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Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc

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FY2011 Annual Report · Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc
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Caring for 
health and the 
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Annual Report  
and Accounts 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We care passionately about health and the environment. 
We have identified areas in which we feel Symphony  
can make a difference, not just in our home country  
of Great Britain, but all around the world.

d2w®

d2p®

Controlled-life 
plastic 

Protecting  
health 

d2w is a masterbatch which, when included at the 
manufacturing stage, turns ordinary plastic at the end 
of its useful life into a material with a different molecular 
structure. At that stage it is no longer a plastic and has 
become a material which is inherently biodegradable  
in the open environment in the same way as a leaf. 
Symphony is the only public company in this field.

To find out more go to 
Page 10

d2p is a masterbatch that provides antimicrobial 
performance. The active ingredients in d2p have been 
successfully tested against over 50 common organisms 
and dangerous bacteria, such as MRSA, E.coli, Salmonella, 
Listeria, Pseudomonas and Aspergillus Niger. 

To find out more go to 
Page 12

http://degradable.net/what-is-d2w/what-is-d2w/

http://degradable.net/d2p-antimicrobial/d2p-antimicrobial/

R01

What’s inside the  
Annual Report and 
Accounts 2011:

About Symphony and  
our Performance in 2011 

02  Symphony in Detail
04  Chairman’s Statement
06  Case Studies
08  Our Network
10  The d2w Solution
12  The d2p Solution
14  The d2Detector Solution
16  The w2v Solution
18  CSR
20  Chief Executive’s Review

Corporate Governance

22  Board of Directors
23  Directors’ Report
25  Remuneration Report
26 

 Independent Auditor’s Report

Financial Statements

27 

28 

29 

30 
31 

 Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive Income
 Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)
 Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity
 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
 Notes to the Annual Report  
and Accounts

49  Company Balance Sheet
50 

 Notes to the Company Balance Sheet

d2Detector® 

Quality and 
authentication 

The d2Detector is a XRF (X-ray) device that allows the 
customer, and the authorities in countries with legislation, 
to determine whether or not a plastic product contains d2w 
or d2p additives as specified, and whether it contains lead 
or any other undesirable substance. This gives peace of 
mind to our customers and end users. The d2Detector gives 
you quality assurance and authenticity. The process can 
take less than 60 seconds.

To find out more go to 
Page 14

http://degradable.net/d2detector/

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201102

02
Symphony  
in Detail

Symphony Environmental 
Technologies plc specialises 
in developing and marketing 
a wide range of technologies 
and services. The group  
is dedicated to finding 
technological solutions  
to the world’s health and 
environmental problems.

About Symphony

Since 2010 the Company has been broadening 
its horizons, looking at the wider health and 
environmental issues that could be solved 
through innovation. We have launched  
d2p, an additive that provides plastic with 
antimicrobial performance. The first d2p 
additive is already on the market and other 
variations and applications are in development. 
d2p complements our already popular, world 
leading, controlled-life plastic additive d2w.

An additional service enhancement is the 
d2Detector, providing customers with the 
reassurance that their products contain the 
correct additives. The detector also helps 
detect products that have been counterfeited.

Symphony is an active member of the  
following organisations:
•	 The Oxo-biodegradable Plastics Association 

(OPA)

•	 The International Organisation for 

Standardisation (ISO)

•	 The American Society for Testing and 

Materials (ASTM)

•	 The European Standards Organisation (CEN)
•	 The British Standards Institute (BSI)
•	 The British Plastics Federation (BPF)
•	 The Society of the Chemical Industry UK (SCI)
•	 The Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC)
•	 The Society of Plastics Engineers US (SPE)
•	 The NH Hoteles Sustainability Programme
•	 The European Organisation for Packaging 

and the Environment (EUROPEN)

Listings
Symphony is quoted on the AIM market of  
the London Stock Exchange. The Company  
is also traded on the Plus Market in London  
and US investors can access shares via the 
Bank of New York American Depository  
Receipt (ADR) program.

ISO accreditation
Symphony has held ISO standard 9001: 2008 
since 1997, operating a quality management 
system which complies with the standard. 
Symphony is now also delighted to hold 
accreditation for ISO Standard 14001: 2004, 
operating an environmental management 
system that complies with the standard.

Our global network
Our network of distributors continues to grow. 
We currently have 67 distributors covering 96 
countries worldwide. This network is backed  
up by a global team of technical support.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
03

What next for Symphony?

Symphony is always looking at new 
technologies and potential products and  
we hope to have several new lines coming to 
market over the next few years. In particular, 
our research and development work in the  
field of converting scrap tyres to useful 
material is making significant progress and  
we hope to provide further updates during  
the course of 2012 and beyond.

Fast facts
•	 The only British quoted public company  
in Controlled-Life Plastic Technology

•	 Shares traded on ‘AIM’ market of the London Stock  
Exchange ‘SYM’ also on the Plus Market in London  
and in New York under Bank of NY ADR program ‘SETPY’

•	 Active in over 96 countries 
•	 Launch of d2Detector – world-first
•	 Ongoing investment in R&D
•	 High-Tech test facilities in Symphony’s own laboratory 

and support network 

•	 Symphony’s scientific, technical and marketing  
teams provide production and sales support

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201104

04
Chairman’s  
Statement

The results for the year  
to 31 December 2011 
show increased revenues 
and further significant 
investment by the Group 
in key areas such as sales, 
marketing and product 
development. 
d2w additives, our main product line, grew by 
10% in volume, but exchange rates and higher 
raw material costs saw gross margins reduce 
during the year.

Legislative change is gaining momentum  
and towards the end of the year the United  
Arab Emirates (‘UAE’) brought forward from 
January 2013 to January 2012 the application  
of laws which regulate plastic production and 
imports wholly in favour of oxo-biodegradable 
technology. As such, plastic bags not 
conforming to the approved specification are 
now prohibited from being made in or imported 
into the UAE. We believe this will increase the 
potential for other countries to follow suit. 

During the year BSi published a British  
Standard (BS8472) for oxo-biodegradable 
products which is the first and only Standard  
in Europe for biodegradability of plastic  
litter in the environment. This differentiates 
oxo-biodegradable from other types of 
biodegradable products, and will allow  
a stronger position in respect of future 
marketing and legislative campaigns.

We have continued to make significant 
investment into Symphony Energy, and the 
RuPERT tyre recycling project. The project  
is expected to be completed during 2012. 

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201105

During 2011 we strengthened the foundations 
for accelerated growth for both the short and 
longer term future of Symphony. While this 
meant an increase in fixed costs, the investment 
within Symphony and the expansion of the 
existing distribution network, together with the 
effects of legislation in late 2011 are starting to 
make a positive impact within our distribution 
network, and mean that we can be very 
confident of further growth in 2012 and beyond.

I would like to thank the Board, staff and 
distributors for all their efforts in 2011. 

N Deva DL FRSA MEP 
Chairman
13 March 2012

Highlights
•	 Revenues increased to £8.54 million  

(2010: £8.48 million) 

•	 Operating profit decreased to £0.50 million  

(2010: £1.13 million)

•	 Profit before tax decreased to £0.42 million  

(2010: £1.01 million)

•	 Profit after tax decreased to £0.52 million  

(2010: £1.19 million) 

•	 Increased investment across key areas in  

sales, marketing and product development 
•	 Basic earnings per share decreased to 0.42p 

(2010: 1.02p)

•	 Legislative changes in UAE and elsewhere in 

favour of oxo-biodegradable plastic technology

•	 d2w additive volumes increased by 10%
•	 Achieved maiden sales and rental for  

d2Detector in five countries

•	 Increase in number of distributors from 61 to 67

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011During the year BSi published  a British Standard (BS8472)  for oxo-biodegradable products which is the first and only Standard in Europe for biodegradability of plastic litter in the environment.06

06
Case Studies

PaperTyger
PaperTyger is a new range of high-quality, 
technologically-advanced, cost competitive, 
laminated papers that are suitable for a wide  
variety of applications where the integrity of  
all the material is paramount. These products  
are manufactured by a unique patented,  
solvent-free laminating process. All PaperTyger 
papers are tear, burst and water resistant.

NH Hoteles
The NH Hoteles Group is the third largest 
business hotel chain in Europe and currently 
has 392 hotels in 24 countries across Europe, 
America and Africa providing over 60,000 
rooms, with another 45 hotels under 
construction. NH Hoteles stands out for  
its quality, both in service and facilities, 
providing a tastefully furnished and 
comfortable environment for its guests. 

Inditex Group
Inditex Group is one of the world’s largest fashion 
retailers, present in more than 70 countries 
worldwide. Inditex Group has developed and 
manages multiple worldwide known brands  
such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, 
Stradivarius, Oysho, Zara Home and Uterique.  
The Group is made up of more than 100 companies 
whose operations are focused in textile design, 
manufacturing and distribution. The Group  
employs more than 100,000 employees. 

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201107

PaperTyger is a part of the Chase Corporation 
that has established a strategic distribution 
partnership with Eurotrade Business Products. 
Established in the early 1990s, Eurotrade 
Business Products has been in the development 
and distribution of specialty papers and 
innovative postal-packaging products for  
more than 20 years. It is now a leading supplier 
to the graphics and office-products markets 
striving to offer the best quality product and 
service excellence. PaperTyger and Eurotrade 
pride themselves with their environmental 
credentials, given that they are fully  
accredited FSC suppliers. 

PaperTyger offers a great range of products 
from envelopes and graphic papers to their 
recently-introduced oxo-biodegradable 
materials. 

Recently, Symphony and PaperTyger started 
working on development and production of  
a range of oxo-biodegradable office materials. 
Both companies are working together to try  
to improve the office environment. Many  
paper items and envelopes are disposed  
of carelessly, but the two companies have 
developed a solution for this environmental 
problem by making the products biodegrade  
at the end of their useful life. 

PaperTyger is promoting d2w in its products in 
practical working applications. The company  
is using its well-established network of 
distributors to promote the d2w solution.  
In addition, Symphony is pleased to introduce 
PaperTyger’s products to our network of 
distributors and we are looking forward to 
establishing a long and successful collaboration.

Symphony has been working with NH Hoteles 
for a number of years, developing a line of 
controlled-life products in order to develop  
a more environmentally-friendly range of 
plastic packaging. 

The two organisations are working together  
to show companies in the catering and  
hotel sectors the environmental benefits  
of controlled-life plastic. This initiative set  
a precedent as the first major hotel group  
to use controlled-life plastics. 

As part of the programme, all plastic 
consumables used throughout the NH Hoteles 
chain are now being made using Symphony’s 
d2w additive. This includes shampoo bottles, 
laundry bags, bath gel bottles, combs and 
other related items.

Symphony has partnered with Inditex in  
Spain and Portugal. Both companies have  
been successfully working together to build 
brand awareness in the region. All plastic  
bags that the group now uses are being 
manufactured with d2w, which helps in the 
development of more environmentally-friendly 
business models. Another successful d2w story.

Inditex is not only using d2w in its plastic bags, 
but is also working on reducing the amount  
of plastic used in the bags from 25 microns  
to 15 microns. 

The benefits of these changes are seen in 
logistics where less storage space is required 
and handling is easier, and most importantly 
there is a reduction in the number of vehicles 
required for transportation of the products. 

Symphony is very pleased to be working with 
environmentally conscientious organisations 
such as Inditex.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201108

08
Our Network

Symphony is a truly global company, 
touching every corner of the globe. 
We have an ever-growing number  
of distributors and sub-distributors 
giving us coverage in 96 countries 
worldwide.

I discovered Symphony some years ago by accident  
on the internet. Today I’m working with Symphony in 
France, Belgium and French-speaking Africa, where this 
technology is going to make a real difference to their 
environment. I am proud to help make that difference.
Philippe Michon – France 

It was a Saturday in 2002, I was reading a Brazilian 
newspaper and I read an article about Symphony.  
As I already worked with plastics, I contacted 
Symphony and shortly after I was received in their 
office in England, where I met the Directors. Since  
then, I’m proud to be part of the Symphony network  
of distributors around the world and able to work  
with such dedicated and efficient people.
Eduardo Van Roost – Brazil

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201109

Services 

Symphony has its own purpose-built laboratories and  
test facilities in the UK, where the technical team test, 
develop, and constantly improve our products, working 
closely with universities and other specialist scientific 
centres in the UK and overseas. Symphony continues to 
make substantial investments in the latest equipment,  
and its technical team. 

