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Trackwise Designs Plc

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FY2020 Annual Report · Trackwise Designs Plc
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ANNUAL REPORT AND
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1 APRIL 2020

SUCCESSFUL ACQUISITION OF STEVENAGE CIRCUITS LIMITED

 
 
 
 
Trackwise Designs plc 
Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the year ended 31 December 2020

1

Contents
CONTENTS

Highlights 

Chair’s Statement 

Chief  Executive’s Review and Strategic Report 

ESG Engagement Report 

Chief  Financial Officer’s Review and Strategic Report 

Corporate Governance Review 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Directors’ Report 

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of  Trackwise Designs plc 

Consolidated Statement of  Comprehensive Income and Equity 

Consolidated Statement of  Financial Position 

Parent Company Statement of  Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of  Changes in Equity  

Parent Company Statement of  Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of  Cash Flows 

Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

Glossary of  Terms 

Officers and Professional Advisers 

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4

6

16

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35

37

40

45

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48

49

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Registered in England and Wales, Registration no: 3959572

Registered office: 1 Ashvale, Alexandra Way, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England GL20 8NB

Trackwise Designs plcHighlights

3

CONNECTED TECHNOLOGY

 Operating & Strategic Highlights

•  Significant multi-year series production order won

•  Successful acquisition of  Stevenage Circuits Limited

•  Two successful fund-raises in the year

•   Successful over subscribed placing to fund new 

production facility

•  Completed transfer of  RF business to Stevenage

•  Ashvale site ready for IHT dedicated activity

 Financial Highlights

•  Revenues increased by 109%

•  Net cash at year end £11.35M

•  Profit after tax £1. 2M (2019 Loss £48K)

•  EBITDA £773K (2019 £573K)

•  Fully diluted eps 5.70p (2019 loss per share 0.32p)

•  Equity raised in the year £18.5M

 Post Period End

•   Acquisition of  IHT dedicated property in south 

Gloucestershire for £2.8M

•  Appointment of  Chief  Operating Officer

•   Investment in new capacity, £3M of  deposits placed

Trackwise Designs plc4

Chair’s Statement

Ian Griffiths
Non-Executive Chair

Dear Shareholders

Delivering progress on our strategy

The period under review has been one characterised by uncertainty and challenging economic conditions, but despite 
this we are pleased to report on significant strategic progress across both our Improved Harness TechnologyTM (IHT) and 
Advanced PCB divisions during the year with notable successes.

We have achieved an exceptional level of  acceptance for IHT and we are seeing an ever-increasing pipeline of  opportunities 
across  our  target  markets.  We  continue  to  make  significant  steps  to  accommodate  the  ramp  up  in  IHT  production  at 
Ashvale, alongside putting the steps in place to establish a dedicated IHT high-volume low-mix IHT production facility.

Following the acquisition of  Stevenage Circuits Ltd (SCL), we have consolidated our non-IHT manufacturing into what is 
now referred to as the Advanced PCBs division, with our reach extended through SCL’s existing customer base.

These  strategic  achievements  have  solidified  the  foundations  for  further  growth,  and  underwrite  the  medium  term 
performance to which I referred last autumn. We are grateful for the support we have received from our shareholders in 
enabling us to develop our strategic initiatives.

2020 Performance

Trackwise has not been immune to the consequences of  trading headwinds, which impacted both our suppliers and our 
customers. The effects of  lockdowns in the UK, France and Italy in particular hindered the installation of  new equipment 
at our Ashvale site which, in turn, has resulted in slower output of  IHT.

I am pleased to report the operational issues we faced have now largely been resolved, and these, should not detract 
from  the  significant  progress  the  business  made  in  the  year.  In  a  space  of   a  few  months,  supported  by  two  equity 
raises,  we  completed  the  acquisition  of   SCL,  expanded  and  optimised  our  manufacturing  capacity  and  capability 
across  our  estate,  and  signed  an  agreement  with  an  electric  vehicle  OEM.  The  contract  is  not  only  transformational 
for  the  Group’s  medium-term  prospects,  but  is  reflective  of   the  huge  opportunity  ahead  as  a  wide  range  of  
forward-thinking companies look for space-saving, weight-reducing and environmentally-friendly parts for their products.

While our IHT facility in Tewkesbury and Advanced PCB facility in Stevenage both suffered revenue losses as a result of  
COVID-related disruption, through careful monitoring and swift, decisive action we have successfully limited the impact 
to our bottom line.

Board, Senior Management and Employees

In  June  2020,  we  announced  non-executive  director  and  chair  of   the  audit  committee  Lesley  Jackson  would  not  be 
seeking re-election at the 2020 AGM following completion of  the full term of  her contract.

At  the  same  time,  we  were  pleased  to  appoint  Charles  Cattaneo  and  Susan  McErlain  to  the  Board  as  non-executive 
directors. Charles succeeded Lesley Jackson as chair of  the audit committee and Susan stepped into the role of  chair 
of  the remuneration committee.

I would like to reiterate my gratitude to Lesley for her valuable contributions to Trackwise and wish her the best in her 
future endeavours.

The safety of  our staff  has remained our priority since the onset of  the pandemic. In line with UK government guidelines, 
we have taken significant steps to protect our teams from the impact of  COVID-19 across both our sites. I would like to 
thank all of  our staff  for their continued hard work and dedication in a difficult year.

Chair’s Statement continued

5

Dividend

The Board does not recommend the payment of  a dividend and in line with the previously stated policy and reaffirms the 
intention to pay a progressive dividend only once the Group has demonstrated the establishment of  the interconnector 
technology as a stable revenue generator.

Our impact on society

We are pleased, for the first time, to be reporting in detail on our ESG impact and the measures we have introduced, 
demonstrating our commitment to acting responsibly and contributing to a sustainable future. Further information on the 
Group’s impact on society can be found in our ESG engagement report on page 16.

The benefits and relevance of  our IHT product to the sustainability agenda are clear and we are confident it will play an 
important role in helping our customers meet their own carbon reduction goals in the future.

Looking ahead

Uncertainty in both the global and UK economies has persisted into 2021 and this is likely to continue in the near term 
despite  positive  news  around  the  Covid-19  vaccine  rollout  and,  as  a  result,  we  do  not  expect  to  see  any  immediate 
changes to trading conditions in the short term.

However,  with  the  strong  prospects  for  growth  in  our  IHT  division  and  solid  foundations  through  our  Advanced  PCBs 
division, the Board remains encouraged by the medium-term and long-term outlook as set out at the time of  our equity 
raise in the autumn of  2020, and looks forward to reporting on further progress in due course.

Ian Griffiths
Non-Executive Chair
22 June 2021

Trackwise Designs plc6

Chief Executive’s Review and Strategic Report

Philip Johnston
Chief Executive Officer

A transformational 12 months

Despite the adverse operational impacts of  Covid-19, it has been a transformational 12 months for Trackwise, and the 
recent major agreement with an Electric Vehicle manufacturer demonstrates the significant traction our Improved Harness 
Technology™ is gaining in the market. It is our firm intent that this is just the start.

We are delighted by the support shown by new and existing investors, providing us with the means to deliver against 
our growing pipeline of  revenue opportunities across our primary target markets of  EV, Medical and Aerospace, thereby 
maximising our long-term growth potential.

Share price performance since IPO

This was a very successful year at a strategic level – with two fundraises, the acquisition and integration of  Stevenage 
Circuits Limited and the signing of  the transformational multi-year production deal with the UK EV OEM. At an operational 
level,  2020  was  a  challenging  year  due  to  Covid-19  impacts  on  our  customers,  our  suppliers  and  ourselves,  but  we 
successfully  navigated  the  challenges  and  ended  the  year  on  a  sound  footing,  with  an  enlarged  operation,  growing 
customer base and well-capitalised business.

I would very much like to thank all of  our stakeholders, our supportive shareholders, both new and existing, our customers 
and suppliers – and above all our staff. As manufacturers we have largely been unable to work from home and therefore 
have had to deal with the risk and uncertainty of  coming to work every day throughout the pandemic. This has not been 
easy, but the challenge has been met collectively with stoicism and understanding: Thank You.

Covid-19

While seeking to continue operations as normally as possible, the safety and welfare of  all staff  has been our utmost 
priority. We have followed government guidelines throughout.

The internal changes that we had to make, in order to minimise risks while continuing operations, have decreased our 
efficiency and increased costs of  working, but the more significant Covid impacts have come from external sources – 
from our suppliers and customers.

Trackwise Designs plcChief Executive’s Review and Strategic Report continued

7

While the wider supply chain continued to operate more-or-
less normally through the pandemic, Trackwise took delivery 
of  a key piece of  capital equipment from a French supplier, 
just  as  the  first  lockdown  was  put  into  place.  This  resulted 
in the installation and commissioning of  the state-of-the-art 
roll  to  roll  direct  imaging  (DI)  machine,  the  first  of   its  kind 
made by the supplier, falling onto Trackwise – assisted only 
remotely by the French supplier. Given the complexity of  the 
equipment  and  the  challenging  products  that  Trackwise  is 
seeking  to  manufacture  on  it,  this  turned  out  to  be  a  time 
consuming and resource intensive exercise. While the delays 
in commissioning this key equipment resulted in increased 
costs of  working and delays in product development, I am 
pleased to advise that the equipment is now fully commissioned and functioning as planned. It is a very performant piece 
of  equipment and we are discussing with the supplier the specification for a further machine to be installed in our new 
site, the details of  which are outlined in the strategic focus section of  this review.

The impacts of  Covid upon markets and customers is addressed further below but, as a very general overview, managing 
existing relationships has happened satisfactorily, whereas establishing or progressing new relationships has been less 
easy, and subject to delays.

Covid is an additional risk the company now has to factor and I would draw your attention to the Risk review on page (29) 
and in particular the heightened attention the Board is giving to certain areas, cybersecurity, customer concentration, the 
impact of  Covid and the risks associated with the establishment of  our new site at Stonehouse.

Stevenage Circuits Ltd

In April 2020 we were pleased to advise of  the completion 
of  the acquisition of  Stevenage Circuits Ltd (SCL) and again 
we thank our existing and new shareholders who supported 
us in our March 2020 fundraise at a very difficult time in the 
financial markets.

SCL  is  an  established  manufacturer  of   a  full  suite  of  
Advanced PCBs (Microwave and RF, Short Flex, Flex Rigid 
and  Rigid  multilayer  products)  and  complements  well  the 
existing capabilities of  Trackwise.

We are delighted with the acquisition – we have gained an 
experienced  and  motivated  team  with  a  good  reputation, 
serving  a  broad  customer  base.  I  would  personally  like  to 
acknowledge our CFO Mark Hodgkins’ significant contribution to this transaction; bringing the full benefit of  his extensive 
M&A experience to acquire a good business at a good price.

The prospect and process of  acquisition is always a period of  uncertainty for the acquired company – especially the 
employees – but they have responded brilliantly to being part of  a growing public group after two generations of  family 
ownership. With Covid and Brexit landing in the same year as the acquisition, it has been a challenging year for all at 
Stevenage Circuits Limited.

I would like to thank very much the senior management team and all staff  at SCL for their hard work and positive attitude 
in this year of  significant challenge and change.

Trackwise Designs plc8

Chief Executive’s Review and Strategic Report continued

Since  the  acquisition  –  and  despite  Covid  constraints  – 
we  have  successfully  integrated  the  two  businesses  and 
completed the transfer of  non-IHT (RF) manufacturing from 
Ashvale  to  the  Stevenage  site.  The  reorganisation  fulfils 
our  strategic  plan  whereby  Ashvale  is  dedicated  to  being 
an  engineering  led,  product  development,  new  product 
introduction  facility  for  Improved  Harness  Technology™, 
the  long-term  growth  driver  in  the  business.  We  are 
looking  forward  to  driving  forward  the  group  –  significantly 
strengthened by the SCL acquisition.

Improved Harness Technology (IHT)
There  has  been  significant  and  sustained  growth  in  all 
three  key  verticals  during  2020.  23  NDAs  (Non-Disclosure 
Agreements) have been signed - 8 Aerospace, 5 Automotive, 9 Industrial, 1 Space – demonstrating there is keen interest 
for IHT across the board. Of  these, 6 have already converted into customers bringing the total number of  IHT customers 
to 31 at the year end.

In the first five months of  2021 there have been three new Medical companies sign NDAs and one already converted to 
a customer.

Trackwise Designs plcChief Executive’s Review and Strategic Report continued

9

Electric vehicles (EV)

Improved 
Harness 
TechnologyTM 
enables flexi 
circuits to 
connect together 
individual cells 
to form battery 
modules in an 
electric vehicle

Trackwise  announced  in  September  that  it  had  secured  a  multi-
year  Product  Manufacture  and  Supply  Agreement  with  a  UK  EV 
OEM. This is a transformational deal.

The  OEM  is  building  electric  vans  and  buses  –  as  well  as  other 
commercial  vehicles.  All  of   these  vehicles  are  based  around  a 
common  core  High  Voltage  Battery  Module  (HVBM)  into  which 
Trackwise is providing two key components, a power flex – connecting 
all of  the cells for primary power collection and a balancing flex, part 
of  the essential battery management system. These are roughly one 
foot square parts – manufactured in rolls – using our IHT-enabled 
manufacturing know-how. We are also supplying vehicle level parts 
into the Bus, with parts for further vehicles under discussion.

The OEM is to build its vehicles in modular microfactories rather 
than  a  single  centralised  location  –  these  are  relatively  small 
100Ksqft modular facilities built close to the end-customer. 

Trackwise has done very well to secure this landmark contract with 
a world-leading UK OEM. With its roll out of  microfactories globally, 
the OEM’s demand for these parts is going to be significant.

There is a wider opportunity in the developing UK & European EV 
supply – the output of  any UK Gigafactory will need to be built into 
UK battery modules, UK battery packs and UK EVs.

Trackwise is very well positioned – both with key technology and 
with first mover advantage – to capitalise on this wider opportunity. 
There is a strong drive to build a UK EV supply chain and our UK 
EV OEM contract win has greatly raised Trackwise’s profile in the 
industry.

It  is  clear  that  the  rapidly  emerging  EV  sector  is  a  key  growth 
opportunity for Trackwise and IHT.

Trackwise Designs plc10

Chief Executive’s Review and Strategic Report continued

Aerospace

Covid has had a very significant impact upon the global aviation industry with a huge drop-off  in air travel; the International 
Airport Transport Association (IATA) predicts the UK aviation industry faces a loss of  revenue of  up to £20 billion in 2020. 
We will have to wait to see what shape of  industry emerges from this huge shock – for example the demise of  larger 
aircraft, not just the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, but perhaps also twin-aisle aircraft as a whole. However, what is certain 
is that the industry is also facing substantial pressure to grow back greener and address sustainability along the whole 
aviation value chain.

Even before the pandemic the UK aviation industry has pledged to cut its net carbon emissions to zero by 2050. In any 
mobile application weight = fuel = cost = carbon and the weight reduction opportunity offered by IHT is a key enabler 
for OEMs to realise their ambitions in these rapidly changing markets where carbon reduction is a strategic necessity.

We  are  working  with  a  significant  number  of   participants  working  towards  zero-emission  aircraft  and  note  the  recent 
announcement  by  Airbus  of   their  ZERO-E  concepts.  Whilst  zero-emission  commercial  aircraft  might  seem  a  far  off  
prospect  our  development  work  with  GKN  (where  we  announced  a  Collaboration  Agreement  in  August  2019),  is  also 
targeted at more-electric aviation – the evolution of  existing platforms to improve the efficiency of  current aircraft. 

GKN’s parent company, Melrose plc, remains committed to industrialising the wing de-icing and air inlet scoop products 
on  which  we  are  cooperating.  After  several  years  of   earlier  development  work  Trackwise  signed  an  Industrialisation 
Agreement with GKN in 2019; this Industrialisation represents the final step prior to entry into service.

