2,007
2,002
–
–
–

–
4,009

–
219
–
–
–

–
219

–
–
(29)
(1,391)
(1,941)

–
(3,361)

loans 
and other 
receivables
2017
£’000

Non
financial 
assets
2017
£’000

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
2017
£’000

2,355
1,700
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
4,055

–
–
231
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
231

–
–
–
–
(215)
(896)
(888)
(39)

(44)
(815)
–
–
(2,897)

Financial 
liabilities 
measured at 
fair value 
through 
profit 
and loss
2018
£’000

–
–
–
–
(152)

–
(152)

Financial 
liabilities 
measured at 
fair value 
through 
profit 
and loss
2017
£’000

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
(1,367)
–
(1,367)

Non 
financial 
liabilities
2018
£’000

–
–
–
–
(216)

–
(216)

Non 
financial 
liabilities
2017
£’000

–
–
–
(386)
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
(386)

Total 
balance 
sheet 
heading
2018
£’000

2,007
2,221
(29)
(1,391)
(2,309)

–
499

Total 
balance 
sheet 
heading
2017
£’000

2,355
1,700
231
(386)
(215)
(896)
(888)
(39)

(44)
(815)
(1,367)
–
(364)

Balance sheet headings

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Borrowings – current
Borrowings – non current
Trade and other payables – current
Trade and other payables – non 
current
Total

Balance sheet headings

Bank
Trade receivables
Other receivables
vaT and taxation
Bank finance – current
Bank finance – non current
Trade payables
Finance lease liability – current
Finance lease liability – non 
current
Other payables and accruals
Contingent consideration
Other loan
Total

The Group’s capital management objectives are:

●  to ensure the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern; and
●  to provide an adequate return to shareholders; and
●  be in a position to make acquisitions (‘buy and build’ strategy)

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the carrying amount of equity less cash and cash equivalents as presented on 
the face of the balance sheet. 

although the Group is not constrained by any externally imposed capital requirements, its goal is to maximise its capital-
to-overall-financing ratio by reducing borrowings. 

The Group will keep dividend policy under review.

Capital
Total equity
Less cash and cash equivalents

overall financing
Total equity
Plus borrowings

Capital-to-overall-financing ratio

28  FaiR valuE MEaSuREMENT

(a) Opus instruments

Contingent consideration re Opus acquisition – current
Contingent consideration re Opus acquisition – non current

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

12,729
(2,007)
10,722

12,729
1,420
14,149
75.78%

10,710
(2,355)
8,355

10,710
1,194
11,904
70.19%

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

–
–
–

13
–
13

The fair value of contingent consideration was calculated based on management’s assumptions regarding future 
performance. 

(b) astles control Systems

Contingent consideration re astles acquisition – current
Contingent consideration re astles acquisition – non current

2018
£’000

–
–
–

2017
£’000

1,354
–
1,354

The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities at 30 april 2018 and 30 april 2017 are not materially different from their 
book values.

The fair value of contingent consideration was calculated based on management’s assumptions regarding future 
performance. The consideration was paid in august 2017.

58 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

59

	
	
	
	
	
Financial statements

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

28  FaiR valuE MEaSuREMENT continued

(c) applied Thermal control (aTc)

Contingent consideration re aTC acquisition – current
Contingent consideration re aTC acquisition – non current

2018
£’000

152
–
152

2017
£’000

–
–
–

The fair value of contingent consideration was calculated based on management’s assumptions regarding future 
performance. The consideration is payable in June 2018.

29   BuSiNESS cOMBiNaTiONS

On 25 august 2017, the Company acquired the entire share capital of applied Thermal Control Limited, a company 
incorporated in England and Wales, for a consideration payable in cash and shares.

