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Solid State PLC

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FY2012 Annual Report · Solid State PLC
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SOLID STATE PLC

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Solid State PLC

CONTENTS  

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Page 

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1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

Directors:  

DIRECTORS, SECRETARY AND ADVISERS 

Deputy Chairman 
Chief Executive Officer  

Gordon Leonard Comben, Chairman 
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John Michael Lavery, Director   
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William George Marsh, Director 

Director 

 Finance Director 

Company Secretary and  
Registered Office:  

Peter Haining, FCA  
Solid State PLC  
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Company Number:  

00771335  

Nominated Adviser:  

Broker:

Auditors:  

Solicitors:  

Bankers:  

Registrars:  

W H Ireland Limited 
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Thomson Snell & Passmore  
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HSBC plc  
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Capita Registrars Limited 
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Country of Incorporation 
of Parent Company: 

Great Britain 

Legal Form:  

Public Limited Company 

Domicile: 

Great Britain 

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT  

Results 
I  am  very  pleased  to  report  that  the  Group  has  continued  to  build  on  the  strong  performance  achieved  last  year 
delivering a second consecutive year of record results.   

Revenues  increased  by  22%  to  £25.87m  (2011:  £21.17m)  with  profit  before  tax  rising  by  29%  to  £1.60m  (2011: 
£1.24m).  Underlying growth in the core business, excluding costs of £223k associated with the recent acquisition of 
the trade and assets of Blazepoint Ltd saw revenue increase by 20% and profits increase by 34%. 

The Group typically experiences margin variation due to order size and product mix however retains its ability to 
command good margins due to the value added nature of its offering.  Pleasingly, despite lower margins in the first 
half of the year due to the product mix and continuing margin pressures resulting from broader economic conditions 
and competition, Group gross profit margins were maintained at 27.8% for the year as a whole.  

The  operating  margins  increased  to  6.4%  when  including  the  gain  on  the  acquisition  of  the  trade  and  assets  of 
Blazepoint  Ltd  (2011: 6.1%).    Profit  before  tax  has  increased  by  29%  to  £1.6m  (2011: £1.24m)  and  earnings  per 
share have increased by 24% to 19.5p (2011: 15.7p). 

The balance sheet continues to strengthen.  Total net assets have increased 30% to £5.1m (2011: £3.94m).  Working 
capital requirements have increased in line with sales and at the year end the Company had a net gearing level of 
47% (2011: 40%). 

Highlights include: 

Financial: 

(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 

Turnover 
Profit before tax 
Earnings per share (basic) 
Gross profit margin 
Operating margin 
Dividend 

 2102
£25.874m 
£1.599m 
19.5p 
27.8% 
6.4% 
7.25p 

 1102
£21.169m 
£1.243m 
15.7p 
27.8% 
6.1% 
6.0p 

 egnahC
+22% 
+29% 
+24% 
   0% 
+30bps 
  +21% 

Operational: 

(cid:129)  Acquisition of trade and assets of Blazepoint Ltd in October 2011 for £200k 
(cid:129)  Strong performance from all operating divisions  
(cid:129)  Planned relocation of Solid State Supplies Ltd to achieve improved operational efficiencies  

Commenting on the results, Gordon Comben, Chairman of Solid State said: 

“These results demonstrate the value of building embedded partnerships with our clients in targeted niche sectors.  
This is the second successive year of record results. 

“We continue to see opportunities for both organic and acquisitive  growth in a  market  which demands increasing 
levels of product customisation.  This plays very much to our strengths, the prospects for Solid State are extremely 
positive.” 

Dividends 
The Directors recommend that a final dividend of 4.75p per share be paid.  An interim dividend of 2.5p per share 
was paid in January 2012 giving a total dividend in respect of the year of 7.25p per share (2011: 6p per share).  The 
final  dividend  will  be  paid  on  31st  August  2012  to  shareholders  on  the  register  at  the  close  of  business  on  10th 
August 2012.  The shares will go ex-dividend on 8th August 2012. 

Business Review 
The Group is focussed on the supply and support of specialist electronics equipment which include high tolerance 
and tailor made battery packs, specialist electronic components and industrial/rugged computers. 

The market for the Group’s products and services is driven by the need for custom electronic solutions to address 
complex  needs,  typically  in  harsh  environments  where  enhanced  durability  and  resistance  to  extreme  and  volatile 
temperatures  is  vital.    Drivers  in  our  markets  include  efficiency  improvement,  cost  saving,  environmental 
monitoring and safety. 

3

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT (continued) 

Divisional Review 
The key performance indicators measured by management are billings, bookings and gross profit margins. Bookings 
are sales orders received and billings are sales delivered. 

Solid State Supplies Ltd 
Solid State Supplies is a distributor of specialist components to the UK OEM community; selling semiconductors, 
related  components  and  modules  for  embedded  processing,  control  and  communications  switches,  power 
management units and LED lighting.  

The financial year to 31st March 2012 saw a continuation of the growth achieved in the previous year with bookings 
growing 15% and billings 39% year on year.  

Whilst gross margins on sales remain under pressure the total gross margin including commissions held up well at 
27.6% (2011: 27.3%, 2010: 27.2%). 

New product franchises acquired during the current and previous financial years have started to reflect in the growth 
numbers and are now contributing well to the overall billings of the company. This trend is expected to continue into 
FY2012/13 with new franchises accounting for a larger percentage of the overall sales. The company’s dependence 
on  sales  to  the  military  sector  reduced  during  the  year  thus  reducing  the  exposure  to  the  Government’s  austerity 
measures.    Pleasingly  the  company’s  design-in  pipeline  (designs  in  progress  at  customers)  has  strengthened 
throughout the year. 

FY2012/13  will  see  the  company  relocating  to  larger  and  more  suitable  premises  adjacent  to  its  sister  company, 
Steatite, in Redditch. The company will enter the value added market space within the electronics distribution sector, 
consequently  strengthening  the  company’s  position  both  with  key  customers  and  key  suppliers.  The  outlook  for 
specialist  electronic  distribution  and  technical  support  remains  buoyant  and  the  company  expects  to  see  sustained 
but single digit growth throughout the 2012/13 year. 

Steatite Ltd (including Blazepoint Ltd) 
Steatite designs, manufactures and supplies a range of products and solutions that include bespoke Lithium battery 
packs, rugged mobile computing/radio solutions and industrial computer hardware and software. Key to its strategy 
is the ability to design, manufacture and test to customer requirements for usage in some of the most difficult and 
harsh environments against the most stringent of standards and qualifications. 

Steatite went into the second period of last year with a large order book resulting in a very strong result for the year. 
Sales increased during the year by 14% whilst profit increased by 22.5%. In October 2011 the company acquired the 
trade and assets of Blazepoint Ltd and  traded the business as  Steatite Blazepoint  Ltd  for the balance of the  fiscal 
year.   Excluding the results of Steatite Blazepoint Ltd in the period would have resulted in an increase in sales of 
11.7% and profits of 24.9% in the underlying business on a like for like basis. 

For  the  year  ahead  Steatite  Blazepoint  Ltd  will  trade  as  a  division  of  Steatite  Ltd  with  most  of  the  restructuring 
having taken place. This will enable it to contribute within Steatite to a greater level enhancing its product range and 
prospects for the year ahead. One-off costs for the year totalled £110k of which all relates to the cost of acquisition 
and restructuring of Blazepoint Ltd. 

The prospects for Steatite Ltd for the year ahead remain positive.  It continues to add to a strong order book and is 
competing and winning some major contracts in all its chosen fields of expertise. The economy continues to present 
challenges with order visibility difficult to predict.  Nevertheless, we are confident that remaining focussed on our 
strategy of supplying leading edge solutions will continue to build long term growth and value.  

Divisional Summary 
The  companies  in  the  Solid  State  group  have  distinct  characteristics  in  their  market  places.    A  depth  of  technical 
understanding  and  a  collaborative  approach  to  client  relationships  have  always  promoted  an  integrated  process  of 
product design and supply.  The degree of co-operation has always been appreciated by our clients and we believe it 
is of significant commercial value both to us and our customers.  Solid State will continue to pursue this approach 
and to extend it into new relationships where appropriate. 

Our stated strategy is to supplement organic growth with selective acquisitions within the electronics industry which 
will complement our existing Group companies and enable us to achieve improved operating margins through the 
employment of operational efficiencies, scale and distribution. 

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT (continued) 

Renewal of authority to purchase the Company’s shares and new authorities to issue shares 
Last year, a resolution was passed at the Annual General Meeting to give the Company the authority to purchase its 
own Ordinary shares on the Stock Exchange.  This authority would expire after a period of eighteen months from 
the passing of the resolution.  In order to avoid this authority expiring during the next year and the need to call an 
extraordinary general meeting to renew the authority, a resolution to renew the authority is set out in the notice of 
the Annual General Meeting at the end of this document. 

Under the terms of the resolution to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting, the maximum number of shares 
which may be purchased is 1,018,715 shares representing 15% of the issued Ordinary share capital of the Company.  
The  minimum  price  payable  by  the  Company  for  its  Ordinary  shares  will  be  5p  and  the  maximum  price  will  be 
determined by reference to current market prices.  The authority will automatically expire after a period of eighteen 
months from the passing of the resolution unless renewed. 

It is not the Directors’ current intention to exercise the power to purchase the Company’s Ordinary shares but they 
believe that under certain circumstances it would be in the Company’s best interests to do so. 

Resolutions are also being proposed at the Annual General Meeting with regard to the issue of further shares.  One 
resolution will authorise the company to issue new shares up to a third of the current issued share capital by way of a 
rights issue and the second resolution will authorise the company to issue new shares up to 20% of the current issued 
share  capital  without  rights  of  pre-emption  for  existing  shareholders,  and  to  the  extent  that  new  shares  are  issued 
under the second resolution the limit on the first resolution will be reduced such that the total number of new shares 
issued cannot exceed one third of the current share capital. 

Your Directors consider that the resolutions to be proposed at the meeting are in the best interests of the Company 
and its shareholders.  They unanimously recommend that all Ordinary shareholders vote in favour of the resolution 
at the Annual General Meeting as they intend to do in respect of their beneficial holdings amounting to 4,317,037 
Ordinary shares, representing 63.6% of the Company’s issued Ordinary share capital. 

Outlook 
The Group will continue its stated strategy of both organic and acquisitive growth.  The successful acquisition and 
integration  of  both  Rugged  Systems  in  2010  and  Blazepoint  in  October  2011  demonstrates  that  we  can  enhance 
shareholder value through our policy of selective acquisitions in our chosen  fields of computing, components and 
batteries.    We  will  continue  to  seek  further  acquisitions  that  complement  our  growth  strategy  and  benefit 
shareholders. 

We  are  mindful  of  the  current  economic  environment  but  remain  confident  of  the  Group’s  prospects  for  the  year 
ahead and beyond.  We entered the new financial year with a strong order book which at 31st March 2012 stood at 
£10.5m (31st March 2011: £8.4m).  This has been underpinned with the recent announcement of a £3.5m order to be 
delivered during H1 2012.   This confidence is reflected in the Board’s decision to declare a final dividend of 4.75p 
giving a total dividend for the year 7.25p, a 21% increase on the 2011 dividend of 6.0p.  The prospects for Solid 
State are extremely positive.  

Finally, I would like to thank my fellow Directors and all the staff for their continued support in what has been an 
outstanding year for the Group. 

Gordon Comben 
Chairman 
20th June 2012 

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT  
For the year ended 31st March 2012 

The Directors submit their report together with the audited financial statements of the Group in respect of the year 
ended 31st March 2012.  

Principal Activities, Review of the Business and Future Developments  
The  principal  activities  of  the  Group  during  the  year  continued  to  be  those  of  the  manufacturing  of  electronic 
equipment and the distribution of electronic components and materials. 

The key performance indicators recognised by management are sales, bookings and group profit margins. Bookings 
are sales orders received. 

An  overall  review  of  the  Group’s  trading  performance  and  future  developments  is  given  in  the  Chairman’s 
Statement.  

The principal risks faced by the Group are foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. 

Foreign currency risk primarily relates to the US dollar: Sterling exchange rate and although much progress has been 
made in recent years in converting the sales currency into line with the purchase currency on any contract, the Group 
still has purchases in dollars which are considerably in excess of the sales made in dollars. In the year under review the 
Group purchased US$7,650,000. 

The risk is managed by way of using forward purchase contracts to cover much of the required dollar purchases and 
spot  purchases  to  buy  the  balance  of  the  dollars  enabling  the  Group  to  take  advantage  of  short  term  exchange  rate 
fluctuations.  In  addition,  the  extent  of  dollar  holdings  by  the  Group  is  minimised  to  avoid  unnecessary  exposure  to 
losses in the event of the decline of the dollar against sterling. 

The nature of the business  means that cash  flow requirements  fluctuate  very significantly  with  some large contracts 
requiring significant funding in the short term. Invoice discounting is used as a source of funding on trade debtors in 
Steatite Limited, but in addition the Group has an overdraft facility of £1.5m, temporarily extended to £2.0m, to ensure 
that facilities are always available to progress contracts, including circumstances where the contract has been awarded 
close to the date of commencement and advance payments to suppliers are required. Such a contract was completed just 
prior to the year end giving rise to a significant increase in trade receivables and bank overdraft. 