This development (a consortium lead by GKN Aerospace) is receiving UK plc support; in the second half  of  our 2020 
financial year Trackwise received confirmation of  an InnovateUK grant, a £770K contribution towards taking IHT to ‘TRL6’ 
– a technology readiness milestone that effectively enables the product to be sold into mainstream programmes. GKN 
Aerospace, through Fokker Technologies, is a leading player in design, manufacturing and support for the electrical wiring 
interconnection systems (EWIS) for Aerospace and Defence programmes. This development work is not recognised as 
revenue in the accounts but represents ‘income’ of  £70K in 2020, with budgets of  £150K for 2021 and £350K for 2022.

Aside from GKN, Trackwise is working with a very wide and growing portfolio of  world-leading aerospace innovators on 
next-generation products; of  UAM - ‘flying taxis’, business jets, high altitude pseudo-satellites.

For all of  these OEMs and Tier 1 or Tier 2 suppliers, IHT benefits of  reduced weight and reduced space are key attributes 
for delivering their objectives for emission-reducing aircraft.

While  current  and  near-term  revenue  will  remain  developmental  in  nature,  a  clear  path  to  production  programmes  is 
emerging. Several programmes are indicating an entry into service in 2-3 years. Trackwise and IHT must be ready for 
these customers – and for this reason the timely progression of  IHT to TRL6 is key.

Medical

IHT’s use in medical catheters is a large scale opportunity. Essentially Trackwise and IHT can provide long, narrow flex 
PCBs to replace multiple micro-wires, very small gauge wires that are currently used to connect remote (distal) electronics 
through the patient and out to the surgeon. These micro-wires are difficult to handle and assemble quickly and reliably into 
finished catheters. The improvement therefore offered by IHT is largely ease of  manufacture.

While far from all catheters embody distal electronics, the image here shows the very large size, and rapid growth of  the 
US catheter market. 

Trackwise Designs plcChief Executive’s Review and Strategic Report continued

11

The period under review saw delays, due to DI commissioning delays, but good progress in developing IHT for medical 
catheter applications, intravascular ultrasound and electrophysiology.

These are challenging products to manufacture – large format (up to several metres in length), narrow (only a few mm 
in width), very fine circuit features (down to 40um), novel substrates, demanding surface finish requirements – but IHT 
capabilities are fully suited to these demanding products and multiple samples for multiple different products have been 
delivered to US and EU OEMs.

Our current focus is to support OEMs as they progress these products through their design verification phase and into 
production.

Marketing efforts continue to promote IHT capability to catheter manufacturers worldwide; including Trackwise’s white 
paper ‘IHT Technology Ready to Enable the Next Generation of  MIS Instruments’.

Industrial, Scientific & Space

While  our  focus  remains  on  our  three  core  verticals  –  IHT  has  application  across  a  very  wide  range  of   markets  and 
applications. Our CERN contract for the Large Hadron Collider HiLumi upgrade has been successfully completed during 
the period but I highlight here three interesting IHT customers that reflect the diversity of  opportunity. These are just a few 
highlights of  many:

• 

 Nuclear fusion; IHT parts being supplied to a UK OEM without question represent the largest multilayers ever made 
– a capability directly enabled by the investments made since IPO. Our customer recently presented their technology 
at the Applied Superconductivity Conference and all of  the questions were regarding the part supplied by Trackwise. 
We are currently supplying parts into their latest reactor build; a £250K contract. Revenue will remain lumpy – but is 
expected to grow by orders of  magnitude as they move towards their goal ‘To generate clean and abundant fusion 
power by 2030.’

• 

 Oil pipeline leak detection; our first application for long PCBA – assembled PCBs.

• 

 Advanced motor windings; a quote from our customer states ‘Constructed from flexible printed circuits, the motors 
can be up to 50% more compact, 70% more dynamic, with 3 times fewer heat losses and assembled 10 times faster 
than most of  the existing solutions using conventional windings made from copper wire.’ This has the potential to be 
a very large scale opportunity.

Trackwise Designs plc12

Chief Executive’s Review and Strategic Report continued

Advanced PCBs

While  SCL  has  been  under  Trackwise  ownership  for  only 
nine months of  the period, we have completed the transfer 
of   RF  manufacturing  from  Ashvale  to  Stevenage  and  the 
Stevenage site now manufactures all of  the group’s non-IHT 
products, together labelled ‘Advanced PCBs’.

SCL  is  an  established  manufacturer  of   a  full  suite  of  
Microwave and RF, Short Flex, Flex Rigid and Rigid multilayer 
products,  for  a  very  wide  range  of   customers  –  serving  a 
very wide range of  industries.

Given this breadth of  supply, a concise market assessment is 
not straightforward – particularly when sales to intermediary 
companies are considered; PCB ‘buyers’, who sit between 
customers and the supply chain.

The 2020 top three customers, together represent 36% of  the advanced PCB division’s full year revenues:

• 

• 

• 

 ION  Science  Ltd:  ION  Science  has  over  30  years  of   industry  experience 
designing,  manufacturing,  and  supplying  gas  sensors,  gas  detection 
instruments, and leak detectors for a wide range of  industries and applications. 
SCL business with ION Science grew in 2020 and is expected to grow further in 
2021.

 Qualcomm  Technologies 
telecommunications customer were broadly flat in 2020.

International  Ltd:  Sales 

to 

this  global 

 Fineline QPI BV: Fineline Group was established after a merger between Fineline 
GmBH  (est.  1991)  and  Aviv  PCB  &  Technologies  (est.  2002)  in  2007.  Fineline 
is a worldwide provider of  Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) with local presence in 
40 locations and 250+ employees. SCL supplies their Netherlands business with 
Advanced PCBs for Medical and Scientific customers. SCL business with Fineline 
QPI grew in 2020.

 There are some global shortages of  (Dupont) PCB copper clad laminates and our 
major  customers  (CEMs)  are  seeing  component  lead-times  increasing,  which  is 
causing some short term delays to business opportunities. We are working closely 
with our customers to manage this situation.

Trackwise Designs plcChief Executive’s Review and Strategic Report continued

13

Strategic focus for the year ahead

Ashvale was always intended as an engineering led, product development, new product introduction facility and with 
the acquisition of  Stevenage Circuits Limited and the transfer of  RF production to Stevenage, Trackwise has secured 
additional capacity. The focus of  the development team is to continue to bring the myriad of  IHT developments through 
to production.

The  scale  of   the  UK  OEM  EV  contract,  and  the  wider  supply  chain  opportunities,  means  that  we  have  had  to  secure 
additional manufacturing capacity. Executing plans for the new facility is the key strategic task for 2021.

We identified a new manufacturing 
facility, close to Tewkesbury.

This plant will implement a 
scaled-up version of the roll to roll 
manufacturing capability developed 
and qualified in Tewkesbury in a set 
up arranged for high volume, low mix 
– rather than the low volume, high 
mix in Ashvale.

Planning  for  the  new  facility  is  well  underway;  we  have  secured  the  services  of   an  interim  project  management  team 
to assist with detailed planning and execution of  the new site; quotes and confirmed lead times for long lead capital 
items have been secured; and we have recently hired a Chief  Operating Officer. Steve Hudson’s priority will be to pick 
up planning, implementation of  the new site from the interim team – leading it through to commissioning and transfer of  
production from Ashvale, before moving ‘up’ to a group operations role, overseeing the three group manufacturing sites.

While the UK OEM EV does deliver upon its global ambitions, its global demand for HVBM flex PCBs will rapidly exceed 
the output of  the new facility. The strategic intent is that the new facility is the blueprint for future production plants – located 
wherever in the world they may be needed.

PLANNED PCB ASSEMBLY LINE 

Trackwise Designs plc14

Chief Executive’s Review and Strategic Report continued

Carbon

As part of  a growing acceptance that we all need to take our part in reducing the carbon impact of  our ongoing operations, 
we report this year for the first time our Operational Footprint. Measurement is an important precursor to reduction – ‘what 
gets measured, gets managed’ – and future reports will identify progress towards reducing the carbon impact of  our 
operations.

Two out of  our three primary target markets – EV and Aerospace – are undergoing fundamental change (the UK aviation 
industry has pledged to cut its net carbon emissions to zero by 2050) and the weight reduction opportunity offered by 
IHT is a key enabler for OEMs to realise their ambitions in these rapidly changing markets where carbon reduction is a 
strategic necessity.

We continue to market Improved Harness Technology™ as a carbon reduction technology.

Current trading and outlook

The impact of  the Covid pandemic has affected global economic activity, leading to a slow-down in investment activity 
across  our  markets.  However,  we  are  seeing  a  growing  number  of   IHT  enquiries  and  have  converted  an  increasing 
number of  those enquiries into customers which supports our growing confidence for the future.

What has become clear during the early part of  2021 is evidence of  increasing supply chain stress, with increased prices 
and lengthening delivery timescales for a number of  key raw materials. Sales have not been lost but this is impacting our 
ability to complete some orders on a timely basis in both our Advanced PCB and IHT divisions.

We  have  continued  to  work  with  our  UK  EV  OEM  customer  on  development  improvements  to  the  products  we  will  be 
producing for them. As a result, it is now anticipated that our volume production, initially expected towards the end of  
2021, will begin in early 2022.

Combined, these factors above will have an impact on revenues in 2021, although some will be offset by new business 
from other smaller customers as well as a continued focus on cost controls.

We are making progress with preparing our new manufacturing facility, with fit out underway and long lead capital items 
ordered, and we are confident that this plant will be ready for manufacture of  the expected volumes. Capacity is being 
implemented in the new manufacturing facility in excess of  the UK EV OEM forecast volumes and the layout accommodates 
planning for future capacity expansion that can be implemented in the event of  future contract wins.

Trackwise’s active discussions with a number of  EV OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers supports our belief  that flex PCBs will 
be adopted widely as a solution for battery module and battery pack interconnect across all cell formats and we are 
confident of  strong future activity in this sector, as well as in our other markets.

Philip Johnston
Chief Executive Officer
22 June 2021 

Trackwise Designs plc72 metre long 3 layer circuit

15

The above image shows the Trackwise team with the largest circuit manufactured 
to date, a 72 metre long 3 layer circuit for a nuclear fusion customer.

Our progression in delivery of length-unlimited: 10m (12/2016), 25m (1/2019), 
50m (8/2019) and now 72m (6/2021), is testament to the investments made and 
the hard work of our development team, led by Mike Prosser – at the centre of this 
image.

We know of no other manufacturer in the world capable of delivering such a 
product.

Trackwise Designs plc16

ESG Engagement Report

Environment/Carbon Footprint Report 

Care for the environment is an integral part of  the Group’s business activities.

Trackwise recognises that its operations result in emissions to air and water, the generation of  waste and consumption 
of   natural  resource  and  therefore  realise  the  importance  of   environmental  protection.  Trackwise  has  implemented  an 
environmental  management  system  (accredited  to  ISO14001  since  2001)  and  is  committed  to  operating  its  business 
responsibly and in compliance with all environmental regulations, legislation and approved codes of  practice relating to 
its industry and activities.

As  part  of   the  process  of   continuous  improvement  of   environmental  performance,  Trackwise  has,  for  the  first  time, 
calculated and reports here its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Methodology

Trackwise  has  calculated  its  GHG  emissions  in  accordance  with  internationally  accepted  approaches,  including  the 
Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO14064.

GHG figures for Ashvale (Tewkesbury) and Stevenage sites are analysed and reported separately, so that tailored action 
can be taken to reduce the impact of  each site.

Standard carbon emission factors for particular activities or sources, published annually by the Department of  Business, 
Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have been 
referred to. For electricity the assessment considers both location-based emission factors (i.e. UK national averages), and 
market-based factors (based on emission factors reported by the contracted electricity supplier).

•  Scope 1  

 emissions occur from sources that are owned or where Trackwise has operational control. 

•  Scope 2  

 includes indirect emissions from consumption of  purchased electricity at facilities owned or controlled by 
Trackwise.

•  Scope 3 

 emissions include other emissions that occur within Trackwise’s value chain. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol 
identifies 15 different categories of  emission in the Scope 3 value chain, both upstream and downstream 
of   the  reporting  organisation.  Not  all  categories  are  applicable  and  relevant  to  every  organisation  and 
therefore  Trackwise  reports  those  which  are  material  to  operations,  including  water  usage,  employee 
commuting data and waste data.

Data
ASHVALE 

Scope 1 

Scope 2 

Scope 3 

Total 

tCO2e/£m 

Source 

Location-based  Market-based 

Location-based  Market-based

Total GHG tCO2e

2019 

2020

Water	Usage	

Employee	Commuting	

Waste 

9 

178 

96 

5	

75	

16 

283 

97 

9 

245 

96 

5	

75	

16 

349 

120 

9 

200 

90 

5	

57	

27 

299 

134 

9

282

90

5

57

27

380

171

The total location-based carbon footprint for 2020, based on the defined scope, was calculated to be 299 tonnes CO2e, 
with an intensity ratio (emissions per £m turnover) of  134 tCO2e/£m.

That the Market-based Scope 2 values are greater than the Location-based values indicates that there exists potential to 
reduce GHG emissions through sourcing energy from a source with lower emission rates; see ‘Actions’ below.

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
  
  
  
	
	
 
  
  
ESG Engagement Report continued

17

STEVENAGE 

Source 

Scope 1 

Scope 2 

Scope 3 

Total 

tCO2e/£m 

Water Usage 

Employee Commuting 

Waste 

Total GHG tCO2e

2020

Location-based  Market-based

17 

603 

81 

8 

47 

26 

701 

131  

17

717

81

8

47

26

815

153

The total location-based carbon footprint for 2020, based on the defined scope, was calculated to be 701 tonnes CO2e, 
with an intensity ratio (emissions per £m turnover) of  131 tCO2e/£m.

Actions

Over the next year Trackwise will look to take the following actions:

• 

 Widening the scope of  the footprint to include additional activities beyond the direct control of  Trackwise (i.e., Scope 3 
emissions), but that may benefit from being accounted for by way of  their potential material significance to Trackwise. 
This  may  include  supplier  engagement,  raw  material  and  component  specification,  manufacturing  methodologies, 
potential  impact  of   product  during  its  usage  phase,  management  of   end-of-life  (such  as  reuse,  recycling,  and 
disposal).

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
18

ESG Engagement Report continued

• 

• 

 Investigation  of   different  electricity  tariffs;  carbon  emissions  from  electricity  accounted  for  approximately  67%  of  
Trackwise’s  overall  carbon  footprint  in  2020.  Further  opportunities  for  energy  reduction,  particularly  electricity,  are 
being investigated currently through two parallel work streams, a process flow review and a mass and energy balance.

 Engagement  with  staff   regarding  commuting.  Consider  ways  to  reduce  reliance  on  single-car  occupancy  vehicles. 
Implement  incentives  encouraging  forms  of   active  travel  or  switching  to  zero  emission  vehicles,  including  potential 
provision of  workplace charging for electric vehicles. It is acknowledged that public transport may in the short to medium 
term be a less favourable travel option as a result of  the Covid-19 pandemic.

• 

 Establish a strategy towards becoming carbon neutral – adopting an approach that invests in third-party projects that 
capture and or prevent carbon emissions from occurring.

Improved Harness Technology™

Improved Harness Technology™ or IHT has been developed as a replacement for conventional wire harness – with the 
main benefits or improvements of  reduced weight and space.

In any mobile application weight = fuel = cost = carbon

Two out of  our three primary target markets - EV and Aerospace - are undergoing fundamental change:

• 

 Automotive: Regulatory change driving EV adoption. The UK has announced the end of  the sale of  new petrol and 
diesel cars in the UK by 2030.

