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Solid State PLC

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FY2014 Annual Report · Solid State PLC
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SOLID STATE PLC

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www.solidstateplc.com

 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

CONTENTS  

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1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

Directors:  

DIRECTORS, SECRETARY AND ADVISERS 

Chief Executive Officer 

Anthony Brian Frere,  Chairman 
 ,hsraM nehpetS yraG
Gordon Leonard Comben, Director 
,ACF ,gniniaH reteP
John Michael Lavery, Director   
 ,leahcimcaM drofwaL nhoJ
William George Marsh, Director 

Director 

 Finance Director 

Company Secretary and  
Registered Office:  

Peter Haining, FCA  
Solid State PLC  
 kraP ssenisuB knabsnevaR 2
 daoR aredeH
 hctiddeR
  YE9 89B

Company Number:  

00771335  

Nominated Adviser:  

Broker:

Auditors:  

Solicitors:  

Bankers:  

Registrars:  

W H Ireland Limited 
 enaL nitraM 42
  RD0 R4CW nodnoL

 detimiL dnalerI H W
 eunevA notsloC 4
  TS4 1SB lotsirB

haysmacintyre 
 erauqS noiL deR 62
 GA4 R1CW  nodnoL

Shakespeares 
 esuoH tesremoS
  teertS elpmeT
 mahgnimriB
 JD5 2B

HSBC plc  
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 XE5 Y1WS  nodnoL

Capita Registrars Limited 
 yrtsigeR ehT
 daoR mahnekceB 43
 mahnekceB
 tneK
 UT4 3RB

Country of Incorporation 
of Parent Company: 

Great Britain 

Legal Form:  

Public Limited Company 

Domicile: 

Great Britain 

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT AND STRATEGIC REPORT 

Solid State PLC

Highlights in the period include: 

Financial: 

 revonruT
Profit before tax 
Earnings per share (basic) 
Gross profit margin 
Operating margin 
 dnediviD

 4102
 m90.23£
£2.15m 
25.3p 
29.2% 
6.9% 
 p5.8

 3102
 m05.13£
£1.87m* 
21.8p 
26.1% 
6.2%* 
 p0.8

 egnahC
 %2+
+15% 
+16% 
+310bps 
+70bps 
 %6+

*Before exceptional items of £0.1m in FY12/13 

Operational: 

(cid:129)  Acquisition of Q-Par Angus Ltd in May 2013 for £1.001m  
(cid:129)  £1.8m secure communications contract with MOD 
(cid:129)  Acquisition of 2001 Electronic Components Ltd for £1.974m in December 2013 
(cid:129)  Oversubscribed placing to raise £2.54m 
(cid:129)  Expansion of higher margin ancillary services offering 
(cid:129)  Development of proprietary products range 
(cid:129)  Open order book at 30th April 2014 of £14.7m (30th April 2013: £10.4m) 

Commenting on the results, Tony Frere, Chairman of Solid State said: 

“I am pleased to report on a landmark year for Solid State, having made two successful acquisitions and completed 
an  oversubscribed  placing  to  raise  £2.54m.    These  events  have  added  new  colleagues,  clients  and  institutional 
shareholders to the Group who we welcome and look forward to working with going forward. 

“Each strategic step strengthens Solid State in niche product areas and ultimately builds scale in our business.  This 
strengthened market position has increasingly presented new products and market opportunities to the Group which 
is, in turn, driving a strong sales pipeline and building momentum.   

“The Board remains confident in the growth strategy and is optimistic about the Group’s prospects.” 

Financial Review  
I  would  like  to  start  by  expressing  my  thanks  on  behalf  of  the  Board  to  Gordon  Comben  for  his  leadership  as 
Chairman of Solid State over the last two years.  He hands over a business that has a strong management team and I 
look forward to continuing his good work in driving the business forward. 

It gives me great pleasure therefore, in my first annual results statement as Chairman of Solid State, to report that the 
Group has delivered a fourth consecutive year of record results, demonstrating the success of both our organic and 
acquisitive growth strategies. 

Revenues  increased  by  2%  to  £32.09m  (2013:  £31.50m).    The  Group  benefited  from  the  additional  revenue  from 
acquisitions in May 2013 and December 2013, however we must recognise that the revenue in the period from the 
acquisition  of  2001  Electronic  Components  Ltd  was  restricted  to  three  months.    On  a  comparative  basis,  the 
financial  year  12/13  was  flattered  by  an  export  order  for  £3.5m  shipped  in  FY12/13  that  did  not  repeat  last  year.  
Future periods will represent a more normalised comparison.   

Revenue by  division was represented  by a contribution  of £22.19m  by the Steatite division, which includes an  11 
month contribution from Q-Par of £2.64m, and £9.9m by  the Solid State Supplies division, which includes a three 
month contribution from 2001 Electronic Components Ltd of £2.12m. 

3

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT AND STRATEGIC REPORT (continued) 

Profit before tax rose by 15% to £2.15m (2013: £1.87m).  As reported at the half year stage, there was a second half 
bias to the results.  This is typical for the Group however the acquisition of 2001 Electronic Components Ltd will 
moderate that effect in future years.  

Margins vary with order size and product mix however in overall terms the Group commands good gross margins 
due to the value added nature of its offering.  Pleasingly, Group gross margins increased to 29.2% (2013: 26.1%). 

Operating margins increased to 6.9% (2013: 6.2%), with earnings per  share rising by  16% to 25.3p (2013:  21.8p) 
despite an increase in the shares in issue principally as a result of the placing in December 2013. 

The balance sheet strengthened significantly during the period following the two acquisitions and the fundraising. 
Total net assets grew by 66% to £10.4m (2013: 6.3m) with net gearing levels reducing to 23% (2013: 37%)    

Dividends 
We have continued our stated policy of offering our shareholders a progressive dividend whilst ensuring we retain a 
prudent  level  of  dividend  cover.    Dividends  were  2.98  times  covered  in  2014  (2013:  2.73  times).    The  Board  is 
recommending a final  dividend  of 5.75p.   An interim dividend  of  2.75p  per  share was paid  on  31st January  2014 
giving  a  total  dividend  for  the  year  of  8.5p  per  share,  a  6%  increase  on  the  prior  year  (2013:  8.0p).    The  final 
dividend will be paid on 2nd September 2014 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 8th August 
2014.  The shares will go ex-dividend on 6th August 2014. 

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, specialist antennas, industrial/rugged computers and 
secure communications systems. 

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. 

Divisional Review 

Steatite   
Steatite is one of the leading UK suppliers of specialist electronic equipment. It designs, manufactures and supplies a 
range  of  products  and  solutions  that  include  bespoke  lithium  battery  packs,  rugged  mobile  computing/radio 
solutions,  secure  communications  systems,  industrial  computer  hardware  and  software.  Key  to  its  strategy  is  the 
ability  to  design,  manufacture  and  test  to  customer  requirements  for  use  in  some  of  the  most  difficult  and  harsh 
environments against the most stringent of standards and qualifications.  

Steatite  has  performed  well  during  the  year  delivering  a  3%  growth  in  profit  margin,  continuing  the  significant 
progress made over the past few years.  

Steatite  has  benefited  from  gaining  market  share  in  new  sectors  due  to  the  breadth  and  technical  depth  of  our 
business.    In  addition,  the  division  has  continued  to  attract  new  supply  partners  from  around  the  world  whilst 
continuing to focus on new product development and the introduction of new market leading products to the range. 

The organic growth in our new range of communications systems has contributed well and will continue to play a 
key role in the next fiscal period.  This a sector where we see considerable opportunities for developing our range of 
higher margin proprietary products and growing market share. 

The business is well resourced to benefit from the growing pipeline of new opportunities in markets such as Oil & 
Gas, Transport, Security and from Government agencies, who have publicly stated their strategy of increasing their 
supply contracts with the SME sector.    