We have three locations in the UK:
•	 Borehamwood – Headquarters, sales and scientific 

experiments and development 

•	 Great Yarmouth – Quality control testing
•	 Telford – Industrial experiments and development

Global support
Symphony provides support to customers around the 
world. We have technical support capabilities available 
across all time zones and at short notice.

We also have expertise and facilities available around  
the world to provide technical and research support.  
These include:
•	 Belgium
•	 Brazil
•	
Italy
•	 Mexico
•	 Singapore
•	 Spain
•	 Sweden
•	 UK
•	 USA

Being a business located on the beautiful Adriatic  
coast of Slovenia, we are acutely aware of the problems 
caused by plastic waste on our beaches and in the sea. 

When I heard about Symphony and d2w I thought it  
was too good to be true. I was quite sceptical at the 
beginning but Symphony proved their product and 
convinced me. It really is a brilliant solution. It is great  
to be a part of the Symphony family all over the world!  
I have learned a lot from all of them and sharing their 
enthusiasm and positive approach is making us proud  
to be a Symphony distributor.
Mirjana Gojak – Balkans

I am strongly committed to the Symphony project,  
and it is a worthwhile challenge to tell our people in  
the Philippines how we can protect our environment  
for future generations. It is a fulfilling and enriching 
experience. It is great to partner with a highly 
professional company that recognises that we have  
a responsibility to our environment and is developing 
innovative solutions.
Raul Perfecto – Philippines

We have played a pivotal role in building awareness in the UAE and working  
with the Government to develop a standard for oxo-biodegradable plastics.  
The government has now banned the import or manufacture of plastic products 
unless they are oxo-biodegradable, and this will make a big difference to the 
environment in our deserts and in the sea. 

The government sent inspectors to audit Symphony’s laboratories and 
manufacturing facilities, and d2w is today the market leader in the UAE and  
the wider Middle East because of its superior quality, brand recognition and 
customer service. None of this would be possible without Symphony’s ongoing 
efforts to deliver quality products and support in all areas, which enables us  
to look to the future with confidence.
Winston Pryce – Middle East (UAE) 

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201110

10
d2w Technology
Controlled-life plastic:

Plastic is a fantastic 
material, versatile, 
strong, lightweight  
and flexible, but it  
can hang around in  
our environment for 
decades after it has 
reached the end of its 
useful life. Symphony 
has the solution.

The Symphony solution
Symphony has developed d2w, a technology 
that quickly converts ordinary plastic at the 
end of its useful life in the presence of oxygen 
into a material with a different molecular 
structure. At that stage it is no longer a plastic 
and has become a material which is inherently 
biodegradable in the open environment in the 
same way as a leaf. It cannot then entangle 
wild creatures nor block drains, and it is no 
longer a form of visual pollution. It does not 
leave fragments of plastic and it is not toxic. 
The process works on land or in a marine 
environment.

d2w is a masterbatch technology system. It is 
usually added at a rate of 1% with virgin or 
recycled polymer at the manufacturing stage. 

The challenge
Plastic has many benefits. It is lightweight 
and flexible, strong and durable, heat 
sealable, impervious to moisture, recyclable 
and reusable. Over 200 million tons of plastic 
is produced worldwide every year, but only 
3% is ever recycled. Whether through intent, 
neglect or accident some of this plastic will 
always find its way into our environment  
and it can take decades to degrade. All of  
us on our journeys to work will have spotted 
the rogue plastic bag or crisp packet stuck  
in a tree, floating on a river or trampled  
on a pavement on our local high street.  
This situation is mirrored in towns, villages 
and cities all around the world.

The problem is not confined to land. Perhaps 
the biggest visual representation of this is the 
Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating island of 
mainly plastic waste estimated at 3 million 
tons, brought together by the ocean currents 
of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. There 
are now said to be 46,000 pieces of plastic 
per square kilometre of ocean.

It is compatible with Polypropylene, 
Polyethylene and most short-life plastic 
packaging. No changes are required to the 
manufacturing process or plant, and d2w 
plastic can be recycled during its useful life.  
In a landfill it does not produce methane.

Recent developments – the UAE
The UAE Government now requires all plastic 
products and packaging to be produced using 
oxo-biodegradable additive. This includes all 
products and packaging manufactured or 
imported into the Emirates. Symphony has a 
long-standing presence in the UAE and across 
the Middle East and Gulf regions. The law  
came into effect in January 2012 and is already 
being enforced by the authorities. This affects 
manufacturers and retailers all over the world 
who are bringing plastic packaging into the 
UAE. As they probably don’t know which 
particular batch will end up in the UAE they 
would be wise to make all their packaging  
with d2w to avoid fines and confiscation.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2011

11

The Benefits
 — d2w creates controlled-life plastic
 — It makes plastic biodegrade in the  

same way as a leaf

 — Only requires 1% d2w additive 
 — No change required to the  
manufacturing process

 — Non-toxic
 — Suitable for food contact
 — Stops brands from being displayed  
after their useful life has expired,  
and stops refilling by counterfeiters
 — Using the d2w seal of approval adds  

value to the client’s brand

12

12
d2p Solution
Protecting health:

The threat of transferring 
bacteria and infection 
has increased as we live  
in an ever-denser urban 
population. Symphony’s 
d2p provides an extra 
layer of protection 
against the transfer of 
bacteria and infections, 
ideal for multi-user items.

The challenge
We live in ever-denser urban populations, 
putting pressure on our health and transport 
systems and increasing the need for 
improved hygiene levels. The threat of 
catching infections from others during our 
everyday lives has vastly increased. Consider 
your journey to work each day: do you hold 
on to the same handrail as hundreds of other 
commuters on a train or bus? Do you pay for 
your dinner using a credit card machine that 
has been touched by other users all day? 
Bacteria can live on almost any surface,  
so all kinds of healthcare and multi-use 
applications would benefit from additional 
protection against the spread of bacteria. 
Infection rates have become a priority for 
governments throughout the world and 
Symphony is there to support them.

The Symphony solution
Symphony has developed d2p, an additive 
system that provides antimicrobial and 
fungicidal performance to everyday plastic 
items such as door-handles, WC seats, 
computer keyboards, telephones and  
table-tops. Designed as a masterbatch to  
be added at the manufacturing stage, the 
inorganic nature, small particle size and high 
temperature tolerance of the active ingredient 
makes it ideal for use in a wide range of 
polymer processes. The active ingredients  
in d2p have been successfully tested against 
over 50 dangerous bacteria, such as MRSA,  
E.coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Pseudomonas and 
Aspergillus Niger. The unique nature of d2p 
gives plastic excellent bacterial protection.

Applications
There really is no limit to the number of 
applications for d2p. Anything that is made of 
plastic or has (or could have) a plastic coating 
on it can have d2p applied to it. d2p is already in 
use in hand dryers, calculators, sports clothing 
and a host of other applications.

RSymphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2011

13

The Benefits
 — Fights healthcare and food  

industry infections

 — Prevents staining
 — Prevents discolouration
 — Prevents odour development
 — Adds value to existing brands
 — Addition rate of between 1-2%
 — Full technical support

14

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2011

14
d2Detector  
Quality and 
authentication:

Symphony has been  
quick to respond  
to the demand for  
quality control and  
authentication. Having  
the ability to accurately 
determine the content  
of their plastic packaging 
and products gives our 
clients peace of mind.

The challenge
The world is waking up to the need for better 
solutions to the problems of health and  
the environment. Symphony is leading the 
market with its controlled-life technology 
d2w and its antimicrobial d2p. When you 
have products of this quality and potential, 
clients want to know that they are getting 
what they pay for. 

The Symphony solution
The d2Detector uses XRF technology  
to detect and determine what, if any,  
additive is contained in a plastic item.  
It also offers its users other advantages  
in the form of anti-counterfeiting and  
quality control. The d2Detector is portable,  
and can be easily transported as required, 
offering responses in under a minute. 

In an increasingly competitive market,  
quality control is of vital importance.  
The d2Detector can verify if products are  
of consistent quality by checking for the  
correct additives. In many cases verifying  
the correct amount of a particular component 
is vital to the performance of the product. 

Changes to legislation in some countries  
has meant that there is now demand for this 
instrument as a way for government agencies 
to check for additives. The UAE is now enforcing 
its regulations on the compulsory use of 
oxo-biodegradable additives in all plastic 
products and packaging. As part of an 
integrated service to its customers, Symphony 
also offers training on the d2Detector, with 
in-depth analysis available at our laboratories.

The d2Detector continues to gather importance 
in line with the increasing demand for d2w and 
d2p. It offers reassurance and peace of mind  
to clients who now know exactly what they  
are getting in their packaging and products.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2011

15

The Benefits
 — Detects the presence of additives  
in plastic products and packaging 
 — Compares level of additive measured  

with agreed standard

 — Fast response – full detection in under  

a minute

 — Only company to provide this level  

of quality control

 — Easy to use and transport 

16

16
w2v 
Waste to value:

Symphony has 
identified the disposal 
of scrap tyres as a 
major issue both at 
home in the UK and all 
over the world. We are 
asked on a regular basis 
to provide solutions for 
the billions of scrap 
tyres stockpiled  
around the world.

The challenge
There are currently over 10 billion scrap  
tyres around the world. Stockpiling and 
failing to dispose of scrap tyres can lead  
to an elevated danger of fire, rodent 
infestation, ground pollution and the 
prospect of mosquitoes spreading  
Malaria, Dengue and Western Nile fever.  
It is estimated that another 1.5 billion  
tyres become scrap every year.

Scrap tyres also take up a vast amount of 
space in workshops, garages and land. They 
are often disposed of illegally and cannot be 
put in landfills. A solution has to be found.

The Symphony solution
The Symphony Energy division researches  
and develops solutions for creating value 
through the processing of waste materials.

The waste to value project, currently in 
development, has two distinct projects.  
The first is an ultra-high pressure water  
system to break down tyres to their  
original components of rubber and steel. 

The second project uses microwave pyrolysis  
to transform crumb into oil, carbon black and 
non-condensable gas. Both systems involve 
energy recovery processes that reuse the  
heat, power and water used.

Both projects can operate within a full process 
system or as standalone units.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2011

17
17

The Benefits
 — Finally a comprehensive solution is 

available to the world wide problem  
of scrap tyres

 — Creates valuable raw materials and fuel
 — Energy efficiency and energy recovery
 — A huge rise in the quality of rubber  
crumb available on the market
 — Reduction in cost of tyre disposal

18

18
CSR

As an environmental 
technology Company,  
we take our responsibility 
to the environment  
and wider society  
very seriously. 

We actively engage in activities to have a  
direct impact on the world around us, while 
using our knowledge base to educate on the 
how our technology can benefit the world. 

India
Symphony is very proud to sponsor the  
salary of a teacher at the Gairatpur Baas 
Panchayat School in the Haryana region  
of India. The school attracts pupils from  
the three surrounding villages.

All teaching is in English which enables the 
children to improve their knowledge of the 
language which is vital to work and business 
life in India and around the world. Remedial 
lessons are offered to those needing to 
improve their knowledge of English and maths. 

The school has adopted the Montessori  
system together with a ‘learning is fun’  
ethos. Several of the school’s teachers have 
undertaken official Montessori training while 
others are on their way to completing it.  
The school is adopting a system called 
iDiscoveri, recognised for its efficiency  
in teaching at a national level.

The school puts a strong emphasis on 
character development and building 
confidence rather than outright academic 
achievement. Characteristics including 
reliability, punctuality, honesty, teamwork  
and problem-solving are included in the  
range of subjects taught. The syllabus  
includes maths, English, music, art  
and sport.

Surfers  
Against  
Sewage
For the past year Symphony has been 
sponsoring the Surfers Against Sewage  
(SAS) educational tour and providing refuse 
bags containing d2w for their beach clean  
up work.

During that time, over 2,000 students 
learned about marine litter and how best  
to stop this from becoming an issue in the 
future. SAS also organised two beach clean 
tours during the year, clearing 14 beaches. 
1,100 volunteers used d2w refuse sacks to 
remove over 2.5 tonnes of litter. SAS also ran 
educational events at the UK’s biggest surf 
competition ‘The Relentless Boardmasters’ 
which attracted over 150,000 attendees.