• 

 Aerospace: The UK aviation industry has pledged to cut its net carbon emissions to zero by 2050

The  weight  reduction  opportunity  offered  by  IHT  is  a  key  enabler  for  OEMs  to  realise  their  ambitions  in  these  rapidly 
changing  markets  where  carbon  reduction  is  a  strategic  necessity.  We  continue  to  promote  the  weight  and  therefore 
carbon-saving potential of  IHT.

Corporate and social responsibility report

Code of business conduct

Trackwise’s Code of  business conduct sets out the values and standards of  behaviour expected from all employees and 
also deals with how employees and business partners can report any concerns that may arise.

We are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.

The Code promotes corporate social responsibility across the business. It sets out the responsibilities of  employees in 
ensuring that they carry out their business activities in a manner aligned with the Group’s values and business principles. 
All staff  are required to ensure that they comply with all relevant laws and regulations. The Code sets out behaviours 
that are unacceptable and which could bring Trackwise Designs plc’s reputation into disrepute. It contains guidance on 
avoiding conflicts of  interest, confidentiality, our approach to gifts and hospitality, bribery and corruption.

Upholding the Code is the responsibility of  all Trackwise Designs plc employees. All those working for, or on behalf  of, 
Trackwise Designs plc are required to confirm that they have read and understood the Code of  business conduct, and a 
copy is readily available to all employees.

A confidential reporting line has been set up as part of  our Whistleblowing policy via “SeeHearSpeakUP”. Employees are 
able to report any wrongdoing via phone, email, or an online portal, completely confidentially.

Trackwise Designs plcESG Engagement Report continued

19

Dealings with customers 

We work closely with customers and prospects to help us improve the value that we can add to their businesses through 
our products and services and in the manner that these products and services are delivered.

We are open and honest about our products and services, communicating with customers all appropriate information that 
they need in order to ensure that we consistently meet their expectations;

We seek regular feedback from our customers as to our performance against their expectations and against the benchmark 
performance  of   our  competitors,  so  as  to  help  us  to  continue  to  deliver  continuous  and  sustained  improvement;  We 
ensure that any issues or problems are dealt with in a timely manner, openly, efficiently and with fairness.

Dealings with suppliers 

We  recognise  that  we  cannot  deliver  our  products  and  services  without  a  functioning  and  sustainable  supply  chain. 
We  work  with  our  suppliers  to  improve  the  value  of   the  products  and  services  that  they  deliver  to  us  and  thereby  to 
improve the value of  the products and services that we offer to our customers. We identify and select suppliers to work 
in partnership with Trackwise using fair and reasonable methods. We identify and work only with suppliers who operate 
to ethical business standards.

Our relationships with our employees 

Our success depends on our people. Trackwise recognises the vital role that our employees 
play, and that effective teamwork is critical for us to achieve our corporate goals.

We ensure that our employment practices are fair and in full compliance with 
UK  employment  legislation.  We  strive  to  make  Trackwise  Designs  plc  a 
“great place to work” where our actions demonstrate this via values that 
the team deliver each and every day. These values ‘Proactive, Driven, 
Open-minded, Supportive, Friendly’ are available to all on our website 
https://www.trackwise.co.uk/about-us/core-vision-mission-and-values/ 
and are promoted to all staff  as part of  our day-to-day management 
of  the business. No new member of  staff  is recruited without having 
read  our  values  booklet  and  agreeing  to  work  in  accordance  with 
those values.

We maintain equality of  opportunity in all employment practices, policies 
and procedures regardless of  race, nationality, gender, age, marital status, 
sexual orientation, disability and religious or political beliefs. We recognise the 
importance of  a healthy age balance within the business and maintain succession 
plans for all business units, identifying and investing in future leaders. We continue to invest in apprentices, to provide 
work experience opportunities for school age and undergraduate learners, and also to participate in government schemes 
such as Kickstart UK.

Confidentiality 

Our Code of  business conduct emphasises the need for confidentiality to be maintained in all of  our business activities. 
Our policy and practices help to ensure that all staff  understand what constitutes confidential information and restricts 
internal access based on a “need to know basis”. Information relating to third parties is not disclosed without the third 
parties’ written consent.

Trackwise Designs plc20

ESG Engagement Report continued

Bribery Act 

We implement and enforce effective systems to uphold our zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. To ensure 
that we only work with third parties whose standards are consistent with our own, all third parties who act on behalf  of  
Trackwise are obliged by written agreement to comply with the standards set out in the Code.

Human rights 

Trackwise Designs plc is committed to respecting the human rights of  all those working with or for us. We do not accept 
any form of  child or forced labour and we will not do business with anyone who fails to uphold these standards.

Modern slavery 

Trackwise has developed and implemented policies to comply with the requirements of  the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 
2015.

Trackwise Designs plc has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and is committed to acting ethically and with 
integrity in all of  its business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls 
to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in its business or in any of  its supply chains.

Health and Safety 

Trackwise Designs plc places health and safety at the core of  all business activities in order to ensure a safe working 
environment  for  everyone  involved  in  the  business.  As  a  corner  stone  of   our  business  operations  Health  and  Safety 
reporting is a standing item on the local management teams and Board agendas. All employees are encouraged to take 
an active role in ensuring that our working environment is a safe place to work and visit by actively reporting all safety 
observations and incidents, being involved in safety audits, risk assessments and regular awareness training sessions.

Trackwise Designs plc

Trackwise Designs plcChief Financial Officer’s Review and Strategic 
Report

21

Mark Hodgkins
Chief Financial Officer

CFO Review

The strategic and operational progress reported, is also reflected in our financial position. During the year we completed 
two  equity  raises  with  support  from  our  shareholders  and  successfully  acquired  Stevenage  Circuits  Limited  at  a 
commercially attractive price.

Financial Position and Performance

During the uncertain times created by the pandemic we have placed even more focus on short-term planning as well 
as tight control over costs. Management focus on a number of  KPIs to assess its performance and the progress of  the 
business.  The key performance indicators the management use are: Year-on-year sales growth, operating margin and 
EBITDA.

In the year under review these KPIs, measured to last year, are as follows:

Year on Year Sales Growth 

Adjusted Operating Margin (note 25) 

Adjusted EBITDA (note 25) 

2020 

108.8% 

(3%) 

£773K 

2019

(16.2%)

(1.7%)

£573K

These performance figures show improving trends over the year under review that have been positively impacted by the 
acquisition of  Stevenage Circuits Limited (SCL).  We acquired SCL on terms that gave rise to an excess of  asset value 
over the purchase price, leading to a profit on acquisition.  This profit has been taken to the profit and loss account and 
represents an exceptional profit of  £1.64M (note 23).

The most significant transformation financially, was in the development of  the balance sheet which reflects at 31 December 
2020 shareholders funds of  £24.76M which is a 310% increase over the previous year.

This improvement is the consequence of  two equity raises during the year which raised £18.5M, which has enabled us to 
make significant capital investment of  £2.21M in productive capacity and capability during the year and plan for further 
significant investment in 2021 of  approximately £9.0M.

Our balance sheet is strong and its expansion has aided greatly in supporting the growth of  the business enabling the 
Group to cope with the stresses of  both Brexit and Covid-19 whilst at the same time being able to execute as much as 
possible on our long term growth plans.

At the end of  the year we had net cash balances excluding IFRS16 lease liabilities of  £11.35M (2019 net debt £0.30M).

As a consequence of  the series production order received from the UK based EV OEM in September the final quarter 
of  the year gave rise to a significant increase in development costs which have been capitalised and which has led to 
an increase in intangible assets of  £2.21M. This level of  development expenditure whilst large does support a tax credit 
in  cash  of   £390K  which  assists  in  the  funding  of   this  investment  which  will  be  recovered  in  full  from  the  subsequent 
sales of  product under the supply agreement with the EV OEM. Our accumulated development costs are amortised in 
accordance with our accounting policies (Note 2).

Cash flow

The trading environment in 2020 was impacted by the pandemic and that reduced revenues which in turn impacted our 
trading cash inflows. However, we continued with the development of  our IHT which formed a large part of  our activities 
given the opportunities the Group has across a range of  markets.

Since the acquisition of  Stevenage Circuits the business has been trading cash positively, though below levels anticipated 
before the acquisition, due to the impacts of  the pandemic. We have made some improvements to employee facilities 
since acquisition which were planned pre acquisition. We have made some capital equipment improvements and we have 
made some repairs to the building which again were all costed prior to acquisition and were anticipated. These costs are 
now complete and we expect Stevenage Circuits to be cash positive from hereon.

Trackwise Designs plc 
22

Chief Financial Officer’s Review and Strategic Report continued

Trading performance

Revenues have been subdued and it proved to be a very difficult period within which to plan. The impact of  the lockdowns 
on economic activity were well trailed and both trading units at the group felt the effect of  reduced trading activity which 
manifested itself  in an adjusted operating loss for the year of  £(185K), compared to an adjusted profit in 2019 of  £258K.

However,  the  acquisition  of   Stevenage  Circuits  was  completed  at  a  significant  discount  to  the  value  of   the  assets  that 
were acquired and this gave rise to a credit to reserves of  £1.64M (note 23) and whilst there were other exceptional costs 
(page 45) the Company has reported a post tax profit of  £1.23M for the year as a whole. Our results have been supported 
by a sizeable R&D tax claim which will also be the case in 2021 though we expect this credit to begin to reduce as we 
move more towards series production compared to development activity. The impact of  these exceptional items is set out 
in note 25.

Financial Planning for the future

We have operated in some very uncertain times during the year under review and have had to place even more focus on 
short term planning routines and the focus on tight control of  all costs. As we come out of  the sharp recession of  2020 
we are facing improving demand, but we remain cautious about the lasting impacts of  the pandemic. We are seeing 
increasing supply chain stress and lengthening delivery times which could have impacts on demand later in the year. 
We have seen particular problems with the supply of  copper laminate which could cause supply problems later on. The 
lockdowns will cause further supply difficulties during the year and may impact output.

Coronavirus Solvency Review

The  pandemic  impact  on  the  economy  continues  to  cast  a  shadow  over  liquidity  and  solvency  throughout  business 
generally. To address this, management have carried out an assessment of  the economic impact of  Coronavirus upon 
the  near-term  results  and  the  suitability  of   the  assumption  that  the  business  remains  a  going  concern,  this  has  been 
particularly important as a consequence of  the lockdown in early 2021.

In the immediate short term the Group have purchase orders to support the trading plans to the end of  July/Aug and 
we  have  maintained  our  plans  for  this  period.  Post  that  period  we  have  maintained  our  revenue  plans  for  SCL  as  the 
industry  seems  to  be  recovering  fast  from  the  pandemic.  Our  IHT  business  is  underpinned  by  our  OEM  EV  business 
though we have modelled the impact of  some of  that business being moved into later months. The significant risk to these 
assumptions is that material supplies become unavailable, though there is no evidence of  this at the time of  the review. 
Any shortage of  supply would impact August through October.

We  therefore  modelled  the  assumption  that  we  were  to  suffer  3-6  months’  worth  of   supply  restrictions,  May  through 
November, to reflect a slower supply chain and also that IHT revenues will be delayed by three months. As a consequence 
of  applying these stresses, management remain confident that the Group has sufficient working capital resources to meet 
its commitments with a satisfactory level of  headroom.

Results and Dividend

Reported Profit after taxation of  £1.23M (2019: Loss After Taxation £48K) means the Group is reporting a Diluted Earnings 
per Share of  5.70 pence (2019: Diluted Loss per Share of  0.32 pence). The Board set out its dividend policy last year 
which has not changed. It is the Board’s intention that when commercial conditions allow, a progressive dividend policy 
will be adopted, consequently there will be no dividend paid for 2020.

Trackwise Designs plcSection 172 Report
Chief Financial Officer’s Review and Strategic Report continued

23

Set out below is the Group’s report in accordance with s.172 of  the Companies Act 2006. The board of  directors (“the 
Board”) of  Trackwise Designs plc consider, both individually and collectively, that they have acted in the way they consider, 
in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of  the Group for the benefit of  its members as a whole in 
decisions taken during the year-ending 31 December 2020.

In doing so the board of  directors have regard (amongst other matters) to:

(a)  the likely consequences of  any decision in the long term;

(b)  the interests of  the Group’s employees;

(c)  the need to foster the Group’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;

(d)  the impact of  the Group’s operations on the community and the environment;

(e)  the desirability of  the Group maintaining a reputation for high standards of  business conduct; and

(f)  the need to act fairly as between members of  the Group.

SECTION 172 
REQUIREMENT

EXAMPLES OF HOW THE BOARD’S DISCUSSIONS AND DECISION 
MAKING HAVE TAKEN THIS INTO ACCOUNT

REFERENCED IN THE REPORT

(a) the likely 
consequences of any 
decision in the long 
term;

Investing  in  significant  capability  and  capacity  to  promote  the 
success of  IHT as a product which has benefit for our customers, our 
suppliers and for the environment.

Page 6 

CEO Strategic Report

Focussing  on  every  area  of   cost  to  ensure  maximum  return  to 
our shareholders

(b) the interests of the 
Group’s employees;

We  have  introduced  enhanced  employee  responsiveness  and 
commitment to training which benefits the individuals within our team 
as well as benefitting the overall efficiency of  the Group.

Page 16 

ESG Engagement Report

Engaging 
engagement and well-being.

in  regular  employee  surveys 

to  assess  employee 

We  promote  strong  relationships  with  our  customers  through  an 
interactive  key  account  programme  and  focus  closely  on  quality  to 
ensure that the customer has a high regard for the Group.

We manage our supplier base closely to promote levels of  business 
that meet our quality standards and gives the supplier a chance to 
interact with the Group to be able to expand his business with us if  it 
is mutually suitable.

We  have  a  strong  record  of   managing  successfully  our  waste 
processes which have been effective and audited for many years.

Page 16 

ESG Engagement Report

Our  product  IHT  has  the  potential  to  significantly  enhance  energy 
conservation  and  carbon  usage  by  reducing  weight  and  size  in  a 
variety of  industries.

Our  aims  for  growth  are  locally  focussed  and  it  is  our  aim  to 
provide  well-paid  interesting  and  challenging  employment  to  our 
local community.

The  Group’s  environmental  policies  recognise  the  protection  of  
the  environment  and  natural  resources  as  one  of   the  principal 
business responsibilities;

The Board is committed to complying with all applicable regulations 
and  provides  training  and  monitoring  across  the  Group  to  all 
employees to encourage and ensure compliance.

Page 25 

Corporate Governance Review

(c) the need to foster 
the Group’s business 
relationships with 
suppliers, customers 
and others;

(d) the impact of the 
Group’s operations on 
the community and the 
environment;

(e) the desirability of 
the Group maintaining 
a reputation for high 
standards of business 
conduct; and

Trackwise Designs plc24

Section 172 Report continued
Chief Financial Officer’s Review and Strategic Report continued

SECTION 172 
REQUIREMENT

EXAMPLES OF HOW THE BOARD’S DISCUSSIONS AND DECISION 
MAKING HAVE TAKEN THIS INTO ACCOUNT

REFERENCED IN THE REPORT

(f) the need to act fairly 
as between members of 
the Group.

The Group is quoted on the London AIM market and interacts regularly 
with its members.  The Board is committed to enhance that dialogue 
with  a  developing  programme  of   investor  related  communications 
and events.

Mark Hodgkins
Chief Financial Officer
22 June 2021

Trackwise Designs plc25

The business of  the Group is under the control of  the Board of  Directors who are responsible for running the Group for 
the benefit of  its Shareholders in accordance with their fiduciary and statutory duties.

The Directors acknowledge the importance of  and the requirement for companies whose shares are admitted to trading 
on AIM to apply a recognised corporate governance code and explain compliance with that code.