Steatite is well positioned to accelerate growth as conditions continue to improve, enhancing its position as one of 
the leading UK suppliers of electronic equipment and further extending its reach into export markets. 

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
Solid State PLC

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT AND STRATEGIC REPORT (continued) 

Q-Par Angus Ltd (Q-Par) 
Q-Par,  acquired  in  May  2013,  is  at  the  forefront  of  antenna  design  and  manufacture.  The  company  excels  in  the 
research, design and manufacture of commercial grade and bespoke microwave antennas, subsystems and associated 
microwave components. 

Since its acquisition, Q-Par has exceeded our expectations.  The transition and restructure of the business under new 
management  has  resulted  in  record  turnover  during  its  11  month  contribution  to  this  period,  which  was 
correspondingly matched by record profits. Q-Par adds significant margin enhancement to the Group due to the high 
end technical solutions it offers its growing customer base. 

The  focus  on,  and  development  of,  key  market  areas  continues  to  provide  opportunities  with  export  markets 
continuing to perform well through an enhanced network of agents throughout the world. New product introductions 
and  development  have  positioned  Q-Par  for  another  strong  period  ahead.  Further  investment  will  see  Q-Par 
developing its position as an industry leader in antenna design and manufacture.  

Solid State Supplies (Including 2001 Electronic Components 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.  

This  was  another  strong  year  of  trading  for  Solid  State  Supplies  with  organic  growth  outstripping  the  industry 
association  reported numbers  for  the  fifth  year in a row.  With all  major  franchises  performing  well,  the company 
continues  to  focus  on  its  key  differentiating  strengths  of  providing  high  levels  of  engineering  support  and  value 
added services to its expanding client list.  Both of these areas have been further strengthened in the year. 

The  latter  part  of  FY13/14  saw  the  company  execute  on  its  plan  to  introduce  own  brand  product  with  prototype 
volumes of communications upgrade converters (HART protocol) now in the hands of key customers for evaluation. 
The company expects to see limited revenues with gross margins above the company average from these products in 
FY14/15 with the range expanding and sales increasing towards the end of the year. 

After several  years of looking for a complementary acquisition for the distribution business, the  Group completed 
the  acquisition  of  2001  Electronic  Components  Ltd  (2K1)  on  31st  December  2013.  This  acquisition  has  added 
strength  and  depth  to  the  product  offering,  the  sales  team  and  the  engineering  support  teams.  The  acquisition 
positions  Solid  State  Supplies  as  a  midsize  distributor  now  operating  in  a  much  less  crowded  space  with  a  very 
strong  customer  focused  infrastructure.  As  a  result,  Solid  State  Supplies  is  already  competing  for  much  larger 
contracts  than  it  had  previously  seen  and  is  engaging  with  new  companies  that  have  not  traded  with  Solid  State 
Supplies before. 

The  company  enjoyed  a  particularly  strong  fourth  quarter  driven  by  organic  growth  and  capitalising  on  the 
acquisition  of 2K1. During  this  period, 2K1  traded independently  under the leadership  of the distribution  division 
with organic order intake up more than 50% on the comparable period of the previous year.  As of 1st April 2014, 
2K1  was  successfully  integrated  into  the  Solid  State  Supplies  division  with  both  companies  trading  as  a  single 
entity.  

Increased sales and realised savings are expected to result in a strong performance for the 2014/15 financial year. 

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. 

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT AND STRATEGIC REPORT (continued) 

Outlook 
Having successfully completed seven acquisitions in the last twelve years the Group will continue its stated strategy 
of both organic and acquisitive growth.  We will proactively continue to look for acquisitions that offer both synergy 
and market opportunities, enhancing our product range and engineering capacity. 

Solid State has built a reputation for an innovative approach to product development and client partnerships.  This 
approach  presents  opportunities  for  further  growing  market  share,  particularly  in  export  markets  and  niche 
applications. 

The  order backlog at  30th April 2014  stood at £14.7m, which compares favourably to  the  same  position last  year 
(30th April 2013: £10.4m), and gives a solid starting position coming into the new financial year. 

Our strong pipeline of new designs across a wide range of products and markets enable us to look with confidence to 
the year ahead. 

Tony Frere 
Chairman 
7th July 2014 

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT  
For the year ended 31st March 2014 

Solid State PLC

The Directors submit their report together with the audited financial statements of the Group in respect of the year 
ended 31st March 2014.  

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 and Strategic Report. The Group does not comment on environmental matters. 

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

Tony Frere (dob 15/10/1947), 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 2013 was 
appointed as Deputy Chairman, and was appointed as chairman in April 2014. 

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. 

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, having stood down as chairman in April 2014.  

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  Limited.  and  Q-Par 
Angus Limited. on behalf of Solid State plc.  

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

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.  He  presently  runs  the  operations  of  Solid  State  Supplies  Limited  on 
behalf of Solid State PLC. 

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 
the UK Corporate Governance Code which was issued by the Financial Reporting Council in May 2010. 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  up  to  15%  of  the  issued  ordinary  shares  under 
authority  given  by  a  resolution  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  on  7th  August  2013  This  authority  expires  on  7th 
February 2015. 

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

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT   
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

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.  

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 
Under  company  law  the  directors  must  not  approve  the  financial  statements  unless  they  are  satisfied  that  they 
present fairly the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the Group for that period.  

In preparing the financial statements  the Directors are required 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 accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent. 

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

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. 

Renewal of authority to purchase the Company’s shares and 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 1,234,608 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 4,451,375 
Ordinary shares, representing 54.1% of the Company’s issued Ordinary share capital. 

Auditors  
Each of the persons who are Directors at the time when this Directors’ Report is approved has confirmed that: 

(cid:129) 

(cid:129) 

so far as that Director is aware , there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are 
unaware, and 
that  Director  has  taken  all  steps  that  ought  to  have  been  taken  as  a  Director  in  order  to  be  aware  of  any 
information  needed  by  the  auditors  in  connection  with  preparing  their  report  and  to  establish  that  the 
company’s auditors are aware of that information. 

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  
7th July 2014 

Registered Office: 2 Ravensbank Business Park, Hedera Road, Redditch, B98 9EY 

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 2014 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 and express an opinion on 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 and the Strategic Report to 
identify  material  inconsistencies  with  the  audited  financial  statements  and  to  identify  any  information  which  is 
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course 
of performing the audit.  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 2014 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. 

(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  and  the  Strategic  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 
7th July 2014 