Environment 
Engineering  
Group (EEG)
EEG is an NGO based in Novi Sad, SERBIA. It 
has been actively organising the ‘Save Fruska 
Gora – take away your waste with you’ day 
for many years now. The action is traditionally 
supported by National Park Fruska Gora and 
the Rotaract club Novi Sad. In 2011 Symphony 
Environmental and its distributor Mirjana 
Gojak from Slovenia joined forces with EEG to 
help and support the cleanup of the National 
Park. The Serbian people have a long lasting 
tradition of celebrating the May Day Holiday 
by having BBQs and picnics in the park, which 
has caused the accumulation of a lot of 
plastic waste. Symphony donated 20,000 
rubbish bags containing its oxo-biodegradable 
d2w additive. 14,000 bags were used for the 
clean-up of the National Park in Fruska Gora 
before and after the celebration of the May 
Day holiday and 6.000 were distributed to the 
park’s visitors to allow them to clear away  
the rubbish they had created. 

For more visit www.degradable.net

Top: Four of 2,000 school students helping to keep the 
beaches clean. 

Above: Distributor Mirjana Gojak (pictured right) and 
team at ‘Save Fruska Gora – take away your waste  
with you’ day.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011Symphony Environmental Technologies plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2011

19

Dear Symphony,

Hello, I am Sheela Bazroy, the head teacher of Gairatpur Baas 
Panchayat School. I have been here for nearly 3 years now and  
it’s very rewarding. I have come from a state called Jharkhand, 
that is very close to Kolkatta and I like the work that I am doing 
here. I am so thankful to have come here to experience a totally 
new methodology of education conducted by this school.

When I joined this school I saw that the children were so curious, 
friendly, didn’t know proper hygiene, were little misbehaved but 
after the efforts of the teachers, who counselled the parents 
during the parents-teachers meetings, regular home visit we  
now see tremendous change in these children.

Today we have a total strength of 200 students who come to 
school each morning at 7 (even before the school timing which  
is from 8:30). We have classes from Montessori age 3 to age 10 
with 13 teachers. This April we will be upgrading another class 
Grade VI who will be age 11.

We have a very good system of education for the primary classes 
by the name of iDiscoveri and its very different from the old 
traditional Indian education system. Our children are learning  
to comprehend whatever they are taught by practically doing 
them on their own. We even focus on other activities such as 
sports, music, arts and exploration of outside world like the  
visits to zoos, museums etc.

Its my privilege to thank you for the donations you made in the 
fund raiser held in June in the UK this year and because of it we 
were able to pay one of teachers salary. I was very fortunate  
to visit UK as an exchange program with our twinning school  
in Aldbourne. I visited some schools and studied the various 
teaching techniques followed there. It has now open a way for 
more teachers to visit each other’s schools in the days to come.

Thank you for your support.

With Regards,

Sheela

Sheela

Dear Symphony,

I am Muriel, I teach the accelerated class. The concept of this class 
is activity based and speaking English. At first it was quite tough 
for the children to understand due to the varied age groups and 
therefore level of language. Looking back over their progress, the 
children from grade 4 and 5 have definitely been able to handle 
the step up in difficulties, but the younger ones (grade 2 and 3) 
have been struggling slightly. Despite the groups being of different 
levels, all the children are keen to learn and improve their speaking 
and writing in English (they often talk to each other in whatever 
English they can). It is good that we have this class, because it 
means that they have been able to talk their English and school 
work far beyond that of others their age.

Thanks.

Muriel

Muriel

20

20
Chief Executive’s 
Review

I am pleased to report 
the Group made further 
material profits in 2011, 
after substantially 
increasing investment 
into sales, marketing and 
product development. 
This year’s financial performance reflects a 
consolidation of sales revenue with a lower 
profit performance. The main d2w product 
range saw an increase in volume which  
was more than offset by a further planned 
reduction in the lower-margin finished goods. 
Maiden sales and rentals for the d2Detector 
occurred in the second half of the year.

Investment into the key growth areas of the 
business was increased as stronger market 
indicators presented more interest and 
opportunities. In particular we have broadened 
the product range, increased R&D, and 
expanded the marketing and sales activities.

I am also very pleased we attained ISO14001 
accreditation for Environmental Management 
which complements our ISO9001 status, and 
adds further strength to the business and its 
products, and at the same time places us much 
further ahead of many other companies in  
our field. 

Positive legislative changes in favour of 
oxo-biodegradable products continued to gain 
momentum. In particular, in the UAE it is now  
a legal requirement for most disposable plastics 
to be made with d2w type oxo-biodegradable 
products. There has also been positive 
legislation elsewhere and the combination of 
d2w with the d2Detector device allows effective 
enforcement of these new legislative changes.

The number of distributors increased again 
from 61 to 67 resulting in further market 
potential for our products. The d2w market 
continues to grow in strength which is now 
being augmented with d2p products and  
the d2Detector device. 

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201121

Symphony Energy is progressing with its  
work on tyre recycling developments and  
we continue with this significant investment 
program as there are a number of products 
that could come to commercial fruition.

Trading results
Total Group revenues were higher at £8.54 
million (2010: £8.48 million). Group gross  
profit margins reduced from 57% to 54%. 
These factors resulted in a 5% decrease  
in the contribution from gross profit from  
£4.83 million in 2010 to £4.59 million in 2011. 
Gross margins decreased due to exchange 
rates and higher raw material costs.

Expenses before non-recurring items increased 
by 14% to £3.90 million from £3.41 million in 
2010. This was primarily due to increases in  
R&D and marketing. Amongst the many R&D 
activities undertaken, the Group set up a  
new development facility in Telford UK to 
complement the work being carried out in  
Great Yarmouth and Borehamwood. This facility 
started operations in January 2012. Dedicated 
marketing activities took place in the USA  
and mainland Europe. Total staff costs were 
marginally lower at £2.02 million (2010: £2.08 
million) and Directors’ emoluments reduced  
to £0.89 million from £0.99 million in 2010.

The Group made an operating profit of £0.50 
million compared with £1.13 million in 2010, 
resulting in the Group’s profit before tax of 
£0.42 million compared with a profit before  
tax of £1.01 million in 2010. 

Development costs of £0.24 million were 
capitalised in 2011 (2010: £0.32 million). The 
net book value of capitalised development 
costs at the end of the year amounted to £0.98 
million. Further development expenditure of 
£0.34 million (2010: £0.21 million) was charged 
directly to the income statement. Capitalised 
development costs represent 6% of expenses 
as detailed above. Within the total amount  
of £0.98 million capitalised to date are: £0.37 
million relating to Symphony Energy; £0.27 
million relating to d2w products which have 
been developed and are being sold; and the 
balance of £0.34 million, relating to further 
environmental plastic applications still  
in development, and where we believe  
significant revenues will be generated  
in the foreseeable future.

As a result of the continued strong performance 
and in consideration of future performance, a 
further deferred tax credit of £0.10 million has 
been recognised in 2011 resulting in a carried 
forward recognised tax asset at the end of the 
year of £1.28 million.

The Group reports a profit for the year of  
£0.52 million with basic earnings per share  
of 0.42 pence (2010: 1.02 pence). 

The Group’s primary selling currency is the  
US Dollar. The Group hedges where possible  
by purchasing in US Dollars and has banking 
facilities in place in order to secure rates going 
forward. As at 31 December 2011 the Group 
had a net balance of US Dollar assets totalling 
$5.14 million (2010: $3.21 million). 

Segmental analysis
The Group operates two divisions which are 
classified as segments in the financial report, 
being the Plastics division and the Waste-to-
Value division. 

The Plastics division includes all revenues 
associated with d2w, d2p, d2Detector, be they 
additives or finished products. The Plastics 
division saw d2w additive volumes increase by 
10% during the year with d2w revenues stable 
at £8.41 million (2010: £8.41 million). Finished 
product revenues fell as planned to £0.37 
million in 2011 from £0.88 million in 2010. 
Additive revenues increased to £8.05 million  
in 2011 from £7.58 million in 2010.

The Plastics EBITDA for 2011 was £0.86 million 
from £1.47 million in 2010.

In addition to development costs detailed 
above, £0.24 million was invested in plant  
and equipment, primarily in setting up a 
development centre in Telford, UK, together with 
other laboratory equipment and facilities. A total 
of £0.28 million was spent on property, plant 
and equipment in 2011 (2010: £0.39 million).

£1.73 million (net) was raised during the year 
by way of a placing. Loans totalling £0.75 
million were repaid in full during the year. 

Symphony Energy (Waste-to-Value)
The RuPERT tyre recycling project was extended 
during the year and is set for completion during 
2012. The Group continues to invest in and is 
actively pursuing commercial outlets for 
elements within the project.

Current trading and outlook
In commercial terms, 2011 was our most 
successful year as more countries legislated  
in favour of oxo-biodegradable technology, 
such as d2w. The business has built strong 
relationships and created synergies around  
the world, giving Symphony access to new  
and upgraded technologies as they come 
online. Since the year end we have been  
seeing increased activity within the distribution 
network, especially where legislation is the 
driving force.

Having developed an extensive and far 
reaching distribution network, which now 
covers more than 90 countries worldwide the 
main function for the Group continues to be 
the expansion of products and support services 
as well as to enhance the d2w and d2p brands.

The Waste-to-Value division saw continued 
expenditure of £0.22 million for the year resulting 
in an EBITDA loss of the same amount (2010 
expenditure and EBITDA loss: £0.22 million).

We are pleased with the positive progress 
made, and are optimistic for a substantial 
increase in our future growth prospects.

Cashflow
The Group consumed £0.19 million from 
operations (2010: generated £0.53 million).  
As with the previous year, trade was weighted 
strongly to the fourth quarter of 2011 which 
resulted in a high trade receivables balance  
as at 31 December 2011 leading to high cash 
utilisation at that point in time. The Group has 
a £1 million trade finance facility with HSBC 
Bank plc which is used to manage Group 
working capital.

Michael Laurier 
Chief Executive
13 March 2012

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011The number of distributors increased again from 61 to 67 resulting in further market potential for our products.22

22
Board of Directors

1

2

3

4

5

6

4.  Ian Bristow, FCCA 
(Finance Director and Company Secretary)
Ian was in private practice for seven years, 
qualifying as a certified accountant in 1992.  
In 1994, he joined Brentapac UK Plc until it  
was sold in 1994. He went on to co-found 
Symphony Plastics in 1995.

5.  Michael F Stephens 
(Technical Director)
Michael began his career with Excelsior  
Plastics Limited, a division of Unigate, 
progressing over a period of ten years to  
sales director. Leaving in 1981, he worked  
for Sempol Products, Autobar Group and  
ACP Plastics (a subsidiary of S P Metal Group),  
all manufacturers of packaging films. In  
1988, Michael founded Skymark Packaging 
International Limited, serving the snack  
food, bakery, mail wrap, paper disposable 
markets, which he left in November 1997  
to join Symphony. Michael is a member  
of the British Standards Institute packaging 
committee and a member of the European 
Standards Committees for degradable 
agricultural and packaging films. He has 
represented the UK on the ISO committee.

6.  Nicolas Clavel
(Non-Executive Director)
Nicolas Clavel started his career in international 
banking in the mid seventies and his area of 
expertise has been structured trade finance 
and equity investments with a particular focus 
on Emerging Markets. He is Chief Investment 
Officer of Scipion Capital Ltd., (the Investment 
Manager of Scipion African Opportunities  
Fund SPC) and is personally CF 1, 3, 11 and  
CF30 approved by the UK Financial Services 
Authority. Nicolas is Swiss, and is based in 
London and Geneva. He is fluent in English, 
French, Italian and German.

1.  Nirj Deva, DL, FRSA, MEP
(Non-Executive Chairman of the Board)
Mr. Deva has been a Member of the European 
Parliament since 1999 and is Vice-chairman  
of the Parliament’s International Development 
Committee. He is also Chairman of the EU-China 
Friendship Group. From 1992-97 he was a 
member of the UK Parliament. He has held a 
number of senior political appointments and 
has advised the boards of a number of public 
companies including International Leisure 
Group, Air Europe Plc, Tricentrol Oil Co Plc, EDS, 
Television South West, Thomas Howell Group, 
John Laing Plc, Aitken Spence, and Rothmans 
International Plc.