The  Directors  chose  to  comply  with  the  QCA  Corporate  Governance  Code  for  Small  and  Mid-Size  companies  which 
has become a widely recognised benchmark for corporate governance of  smaller quoted companies, particularly AIM 
companies. In accordance with Rule 26 of  the AIM Rules for Companies, details of  how the Group complies with the QCA 
Code are provided on the Company’s website: www.trackwise.co.uk/investors/corporate-governance.

The Board meets at least nine times a year to review, formulate and approve the strategy, budgets, corporate actions and 
oversee the Group’s progress towards its goals. It has established an Audit Committee, a Remuneration Committee and 
Nomination Committee with formally delegated duties and responsibilities and with written terms of  reference. From time 
to time, separate committees may be set up by the Board to consider specific issues when the need arises.

Board and Committee Independence

The  Board  consists  of   three  independent  non-executive  Directors  (including  the  Chair)  and  two  executive  Directors. 
The  Board  regards  the  non-executive  Directors  as  “independent  non-executive  Directors”  within  the  meaning  of   the 
UK Corporate Governance Code and free from any relationship that could materially interfere with the exercise of  their 
independent judgement.

Audit Committee Report

The  Audit  Committee  is  chaired  by  Charles  Cattaneo,  a  Chartered  Accountant.  The  Committee  also  comprises  Ian 
Griffiths and Susan McErlain and is considered to have an appropriate balance between those individuals with finance or 
accounting training and those from a general business background. Charles Cattaneo, replaced Lesley Jackson as chair 
of  the committee when she resigned as a director of  the Group on 28 June 2020.

At the invitation of  the Committee, representatives of  the external auditors, Mazars LLP, attend meetings along with the 
Chief  Executive Officer and the Chief  Financial Officer at least twice a year. The Committee also seeks to meet with the 
external auditor without the Executive Directors in attendance. In the year, the Committee met with representatives from 
Mazars LLP on two occasions, once without others being present.

The role and responsibilities of  the Committee are set out in its terms of  reference, which are available on the Company’s 
website and from the Company Secretary on request. The terms of  reference are reviewed annually by the Committee.

The principal responsibilities of  the Committee are:
• 

 Reviewing  the  effectiveness  of   the  Group’s  financial  reporting,  internal  control  policies  and  procedures  for  the 
identification, assessment and reporting of  risk;
 Advising the Board on whether the Committee believes the Annual Report taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable  and  provides  the  information  necessary  for  shareholders  to  assess  the  Group’s  performance, 
business model and strategy;
 Considering  and  making  recommendations  to  the  Board  as  to  the  appointment,  reappointment  or  removal  of   the 
external auditors and the approval of  their remuneration and terms of  engagement;
 Assessing the external auditors’ independence and objectivity and the effectiveness of  the audit process;
 Reviewing the policy on the engagement of  the external auditors to supply non-audit services.

• 

• 

• 
• 

During  the  year,  the  Committee  reviewed  the  appropriateness  of   the  Group’s  interim  and  full  year  financial  reporting, 
including  the  consideration  of   significant  financial  reporting  judgements  made  by  management  taking  into  account 
reports from management and the external auditors.

Corporate Governance ReviewTrackwise Designs plc26

The main area of  focus considered by the Committee during the year were as follows:

Area of focus 

Conclusion

The  accounting  and  reporting  of   the  acquisition  of  
Stevenage Circuits Limited

The Capitalisation of  IHT development activities

The Amortisation of  accumulated development costs

Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment assessment 

The  procedures  in  place  to  provide  a  detailed  assessment 
for  any  intangible  assets  and  goodwill  acquired  are  well 
prepared and adequate. The focus of  the audit procedures 
were on the proper execution of  these procedures.

The  policies  adopted  are  appropriate  and  have  been 
consistently applied.

The policies are consistently applied with previous years and 
are  considered  appropriate  for  the  industry  timescales  that 
the Group is addressing.

inherently 

therefore  are 

These  impairment  reviews  are  based  on  future  cashflows 
and 
judgemental.  The  Audit 
Committee considered the key judgements underpinning the 
impairment  reviews  performed.  The  Committee  is  satisfied 
that the impairments recognised in the year are appropriate 
and the remaining carrying value of  Goodwill is appropriate.

Management  carry  out  annual  impairment  reviews  of   the 
carrying value of  the Intangible Assets.

The Committee has reviewed the sensitivity disclosures in note 2.1 and concluded that they are appropriate.

Inventory

The Audit Committee reviewed management’s estimates in relation to inventory ageing and obsolescence. The Committee 
was satisfied that the presentation of  adjusted profit before tax provides a reasonable view of  the underlying performance 
of   the  Group  and  that  there  was  transparent  and  consistent  disclosure  of   items  shown  separately  as  non-underlying 
items. This was based on a review of  the items added back in arriving at underlying profit.

Fair, Balanced, Understandable and Comprehensive Reporting

The Audit Committee has provided advice to the Board on whether the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is 
fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s financial 
position and performance, business model and strategy. Each Director was also asked to provide this confirmation.

Under its terms of  reference, the Committee is responsible for assessing the scope, fee, objectivity and effectiveness of  
external audits and for making a recommendation to the Board regarding the appointment, reappointment or removal of  
the auditors on an annual basis.

The  Committee  also  regularly  reviews  the  nature,  extent,  objectivity  and  cost  of   non-audit  services  provided  by  the 
auditors.  In  doing  this  the  Committee  does  not  approve  any  non-audit  expenditure.  The  Group  has  a  policy  that  the 
auditors  will  not  perform  any  other  work  for  the  Group  and  thus  do  not  compromise  their  independence.  To  ensure 
compliance with this policy, the Audit Committee reviewed and approved the remuneration received by Mazars LLP for 
the audit service.

Charles Cattaneo
Audit Committee Chair
22 June 2021 

Corporate Governance Review continuedTrackwise Designs plc27

The Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Susan McErlain and its other members are Ian Griffiths and Charles Cattaneo. 
Susan McErlain, replaced Lesley Jackson as chair of  the committee when she resigned as a director of  the Group on 
28 June 2020. The Remuneration Committee is expected to meet at least twice each year. It will have responsibility for 
determining, within the agreed terms of  reference, the Board’s policy on remuneration packages of  the Group’s Chair, 
the Executive Directors, Senior Managers and such other members of  the executive management as it is designated 
to consider. The Remuneration Committee will also have responsibility for determining (within the terms of  the Group’s 
policy and in consultation with the Chair of  the Board and/or the Chief  Executive Officer) the total individual remuneration 
package for each executive Director and other designated senior executives (including bonuses, incentive payments and 
share options or other share awards). The remuneration of  Non-Executive Directors will be a matter for the Chair and 
Executive Directors of  the Board. No Director or Manager will be allowed to partake in any discussions as to their own 
remuneration. In addition, the Remuneration Committee will have the responsibility for reviewing the structure, size and 
composition (including the skills, knowledge and experience) of  the Board and giving full consideration to succession 
planning. It will also have responsibility for recommending new appointments to the Board.

The Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee is chaired by Charles Cattaneo and its other members are Ian Griffiths and Susan McErlain. 
The  Nomination  Committee  is  responsible  for  considering  and  making  recommendations  to  the  Board  in  respect  of  
appointments  to  the  Board,  the  Board  committees  and  the  chair  of   the  Board  committees.  It  is  also  responsible  for 
keeping the structure, size and composition of  the Board under regular review, and for making recommendations to the 
Board with regard to any changes necessary, taking into account the skills and expertise that will be needed on the Board 
in the future. The Nomination Committee will meet as and when required but at least once a year.

During the year the Committee’s main task was the recruitment of  two new non-executive directors, Charles Cattaneo and 
Susan McErlain, with the focus on broadening and deepening the expertise of  the Board. Charles Cattaneo, replaced Ian 
Griffiths as chair of  the committee on 15 September 2020.

The  Committees  met  during  the  year  as  part  of   their  standard  schedule  and  attendance  at  those  meetings  is 
summarised below:

I Griffiths

P Johnston

M Hodgkins

L Jackson (resigned 16 July 2020)

S McErlain (appointed 26 June 2020)

C Cattaneo (appointed 26 June 2020)

Board Effectiveness Review

Meetings attended/eligible to attend

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

2/2

2/2

2/2

1/1

1/1

1/1

3/3

3/3

3/3

2/2

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

0/0

0/0

Board

23/23

23/23

23/23

10/10

13/13

13/13

The Chair carries out an annual review of  the effectiveness of  the Board. Results of  a Board circulated questionnaire and 
other feedback are discussed and evaluated by the Board as a whole and areas requiring improvement are addressed 
with actions agreed to promote increased effectiveness.

Corporate Governance Review continuedTrackwise Designs plc28

Internal Controls and Financial Management

The Board has responsibility for establishing and monitoring the maintenance of  the Group’s internal financial and non-
financial controls. The Board is cognisant that whilst internal controls reduce risk it cannot eliminate the risk entirely.

The key procedures which the Directors have established to enable them to have confidence that the controls are working 
and minimising risk are set out below.

• 

 The  Board  sets  policies  which  are  regularly  reviewed  both  by  executive  management  and  the  Audit  Committee 
and gains assurance that these policies are appropriate to address the key financial, operational, compliance and 
reputational risks.

• 

 Authorisation limits are in place

– 

– 

The Board ensures that appropriately qualified people are in place to exercise the controls that are in place;

 Group  performance  is  measured  against  diligently  prepared  budgets  and  variations  are  reviewed  on  a 
monthly basis;

– 

The business has appropriate segregation of  duties and limits to individual’s ability to authorise transactions;

•  Financial planning and monitoring

– 

 The Group sets annual budgets which cover operating performance and balance sheet management including 
working capital;

– 

The Board reviews the performance monthly and re-evaluates future performance

•  Policies, procedures and authorisation limits

– 

The Group has sufficient authorisation limits in place which cover the key areas for the business.

Quality and Integrity of Personnel

The Group aims to recruit the highest calibre employees that it is able to do with high recruitment standards. Employees 
with integrity and strong workplace ethics are considered essential to the operation of  the control environment.

Identification of business risks

The Directors are responsible for identifying the significant business risks and their execution for this task is monitored by 
the Audit Committee as well as the main Board.

Going Concern

The Directors have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis as explained in note 2.1 to the financial 
statements. As at 31 December 2020 the Group had cash deposits of  £13.93M. In particular, management have carried 
out an assessment of  the economic impact of  Coronavirus and have assumed that there will be no further lockdowns 
during 2021 and that impacts of  the pandemic will not adversely affect the delivery of  capacity and capability.

Corporate Governance Review continuedTrackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
29

Principal Risks and Uncertainties Report

KEY: l High risk  l Medium risk  l Low risk

RISK

The impact of 
Covid-19

Potential to change

t

INCREASED

Effect:

Loss of  market, 
staff, reduced 
sales volumes and 
profitability over a 
long period.

DESCRIPTION AND POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION

The rapid spread of  the Covid-19 virus in 
early 2020 together with the lockdown of  
many economies in the world has led to 
an unprecedented increase in business 
risk  and  uncertainty  which  could 
potentially  have  a  significant  impact  on 
the Group.

The  negative  impact  will  be  felt  as  a 
consequence  of   delayed 
investment 
decisions, customer downsizing, margin 
pressure  as  customers  seek  to  protect 
their  own  business  and  maybe  the  loss 
of  customers completely.

However, it is possible that the outcomes 
of   the  pandemic  are  that  behaviours 
might  change  such  that  new  trends 
might  gain  favour.  There  could  be  an 
increased  positivity  for  the  adoption  of  
new  technologies  that  would  reflect  on 
IHT; medical innovations might increase 
which would be a positive for the Group 
in the medical markets which are already 
showing 
It’s  quite  possible 
that  one  trend  that  will  gain  favour  is 
the  recast  of   global  supply  chains  and 
this  would  enable  opportunities 
for 
the  Group’s  skills  and  IP.  Customers 
could  well  want  supply  chains  that  are 
less  reliant  on  labour  and  have  more 
automation  and  Trackwise’s  technology 
roadmap  is  to  move  to  a  much  more 
automated platform.

interest. 

have 

followed 

the 
Management 
to  our 
Government  guidelines  as 
response  to  the  virus  but  this  does 
not  reduce  risk.  As  a  manufacturing 
business, many staff  are largely unable 
to  ‘work  from  home’  and,  supported  by 
several letters from customers who deem 
Trackwise to be an essential supplier to 
their  defence  and  critical  product  lines, 
have  focused  as  much  as  possible  on 
keeping  the  manufacturing  team  safe 
and healthy in the work place – so as to 
continue to serve our customers in as a 
near-normal manner as possible.

Those  who  can  work  from  home  have 
done  so  and,  with  VPN  keys  and 
Microsoft Teams, have adapted well to a 
new way of  working.

For the production site we have followed 
best practice identified by Public Health 
England;  avoided  non-essential 
third 
party  visitors  to  the  site;  changed  shift 
patterns  where  possible  to  minimise 
person 
to  person  contact;  provided 
enhanced  PPE;  employed  a  temporary 
worker to disinfect all commonly touched 
surfaces on a near-continual basis.

Management  have  carried  out  an 
assessment  of   the  economic  impact  of  
Coronavirus  upon  the  near-term  results 
and the suitability of  the assumption that 
the business remains a going concern.

In  the  immediate  short  term,  the  group 
have orders to support the trading plans  
and  we  have  maintained  our  plans  for 
this  period.  The  significant  risk  to  that 
assumption  is  that  material  supplies 
become unavailable, though there is no 
evidence of  this at the time of  the review. 
Any  shortage  of   supply  would  impact 
August through October.

As  a  worse  case  outlook,  we  have 
assumed  that  the  Government  scheme 
for  furloughing  is  not  available  and  we 
retain  all  our  labour  expense  and  also 
that we are ineligible for the Government 
backed CBILS’s facility. Furthermore, we 
have assumed we might be subjected to 
credit losses of  10% of  revenues.

As  a  consequence  of   applying  these 
stresses, management are confident that 
the Group has sufficient working capital 
resources to meet its commitments with 
a satisfactory level of  headroom.

Corporate Governance Review continuedTrackwise Designs plc30

RISK

Protection of 
intellectual 
property

DESCRIPTION AND POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION

The Group remains vigilant as to whether 
others  are  adopting  processes 
that 
infringe our IPR.

This review is applied regularly, and any 
potential infringement is pursued.

Potential to change

t

UNCHANGED

Effect:

The cost of  IPR 
infringement 
could lead to lost 
revenues, reduced 
profits and possibly 
significant legal 
costs.

technology 

includes 
The  Group’s 
specific  manufacturing  techniques  for 
IHT manufacture. The process has been 
developed  and  is  owned  by  the  Group. 
Trademarks of  the Group are registered 
and unregistered.

The  Group  is  dependent  on  proprietary 
technology 
to 
rights 
this 
in  relation 
on 
process,  which 
laws 
relies 
governing 
trademarks 
copyrights, 
and  confidentiality.  The  Group  is  also 
dependent  on  contractual  provisions 
regarding 
property 
intellectual 
ownership  and  licensing.    These  laws 
enable  the  Group  to  protect  and/or 
enforce 
rights, 
intellectual  property 
including  the  ability  to  restrict  use  of  
the manufacturing process to those who 
have obtained relevant authorisation.

If  the Group cannot successfully enforce 
its intellectual property rights, this could 
have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the 
Group’s  business,  financial  condition 
and prospects.

the  various  markets  which 

As  the  Group  increases  its  penetration 
of  
is 
addressing, then there is risk that others 
may  seek  to  copy  and  or  imitate  the 
Group’s technology which could lead to 
the loss of  market share.

it 

Like  many  other  companies  the  Group 
seeks  to  recruit  skilled,  trained  team 
members and like those other companies 
the demand for those scarce resources 
is intense.