The assets and liabilities acquired were as follows:

assets

Non-current assets
Fixed assets
Intangible assets – trade names
Intangible assets – customer relationships
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Stock
Debtors
Cash at bank
Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Taxation – PaYE/nIC
Deferred tax liability
Net assets acquired
Goodwill 
Consideration and cost of investment
Fair value of consideration transferred
Cash paid in year 
Share issued
Deferred consideration

Book value
£’000

Fair value
adjustment
£’000

Fair value
£’000

18
–
–
18

147
184
11

(90)
(30)
–
240
–

–
93
444
537

–
–
–

–

(99)
438
411

18
93
444
555

147
184
11

(90)
(30)
(99)
678
411
1,089

737
200
152
1,089

applied Thermal Control Limited contributed £873k revenue and £31k (after management charges) to the Group’s profit 
for the period between the date of acquisition and the balance sheet date.

If the acquisition of applied Thermal Control Limited had been completed on the first day of the financial year, the  
impact on group revenues for the period would have been £402k and the impact on group profit would have been  
£75k (after management charges). 

The goodwill of £411k arising from the acquisition primarily relates to expected future profitability and growth 
expectations.

The last financial year for applied Thermal Control Limited closed in December 2017. It is expected that the current 
financial year will be extended by four months to coincide with the financial year of the Group.

On 31 January 2018, the Company acquired stocks and intangible assets of QSI, a uS company engaged in the 
production and sale of high end specialist cameras to amateur astronomy and OEM markets.

The assets and liabilities acquired were as follows:

assets

Non-current assets
Fixed assets
Intangible assets – trade names
Intangible assets – customer relationships
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Stock
Liabilities
Deferred tax liability
Net assets acquired
Goodwill 
Consideration and cost of investment
Fair value of consideration transferred
Cash paid in year 
Share issued
Deferred consideration

Book value
£’000

Fair value
adjustment
£’000

Fair value
£’000

–
–
–
–

62

–
62
–

–
7
117
124

–

(24)
101
101

–
7
117
124

62

(24)
162
101
263

263
–
–
263

The stock acquired has been transferred to our Lisbon factory. The acquisition did not contribute to Group revenues or 
profit in 2018.

The goodwill of £101k arising from the acquisition relates to expected future profitability.

In the consolidated statement of cashflows for the year ended 30 april 2018, the item “acquisition of subsidiaries, net of 
cash” of £1,341k comprises the consideration and cost of investment for both investments as shown above, less the Cash 
at Bank of £11k in applied Thermal Control Limited. Deferred consideration for applied Thermal Control Limited is shown 
as a financing activity.

60 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

61

	
 
 
Financial statements

Company balance sheet
For the year ended 30 April 2018

Fixed assets
Investments
Intangible assets

Current assets
Debtors
Cash

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Other reserves
Merger relief reserve
Profit and loss account
Shareholders’ funds

Note

2018	
£’000

2017	
£’000

4
5

6

7

8/9

10

12,737
8
12,745

59
173
232
(519)
(287)
12,458
(1,370)
11,088

896
6,390
109
424
3,269
11,088

10,694
18
10,712

829
396
1,225
(2,013)
(788)
9,924
(3,650)
6,274

889
6,199
83
424
(1,321)
6,274

Company statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 April 2018

Share	capital
£’000

Merger	
reserve
£’000

Share	
premium	
reserve
£’000

Other	
reserves
£’000

At 1 May 2017

889

424

6,199

Shares issued
Share-based payments
Transactions with owners

Profit for the year
At 30 April 2018

7
–
7

–
896

–
–
–

–
424

190
–
190

–
6,389

83

3
25
28

–
111

Profit		
and	loss	
account
£’000

(1,321)

–
–
–

Total
£’000

6,274

200
25
225

4,589
3,268

4,589
11,088

At 1 May 2016

Shares issued
Share-based payments
Transactions with owners

Profit for the year
At 30 April 2017

Share	capital
£’000

Merger	
reserve
£’000

Share	
premium	
reserve
£’000

Other	
reserves
£’000

Profit		
and	loss	
account
£’000

642

247
–
247

–
889

424

3,457

81

(1,548)

–
–
–

–
424

2,742
–
2,742

–
6,199

–
2
2

–
83

–
–
–

227
(1,321)

Total
£’000

3,056

2,989
2
2,991

227
6,274

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 July 2018.