26 Red Lion Square 
London  WC1R 4AG 

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

        For the year ended 31st March 2014 

Solid State PLC

  euneveR
 selas fo tsoC

 TIFORP SSORG
 stsoc noitubirtsiD
 sesnepxe evitartsinimdA

 SNOITAREPO MORF TIFORP

 stsoc ecnaniF

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATIO

 N

 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

2014 
£ 
 234,580,23
 )936,827,22(
 _________

 397,653,9
 )505,348,2(
 )356,782,4(
 _________

2013 
£ 
 779,494,13
)915,062,32(
 _________

 854,432,8
 )579,715,2(
 )483,278,3(
 _________

 536,522,2

 990,448,1

 )629,17(
 _________

)666,37(
 _________

 907,351,2

 334,077,1

 )046,772(
 _________

 )553,382(
 _________

 960,678,1
 _________

870,784,1
 _________

 -
_________ 

 -
_________ 

1,876,069 
 _________

1,487,078 
 _________

 ERAHS REP SGNINRAE
 cisaB
 detuliD

 8
 8

 p3.52
 p2.52

 p8.12
 p1.12

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 2014 

 erahS

 latipaC

 erahS 
 evreseR          latipaC

 deniateR noitpmedeR     muimerP

 latoT sgninraE evreseR

Balance at 31st March 2012 

339,572 

925,234 

4,674 

3,836,687 

5,106,167 

Total comprehensive income 
For the year ended 31st March 2013 

 serahs wen fo eussI

Share based payment expense 

 sdnediviD

- 

- 

 030,9

 071,841

- 

 -

- 

 -

- 

 -

- 

 -

1,487,078 

1,487,078 

 -

 002,751

44,445 

44,445 

 )758,315(

 )758,315(

 _______

 ________

 _______

 ________

 ________

Balance at 31st March 2013 

348,602 

1,073,404 

4,674 

4,854,353 

6,281,033   

Total comprehensive income  
For the year ended 31st March 2014 

- 

- 

 serahs wen fo eussI

 439,26

 443,555,2

Share based payment expense 
 sdnediviD

- 
 -

- 
 -

- 

 -

- 
 -

1,876,069 

1,876,069 

 -

 872,816,2

235,056 
 )333,306(

235,056   
 )333,306(

Balance at 31st March 2014 

411,536 
 _______

3,628,748 
 ________

4,674 
 _______

6,362,145  10,407,103 
 _________ ________

 _______

 ________

 _______

 _________ ________

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

14

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

Company Number: 00771335 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 
at 31st March 2014 

 setoN

£ 

£ 

£ 

£ 

2014 

2013 

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

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

 STESSA TNERRUC
 seirotnevnI
 selbaviecer rehto dna edarT
 elbaviecer xat noitaroproC
 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

 684,950,1
 005,539,4
 ________

5,994,986 

 949,419
 207,693,2
 ________

3,311,651 

 41
 095,475,4
 951,834,01 51
 587,54
 104,586
 ________

 537,650,3
 057,271,7
  -
 279,790,1
 ________

 539,347,51 
 _________ 

 129,837,12 
 _________ 

 754,723,11 
 _________ 

 801,936,41 
 _________ 

 61
 71

 917,498,1
 299,984,7
 857,341,1
 699,793
 ________

 549,694,2
 054,417,4
 225,509
 037,981
 ________

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 

  10,926,465 

8,306,647 

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 
  selbayap rehto dna edarT
 ytilibail xat derrefeD
 seitilibail rof noisivorP

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
 sgninrae deniateR

 22
 32
 32
 32

 81
 02
 12

 962,11
 480,422
 000,071
 ________

 -
 824,15

 ________

405,353 
 ________

 818,133,11 
 ________

 301,704,01 
 ________

 635,114
 847,826,3
 476,4
 541,263,6
 ________

51,428 
 ________

 570,853,8
 ________

 330,182,6
 ________

 206,843
 404,370,1
 476,4
 353,458,4
 ________

 YTIUQE LATOT

 330,182,6
 ________
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 7th July 2014 and were 
signed on its behalf by: 

 301,704,01 
 ________

G S Marsh, Director 

P Haining, 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 2014 

 SEITIVITCA GNITAREPO
 noitaxat erofeb tiforP
Adjustments for: 
 noitaicerpeD
 noitasitromA
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
 esnepxe tnemyap desab erahS
 stsoc ecnaniF

 segnahc erofeb snoitarepo morf tiforP
 snoisivorp dna latipac gnikrow ni
 seirotnevni ni esaerced/)esaercnI(
(Increase) in trade and other receivables 
Increase/ (decrease) in trade and other payables 
 snoisivorp ni esaercnI

 snoitarepo morf detareneg hsaC

 diap sexat emocnI
 derevocer 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 subsidiaries 
Cash with subsidiaries over which control 
 deniatbo neeb sah

 SEITIVITCA GNICNANIF
 serahs yranidro fo eussI
Invoice discounting finance (net movement) 
 diap tseretnI
Dividend paid to equity shareholders 

INCREASE/ (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH 
 STNELAVIUQE

2014 

2013 

£ 

£ 

£ 

£ 

 907,351,2

 784,342
 091,501
1,593 
 650,532
 629,17
 _______

 169,018,2

 )038,226(
(1,197,887) 
1,053,543 
 000,071
 ________

 072,5
(300,070) 
(651,117) 
 -
 ________ 

 )471,795(
 ________

 787,312,2

 )037,981(
 023,82
 _______

   )353,193(

 -
 _______

 )014,161(
 _______

 773,250,2

(403,487) 
 )527,7(
98,152 
(2,974,029) 

 490,156
 _______

 872,816,2
(1,169,746) 
 )629,17(
(603,333) 
 _______

(313,885) 
 )698,41(
14,083 
- 

 _______

 002,751
(158,895) 
 )666,37(
(513,857) 
 _______

 )599,536,2(
 ________

 )816,385(

 372,377
 _______

 556,981
 _______

 334,077,1

 540,232
 377,34
3,978 
 544,44
 666,37
 ________

 043,861,2

 )719,549(
 ________

 324,222,1

 )353,193(
 _______

 070,138

 )896,413(
 _______

 273,615

 )812,985(
 _______

 )648,27(
 _______

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 2014 (continued) 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise: 

 stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsac ni  esaerced/esaercni /teN

 556,981

 )648,27(

 raey fo gninnigeb ta stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsaC

 )379,893,1(

 )721,623,1(

2014 
£ 

2013 
£ 

 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

 -
 _________

 -
 _______

 )813,902,1(
 _________

 )379,893,1(
 _______

2014 
£ 

2013
£ 

 104,586
 )917,498,1(
 _________

 279,790,1
 )549,694,2(
 ________

 )813,902,1(
 _________

 )379,893,1(
 _______

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 

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 2014 (continued) 

1. 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS (continued) 

Solid State PLC

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. 

Where substantially  all the risks and rewards  of ownership have passed to the Group (a “ finance lease “)  the 
assets  are  capitalised  as  tangible  fixed  assets  and  are  depreciated  over  the  shorter  of  the  lease  term  and  their 
useful  lives.  The  capital  elements  of  future  obligations  under  the  leases  are  included  as  liabilities  in  the 
consolidated  statement  of  financial  position.    The  interest  element  of  the  rental  obligation  is  charged  to  the 
consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income  over  the  period  of  the  lease  and  represents  a  constant 
proportion of the balance of the capital outstanding.  Assets held under hire purchase agreements are treated as 
assets held under finance leases for accounting purposes. 

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 2014 (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 2013 and 31st March 2014 met the conditions 
necessary for capitalisation. 

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

1. 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS (continued) 

Solid State PLC

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 2014 (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 2018).  IFRS 9 
introduces new requirements for classifying and measuring financial assets and liabilities. 

IAS 36 Impairment of Assets (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2014)  IAS 36 
prescribes the accounting treatment to ensure that assets are carried at no more than their recoverable amount and 
to define how the recoverable amount is determined. 