The Group depends upon the continued 
service  and  performance  of   its  key 
employees and whilst it has entered into 
contractual  arrangements  with  them  to 
secure  their  services,  the  demand  for 
this type of  labour resource ensures that 
it cannot be guaranteed that they can all 
be retained.

The  loss  of   key  employees  and  the 
failure or difficulty in attracting new team 
members  will  impact  the  efficiencies  of  
the  Group’s  business  and  will  lead  to 
sub-optimal profitability.

have 

renewed 

and 
Management 
improved  the  environment  within  which 
a  labour  force  is  engaged  and  have 
increased  communication 
in  both 
directions with the workforce to improve 
motivation, integration and remuneration.

Group-wide  surveys  have  become  part 
of   the  culture  with  a  focus  on  support 
and  mentoring  alongside  training  to 
encourage  engagement,  motivation 
and  effectiveness.  Management  will 
continue to increase these engagement 
processes  and  be  vigilant  to  ensure  all 
things  possible  are  enacted  to  reduce 
the impact of  labour resource scarcity.

The  Group  is  required  to  significantly 
increase  its  productive  capacity  as  a 
consequence  of   being  awarded  the 
supply contract to an EV OEM customer.

Management  have  enlisted  the  support 
of   experienced  project  managers  and 
other  external  professionals  to  advise 
and manage the project.

This  is  a  major  development  for  the 
Group which could be subject to delays 
caused  by  equipment  suppliers  or 
unforeseen problems at the new site.

Attraction and 
retention of key 
employees 

Establishment of 
new productive 
capacity 

Potential to change

t

UNCHANGED 

Effect:

Will lead to 
increased capital 
expenditure to 
reduce reliance 
on labour 
resource which 
in turn over time 
should enhance 
margins.

Potential to change

t

INCREASED

Effect:

Delayed revenues 
and contribution 
reducing profitability 
and cash inflows

Corporate Governance Review continuedTrackwise Designs plcRISK

DESCRIPTION AND POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION

31

Cybersecurity

Potential to change

t

INCREASED

Effect:

Exposure, hacking 
or Denial Of  
Service could 
impact adversely 
on profitability and 
cash generation. 

Potential to change

t

UNCHANGED

Effect:

Loss of  market 
share, reduced 
sales volumes and 
profitability.

Potential to change

t

INCREASED 

Effect:

As the Group moves 
to service IHT 
customers with the 
attendant adoption 
timescale the Group 
could be at risk of  
loss of  significant 
revenues compared 
to expectations.

Failing to 
successfully 
implement our 
growth strategies

Customer 
concentration

to 

lead 

threats 

third-party 

the 
Global  cybersecurity 
Group  could 
to  unauthorised 
access  to  its  information  technology 
systems, products, customers, suppliers 
and 
service  providers. 
Cybersecurity incidents could potentially 
result  in  the  disruption  of   our  business 
operations  and  the  misappropriation, 
destruction,  or  corruption  of   critical 
data  and  confidential  or  proprietary 
technological information.

During  the  current  Covid-19  lockdown 
a  significant  number  of   our  staff   are 
working from home.

New  production  equipment 
installed 
at 
the  Company’s  new  premises 
rely  heavily  on 
in  Stonehouse  will 
information  technology  for  its  accurate 
operation and functioning.  This will give 
rise  to  a  potential  vulnerability  to  cyber 
attack.

future  success  of  

The 
is  dependent  upon 
implementation of  our growth strategy.

the  Group 
the  effective 

that 

factors 

This success may be adversely impacted 
the  Group  cannot 
by 
currently foresee, such as unanticipated 
market  forces,  costs  and  expenses  or 
technological  developments.  Failure  to 
implement its strategy or the eventuality 
that  it  takes  longer  than  expected  to 
achieve implementation could adversely 
impact future financial results.

implements  preventative 
The  Group 
security  measures  to  prevent,  detect, 
address to mitigate these threats.

The  Group  has  increased  its  spend  on 
IT  cybersecurity,  have  carried  out  an 
audit  of   threats  and  have  upgraded  all 
aspects of  their IT security.

The  Group  retains  its  Cyber  Security 
Certification  which is an industry leading 
accreditation.

All  access  to  our  server  from    remote 
locations are managed through a secure 
Virtual Private Network facility.

two-tier 

The  Company  is  planning  to  install 
verification  and 
additional 
protection 
password 
bespoke 
procedures  to  mitigate  the  threat  of  
cyber attack at its new operating plant.

Management  focus  efforts  to  address 
the Group’s strategic goals on a regular 
basis and has clear actions focussed on 
their achievement.

Management  regularly  monitors  their 
capacity as well as the progress towards 
achievement  reviewing  consistently  the 
changes  in  the  market  place  and  their 
impact on our strategy.

The 
achievement on a quarterly basis.

monitors 

Board 

strategic 

historical 

increasing  acceptance  of  

IHT 
The 
removes 
concentration.  
Management  continues  to  broaden  the 
customer base of  IHT.
Furthermore  we  pay  good  attention  to 
monitoring  our  relationship  with  our  key 
customers  to  moderate  any  adverse 
reaction from these customers.

The  Group  has  historically  had  a 
concentrated  customer  base  which 
in  2018  saw  44%  of   revenues  being 
attributed  to  4  customers.    The  top 
4  customers  in  2019  accounted  for 
only  27%  of   revenues  reflecting  the 
much  larger  number  of   IHT  customers.  
However,  the  Group  remains  exposed 
to  the  loss  of   any  one  of   a  number 
of  customers.
As  the  adoption  of   IHT  gathers  pace 
it  will  be  inevitable  in  the  short-term 
that  early  adopting  customers  could 
initially be responsible for concentration 
of  revenues.
the 
The  EV  OEM  contract  will 
short  term  through  2022  increase  our 
customer concentration.
Any  deterioration  of  
the  Group’s 
relationship  with  any  one  of   their  key 
customers, or the loss of  orders from any 
one  of   them,  would  have  a  potentially 
material adverse impact on the Group’s 
business and financial position.

in 

Corporate Governance Review continuedTrackwise Designs plc32

RISK

The Company is 
dependent on the 
communications 
industry, the 
aerospace industry 
and the automotive 
industry

Potential to change

t

UNCHANGED

Effect:

Loss of  market 
share, reduced 
sales volumes and 
profitability.

DESCRIPTION AND POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION

The Group seeks to balance its exposure 
to these industries such that overall risk 
is  reduced,  whilst  at  the  same  time 
recognising  that  from  time  to  time  one 
or  other  industry  might  become  more 
dominant within the Group’s portfolio or 
less active.
The  Group  will  continue  to  adopt  a 
balanced  approach  to  the  servicing  of  
these different industries.

traditionally  been 
the  communications 

The  Group  has 
dependent  on 
industry.
The development and market penetration 
of   IHT  have  added  Aerospace  and 
Automotive  as  two  industries  that  the 
Group is exposed to.
The  Communications  industry  is  highly 
competitive and is particularly impacted 
by the dominance of  Chinese operators 
who  aggressively  compete  with 
the 
Group’s customers.
The  Automotive  industry  is  a  significant 
opportunity for the Group as it struggles 
from  carbon-based 
with 
combustion  motorisation 
to  electric 
motorisation  however,  the  Automotive 
industry  is  highly  competitive  and  is 
extremely  challenging.    The  Aerospace 
industry will benefit greatly from the new 
technology  of   IHT  but  the  adoption  of  
the product by the industry will inevitably 
be on a longer timescale due to approval 
processes  which  are  extended.    In 
particular,  the  risk  appetite  for  new 
products  in  the  Aerospace  sector  is 
relatively  low.  With  these  three  industry 
foci the Group needs to ensure a balance 
of  the risks within these industries.

the  move 

Exposure to 
exchange rate 
fluctuations

Potential to change

t

UNCHANGED
Effect:
Loss of  market 
share, reduced 
sales volumes and 
profitability.

Competition 

Potential to change

t

UNCHANGED

Effect:

Loss of  market 
share, reduced 
sales volumes and 
profitability.

The Group is exposed to exchange rate 
fluctuations, principally the GBP, the US$ 
and the Euro.
Changes  in  foreign  currency  exchange 
rates  may  affect  the  Group’s  pricing  of  
products  sold  and  materials  purchased 
in foreign currencies.

that 

The  economic  environment  within 
which  we  all  work  has  become 
one 
tested  by 
is  constantly 
disruptive technologies.
Indeed,  IHT  itself   is  such  a  technology 
but it is recognised that it is possible for 
new  competitive  products,  designs  or 
solutions to enter the market which might 
bring different benefits.
It  is  possible  that  competitors  may  also 
be  able  to  devote  greater  resources  to 
the promotion and sale of  their products, 
designs  and  solutions  than  the  Group 
can compete with.

The  Directors  believe  that  its  use  of  
certain  derivative  financial  instruments, 
forward 
foreign  currency 
including 
sale 
to 
used 
contracts 
commitments  denominated  in  foreign 
currencies, 
the  Group’s 
exposure to this risk

reduces 

hedge 

the 

IHT 

demands 

technology 

ever-changing 

The  Group  will  continue  to  explore, 
research  and  develop  new  applications 
for 
to  meet 
the  competitive  challenges  as  well  as 
the 
of  
its customers.
The Group has a globally unique product 
and  will  continue  to  demonstrate  the 
applicability of  that technology to various 
industry  groupings  making  existing 
solutions redundant and obsolete.
to  provide 
The  Group  continues 
resources with the aim of  improving each 
generation of  products it develops. If  the 
Group is unable to compete successfully 
with existing or new competitors, it may 
have  to  reduce  prices  on  products, 
which would lead to reduced profits

Corporate Governance Review continuedTrackwise Designs plc33

RISK

The impact

of BREXIT

IHT market 
adoption 

Potential to change

t

UNCHANGED

Effect:

Loss of  market 
share, reduced 
sales volumes and 
profitability.

Potential to change

t

DECREASED

Effect:

DESCRIPTION AND POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION

Whilst the UK has now left the European 
Union  the  economic  impact  remains 
totally  unknowable  and  still  presents 
significant risk to the Group.

The  Group’s  product,  IHT,  has  a  wide 
range of  applications in a large number 
of  disruptive industries and provides an 
environmentally  sensitive  contribution  to 
our customers’ challenges.

Now that the Brexit decision is finalised 
it is still unclear what the consequences 
might be.
In  common  with  other  companies  in 
the  UK  economy  we  are  changing  our 
processes  to  cope  with  different  import 
and export routines and adjusting to their 
implications on a case-by-case basis.

The  Group  is  growing  its  IHT  business 
steadily  but  remains  at  a  relatively 
early  stage  of   engagement  with  IHT 
market participants.

The  Group  depends  upon  increasing 
adoption  by  market  participants  and 
increasing  orders  from  them  over  the 
medium-term.

The Group has accelerated its marketing 
and communications activities to develop 
existing  customers  and  potential  new 
ones giving rise to a constant increase in 
the number of  IHT customers.

This process gradually reduces the risk 
of  a lack of  market adoption.

Could lead to 
under-achievement 
of  revenues and 
profitability.

The  Directors  have  confidence  that  the 
developments  in  our  knowhow  made  to 
date ensures that the applications for the 
technology are wide and varied.

However,  it  is  possible  that  IHT  market 
development  could  be  slower 
than 
anticipated  and  the  financial  results  of  
the Group negatively impacted.

The  Group  extends  credit  facilities  to 
most of  its established customers.  There 
is a risk that some of  these receivables 
due from customers may not be paid.

Certain  customers,  either  trading  with 
the Group for the first time or with higher 
than  acceptable  risk,  are  required  to 
trade on a pro-forma basis.

Receivables & 
credit risk

Potential to change

t

UNCHANGED

Effect:

There could be a 
loss of  profit and 
cash suffered by 
the Group by the 
failure to collect all 
receivables

Each  customer’s  credit  worthiness 
is  assessed  at  the  time  the  debtor 
initially 
customer.  
Unacceptable  credit  risk,  as  indicated 
by an independent credit risk advisor, is 
required to trade on a pro-forma basis.

becomes 

a 

Other  customers  are  monitored  on  a 
monthly basis to assess any increase in 
risk  and  are  monitored  by  reference  to 
established  trading  patterns,  renewed 
credit  risk  assessments  and  by  direct 
dialogue with the customer concerned.

These procedures have ensured to date 
a low incidence of  credit loss.

Corporate Governance Review continuedTrackwise Designs plc34

Trackwise Board

Ian Griffiths
Non-Executive Chairman
Ian brings wide-ranging international experience of  the engineering business-to-business sector at both strategic 
and operational levels, having spent nearly 30 years with GKN plc.

Ian previously served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of  Ultra Electronics Holdings plc, Renold plc and 
also as Chairman of  Hydro International plc which he joined as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman-elect. He 
remains a Non-Executive Director of  AIM listed Autins Group plc, which he joined in 2016.

Philip Johnston
Chief Executive Officer
Philip’s early career was in the space industry which included a key management role in the Prime Contractor team 
for Envisat, a large European scientific satellite.

Philip  joined  Trackwise  in  1999  and  acquired  the  Company  in  2000.    Under  his  stewardship  the  Company  has 
enjoyed  sustained  growth  based  largely  through  export  success  and  innovation.  Philip  is  named  inventor  on  a 
number of  UK and international patents, including that of  Improved Harness TechnologyTM and he has led several 
government supported R&D consortiums including a European CleanSky programme. Philip holds degrees in both 
Aeronautical Engineering and Law.

Mark Hodgkins
Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary
Mark  is  a  qualified  Chartered  Accountant  and  a  former  partner  with  both  Grant  Thornton  and  Ernst  &  Young. 
He joined Trackwise in 2016.

Mark, as well as a career within the profession, has also been Group Finance Director of  a large private company 
and was responsible for managing a balance sheet over £120M of  gross assets; he has also served as a CEO of  
engineering businesses and as a partner with a privately held investment business.

He brings an increased level of  direction to financial planning and financial control as well as strategic input in 
support of  Philip Johnston.

Susan McErlain
Non-Executive Director
Susan has over 30 years’ experience in business and corporate communications.  She co-founded, financial PR 
company, Square Mile Communications and ran the business until its sale in 2000. Susan became Chair of  Weber 
Shandwick’s financial services division until 2007 after which she continued to provide senior advisory services to 
listed manufacturing groups.

In  2014  she  became  Director  of   Corporate  Affairs  for  Ultra  Electronics  plc  until  2019,  with  responsibilities  for 
investor & stakeholder communications, M&A, and government affairs. Susan has been on the boards of  several 
businesses, including one AIM listed company, and currently has several mentoring roles.

Charles Cattaneo
Non-Executive Director
A chartered accountant, Charles has over 30 years’ corporate finance experience gained in the investment banking 
industry and as a corporate finance partner with both KPMG and Grant Thornton. Charles is currently a partner at 
corporate finance advisory firm Cattaneo, a business he founded in 2005, and Non-Executive Director and Chair 
of  the audit committee of  Westminster Group plc.

He  has  previously  held  director  roles  with  several  companies  and  is  currently  Chairman  of   the  West  Midlands 
Regional Advisory Group of  the London Stock Exchange.

Corporate Governance Review continuedTrackwise Designs plcDirectors’ Remuneration Report
Directors’ Remuneration Report

35

The Remuneration Committee comprises three members, the Group’s non-executive directors, Susan McErlain, Charles 
Cattaneo and chair of  the board, Ian Griffiths. Susan McErlain, replaced Lesley Jackson as chair of  the committee when 
she resigned as a director of  the Group on 28 June 2020. The Committee meets at least once a year.