2.  Michael Stephen, LL.M 
(Deputy Chairman)
Michael Stephen is Commercial Director and 
Deputy Chairman of the Plc, and Chairman  
of its subsidiary companies. He qualified as  
a Solicitor with Distinction in Company Law.  
He was called to the Bar, and practised from 
chambers in London for many years, dealing 
with civil cases in the High Court and Court  
of Appeal. He was a member of the UK 
Parliament 1992-97 and was a member of  
the Trade and Industry Select Committee  
and the Environment Select Committee  
of the House of Commons. He served in 
Government as Parliamentary Private  
Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture.  
He held a Harkness Fellowship in law at 
Stanford and Harvard Universities in the  
USA, and was Deputy Legal Adviser to the 
British Ambassador to the United Nations  
for the 25th General Assembly.

3.  Michael Laurier 
(Chief Executive Officer of the Company)
Michael is the Chief Executive of the Company. 
Michael’s career began with his long established 
family packaging business, Brentwood Sack  
and Bag Co Limited. He took over responsibility 
for sales and production in the mid-1970s  
and changed the emphasis of the company’s 
business from jute products to polythene 
packaging, introducing the then innovative high 
density and medium density polythene bags 
into the UK market in 1975. He was appointed 
Managing Director of Brentapac UK Plc, which 
formerly owned the Tuffy trademark, in 1985, 
with continuing responsibility for national and 
international sales. He co-founded Symphony 
Plastics in 1995.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201123

23
Directors’ Report

The Directors present their report and the audited financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2011. 

Principal activities and business review
The primary business activities of the Group are the development and supply of environmental plastic products to a global market, and the 
development of waste to value projects. The Group also supplies other flexible polythene and related products.

A review of the business and future developments is given in the Chairman’s Statement and Chief Executive’s Review.

The profit for the year after taxation amounted to £520,000 (2010: £1,192,000).

Results and dividends
The trading results for the year and the Group’s financial position at the end of the year are shown in the attached financial statements.

The Directors have not recommended a dividend.

Key performance indicators
The Directors have monitored the progress of the overall Group strategy by reference to certain financial and non-financial key performance 
indicators.

Key performance indicator 

Sales d2w (£’000) 
Gross profit margin (%)  
Number of distributors 

2011 

8,414 
54% 
67 

2010 

8,456 
57% 
61 

 Method of calculation

Sales revenue solely of d2w additives and products.
The ratio of gross profit to sales.
The number of distribution agreements signed.

These are discussed within the Chairman’s Statement and Chief Executive’s Review.

Research and development
The Group is involved in the research and development of environmental plastic products, and waste to value systems.

The Directors and their interests
The Directors who served during the year and their interests in the shares of the Company are shown in the Remuneration Report.

Policy on the payment of creditors
It is the Group’s policy to settle the terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing the terms of the transaction and to ensure that suppliers are 
aware of these terms and abide by them. Trade payables at the year end amount to 86 days (2010: 71) of average supplies for the year for the 
Group and 57 days (2010: 35) for the Company. 

Principal risks and uncertainties
The Directors have identified and continually monitor the principal risks and uncertainties of the Group. These may change over time as new risks 
emerge and others cease to be of concern. The principal risks of the Group are detailed below.

Foreign exchange risk
The Group sells products in many countries and so generates revenues in US Dollars and Euros. Foreign exchange rates fluctuate and as such, 
assets created in foreign currencies are liable to constant revaluations into their Sterling equivalent. The Group mitigates this risk by purchasing, 
where practicable, in currencies to match revenues. The Group also has exchange facilities with its bank to use as and when appropriate.

Competition risk
The Group faces competition from suppliers of similar products which could affect revenues and/or gross margins. The Group mitigates this risk by 
employing a large number of distributors globally who can concentrate on any competition issues within their market, and also by differentiating 
the Group’s products by branding and marketing activities.

Raw material pricing and availability
The Group uses commodity and speciality materials in the make-up of its products. There is a risk of price volatility and material availability. The Group 
mitigates this risk by using more than one supplier of its products and continually researching separate supply alternatives for the materials used.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201124

24
Directors’ Report (continued)

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the Directors have elected to prepare  
the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs). The parent 
Company’s own financial statements continue to be prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.  
Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the 
state of affairs and profit or loss of the Company and Group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
•	 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•	 make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•	 state whether applicable IFRSs or UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained  

in the financial statements; and

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

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

In so far as each of the Directors is aware: 
•	
•	

there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish 
that the auditor is aware of that information.

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

Going concern
The Group as a whole is performing profitably. Taking this into account together with the cashflow forecast that management has prepared for  
the ensuing twelve months and the banking facilities in place, the Directors are of the opinion that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

Corporate governance
The Group is committed to developing and adhering to high standards of corporate governance. As an AIM listed company it is not required  
to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code as issued by the UK’s Listing Authority. However, it seeks to follow the principles of good 
governance as far as management believes it is practical for a Group of its size, nature and circumstances. 

Financial risk management policies
The Group’s financial risk management policies are detailed in note 3 to the financial statements.

Auditor
A resolution to appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP as auditor for the ensuing year will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

I Bristow 
Company Secretary 
13 March 2012

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
25
Remuneration Report

Directors’ emoluments 

N Deva 
M Laurier 
I Bristow 
M Stephen 
M F Stephens 
N Clavel 
H Swire 

25

Basic salary 
or fees 
£’000 

Benefits 
£’000 

2011 
Total 

2010 
Total 
Pension  Emoluments  Emoluments 
£’000
£’000 

£’000 

51 
133 
155 
171 
180 
34 
– 

724 

– 
3 
3 
8 
8 
– 
– 

22 

– 
117 
15 
– 
15 
– 
– 

147 

51 
253 
173 
179 
203 
34 
– 

893 

55
287
205
208
175
38
17

985

The Directors’ pensions, where applicable, are administered by those Directors. 

The Company has taken out insurance for its officers against liabilities in relation to the Company under Section 233 of the Companies Act 2006.

Directors’ interests
The Directors in office at the end of the year, together with their beneficial interests in the shares of the Company, were as follows:

Ordinary Shares of £0.01 each 

N Deva 
M Laurier 
I Bristow 
M Stephen 
M F Stephens 
N Clavel 

Share options
The following Directors have share options or agreements for share options:

At 
  31 December 
2011 

At 
1 January 
2011 

290,425 

178,425
 15,175,600 15,063,600
  1,063,925  1,063,925
435,998
311,294
350,000

490,998 
311,294 
350,000 

N Deva 
N Deva 
M Laurier 
M Laurier 
I Bristow 
I Bristow 
M Stephen 
M Stephen 
M Stephen 
M F Stephens 
N Clavel 
N Clavel 

Number of 
share options 

Exercise price  
(pence per share) 

Exercisable from 

Exercisable to

1,500,000 
250,000 
1,851,500 
350,000 
3,000,000 
280,000 
1,200,000 
2,000,000 
210,000 
210,000 
500,000 
250,000 

4.500 
9.875 
4.500 
9.125 
4.500 
9.125 
6.250 
4.500 
9.125 
9.125 
4.500 
9.875 

26 November 2008 
18 December 2011 
26 November 2008 
31 March 2011 
26 November 2008 
31 March 2011 
28 April 2007 
26 November 2008 
31 March 2011 
31 March 2011 
16 October 2010 
18 December 2011 

26 November 2018
18 December 2019
26 November 2018
30 March 2020
26 November 2018
30 March 2020
28 April 2017
26 November 2018
30 March 2020
30 March 2020
16 October 2018
18 December 2019

The above share options are HM Revenue and Customs unapproved. See note 18 to the financial statements for the terms of the above options. 

Gains made by directors on share options
During the year M Laurier exercised 648,700 share options, and M F Stephens exercised 1,000,000 share options.

The table below shows gains made by those directors from the exercise of share options during 2011. The gains are calculated as at the exercise date.

M Laurier 
M F Stephens 

2011 
£’000 

85 
131 

216 

2010 
£’000

–
–

–

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26

26
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members  
of Symphony Environmental Technologies plc

We have audited the financial statements of Symphony Environmental Technologies plc for the year ended 31 December 2011 which comprise the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, 
the consolidated cash flow statement, the parent 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 Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 6, 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 (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB’s website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:
•	

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2011 and  
of the Group’s profit for the year then ended; 
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;
the parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice; and
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

•	
•	

•	

Separate opinion in relation to IFRSs as issued by the IASB
As explained in note 2 to the Group financial statements, the Group in addition to complying with its legal obligation to apply IFRSs as adopted by  
the European Union, has also applied IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

In our opinion the Group financial statements comply with IFRSs as issued by the IASB.

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
•	 adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches 

not visited by us; or
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

•	
•	 certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
•	 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Simon Jones
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants
Central Milton Keynes
13 March 2012

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201127
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
for the year ended 31 December 2011

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Distribution costs 
Administrative expenses – recurring 
Administrative expenses – non-recurring 

Administrative expenses 
Operating profit – recurring 
Operating loss – non-recurring 

Operating profit 
Finance income 
Finance costs 

Profit for the year before tax 
Tax credit 

Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

2010 
£’000 

(3,411)
(119)

1,247
(119)

2011 
£’000 

Note 

5 

(3,902) 
– 

504 
– 

6 

6 
8 
8 

9 

10 
10 

2011 
£’000 

8,542 
(3,956) 

4,586 
(180) 

(3,902) 

504 
2 
(90) 

416 
104 

520 

520 

0.42p 
0.37p 

All results are attributable to the parent Company equity holders. There were no discontinued operations for either of the above periods.

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

27

2010 
£’000

8,482
(3,650)

4,832
(174)

(3,530)

1,128
–
(123)

1,005
187

1,192

1,192

1.02p
0.90p

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28

28
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)
as at 31 December 2011

Company number 3676824

Assets 
Non-current 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Deferred income tax asset 
Available-for-sale financial assets 

Current 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Equity 
Equity attributable to shareholders of Symphony Environmental Technologies plc 
Ordinary shares 
Share premium 
Retained earnings 

Total equity 

Liabilities 
Non-current 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Current 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Note 

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

11 
12 
9a 
14 

15 
16 
17 

18 
18 
18 

20 

20 
19 

586 
1,002 
1,277 
15 

2,880 

399 
3,782 
291 

4,472 

7,352 

1,278 
1,646 
2,412 

5,336 

31 

31 

518 
1,467 

1,985 

2,016 

7,352 

462
784
1,180
15

2,441

281
2,928
85

3,294

5,735

1,173
17
1,863

3,053

142

142

1,176
1,364

2,540

2,682

5,735

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 13 March 2012 and authorised for issue on 13 March 2012. They were signed 
on its behalf by:

I Bristow FCCA
Finance Director

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

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29

29
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December 2011

Equity attributable to the equity holders of Symphony Environmental Technologies plc:

For the year to 31 December 2011 
Balance at 1 January 2011 

Issue of share capital 
Share-based payments 

Transactions with owners 

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2011 

For the year to 31 December 2010 
Balance at 1 January 2010 

Issue of share capital 
Capital reduction (note 18) 
Share-based options 

Transactions with owners 

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2010 

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

Share 
capital 
£’000 

Share 
premium 
£’000 

Other 
reserves 
£’000 

Retained 
earnings 
£’000 

Total 
equity 
£’000

1,173 

17 

105 
– 

105 

– 

1,629 
– 

1,629 

– 

1,278 

1,646 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

1,863 

3,053

– 
29 

29 

520 

1,734
29

1,763

520

2,412 

5,336

1,165 

13,253 

822 

(13,447) 

1,793

8 
– 
– 

8 

– 

1,173 

25 
(13,261) 
– 

– 
(822) 
– 

– 
14,083 
35 

(13,236) 

(822) 

14,118 

33
–
35

68

– 

17 

– 

– 

1,192 

1,863 

1,192

3,053

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30

30
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2011

Operating activities 
Net cash (used)/from operations 
Tax received 

Net cash (used)/from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Additions to property, plant and equipment 
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment 
Additions to intangible assets 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities 
Proceeds from loans 
Repayment of loans 
Movement in working capital facility 
New finance leases 
Discharge of finance lease liability 
Proceeds from share issue 
Interest paid 

Net cash used in financial activities 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

The reconciliation to the cash and cash equivalents as reported in the statement of financial position is as follows:

Loans and receivables: 
  Cash at bank and in hand 
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost: 
  Bank overdraft 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

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

Note 

21 

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

(194) 
7 

(187) 

(280) 
44 
(247) 

(483) 

– 
(750) 
327 
4 
(14) 
1,734 
(90) 

1,211 
541 
(361) 

180 

527
–

527

(389)
16
(325)

(698)

270
(70)
(259)
47
(20)
33
(123)

(122)
(293)
(68)

(361)

Note 

17 

20 

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

291 

85

(111) 

180 

(446)

(361)

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31

31
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts

1  General information
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc (‘the Company’) and subsidiaries (together ‘the Group’) develop and supply environmental plastic 
additives and products, and develop waste to value systems.