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

2014 
£ 

2013 
£ 

 431,879,13
 892,701
 _________

 806,893,13
 963,69
 _________

 234,580,23
 _________

 779,494,13
 _________

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

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 
 tnempiuqe dna tnalp ,ytreporp fo lasopsid no ssoL
 :noitarenumer ’srotiduA
 seef tiduA
Audit of accounts of associates of the company pursuant to legislation 
 secivres yrosivda noitaxat :seef tidua noN
                          services relating to corporate finance transactions 
 :slatner esael gnitarepO
 yrenihcam dna tnalP
 rehtO
 stsoc tnempoleved dna hcraeseR
 secnereffid egnahcxe ngieroF
 snwod etirw kcotS

Solid State PLC

2014 
£ 

 074,363,5
106,454 
 784,342
105,190 
 395,1

 000,6
52,250 
 056,5
22,850 

 483,16
 105,722
 798,484
 312,34
 000,372
 _______

2013 
£ 

 351,356,4
18,566 
 540,232
43,773 
 879,3

 000,3
36,000 
  -
-  

 199,13
 716,403
 450,613
 )629,331(
 000,252
 _______

The foreign exchange differences have been treated as an adjustment to cost of sales rather than as an 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

2014 
£ 
 095,957,4
 256,845
 822,55
 ________

 074,363,5
 ________

2013 
£ 
 746,881,4
 825,444
 879,91
 ________

351,356,4
 ________

Wages and salaries include termination costs of £106,454 (2013: £18,566) 

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

 noitubirtsid dna gnilleS
 gnirutcafunaM
 noitartsinimda dna tnemeganaM

23

2014 
Number 

2013 
Number 

 63
 94
 35
 ___

 831
 ___

 43
 73
 34
 __

 411
 __

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

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 

 £

Bonuses 
 £

Benefits 
in kind 
 £

Total 
emoluments 
 £

Pension 
contributions 
 £

Total 

 £

31st March 2014 

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

Total 

31st March 2013 

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

Total 

50,000  
162,000 
150,000 
120,000 
60,000 
50,000 
12,000 
 ______

- 
30,000 
70,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
 ______

20,000 
25,000 
21,000 
19,000 

14,000 
- 
 ______

604,000 
 ______

100,000 
 ______

99,000 
 ______

49,000 
160,000 
150,000 
120,000 
59,000 
49,000 
7,000 
 ______

- 
30,000 
30,000 
30,000 
- 
- 
- 
 ______

19,000 
24,000 
20,000 
20,000 
- 
18,000 
- 
 ______

594,000 
 ______

90,000 
 ______

101,000 
 ______

70,000 
217,000 
241,000 
139,000 
60,000 
64,000 
12,000 
 ______

803,000 
 ______

68,000 
214,000 
200,000 
170,000 
59,000 
67,000 
7,000 
 ______

785,000 
 ______

- 

70,000 
1,000  218,000 
8,000  249,000 
3,000  142,000 
60,000 
64,000 
12,000 
 ______

- 
- 
- 
 ______

12,000 
 ______

815,000 
 ______

- 

68,000 
12,000  226,000 
9,000  209,000 
9,000  179,000 
59,000 
67,000 
7,000 
 ______

- 
- 
- 
 ______

30,000 
 ______

815,000 
 ______

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

In addition to the above, fees totalling £40,518 (2013: £26,198) 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 
£7,440(2013: £8,218) was due to The Kings Mill Partnership at 31st March 2014.   

Fees totalling £39,249 (2013: £44,507) arose during the year in respect of the services of A B Frere provided by 
Condev Limited. A balance of £3,825 (2013: £3,943) was due to Condev Limited at 31st March 2014. 

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 7th July 2014 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 2014 and 31st March 2013 or date 
of appointment if later, were as follows: 

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

07.07.14 

31.03.14 

31.03.13 

 000,009,1
 000,003,1
 318,115
 669,834
 005,25
142,096 
 000,601

24

 000,009,1
 000,003,1
 318,115
 669,834
 005,25
142,096 
 000,601

 000,000,2
 000,834,1
 291,193
 894,834
 005,25
54,000 
 000,601

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

5. 

DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS, INTERESTS AND SERVICES CONTRACTS (continued) 

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

 snoitpO
 ta dleh

 desicrexE 31.40.10

 detnarG 

G S Marsh 

J M Lavery 

J L Macmichael 

120,603 
- 
- 
- 

120,603 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

88,085 
- 
- 
- 

88,085 
- 
- 
- 

-  
42,000 
36,400 
31,600 

42,000 
36,400 
31,600 

- 
42,000 
36,400 
31,600 

 snoitpO
 ta dleh
 41.30.13

-   
42,000 
36,400 
31,600 

42,000 
36,400 
31,600 

- 
42,000 
36,400 
31,600 

 esicrexE
 ecirp

 fo etaD
 tnarg

  esicrexE
 doirep

99.5p 
5p 
5p 
5p 

5p 
5p 
5p 

94p 
5p 
5p 
5p 

10.05.11 
07.08.13 
07.08.13 
07.08.13 

07.08.13 
07.08.13 
07.08.13 

01.04.11 
07.08.13 
07.08.13 
07.08.13 

May 2012- March 2016 
August 2014 onwards 
August 2015  onwards
August 2016 onwards

August 2014 onwards 
August 2015 onwards 
August 2016 onwards 

April 2012 onwards 
August 2014 onwards 
August 2015 onwards 
August 2016 onwards 

The market price of the shares at 31st March 2014 was £3.44 (2013: £2.19), with a quoted range during the year 
of £2.02 to £3.78 

All the options at 31st March 2014 are subject to performance criteria based on the year ended 31st March 2014, 
31st March 2015 and 31st March 2016 respectively, although the options are non cumulative.  They vest in three 
tranches based on performance criteria over the three years. The market value at the date of grant was £2.38. 

For G S Marsh the criteria are based on the pre-tax profit of the group, for J M Lavery on the pre-tax profit of the 
manufacturing division and for J L Macmichael on the pre-tax profit of the distribution division. 

The aggregate gain on exercise of share options in the year was £277,183. 

On 12th December 2013, G L Comben made a loan of £600,000 to the group. The loan was interest free and was 
repaid on 13th February 2014. 

6. 

FINANCE COSTS 

 sgniworrob knaB
 tseretni gnitnuocsid eciovnI
 tseretni rehtO

2014 
£ 

 103,14
 517,92
 019
______ 

71,926 
______ 

2013 
£ 

 023,05
 575,81
 177,4
______ 

73,666 
______ 

Other interest includes £Nil (2013: £4,001) to G L Comben and £Nil (2013: £770) 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 31. 

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

7. 

TAX EXPENSE 

Current tax expense 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

 raey eht rof sessol ro stiforp no xat noitaroproc KU
 sdoirep roirp fo tcepser ni tnemtsujdA

Deferred tax charge/(credit) 

Total tax charge 

2014 
£ 

2013 
£ 

 517,562
 )983,62(
_______ 

 037,913
-
______ 

239,326 

319,730 

38,314 
 _______

277,640 
 _______

(36,375) 
 _______

283,355 
 _______

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  
 )%42 – 3102( %32 fo KU eht ni xat noitaroproc
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 
 feiler lanigraM
Enhanced relief on research and development expenditure 
 etar xat fo egnahc no gnisira tiderc xat derrefeD

 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

2014 
 £

2013 
 £

 907,351,2
 _______

334,077,1
 _______

 353,594

 409,424

 563,42
(7,926) 
(1,002) 
(63,752) 
-  
 )008,1(
(166,031) 
 )765,1(
 _______

 046,772
 _______

2014 
£ 

 960,678,1
_________ 

 343,214,7
 768,134,7

   p3.52
 p2.52

 207,51
(4,900) 
4,793 
(54,677) 
(3,651) 
 )000,4(
(94,816) 
  -
 _______

 553,382
 _______

2013 
£ 

870,784,1
_______ 

 205,538,6
 321,661,7

 p8.12
 p1.12

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 7,412,343 (2013: 6,835,502). 

The  diluted  earnings  per  share  is  based  on  7,431,867  (2013:  7,166,123)  ordinary  shares  which  allow  for  the
exercise of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. 

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

9. 