Credit risk arises as the vast majority of sales are on credit terms, and the recent increase in turnover has led to trade 
receivables rising from £3,876,414 at the start of the year under review to £6,519,349 at the end of the year. However it 
is Group policy that all new customers are assessed for their credit risk before any binding contracts are entered into 
and  all  existing  accounts  are  reviewed  at  least  once  a  year.  In  the  year  under  review  bad  debts  written  off  have 
amounted to less than 0.03% of the turnover. 

One major decision taken during the year was to purchase the business and relevant assets of Blazepoint Limited. The 
Group  has  incurred  non  recurring  expenditure  of  £110,000,  principally  staff  termination  costs,  as  a  result  of  this 
acquisition and the net loss arising in the period was £62,000. However, several former customers of Blazepoint  are 
now customers of Solid State PLC and the new acquisition is expected to make a significant positive contribution to 
profits in the new financial year. 

The Group finances its operations by a mixture of retained profits, bank borrowings and invoice discounting facilities. 
The directors are pleased to note that the net tangible assets of the Group have increased during the year under review 
by about £1,000,000. 

The Group does not comment on environmental matters. 

The Group continues to look for suitable acquisitions within the electronics industry. 

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Results and Dividends  
The consolidated statement of comprehensive income is set out on page 13. The Directors recommend that a final 
dividend of 4.75p per share is paid. The total dividend for the year is thus 7.25p per share. The final dividend will be 
paid on 31st August 2012 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 10th August 2012. 

Directors  
The Directors of the Company during the year were:  
G L Comben 
A B Frere 
G S Marsh  
P Haining, FCA 
J M Lavery  
J L Macmichael 
W G Marsh 

Gordon Comben, (dob 09/09/1939), Chairman 
Gordon Comben trained as radio officer and after leaving the merchant navy worked in the electronics industry with 
Plessey, Texas Instruments, Philips and International Rectifier.  In 1971 he founded Solid State Supplies and has 
been employed in various roles including Company Chairman.  He is currently a Non-executive Director of the 
Company, and was reappointed as Chairman in November 2011.  

Tony Frere (dob 15/10/1947), Deputy Chairman 
Tony Frere has been in the Electronics Industry for 40 years, 30 of which serving the component distribution sector.  
Former directorships include Managing Director of DT Electronics and Nu Horizons Electronics.  Currently sitting 
on the executive council of the ECSN (the electronic component supply network trade association), and in 2012 was 
appointed as Deputy Chairman. 

Gary Marsh, (dob 27/04/1966), Chief Executive Officer 
Gary  Marsh  joined  the  Company  in  1986  having  gained  an  HND  in  Business  and  Finance  Studies.    He  has  held 
various  positions  within  the  Group  including  that  of  Operations  Director  of  Solid  State  Supplies  prior  to  his 
appointment as its Managing Director in 1997.  In addition to this role, Gary Marsh was appointed Group Managing 
Director in 2002 following the acquisition of Steatite. In 2011 following the acquisition of Rugged Systems Ltd he 
was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Group. 

Peter Haining FCA, (dob 05/09/1956), Finance Director and Company Secretary 
Peter  Haining  qualified  as  a  chartered  accountant  in  1980  and  later  worked  at  Binder  Hamlyn.  He  left  Binder 
Hamlyn in 1992, together with three colleagues, to establish The Kings Mill Partnership. As well as fulfilling a role 
as Finance Director and Company Secretary, Peter Haining has specific responsibility for reviewing and advising on 
the Group’s budgets and financial affairs.  

John Lavery, (dob 06/05/1961), Director 
John Lavery is an apprenticed trained engineer in Electronics Communications. He moved into Sales in the 1980’s 
with Steatite before being appointed to The Board of Directors at the age of 28.He has held positions of Director of 
Sales  and  Marketing  after  a  years  training  with  the  Institute  of  Directors  for  Corporate Governance,  before  being 
appointed  Managing  Director  of  Steatite  in  1999.  He  presently  runs  the  operations  of  Steatite  on  behalf  of  Solid 
State plc.  

John Macmichael, (dob 20/04/1961), Director 
John  Macmichael  is  an  electronics  and  communications  graduate  whose  career  has  encompassed  design  and 
development through applications engineering, sales, sales management and general business management. John has 
gained  extensive  management  experience  of  multiple  sales  channels  with  distributors  and  OEMs  both  here  in  the 
UK and worldwide through his international sales management role whilst living in the USA. Formerly managing 
director  of  Breckenridge  Technologies  Limited  John  joined  Solid  State  Supplies  Limited  in  2006  before  being 
appointed managing director in April 2011.  

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT   
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

William Marsh, (dob 23/07/1937), Director 
Educated  at  Kingston-upon-Thames  Technical  College,  Bill  Marsh  started  work  at  Hackbridge  Transformers  in 
1954 as a Student Apprentice. In 1960, having gained an HNC qualification in electrical/electronic engineering he 
joined  the  Royal  Air  Force  as  an  Air  Radar  Fitter.  In  1962  he  joined  Hewittic  Rectifiers  where  he  worked  as  a 
Design  Engineer  and  later  as  a  Contracts  Engineer.  In  1968  Bill  joined  International  Rectifier  as  an  Area  Sales 
Manager, rising to the position of General Sales Manager (Northern Europe). In 1974 he joined Solid State Supplies 
as Managing Director until he stepped down in 1997. Following a spell as Company Chairman he has continued to 
serve on the Board of Directors as a Non-executive Director.  

Details of the interests of Directors in the shares of the Company and Directors’ service contracts are stated in Note 
5 to the financial statements.  

Corporate Governance  
The Board confirms that the Group has had regard, throughout the accounting period, with the provisions set out in 
Section  1  of  the  Combined  Code  which  was  issued  by  the  Financial  Reporting  Council  in  June  2008.  Whilst  not 
required  to  do  so,  as  a  matter  of  best  practice,  the  Directors  have  voluntarily  endeavoured  to  comply  with  those 
provisions which they consider to be relevant to a company of this size. 

The audit committee consists of Messrs W G Marsh and A B Frere, and meets regularly to ensure that the financial 
performance of the Group is properly recorded and monitored, to meet the auditors and to review the reports from 
the auditors relating to accounts and internal control systems.  

The  remuneration  committee  consists  of  Messrs  G  L  Comben,  A  B  Frere  and  P  Haining.  The  purpose  of  the 
committee is to review the performance of the full time executive Directors and to set the scale and structure of their 
remuneration and the basis of their service agreements with due regard to the interests of the shareholders. It is a rule 
of the committee that no Director shall participate in discussions or decisions concerning his own remuneration.  

Board of Directors  
The Board consists of four executive Directors and three Non-executive Directors and meets regularly throughout 
the year.  

The  Board  comprises  the  executive  management  of  the  Group  and  thus  maintains  full  control  over  its  activities. 
Decisions  are  accordingly  taken  quickly  and  effectively  following  consultation  among  the  Directors  concerned  if 
any matters arise. The Board takes the view that this direct but flexible approach has enabled the Company to deal 
effectively with all matters.  

Going Concern  
The Directors confirm that they are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in business for the 
foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts.  

Purchase of Own Shares  
At the year end the Company had in place authority to purchase 1,018,715 ordinary shares under authority given by 
a resolution at the Annual General Meeting on 8th September 2011. This authority expires on 8th March 2013. 

Financial Instruments  
Details  of  the  use  of  financial  instruments  by  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  are  contained  in  Note  19  of  the 
financial statements. 

Internal Control  
In  respect  of  internal  controls,  the  Directors  are  aware  of  the  Turnbull  Report  and  are  continually  reviewing  the 
effectiveness of the systems of internal controls, the key elements of which having regard to the size of the Group 
are  that  the  Board  meets  regularly  and  takes  the  decisions  on  all  material  matters,  the  organisational  structure 
ensures  that  responsibilities  are  defined  and  authority  only  delegated  where  appropriate,  and  that  the  regular 
management accounts are presented to the Board wherein the financial performance of the Group is analysed.  

The Directors acknowledge that they are responsible for the system of internal control which is established in order 
to  safeguard  the  assets,  maintain  proper  accounting  records  and  ensure  that  financial  information  used  within  the 
business or published is reliable. Any such system of control can, however, only provide reasonable, not absolute, 
assurance against material misstatement or loss.  

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities  
The  Directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  proper  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  group and 
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and hence for taking reasonable steps 
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The  Directors  are  also  required  to  prepare  financial  statements  for  the  Group  in  accordance  with  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (IFRSs)  and  the  rules  of  the  London  Stock 
Exchange  for  companies  trading  securities  on  the  Alternative  Investment  Market.  The  Directors  have  chosen  to 
prepare financial statements for the Company in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. 

Group Financial Statements 
International  Accounting  Standard  1  requires  that  financial  statements  present  fairly  for  each  financial  year  the 
Group’s  financial  position,  financial  performance  and  cash  flows.  This  requires  the  faithful  representation  of  the 
effects  of  transactions,  other  events  and  conditions  in  accordance  with  the  definitions  and  recognition  criteria  for 
assets, liabilities, income and expenses set out in the International Accounting Standards Board’s “Framework for 
the preparation and presentation of financial statements.” In virtually all circumstances, a fair presentation will be 
achieved by compliance with all applicable IFRSs.  

A fair presentation also requires the Directors to: 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, changes in Accounting 
Estimates and Errors and then apply them consistently. 

present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable 
and understandable information; and 

provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRSs is insufficient to 
enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the entity’s 
financial position and financial performance. 

(cid:129)  State that the group has complied with IFRS, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in 

the financial statements,  

(cid:129) 

and make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. 

Parent company financial statements 
Company  law  requires  directors  to  prepare  financial  statements  for  each  financial  year  which  give  a  true  and  fair 
view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these 
financial statements, the Directors are required to: 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. 

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

(cid:129)  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. 

(cid:129) 

state  whether  UK  accounting  standards  have  been  followed,  subject  to  any  material  departures  disclosed 
and explained in the financial statements. 

Financial  statements  are  published  on  the  Group’s  website  in  accordance  with  legislation  in  the  United  Kingdom 
governing  the  preparation  and  dissemination  of  financial  statements,  which  may  vary  from  legislation  in  other 
jurisdictions.  The  maintenance  and  integrity  of  the  corporate  and  financial  information  group’s  website  is  the 
responsibility  of  the  Directors.  The  Directors’  responsibility  also  extends  to  the  ongoing  integrity  of  the  financial 
statements contained therein. The work carried out by the auditors does not include consideration of the maintenance 
and  the  integrity  of  the  website  and  accordingly  the  auditor  accepts  no  responsibility  for  any  changes  that  have 
occurred to the financial statements when they are presented on the website. 

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT   
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Creditor Payment Policy  
The Company’s policy for the year to 31st March 2012 for all suppliers is to fix terms of payment when agreeing the 
terms of each business transaction, to ensure the supplier is aware of those terms and to abide by the agreed terms of 
payment.  

Creditor days based on the year end trade creditors and purchases made in the year were 47 days (2011: 50 days). 

Auditors  
All of the current directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any 
information needed by the Company’s auditors for the purposes of their audit and to establish that the auditors are 
aware of that information. The directors are not aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditors are 
unaware. 

A resolution to reappoint haysmacintyre as auditors will be proposed at the next annual general meeting. 

By order of the Board  
P Haining FCA  
Secretary  
20th June 2012 

Registered Office: Unit 2, Eastlands Lane, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6BU 

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF SOLID STATE PLC  

Solid State PLC

We have audited the financial statements of Solid State PLC for the year ended 31st March 2012 which comprise the 
Consolidated  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income,  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Changes  in  Equity,  the 
Consolidated  Statement  of  Financial  Position,  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Cash  Flows,  the  Company  Balance 
Sheet and the related notes.  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 (United Kingdom GAAP). 

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. 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors 
As  explained  more  fully  in  the  Directors’  Responsibilities  Statement  set  out  on  pages  9  and  10,  the  directors  are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.  
Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards 
on Auditing (UK and Ireland).  Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical 
Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or 
error.  This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the group’s and the parent 
company’s  circumstances  and  have  been  consistently  applied  and  adequately  disclosed;  the  reasonableness  of 
significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.  In 
addition,  we  read  all  the  financial  and  non-financial  information  in  the  Directors’  Report  to  identify  material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements.  If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or 
inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report. 

Opinion on financial statements 
In our opinion: 
(cid:129) 

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s 
affairs as at 31 March 2012 and 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 and, as regards the group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 
In  our  opinion  the  information  given  in  the  Directors’  Report  for  the  financial  year  for  which  the  financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 

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

(cid:129) 

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit 
have not been received from branches visited by us; or 
(cid:129) 
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 
(cid:129) 
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
(cid:129)  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

Notes 

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF SOLID STATE PLC  (continued) 

1.  The maintenance and integrity of the group’s website is the responsibility of the directors, the work carried 
out by the auditors does not involve consideration of those matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no 
responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially 
presented on the website. 