The Company, a public limited company, is the Group’s ultimate parent company. It is incorporated and domiciled in England (Company number 
3676824). The address of its registered office is 6 Elstree Gate, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JD, England. The Company’s shares 
are listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, the PLUS market in London and as a level 1 ADR in New York.

2  Summary of significant accounting policies
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union, issued and effective or issued as at 31 December 2011, and also comply with IFRS as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). 

The accounting policies have remained unchanged from the previous year. 

Going concern 
The Group as a whole is performing profitably. Taking this into account together with the cashflow forecast that management has prepared for the 
ensuing twelve months and the banking facilities in place, the Directors are of the opinion that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing these financial statements.

Business combinations exemption
The Group has not restated business combinations which took place prior to the date of transition to IFRS.

Accordingly the classification of the combination remains unchanged from that used under UK GAAP. The assets, liabilities and other reserve are 
recognised at date of transition, and are measured using their United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) carrying amount.

Business combinations completed prior to date of transition to IFRS
The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the Company and all subsidiary undertakings. 

The acquisition of Symphony Environmental Limited (formerly Symphony Plastics Limited) on 9 December 1999 was accounted for under  
merger accounting under UK GAAP and has been treated in this manner under IFRS as the business combination exemption has been adopted  
in these Annual Report and Accounts. The merger accounting method requires assets and liabilities to not be adjusted to fair value and the results  
of the subsidiary to be included as if it had always been part of the Group. Therefore, the results of the Group include both the results pre and 
post-acquisition. 

Segment reporting 
In identifying its operating segments, management generally follows the Group’s service lines which represent the main products and services 
provided by the Group.

There are currently two service lines, ‘Plastics’ and ‘Waste-to-Value’. The Plastics service line includes all activities in relation to the sale of plastic 
products and their associated items. This includes the sale of plastic degradable additives, finished goods and d2Detectors. Non-degradable 
products were disclosed in previous years as a separate segment. This year, non-degradable is included within the Plastics segment as it is now  
part of the same operation. It also represents a small fraction of overall revenues. The Waste-to-Value segment includes all activities involved  
in the development of waste to value systems.

Each of the operating segments is managed separately as each of these service lines requires different technologies and other resources as well  
as marketing approaches. All inter-segments transfers are carried out at arm’s length prices.

The measurement policies the Group uses for segment reporting under IFRS 8 are the same as those used in its financial statements, except that:
•	 one-off costs such as post-employment benefit expenses;
•	 expenses relating to share-based payments;
are not included in arriving at the operating profit of the operating segments. In addition, corporate assets which are not directly attributable 
to the business activities of any operating segment are not allocated to a segment. In the financial periods under review, this primarily applies  
to available-for-sale financial assets held by the Group.

Segment information is presented in accordance with IFRS 8 for all periods presented. IFRS 8 only requires disclosure of segment information. 

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201132

32
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts (continued)

2  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Revenue
Degradable and non-degradable goods, and associated products (plastics segment) 
Revenue is stated at the fair value of the consideration receivable and excludes VAT and trade discounts.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions have been satisfied:
a)  ownership of the significant risks and rewards has been transferred to the buyer whereby the Group relies on INCOTERMs to assess this;
b)  the amount of revenue can be measured effectively whereby the Group sells goods after receipt of confirmed orders;
c) 
d)  the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity; and

Non-recurring items
Expenditure is classified as non-recurring where the cost is considered to be material, one-off and will not continue in the future.

Intangible assets
Research and development costs
Expenditure on research (or the research phase of an internal project) is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. 

Development costs incurred on specific projects are capitalised when all the following conditions are satisfied:
•	 completion of the intangible asset is technically feasible so that it will be available for use or sale;
•	
•	
•	

the Group intends to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;
the Group has the ability to use or sell the intangible asset;
the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits. Among other things, this requires that there is a market for the output  
from the intangible asset or for the intangible asset itself, or, if it is to be used internally, the asset will be used in generating such benefits;
there are adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset; and
the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development can be measured reliably.

•	
•	

Development costs not meeting the criteria for capitalisation are expensed as incurred.

The cost of an internally generated intangible asset comprises all directly attributable costs necessary to create, produce, and prepare the asset to  
be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. The nature of the Group’s activities in the field of development work renders some 
internally generated intangible assets unable to meet the above criteria at present.

Amortisation commences upon completion of the asset and is shown within administrative expenses and is included at the following rate:
d2w and other additives 
Symphony Energy 

–  15 years straight line. 
–  over expected useful economic life of the asset once completed.

Careful judgement by the Directors is applied when deciding whether the recognition requirements for development costs have been met.  
This is necessary as the economic success of any product development is uncertain and may be subject to future technical problems at the time  
of recognition. Judgements are based on the information available at each balance sheet date. 

Trademarks
Trademarks represent the cost of registration and are carried at cost less amortisation.

Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset  
as follows:
Trademarks 

–  10 years straight line.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Plant and machinery 
Fixtures and fittings 
Fixtures and fittings Elstree Gate  –  10% straight line.
Motor vehicles 
Office equipment 

–  20% reducing balance.
–  25% reducing balance.

–  20% reducing balance.
–  25% straight line.

The residual value is reconsidered annually.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201133

Impairment testing of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows  
(cash-generating units). As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at cash-generating unit level.  
Those intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment at least annually. All other individual assets or cash-generating  
units are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.  
The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell, and value in use based on an internal discounted 
cash flow evaluation. All assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. Cost is 
determined on the basis of purchase value on a first-in first-out basis.

Leased assets
In accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 17, the economic ownership of a leased asset is transferred to the lessee if the lessee 
bears substantially all the risks and rewards related to the ownership of the leased asset. The related asset is recognised at the time of inception of 
the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments plus incidental payments, if any, to be 
borne by the lessee. A corresponding amount is recognised as a finance leasing liability. The interest element of leasing payments represents a 
constant proportion of the capital balance outstanding and is charged to the income statement over the period of the lease.

All other leases are regarded as operating leases and the payments made under them are charged to the income statement on a straight line basis 
over the lease term. Lease incentives are spread over the term of the lease.

Pension costs
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group.  
The pension costs charged against profits are the contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.

Taxation
Current tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit for the year.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on the difference 
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Tax losses available to be carried forward as well as other income tax 
credits to the Group are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets.

Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the underlying 
deductible temporary differences will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated 
at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance 
sheet date.

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the income statement, except where they relate to items 
that are charged or credited directly to equity in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to equity.

Foreign currencies
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions 
in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Exchange differences are taken into 
account in arriving at the operating result.

Financial assets
Financial assets are divided into the following categories: loans and receivables, and available-for-sale financial assets. Financial assets are assigned 
to the different categories by management on initial recognition, depending on the purpose for which they were acquired. 

All financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are initially 
recognised at fair value plus transaction costs. 

The Group currently has the following financial assets:

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are categorised as loans and receivables. Trade receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments 
that are not quoted in an active market. Trade receivables are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method, less provision for impairment. Any change in their value through impairment or reversal of impairment is recognised in the income statement.

Provision against trade receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due to it in 
accordance with the original terms of those receivables. The amount of the write-down is determined as the difference between the asset’s  
carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201134

34
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts (continued)

2  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Financial assets (continued)
Finance leases receivable
Goods sold under finance leases are recognised as a sale on date of the finance lease agreement or if later, when substantially all the risks and rewards  
of ownership of the asset have passed to the lessee. The capital element of future lessee obligations is included in assets in the statement of financial 
position.

The interest elements of the rental obligations are credited to the income statement over the periods of the leases and represent a constant proportion 
of the balance of capital repayments outstanding.

Rentals receivable under operating leases are credited to the income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are either designated to this category or do not qualify for inclusion in any of 
the other categories of financial assets. The Group’s available-for-sale financial assets are the equity investments in Bin Hilal LLc and Oxobioplast Inc.

The equity investments in Bin Hilal LLc and Oxobioplast Inc. are measured at cost less any impairment charges, as their fair values cannot currently  
be estimated reliably. Impairment charges are recognised in profit or loss.

An assessment for impairment is undertaken at least at each balance sheet date.

A financial asset is derecognised only where the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or the financial asset is transferred and 
that transfer qualifies for derecognition. A financial asset is transferred if the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset have been 
transferred or the Group retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash 
flows to one or more recipients. A financial asset that is transferred qualifies for derecognition if the Group transfers substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership of the asset, or if the Group neither retains nor transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership but does transfer 
control of that asset.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and demand deposits, together with other short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily 
convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other financial assets and are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument. 

The Group’s financial liabilities include trade payables, other creditors, bank overdraft, bank loans and other loans. These are classified as financial 
liabilities measured at amortised cost.

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost are initially recognised at fair values net of direct issue costs. 

Finance charges are charged to the income statement, where applicable, on an accruals basis using the effective interest method and are added  
to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent they are not settled in the period in which they arose.

A financial liability is derecognised only when the obligation is extinguished, that is, when the obligation is discharged or cancelled or expires.

Equity settled share-based payments
All share-based payment arrangements granted after 7 November 2002 that had not vested prior to 1 January 2007 are recognised in the financial 
statements.

All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based payment are measured at their fair values. Where employees are 
rewarded using share-based payments, the fair values of the instrument granted are determined using the Black-Scholes model. This fair value is 
appraised at the grant date. The fair value is charged to the income statement between the date of issue and the date the share options vest with  
a corresponding credit taken to equity.

Equity
Equity comprises the following:
•	
•	

‘Share capital’ represents the nominal value of equity shares;
‘Share premium’ represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of consideration received for equity shares,  
net of expenses of the share issue; and
‘Retained earnings’ represents non-distributed reserves.

•	

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201135

Standards and interpretations not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have  
been published but are not yet effective, and have not been adopted early by the Group.

Management anticipates that all of the pronouncements will be adopted in the Group’s accounting policy for the first period beginning after the 
effective date of the pronouncement. Information on new standards, amendments and interpretations that are expected to be relevant to the 
Group’s financial statements is provided below. Certain other new standards and interpretations have been issued but are not expected to have  
a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective from 1 January 2015)
The IASB aims to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement in its entirety with the replacement standard to be effective  
for annual periods beginning 1 January 2015. IFRS 9 is the first part of Phase 1 of this project. The main phases are:
Phase 1: Classification and Measurement.
Phase 2: Impairment methodology.
Phase 3: Hedge accounting.

In addition, a separate project is dealing with derecognition. Management have yet to assess the impact that this amendment is likely to have on  
the financial statements of the Group. However, they do not expect to implement the amendments until all chapters of the IAS 39 replacement have 
been published and they can comprehensively assess the impact of all changes.

Consolidation Standards 
A package of consolidation standards are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. Information on these new standards is 
presented below. The Group’s management have yet to assess the impact of these new and revised standards on the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements. 

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (IFRS 10) 
IFRS 10 supersedes IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (IAS 27) and SIC 12 Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities. It revised  
the definition of control together with accompanying guidance to identify an interest in a subsidiary. However, the requirements and mechanics of 
consolidation and the accounting for any non-controlling interests and changes in control remain the same. 

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (IFRS 11) 
IFRS 11 supersedes IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures (IAS 31). It aligns more closely the accounting by the investors with their rights and obligations 
relating to the joint arrangement. In addition, IAS 31’s option of using proportionate consolidation for joint ventures has been eliminated. IFRS 11 now 
requires the use of the equity accounting method, which is currently used for investments in associates. 

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (IFRS 12) 
IFRS 12 integrates and makes consistent the disclosure requirements for various types of investments, including unconsolidated structured entities.  
It introduces new disclosure requirements about the risks to which an entity is exposed from its involvement with structured entities. 

Consequential Amendments to IAS 27 and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (IAS 28) 
IAS 27 now only deals with separate financial statements. IAS 28 brings investments in joint ventures into its scope. However, IAS 28’s equity 
accounting methodology remains unchanged. 