KeN Ford  
ChAIRMAn  

 MiKe CreedoN
 ChIef exeCuTIve OffICeR

Company registration number: 6385396

The parent company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included its own  
profit and loss account in these financial statements. The parent company’s profit for the financial year was £4,589,000, 
(2017: profit £227,000).

62	

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2018	

63

	
 
Financial statements

Notes to the company financial statements
For the year ended 30 April 2018

1  pRiNcipal accOuNTiNg pOliciES 

Basis of preparation
The separate financial statements were prepared in 
accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework. The financial statements 
are prepared under the historical cost convention.

disclosure exemptions adopted
In preparing these financial statements the Company  
has taken advantage of all disclosure exemptions 
conferred by FRS 101. Therefore these financial  
statements do not include:

●  a statement of cash flows and related notes
●  The requirements of IaS 24 related party disclosures to 

disclose related party transactions entered between two 
or more members of the group as they are wholly 
owned within the group.

●  Disclosure of key management personnel 

compensation

●  Capital management disclosures 
●  Presentation of comparative reconciliation of the 

number of shares outstanding at the beginning and at 
the end of the period

●  The effect of future accounting standards not adopted
●  Certain share-based payment disclosures
●  Disclosures in relation to impairment of assets

investments
Scientific Digital Imaging Plc qualifies for merger relief 
under Companies act 2006 s612, and has recorded the 
investment in Synoptics Limited at the nominal value of the 
shares issued, less provision for impairment. The shares 
issued on acquisition of Opus Instruments Limited also 
qualified for merger relief under Companies act 2006 s612 
and so the premium has been classified as a merger relief 
reserve. all other investments are recorded at cost, less 
provision for impairment.

Share options
Scientific Digital Imaging Plc regularly issues share options 
to employees. The fair value of the employee services 
received in exchange for the grant of options is recognised 
as an expense which is written off to the Profit and Loss 
account over the vesting period of the option. The amount 
to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value 
of the options at the grant date adjusted for the number 
expected to vest. all current share options have been 
issued to staff at Synoptics Limited, artemis Limited and 
Scientific Digital Imaging Plc. The expense relating to these 
options is recognised in the relevant company profit and 
loss account. The carrying value of the investment in those 
subsidiaries is increased by an amount equal to the value 
of share-based payment charge attributable to the option 
holders in the respective subsidiaries. 

Financial instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified 
according to the substance of the contractual 
arrangements entered into. an equity instrument is any 
contract that results in a residual interest in the assets of 
the Company after deducting all of its financial liabilities. 
Equity instruments do not include a contractual obligation 
to deliver cash or other financial asset to another entity.

any instrument that does have the obligation to deliver 
cash or another financial asset to another entity is classified 
as a financial liability. Financial liabilities are presented 
under creditors on the balance sheet.

pension
The pension costs charged against profits represent the 
amount of the contributions payable to the defined 
contribution scheme in respect of the accounting period.

2  EMplOyEE REMuNERaTiON

Remuneration in respect of directors paid by the Company was as follows:

Emoluments
Pension

2018 
£’000

264
6
270

2017
£’000

214
6
220

During the period no directors exercised any share options held over ordinary shares of Scientific Digital Imaging Plc.

Details of directors’ interest in the shares and options of the Company are provided in the Remuneration Committee 
report on page 23. The highest paid director aggregate entitlements were £170k (2017:£140k). Company pension 
contributions of £6k (2017:£6k) were made to a money purchase scheme as at 30 april 2018 the highest paid Director 
held a total of 1,385,000 share options (2017:385,000 share options). 

Key management for the Company is considered to be the Directors of the Company. Employer’s national Insurance in 
respect of Directors was £25k in 2018 (2017: £23k), and the share-based payment charge for Directors was £25k in 2018 
(2017: £8k).

Share-based employee remuneration
Two employee share option schemes (an EMI scheme and an approved scheme) have been established, under which 
options may be granted to employees (including Directors) to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company. a further 
share option scheme (unapproved scheme) has been established under which options may be granted to employees  
and directors to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company. all schemes have been approved by shareholders in 
general meetings. The approved scheme has been approved by hM Revenue & Customs. The options can be exercised 
three years after the share options are granted. upon vesting, each option allows the holder to purchase one ordinary 
share. The options lapse if share options remain unexercised after a period of 10 years after the date of grant or if the 
employee leaves. 