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

may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

David Cox (Senior statutory auditor) 
for and on behalf of haysmacintyre, Statutory Auditor 
20th June 2012 

Fairfax House 
15 Fulwood Place 
London  WC1V 6AY 

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

        For the year ended 31st March 2012 

Solid State PLC

  euneveR
 selas fo tsoC

 TIFORP SSORG
 stsoc noitubirtsiD
 sesnepxe evitartsinimdA
 noitisiuqca no niaG

 SNOITAREPO MORF TIFORP

 stsoc ecnaniF

 NOITAXAT EROFEB TIFORP
 esnepxe xaT

 YTIUQE OT ELBATUBIRTTA TIFORP
 TNERAP EHT FO SREDLOH

 EMOCNI EVISNEHERPMOC REHTO
Translation differences on overseas operations 

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 

 setoN
 2

 3

 6

 7

2012 
£ 
 151,478,52
 )749,676,81(
 _________

 402,791,7
 )908,813,2(
 )039,173,3(
 782,061
 _________

2011 
£ 
 803,961,12
)846,282,51(
 _________

 066,688,5
 )955,448,1(
 )555,547,2(
  -
 _________

 257,666,1

 645,692,1

 )806,76(
 _________

)051,35(
 _________

 441,995,1
 )951,282(
 _________

 693,342,1
 )219,472(
 _________

 589,613,1
 _________

484,869
 _________

 -
_________ 

 807,4
_________ 

1,316,985 
 _________

973,192 
 _________

 ERAHS REP SGNINRAE
 cisaB
 detuliD

 8
 8

 p5.91
 p2.91

 p7.51
 p0.51

The notes on pages 18 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 

 erahS  
 latipaC

 latipaC

 erahS  
 deniateR egnahcxE  noitpmedeR muimerP
 evreseR

 evreseR

 ngieroF

Reserve  Earnings  Total 

Balance at 31st March 2010 

307,826 

756,980 

4,674 

55,126 

2,070,876 

3,195,482 

Total comprehensive income 
For the year ended 31st March 2011 

Share based payment expense 

 sdnediviD

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4,708 

968,484 

973,192 

- 

16,188 

16,188 

 -
 _______

 -
 _______

 -
 _______

 -
 _______

 )062,642(
 _______

  )062,642(
 _______

Balance at 31st March 2011 

307,826 

756,980 

4,674 

59,834 

2,809,288 

3,938,602 

Total comprehensive income  
For the year ended 31st March 2012 

- 

- 

Issue of new shares 

31,746 

168,254 

Share based payment expense 

 sdnediviD

- 

 -

- 

 -

- 

- 

- 

 -

- 

- 

- 

 -

1,316,985 

1,316,985 

- 

200,000 

92,023 

92,023 

 )344,144(

 )344,144(

Reallocation on winding up of a subsidiary 

- 
 _______

- 
 _______

- 
 _______

(59,834) 
 _______

59,834 
 _______

- 
 _______

Balance at 31st March 2012 

339,572 
 _______

925,234 
 _______

4,674 
 _______

- 
 _______

3,836,687 
 _______

5,106,167 
 _______

The notes on pages 18 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 
at 31st March 2012 

 setoN

£ 

£ 

£ 

£ 

2012 

2011 

Solid State PLC

Company Number: 00771335 

 STESSA
 STESSA TNERRUC-NON
 tnempiuqe dna tnalp ,ytreporP
 stessa elbignatnI

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

 STESSA TNERRUC
 seirotnevnI
 selbaviecer rehto dna edarT
 stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsaC

 STESSA TNERRUC LATOT

 STESSA LATOT

 SEITILIBAIL
 SEITILIBAIL TNERRUC
 tfardrevo knaB
 selbayap rehto dna edarT
 sgniworrob knaB
 seitilibail xat noitaroproC

 01
 11

 41
 51

 071,158
 975,524,2
 ________

3,276,749 

 657,316
 816,473,2
 ________

2,988,374 

 500,260,3
 086,278,6
 868,14
 ________

 276,567,2
 396,412,4
 300,37
 ________

 355,679,9
 _________ 

 203,352,31 
 _________ 

 863,350,7
 _________ 

 247,140,01 
 _________ 

 61
 71

 599,763,1
 765,563,5
 714,460,1
 353,162
 ________

 232,184
 021,119,3
 469,481,1
 628,852
 ________

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 

8,059,332 

5,836,142 

 81
 02

 -
 308,78
 ________

 000,002
 899,66
 ________

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 
  sgniworroB
 ytilibail xat derrefeD

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

 SEITILIBAIL LATOT

 STESSA TEN LATOT

CAPITAL AND RESERVES ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY 
 TNERAP EHT FO SREDLOH
 latipac erahS
 evreser muimerp erahS
 evreser noitpmeder latipaC
 evreser egnahcxe ngieroF
 sgninrae deniateR

 12
 22
 22
 22
 22

 YTIUQE LATOT

87,803 
 ________

 531,741,8
 ________

 761,601,5
 ________

 275,933
 432,529
 476,4
 -
 786,638,3
 ________

 761,601,5
 ________

266,998 
 ________

 041,301,6
 ________

 206,839,3
 ________

 628,703
 089,657
 476,4
 438,95
 882,908,2
 ________

 206,839,3
 ________

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on   20th June 2012 and 
were signed on its behalf by: 

P. Haining, Director  

G S Marsh, Director 

The notes on pages 18 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 

2012 

2011 

£ 

£ 

£ 

£ 

 SEITIVITCA GNITAREPO
 noitaxat erofeb tiforP
 :rof stnemtsujdA
 noitaicerpeD
 noitasitromA
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
 esnepxe tnemyap desab erahS
 stsoc ecnaniF
 noitisiuqca no niaG

 segnahc erofeb snoitarepo morf tiforP
 snoisivorp dna latipac gnikrow ni

 seirotnevni ni )esaercnI(
(Increase) in trade and other receivables 
Increase in trade and other payables 

 snoitarepo morf detareneg hsaC

 diap sexat emocnI

 seitivitca gnitarepo morf wolf hsaC

 SEITIVITCA GNITSEVNI
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
 erawtfos retupmoc fo esahcruP
Proceeds of sales from property, plant and equipment 
Consideration paid on acquisition of subsidiary 
Consideration paid on acquisition of business 
Cash within subsidiary over which control has  
 deniatbo neeb    

 SEITIVITCA GNICNANIF
 serahs yranidro fo eussI
 deviecer naol mret muideM
 gnirotcaf tbed fo tnemyapeR
 esael ecnanif fo tnemyapeR
Invoice discounting finance (net movement) 
 diap tseretnI
Dividend paid to equity shareholders 

(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH 
 STNELAVIUQE

 693,342,1

 391,311
 080,22
(6,179) 
 881,61
 051,35
 -
 ________

 828,144,1

 )338,788(
 _______

 599,355

 )934,411(
 _______

 655,934

 )995,494(
 _______

 )340,55(

 441,995,1

 877,691
 351,43
8,095 
 320,29
 806,76
 )782,061(
 ________

 415,738,1

 )333,69(
(2,657,987) 
1,147,734 
 ________

 )055,628(
  (1,268,263) 
  1,216,980 
 ________ 

 )685,606,1(
 _______

 829,032

 )628,852(
 _______

   )934,411(
 _______

 )628,852(
 _______

 )898,72(

 )104,064(
 _______

 )992,884(

(483,553) 
 )777,31(
70,466 
(225,263) 
- 

 825,751
 _______

 -
 000,002
 )009,552(
 )350,6(
121,261 
 )051,35(
(246,260) 
 _______

(288,787) 
 )411,8(
36,500 
- 
(200,000) 

 -
 _______

 000,002
 -
 -
 -
(120,548) 
 )806,76(
(441,443) 
 _______

 )995,924(
 _______

 )898,719(
 _______

 )201,042(
 _______

 )541,592(
 _______

The notes on pages 18 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise: 

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsac ni )esaerced( teN

 )898,719(

 )541,592(

 raey fo gninnigeb ta stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsaC

 )922,804(

 )297,711(

 stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsac no sniag egnahcxE

 raey fo dne ta stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsaC

There were no significant non-cash transactions. 

 dnamed no elbaliava hsaC
 stfardrevO

 -
 _________

 )721,623,1(
 _________

 807,4
 _______

 )922,804(
 _______

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 868,14
 )599,763,1(
 _________

 )721,623,1(
 _________

 300,37
 )232,184(
 _______

 )922,804(
 _______

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 

1. 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS 

 The  principal  accounting  policies  adopted  in  the  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  are  set  out  below.  
The policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

 These  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards,  International  Accounting  Standards  and  Interpretations  issued  by  the  International  Accounting 
Standards  Board  as  adopted by  the  European  Union  (“IFRSs”)  and  with  those  parts  of  the  Companies  Act 
2006 applicable to companies preparing their accounts under IFRSs.  The consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

 As  allowed  by  IFRS  1,  we  have  elected  not  to  apply  IFRS  retrospectively  for  business  combinations 
computed  prior  to  1st  April  2006  and  have  used  the  carrying  value  of  goodwill  resulting  from  business 
combinations occurring before the date of transition as deemed costs, subjecting this to impairment reviews 
at the date of transition (1st April 2006) and at the end of each financial year thereafter. 

 Basis of Consolidation 
 Where the company has the power, either directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies 
of another entity or business so as to obtain benefits from its activities, it is classified as a subsidiary.  The 
consolidated financial statements present the results of the company and its subsidiaries (“the Group”) as if 
they formed a single entity.  Intercompany transactions and balances between Group companies are therefore 
eliminated in full. 

 Business Combinations 
 The  consolidated  financial  statements  incorporate  the  results  of  business  combinations  using  the  purchase 
method  other  than  disclosed  above.  In  the  consolidated  balance  sheet,  the  acquiree’s  identifiable  assets, 
liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  are  initially  recognised  at  their  fair  values  at  the  acquisition  date.    The 
results of acquired operations are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the 
date on which control is obtained. 

 Goodwill 
 Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  cost  of  a  business  combination  over  the  interest  in  the  fair  value  of 
identifiable  assets,  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  acquired.    Cost  comprises  the  fair  value  of  assets 
given, liabilities assumed and equity instruments issued. 

 Goodwill  is  capitalised  as  an  intangible  asset  with  any  impairment  in  carrying  value  being  charged  to  the 
income statement. 

Any gains on acquisition are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income on the date of acquisition. 

 Impairment of non-financial assets 
 Impairment  tests  on  goodwill  are  undertaken  annually  on  31st  March,  and  on  other  non-financial  assets 
whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  their  carrying  value  may  not  be  reasonable.  
Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount (ie the higher of value in use and fair 
value less costs to sell), the asset is written down accordingly. 

 Impairment  charges  are  included  in  the  administrative  expenses  line  item  in  the  consolidated  statement  of 
comprehensive income, except to the extent that they reverse gains previously recognised in the consolidated 
statement of recognised income and expense. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed. 

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

1. 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS (continued) 

Intangible Assets (other than goodwill) 
Intangible assets are recognised on business combinations if they are separable from the acquired entity or arise 
from other contractual/legal rights. The amounts ascribed to such intangibles are arrived at by using appropriate 
valuation techniques. 

Externally acquired intangible assets are initially recognised at cost and subsequently amortised on a straight line 
basis  over  their  useful  economic  lives.  Cost  includes  all  directly  attributable  costs  of  acquisition.  The 
amortisation  expense  is  included  within  the  administration  expense  line  in  the  consolidated  statement  of 
comprehensive income. Software is amortised over its useful economic life of 5 years and other intangible assets 
over their useful economic life of 10 years. 

Intangible assets are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their 
carrying value may not be recoverable. 

Revenue  
Revenue represents sales to external customers at invoiced amounts less value added tax or local taxes on sales. 
Revenue  is  recognised  when  the  risks  and  rewards  of  owning  the  goods  has  passed  to  the  customer  which  is 
generally on collection. For goods that are subject to bill and hold arrangements this means: 

the goods are complete and ready for collection; 
the goods are separately identified from the Group’s other stock and are not used to fulfil any other orders;  

• 
• 
•  and the customer has specifically requested that the goods be held pending collection. 

Normal payment terms apply to the bill and hold arrangements. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Items  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  are  initially  recognised  at  cost.    As  well  as  the  purchase  price,  cost 
includes directly attributable costs.   

Depreciation is provided on all items of property, plant and equipment to write off the carrying value of items 
over their expected useful economic lives.  It is applied at the following rates: 

Short leasehold property improvements- straight line over minimum life of lease 
Fittings and equipment- 25% per annum on a reducing balance basis 
Computers- 20% per annum on a straight line basis 
Motor vehicles- 25% per annum on a reducing balance basis 

Depreciation  is  provided  on  all  UN  licences  to  write  off  the  carrying  value  of  each  licence  over  its  expected 
useful life, which is generally 10 years from its original grant. 

Leased assets 
Where substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership are retained by the lessor (an “operating 
lease”),  the  total  rentals  payable  under  the  lease  are  charged  to  the  statement  of  comprehensive  income  on  a 
straight-line basis over the lease term. 

The  land  and  buildings  elements  of  property  leases  are  considered  separately  for  the  purposes  of  lease 
classification. 

Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a first 
in, first out basis. Work in progress and finished goods include labour and attributable overheads.  Net realisable 
value is based on estimated selling price less any additional costs to completion and disposal. 

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

1. 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS (continued) 

Deferred taxation 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the balance 
sheet differs from its tax base, except for differences arising on: 

(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

the initial recognition of goodwill 
the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at 
the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit: and 
investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities where the Group is able to control the timing 
of  the  reversal  of  the  difference  and  it  is  probable  the  difference  will  not  reverse  in  the  foreseeable 
future. 

Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profit will be 
available against which the differences can be utilised. 

The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted 
by  the  balance  sheet  date  and  are  expected  to  apply  when  the  deferred  tax  liabilities/(assets)  are 
settled/(recovered) 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax 
assets and liabilities, and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority. 

Pensions  
The  pension  schemes  operated  by  the  Group  are  defined  contribution  schemes.  The  pension  cost  charge 
represents the contributions payable by the Group.  