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (IFRS 13) 
IFRS 13 does not affect which items are required to be fair-valued, but clarifies the definition of fair value and provides related guidance and 
enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. It is applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The Group’s 
management have yet to assess the impact of this new standard.

3  Financial risk management
The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are liquidity risk, interest rate risk, currency risk and credit risk. The Directors review and 
agree policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below. These policies have remained unchanged from previous years. 

The Group’s financial assets and liabilities are summarised as follows:

Financial assets:
Available-for-sale 
Loans and receivables 

Financial liabilities:
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

15 
3,908 

3,923 

1,494 

1,494 

15
2,894

2,909

2,208

2,208

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

36
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts (continued)

3  Financial risk management (continued) 
Liquidity risk
The Group seeks to manage financial risk, to ensure financial liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and 
profitably. Short-term flexibility is achieved through trade finance arrangements and overdrafts.

The maturity of financial liabilities as at 31 December 2011 is summarised as follows:

Gross cash flows: 

Zero to sixty days 
Sixty-one days to three months 
Four months to six months 
Seven months to one year 
One year to three years 
More than three years 

The maturity of financial liabilities as at 31 December 2010 is summarised as follows:

Gross cash flows: 

Zero to sixty days 
Sixty-one days to three months 
Four months to six months 
Seven months to one year 
One year to three years 

 Trade payables 
  and accruals 
£’000 

Lease 
purchase 
£’000 

Loans 
£’000 

Bank 
£’000 

1,229 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,229 

7 
3 
7 
21 
24 
4 

66 

 Trade payables 
  and accruals 
£’000 

Lease 
purchase 
£’000 

1,216 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,216 

1 
2 
3 
9 
60 

75 

382 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

382 

Loans 
£’000 

76 
152 
228 
456 
– 

912 

111 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

111 

Bank 
£’000 

446 
– 
– 
– 
– 

446 

Total 
£’000

1,729
3
7
21
24
4

1,788

Total 
£’000

1,739
154
231
465
60

2,649

Interest rate risk
The Group seeks to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk where possible, but this is offset by the availability of trade finance arrangements which 
are transaction specific to meet liquidity needs and so have variable interest rate terms. 

Sensitivities have been looked at in the range of an absolute rate increase of 5% or a decrease of 1% which enable an objective calculation to be made 
depending on any interest rate changes in the future. Any rate changes would be outside the control of the Company.

The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk as at 31 December 2011 is summarised as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade receivables 
VAT 
Other debtors 

Trade payables 
Other creditors 
Bank overdraft 
Other loans 

Sensitivity: increase in interest rates of 5% 
Sensitivity: decrease in interest rates of 1% 

Fixed 
£’000 

Variable 
£’000 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

291 
– 
– 
– 

291 
– 
– 
(111) 
(382) 

(202) 

(10) 
2 

Zero 
£’000 

– 
3,524 
67 
93 

3,684 
(1,001) 
(134) 
– 
– 

Total 
£’000

291
3,524
67
93

3,975
(1,001)
(134)
(111)
(382)

2,549 

2,347

– 
– 

(10)
2

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37

The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk as at 31 December 2010 is summarised as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade receivables 
VAT 
Other debtors 

Trade payables 
Bank overdraft 
Convertible loan 
Other loans 

Sensitivity: increase in interest rates of 5% 
Sensitivity: decrease in interest rates of 1% 

Sensitivity shows the effect on equity and the income statement.

Fixed 
£’000 

Variable 
£’000 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(510) 

(510) 

– 
– 

85 
– 
– 
– 

85 
– 
(446) 
– 
(196) 

(557) 

(28) 
6 

Zero 
£’000 

– 
2,745 
85 
64 

2,894 
(956) 
– 
– 
(100) 

1,838 

– 
– 

Total 
£’000

85
2,745
85
64

2,979
(956)
(446)
–
(806)

771

(28)
6

Currency risk 
The Group operates in overseas markets and is subject to currency exposure on transactions undertaken during the year. The Group hedges the 
transactions where possible by buying goods and selling them in the same currency. The Group also has bank facilities available for hedging purposes.

A summary of foreign currency financial assets and liabilities as stated in the statement of financial position together with a sensitivity analysis 
showing the effect of a 10% change in rate with Sterling is shown below:

Financial assets 
Financial liabilities 
Net balance 

Effect of 10% sterling increase 
Effect of 10% sterling decrease 

Financial assets 
Financial liabilities 
Net balance 

Effect of 10% sterling increase 
Effect of 10% sterling decrease 

Currency 

Euro 
Euro 
Euro 

USD 
USD 
USD 

Currency 
balance 
2011 
’000 

€298 
€(109) 
€189 

$5,961 
$(817) 
$5,144 

Sterling 
2011 
£’000 

249 
(91) 
158 

14 
(17) 

3,840 
(526) 
3,314 

(301) 
368 

Sterling 
2010 
£’000 

263 
(476) 
(213) 

23 
(23) 

2,377 
(301) 
2,076 

(188) 
188 

Currency 
balance 
2010 
’000

€306
€(552)
€(246)

$3,679
$(467)
$3,212

Sensitivity shows the effect on equity and the income statement. A 10% change is shown to enable an objective calculation to be made on exchange 
rates which may be assumed for the future.

Credit risk
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying value of financial assets at the balance sheet date, summarised as follows:

Loans and receivables: 
  Trade receivables 
  Cash and cash equivalents 

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

3,524 
291 

3,815 

2,745
85

2,830

The credit risk associated with the cash is limited as the counterparties have high credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.  
The principal credit risk arises therefore from trade receivables. The seven largest customer balances at the end of the year make up 82% (2010: 83%) 
of the above trade receivables.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38

38
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts (continued)

3  Financial risk management (continued)
Credit risk (continued)
In order to manage credit risk the Directors set limits for customers based on a combination of payment history, third party credit references and use 
of credit insurance. These limits are reviewed regularly.

The maturity of overdue debts is set out in note 16. During the period debts totalling £nil (2010: £30,000) were written off. Debts totalling £nil  
(2010: £134,000) were written back during the year. 

Capital requirements
Interest bearing loans and borrowings are monitored regularly to ensure the Group has sufficient liquidity and its exposure to interest rate risk is 
mitigated. Management consider the capital of the Group comprises the share capital and interest bearing loans and borrowings. The Company 
satisfies the Companies Act 2006 requirement to hold £50,000 issued and authorised share capital. The rule that 25% must be paid up is also 
satisfied, by reference to note 18.

4  Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Estimates and judgements are evaluated continually and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future 
events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of 
current events and actions, actual results may ultimately differ from those actions.

In preparing these accounts the following areas were considered to involve significant judgement:

Recoverability of capitalised development cost
Judgements relating to capitalised development costs are detailed in note 12.

Share option judgements
Judgements relating to share-based payment charges are detailed in note 18.

Going concern
Judgements relating to going concern are detailed in note 2.

In preparing these accounts the following areas were considered to involve significant estimates:

Bad debts
Provisions for bad debts are shown in note 16. Where there is no provision then it is due to adequate credit insurance being in place, or cash has been 
received since the end of the year, or adequate information exists to support the recoverability of the debt.

Recognition of deferred tax assets
Estimates relating to a deferred tax asset are detailed in note 9a.

5  Segmental information
Management currently identifies the Group’s two service lines as operating segments as further described in note 2. These operating segments  
are monitored and strategic decisions are made on the basis of adjusted segment operating results including one-off items such as employee 
settlement costs.

The segmental results for the year ended 31 December 2011 are as follows: 

Business segments 
Twelve months to 31 December 2011 

Segment revenues 
Share-based payments 
Apportioned costs 

EBITDA 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Interest 
Taxation 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Plastics 
£’000 

8,542 
(29) 
(7,649) 

864 
(138) 
(88) 
104 

742 

Waste 
to value 
£’000 

– 
– 
(222) 

(222) 
– 
– 
– 

(222) 

Group 
£’000

8,542

(29) 
(7,871)

642
(138)
(88)
104

520

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
39

Plastics 
£’000 

8,482 
(35) 
(6,977) 

1,470 
(124) 
(123) 
187 

1,410 

Waste 
to value 
£’000 

– 
– 
(218) 

(218) 
– 
– 
– 

(218) 

Group 
£’000

8,482 
(35)
(7,195)

1,252 
(124)
(123)
187

1,192

The segmental results for the year ended 31 December 2010 are as follows:

Business segments 
Twelve months to 31 December 2010 

Segment revenues 
Share-based payments 
Apportioned costs 

EBITDA 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Interest 
Taxation 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Revenues stated are from external customers.

There were no inter-segment revenues for the above periods.

Two segments have been amalgamated since last year. These are detailed in note 2. 

There has been no change in total assets other than in the ordinary course of business. 

Segmental assets primarily consist of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, inventories, trade and other receivables and cash and cash 
equivalents. Unallocated assets comprise available-for-sale financial assets.

Segmental liabilities comprise operating liabilities.

The segment assets and liabilities at 31 December 2011 and capital expenditure for the year then ended are as follows:

£’000 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Capital expenditure 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Waste 

Plastics 

to value  Unallocated 

6,967 

(2,016) 

436 

138 

370 

15 

– 

91 

– 

– 

– 

– 

The segment assets and liabilities at 31 December 2010 and capital expenditure for the year then ended are as follows:

£’000 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Capital expenditure 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Waste 

Plastics 

to value  Unallocated 

5,442 

(2,682) 

634 

124 

278 

– 

80 

– 

15 

– 

– 

– 

Group

7,352

(2,016)

527

138

Group

5,735

(2,682)

714

124

Geographical areas
The Group’s revenues from external customers and its non-current assets (assets other than financial instruments, investments accounted for using 
the equity method, deferred tax assets and post-employment benefit assets) are divided into the following geographical areas:

Geographical areas 

UK 
Europe 
Americas 
Other 

Total 

2011 
£’000 
2011 
£’000  Non-current 
assets 

Revenue 

2010 
2010 
£’000 
£’000  Non-current 
assets

Revenue 

363 
1,610 
4,621 
1,948 

8,542 

1,588 
– 
– 
– 

1,588 

676 
1,277 
4,362 
2,167 

8,482 

1,246
–
–
–

1,246

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40

40
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts (continued)

5  Segmental information (continued)
Major customers
Within plastics, two customers accounted for greater than 10% of total Group revenues for 2011 (2010: two customers). One customer accounted for 
£1,240,000, or 15%, the other customer £881,000 or 10% (One customer accounted for £1,318,000, or 16%, the other customer £1,076,000 or 13% of 
total Group revenues for 2010). 

6  Operating profit
The operating result is stated after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation 
Amortisation 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Research and development expenditure not capitalised 
Operating lease rentals: 
  Land and buildings 
  Plant and equipment 
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the financial statements 
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for other services: 
  Audit of the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation   
  Interim review 
  Other services relating to taxation 
Net foreign exchange loss/(gain) 

Non-recurring items:
  Reorganisation costs 

7  Employee benefit expense

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs 

Average number of people employed:

Testing and technical 
Selling 
Administration 
Management 
Marketing 

Total average headcount 

Remuneration in respect of the Directors was as follows:

Emoluments 
Pension contributions 

Key management remuneration:

Short-term employee benefits 
Share-based payment charges 
Post-employment benefits 

2011 
£’000 

109 
29 
2 
339 

111 
6 
10 

26 
1 
23 
49 

2010 
£’000

96
28
31
209

23
6
10

27
1
35
(35)

– 

119

2011 
£’000 

1,656 
209 
157 

2,022 

2010 
£’000

1,727
210
139

2,076

2011 

2010

8 
8 
9 
6 
3 

8
6
9
6
2

34 

31

2011 
£’000 

746 
147 

893 

2011 
£’000 

746 
– 
147 

893 

2010 
£’000

881
104

985

2010 
£’000

853
28
104

985

The Directors are considered to be the key management personnel of the Group. Further details on Directors’ remuneration and share options are set 
out in the Remuneration Report.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
41

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

2 

2 

8 
65 
17 

90 

88 

2011 
£’000 

97 
7 

104 

–

–

4
109
10

123

123

2010 
£’000

187
–

187

8  Finance income and costs

Interest income: 
  Finance lease interest 

Total finance income 

Interest expense: 
  Bank borrowings 
  Other interest 
  Finance charges 

Total finance costs 

Net finance costs 

9  Tax credit

Net deferred tax credit (see note 9a) 
R&D tax credit 

Total income tax credit 

No tax arises on the profit for the year due to the utilisation of tax losses brought forward.