The key objectives of  the remuneration committee are to:

• 

 Develop  remuneration  packages  which  motivate  directors  and  support  the  delivery  of   business  objectives  in  the 
short, medium and long-term;

•  Align the interests of  executive directors with the interests of  long-term shareholders;

•  Encourage executives to operate within the risk parameters, set by the board; and

• 

 Ensure the Group can recruit and retain high-quality executives through packages which are fair and attractive, but 
not excessive

The committee is responsible for reviewing and determining Group policy on executive remuneration, including the grant 
of  options under the share option scheme and terms of  employment. The committee also has oversight of, and reviews, 
the senior management team remuneration and bonus arrangements.

The  remuneration  policy  is  designed  to  support  the  Group’s  strategic  goals  of   exploiting  the  IHT  technology  whilst 
maintaining  and  underpinning  Advanced  PCB  revenue  stream  and  to  promote  the  Group’s  long  term  sustainable 
success. Consideration is given to the risk profile of  the business as well as how to reward measurable progress. The 
committee believes that the executive team should be rewarded for sustainable growth that will provide long-term returns 
for shareholders.

The fixed element of  remuneration is based on a market-based approach which takes into account the size of  the Group, 
peer review of  compensation packages and the experience and qualifications of  the executive in question. The variable 
element  is  designed  to  promote  out-performance  and  the  achievement  of   the  specific  measurable  goals  which  are 
reviewed annually.

The Directors of  the Group are:

Philip Johnston
Mark Hodgkins
Ian Griffiths
Susan McErlain 
Charles Cattaneo 

(appointed 26 June 2020)
(appointed 26 June 2020)

Philip Johnston and Mark Hodgkins offer themselves for re-appointment at the 2021 Annual General Meeting which is to 
be held on 14 July 2021.

Salaries and benefits

The Remuneration Committee meets at least once a year in order to consider and set the remuneration packages for 
Executive Directors. The remuneration packages are benchmarked periodically to ensure comparability with companies 
of  a similar size and complexity. Remuneration comprises basic salary, pension contributions to personal pension plans 
and  benefits  in  kind.  In  addition,  certain  Directors  are  paid  a  car  allowance  or  receive  a  contribution  to  their  travel 
expenses. Remuneration also includes share options as detailed below.

P Johnston

M Hodgkins

I Griffiths

L Jackson

S McErlain

C Cattaneo

Salary
£

205,000

165,000

45,000

19,000

17,500

17,500

Bonus
£

Benefits &
Car Allowance
£

-

-

-

-

-

-

22,322

15,984

-

-

-

-

Pension
£

7,200

-

-

-

-

-

Total
2020
£

234,522

180,984

45,000

19,000

17,500

17,500

Total
2019
£

213,583

160,875

43,875

35,000

-

-

Trackwise Designs plc36

Directors’ Interests – Interests in share options (audited)

During the year M Hodgkins acquired a further 92,250 shares in the Group at an average price of  £0.90, S McErlain 
acquired 7500 shares at an average price of  200p and C Cattaneo acquired 15,000 shares at an average price of  £1.24.

Details of  options held by Directors who were in office at 31 December 2020 are set out below. No options were exercised 
during the year (2019 : nil). Details of  the Group’s option schemes are set out in note 22 to the financial statements.

The market price of  the Group’s shares at 31 December 2020 was 322 pence. The range of  market prices during the year 
was 74 pence to 370 pence.

M Hodgkins 

M Hodgkins 

Date of  Grant 

Number  Exercise Price 

Expiry Date

15 June 2018 

24 June 2020 

78,690 

290,000 

£0.28  15 June 2028

£0.875  24 June 2030

Directors’ Interests – Interests in shares (audited)

The  interests  of   directors,  who  were  serving  as  at  31  December  2020,  in  the  ordinary  shares  of   the  Group  are  set 
out below:

Percentage of  

Percentage of

Holding Balance at  

Share Capital at 

Holding Balance at 

Share Capital at

31 December 2020  

31 December 2020 

31 December 2019 

31 December 2019

4,815,775 

148,869 

14,286 

15,000 

7,500 

16.94% 

0.52% 

0.05% 

0.05% 

0.03% 

4,815,775 

56,619 

14,286 

- 

- 

32.60%

0.33%

0.10%

-

-

Philip Johnston 

Mark Hodgkins 

Ian Griffiths 

Charles Cattaneo 

Susan McErlain 

Contracts of service

The Executive Directors, Philip Johnston and Mark Hodgkins each have a service agreement containing one year’s notice 
and six months notice respectively including claw back and malus clauses with regard to any paid or unpaid bonuses.

The Non-Executive Directors, Ian Griffiths, Susan McErlain and Charles Cattaneo, have a service agreement with a three-
month notice period.

On behalf  of  the Board

Susan McErlain
Remuneration Committee Chair
22 June 2021

Directors’ Remuneration Report continuedTrackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report

37

Principal Activities

The principal activity of  the Group is the design and manufacture of  a full suite of  advanced PCB’s including the Group’s 
patented technology Improved Harness Technology™, Microwave and RF, short flex, flex rigid and rigid multi-layer boards.

The Directors have set out their update on strategy and its development in the Chief  Executive’s Review and Strategic 
Report on page 6 and that includes a review of  the markets that the Group is addressing as well as the actions being 
taken to meet the strategic goals of  the Group.

The Directors of the Group are:

Ian Griffiths 
Philip Johnston 
Mark Hodgkins 
Susan McErlain 
Charles Cattaneo 

Non-Executive Chair
Chief  Executive Officer
Chief  Financial Officer and Company Secretary
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  Directors’  Report  and  the  Financial  Statements  in  accordance  with 
applicable law and regulations.

The Directors are required to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year. The Directors have elected to prepare 
the Group Financial Statements in compliance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union as it applies to the Financial 
Statements of  the Group for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The Directors must not approve the Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of  the 
state of  affairs of  the Group and of  the profit or loss of  the Group for that period. In preparing these Financial Statements 
the Directors are required to:

•  Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

•  Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•  State whether the Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS; and

• 

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

• 

 Prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will 
continue in business.

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

Each of  the persons who is a Director at the date of  approval of  this Annual Report confirms that:

• 

 so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of  which the Group’s Auditor is unaware; and

• 

 the Director has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself/herself  aware 
of  any relevant audit information and to establish that the Group’s Auditor is aware of  that information.

Trackwise Designs plc38

Directors’ Report continued

Dividends

The  Group’s  ability  to  pay  dividends  in  the  future  is  affected  by  a  number  of   factors,  principally  the  generation  of  
distributable  profits  within  the  Group.  The  Board  has  adopted  a  progressive  dividend  policy  for  the  Group  subject  to 
the  availability  of   sufficient  distributable  profits.  The  Directors  intend  to  commence  the  payment  of   dividends  when  it 
becomes  commercially  prudent  to  do  so  and  expect  to  pay  interim  and  final  dividends  in  the  approximate  ration  of  
1/3 interim and 2/3 final.

Research and Development

The Group continues to develop its products to ensure that they remain at the forefront of  their markets. The detail and 
cost of  those developments are set out in the Chief  Executive’s Review and Strategic Report and Chief  Financial Officer’s 
Review and Strategic Report.

Director’s indemnity

The Group’s Articles of  Association provide, subject to the provisions of  United Kingdom legislation, for an indemnity for 
Directors and Officers of  the Group with regard to liabilities that they may incur in the discharge of  their duties or in the 
exercise of  their powers, including any liability relating to proceedings brought against them which relates to anything 
done, or omitted, or anything alleged to have been done or omitted by them as officers or employees of  the Company 
or Group.

Directors’ Liability Insurance is in place in respect of  all the Group’s Directors.

Donations

The Group made no charitable or political donations during the year.

Independent Auditor

The Auditor, Mazars LLP, has indicated its willingness under section 489 of  the Companies Act 2006 to continue in office 
and a resolution that they be re-appointed will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

Annual General Meeting

The Group’s Annual General Meeting will be held at 1 Ashvale, Alexandra Way, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 8NB 
on 14 July 2021 at 11:00am.

Matters covered elsewhere

As  permitted  by  Paragraph  1A  of   Schedule  7  to  the  large  and  medium  sized  companies  and  groups  (Accounts  and 
Reports) Regulations 2008 certain matters that are required to be disclosed in the Directors’ Report have been omitted 
as they have been included in either the Chief  Executive’s Review and Strategic Report or the Chief  Financial Officer’s 
Review and Strategic Report or the Principal Risks and Uncertainties Report. These matters relate to the business review, 
principal risks and uncertainties, key performance indicators, future developments and research and development activity.

Trackwise Designs plcDirectors’ Report continued

39

Other Information

Each of  the persons who is a Director at the date of  approval of  this Annual Report confirms that:

• 

 In so far as the Directors are aware there is no relevant audit information of  which the Group’s Auditor is unaware;

• 

 The Director has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself/herself  aware 
of  relevant audit information and to establish that the Group’s Auditor is aware of  that information. This confirmation is 
given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of  section 418 of  the Companies Act 2006.

By order of  the Board

Mark Hodgkins
Company Secretary
22 June 2021

Trackwise Designs plc40

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Trackwise Designs plc

Opinion

We  have  audited  the  financial  statements  of   Trackwise  Designs  Plc  (the  ‘parent  company’)  and  its  subsidiaries  (the 
‘group’) for the year ended 31 December 2020 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of  Comprehensive Income, 
Consolidated Statement of  Financial Position, Parent Company Statement of  Financial Position, Consolidated Statement 
of  Changes in Equity, Parent Company Statement of  Changes in Equity. Consolidated Statement of  Cash Flows and notes 
to the financial statements, including a summary of  significant accounting  policies. The financial  reporting framework 
that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and international accounting standards in conformity with 
the requirements of  the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of  the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of  the Companies Act 
2006 and:

• 

• 

 give a true and fair view of  the state of  the group’s and of  the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and 
of  the group’s profit for the year then ended; and

 have been properly prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements 
of  the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with 
the provisions of  the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of  the going concern basis of  accounting 

in the preparation of  the financial statements is appropriate. 

Our audit procedures to evaluate the directors’ assessment of  the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue 
to adopt the going concern basis of  accounting included but were not limited to:

• 

 We  reviewed  management’s  going  concern  assessment  including  COVID-19  implications  based  on  a  severe  but 
plausible  scenario,  as  approved  by  the  Audit  Committee.  We  made  enquiries  of   management  to  understand  the 
completeness of  the criteria taken into account and implication of  those when assessing the severe plus plausible 
scenario on the Group’s forecast financial performance;

• 

 We evaluated the key assumptions in the worst case forecast and considered whether these appeared reasonable. 

• 

• 

 We examined the available working capital under the monthly cash flow forecasts and evaluated whether the directors’ 
conclusion that sufficient working capital remained in all but the most remote of  events was reasonable; and

 We evaluated the adequacy and appropriateness of  the directors’ disclosure in respect of  COVID-19 implications, in 
particular disclosures within principal risks & uncertainties and going concern.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions 
that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern for a period of  at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of  the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant 
sections of  this report.

Trackwise Designs plcIndependent Auditor’s Report to the members of Trackwise Designs plc continued

41
41

Key audit matters

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

Key Audit Matter 

How our scope addressed this matter

Revenue recognition:

The  Group’s  accounting  policy  for  revenue 
recognition  is  set  out  in  the  accounting  policy 
notes on “Revenue” on page 52. 

Revenue is a material balance for the Group and 
represent the largest balance on the Consolidated 
Statement  of   Comprehensive  Income.  An  error 
in  this  balance  could  significantly  affect  users’ 
interpretation of  the financial statements. 

Due  to  the  potential  to  inappropriately  record 
revenue in the incorrect period, we consider cut-
off  to be a key audit matter.

Capitalisation of research and development 
expenditure

The  Group  and  Company  has  a  significant 
intangible  asset  arising  from  the  capitalisation 
of   expenditure  in  respect  of   the  development 
of   its  Improved  Harness  Technology  (‘IHT’) 
product.  The  carrying  value  at  31  December 
2020 was £6.3m

Management  exercise  significant  judgement 
when assessing the apportionment of  costs to 
the  development  of   the  IHT  product,  and  the 
expected future economic benefits through sale 
of   the  product.  An  error  in  the  carrying  value 
due  to  applying  inappropriate  judgement  has 
the  potential  to  have  a  material  impact  on  the 
financial statements. 

Our procedures performed over Revenue Recognition included, but 
were not limited to: 

– 

– 

– 

 Review  and  walkthrough  of   the  systems  and  controls  in  place 
surrounding Revenue Recognition, in particular, cut-off; 

 Testing a sample of  revenue transactions around the year end to 
ensure they were accounted for in the appropriate period; and 

 Reviewing post year end credit notes that may reverse revenue 
previously reported during the year 

Our observations
No material misstatements were identified in cut-off  as a result of  the 
audit procedures performed.

Our  procedures  performed  over  capitalisation  of   research  and 
development expenditure included, but were not limited to: 

– 

– 

 Testing a sample of  additions to ensure they meet the recognition 
criteria  of   IAS  38.  This  included  reviewing  and  challenging  the 
apportionment of  overhead costs;

 Reviewing the level of  sales in the period relating to the capitalised 
asset  and  the  forecasted  IHT  revenue  and  cashflows  to  help 
assess the technical and commercial feasibility of  the product and 
the overall recoverability of  the intangible asset.

Our observations:
No  material  misstatements  in  capitalised  costs  or  the  recoverability 
thereof  were identified as a result of  the audit procedures performed.

capitalisation 

Therefore 
capitalised 
development  cost  is  considered  a  key  audit 
matter.

of  

Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit

The scope of  our audit was influenced by our application of  materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. 
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of  our audit and the nature, timing and 
extent of  our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect 
of  misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole. Based on our professional judgement, we 
determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Trackwise Designs plc42

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Trackwise Designs plc continued

Overall Financial statement materiality  £109k 

Group 

Parent Company

£39k

How we determined it 

 Materiality has been determined with reference to a benchmark of  revenue, of  
which it represents 1.8%.

Rationale for benchmark applied 

Performance materiality 

Reporting threshold

 Revenue  has  been  identified  as  the  most  relevant  measure  of   the  underlying 
performance of  the Group and Company and is considered to be the focus of  
the shareholders and therefore has been selected as the materiality benchmark. 

 Performance  materiality  is  set  to  reduce  to  an  appropriately  low  level  the 
probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements in the 
financial statements exceeds materiality for the financial statements as a whole.

On the basis of  our risk assessments, 
together  with  our  assessment  of   the 
group’s  overall  control  environment, 
our judgement was that performance 
materiality 
at 
should  be 
approximately  68%  of   our  financial 
statement  materiality,  representing  a 
value of  £74k

set 

On the basis of  our risk assessments, 
together  with  our  assessment  of   the 
group’s  overall  control  environment, 
our judgement was that performance 
materiality 
at 
should  be 
approximately  78%  of   our  financial 
statement  materiality,  representing  a 
value of  £30k.

set 

We agreed with the directors that we 
would  report  to  them  misstatements 
identified during our audit above £3k 
as  well  as  misstatements  below  that 
amount  that,  in  our  view,  warranted 
reporting for qualitative reasons. 

We agreed with the directors that we 
would  report  to  them  misstatements 
identified during our audit above £1k 
as  well  as  misstatements  below  that 
amount  that,  in  our  view,  warranted 
reporting for qualitative reasons.

As part of  designing our audit, we assessed the risk of  material misstatement in the financial statements, whether due 
to fraud or error, and then designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks. In particular, we looked 
at where the directors made subjective judgements, such as making assumptions on significant accounting estimates.

We tailored the scope of  our audit to ensure that we performed sufficient work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole. We used the outputs of  a risk assessment, our understanding of  the group and parent company, 
their  environment,  controls  and  critical  business  processes,  to  consider  qualitative  factors  in  order  to  ensure  that  we 
obtained sufficient coverage across all financial statement line items.