Foreign currency 
Transactions  entered  into  by  Group  entities  in  a  currency  other  than  the  currency  of  the  primary  economic 
environment in which it operates are recorded at the rates ruling when the transactions occur.  Foreign currency 
monetary assets and liabilities are retranslated at the rates ruling at the balance sheet date.  Exchange differences 
arising are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. 

On consolidation, the statement of  financial position of overseas operations are translated into sterling at rates 
approximating  to  those  ruling  at  the  statement  of  financial  position  date.  Exchange  differences  arising  on 
retranslation  of  the  net  assets  and  results  of  the  overseas  operations  are  recognised  directly  in  the  “foreign 
exchange reserve”. 

Research and development costs 
Expenditure on internally developed products is capitalised if it can be demonstrated that: 

(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129) 

it is technically feasible to develop the product for it to be sold; 
adequate resources are available to complete the development; 
there is an intention to complete and sell the product; 
the Group is able to sell the product; 
sale of the product will generate future economic benefits; and 
expenditure on the project can be measured reliably. 

Capitalised  development  costs  are  amortised  over  the  periods  the  Group  expects  to  benefit  from  selling  the 
products  developed.    The  amortisation  expense  is  included  within  the  cost  of  sales  line  in  the  statement  of 
comprehensive income. 

Development  expenditure  not  satisfying  the  above  criteria  and  expenditure  on  the  research  phase  of  internal 
projects are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as incurred. 

None of the development costs during the years ended 31st March 2011 and 31st March 2012 met the conditions 
necessary for capitalisation. 

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

1. 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS (continued) 

Dividends 
Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. Interim dividends are recognised when paid. 
Final dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an annual general meeting. 

Financial assets 
The Group classifies its assets into one of the following categories, depending on the purpose for which the asset 
was acquired. The Group’s accounting policy for each category is as follows: 

Fair value through profit or loss: This category comprises only in-the-money derivatives. They are carried in the 
statement  of  financial  position  at  fair  value  with  changes  in  fair  value  recognised  in  the  statement  of 
comprehensive income. Other than derivatives, the Group does not have any assets held for trading nor does it 
voluntarily classify any financial assets as being at fair value through the profit and loss account 

Loans and receivables:  These assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that 
are  not  quoted  in  an  active  market.  They  arise  principally  through  the  provision  of  goods  and  services  to 
customers (trade receivables), but also incorporate other types of contractual  monetary asset. They are initially 
recognised  at  fair  value  plus  transaction  costs  that  are  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition  or  issue  and 
subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less provision for impairment. 

The effect of discounting on these financial instruments is not considered to be material. 

Impairment provisions are recognised when there is objective evidence (such as significant financial difficulties 
on the part of the counterparty or default or significant delay in payment) that the Group will be unable to collect 
all the amounts due under the terms receivable, the amount of such a provision being the difference between the 
net  carrying  amount  and  the  present  value  of  the  future  expected  cash  flows  associated  with  the  impaired 
receivable.  For  trade  receivables,  such  provisions  are  recorded  in  a  separate  allowance  account  with  the  loss 
being  recognised  within  administrative  expenses  in  the  income  statement.  On  confirmation  that  the  trade 
receivable  will  not  be  collectable,  the  gross  carrying  value  of  the  asset  is  written  off  against  the  associated 
provision. 

Financial liabilities 
The Group classifies its financial liabilities into one of two categories, depending on the purpose for which the 
liability  was  acquired.  Other  than  financial  liabilities  in  a  qualifying  hedging  relationship  (see  below),  the 
Group’s accounting policy for each category is as follows: 

Fair value through the profit and loss: This category comprises only out-of-money derivatives. They are carried 
in  the  statement  of  financial  position  at  fair  value  with  changes  in  fair  value  recognised  in  the  statement  of 
comprehensive income. 

Other financial liabilities: Other financial liabilities include the following items: 

(cid:129)  Trade payables and other short term monetary liabilities, which are recognised at amortised cost. 
(cid:129)  Bank  borrowings  are  initially  recognised  at  the  amount  advanced  net  of  any  transaction  costs  directly 
attributable  to  the  issue  of  the  instrument.  Such  interest  bearing  liabilities  are  subsequently  measured  at 
amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest  rate  method,  which  ensures  that  any  interest  expense  over  the 
period  to  repayment  is  at  a  constant  rate  on  the  balance  of  liability  carried  in  the  statement  of  financial 
position  “Interest  expense”  in  this  context  includes  initial  transaction  costs  and  premia  payable  on 
redemption, as well as any interest while the liability is outstanding. 

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

1. 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS (continued) 

Shared based payment 
Where share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to the 
consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income  over  the  vesting  period.    Non-market  vesting  conditions  are 
taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each statement of financial 
position  date  so  that,  ultimately,  the  cumulative  amount  recognised  over  the  vesting  period  is  based  on  the 
number  of  options  that  eventually  vest.  Market  vesting  conditions  are  factored  into  the  fair  value  of  options 
granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market 
vesting conditions are satisfied. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting 
condition. 

Where  the  terms  and  conditions  of  options  are  modified  before  they  vest,  the  increase  in  the  fair  value  of  the 
options,  measured  immediately  before  and  after  the  modification,  is  also  charged  to  the  statement  of 
comprehensive income over the remaining vesting period. 

Standards and amendments and interpretations to published standards not yet effective 

Certain  new  standards,  amendments  and  interpretations  to  existing  standards  have  been  published  that  are 
mandatory for the group’s accounting periods beginning on or after 1st April 2013 or later periods and which the 
group has decided not to adopt early are: 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective for accounting periods beginning or after 1st January 2015).  IFRS 9 
introduces new requirements for classifying and measuring financial assets and liabilities. 

IFRS  10  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  (effective  for  accounting  periods  beginning  on  or  after  1st 
January  2013).    IFRS  10  establishes  principles  for  the  presentation  and  preparation  of  consolidated  financial 
statements when an entity controls one or more entities. 

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2013).  IFRS 
11 focuses on the rights and obligations of joint arrangements, rather than its legal form. 

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st 
January  2013).    IFRS  12  introduces  new  disclosure  requirements  for  all  forms  of  interests  in  other  entities 
including subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and unconsolidated structured entities. 

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2013).  
IFRS 10 establishes a single framework for all fair value measurements when fair value is required or permitted 
by IFRS. 

IAS 1 (amended) Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income (effective  for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1st January 2015) IAS 1 prescribes the basis for presentation of general purpose financial 
information to ensure comparability with the entity’s financial statements of previous periods and with financial 
statements of other entities. 

IAS 12 (amended) Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets (effective for accounting periods beginning 
on or after 1st January 2012).IAS 12 prescribes the accounting treatment for income taxes. 

IAS 19 (revised) Employee Benefits (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2013) 
IAS 19 prescribes the accounting and disclosure for employee benefits i.e. all forms of consideration given by an 
entity in exchange for service rendered by an employee. 

IAS  27  (revised)  Separate  Financial  Statements  (effective  for  accounting  periods  beginning  on  or  after  1st 
January 2013) IAS 27 assists in the preparation and presentation of consolidated financial statements for a group 
of  entities  under  the  control  of  a  parent  and  in  accounting  for  investments  in  subsidiaries,  jointly  controlled 
entities  and  associates  when  an  entity  elects,  or  is  required  by  local  regulations  to  present  separate  (non 
consolidated) financial statements. 

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

1. 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS (continued) 

The  implementation  of  these  standards  is  not  expected  to  have  any  material  effect  on  the  Group’s  financial 
statements. 

2. 

REVENUE 

Revenue arises from:  

 sdoog fo elaS
 secivres fo noisivorP

3. 

PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 

This has been arrived at after charging/(crediting): 

 )4 eton ees( stsoc ffatS
Employment termination costs (included in staff costs) 
 tnempiuqe dna tnalp ,ytreporp fo noitaicerpeD
Amortisation of computer software and other intangible assets 
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
 :noitarenumer ’srotiduA
 seef tiduA
Audit of accounts of associates of the company pursuant to legislation 
 :slatner esael gnitarepO
 yrenihcam dna tnalP
 rehtO
 stsoc tnempoleved dna hcraeseR
 secnereffid egnahcxe ngieroF
 snwod etirw kcotS

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 681,287,52
 569,19
 _________

 587,570,12
 325,39
 _________

 151,478,52
 _________

803,961,12
 _________

2012 
£ 

 066,470,4
105,460 
 877,691
34,153 
8,095 

 005,5
32,000 

 005,14
 349,202
 014,871
 )195,812(
 000,031
 _______

2011 
£ 

 571,020,3
78,110 
 391,311
22,080 
(6,179) 

 000,1
35,002 

 569,12
 771,241
 216,411
 )728,212(
 000,261
 _______

The foreign exchange differences have been treated as a reduction in cost of sales rather than as a negative 
overhead.   

4. 

STAFF COSTS 

Staff costs for all employees during the year, including the executive Directors, were as follows: 

 seiralas dna segaW
 stsoc ytiruces laicoS
 stsoc noisnep rehtO

23

2012 
£ 
 536,076,3
 390,493
 239,9
 ________

 066,470,4
 ________

2011 
£ 
 379,176,2
 466,882
 835,95
 ________

571,020,3
 ________

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

4. 

STAFF COSTS (continued) 

Wages and salaries include termination costs of £105,460 (2011: £78,110) 

The average monthly number of employees during the year, including the three executive Directors, was as 
follows: 

 noitubirtsid dna gnilleS
 gnirutcafunaM
 noitartsinimda dna tnemeganaM

2012 
Number 

2011 
Number 

 23
 72
 73
 __

 69
 __

 92
 02
 82
 __

 77
 __

5. 

DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS, INTERESTS AND SERVICES CONTRACTS 

The value of all elements of remuneration received by each Director in the year was as follows: 

Salary/ 
Fees 

Salary/ 
Fees 
 £

Benefits 
Bonuses 
Bonuses 
in kind 
 £
 £
 £
 £

Benefits 
Total 
in kind 
emoluments 
 £
 £

Total 
Pension 
emoluments 
contributions 
 £
 £

Pension 
contributions 
Total 
 £

Total 
 £

 £

31st March 2012 

W G Marsh 
G S Marsh 
J M Lavery 
J L Macmichael 
P Haining 
G L Comben 
 ererF B A

Total 

31st March 2011 

W G Marsh 
G S Marsh 
J M Lavery 
J L Macmichael 
P Haining 
L C A Newnham 
G L Comben 
A B Frere 

m 

Total 

54,000 
54,000 
264,000 
264,000 
259,000 
259,000 
182,000 
182,000 
19,000 
19,000 
53,000 
53,000 
 -
 -
 ______
 ______

831,000 
 ______

831,000 
 ______

17,000 
222,000 
181,000 
90,000 
15,000 
9,000 
19,000 
15,000 
 ______

17,000 
222,000 
181,000 
90,000 
15,000 
9,000 
19,000 
15,000 
 ______

568,000 
 ______

568,000 
 ______

54,000 
- 
54,000 
- 
-  264,000 
-  264,000 
2,000  261,000 
2,000  261,000 
-  182,000 
-  182,000 
19,000 
- 
19,000 
- 
53,000 
- 
53,000 
- 
 -
 -
 -
 -
 ______
 ______
 ______
 ______

2,000 
 ______

2,000 
 ______

833,000 
 ______

833,000 
 ______

17,000 
- 
17,000 
- 
-  222,000 
-  222,000 
48,000  229,000 
48,000  229,000 
90,000 
- 
90,000 
- 
15,000 
- 
15,000 
- 
9,000 
- 
9,000 
- 
19,000 
- 
19,000 
- 
- 
15,000 
15,000 
- 
 ______
 ______
 ______
 ______

48,000 
 ______

48,000 
 ______

616,000 
 ______

616,000 
 ______

36,000 
36,000 
125,000 
125,000 
120,000 
120,000 
85,000 
85,000 
19,000 
19,000 
36,000 
36,000 
 -
 -
 ______
 ______

18,000 
- 
18,000 
- 
14,000 
125,000 
14,000 
125,000 
19,000 
120,000 
19,000 
120,000 
18,000 
79,000 
18,000 
79,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
17,000 
- 
17,000 
- 
 -
 -
 -
 -
 ______
 ______
 ______
 ______

421,000 
 ______

421,000 
 ______

324,000 
 ______

324,000 
 ______

86,000 
 ______

86,000 
 ______

12,000 
110,000 
100,000 
75,000 
15,000 
9,000 
6,000 
15,000 
 ______

12,000 
110,000 
100,000 
75,000 
15,000 
9,000 
6,000 
15,000 
 ______

5,000 
- 
5,000 
- 
12,000 
100,000 
12,000 
100,000 
16,000 
65,000 
16,000 
65,000 
10,000 
5,000 
10,000 
5,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
13,000 
- 
13,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
 ______
 ______
 ______
 ______

342,000 
 ______

342,000 
 ______

170,000 
 ______

170,000 
 ______

56,000 
 ______

56,000 
 ______

24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

5.        DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS, INTERESTS AND SERVICES CONTRACTS 

(continued) 

The executive Directors waived their entitlement to emoluments during the year as follows: 

 hsraM G W

 2102
 £

 1102
 £

 -
 ______

 000,42
 ______

The principal benefits in kind relate to the provision of company cars. 

In addition to the above, fees totalling £63,345 (2011: £56,000) arose during the year in respect of accountancy 
services provided by The Kings Mill Partnership, a firm of which P Haining is a partner.  A balance of £7,458       
(2011: £14,472) was due to The Kings Mill Partnership at 31st March 2012.   