The tax assessed for the year is different from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 26% (2010: 28%). The differences are explained  
as follows:

Profit for the year before tax 

Tax calculated by rate of tax on the result 
Effective rate for year at 26.5% (3m @ 28% and 9m @ 26%) 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation 
Income not subject to tax 
Tax losses utilised 
Tax losses carried forward 
Movement in deferred income tax asset (see note 9a) 
R&D tax credit 

Total income tax credit 

9a Deferred income tax asset

Deferred income tax asset brought forward 
Change in tax rate 
Notional tax charge 
Recognised in the year 

Deferred income tax asset carried forward 

2011 
£’000 

416 

108 
2 
23 
(48) 
– 
(85) 
– 
97 
7 

104 

2011 
£’000 

1,180 
(24) 
(108) 
229 

1,277 

2010 
£’000

1,005

281
–
22
(58)
(118)
(190)
63
187
–

187

2010 
£’000

993
–
(190)
377

1,180

There are tax losses of approximately £11,381,000 (2010: £11,300,000).

Of these losses, an additional deferred tax asset of £229,000 has been recognised in this year’s accounts (2010: £377,000) resulting in a total asset 
recognised of £1,277,000 (2010: £1,180,000). There is a total potential tax asset of £2,845,000 using a rate of future corporation tax rate of 25%.

The recognition of the deferred tax asset is based on sensitised forecasts. Judgements have been made in respect to continuation of profitability 
going forward, and estimates made in relation to the sensitivities of future sales and foreign exchange rates.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42

42
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts (continued)

10 Earnings per share and dividends
The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of 
shares in issue during the year. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per share, adjusted to allow for the issue  
of shares on the assumed conversion of all dilutive options and warrants.

Reconciliations of the profit and weighted average numbers of shares used in the calculations are set out below:

Basic and diluted 

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 

Basic earnings per share 

Dilutive effect of weighted average options and warrants 

Total of weighted average shares together with dilutive effect of weighted options and warrants 

Diluted earnings per share 

No dividends were paid for the year ended 31 December 2011 (2010: £nil). 

2011 

£520,000 

123,853,985 

0.42 pence 

15,441,979 

139,295,964 

0.37 pence 

2010

 £1,192,000

 116,799,645

  1.02 pence

 15,036,097 

 131,835,742

  0.90 pence

A further 3,354,521 options were outstanding at the end of the year which may become dilutive in future years. 

11 Property, plant and equipment

At 1 January 2010 
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 

Net book amount 

Year ended 31 December 2010 
Opening net book amount 
Additions 
Disposals 
Depreciation charge 

Closing net book amount 
At 1 January 2011 
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 

Net book amount 

Year ended 31 December 2011 
Opening net book amount 
Additions 
Disposals 
Depreciation charge 
Eliminated on disposal 

Closing net book amount 

At 31 December 2011 
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 

Net book amount 

Plant & 
  machinery 
£’000 

Fixtures 
& fittings 
£’000 

Fixtures 
& fittings 
Elstree 
Gate 
£’000 

Motor 
vehicles 
£’000 

Office 
equipment 
£’000 

157 
(73) 

84 

84 
23 
(13) 
(19) 

75 

138 
(63) 

75 

75 
247 
(46) 
(31) 
3 

248 

339 
(91) 

248 

85 
(64) 

21 

21 
– 
(1) 
(5) 

15 

67 
(52) 

15 

15 
– 
– 
(4) 
– 

11 

67 
(56) 

11 

– 
– 

– 

– 
209 
– 
(16) 

193 

209 
(16) 

193 

193 
7 
– 
(21) 
– 

179 

216 
(37) 

179 

163 
(76) 

87 

87 
23 
(21) 
(29) 

60 

124 
(64) 

60 

60 
19 
(16) 
(16) 
12 

59 

127 
(68) 

59 

196 
(172) 

24 

24 
134 
(12) 
(27) 

119 

148 
(29) 

119 

119 
7 
– 
(37) 
– 

89 

155 
(66) 

89 

Total 
£’000

601
(385)

216

216
389
(47)
(96)

462

686
(224)

462

462
280
(62)
(109)
15

586

904
(318)

586

Included within net book value of motor vehicles, plant and machinery, and office equipment is £47,000 (2010: £67,000) relating to assets held under 
finance leases and hire purchase contracts. The depreciation charged to the financial statements in the year in respect of such assets amounted to 
£16,000 (2010: £13,000).

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
43

  Development  
costs 
£’000 

Trademarks 
£’000 

Total 
£’000

510 
(44) 

466 

466 
317 
(24) 

759 

827 
(68) 

759 

759 
242 
(24) 

977 

1,069 
(92) 

977 

40 
(19) 

21 

21 
8 
(4) 

25 

48 
(23) 

25 

25 
5 
(5) 

25 

53 
(28) 

25 

550
(63)

487

487
325
(28)

784

875
(91)

784

784
247
(29)

1,002

1,122
(120)

1,002

12 Intangible assets

At 1 January 2010 
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount 

Year ended 31 December 2010 
Opening net book amount 
Additions 
Amortisation charge 

Closing net book amount 

At 1 January 2011 
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount 

Year ended 31 December 2011
Opening net book amount 
Additions 
Amortisation charge 

Closing net book amount 

At 31 December 2011 
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount 

The Group relies on the continued development of its product range and in so doing is maintaining satisfactory goals in fulfilling its strategy  
(see Chairman’s Statement and Chief Executive’s Review). After taking this into account together with the considerations of liquidity risk, see note 3, 
the Directors do not believe that there are any indicators of impairment.

Development costs are capitalised in accordance with note 2. In capitalising these costs, judgements are made relating to ongoing feasibility and 
commerciality of products and systems being developed. In making these judgements, cashflow forecasts are used and these include significant 
estimates in respect to sales forecasts and future foreign exchange rates. 

13 Subsidiary undertakings
Principal subsidiaries:

Name 

Country of incorporation 

Nature of business 

Symphony Environmental Limited 
Symphony Packaging Limited 
D2W Limited 
Symphony Plastics (2010) Limited 
Symphony Energy Limited 
Elstree Gate Services Limited 
Symphony Environmental (Jamaica) Limited 

England and Wales 
England and Wales 
England and Wales 
England and Wales 
England and Wales 
England and Wales 
Jamaica 

Supply of environmental polyolefin products 
Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 
Development of waste to value systems 
Dormant 
Dormant 

All of the above subsidiaries are consolidated in the Group financial statements.

Elstree Gate Services Limited was incorporated on 24 November 2011 and is dormant.

Proportion 
of ordinary 
shares held 

Proportion 
of ordinary 
shares held 
by parent  by the Group

100% 
0% 
0% 
0% 
100% 
100% 
0% 

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44

44
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts (continued)

14 Available for sale financial assets

All non-current 

Beginning and end of year 

2011 
£’000 

15 

2010 
£’000

15

The Group holds 30% of the ordinary share capital in Symphony Bin Hilal LLc, a company incorporated in the United Arab Emirates. The Directors 
consider this an investment as they have no significant influence and have no management rights in the strategic, tactical or operational decisions 
made by Symphony Bin Hilal LLc. The value of the investment in the company is recognised at cost as the equity investment is unquoted and the 
value cannot be measured reliably. The Group does not intend to dispose of the investment in the foreseeable future.

A value of £nil has been assigned to the shares held in Oxobioplast Inc. to which the Company owns c.5% of that company’s issued common stock.

The Directors cannot assign a fair value of Oxobioplast Inc. as the equity investment is unquoted and the value cannot be measured reliably.

There is no collateral on the above amounts.

15 Inventories

Finished goods and goods for resale 

2011 
£’000 

399 

2010 
£’000

281

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in ‘cost of sales’ amounted to £4,052,000 (2010: £3,518,000). Included within the 
above assets is a provision for impairment of £nil (2010: £nil).

There is no collateral on the above amounts.

16 Trade and other receivables

Loans and receivables: 
  Trade receivables 
  Other debtors 
VAT 
Prepayments 

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

3,524 
93 
67 
98 

3,782 

2,745
64
85
34

2,928

The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other receivables approximates to their book values. There is no provision for the 
impairment of receivables (2010: £nil). The maximum credit risk exposure at the balance sheet date equates to the fair value of trade receivables. 
Further disclosures are set out in note 3.

Included in trade receivables at 31 December 2011 are debtors which are past due but where no provision has been made as there has not been a 
change in the credit worthiness of these debtors and the amounts are considered recoverable. As of 31 December 2011 trade receivables of £556,000 
(2010: £597,000) were past due and not impaired. The ageing analysis of these trade receivables is as follows:

More than three months but less than six months 
More than six months but not more than one year 
More than one year 

2011 
£’000 

220 
– 
336 

556 

2010 
£’000

463
–
134

597

Due to the different markets that the Group operates in, trade terms vary from cash on shipment of goods to payment 120 days from shipment.

Trade receivables are secured against the facilities provided by the Group’s bankers.

Within other debtors are amounts receivable from finance leases totalling £63,000 (2010: £nil) of which £25,000 (2010: £nil) is due after more than 
one year.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
45

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

291 

85

17 Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and receivables: 
  Cash at bank and in hand 

The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates to their fair values. There is no collateral on the above amounts.

18 Equity

At 1 January 2010 
Profit for the year 
Share-based payments 
Proceeds from shares issued 
Capital reduction 

At 31 December 2010 

At 1 January 2011 
Profit for the year 
Share-based payments 
Proceeds from shares issued 

At 31 December 2011 

Group and Company 

Ordinary 
shares 
Number 

Ordinary 
shares 
£’000 

 116,484,577 
– 
– 
800,000 
– 

 117,284,577 

 117,284,577 
– 
– 
 10,559,000 

1,165 
– 
– 
8 
– 

1,173 

1,173 
– 
– 
105 

 127,843,577 

1,278 

Share 
premium 
£’000 

13,253 
– 
– 
25 
(13,261) 

17 

17 
– 
– 
1,629 

1,646 

Other 
reserves 
£’000 

822 
– 
– 
– 
(822) 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

Group

Retained 
earnings 
£’000 

(13,447) 
1,192 
35 
– 
14,083 

1,863 

1,863 
520 
29 
– 

Total 
£’000

1,793
1,192
35
33
–

3,053

3,053
520
29
1,734

2,412 

5,336

The total number of authorised 1p ordinary shares is 150,000,000. All issued ordinary shares are fully paid.

Proceeds from shares issued
The following ordinary shares were issued during the year:

Date 

01 February 2011 
09 February 2011 
08 April 2011 
19 May 2011 
20 May 2011 

Ordinary shares 
Number 

Details 

50,000 
50,000 
25,000 
50,000 
10,384,000 

Employee share option 
Employee share option 
Employee share option 
Employee share option 
Placing 

Consideration 
£ 

Premium 
£

1,375 
1,375 
688 
1,375 

875
875
438
875
1,729,164  1,625,324

Share options
As at 31 December 2011 the Group maintained an approved share-based payment scheme for employee compensation. For the options granted to 
vest, the Group must achieve an earnings per share in excess of 0.001p and employees must serve a specified amount of time. 

All share-based employee compensation will be settled in equity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the 
options. As at 31 December 2011 there were 5,075,000 staff options outstanding. No staff options were issued in 2011. 

The Group has also issued unapproved share options. Approved and unapproved share options and weighted average exercise price are as follows for 
the reporting periods presented:

Outstanding at 1 January 
Exercised 
Granted 
Forfeited/lapsed 

Outstanding at 31 December 

2011 

2010

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
£ 

Number 

0.06  15,840,960 
0.05 
– 
0.00  5,000,000 
(25,000) 
0.05 

Number 

 20,815,960 
  (1,823,500) 
– 
(195,960) 

 18,796,500 

0.06  20,815,960 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
£

0.05
0.00
0.11
0.02

0.06

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46

46
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts (continued)

18 Equity (continued)
Share options (continued)
The number of share options exercisable at 31 December 2011 was 16,196,500 (2010: 16,115,960). The weighted average exercise price of those 
shares exercisable was 5p (2010: 5p). 

The weighted average option contractual life is ten years (2010: ten years) and the range of exercise prices is 2.75p to 37p (2010: 2.75p to 37p).