DIVIDENDS 

Final dividend paid for the prior year of 5.25p per share (2013: 4.75p) 
 )p57.2 :3102( erahs rep p57.2  fo diap dnedivid miretnI

Final dividend proposed for the year 5.75p per share (2013: 5.25p) 

Solid State PLC

2014 
£ 

376,988 
 543,622
_______ 

603,333 
_______ 

473,267 
_______ 

2013 
£ 

325,443 
 414,881
_______ 

513,857 
_______ 

366,032 
_______ 

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

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

10.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Year ended 31st March 2013 
 tsoC
  2102 lirpA ts1
 snoitiddA
 slasopsiD

 3102 hcraM ts13

 noitaicerpeD
 2102 lirpA ts1
 raey eht rof egrahC
 lasopsid nO

 3102 hcraM ts13

 eulav koob teN
 3102 hcraM ts13

Year ended 31st March 2014 
 tsoC
  3102 lirpA ts1
 snoitiddA
 seiraidisbus fo noitisiuqcA
 slasopsiD

 4102 hcraM ts13

 noitaicerpeD
 3102 lirpA ts1
 raey eht rof egrahC
 lasopsid nO

 4102 hcraM ts13

 eulav koob teN
 4102 hcraM ts13

 trohS
 dlohesael
 ytreporp

 rotoM

 selcihev stnemevorpmi

 sgnittiF
 dna tnempiuqe
 sretupmoc

 £

 £

 £

 latoT
 £

 676,812
 042,901
 )716,02(
 _______

 502,135
 083,811
 )423,14(
 _______

 536,442,1
 562,68
 -
 _______

 615,499,1
 588,313
 )149,16(
 ________

 992,703
 _______

 162,806
 _______

 009,033,1
 _______

 064,642,2
 ________

 333,34
 674,73
 )716,02(
 _______

 543,371
 422,501
 )362,32(
 _______

 866,629
 543,98
 -
 _______

 643,341,1
 540,232
 )088,34(
 ________

 291,06
 _______

 603,552
 _______

 310,610,1
 _______

 115,133,1
 ________

 701,742
 _______

 559,253
 _______

 788,413
 _______

 949,419
 ________

 992,703
 009,2
  -
 )008,11(
 _______

 162,806
 159,173
 231,81
 )167,142(
 _______

 009,033,1
 636,82
 051,66
 )057,11(
 _______

 064,642,2
 784,304
 282,48
 )113,562(
 ________

 993,892
 _______

 385,657
 _______

 639,314,1
 _______

 819,864,2
 ________

 291,06
 832,03
 )008,11(
 _______

 603,552
 732,901
 )611,051(
 _______

 310,610,1
 210,401
 )056,3(
 _______

 115,133,1
 784,342
 )665,561(
 ________

 036,87
 _______

 724,412
 _______

 573,611,1
 _______

 234,904,1
 ________

 967,912
 _______

 651,245
 _______

 195,792
 _______

 684,950,1
 ________

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

11. 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

 NU
 secneciL
 £

 retupmoC
 erawtfos
 £

 no lliwdooG
olidation 
snoc
 £

Other 
 elbignatni
assets 
 £

Total 
 £

Year ended 31st March 2013 

 tsoC
1st April 2012 
 snoitiddA

31st March 2013 

 noitasitromA
  2102 lirpA ts1
Charge for the year 

31st March 2013 

 eulav koob teN
31st March 2013 

Year ended 31st March 2014 

 tsoC
1st April 2013 
 snoitiddA

31st March 2014 

 noitasitromA
 3102 lirpA ts1
Charge for the year 

31st March 2014  

 eulav koob teN
31st March 2014 

9,800 
 -
 _____

9,800 
 _____

  -
-  
 _____

-  
 _____

9,800 
 _____

9,800 
 -
 _____

9,800 
 _____

  -
-  
 _____

-  
 _____

9,800 
 _____

141,203 
 698,41
 _______

156,099 
 _______

 050,44
29,730 
 ______

73,780 
 ______

82,319 
 ______

156,099 
 527,7
 _______

163,824 
 _______

 087,37
32,765 
 ______

 106,545 
 ______

57,279 
 ______

2,206,278 
 -
 ________

2,206,278 
 ________

  -
-  
 ________

-  
 ________

2,206,278 
 ________

140,434 
 -
 _______

2,497,715 
 698,41
 ________

140,434 
 _______

2,512,611  
 ________

 680,82
14,043 
 _______

 631,27
43,773 
 ________

42,129 
 _______

115,909 
 ________

98,305 
 _______

2,396,702 
 ________

2,206,278 
 993,203,1
 ________

140,434 
 468,333,1
 _______

2,512,611 
 889,346,2
 ________

3,508,677 
 ________

1,474,298 
 _______

5,156,599  
 ________

  -
-  
 ________

- 
 ________

 921,24
72,425 
 _______

 909,511
105,190 
 ________

114,554 
 _______

221,099 
 ________

3,508,677 
 ________

1,359,744 
 _______

4,935,500 
 ________

Other intangible assets comprise the estimated net present value of customer relationships of Rugged Systems 
Limited Q-Par Angus Limited and customer and supplier relationships of 2001 Electronic Components 
Limited at the date of acquisition. 

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

12. 

GOODWILL AND IMPAIRMENT 

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

 detimiL etitaetS
 detimiL sugnA raP-Q
 detimiL seilppuS etatS diloS

 Goodwill carrying amount 

2014 
£ 

2013 
£ 

 872,602,2
 233,42
 760,872,1

 872,602,2
 -
 -

________ 

________ 

3,508,677 
________ 

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% (2013 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 (2013: 0.84). 

The  recoverable  amount  exceeds  the  carrying  amount  by  £10,176,000  (2013:  £9,217,000).  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,  which  have  been  included  in  these  consolidated  financial 
statements are as follows: 

Subsidiary undertakings 

Country of 
Incorporation 

Solid State Supplies Limited 

Great Britain 

Steatite Limited 

Great Britain 

Q-Par Angus Limited 

Great Britain 

2001  Electronic  Components 
Limited 

Great Britain 

Proportion of 
voting rights and 
Ordinary share 
capital held 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

Nature of business 

Distribution of electronic 
components. 
Distribution of electronic components 
and manufacture of electronic 
equipment. 
Manufacture  of  microwave    and  RF  
equipment 
Distribution of  electronic components 

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

With effect from 1st April 2014 the business and relevant assets and liabilities  of 2001 Electronic Components 
Limited have been transferred to Solid State Supplies Limited and this company has become dormant. 

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

14. 

INVENTORIES 

 elaser rof sdoog dna sdoog dehsiniF
 ssergorp ni kroW

Solid State PLC

2014 
£ 

 605,668,3
 480,807
________ 

4,574,590 
________ 

2013 
£ 

 201,865,2
 336,884
________ 

3,056,735 
________ 

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

2014 
£ 

 717,588,9
 545,951
 798,293
________ 

10,438,159 
________ 

2013 
£ 

 448,317,6
 281,231
 427,623
________ 

7,172,750 
________ 

Group  trade  receivables  include  £1,500,000  (2013:  £1,254,755)  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 2014 borrowing under the agreement  of £1,500,000 (2013: £1,040,439) was available of which 
£1,143,758 (2013:  £905,522)  was taken up.  Interest charges in the  year  amounted to  £24,332 (2013:  £18,575) 
and administration fees to £21,156 (2013: £21,640). 

16. 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES (CURRENT) 

 selbayap edarT
 sexat ytiruces laicos dna sexat rehtO
 stnemeerga esahcrup erih rednu eud stnuomA
 selbayap rehtO
         slaurccA
 emocni derrefeD

2014 
£ 

 574,434,5
 398,571,1
 564,2
 761,431
 421,814
 868,423             
 ________      

7,489,992 
________ 

2013 
£ 

 356,680,3
 073,807
 -
 446,105
 195,032
 291,781
 ________

4,714,450 
________ 

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

17. 

BANK BORROWINGS 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

Amounts due to invoice di

 sretnuocs

2014 
£ 

2013 
£ 

 857,341,1
_______ 

 225,509
________ 

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 £1,407,192 (2013: £637,000).  

18. 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES (NON CURRENT) 

 stnemeerga esahcrup erih rednu eud stnuomA

19. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  

2014 
£ 

2013 
£ 

 962,11
_______ 

 -
________ 

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

Credit risk 
Foreign currency risk 
Liquidity risk 
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: 

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

19. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

Solid State PLC

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 euros. 