Fees totalling £16,053 (2011: £Nil) arose during the year in respect of the services of A B Frere provided by 
Condev Limited. A balance of £1,938 (2011: £Nil) was due to Condev Limited at 31st March 2012. 

The executive Directors have service contracts  with the Company  which are terminable by the Company, or 
the relevant Director, on one year’s notice. 

The Directors of the Company on 20th June 2012 and at the statement of financial position date, and their 
interest in the issued ordinary share capital of the Company at that date, at 31st March 2012 and 31st March 
2011 or date of appointment if later, were as follows: 

 nebmoC L G
 hsraM G W
 hsraM S G
 yrevaL M J
 gniniaH P
 leahcimcaM L J
 ererF B A

20.06.12 

31.03.12 

31.03.11 

 000,000,2
 000,884,1
 291,193
 543,813
 005,25
 000,11
 000,65

 000,000,2
 000,884,1
 291,193
 543,813
 005,25
 000,11
 000,65

 601,517,2
 000,886,1
 907,37
 068
 005,21
  -
 -

Details of the options over the Company’s shares granted under the Enterprise Management Incentives Scheme 
are as follows: 

 snoitpO
 ta dleh

 desicrexE 11.40.10

 detnarG 

 snoitpO
 ta dleh
 21.30.13

 esicrexE
 ecirp

 fo etaD
 tnarg

  esicrexE
 doirep

G S Marsh 

317,460 

317,460 

120,603  

120,603   

99.5p 

10.05.11 

May 2012- March 2016 

J M Lavery 

317,460 

317,460   

120,603 

120,603 

99.5p 

10.05.11  May 2012- March 2016 

J L Macmichael 

60,000 
- 

- 
- 

- 
88,085 

60,000 
88,085 

62.0p 
94.0p 

23.12.10 
01.04.11 

December 2011 onwards 
April 2012 onwards 

The market price of the shares at 31st March 2012 was £1.96 (2011: 99p), with a quoted range during the  
year of 94.5p to £1.96. 

All the options at 31st March 2012 are subject to performance criteria. 

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

5.        DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS, INTERESTS AND SERVICES CONTRACTS 

(continued) 

The options held by G S Marsh and J M Lavery are split into two equal tranches. For the first tranche to be 
exercisable, Solid State PLC’s ordinary share price needs to have exceeded £2.00 per share for 20 consecutive 
days  and  for  the  second  tranche  to  be  exercised  the  ordinary  share  price  needs  to  have  exceeded  £2.50  per 
share for 20 consecutive days. 

The  options  held  by  J  Macmichael  are  subject  to  Solid  State  Supplies  Limited  exceeding  a  certain  level  of 
annual turnover. The first option over 60,000 shares is dependent on the annual turnover  exceeding £4m. The 
second  options  are  split  into  two  equal  tranches.  For  the  first  tranche  to  be  exercisable,  the  annual  turnover 
must exceed £5m and for the second tranche the annual turnover must exceed £6m. At the balance sheet date 
all these criteria had been met. 

6.        FINANCE COSTS 

 sgniworrob knaB
 tseretni gnitnuocsid eciovnI
 tseretni rehtO

2012 
£ 

 443,72
 481,62
 080,41
______ 

67,608 
______ 

2011 
£ 

 142,81
 440,12
 568,31
______ 

53,150 
______ 

Other interest includes £9,000 (2011: £8,798) to G L Comben and £5,080 (2011: £2,850) to W G Marsh in 
Other interest includes £9,000 (2011: £8,798) to G L Comben and £5,080 (2011: £2,850) to W G Marsh in 
respect of their unsecured loans to the group.  Further details of these loans are stated in Note 18 on page 33. 
respect of their unsecured loans to the group.  Further details of these loans are stated in Note 18 on page 31. 

7.        TAX EXPENSE 

Current tax expense 
UK corporation tax and income tax of overseas operations on 
 raey eht rof sessol ro stiforp
 sdoirep roirp fo tcepser ni tnemtsujdA

Deferred tax expense 

Total tax charge 

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 353,162
 -
 _______

 628,852
 )573,4(
 ______

261,353 

254,451 

20,806 
 _______

282,159 
 _______

20,461 
 _______

274,912 
 _______

The deferred tax expense has been reduced by £4,883 (2011: £5,l39) as a result of the reduction in the 
applicable rate of corporation tax from 26% to 24%. 

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

7. 

TAX EXPENSE (continued) 

The reasons for the difference between the actual tax charge for the year and the standard rate of corporation 
tax in the UK applied to profits for the year are as follows: 

 xat erofeb tiforP

Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of  
corporation tax in the UK of 26% (2011 – 28%) 

Effect of: 
 sesoprup xat rof elbitcuded ton sesnepxE
Deductible expenses not charged in Group accounts 
Difference between depreciation for the year and capital allowances 
Tax relief on exercise of share options at less than market value 
Timing difference on recognition of gain on acquisition for tax purposes  
 sessol xat fo noitasilitU
 feiler lanigraM
Enhanced relief on research and development expenditure 
Adjustment to enhanced relief on research and development 
 raey roirp ni erutidnepxe

 egrahc xat latoT

8.        EARNINGS PER SHARE 

The earnings per share is based on the following: 

 sgninraE

 serahs fo rebmun egareva dethgieW
 serahs fo rebmun detuliD

 erahs rep sgninraE
 erahs rep sgninrae detuliD

2012 
 £

2011 
 £

 441,995,1
 _______

693,342,1
 _______

415,777 

348,151

 805,82
(5,308) 
(26) 
(104,825) 
(1,600) 
 -
 )005,4(
(45,867) 

 -
 _______

 951,282
 _______

 875,11
(9,649) 
1,065 
- 
- 
 )594,64(
 )592,1(
(24,068) 

 )573,4(
 _______

 219,472
 _______

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 589,613,1
 _________

484,869
 _______

 316,077,6
 252,078,6

 115,651,6
 843,444,6

 p5.91                              
 p2.91

 p7.51
 p0.51

Earnings per ordinary share has been calculated using the weighted average number of shares in issue during 
the year.  The weighted average number of equity shares in issue was 6,770,613 (2011: 6,156,511). 

The Diluted earnings per share is based on 6,870,252 (2011: 6,444,348) ordinary shares which allow for the 
exercise of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. 

In the prior year, certain employee options were not included in the calculation of diluted EPS because their 
exercise was contingent on the satisfaction of certain criteria that had not been met at the end of the year. In 
addition,  certain  employee  options  were  also  excluded  from  the  calculation  of  diluted  EPS  as  their  exercise 
price  was  greater  than  the  weighted  average  share  price  during  the  year  (ie  they  are  out-of-the-money)  and 
therefore it would not be advantageous for the holders to exercise the options. 

The number of share options which have not been included in the calculation of the weighted average number 
of shares was nil (2011: 60,000). 

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

9.        DIVIDENDS 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Final dividend paid for the prior year of 4p per share (2011: 2p) 
 )p2 :1102( erahs rep p5.2 fo diap dnedivid miretnI

Final dividend proposed for the year 4.75p per share (2011: 4p) 

2012 
£ 

271,657 
 687,961
_______ 

441,443 
_______ 

322,593 
_______ 

2011 
£ 

123,130 
 031,321
_______ 

246,260 
_______ 

271,657 
_______ 

The proposed final dividend has not been accrued for as the dividend was declared after the statement of 
financial position date. 

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

10.       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT  

Solid State PLC

Year ended 31st March 2011 
 tsoC
 0102 lirpA ts1
 snoitiddA
 yraidisbus fo noitisiuqcA
 slasopsiD

 1102 hcraM ts13

 noitaicerpeD
 0102 lirpA ts1
 raey eht rof egrahC
 lasopsid nO

 1102 hcraM ts13

 eulav koob teN
 1102 hcraM ts13 

Year ended 31st March 2012 
 tsoC
  1102 lirpA ts1
 snoitiddA
 slasopsiD

 2102 hcraM ts13

 noitaicerpeD
 1102 lirpA ts1
 raey eht rof egrahC
 lasopsid nO

 2102 hcraM ts13

 eulav koob teN
 2102 hcraM ts13

 trohS
 dlohesael
 ytreporp

 rotoM

 selcihev stnemevorpmi

 sgnittiF
 dna tnempiuqe
 sretupmoc

 £

 £

 £

 latoT
 £

 671,552
 133,991
 -
 )671,552(
 _______

 970,992
 381,432
 -
 )232,531(
 _______

 561,429
 930,05
 938,7
 )008,2(
 _______

 024,874,1
 355,384
 938,7
 )802,393(
 ________

 133,991
 _______

 030,893
 _______

 342,979
 _______

 406,675,1
 ________

 671,552
 274,8
 )671,552(
 _______

 658,69
 461,56
 )587,17(
 _______

 445,628
 755,93
 )069,1(
 _______

 675,871,1
 391,311
 )129,823(
 ________

 274,8
 _______

 532,09
 _______

 141,468
 _______

 848,269
 ________

 958,091
 _______

 597,703
 _______

 201,511
 _______

 657,316
 ________

 133,991
 543,91
 -

 030,893
 050,491
 )578,06(

 342,979
 293,562
 -

 406,675,1
 787,874
)578,06(

 _______

 _______

 _______

 ________

 676,812
 _______

 502,135
 _______

 536,442,1
 _______

 615,499,1
 ________

 274,8
 168,43
 -
 _______

 532,09
 093,99
 )082,61(
 _______

 141,468
 725,26
 -
 _______

 848,269
 877,691
 )082,61(
 ________

 333,34
 _______

 543,371
 _______

 866,629
 _______

 643,341,1
 ________

  343,571
 _______

 068,753
 _______

 769,713
 _______

 071,158
 ________

At 31  March 2011 the Group was committed to purchase a motor vehicle at a cost of £42,627. 

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

11.       INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

 NU
 secneciL
 £

 retupmoC
 erawtfos
 £

 no lliwdooG
 noitadilosnoc
 £

Other 
 elbignatni
 stessa
 £

 latoT
 £

Year ended 31st March 2011 

1st April 2010 
 snoitiddA
Acquisition of subsidiary 

9,800 
 -
- 

42,312 
 777,31
- 

1,992,737 
 -
213,541 

- 
 -
140,434 

2,044,849 
 777,31
353,975 

 _____

 ______

 ________

 _______

 ________

31st March 2011 

9,800 

56,089 

2,206,278 

140,434 

2,412,601  

 _____

 ______

 ________

 _______

 ________

 noitasitromA
  0102 lirpA ts1
Charge for the year 

31st March 2011 

 eulav koob teN
31st March 2011 

Year ended 31st March 2012 

 tsoC
1st April 2011 
 snoitiddA

31st March 2012 

 noitasitromA
  1102 lirpA ts1
Charge for the year 

31st March 2012 

 eulav koob teN
31st March 2012 

  -
-  
 _____

-  
 _____

9,800 
 _____

9,800  
 -
 _____

9,800 
 _____

  -
-  
 _____

-  
 _____

9,800 
 _____

  309,51
8,037 
 ______

23,940 
 ______

32,149 
 ______

56,089 
 411,58
 _______

141,203 
 _______

 049,32
20,110 
 ______

44,050 
 ______

97,153 
 ______

  -
-  
 ________

-  
 ________

2,206,278 
 ________

2,206,278 
 -
 ________

2,206,278 
 ________

  -
-  
 ________

-  
 ________

2,206,278 
 ________

 -
14,043 
 _______

 309,51
22,080 
 ________

14,043 
 _______

37,983 
 ________

126,391 
 _______

2,374,618 
 ________

140,434 
 -
 _______

2,412,601 
 411,58
 ________

140,434 
 _______

2,497,715  
 ________

 340,41
14,043 
 _______

 389,73
34,153 
 ________

28,086 
 _______

72,136 
 ________

112,348 
 _______

2,425,579 
 ________

Other intangible assets comprise the estimated net present value of customer relationships of Rugged Systems 
Limited at the date of acquisition. 

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

12.       GOODWILL AND IMPAIRMENT 

Details of the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to cash generating units (CGUs) is as follows: 

 detimiL etitaetS
 detimiL smetsyS degguR

 tnuoma gniyrrac lliwdooG 

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 872,602,2
 -
________ 

 737,299,1
 145,312
________ 

2,206,278 
________ 

2,206,278 
________ 

The  recoverable  amounts  of  all  the  above  CGUs  have  been  determined  from  a  review  of  the  current  and 
anticipated  performance  of  these  units.  In  preparing  the  projection,  a  discount  rate  of  15%  (2011:  15%)  has 
been used based on the weighted average cost of capital and a future growth rate of 2.25% has been assumed 
beyond the first year for which the projection is based on the budget approved by the board of directors. The 
future  growth  rate  has  been  applied  for  the  next  four  years.  It  has  been  assumed  investment  in  capital 
equipment  will  equate  to  depreciation  over  this  period.  The  discount  rate  was  based  on  the  group’s  “beta” 
which is a measure of the volatility of the share price against the market. This amounts to 0.84 (2011: 0.84). 

The  recoverable  amount  exceeds  the  carrying  amount  by  £9,719,000  (2011:  £7,666,000).  If  any  one  of  the 
following  changes  were  made  to  the  above  key  assumptions,  the  carrying  amount  would  still  exceed  the 
recoverable amount. 

Discount rate: Increase from 15% to 18% 
Growth rate: Reduction from 2.25% to 1.75% 

13.       SUBSIDIARIES 

The principal subsidiaries of Solid State PLC, all of which have been included in these consolidated financial 
statements are as follows: 

In all cases the country of operation and of incorporation or registration is England. 