Directors
Directors’ interests in shares and share incentives are contained in the Remuneration Report.

IFRS2 expense
There is an IFRS share-based charge for the year of £29,000 in relation to options granted in 2010 which are still vesting (2010: £35,000).

Fair value of options granted 
The fair values of options granted were determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model that takes into account factors specific to the share 
incentive plans. The following principal assumptions were used in the valuation:

2011 

2010

Weighted average exercise price 
Calculated volatility 
Expected life 
Average risk-free rate 
Expected dividends 

£0.11 
12% 

£0.11
12%
  2-6 years  2-6 years
3.50%
0%

3.50% 
0% 

The underlying expected volatility was determined by reference to historical data of the Group’s shares over a period of time since 2005 being the 
year the Group changed strategy from being a supplier of finished products to one of development and supply of additives. No special features 
inherent to the options granted were incorporated into measurement of fair value.

19 Trade and other payables

Current 
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost: 
  Trade payables 
Other creditors 
Social security and other taxes 
Accruals and deferred income 

Fair value is not materially different to book value. There is no collateral on the above amounts.

20 Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Non-current 
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost: 
  Bank loan 
Lease purchase liabilities 

Current 
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost: 
  Bank overdraft 
  Bank loan 
  Other loans 
Lease purchase liabilities 

The bank overdraft of £111,000 (2010: £446,000) is included within the cashflow statement within cash and cash equivalents.

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

1,001 
134 
104 
228 

1,467 

956
–
80
328

1,364

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

– 
31 

31 

111 
– 
382 
25 

518 

89
53

142

446
50
667
13

1,176

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
47

Other loans include:
An amount due relating to the invoice financing facility totalling £382,000 (2010: £314,000). Interest is charged at 2.41% over HSBC Bank plc base rate 
per annum.

Commitments under finance leases and hire purchase agreements mature as follows:

Amounts payable within one year 
Amounts payable between one and two years 
Amounts payable between three and five years 

Gross 
2011 
£’000 

31 
14 
21 

66 

Gross 
2010 
£’000 

15 
28 
32 

75 

Net 
2011 
£’000 

25 
11 
20 

56 

Net 
2010 
£’000

13
25
28

66

The finance leases are for the purchase of sundry equipment and motor vehicles (note 11).

There is no collateral on the above amounts except for lease purchase liabilities which are secured against the asset that they finance.

21 Net cash (used)/from operations

Profit after tax 
Adjustments for: 
  Depreciation 
  Amortisation 
  Loss on disposal 
  Share-based payments 
  Tax credit 
  Interest expense 
Changes in working capital: 
  Inventories 
  Trade and other receivables 
  Trade and other payables 

Cash (used)/from operations 

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

No later than one year 
Later than one year and no later than five years 

2011 
£’000 

520 

109 
29 
2 
29 
(104) 
90 

(118) 
(853) 
102 

(194) 

2011 
£’000 

3 
369 

372 

2010 
£’000

1,192 

96
28
32
35
(187)
123

(69)
(1,331)
608

527

2010 
£’000

120
370

490

23 Related party transactions
The loan made to the group by Michelle Laurier, spouse of Michael Laurier, was paid in full during the year. Interest on the loan had been calculated at 
2% per month. The balance outstanding at 31 December 2011 was £nil (2010: £260,000). 

The loan made to the group by Michael Laurier, was paid in full during the year. The loan was for the amount of £100,000 at no interest. The balance 
outstanding at 31 December 2011 was £nil (2010: £100,000). 

24 Post balance sheet events
There have been no significant post balance sheet events.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48

48
Notes to the Annual Report and Accounts (continued)

25 Capital management
The Group’s capital management objectives are:
•	
•	
by pricing products and services commensurately with the level of risk.

to ensure the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern; and
to provide an adequate return to shareholders

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the carrying amount of equity plus its subordinated loan, less cash and cash equivalents as presented  
on the face of the statement of financial position.

The Group’s goal in capital management is to maintain a capital-to-overall financing ratio of 1:1 to 1:3. 

The Group sets the amount of capital in proportion to its overall financing structure, i.e. equity and financial liabilities. The Group manages the capital 
structure and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to 
maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue 
new shares, or sell assets to reduce debt.

Capital for the reporting periods under review is summarised as follows: 

Total equity 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Capital 

Total equity 
Borrowings 

Overall financing 

Capital-to-financing ratio 

2011 
£’000 

5,336 
(291) 

5,045 

5,336 
549 

5,885 

0.86 

2010 
£’000

3,053
(85)

2,968

3,053
1,318

4,371

0.68

The ratio-increase during 2011 is a result of continued profitability and strengthening in share capital resulting in a stronger equity position compared 
to financing. The Group aims to continue improvements in the capital-to-finance ratio through ongoing profitability.

26 Capital Commitments
The Group had capital commitments totalling £20,000 at the end of the year (2010: £130,000). 

The following pages contain the balance sheet and accompanying notes for the parent Company prepared under UK GAAP.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49
Company Balance Sheet
at 31 December 2011

Company number 3676824

Fixed assets 
Tangible assets 
Investments 

Current assets 
Debtors 
Cash at bank and in hand 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Net current assets 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Capital and reserves 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Profit and loss account 

49

Note 

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

28 
29 

30 

31 

32 

35 
36 
36 

32 
2,150 

2,182 

1,929 
19 

1,948 
234 

1,714 

3,896 

11 

3,885 

1,278 
1,646 
961 

3,885 

48
2,150

2,198

366
–

366
330

36

2,234

183

2,051

1,173
17
861

2,051

The Company has applied the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present a profit and loss account for the year ended  
31 December 2011. There are no recognised gains or losses other than its profit for the year as detailed in note 37.

These financial statements were approved by the Directors on 13 March 2012 and are signed on their behalf by:

I Bristow FCCA
Finance Director

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

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50

50
Notes to the Company Balance Sheet

27 Principal accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The Company financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP).

Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Plant and machinery 
Fixtures and fittings 
Motor vehicles 
Office equipment 

–  20% reducing balance.
–  25% reducing balance.
–  20% reducing balance.
–  25% straight line.

Leasing and hire purchase commitments
Assets held under finance leases, which are leases where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset have passed to the 
Company, and hire purchase contracts, are capitalised in the balance sheet and are depreciated over their useful lives. The capital elements of  
future obligations under the leases and hire purchase contracts are included as liabilities in the balance sheet.

The interest elements of the rental obligations are charged in the profit and loss account over the periods of the leases and hire purchase contracts 
and represent a constant proportion of the balance of capital repayments outstanding.

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Pension costs
Company pensions are operated within the Group pension scheme. The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees.  
The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group. The annual contributions payable in respect to the Company are charged  
to the profit and loss account.

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions  
or events have occurred at that date that will result in an obligation to pay more, or a right to pay less or to receive more tax, with the following 
exception: deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the Directors consider that it is more likely than not that there will be suitable 
taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, 
based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Foreign currencies
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions 
in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Exchange differences are taken into 
account in arriving at the operating profit.

Investments
Investments are included at cost less amounts written off.

Financial instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity 
instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all of its financial liabilities.

Where the contractual obligations of the financial instruments (including share capital) are equivalent to a similar debt instrument, those financial 
instruments are classified as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in the balance sheet. Finance costs are calculated so as to 
produce a constant rate of return on the outstanding liability.

Where the contractual terms of share capital do not have any terms meeting the definition of a financial liability then this is classified as an equity 
instrument. Dividends and distributions relating to equity instruments are debited direct to equity.

Equity-settled share-based payments
All share-based payment arrangements granted after 7 November 2002 that had not vested prior to 1 January 2007 are recognised in the financial 
statements.

All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based payment are measured at their fair values. Where employees are 
rewarded using share-based payments, the fair values are determined by reference to the fair value of the instrument granted to the employee.  
This fair value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of non-market vesting conditions. The fair value is charged to the profit and  
loss account between the date of issue and the date the share options vest with a corresponding credit taken to shareholders’ funds.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 201151

Total 
£’000

101
(16)

85

53
12
(12)

53

32

48

Plant & 
  machinery 
£’000 

Motor 
vehicles 
£’000 

27 
– 

27 

15 
3 
– 

18 

9 

12 

74 
(16) 

58 

38 
9 
(12) 

35 

23 

36 

28 Tangible fixed assets

Cost 
At 1 January 2011 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2011 

Depreciation 
At 1 January 2011 
Charge for the year 
Eliminated on disposal 

At 31 December 2011 

Net book value 
At 31 December 2011 

At 31 December 2010 

Included within the net book value of £32,000 is £13,000 (2010: £24,000) relating to assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts. 
The depreciation charged to the financial statements in the year in respect of such assets amounted to £4,000 (2010: £8,000).

29 Investments 

Shares in Group undertakings
At beginning of the year 
Subsidiary bonus issue 

At end of year 

Group undertakings are detailed in note 13.

30 Debtors 

Amounts owed by Group undertakings 
VAT 
Prepayments 

31 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Trade creditors 
Bank overdraft 
Other taxation and social security 
Amounts due under finance leases and hire purchase agreements 
Other creditors 
Accruals 

32 Creditors: amounts falling after more than one year 

Amounts due under finance leases and hire purchase agreements 
Amounts owed to Group undertakings 

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

2,150 
– 

2,150 

150
2,000

2,150

2011 
£’000 

1,913 
7 
9 

1,929 

2011 
£’000 

31 
– 
16 
2 
134 
51 

234 

2010 
£’000

310
50
6

366

2010 
£’000

16
8
3
3
251
49

330

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

11 
– 

11 

13
170

183

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52

52
Notes to the Company Balance Sheet (continued)

33 Commitments under finance leases and hire purchase agreements 

Amounts payable within one year 
Amounts payable between one and two years 
Amounts payable between three and five years 

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000

2 
3 
8 

13 

3
2
11

16

34 Contingent liabilities
The Company has guaranteed all monies due to its bankers by Symphony Environmental Limited, Symphony Energy Limited and Symphony Plastics 
(2010) Limited. At 31 December 2011 the net indebtedness of these companies amounted to £nil (2010: £537,000). 

35 Share capital
The Company’s share capital is detailed in note 18.

36 Reserves 

At 1 January 2011 
Retained profit for the year 
New equity share capital subscribed 

At 31 December 2011 

Share 
premium 
account 
£’000 

17 
– 
1,629 

1,646 

Profit 
and loss 
account 
£’000

861
100
–

961

37 Parent Company own accounts
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes as permitted by Section 408 of  
the Companies Act 2006. The profit for the financial year dealt with in the financial statements of the parent Company is £100,000 (2010: loss 
£5,516,000). The loss for 2010 includes inter-company debt waivers of £5,571,000.

38 Directors and employees
All employees of Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc are Directors. See note 7 of the Group consolidated accounts. 

The average number of staff employed by the company during the financial year amounted to:

Management 

The aggregate payroll costs of the above were: 

Wages and salaries 
Equity settled share based payments 
Social security costs 

2011 
No. 

3 

2011 
£’000 

85 
– 
10 

95 

2010 
No.

3

2010 
£’000

98
12
10

120

The company has taken advantage of the FRS8 exemption that allows certain intra-Group transactions to not be disclosed with a 100% subsidiary.

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Some of our people

Printed on LumiSilk (300gsm cover, 170gsm pages 1-24 and 150gsm 
pages 25-52) LumiSilk is an FSC-recognised paper, produced from well-
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ISO 14001 certification.

Company Registration Number
3676824

Registered Office
6 Elstree Gate
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Hertfordshire
WD6 1JD
Tel: +44 (0)20 8207 5900
Fax: +44 (0)20 8207 7632
Email: info@d2w.net

Directors
N J Deva DL, FRSA, MEP – Non-Executive Chairman
M N Laurier – Chief Executive Officer
I Bristow FCCA – Finance Director 
M Stephen LL.M – Commercial Director and Deputy Chairman
M F Stephens – Technical Director
N Clavel – Non-Executive Director

Secretary
I Bristow

Nominated Adviser and Broker
Seymour Pierce
20 Old Bailey
London
EC4M 7EN

Bankers
HSBC Bank Plc
Edgware

Solicitors
Olswang
90 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6XX

Auditor
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditors
Grant Thornton House
202 Silbury Boulevard
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 1LW

Registrars
Capita Registrars Limited
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 4TU

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