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

33

Loans and Receivables 
2013 
2014 
£ 
£ 

 951,834,01
 104,586
 _________

 065,321,11
 _________

 057,271,7
279,790,1
 ________

 227,072,8
 ________

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

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 

2014 
£ 

 475,970,9
 341,608
________ 

9,885,717 
________ 

2013 
£ 

 724,812,6
 714,594
________ 

6,713,844 
________ 

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 £30,109 (2012: £9,909) which represented 0.09% (2013: 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 

 4102
 KU
 KU noN

 latoT
 snoisivorP :sseL

 latoT

 3102
 KU
 KU noN

 latoT

Total 
£ 

Current 
£ 

 696,612,9
 341,608
 ________

 862,672,8
 159,636
 ________

30 days 
past due 
£ 

 948,207
 227,32
 _______

60 days 
past due 
£ 

 576,771
 552,8
 ______

 938,220,01
 )221,731(

 912,319,8

 175,627

 039,581

90 days 
past due 
£ 

 409,95
 512,731
 ______

 911,791
 )221,731(

 ________

 ________

 _______

 ______

 ______

 717,588,9
 ________

 912,319,8
 ________

 175,627
 _______

 039,581
 ______

 799,95
 ______

 323,823,6
 714,594
 ________

 599,768,5
 704,084
 ________

 571,893
 010,51
 _______

 291,16
 -
 ______

 169
 -
 ______

 047,328,6

 204,843,6

 581,314

 291,16

 169

 snoisivorP :sseL

 )698,901(

 -

 )347,74(

 )291,16(

 )169(

 latoT

 ________

 ________

 _______

 ______

 ______

 448,317,6
 ________

 204,843,6
 ________

 244,563
 _______

 -
 ______

 -
 ______

 snoisivorP :sseL

 )758,601(

 -

 )940,17(

 )110,42(

 )797,11(

 latoT

 ________

 ________

 _______

 ______

 ______

 943,915,6
 ________

 019,292,6
 ________

 934,622
 _______

 -
 ______

 -
 ______

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

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

 ecnalab gnisolC

2014 
£ 

 909,901
 901,03
 )698,2(
_______ 

 221,731
_______ 

2013 
£ 

 758,601
 909,9
 )758,6(
_______ 

 909,901
_______

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 2014 trade receivables of £972,498 which were past their due date 
were not impaired (2013: £226,439). All of these were less than 90 days past their due date. 

Liquidity risk 

Current financial liabilities 
 selbayap rehto dna edarT
 sgniworrob knaB
 tfardrevo knaB

Non current financial liabilities 
 srotiderc esahcrup eriH

Financial liabilities 

measured at amortised cost 

2014 
£ 

 299,984,7
 857,341,1
 917,498,1
________ 

10,528,469 
________ 

 962,11
________ 

2013 
£ 

 054,417,4
 225,509
 549,694,2
________ 

8,116,917 
________ 

 -
________ 

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (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   

2014 
Secured bank loans 
Bank overdrafts 
Amounts due to invoice 
    discounters 
Trade and other payables 
Hire purchase creditors 

2013 
Secured bank loans 
Bank overdrafts 
Amounts due to invoice 
    discounters 
Trade and other payables 

- 
1,894,719 

- 
1,894,719 

- 
1,894,719 

1,143,758 
7,487,527 
13,734 
_________ 

1,143,758 
7,487,527 
13,734 

1,143,758 
7,487,527 
1,188 

1,277 
_________  _________  _______ 

- 
 - 

- 

-   
  -   

   11,269   
_______ 

10,539,738 
_________ 

10,539,738  10,527,192 
1,277 
_________  _________  _______ 

11,269   

_______ 

- 
2,496,945 

- 
2,496,945 

- 
2,496,945 

- 
 - 

-   
  -   

905,522 
4,714,450 
________ 

905,522 
4,714,450 
________ 

- 
905,522 
4,714,450 
- 
________  _______ 

   -   

_______ 

8,116,917 
________ 

8,116,917 
________ 

8,116,917 
- 
________  _______ 

-   

_______ 

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  £14,750  (2013:  £24,605)  higher  and  if  1%  lower  throughout  the  year  the  level  of 
interest payable would have been lower by the same amount. 

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (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 
2014: 

 selbaviecer edarT
 stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsaC
 tfardrevo knaB
 selbayap edarT

2014 
£ 

2013 
£ 

 308,494,5
 279,011
 )656,091(
 )992,768,2(
________ 

 217,762,4
 916,390,1
 -
 )492,346,1(
________ 

2,547,820 
________ 

3,718,037 
_______ 

There were also net assets of £95,398 in euros (2013: net liabilities of £19,775). 

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 increase/(decrease) in pre-tax profit for the year 
and  an  increase/(decrease)  in  net  assets  of  approximately  £264,000  (2013:  £(370,000))  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  decrease/(increase)  in  pre-tax  profit  for  the  year  and  a 
decrease/(increase) in net assets of approximately £264,000 (2013: £(370,000)). 

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

19. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

Foreign currency risk (continued) 
At 31st March 2013 the Group had entered into agreement with its bankers to purchase US dollars as follows: 

Up to  19th April 2013 
Up to  19th April 2013 

$ 
1,100,000 
1,100,000 

Rate 
1.6257 
1.6023 

Applying the actual exchange rate at the statement of financial position date to these agreements gives rise to a
liability of £86,035 at 31st March 2013. A full provision for these liabilities was made in the financial statements
at 31st March 2013. 

There were no forward purchase agreements in place at 31st March 2014 

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 2014 is shown below: 

 stnelaviuqe hsac dna hsaC
 stfardrevo knaB
 ecnavda gnitnuocsid eciovnI
 ecnanif esahcrup eriH

 latipac erahS
 tnuocca muimerp erahS
 sgninrae deniateR
 evreser noitpmeder latipaC

 oitar gniraeG

20. 

DEFERRED TAX 

 3102 lirpA 

Accelerated capital allowances and goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries 
At 1st
 seiraidisbus fo noitisiuqca no gnisira xat derrefeD
 raey eht rof egrahc/)tiderC(
 egnahc etar xat fo tceffE

At 31st

 4102 hcraM 

2014 
£ 
 )104,586(
 917,498,1
 857,341,1
 437,31
________ 

2,366,810 
________ 

 635,114
 847,826,3
 541,263,6
 476,4
________ 

10,407,103 
________ 

 32.0

________ 

2014 
£ 

 824,15
 243,431
 747,63
 765,1
______ 

 480,422
______ 

2013 
£ 
 )279,790,1(
 549,694,2
 225,509
 -
________ 

2,304,495 
________ 

 206,843
 404,370,1
 353,458,4
 476,4
________ 

6,281,033 
________ 

 73.0

________ 

2013 
£ 

 308,78
  -
 152,53
 )421,1(
_____ 

 824,15
_____ 

Deferred tax rates are at 21% (2013: 23%) being the rate substantially enacted. 

38

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

21. 

PROVISION FOR LIABILITIES 

Provision for liabilities  on the termination  of  two  building leases.  Due to  the  ongoing  negotiations  with the 
two landlords we have not disclosed any further information as this may prejudice seriously the position of the 
Group. 

 noisivorp gninepO
Reclassification of liabilities at 31st March 2013 
 raey rof snoisivorP

 noisivorp gnisolC

22. 

SHARE CAPITAL 

56,000 
 000,411
 _______

 000,071£
 _______

 diap ylluf dna deussi dettollA
8,230,722 (2013: 6,972,034) ordinary shares of 5p each 

  2014  
£ 

411,536 
______ 

    2013 
£ 

348,602 
______ 

On  27th  June  2013,  Mr  J  L  Macmichael  exercised  share  options  over  88,085  ordinary  shares  which  were 
issued at an exercise price of 94p. 