With effect from 1st April 2012 the trade of Steatite Blazepoint Limited has been transferred to Steatite 
Limited and the company became dormant. 

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

14.       INVENTORIES  

 elaser rof sdoog dna sdoog dehsiniF
 ssergorp ni kroW

2012 
£ 

 591,457,2
 018,703
 ________

 500,260,3
 ________

2011 
£ 

 399,293,2
 976,273
 ________

 276,567,2
 ________

There is no material difference between the replacement cost of inventories and the amount stated above. 

15.       TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES  

 selbaviecer edarT
 selbaviecer rehtO
 stnemyaperP

2012 
£ 

 943,915,6
 -
 133,353
 ________

 086,278,6
 ________

2011 
£ 

 414,678,3
 808,2
 174,533
 ________

 396,412,4
 ________

Group  trade  receivables  include  £1,572,639  (2011:  £1,768,843)  which  are  subject  to  an  invoice  discounting 
agreement.    Under  this  agreement,  borrowing  equal  to  85%  of  the  relevant  book  debts  can  be  taken  with 
interest charged at 2% over bank base rate and an administration fee of 0.175% of the gross value of the debts 
per  month.    At  31st  March  2012  borrowing  under  the  agreement  of  £1,280,235  (2011:  £1,348,700)  was 
available  of  which  £1,064,417  (2011:  £1,184,164)  was  taken  up.  Interest  charges  in  the  year  amounted  to 
£26,184 (2011: £21,044) and administration fees to £22,935 (2011: £30,826). 

16.       TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES (CURRENT)  

 selbayap edarT
 sexat ytiruces laicos dna sexat rehtO
 selbayap rehtO
 slaurccA
 emocni derrefeD

2012 
£ 

 552,061,3
 276,708
 773,946
 571,745
 880,102
 ________

 765,563,5
 ________

2011 
£ 

 871,086,2
 291,394
 576,902
 760,023
 800,802
 ________

 021,119,3
 ________

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

17.       BANK BORROWINGS  

 sretnuocsid eciovni ot eud stnuomA

Solid State PLC

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 714,460,1
 ________

 469,481,1
 ________

The bank overdraft is secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the Company and the Group.  
At the balance sheet date, the Group had an undrawn overdraft facility of £632,000 (2011: £608,000).  

18.       TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES (NON CURRENT)  

 snaol mret muideM

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 -
_______ 

 000,002
________ 

At 31st March 2011, the medium term loans comprised loans of £150,000 from G L Comben and £50,000 
from W G Marsh.  At 31st March 2012, loans of £150,000 from G L Comben and £150,000 from W G Marsh 
are included within other payables due within less than one year. The loans are unsecured and, for G L 
Comben’s loan, interest is payable at the rate of 6% per annum and for W G Marsh’s loan, interest is payable 
at the rate of 6% per annum on the first £50,000 and at 2% over base rate for the remainder. Both loans were 
repaid on 21st May 2012. 

19.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  

The Group’s overall risk management programme seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s 
financial performance. 

The  Group’s  financial  instruments  comprise  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  various  items  such  as  trade 
payables and receivables that arise directly from its operations.  The Group is exposed through its operations to 
the following risks: 

(cid:129)  Credit risk 
(cid:129)  Foreign currency risk 
(cid:129)  Liquidity risk 
(cid:129)  Cash flow interest rate risk 

In  common  with  all  other  businesses,  the  Group  is  exposed  to  risks  that  arise  from  its  use  of  financial 
instruments.    This  note  describes  the  Group’s  objectives,  policies  and  processes  for  managing  those  risks.  
Further quantitative information in respect of these risks is presented throughout these financial statements. 

There  have  been  no  substantive  changes  in  the  Group’s  exposure  to  financial  instrument  risks  and 
consequently the objectives, policies and processes are unchanged from the previous period. 

The  Board  has  overall  responsibility  for  the  determination  of  the  Group’s  risk  management  policies.    The 
objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce the risk as far as possible without unduly affecting 
the Group’s competitiveness and effectiveness.  Further details of these policies are set out on the next page: 

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

19. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

Credit risk 
The  Group  is  exposed  to  credit  risk  primarily  on  its  trade  receivables,  which  are  spread  over  a  range  of 
customers and countries, a factor that helps to dilute the concentration of the risk. 

It  is  Group  policy,  implemented  locally,  to  assess  the  credit  risk  of  each  new  customer  before  entering  into 
binding contracts.  Each customer account is then reviewed on an ongoing basis (at least once a year) based on 
available information and payment history. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying value in the statement of financial position 
as shown in note 15 and in the statement of financial position.  The amount of the exposure shown in note 15 is 
stated net of provisions for doubtful debts. 

The  credit  risk  on  liquid  funds  is  low  as  the  funds  are  held  at  banks  with  high  credit  ratings  assigned  by 
international credit rating agencies. 

Foreign currency risk 
Foreign exchange transaction risk arises when individual Group operations enter into transactions denominated 
in a currency other than their functional currency.  The general policy for the Group is to sell to customers in 
the  same  currency  that  goods  are  purchased  in  reducing  the  transactional  risk.    Where  transactions  are  not 
matched excess foreign currency amounts generated from trading are converted back to sterling and required 
foreign currency amounts are converted from sterling and the use of forward currency contracts is considered. 

Foreign  exchange  translation  risk  arises  on  translation  of  the  balance  sheets  of  Group  operations  whose 
functional currency is different to that of the Group as a whole. The predominant area where this risk applies is 
US dollars and Swiss francs. 

Liquidity risk 
The Group operates a Group overdraft facility common to all its trading companies and invoice discounting is 
used on some sales to customers meaning that the UK business can receive immediate payment on its sales. 

The  Group  has  approximately  a  three  month  visibility  in  its  trading  and  runs  a  rolling  3  month  cash  flow 
forecast.    If  any  part  of  the  Group  identifies  a  shortfall  in  its  future  cash  position  the  Group  has  sufficient 
facilities that it can direct funds to the location where they are required.  If this situation is forecast to continue 
into the future remedial action is taken. 

Cash flow interest rate risk 
External  Group  borrowings  are  approved  centrally.    The  Board  accepts  that  this  neither  protects  the  Group 
entirely  from  the  risk  of  paying  rates  in  excess  of  current  market  rates  nor  eliminates  fully  cash  flow  risk 
associated with interest payments.  It considers, however, that by ensuring approval of borrowings is made by 
the Board the risk of borrowing at excessive interest rates is reduced.  The Board considers that the rates being 
paid are in line with the most competitive rates it is possible for the Group to achieve. 

Credit risk 
The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure.  The maximum exposure to 
credit risk at the reporting date was: 

Current financial assets 
 selbaviecer rehto dna edarT
 stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsaC

34

Loans and Receivables 
2011 
£ 

2012 
£ 

 086,278,6
 868,14
 ________

 845,419,6
 ________

 396,412,4
300,37
 ________

 696,782,4
 ________

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

19.       FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was: 

 KU
 KU noN

Carrying value 

2012 
£ 

 570,303,6
 472,612
 ________

 943,915,6
 ________

2011 
£ 

 331,308,3
 182,37
 ________

 414,678,3
 ________

The  Group  policy  is  to  make  a  provision  against  those  debts  that  are  overdue,  unless  there  are  grounds  for 
believing  that  all  or  some  of  the  debts  will  be  collected.    During  the  year  the  value  of  provisions  made  in 
respect of bad and doubtful debts was £Nil (2011: £7,262) which represented 0% (2011: 0.03%) of revenue. 
This provision is included within the management and administration costs in the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income. 

Trade receivables ageing by geographical segment 

Geographical area 

 2102
 KU
 KU noN

 latoT

Total 
£ 

Current 
£ 

30 days 
past due 
£ 

60 days 
past due 
£ 

90 days 
past due 
£ 

 311,193,6
 390,532
 ________

 162,890,6
 946,491
 ________

 368,572
 526,12
 _______

 371,21
 838,11
 ______

 618,4
 189,6
 ______

 602,626,6

 019,292,6

 884,792

 110,42

 797,11

 snoisivorP :sseL

 )758,601(

 -

 )940,17(

 )110,42(

 )797,11(

 latoT

 943,915,6

 019,292,6

 934,622

 -

-

 ________

 ________

 _______

 ______

 ______

 ________

 ________

 _______

 ______

 ______

2011 
 KU
 KU noN

 latoT

 830,319,3
 182,37
 ________

 984,216,3
 511,36
 ________

 290,132
 661,01
 _______

 357,11
 -
 ______

 407,75
 -
 ______

 913,689,3

 406,576,3

 852,142

 357,11

 407,75

 snoisivorP :sseL

 )509,901(

 -

 )844,04(

 )357,11(

 )407,75(

 ________

 ________

 _______

 ______

 ______

 latoT

 414,678,3
 ________

 406,576,3
 ________

 018,002
 ______

 -
 ______

-
 ______

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

19. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

The  Group  records  impairment  losses  on  its  trade  receivables  separately  from  gross  receivables.  The 
movements on this allowance account during the year are summarised below: 

 ecnalab gninepO
 snoisivorp ni sesaercnI
 snoisivorp tsniaga ffo nettirW

2012 
£ 

 509,901
 758,6
 )509,9(
_______ 

106,857 
_______ 

2011 
£ 

 346,201
 262,7
 -
_______ 

109,905 
_______

The  main  factor  used  in  assessing  the  impairment  of  trade  receivables  is  the  age  of  the  balances  and  the 
circumstances of the individual customer. 

As shown in the earlier table, at 31st March 2012 trade receivables of £226,439 which were past their due date 
were not impaired (2011: £200,810). All of these were less than 60 days past their due date. 

Liquidity risk 

Current financial liabilities 
 selbayap rehto dna edarT
 sgniworrob knaB
 tfardrevo knaB

Non current financial liabilities 

 sgniworrob dna snaoL

Financial liabilities 

measured at amortised cost 

2012 
£ 

 765,563,5
 714,460,1
 599,763,1
 ________

 979,797,7
 ________

 -
 ________

2011 
£ 

 021,119,3
 469,481,1
 232,184
 ________

 613,775,5
 ________

 000,002
 ________

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

19. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

The following are maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated contracted interest payments. 

 lautcartnoC gniyrraC
 tnuoma

 wolf hsac

 shtnom 6
 ssel ro

 21 – 6
 shtnom

 erom ro 1
 sraey   

2012 
Secured bank loans 
Bank overdrafts 
Amounts due to invoice 
    discounters 
Trade and other payables 

2011 
Secured bank loans 
Bank overdrafts 
Amounts due to invoice 
    discounters 
Other loans 
Trade and other payables 

- 
1,367,995 

- 
1,367,995 

- 
1,367,995 

- 
 - 

- 
  - 

1,064,417 
5,365,567 
________ 

1,064,417 
5,365,567 
________ 

1,064,417 
5,365,567 
________ 

- 
- 
_______ 

   - 
_______ 

7
,797,979 
________ 

7,797,979 
________ 

7,797,979 
________ 

- 
_______ 

- 
_______ 

- 
481,232 

- 
481,232 

- 
481,232 

- 
 - 

- 
  - 

1,184,964 
200,000 
3,911,120 
________ 

1,184,964 
200,000 
3,911,120 
________ 

1,184,964 
- 
3,911,120 
________ 

- 
- 
- 
_______ 

200,000 
   - 
_______ 

5,777,316 
 ________

5,777,316 
 ________

5,577,316 
 ________

- 
 _______

200,000 
 _______

Interest rate risk 
The  Group  finances  its  business  through  a  mixture  of  bank  overdrafts  and  invoice  discounting  facilities.  
During the year the Group utilised these facilities at floating rates of interest. 

The Group bank overdraft with HSBC plc incurs interest at the rate of 2.3% over the HSBC’s base rate.  The 
Group is affected by changes in the UK interest rate. 

Details of interest payable under the invoice discounting agreement are stated in Note 15. 

The US Dollar overdraft  facility bears the interest rate of 2.3% over the HSBC’s US dollar base rate and is 
therefore affected by changes in the US interest rate. 

The fair value of the Group’s financial instruments is not materially different to the book value. 

In  terms  of  sensitivity,  if  the  HSBC  base  rate  had  been  1%  higher  throughout  the  year  the  level  of  interest 
payable  would  have  been  £19,117  (2011:  £14,030)  higher  and  if  1%  lower  throughout  the  year  the  level  of 
interest payable would have been lower by the same amount. 

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

19. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

Foreign currency risk 
The Group’s main foreign currency risk is the short term risk associated with accounts receivable and payable 
denominated in currencies that are not the subsidiaries functional currency.  The risk arises on the difference in 
the  exchange  rate  between  the  time  invoices  are  raised/received  and  the  time  invoices  are  settled/paid.    For 
sales denominated in foreign currencies the Group will try to ensure that the purchases associated with the sale 
will be in the same currency.  

All  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Group  were  denominated  in  sterling  with  the  exception  of  the 
following items which were denominated in US dollars, and which are included in the financial statements at 
the sterling value based on the exchange rate ruling at the statement of financial position date. 

The following table shows the net liabilities exposed to exchange rate risk that the Group has at 31st March 
2012: 

 selbaviecer edarT
 stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsaC
 selbayap edarT

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 952,394,1
 036,8
 )591,228,1(
 ________

 001,119
 395,51
 )329,991,1(
 ________

 )603,023(
 ________

 )032,372(
 _______

There were also net liabilities of £7,660 in euros (2011: £7,422). 