Our group audit scope included an audit of  the group and the parent company financial statements of  Trackwise Designs 
Plc and those of  its subsidiary. Based on our risk assessment, all entities within the group were subject to full scope audit 
and was performed by the group audit team.

Audit work on the subsidiary entity for the purpose of  obtaining audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts 
is undertaken based on individual statutory performance materiality which is lower than the consolidated materiality set 
out above. The performance materiality set for the subsidiary is based on the relative scale and risk of  the subsidiary to 
the group as a whole and our assessment of  the risk of  misstatement at subsidiary level. The range of  financial statement 
materiality  across  the  components,  audited  to  the  lower  of   local  statutory  audit  materiality  and  materiality  capped  for 
group audit purposes, was between £39k and £109k, being all below group financial statement materiality. At the parent 
level we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm our conclusion that there 
were no significant risks of  material misstatement of  the aggregated financial information.

Other information

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

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Trackwise Designs plc continued

43

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

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

• 

 the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• 

 the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In light of  the knowledge and understanding of  the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the 
course of  the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

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

• 

• 

• 

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

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

 certain disclosures of  directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• 

 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of Directors

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 37, the directors are responsible for 
the preparation of  the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal 
control  as  the  directors  determine  is  necessary  to  enable  the  preparation  of   financial  statements  that  are  free  from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 

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

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of  non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line 
with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of  irregularities, including fraud. 

Based on our understanding of  the group and the parent company and its industry, we identified that the principal risks 
of  non-compliance with laws and regulations related to the UK tax legislation, pensions legislation, employment regulation 

Trackwise Designs plc44

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Trackwise Designs plc continued

and non-compliance with implementation of  government support schemes relating to COVID-19, and we considered the 
extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws 
and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of  the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006. 

We evaluated the directors’ and management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of  the financial 
statements  (including  the  risk  of   override  of   controls)  and  determined  that  the  principal  risks  were  related  to  posting 
manual journal entries to manipulate financial performance, management bias through judgements and assumptions in 
significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to capitalisation and amortisation of  development costs.

Our  audit  procedures  were  designed  to  respond  to  those  identified  risks,  including  non-compliance  with  laws  and 
regulations (irregularities) and fraud that are material to the financial statements. Our audit procedures included but were 
not limited to:

• 

• 

• 

 Discussing with the directors and management their policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and 
regulations.;

 Communicating identified laws and regulations throughout our engagement team and remaining alert to any indications 
of  non-compliance throughout our audit; and

 Considering the risk of  acts by the group and the parent company which were contrary to the applicable laws and 
regulations, including fraud. 

Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to:

• 

 Making  enquiries  of   the  directors  and  management  on  whether  they  had  knowledge  of   any  actual,  suspected  or 
alleged fraud;

• 

 Gaining an understanding of  the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud;

•  Discussing amongst the engagement team the risks of  fraud; and

•  Addressing the risks of  fraud through management override of  controls by performing journal entry testing.

The primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of  irregularities including fraud rests with both those charged 
with governance and management. As with any audit, there remained a risk of  non-detection of  irregularities, as these 
may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of  internal controls.

As a result of our procedures, we did not identify any key audit matters relating to irregularities. The risks of material misstatement 
that had the greatest effect on our audit, including fraud, are discussed under “Key audit matters” within this report. 

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

Use of the audit report

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.

Louis Burns (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Mazars LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 

Two Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3AX

22 June 2021

Trackwise Designs plcConsolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2020

45

Revenue 

Cost of sales  

Gross profit 

Administrative expenses excluding 
exceptional costs and share based payment 

Exceptional costs 

Share based payment charge 

Total administrative expenses  

Operating loss 

Negative goodwill arising on acquisition 

Acquisition expenses 

Exceptional integration costs 

Finance income 

Finance costs 

Profit/(loss) before taxation 

Taxation 

Profit/(loss) and total comprehensive income for the year 

Earnings per share (pence)

Basic  

Diluted 

The notes on pages 51 to 72 form part of these financial statements

Notes 

3 

4 

4 

23 

23 

6 

6 

7 

8 

8 

2020 
£’000 

6,068 

(4,350) 

1,718 

(1,903) 

(128) 

(228) 

(2,259) 

(541) 

1,642 

(226) 

(278) 

4 

(195) 

406 

828 

 1,234 

5.96 

5.70 

2019 
£’000

2,906

(1,805)

1,101

(900)

(28)

(224)

(1,152)

(51)

–

–

–

5

(83)

(129)

81

(48)

(0.32)

(0.32)

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
For the year ended 31 December 2020

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Current assets

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Current tax receivable 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Non-current liabilities

Deferred income – grants 

Borrowings 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Provisions 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

EQUITY

Share capital 

Share premium account

Retained earnings 

Revaluation reserve 

Total equity 

Notes 

2020 
£’000 

2019 
£’000

9 

10 

12 

13 

14 

15 

14 

15 

17 

6,482 

8,175 

14,657 

2,010 

1,752 

804 

13,930 

18,496 

33,153 

(1,956) 

(1,055) 

(3,011) 

(910) 

(4,078) 

(206) 

(79) 

(5,273) 

(8,284) 

24,869 

4,268

2,547

6,815

555

1,657

338

567

3,117

9,932

(1,046)

(339)

(1,385)

(856)

(1,253)

(401)

–

(2,510)

(3,895)

6,037

19 

1,137 

591

20,989 

2,615 

128 

24,869 

4,234

1,045

167

6,037

The financial statements on pages 45 to 50 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and were signed on its behalf by:

Mark Hodgkins
Director
22 June 2021 

Trackwise Designs plc

Registered in England and Wales, Registration no: 3959572

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parent Company Statement of Financial Position
For the year ended 31 December 2020

47

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Investments 

Current assets

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Current tax receivable 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Non-current liabilities

Deferred income – grants 

Borrowings 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

EQUITY

Share capital 

Share premium account 

Retained earnings 

Revaluation reserve 

Total equity 

Notes 

2020 
£’000 

2019 
£’000

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

14 

15 

17 

19 

6,467 

3,471 

2,172 

12,110 

593 

2,727 

530 

13,382 

17,232 

29,342 

(631) 

(677) 

(1,308) 

(910) 

(1,673) 

(206) 

(2,789) 

(4,097) 

25,245 

1,137 

20,989 

2,991 

128 

25,245 

4,268

2,547

–

6,815

555

1,657

338

567

3,117

9,932

(1,046)

(339)

(1,385)

(856)

(1,253)

(401)

(2,510)

(3,895)

6,037

591

4,234

1,045

167

6,037

The Company has elected to take the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act not to present the parent Company 
profit and loss account.  The profit for the parent Company for the year was £1.61M including dividends receivable of £2M from the 
subsidiary (2019: loss of £48K).

The financial statements on pages 45 to 50 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and were signed on its behalf by:

Mark Hodgkins
Director
22 June 2021

Trackwise Designs plc

Registered in England and Wales, Registration no: 3959572

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended December 2020

At 1 January 2019 

Loss and total comprehensive income for the year 

Share based payment 

Revaluation realised in year 

At 31 December 2019 

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year 

Share based payment 

Revaluation realised in the year 

Prior year tax adjustment 

Shares issued in the year 

At 31 December 2020 

Share 
capital 
£’000 

Share 
premium 
account 
£’000 

591 

4,234 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

591 

4,234 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

546 

1,137 

16,755 

20,989 

Retained  Revaluation 
reserve 
earnings 
£’000 
£’000 

840 

(48) 

214 

39 

1,045 

1,234 

263 

39 

34 

– 

2,615 

206 

– 

– 

(39) 

167 

– 

– 

(39) 

– 

128 

Total 
equity 
£’000

5,871

(48)

214

–

6,037

1,234

263

–

34

17,301

24,869

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2020

49

At 1 January 2019 

Loss and total comprehensive income for the year 

Share based payment 

Revaluation realised in year 

At 31 December 2019 

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year 

Share based payment 

Revaluation realised in the year 

Prior year tax adjustment 

Shares issued in the year 

At 31 December 2020 

Share 
capital 
£’000 

Share 
premium 
account 
£’000 

591 

4,234 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

591 

4,234 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

546 

1,137 

16,755 

20,989 

Retained  Revaluation 
reserve 
earnings 
£’000 
£’000 

840 

(48) 

214 

39 

1,045 

1,610 

263 

39 

34 

– 

2,991 

206 

– 

– 

(39) 

167 

– 

– 

(39) 

– 

128 

Total 
equity 
£’000

5,871

(48)

214

–

6,037

1,610

263

–

34

17,301

25,245

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 2020

Cash flow from operating activities

Profit/(loss) for the year before taxation 

Adjustment for:

Negative goodwill credit 

Employee share based payment charge 

Depreciation of property, plant & equipment 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Net finance costs 

Changes in working capital:

(Increase) in inventories 

(Increase) in trade and other receivables 

Increase in trade and other payables 

Cash (used in)/generated from operations 

Income tax received 

Net cash from operating activities 

Cash flow from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Purchase of intangible assets  

Purchase of new subsidiary (net of cash acquired) 

Grant received 

Interest received 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flow from financing activities

Share capital issued  

Expenses relating to share capital issue 

Interest paid 

Lease payments 

Advance of hire purchase finance against assets already purchased 

Repayment of capital element of hire purchase contracts 

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities 

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (all cash balances) 

Notes 

2020 
£’000 

2019 
£’000

406 

(129)

4 

9 

6 

11 

9 

23 

15 

15 

(1,642) 

263 

693 

265 

191 

(584) 

374 

(362) 

(396) 

669 

273 

(911) 

(2,246) 

(1,628) 

109 

4 

–

224

225

183

78

(175)

(268)

496

634

21

655

(951)

(1,736)

–

175

5

(4,672) 

(2,507)

18,492 

(1,191) 

(195) 

(87) 

1,139 

(396) 

17,762 

13,363 

567 

13,930 

–

–

(83)

(89)

-

(195)

(367)

(2,219)

2,786

567

The cash outflow in respect of purchase of property, plant and equipment include the payment of any related deposits included in 
prepayments until the asset is acquired.

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
For the year ended December 2020

51
51

1.  Corporate information

Trackwise  Designs  Plc  (“the  Company”)  is  a  Public  Company  limited  by  shares  incorporated  in  the  United  Kingdom.  The  registered 
address of  the Group is 1 Ashvale, Alexandra Way, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 8NB.

The principal activity of  the Group is the design and manufacture of  a full suite of  advanced PCB’s including the Parent Company’s 
patented technology Improved Harness Technology™, Microwave and RF, short flex, flex rigid and rigid multi-layer boards.

2.  Accounting policies
2.1  Basis of preparation

Statement of compliance
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements 
of  the Companies Act 2006.

The parent company financial statements have been prepared under applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards (FRS101) in 
order to apply International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of  the Companies Act 2006. The following FRS 
101 disclosure exemptions have been taken in respect of  the parent company only information:

• 

• 

• 

IAS 7 Statement of  cash flows;

IFRS 7 Financial instruments disclosures;

IAS 24 Key management remuneration.

Basis of measurement
The Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis as modified for the revaluation of  plant on transition to IFRS 
and for certain financial instruments at fair value.

Going concern
The Directors have considered the principal risks and uncertainties facing the business, together with the Group’s objectives, policies 
and processes for managing its exposure to financial risk. In making this assessment the Directors have prepared cash flows for the 
foreseeable future, being a period of  at least 12 months from the expected date of  approval of  the financial statements. These forecasts 
show that the Company and Group should be able to manage their working capital and existing resources to enable it to meet their 
liabilities as they fall due. These forecasts have incorporated elevated stress tests to meet the impacts of  Covid 19 as set out in the CFO 
report on page 21. Based on the above factors, the Directors have prepared the Financial Statements on a going concern basis.

Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of  business combinations using the acquisition method. In the statement 
of   financial  position,  the  acquiree’s  identifiable  assets  (both  tangible  and  intangible),  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  are  initially 
recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date.

The consolidated financial statements present the results of  the Parent Company and its subsidiaries (“the Group”) as if  they formed a 
single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between Group companies are therefore eliminated in full.

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are 
fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and cease to be consolidated from the date on which control 
is transferred out of  the Group.

Functional and presentational currency
These financial statements are presented in Pound Sterling (“Sterling”) rounded to the nearest thousand pounds.

Use of estimates and judgments
The  preparation  of   the  Financial  Statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  management  to  make  judgements,  estimates  and 
assumptions that affect the application of  policies and reported amounts of  assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates 
and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the 
circumstances, the results of  which form the basis of  making the judgements about carrying values of  assets and liabilities that are not 
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

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

Notes to the Company Financial StatementsTrackwise Designs plc52
52

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

For the year ended December 2020

The  estimates  and  judgements  that  have  a  significant  risk  of   causing  a  material  adjustment  to  the  carrying  amounts  of   assets  and 
liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Goodwill and fair values
Business  combinations  require  a  degree  of   estimation  in  respect  of   the  fair  value  of   identifiable  assets  acquired  and  the  liabilities 
assumed at the acquisition date. (Note 23)

Property, plant and equipment
Management  have  estimated  the  useful  life  of   assets  based  upon  the  period  that  the  assets  are  able  to  and  expected  to  generate 
revenue. These estimates are reviewed annually for continued appropriateness and events which may cause the estimate to be revised. 
(Note 10)

Share Based Payments
The  Group  uses  the  Black-Scholes  option-pricing  model  where  applicable,  with  inputs,  in  particular  volatility,  requiring  significant 
judgement in application (Note 8).

Right of use assets
The application of  IFRS16 Involves a degree of  judgement in respect of  the applicable discount rate and in respect of  any lease options 
or variable payments. The discount rate is reviewed in conjunction with the rates on similar borrowings and lease extension periods by 
reference to business plans and the most likely outcome. (Note 2.14).

Intangible assets
Management have used their judgement in respect of  the capitalisation of  development costs. The viability of  the new technology and 
know-how supported by the results of  testing and customer trials and by forecasts for the overall value and timing of  sales supports the 
approach taken. (Note 9)

Amortisation  commences  once  management  consider  that  the  asset  is  available  for  use,  i.e.  when  it  is  judged  to  be  in  the  location 
and condition necessary for it to be capable of  operating in the manner intended by management and the cost is amortised over the 
estimated useful life of  the know-how based on expected customer product cycles and lives.

2.2  Revenue

Revenue comprises income from the sale of  printed circuit boards and represents the amount receivable for the sale of  goods, excluding 
VAT and trade discounts. Revenue is recognised when all the following steps have been satisfied:

I.  The Group has received and accepted the purchase order from the customer.

II. 

 Sales prices are based on quotes for each customer’s unique product and include transport which is insignificant in the context of  
the sale price. The sales price is determined after submission of  a quote to each customer for their unique product and which has 
been agreed with them and includes transport which is also agreed with the customer.

III.  All performance obligations are met which is at a point in time when the goods have been despatched to the customer.

IV.   Invoicing  typically  occurs  once  performance  obligations  are  met.  On  occasion,  customers  are  invoiced  in  advance  and  these 
amounts are included in deferred income as contract liabilities. Contract liabilities held at the balance sheet date are expected to be 
released in the following period when the performance obligations is satisfied.

2.3  Grants

Income based grants
Income based grants are recognised in other operating income based on the specific terms related to them as follows:

– 

– 

– 

 A grant is recognised in other operating income when the grant proceeds are received (or receivable) provided that the terms of  the 
grant do not impose future performance-related conditions.

 If  the terms of  a grant do impose performance-related conditions, then the grant is only recognised in income when the performance-
related conditions are met.

 Any grants that are received before the revenue recognition criteria are met are recognised in the Statement of  Financial Position as 
another creditor within liabilities.