64 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

65

	
Financial statements

Notes to the company financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

2  EMplOyEE REMuNERaTiON continued

a summary of options outstanding currently is as follows:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
adjustment to prior year
Expired during the year
Outstanding at the end of the year
Exercisable at the end of the year

2018

Weighted 
average 
Exercise price 
of options

£0.177
£0.250
£0.125
£0.157
£0.224
£0.201

Number of 
share options

1,645,000
2,750,000
(92,000)
(74,000)
4,229,000
589,000

2017

Weighted 
average 
Exercise price 
of options

£0.173
£0.175
£0.130
£0.125
£0.168
£0.174

Number of 
share options

881,000
600,000
240,000
(24,000)
1,697,000
665,000

The share options at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 8.5 years (2017: 7.0 years). 
The range of exercise prices for the outstanding options is £0.125 to £0.33.

under the rules of the share option schemes, options are not normally exercisable until after 3 years from the date of the 
grant. Options may, however, be exercised early in certain circumstances such as, for example, option holders ceasing to 
be employed as a result of injury, disability, redundancy or retirement. Option holders in the unapproved scheme may 
exercise their options within 6 months of leaving the Board of Directors or Company for reasons other than for dismissal.

Options were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price over three years. 
The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based upon management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-
transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

The share-based payment expense for the Company totalled £25k (2017: £2k).

3  audiTORS’ REMuNERaTiON

auditors’ remuneration attributable to the Company is as follows:

Taxation compliance services/taxation advisory services
Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the audit of the financial statements

2018
£’000

3
11

2017
£’000

3
10

4  iNvESTMENTS 

investments in group undertakings

Cost and net book amount as at 1 May 2017
additions
Cost and net book amount as at 30 april 2018

Details of the investments are as follows:

£’000

10,694
2,043
12,737

Subsidiary undertakings

country of
incorporation

holdings

proportion of 
voting rights

Nature of
Business

Synoptics Limited 

England and Wales  Ordinary shares 

100% 

atik Cameras Limited
Perseu Comercio De Equipamento 
Para Informatica E astronomica Sa

England and Wales Ordinary shares
Portugal Ordinary Shares

Opus Instruments Limited

England and Wales Ordinary Shares

Sentek Limited

England and Wales Ordinary Shares

astles Control Systems Limited

England and Wales Ordinary Shares

applied Thermal Control

England and Wales Ordinary Shares

The following companies are all held 
by Synoptics Limited:

Image Techniques of Cambridge Limited
Myriad Solutions Limited
Synoptics Inc

England and Wales Ordinary Shares
England and Wales Ordinary Shares
uSa Ordinary Shares

Each of the above investments has been included in the consolidated financial statements

100%
100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%
100%
100%

5  iNTaNgiBlE aSSETS 

Cost at 30 april 2018 & 2017

amortisation as at 1 May 2017
Charge for the year
amortisation as at 30 april 2018
net book value as at 30 april 2017
Net book value as at 30 April 2018

Design and 
Manufacturer
Design
Manufacturer

Design and 
Manufacturer

Design and 
Manufacturer

Design and 
Manufacturer
Design and 
Manufacturer

Dormant
Dormant
Distributor

2018
£’000

50

32
10
42
18
8

66 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

67

	
 
Financial statements

Notes to the company financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

6  dEBTORS 

9  BORROWiNgS

Inter-group debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors

all debtors fall due within one year of the balance sheet date.