On 27th June 2013, Mr G S Marsh exercised share options over 120,603 ordinary shares which were issued at 
an exercise price of 99.5p. 

On 23rd December 2013 the company issued 1,050,000 ordinary shares at £2.42 per share and incurred costs 
of issue of £125,521 

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 2014 the number of shares covered by option 
agreements amounted to 330,000 (2013: 208,688). 

23. 

RESERVES 

Full details of movements in reserves are set out in the consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 
15.   

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

 evreseR

 esopruP dna noitpircseD

Share premium 
Capital redemption 
Retained earnings 

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. 
Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares. 
Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated income 
statement. 

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

24. 

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

2014 
£ 
 057,353
 360,050,1
 005,135
 ________

2013 
£ 
 055,262
 328,388
 005,947
 ______

Since  the  end  of  the  year,  a  lease  has  been  surrendered  by  arrangement  with  the  lessor  which  reduces  the 
commitments by a total of £172,000 

25. 

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 of 5p per share.  The options in place at  31st  March 2014 all  have exercise periods of any 
time after finalisation of the accounts for the year on which the performance criteria are based. Full details are 
set out in Note 5 on pages 25 and 26. 

The fair value of the options is based on the market value at the date of grant of the number of shares for which 
the performance criteria have been met for the year less the exercise price of 5p per share. The market value 
per share at the date of grant was £2.38. 

The share based remuneration expenses amount to £235,056 for the year (2013: £44,445) 

26. 

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 

A claim has been notified but not yet quantified by a customer following the failure of battery components in 
several  examples  of  a  certain  product  which  comprises  a  meter  and  which  has  been  installed  in  several 
countries  around  the  world,  often  in  remote  locations.  The  customer  is  currently  inspecting  these  meters,  a 
process which is protracted due to the difficulty of access in many cases. Our supplier’s insurers have indicated 
that they will cover the part  of the claim directly attributable to the failure  of the cells and the Group’s own 
insurers will  cover any  part  of  the  claim relating to  damage to  property arising from the faulty product.  The 
Group anticipates that part of the claim relating to consequential loss arising from the faulty product will fail to 
be covered by either insurer and thus will be a liability payable by the Group. At this stage it is not practical to 
estimate the extent of that liability, but the at this stage the directors do not believe that it will be material or 
detrimental to the ongoing performance of the business. 

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

27. 

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 2001 Electronic  Components  Limited and the  manufacturing  division includes  Steatite  Limited and  Q-
Par Angus Limited. 

Year ended 31st March 2014 

 euneveR
 lanretxE
 ynapmocretnI

Distribution 
 noisivid

 £

Manufacturing 
 noisivid
 £

Head 
 eciffo
 £

 latoT
 £

 699,498,9
 996,91

 634,091,22
  -

  -
  -

 234,580,23
996,91

________ 

_________ 

________ 

_________ 

 596,419,9

 634,091,22

  -

131,501,23

 ________

 _________

 ________

 _________

Profit/(loss) before tax 
 esnepxe xaT

397,419 
 692,08

2,898,649 
 255,434

(1,142,359) 
 )802,732(

2,153,709 
046,772

Balance sheet 
Assets 
 seitilibaiL

Net assets/(liabilities) 

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

 ________

 ________

 ________

________

8,563,535 
 )060,487,2(
 _________

5,779,475 
 _________

13,129,946 
 )579,261,7(
 ________

45,440 
 )387,483,1(
 _______

21,738,921 
 )818,133,11(
 ________

5,966,971 
 ________

(1,339,343) 
 _______

10,407,103 
 ________

123,622 
2,194,303 

94,403 
 483,43
 ________

364,147 
514,506 

251,333 
 293,13
 ________

-  
-  

338,475 
 051,6
 ________

487,769 
2,708,809 

684,211 
629,17
 ________

Included with the manufacturing division is turnover of £3,614,864 relating to income from a major company 
which accounts for more than 10% of the Group’s turnover in the year. 

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

27. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued) 

Year ended 31st March 2013   

Revenue 
 lanretxE
 ynapmocretnI

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Balance sheet 
 stessA
 seitilibaiL

Net (liabilities)/assets 

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

Distribution 
 noisivid

 £

Manufacturing 
 noisivid
 £

Head 
 eciffo
 £

 latoT
 £

 500,641,7
 -
________ 

 500,641,7
________ 

105,385 
 ________

 155,501,4
 )459,993,4(
 _________

(294,403) 
 _________

 279,843,42
 437,6
_________ 

 -
   -
________ 

 779,494,13
 437,6
_________ 

 607,553,42
_________ 

 -
________ 

 117,105,13
_________ 

2,456,104 
 ________

(791,056) 
 ________

1,770,433 
 ________

 206,216,11
 )405,410,6(
 ________

 )540,970,1(
 383,650,2
 _______

 801,936,41
 )570,853,8(
 ________

5,598,098 
 ________

977,338 
 _______

6,281,033 
 ________

206,348 
11,341 

102,549 
 836,52
 ________

107,537 
3,555 

143,183 
 752,13
 ________

- 
- 

78,509 
 177,61
 ________

313,885 
14,896 

324,241 
 666,37
 ________

 yb eunever lanretxE
 remotsuc fo noitacol
2013 
£ 

2014 
£ 

 yb stessa latoT
 stessa fo noitacol
2013 
2014 
£ 
£ 

28,258,799  25,443,731  21,738,921  14,639,108 
- 
1,977,575 
- 
1,051,151 
- 
671,633 
  - 
10,213 
  - 
51,919 
- 
64,142 
 _________ _________ _________ _________

1,099,507 
863,688 
4,059,015 
23,671 
5,112 
253 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Net tangible capital 
 noitacol yb erutidnepxe

 stessa fo

2014 
£ 

487,769 
- 
- 
- 
  - 
  - 
- 
 _______

2013 
£ 

313,885 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
 _______

United Kingdom 
Rest of Europe 
North America 
Asia 
Africa 
Australasia 
South America 

 801,936,41 129,837,12 779,494,13 234,580,23
 _________ _________ _________ _________

 967,784
 _______

 588,313
 _______

All the above relate to continuing operations. 

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

Solid State PLC

28.  ACQUISITIONS DURING THE YEAR 

Q-Par Angus Limited 

On  1st  May  2013  the  Group  acquired  100%  of  the  ordinary  shares  in  Q-Par  Angus  Limited  for  a  cash 
consideration of £1,000,517.  Q-Par Angus Limited is a specialist electronics business involved in the design 
and  manufacture  of  microwave  and  other  RF  (radio  frequency)  engineering  with  specialisation  in  antenna 
systems. 

 stessa dexif elbignatnI
 stessa dexif elbignaT
 kcotS
 srotbeD
 knab ta hsaC
 srotiderC
 xat derrefeD

Net assets on acquis

 noiti

 noitisiuqca no lliwdooG

 noitaredisnoC

Discharged by: 
 hsaC

 kooB
 eulav

      £

   - 
 618,841
 346,823
 885,943
 232,331
 )321,381(
 113,65
 _______

 764,338
 _______

 eulav riaF
 tnemtsujda

     £

 435,573
 )243,08(
 )174,99(
  -
  -
 )000,42(
 )300,92(
 _______

 817,241
 _______

 eulav riaF
 puorg ot
     £

 435,573
 474,86
 271,922
 885,943
 232,331
 )321,702(
 803,72
 _______

 581,679

 233,42

 ________

 715,000,1
 ________

 715,000,1
 ________

The intangible fixed assets are in relation to customer contacts and relationships 

In  addition  to  the  purchase  price,  the  group  incurred  costs  relating  to  the  acquisition  of  £20,770.  These  are 
included in administrative expenses. 