The Group is exposed to currency risk because it undertakes trading transactions in US dollars and euros.  The 
Directors  do  not  generally  consider  it  necessary  to  enter  into  derivative  financial  instruments  to  manage  the 
exchange risk arising from its operations, but from time to time when the Directors consider foreign currencies 
are weak and it is known that there will be a requirement to purchase those currencies, forward arrangements 
are entered into.  Details of those outstanding at the statement of financial position date are given later in this 
note. 

The effect of a strengthening of 10% in the rate of exchange in the currencies against sterling at the statement 
of financial position date would have resulted in an estimated net decrease in pre-tax profit for the year and a 
decrease in net assets of approximately £32,000 (2011: £21,300) and the effect of a weakening of 10% in the 
rate  of  exchange  in  the  currencies  against  sterling  at  the  statement  of  financial  position  date  would  have 
resulted in an estimated net increase in pre-tax profit for the year and an increase in net assets of approximately 
£32,000 (2011: £21,300). 

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

19. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

Foreign currency risk (continued) 
At 31st March 2011 the Group had entered into agreement with its bankers to purchase US dollars as follows: 

1st April 2011 
1st April 2011 
1st April 2011 
 1102 yaM ts1
1st June 2011 
2nd June 2011 

$ 
200,000 
100,000 
200,000 
 000,05
150,000 
150,000 

Rate 
1.5985 
1.6223 
1.6350 
 9995.1
1.6240 
1.6150 

At 31st March 2012 the Group had entered into agreement with its bankers to purchase US dollars as follows:

2nd April 2012 
1st May 2012 
1st May 2012 
1st June 2012 

$ 
500,000 
1,300,000 
500,000 
500,000 

Rate 
1.5601 
1.579 
1.5928 
1.5926 

Applying the actual exchange rate at the statement of financial position date to these agreements gives rise to a 
liability of  £19,521 at 31st March 2012 (2011: an asset of  £3,128).  In view of the immaterial nature of the 
prior year amount, no adjustment was made in the financial statements, but a full provision for the current year 
liability has been made in the financial statements. 

Capital under management 
The  Group  considers  its  capital  to  comprise  its  ordinary  share  capital,  share  premium  account,  capital 
redemption reserve, foreign exchange reserve and accumulated retained earnings. 

In managing its capital, the Group’s primary objective is to maximise returns for its equity shareholders.  The 
Group  seeks  to  maintain  a  gearing  ratio  that  balances  risks  and  returns  at  an  acceptable  level  and  also  to 
maintain sufficient funding to enable the Group to meet its working capital and strategic investment need.  In 
making  decisions  to  adjust  its  capital  structure  to  achieve  these  aims  the  Group  considers  not  only  its  short 
term position but also its long term operational and strategic objectives. 

The Group’s gearing ratio at 31st March 2012 is shown below: 

 stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsaC
 stfardrevo knaB
 ecnavda gnitnuocsid eciovnI
 snaol mret muideM
 snaol mret trohS

 latipac erahS
 tnuocca muimerp erahS
 sgninrae deniateR
 evreser noitpmeder latipaC
 evreser egnahcxe ngieroF

2012 
£ 
 )868,14(
 599,763,1
 714,460,1
 -
 000,003
 ________

 445,026,2
 ________

 275,933
 432,529
 873,037,3
 476,4
 -
 ________

 858,999,4
 ________

2011 
£ 
 )300,37(
 232,184
 469,481,1
 000,002
 -
 ________

 391,397,1
 ________

 628,703
 089,657
 882,908,2
 476,4
 438,95
 ________

 206,839,3
 ________

 oitar gniraeG

 45.0

 64.0

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

20.  DEFERRED TAX 

 1102 lirpA 

 secnawolla latipac detareleccA
At 1st
 yraidisbus fo noitisiuqcA
 raey eht rof egrahC
 egnahc etar xat fo tceffE

At 31st

 2102 hcraM 

Deferred tax rates are at 24% (2011: 26%) being the rate substantially enacted. 

21.      SHARE CAPITAL 

 diap ylluf dna deussi dettollA
6,791,431 (2011: 6,156,511) ordinary shares of 5p each 

2012 
£ 

 899,66
 -
 886,52
 )388,4(
______ 

 308,78
______ 

2011 
£ 

 420,01
 315,63
 006,52
 )931,5(
_____ 

 899,66
_____ 

  2012  
£ 

    2011 
£ 

339,572 
 _______

307,826 
 _______

On 13th April 2011, a further 634,920 shares were been issued at 31.5p as a result of the exercise by  
G S Marsh and J M Lavery of share options. 

An Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme was adopted by the Company in September 2000 and formally 
approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 12th December 2000. 

Details of options granted are set out in Note 5.  At 31st March 2012 the number of shares covered by option 
agreements amounted to 389,291 (2011: 694,920). 

22.      RESERVES  

Full details of movements in reserves are set out in the consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 14.   

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within owners’ equity. 

 evreseR

 esopruP dna noitpircseD

Share premium 
Capital redemption 
Foreign exchange 

Retained earnings 

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. 
Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares. 
Gains/losses from the retranslation of net assets of overseas operations 
into sterling 
Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated income 
statement. 

23.      LEASING COMMITMENTS 

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

 raey 1 naht retal oN
 sraey 5 naht retal on dna raey 1 naht retaL
 sraey 5 naht retaL

40

2012 
£ 
 463,551
 178,305
 005,244
______ 

2011 
£ 
 144,161
 729,635
 005,765
______ 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

24.      SHARE BASED PAYMENT 

The Group operates an approved Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme whereby Mr G S Marsh, Mr J M 
Lavery  and  Mr  J  L  Macmichael  have  been  granted  options  to  purchase  shares  in  Solid  State  PLC  at  a 
subscription price which was not less than the market value at the time the option was granted. The options in 
place  at  31st  March  2012  all  have  an  exercise  period  of  any  time  after  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  grant 
subject to certain criteria having been met. Full details are set out in Note 5 on pages 25 and 26. 

On 13th April 2011, options over 634,920 shares were exercised by Mr G S Marsh and Mr J M Lavery. Details 
of the current options and  further options granted  since the statement of  financial position date are  stated in 
Note 5. 

The share-based remuneration expenses amounted to £92,023 for the year (2011: £16,188). 

The following information is relevant to the determination of the fair value of the options.  

Equity settled share based payments 

Option pricing model used 
 etad tnarg ta ecirp erahS
 ecirp esicrexE
 noitaived dradnatS
 etar tseretni eerf ksiR

Black Scholes 

Black Scholes 

Black Scholes 

 p0.26
 p0.26
 %15
 %78.1

 p0.49
 p0.49
 %35
 %61.2

 p5.99
 p5.99
 %05
 %61.2

The standard deviation is based on the statistical analysis of daily share prices over the twelve months prior to 
the date of the grant.   

The market vesting conditions have been factored into the calculation by applying an appropriate discount to 
the fair value of equivalent share options without the specified vesting conditions. 

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

25. 

  SEGMENT INFORMATION 

The  Group’s  primary  reporting  format  for  segment  information  is  business  segments  which  reflect  the 
management reporting structure in the Group.  The distribution division includes Solid State Supplies Limited 
and the manufacturing division includes Steatite Blazepoint Limited and Steatite Limited which incorporates 
RZ Pressure and Wordsworth Technology Limited. 

Year ended 31st March 2012 

 euneveR
 lanretxE
 ynapmocretnI

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Balance sheet 
 stessA
 seitilibaiL

Distribution 
 noisivid

 £

Manufacturing 
 noisivid
 £

Head 
 eciffo
 £

 latoT
 £

 011,934,6
 -
________ 

 011,934,6
________ 

493,518 
 ________

 140,534,91
 269,04
________ 

 -
   -
________ 

 151,478,52
 269,04
_________ 

 300,674,91
________ 

 -
________ 

 311,519,52
_________ 

1,709,874 
 ________

(604,248) 
 ________

1,599,144
 ________

 511,956,2
)084,180,3(
 _________

 851,965,01
(4,416,212) 
 ________

 920,52
649,443 
 _______

 203,352,31
(8,147,135) 
 ________

Net assets/(liabilities) 

(422,365) 
 _________

6,152,946 
 ________

(624,414) 
 _______

5,106,167 
 ________

Other 
 erutidnepxe latipaC
-  Tangible fixed assets 
 stessa dexif elbignatnI  -
Depreciation, amortisation and 
  other non cash expenses 
 diap tseretnI

159,664 
 -

57,119 
 607,71
 ________

319,123 
 411,58

147,843 
 222,62
 ________

- 
 -

34,064 
 086,32
 ________

478,787 
 411,58

239,026 
 806,76
 ________

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

25. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued) 

Year ended 31st March 2011 

 euneveR
 lanretxE
 ynapmocretnI

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Balance sheet 
 stessA
 seitilibaiL

Distribution 
 noisivid

 £

Manufacturing 
 noisivid
 £

Head 
 eciffo
 £

 latoT
 £

 096,966,4
 -
________ 

 096,966,4
________ 

244,745 
 ________

 816,994,61
 006,732
________ 

 -
   -
________ 

 803,961,12
 006,732
_________ 

 812,737,61
________ 

 -
________ 

 809,604,12
_________ 

1,495,172 
 ________

(496,421) 
 ________

1,243,496
 ________

 009,084,2
)120,431,3(
 ________

 248,065,7
(2,836,133) 
 ________

 -
(132,986) 
 _______

 247,140,01
(6,103,140) 
 ________

Net assets/(liabilities) 

(653,121) 
 ________

4,724,709 
 _________

(132,986) 
 _______

3,938,602 
 ________

Other 
 erutidnepxe latipaC
-  Tangible fixed assets 
 stessa dexif elbignatnI  -
Depreciation, amortisation and 
  other non cash expenses 
 diap tseretnI

172,870 
 -

54,666 
 190,23
 ________

318,522 
 257,763

74,428 
 950,12
 ________

- 
 -

- 
 -
 ________

491,392 
 257,763

129,094 
 051,35
 ________

 yb eunever lanretxE
 remotsuc fo noitacol
2011 
£ 

2012 
£ 

ts by 

essa latoT
 stessa fo noitacol
2011 
2012 
£ 
£ 

24,352,381  19,892,533  13,253,302  10,029,908 
- 
11,834 
- 
- 
  - 
  - 
- 
 _________ _________ _________ _________

172,762 
1,069,359 
95,497 
143,803 
30,000 
10,089 
260 

154,736 
846,851 
89,929 
164,049 
16,000 
4,646 
564 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Net tangible capital 
expenditure by location 

 stessa fo

2012 
£ 

478,787 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  - 
  - 
- 
 _______

2011 
£ 

491,392 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
 _______

United Kingdom 
Ireland 
Europe 
North America 
Asia 
Africa 
Australasia 
South America 

 247,140,01 203,352,31 803,961,12 151,478,52
 _________ _________ _________ _________

 787,874
 _______

 293,194
 _______

All the above relate to continuing operations. 

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2011 (continued) 

26.      ACQUISITION DURING THE YEAR 

On  14th  October  2011  the  Group  acquired  the  business  and  certain  assets  of  Blazepoint  Limited  for  a  cash 
consideration of £200,000. The trade has been operated by Steatite Blazepoint Limited, a newly formed 100% 
subsidiary  of  Solid  State  PLC,  and  comprises  the  distribution,  manufacture  and  maintenance  of  computer 
products. 

Analysis of the acquisition of the business and certain assets of Blazepoint Limited. 

 erawtfos retupmoc :stessa dexif elbignatnI

 stessa dexif elbignaT

 kcotS
 srotiderC

 noitisiuqca no stessa teN

 noitisiuqca no niaG

 noitaredisnoC

Discharged by: 

 hsaC

 eulav riaF
 puorG ot

 £

 000,77

 000,091

 000,002
 )317,601(
 _______

 782,063

 )782,061(
 _______

 000,002
 _______

 000,002
 _______

In addition to the purchase price, the Group incurred  costs  relating to the acquisition of  £10,000.  These are 
included in administrative expenses. 

The  revenue  included  in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income  arising  from  Steatite 
Blazepoint Limited was £527,969 and the loss before taxation was £61,686. 

The gain on acquisition is included separately in the statement of comprehensive income. 

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

Company Number: 00771335 

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET 
at 31st March 2012 

 STESSA DEXIF
 stnemtsevnI

 STESSA TNERRUC
 srotbeD
 dnah ni dna knab ta hsaC

CREDITORS:  Amounts falling due within 
 raey eno

NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS 

 STESSA TEN

 SEVRESER DNA LATIPAC
 latipac erahs pu dellaC
 tnuocca muimerp erahS
 evreser noitpmeder latipaC
 tnuocca ssol dna tiforP

 SDNUF ’SREDLOHERAHS

 setoN

 2102

 1102

£ 

£ 

£ 

£ 

 4

 5

 353,617,2 
 _________

 264,037,2 
 ________ 

 353,617,2 

 264,037,2 

   940,761,1
 -
 ________

 217,424,1 
 -
 ________ 

 940,761,1

 217,424,1 

 6

 417,172,1
 ________

 430,119 
 ________ 

  (104,665) 
 ________ 

 886,116,2 
 ________ 

 275,933 
 432,529 
 476,4
 802,243,1 
 ________ 

 886,116,2 
 ________ 

  513,678 
 ________ 

 041,442,3 
 ________ 

 628,703 
 089,657 
 476,4
 066,471,2 
 ________ 

 041,442,3 
 ________ 

 7
 8
 8
 8

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 20th June 2012. 