7  cREdiTORS: aMOuNTS FalliNg duE WiThiN ONE yEaR

amounts owed to other group companies
Trade creditors
Bank loans
Other creditors
Social security and other taxes
accruals and deferred income

8  cREdiTORS: aMOuNTS FalliNg duE aFTER ONE yEaR

amounts owed to other group companies
Bank loans
Other loans

2018
£’000

47
7
5
59

2018
£’000

192
29
–
152
14
132
519

2018
£’000

–
1,370
–
1,370

2017
£’000

810
3
16
829

2017
£’000

358
–
215
1,422
–
18
2,013

2017
£’000

2,754
896
–
3,650

amounts repayable in one year or less:
Bank loans
In more than one year but not more than two years
Bank loan
Other loan
In more than two years but not more than five years
Bank loan
Loan 

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

–

–
–

1,370
1,370

215

225
–

671
1,111

Bank finance relates to amounts drawn down under the Group’s revolving bank facility with hSBC Bank plc. The Group 
has a £3,000,000 facility with an accordion option of an additional £2,000,000. The termination date of the facility is 3 
april 2021, with options to extend for a further two years.

10  callEd up ShaRE capiTal

Authorised
1,000,000,000 Ordinary shares of 1p each

Allotted, called up and fully paid 89,633,424
2018: (2017: 88,864,194) Ordinary shares of 1p each

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

10,000

10,000

896

889

During the year 769,230 ordinary shares of 1p each were issued as part of the consideration for the acquisition of applied 
Thermal Control Limited.

Ordinary shares 619,528 (2017: 711,528) are held by the Synoptics Employee Benefit Trust and are reserved for providing 
employee benefits such as satisfying the exercise of share options.

Share options
Two employee share option scheme (EMI scheme and approved scheme) have been established, under which options 
may be granted to employees (including directors) to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company. a further share 
option scheme (unapproved scheme) has been established under which options may be granted to employees and 
directors to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company. Both schemes have been approved by shareholders in general 
meetings. The approved scheme has been approved by hM Revenue & Customs. 

a summary of options outstanding currently is provided in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

11  RElaTEd paRTy TRaNSacTiONS

Transactions with Directors are disclosed within the Directors’ Remuneration Report and note 7 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

a deferred consideration balance of £152k is outstanding at the year-end relating to the acquisition of applied Thermal 
Control Limited.

The Company is not required to disclose transactions with its wholly owned subsidiaries.

68 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

69

	
Financial statements

Notes to the company financial statements continued
For the year ended 30 April 2018

12   FiNaNcial RiSk MaNagEMENT OBjEcTivES aNd pOliciES

Financial instruments
The Company uses various financial instruments, including assets, liabilities, short-term loans and loan stock. The main 
purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Company’s operations. The existence of these financial 
instruments exposes the Company to a number of financial risks, primarily interest rate risk and currency risk. 

interest rate risk
The Company finances its operations through a mixture of retained profits, short-term bank borrowings, loan stock and 
shareholders’ equity. The Company’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings is managed by the use of 
both fixed and floating facilities for the bank overdraft and invoice discounting facility.

credit risk
The Company’s exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of cash deposits and trade and other receivables 
recognised at the balance sheet date of £185k (2017: £412k). Risks associated with cash deposits are limited as the banks 
used are reputable with quality external credit ratings.

liquidity risk
The Company monitors its liquidity by monitoring cash outflows and available credit facilities on a regular basis. The 
funding for long-term liquidity is additionally secured by an adequate amount of external credit facilities.

as at 30 april 2018, the Company’s financial liabilities have contractual maturities as summarised below: 

Borrowings
Contingent consideration

as at 30 april 2017

Borrowings
Contingent consideration

current

Between 
6 and 12 
months
£’000

–
–

current

Between 
6 and 12 
months
£’000

109
–

Within 
6 months
£’000

–
152

Within 
6 months
£’000

106
1,367

Between 
1 and 5 
years
£’000

1,370
–

Between 
1 and 5 
years
£’000

896
–

Non-current

later than 
5 years
£’000

–
–

Non-current

later than 
5 years
£’000

–
–

13   capiTal MaNagEMENT pOliciES aNd pROcEduRES

The Company’s capital management objectives are:

● to ensure the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; and
● to provide an adequate return to shareholders; and
● be in a position to make acquisitions (‘buy and build’ strategy)

The Company monitors capital on the basis of the carrying amount of equity less cash and cash equivalents as presented 
on the face of the balance sheet. 

although the Company is not constrained by any externally imposed capital requirements, its goal is to maximise its 
capital-to-overall-financing ratio by reducing borrowings. 