The  profit  included  in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income  arising  from  Q-Par  Angus 
Limited was £519,321 

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

28.  ACQUISITIONS DURING THE YEAR (continued) 

2001 Electronic Components Limited 

On  31st  December  2013  the  Group  acquired  100%  of  the  ordinary  shares  in  2001  Electronic  Components 
Limited  for  a  cash  consideration  of  £1,973,512.  2001  Electronic  Components  Limited  is  a  distributor  of 
electronic components. 

 stessa dexif elbignatnI
 stessa dexif elbignaT
 kcotS
 srotbeD
 knab ta hsaC
 sgniworrob knaB
 srotiderC
 xat derrefeD

Net assets/(liabilities) on acquisition 

  noitisiuqca no lliwdooG

 noitaredisnoC

Discharged by: 
 hsaC

 kooB
 eulav

      £
   -
 808,51
 358,547
 123,557,1
 268,715
 )289,704,1(
 )053,826,1(

 ________

(1,488) 
 ________

 eulav riaF
 tnemtsujda

     £
 033,859
  -
 )000,08(
 566,31

 )603,82(
 )657,661(
 _______

696,933 
 _______

 eulav riaF
 puorg ot
     £
 033,859
 808,51
 358,566
 689,867,1
 268,715
 )289,704,1(
 )656,656,1(
 )657,661(
 ________

695,445 

760,872,1

 ________

 215,379,1
 ________

 215,379,1
 ________

The intangible fixed assets are in relation to customer contacts and relationships 

In  addition  to  the  purchase  price  the  group  incurred  costs  relating  to  the  acquisition  of  £58,275.  These  are 
included in administrative expenses. 

The  profit  included  in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income  arising  from  2001  Electronic 
Components Limited was £112,867 

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

Company Number: 00771335 

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET 
at 31st March 2014 

 STESSA DEXIF
 stnemtsevnI

 STESSA TNERRUC
 srotbeD
 dnah ni dna knab ta hsaC

CREDITORS:  Amounts falling due within 
 raey eno

 )SEITILIBAIL( TNERRUC TEN

 STESSA TEN

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

 SDNUF ’SREDLOHERAHS

 setoN

 4102

 3102

£ 

£ 

£ 

£ 

 4

 5

 083,937,5 
 _________

 153,567,2 
 ________ 

 153,567,2 

 879,239,1
 -
 ________

 444,308,1 
 -
 ________ 

 879,239,1

 444,308,1 

 6

 838,341,3
 ________

 365,758,2 
 ________ 

 )068,012,1(
 ________ 

 025,825,4 
 ________ 

 635,114 
 847,826,3 
 476,4
 265,384 
 ________ 

 025,825,4 
 ________ 

 )911,450,1(
 ________ 

 3232,117,1
 ________ 

 206,843 
 404,370,1 
 476,4
 255,482 
 ________ 

 232,117,1 
 ________ 

 7
 8
 8
 8

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 7th July 2014. 

G S Marsh, Director 

P Haining, 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 2014  

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 2014 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)(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. 

Share 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  £642,073  (2013:  £593,027)  and  comprised  the  share  based  payment  expense  of 
£235,056  (2012:  £44,445)  provision  for  employer’s  national  insurance  on  exercise  of  share  options  of 
£32,437 (2013: £Nil) 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 2014 (continued) 

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 of 5p per share. The options in place at 31st March 2014 all have exercise periods of any 
time after finalisation of the accounts for the year on which the performance criteria are based. Full details are 
set out in Note 5 on pages 25 and 26. 

The  fair  value  of the  options  is  based  on the  market  value  at  the  date  of  grant  of  the number  of  shares  for 
which  the performance criteria have been met for the year less the exercise price of 5p per share. The market 
value per share at the date of grant was £2.38. 

The share based remuneration expenses amount to £235,056 for the year (2013: £44,445) 

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solid State PLC

4. 

INVESTMENTS 
Company 

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (continued) 

Cost 
1st April 2013 
Additions 
Disposals 

 4102 hcraM ts13

Net book value 
 4102 hcraM ts13

 3102 hcraM ts13

Subsidiary undertakings 

Group 
undertakings 

£ 

2,765,351 
2,974,029 
- 
________ 

 083,937,5
________ 

083,937,5
________ 

 153,567,2
________ 

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

Q-Par Angus Limited 
2001 Electronic Components Limited 

 gnitov fo noitroporP
rights and Ordinary 
share capital held 

Nature of business 

 %001
 %001

100% 
100% 

 stnenopmoc cinortcele fo noitubirtsiD
 dna stnenopmoc cinortcele fo noitubirtsiD
manufacture of electronic equipment 
Manufacture of microwave and RF equipment 
Distribution of electronic components 

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

With effect from 1st April 2014 the business and relevant assets and liabilities of 2001 Electronic Components 
Limited have been transferred to Solid State Supplies Limited and this company has thus become dormant. 

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
Other taxes and social se
 srotiderc rehtO
 slaurccA

 stsoc ytiruc

48

2014 
£ 

2013 
£ 

 835,788,1
 625,44
 419
 _________

 617,467,1
 417,8
 410,03
 _________

 879,239,1
 _________

 444,308,1
 ________

 086,703,1
 550,957,1
 734,23
 666,83
 000,6
 ________

 838,341,3
 ________

 371,357
 382,770,2
  -
 601,12
 100,6
 ________

 365,758,2
 ________

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 31st March 2014 (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,  Q-Par  Angus  Limited  and  2001  Electronic  Components  Limited.  At  the  year  end  the 
liabilities covered by those guarantees amounted to £575,246 (2013: £505,374).  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 
8,230,722 (2013: 6,972,0.34) ordinary shares of 5p each 

2014 
£ 

411,536 
 _______

2013 
£ 

348,602 
 _______

On  27th  June  2013,  Mr  J  L  Macmichael  exercised  share  options  over  88,085  ordinary  shares  which  were 
issued at an exercise price of 94p. 

On 27th June 2013, Mr G S Marsh exercised share options over 120,603 ordinary shares which were issued at 
an exercise price of 99.5p. 

On 23rd December 2013 the company issued 1,050,000 ordinary shares at £2.42 per share and incurred costs 
of issue of £125,521 

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 2014 the number of shares covered by option 
agreements amounted to 330,000 (2012: 208,688). 

8. 

RESERVES 

 3102 lirpA ts1
 serahs fo eussI
 raey eht rof tiforP

 esnepxe desab erahS :ddA

 diap dnediviD

 4102 hcraM ts13

Share premium  Capital redemption  Profit & loss 

 tnuocca

 evreser

 tnuocca

 404,370,1
 443,555,2
 -
 _______
 847,826,3

 -
 _______
 847,826,3

 -
 ________

 847,826,3
 ________

 476,4
 -
 -
 _____
 476,4

 -
 _____
 476,4

 -
 _____

 476,4
 _____

 255,482
 782,765
 -
 _______
 938,158

650,532
 _______
 598,680,1

 )333,306(
 _______

265,384
 _______

The  cumulative  amount  of  goodwill  which  has  been  eliminated  against  reserves  at  31st  March  2014  is 
£30,000 (2013: £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 20th August 2014 at 11am 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  2014,  together  with  the  reports  of  the 
Directors and auditors thereon.  (Resolution 1) 
To declare a final dividend of 5.75p per share.  (Resolution 2) 
To  reappoint  Peter  Haining,  who  retires  by  rotation,  as  a  Director  of  the  Company  in  accordance  with  the 
Company’s Articles of Association.  (Resolution 3) 
To reappoint John Lawford Macmichael, 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 £137,178.50 (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  £82,307.20  (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 £82,307.20, 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) 

vi) 

iv) 

v) 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD 

P Haining FCA 
Director 
7th July 2014 

Registered office: 2 Ravensbank Business Park, Hedera Road, Redditch, B98 9EY 

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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