P Haining 
Director 

G S Marsh 
Director 

The notes on pages 46 to 49 form part of these financial statements.

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012  

1.

  ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered 
material in relation to the Company’s financial statements. 

Basis of preparation 
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable UK accounting standards and under 
the historical cost convention.  The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis. 

Profit and loss account 
Under section 408(4) of the Companies Act 2006 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its 
own profit and loss account.  The loss for the year ended 31st March 2012 is disclosed in Note 8. 

Foreign currencies 
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at closing rates of exchange. 

Investments in subsidiaries 
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less amounts provided for impairment. 

Other financial liabilities 
Other financial liabilities include the following items: 

(cid:129)(cid:129)(cid:129)  Amounts owed by group undertakings and other creditors, which are recognised at amortised cost. 
(cid:129)(cid:129)  Bank  borrowings  are  initially  recognised  at  the  amount  advanced  net  of  any  transaction  costs  directly 
attributable to the issue of the instrument.  Such interest bearing liabilities are subsequently measured at 
amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest  rate  method  which  ensures  that  any  interest  expense  over  the 
period  to  repayment  is  at  a  constant  rate  on  the  balance  of  the  liabilities  carried  in  the  balance  sheet.  
Interest expense in this context includes initial transaction costs and premium payable on redemption, as 
well as any interest or coupon payable while the liability is outstanding. 

Shared based payment 
Where share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to 
the profit and loss account over the vesting period.  Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by 
adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each balance sheet date so that, ultimately, the 
cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. 
Market  vesting  conditions  are  factored  into  the  fair  value  of  options  granted.  As  long  as  all  other  vesting 
conditions are satisfied, a change is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied. 
The cumulative expense is not adjusted for factors to achieve a market vesting condition. 

Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the 
options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to the profit and loss account 
over the remaining vesting period. 

2. 

STAFF COSTS 

Staff costs amounted £471,235 (2011: £16,188) and comprised the share based payment expense of £92,023 
and salary and related costs in respect of Mr G L Comben, Mr W G Marsh, Mr A B Frere, Mr G S Marsh and 
Mr P Haining. No other remuneration was paid by the Company. Details of directors’ emoluments are given in 
note 5 to the Group financial statements. 

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012  

3. 

SHARE BASED PAYMENT 

The Group operates an approved Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme whereby Mr G S Marsh, Mr J M 
Lavery  and  Mr  J  L  Macmichael  have  been  granted  options  to  purchase  shares  in  Solid  State  PLC  at  a 
subscription price which was not less than the market value at the time the option was granted. The options in 
place  at  31st  March  2012  all  have  an  exercise  period  of  any  time  after  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  grant 
subject to certain criteria having been met. Full details are set out in Note 5 on pages 25 and 26. 

On 11th April 2011, options of 634,920 shares were exercised by Mr G S Marsh and Mr J M Lavery. Details 
of the current options and  further options granted  since the statement of  financial position date are  stated in 
Note 5. 

The share-based remuneration expenses amounted to £92,023 for the year (2011: £16,188). 

The following information is relevant to the determination of the fair value of the options.  

Equity settled share based payments 

Option pricing model used 
 etad tnarg ta ecirp erahS
 ecirp esicrexE
 noitaived dradnatS
 etar tseretni eerf ksiR

Black Scholes 

Black Scholes 

Black Scholes 

 p0.26
 p0.26
 %15
 %78.1

 p0.49
 p0.49
 %35
 %61.2

 p5.99
 p5.99
 %05
 %61.2

The standard deviation is based on the statistical analysis of daily share prices over the twelve months prior to 
the date of the grant.   

The market vesting conditions have been factored into the calculation by applying an appropriate discount to 
the fair value of equivalent share options without the specified vesting conditions. 

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

4. 

INVESTMENTS 
Company 

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Cost 
1st April 2011 
Addition 
Disposal 

 2102 hcraM ts13

Net book value 
 2102 hcraM ts13

 1102 hcraM ts13

Subsidiary undertakings 

Group 
undertakings 

£ 

2,730,462 
1,000 
(15,109) 
________ 

 353,617,2
________ 

 353,617,2
________ 

 264,037,2
________ 

The principal undertakings in which the Company’s interest at the year end is 20% or more are as follows: 

 sgnikatrednu yraidisbuS
 detimiL seilppuS etatS diloS
 detimiL etitaetS

Steatite Blazepoint Limited 

 gnitov fo noitroporP
rights and Ordinary 
share capital held 

Nature of business 

 %001
 %001

100% 

 stnenopmoc cinortcele fo noitubirtsiD
 dna stnenopmoc cinortcele fo noitubirtsiD
manufacture of electronic equipment 
Distribution, manufacture and maintenance of 
computer products. 

In all cases the country of operation and of incorporation or registration is England. 

5. 

DEBTORS 

 sgnikatrednu puorG yb dewo stnuomA
 srotbed rehtO
 stnemyaperP

6. 

CREDITORS:  Amounts falling due within one year 

 )deruces( tfardrevo knaB
 sgnikatrednu puorG ot dewo stnuomA
 srotiderc rehtO
 slaurccA

48

2012 
£ 

2011 
£ 

 020,241,1
 944,42
 085
 _________

 217,424,1
 -
 -
 _________

 940,761,1
 _________

 217,424,1
 ________

 657,913
 463,833
 946,323
 549,982
 _________

 417,172,1
 _________

 200,61
 314,298
 916,2
 -
 _______

 430,119
 _______

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2012 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

6. 

CREDITORS:  Amounts falling due within one year (continued) 

The  Company  has  guaranteed  bank  borrowings  of  its  subsidiary  undertakings,  Solid  State  Supplies  Limited, 
Steatite Limited and Steatite Blazepoint Limited.  At the year end the liabilities covered by those guarantees 
amounted  to  £1,048,239  (2011:  £465,230).    The  Company  accounts  for  guarantees  provided  to  Group 
companies as insurance contracts, recognising a liability only to the extent that it is probable the  guarantees 
will be called upon. 

7. 

SHARE CAPITAL 

Allotted issued and fully paid 
6,791,431 (2011: 6,156,511) ordinary shares of 5p each 

2012 

2011 
£                                £ 

339,572 
 _______

307,826 
 _______

On 13th April 2011, a further 634,920 shares were been issued at 31.5p as a result of the exercise by  
G S Marsh and J M Lavery of share options. 

An Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme was adopted by the Company in September 2000 and formally 
approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 12th December 2000. 

Details of options granted are set out in Note 5.  At 31st March 2012 the number of shares covered by option 
agreements amounted to 389,291 (2011: 694,920). 

8.         RESERVES 

 1102 lirpA ts1
 serahs fo eussI
 raey eht rof )ssoL(

 esnepxe desab erahS :ddA

 diap dnediviD

 2102 hcraM ts13

Share premium  Capital redemption  Profit & loss 
ser

account 

 tnuocca

erve 

 089,657
 452,861
 -
 _______

 432,529
 -
 _______

 432,529
 -
 ________

 432,529
 ________

 476,4
 -
 -
 _____

 476,4
 -
 _____

 476,4
 -
 _____

 476,4
 _____

 066,471,2
 -
 )758,785(
 _______

 308,685,1
 320,29
 _______

 628,876,1
 )344,144(
 _______

 383,732,1
 _______

The cumulative amount of goodwill which has been eliminated against reserves at 31st March 2012 is £30,000       
(2011: £30,000). 

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting of Solid State PLC will be held at  2, Ravensbank Business Park, 
Hedera Road Redditch B98 9EY, on 8th August 2012 at 11.00am for the following purposes: 

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

(4) 

(5) 
(6) 
(7) 

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS 

To  receive  and  adopt  the  accounts  for  the  year  ended  31st  March  2012,  together  with  the  reports  of  the 
Directors and auditors thereon.  (Resolution 1) 
To declare a final dividend of 4.75p per share.  (Resolution 2) 
To reappoint Gordon Leonard Comben, who retires by rotation, as a Director of the Company in accordance 
with the Company’s Articles of Association.  (Resolution 3) 
To reappoint Anthony Brian Frere, who retires by rotation, as a Director of the Company in accordance with 
the Company’s Articles of Association.  (Resolution 4) 
To reappoint haysmacintyre as auditors of the Company.  (Resolution 5) 
To authorise the Directors to fix the auditors’ remuneration,  (Resolution 6) 
To pass the following resolution: 
That  the  Directors  be  generally  and  unconditionally  authorised  to  allot  shares  in  the  Company  (Relevant 
Securities): 

i) 

 comprising  equity  securities  (as  defined  by  section  560  of  the  Companies  Act  2006)  up  to  an 
aggregate nominal amount of £113,190.50 (which is 33% of the issued share capital) (such amount 
to be reduced by the nominal amount of any Relevant Securities allotted under paragraph (ii) below) 
in connection with an offer by way of a rights issue: 

ii) 

(a)  to  holders  of  ordinary  shares  in  proportion  (as  nearly  as  may  be  practicable)  to  their 
respective holdings; and 
(b)  to  holders  of  other  equity  securities  as  required  by  the  rights  of  those  securities  or  as  the 
Directors otherwise consider necessary, 

but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Board may deem necessary or expedient 
in relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, legal or practical problems in or 
under the laws of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and 
in  any  other  case,  up  to  an  aggregate  nominal  amount  of  £67,914.30  (which  is  20%  of  the  issued 
share  capital)  (such  amount  to  be  reduced  by  the  nominal  amount  of  any  equity  securities  allotted 
under paragraph i) above, 
provided that this authority shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company, expire after a 
period  of  18  months  from  the  passing  of  this  resolution  or,  if  earlier,  the  date  of  the  next  annual 
general  meeting  of  the  Company  save  that  the  Company  may,  before  such  expiry,  make  offers  or 
agreements which would or might require Relevant Securities to be allotted and the Directors may 
allot Relevant Securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the authority 
conferred by this resolution has expired. 

This  resolution  revokes  and  replaces  all  unexercised  authorities  previously  granted  to  the  Directors  to  allot 
Relevant Securities but without prejudice to any allotment of shares or grant of rights already made, offered 
or agreed to be made pursuant to such authorities.  (Resolution 7) 

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS 

(8) 

To pass the following resolution: 
That  the  Company  is  authorised  to  allot  equity  securities  pursuant  to  resolution  7  above  up  to  an  aggregate 
nominal amount of £67,914.30, which is 20% of the issued share capital, as if Section 561 of the Companies 
Act  2006 (existing shareholders – right of pre-emption): 

i) 
ii) 

did not apply to the allotment; or 
applied  to  the  allotment  with  such  modifications  as  the  Directors  may  determine  provided  that  this 
authority shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked by the company, expire after a period of 18 months 
from  the  passing  of  this  resolution  save  that  the  company  may,  before  such  expiry,  make  offers  or 
agreements  which would or might require equity securities to be allotted and the Directors may allot 
equity securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement not withstanding that the authority conferred 
by the resolution ahs expired.  (Resolution 8) 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (continued) 

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS (continued) 

Solid State PLC

(9) 

i)  
ii) 

To pass the following resolution: 
That  the  Company  is,  pursuant  to  Section  701  of  the  Companies  Act  2006,  hereby  generally  and 
unconditionally  authorised  to  make  market  purchases  (within  the  meaning  of  Section  693  of  the  Companies 
Act 2006) of ordinary shares of 5p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:- 
the minimum price which may be paid for the ordinary shares is 5p per ordinary share; 
the  maximum  price  that  may  be  paid  for  such  shares  is,  in  respect  of  a  share  contracted  to  be 
purchased on any day , an amount (exclusive of all expenses) equal to 105 per cent  of the average 
middle  market quotations of the ordinary shares of the company as derived  from the Daily  Official 
List of the London Stock Exchange on the 10 dealing days immediately preceding the day on which 
the shares are contracted to be purchased; 
the  authority  hereby  conferred  shall  expire  after  a  period  of  18  months  from  the  passing  of  this 
resolution unless such authority is renewed prior to such expiry; 
the authority hereby conferred is in substitution for any existing authority to purchase ordinary shares 
under the said Section 701; 
the Company may make a contract to purchase ordinary shares under the authority hereby conferred 
prior to the expiry of such authority which will be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such 
authority and may make a purchase or purchases of ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract; 
and 
the maximum number of ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased by the Company does not 
exceed 15 per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company at the date of the passing of 
this resolution.  (Resolution 9) 

iii) 

iv) 

vi) 

v) 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD 

P Haining FCA 
Director 
20th June 2012 

Registered office: 
Unit 2, Eastlands Lane, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6BU 

NOTES: 

1. 

2. 

Proxies 
Only holders of ordinary shares are entitled to attend and vote at this meeting.  A member entitled to attend and 
vote may appoint a proxy or proxies who need not be a member of the Company to attend and to vote instead of 
him  or  her.    Forms  of  proxy  need  to  be  deposited  with  the  Company’s  registrar,  Capita  Group  plc,  Balfour 
House, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU, not later than 48 hours before the time 
of the meeting.  Completion of a form of proxy will not preclude a member attending and voting in person at the 
meeting. 

Documents on Display 
The register of Directors’ interests in the share capital and debentures of the Company, together with copies of 
service  agreements  under  which  Directors  of  the  Company  are  employed,  are  available  for  inspection  at  the 
Company’s  registered  office  during  normal  business  hours  from  the  date  of  this  notice  until  the  date  of  the 
Annual General Meeting and will also be available for inspection at the place of the Annual General Meeting for 
at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting. 

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