The Company will keep dividend policy under review.

Capital
Total equity
Less cash and cash equivalents

overall financing
Total equity
Plus borrowings

Capital-to-overall-financing ratio

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

10,995
(172)
10,823

10,995
1,370
12,365
87.5%

6,274
(396)
5,880

6,274
1,111
7,385
79.6%

70 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

annual Report and accounts 2018 

71

	
Financial statements

Scientific digital imaging plc

Five-year summary – Group

Shareholder information

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit

Gross profit %

2018
£’000

14,496
(4,954)
9,542

2017
£’000

10,748
(3,837)
6,911

2016
£’000

8,473
(3,298)
5,175

2015
£’000

6,955
(2,837)
4,118

2014 
£’000

7,037
(3,021)
4,016

65.8%

64.3%

61.1%

59.2%

57.1%

Other administrative expenses

(7,473)
2,069

 (5,693)
1,218

(4,437)
738

(3,725)
393

(200)
(8)
(126)

59

(36)

23

21

44

(3,959)
57

(22)
(6)
(28)

1

(39)

(38)

–

(38)

(87)
(2)
(165)

964

(61)

903

(75)

828

(17)
(7)
(178)

536

(40)

496

75

571

1.17p
1.14p

1.17p
1.15p

0.15p
0.15p

(0.16)p
(0.16)p

Reorganisation costs
Share-based payments
acquisition and fundraising costs

operating profit

net financing expenses

Profit before tax

Income tax 

Profit for the year

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

(63)
(65)
(165)

1,776

(63)

1,713

(98)

1,615

1.81p
1.79p

72 

Scientific Digital Imaging plc

Company registration 
number	6385396

Registered office 
Beacon	House	
nuffield	Road	
cambridge	
cB4	1tF

Directors	
E k FORd 
cHAiRmAn	

M cREEdON 
cHieF	executive	oFFiceR

i NappER 
non	executive	
diRectoR

dR a j B SiMON	
non	executive	
diRectoR
(resigned	27	September	2017)

d TilSTON 
non	executive	
diRectoR
(appointed	26	July	2017)

j aBEll 
cHieF	FinAnciAl	oFFiceR
(appointed	2	July	2018)

Company Secretary 
j aBEll  
(appointed	2	July	2018)

Bankers	
hSBc BaNk plc
vitrum,	St	John’s	innovation	Park,	
cowley	Road,	
cambridge	
cB4	0dS

NaTiONal WESTMiNSTER BaNk plc
35-37	Fitzroy	Street
cambridge
cB1	1eu

Solicitors	
MillS & REEvE
Botanic	House	
100	Hills	Road	
cambridge	
cB2	1PH

Auditor
gRaNT ThORNTON uk llp
Registered	Auditor	
chartered	Accountants	
101	cambridge	Science	Park	
milton	Road	
cambridge	
cB4	0FY	

Nominated Advisor & Broker
FiNNcap liMiTEd
60	new	Broad	Street
london	
ec2m	1JJ

Registrar
ShaRE REgiSTRaRS liMiTEd 
Suite	e	
First	Floor	
9	lion	&	lamb	Yard	
Farnham	
Surrey		
Gu9	7ll

Design and production  

FOx dESigN cONSulTaNTS  
www.foxdc.co.uk

Printed	digitally	by	Park	lane	Press	
on	a	co2	neutral	HP	indigo	press	
on	FSc	certified	paper,	power	
from	100%	renewable	resources.	
Print	production	systems	
registered	to	iSo	14001,	iSo	9001,	
and	over	97%	of	waste	is	recycled.

 
Scientific digital imaging plc

Beacon	House,	nuffield	Road			
cambridge	cB4	1tF

T	 +44	(0)1223	727144
F	 +44	(0)1223	727101
E	 info@scientificdigitalimaging.com

www.scientificdigitalimaging.com