Capital grants
Grants  received  relating  to  tangible  and  intangible  fixed  assets  are  treated  as  deferred  income  and  released  to  the  Statement  of  
Comprehensive Income over the expected useful lives of  the assets concerned.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc53

2.4  Share based payment

The  Group  operates  an  equity-settled  share-based  compensation  plan  in  which  the  Group  receives  services  from  employees  as 
consideration for share options. The fair value of  the services is recognised as an expense, determined by reference to the fair value of  
the options granted.

2.5 

Income tax

Current  income  tax  assets  and/or  liabilities  comprise  obligations  to,  or  claims  from,  fiscal  authorities  relating  to  the  current  or  prior 
reporting periods, that are unpaid/due at the reporting date. Current tax is payable on taxable profits, which may differ from profit or loss 
in the Financial Statements. Calculation of  current tax is based on the tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted at the reporting period.

Deferred taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of  assets and liabilities 
and their tax bases.

A  deferred  tax  asset  is  recognised  for  all  deductible  temporary  differences  to  the  extent  that  it  is  probable  that  taxable  profit  will 
be  available  against  which  the  deductible  temporary  difference  can  be  utilised,  unless  the  deferred  tax  asset  arises  from  the  initial 
recognition of  an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and at the time of  the transaction, affects neither 
accounting profit nor taxable profit (tax loss).

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the 
liability is settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of  the reporting period.

2.6  Goodwill

Goodwill arising on acquisitions is the excess of  the fair value of  the cost of  acquisition, over the fair value of  identifiable net assets 
acquired.  Any  direct  costs  are  expensed  in  the  income  statement.  Goodwill  on  acquisition  is  recorded  as  an  intangible  fixed  asset 
and represents the residual amount remaining after taking account of  the fair values attributed to the identifiable assets, liabilities and 
contingent liabilities that existed at the date of  acquisition, reflecting their condition at that date. Adjustments are also made to align the 
accounting policies of  acquired businesses with those of  the Group.

Goodwill  is  assigned  an  indefinite  useful  economic  life.  Impairment  reviews  are  performed  annually,  or  more  frequently  if   events  or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Where the goodwill calculation results in a negative amount (bargain purchase) this amount is taken to the income statement in the period 
in which is it derived.

2.7  Research and development cost

An internally generated intangible asset arising from development (or the development phase) of  an internal project is recognised if, and 
only if, all of  the following have been demonstrated:

– 

It is technically feasible to complete the development such that it will be available for use, sale or licence;

–  There is an intention to complete the development;

–  There is an ability to use, sell or licence the resultant asset;

–  The method by which probable future economic benefits will be generated is known;

–  There are adequate technical, financial and other resources required to complete the development; and,

–  There are reliable measures that can identify the expenditure directly attributable to the project during its development.

The  amount  recognised  is  the  expenditure  incurred  from  the  date  when  the  project  first  meets  the  recognition  criteria  listed  above. 
Expenses capitalised consist of  employee costs incurred on development, direct costs including material or testing and an apportionment 
of  appropriate overheads.

Where the above criteria are not met, development expenditure is charged to the Statement of  Comprehensive Income in the period in 
which it is incurred.

Capitalised development costs are initially measured at cost. After initial recognition, they are recognised at cost less any accumulated 
amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

The depreciable amount of  a development cost intangible asset with a finite basis useful life is allocated on a straight-line basis over its 
useful life, currently expected to be 20 years. Amortisation begins when the asset is available for use, i.e. when it is in the location and 
condition necessary for it to be capable of  operating in the manner intended by management.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc54

The amortisation period and the amortisation method for the assets with a finite useful life is reviewed at least each financial year-end. If  
the expected useful life of  the asset is different from previous estimates, the amortisation period is changed accordingly.

2.8  Patent costs

Patent cost assets are initially measured at cost. After initial recognition, they are recognised at cost less any accumulated amortisation 
and any accumulated impairment losses. The costs are amortised in the Statement of  Comprehensive Income over the 15-year life of  
the patent.

2.9  Software

Software assets are capitalised at the purchase cost. Subsequent to initial recognition it is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation 
and accumulated impairment. Software is amortised in the Statement of  Comprehensive Income on a straight line basis over its estimated 
useful life of  five years. These costs are recognised in Cost of  Sales.

2.10  Property plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recognised as an asset only if  it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will 
flow to the Company and the cost of  the item can be measured reliably.

An item of  property, plant and equipment that qualifies for recognition as an asset is measured at its cost. Cost of  an item of  property, 
plant and equipment comprises the purchase price and any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition 
necessary for it to be capable of  operating in the manner intended by management. On transition to IFRS, plant and equipment was 
revalued, and this amount has been used as the deemed cost with no further revaluations.

After recognition, all property, plant and equipment (including leasehold improvements and plant and machinery) is carried at cost less 
any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of  assets, less estimated residual value, over their expected useful 
lives on the following basis:

Leasehold improvements 
Plant and machinery 

Straight line over the period of  the lease
10-33% straight line

The residual value and the useful life of  an asset is reviewed at least at each financial year-end and if  expectations differ from previous 
estimates, the changes are accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes 
in Accounting Estimates and Errors.

Gains  or  losses  arising  on  the  disposal  of   property,  plant  and  equipment  are  determined  as  the  difference  between  the  disposal 
proceeds and the carrying value of  the asset and are recognised in profit or loss.

2.11 Accounting Treatment of Leases

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured at the present value of  the lease payments and payments to be made 
under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of  the liability. The lease payments are discounted 
using the interest rate implicit in the lease or the incremental borrowing rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the 
funds necessary to obtain an asset of  similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security 
and conditions. Lease payments are allocated between principal, presented as a separate category within borrowings, and finance cost. 
The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of  interest on the remaining 
balance of  the liability for each period. Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the amount of  the initial measurement of  
lease liability, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received and any initial direct 
costs and are presented as a separate category within tangible fixed assets.

Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of  the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. If  the 
company is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying asset’s useful life. 
Payments associated with short-term leases of  equipment and vehicles and all leases of  low-value assets are recognised on a straight-
line basis as an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of  12 months or less.

Hire purchase arrangements
The Group engages in Hire Purchase arrangements for which the lease is supported by the underlying value of  the asset being leased.  
Hire Purchase arrangements are accounted for in accordance with the Leasing policy set out above.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc55

Operating leases
Payments  associated  with  short-term  leases  of   property,  plant  and  equipment  and  leases  of   low-value  assets  are  recognised  on  a 
straight-line basis as an expense. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of  12 months or less. Associated costs of  all leases, 
such as maintenance, service charges and insurance, are expensed as incurred.

2.12 Impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

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

Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated 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  asset  or  cash-generating  unit  is  impaired  when  its  carrying  amount  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount.  The  recoverable  amount  is 
measured as the higher of  fair value less cost of  disposal and value in use. The value in use is calculated as being net projected cash 
flows based on financial forecasts discounted back to present value.

The impairment loss is allocated to reduce the carrying amount of  the asset, first against the carrying amount of  any goodwill allocated 
to the cash-generating unit, and then to the other assets of  the unit pro-rata on the basis of  the carrying amount of  each asset in the unit. 
With the exception of  goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may 
no longer exist. An impairment loss is reversed if  the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount.

2.13 Inventories

Inventories are initially recognised at cost, and subsequently at the lower of  cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises all costs of  
purchase, costs of  conversion and an appropriate proportion of  fixed and variable overheads incurred in bringing the inventories to their 
present location and condition. Net realisable value is calculated as the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Where 
necessary, provision is made to reduce cost to no more than net realisable value having regard to the nature and condition of  inventory, 
as well as its anticipated utilisation and saleability.

2.14 Financial instruments

The Group classifies all its financial assets at amortised cost. Financial assets do not include prepayments. Management determines the 
classification of  its financial assets at initial recognition.

These assets arise principally from the provision of  goods and services to customers (e.g. trade receivables), but also incorporate other 
types of  financial assets where the objective is to hold their assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual cash 
flows are solely payments of  the principal and interest. They are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs that are directly 
attributable to their acquisition or issue and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less 
provision for impairment.

The  Group’s  financial  assets  held  at  amortised  cost  comprises  trade  and  other  receivables  and  cash  and  cash  equivalents  in  the 
Statement of  Financial Position.

Financial assets
Financial  assets  are  recognised  in  the  Statement  of   Financial  Position  when,  and  only  when,  the  Company  becomes  a  party  to  the 
contractual provisions of  the instrument.

Financial assets are initially recognised at fair value, which is usually the cost, plus directly attributable transaction costs.

Financial  assets  are  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  an  effective  interest  method  and  discounting  is  omitted  where  the  effect 
is immaterial.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc56

Impairment provisions are recognised based on the simplified approach within IFRS 9 using the lifetime expected credit losses. During 
this process the probability of  the non-payment of  the trade receivables is assessed. This probability is then multiplied by the amount 
of  the expected loss arising from default to determine the lifetime expected credit loss for the trade receivables. For trade receivables, 
which are reported net, such provisions are recorded in a separate provision account with the loss being recognised within administrative 
expenses  in  the  Statement  of   Comprehensive  Income.  On  confirmation  that  the  trade  receivable  will  not  be  collectable,  the  gross 
carrying value of  the asset is written off  against the associated provision.

A financial asset is derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when the financial asset 
and all substantial risks and reward are transferred.

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities include borrowings, trade and other payables and derivatives in respect of  forward foreign exchange contracts.

Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other financial assets and are recognised in the Statement of  Financial Position when, 
and only when, the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of  the instrument.

Financial liabilities, other than derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value adjusted for any directly attributable transaction costs.

After initial recognition, financial liabilities, other than derivatives, are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with 
interest-related charges recognised as an expense in finance costs. Discounting is omitted where the effect of  discounting is immaterial. 
Derivatives are measured at fair value through profit and loss for any movements.

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

2.15 Cash and cash equivalents

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

2.16 Foreign currencies

Transactions entered into by the Group in a currency other than the functional currency of  sterling are recorded at the rates ruling when 
the transactions occur. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rates ruling at the reporting date. Exchange 
differences  arising  on  the  retranslation  of   unsettled  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  are  recognised  immediately  in  the  Statement  of  
Comprehensive Income.

The Group does not apply hedge accounting in respect of  forward foreign exchange contracts held to manage the cash flow exposures 
of  forecast transactions denominated in foreign currencies. The Group utilises forward exchange contracts to mitigate the risk of  adverse 
exchange rate movements on foreign currency denominated revenue. These derivatives are measured at the fair market value, at the 
reporting date, with the fair value gain or loss movements arising being recognised within administrative expenses in the Statement of  
Comprehensive Income.

2.17 Equity and reserves

Share  capital  represents  the  nominal  value  of   shares  that  have  been  issued.  Share  premium  represents  the  excess  consideration 
received over the nominal value of  share capital upon the sale of  shares, less any incidental costs of  issue.

Retained earnings include all current and prior period retained profits.

The revaluation reserve represents the extent to which a revaluation of  plant on transition to IFRS exceeded the historical net book value. 
Transfers are made to retained earnings in respect of  the depreciated element of  the revaluation.

2.18 Standards, amendments and interpretations in issue but not yet effective

There are no new standards, interpretations and amendments that are in issue but not yet effective which are expected to have a material 
effect on the Group’s future Financial Statements.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc57

3  Segmental reporting

IFRS 8, Operating Segments, requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of  internal reports that are regularly reviewed by 
the Group’s chief  operating decision maker. The chief  operating decision maker (“CODM”) is considered to be the Board of  Directors. 

The Group’s RF and IHT activities for the sale of  printed circuit boards are separately reviewed and monitored. Revenue of  £5.46M 
(2019: £1.96M) arose from RF and £601K (2019: £938K) from IHT in the year ended 31 December 2020. The operating segments are 
monitored by the CODM, and strategic decisions are made on the basis of  adjusted segment operating results.

Due to the shared nature of  operations during the period under review it is not possible to provide a segmental analysis by RF and IHT 
of  assets and liabilities, with the exception of  the intangible development costs and deferred grants which are solely in respect of  IHT. 

All assets, liabilities and revenues are located in, or derived from, the United Kingdom.

Turnover by geographical destination

UK 

Europe 

Other 

2020 
£’000 

3,693 

1,688 

687 

6,068 

2019 
£’000

1,046

1,332

528

2,906

No one customer represents more than 10% of  group turnover for the accounting period under review and the top 4 customers accounted 
for 24.1% of  Group turnover in 2020.

Operating loss by geographical destination

UK 

Europe 

Other 

4  Operating loss

Operating loss is stated after charging/(crediting):

Government job retention scheme income 

Amortisation of  deferred grant income 

Amortisation of  intangible assets 

Depreciation of  property, plant and equipment (net of  £222,000 of  capitalised  

development costs, 2019: £100,000) 

Depreciation of  right of  use assets 

Cost of  inventory sold 

Foreign exchange (gains)/loss 

Severance costs 

Non recurring set up costs for new customer 

Share based payment charges 

Staff  payroll costs (net of  capitalised development costs) 

2020 
£’000 

(329) 

(150) 

(62) 

(541) 

2019 
£’000

(18)

(23)

(10)

(51)

2020 
£’000 

2019 
£’000

(16) 

(53) 

265 

446 

247 

1,907 

(27) 

– 

128 

229 

2,515 

-

(42)

183

132

93

937

57

28

–

224

1,431

The  Auditors  remuneration  for  audit  services  was  £35K  for  the  Company  and  £25K  for  subsidiary  undertakings  (2019:  £30K  for  the 
Company) and £Nil for non-audit services (2019: £Nil).

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58

5  Staff and key management personnel

Average monthly number of employees 

Management and administration 

Production 

Payroll costs 

Gross salaries 

Social security costs 

Share based payment 

Other pension contributions 

Group 
2020 
Number 

Company 
2020 
Number 

Group and 
Company 
2019 
Number

28 

68 

96 

£’000 

3,303 

332 

272 

120 

15 

37 

52 

£’000 

2,095 

222 

272 

85 

14

34

48

£’000

1,775

174

224

63

4,027 

2,674 

2,236

The Directors’ and key management remuneration were as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2020 

Salary 
£’000 

Benefits 
£’000 

Pension 
£’000 

Total 
£’000

P Johnston 

M Hodgkins 

I Griffiths 

L Jackson 

S McErlain 

C Cattaneo 

Year ended 31 December 2019 

P Johnston 

M Hodgkins 

I Griffiths 

L Jackson 

6  Finance income and expense

Finance income

Interest receivable and similar income 

Finance expense

Interest payable on loans and overdrafts 

Interest payable on leasing obligations 

Interest payable in respect of  right of  use assets 

205 

165 

45 

19 

18 

18 

470 

23 

16 

– 

– 

– 

– 

39 

7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

7 

Salary 
£’000 

Benefits 
£’000 

Pension 
£’000 

185 

146 

44 

34 

409 

22 

16 

– 

– 

38 

7 

– 

– 

– 

7 

235

181

45

19

18

18

516

Total 
£’000

214

162

44

34

454

2020 
£’000 

2019 
£’000

4 

3 

63 

129 

195 

5

–

32

51

83

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.   Income tax

Current tax:

UK corporation tax 

Adjustment for prior periods 

Total current tax credit 

Deferred tax:

Origination and reversal of  temporary differences 

Change in rate from 17 to 19% 

Adjustment for prior periods 

Total deferred tax expense 

Total tax credit 

59

2020 
£’000 

2019 
£’000

547 

86 

633 

297 

(53) 

(49) 

195 

828 

134

40

174

(68)

–

(25)

(93)

81

The tax rate used for the reconciliation is the corporate tax rate of  19% (2019: 19%) payable by corporate entities in the UK on taxable 
profits under UK tax law The Finance Act 2016 included legislation to reduce the main rate of  corporation tax from 19% to 17% from 1 
April 2020. A change to the main rate of  corporation tax announced in the 2020 Budget was substantively enacted on 17 March 2020. 
The rate from 1 April 2020 remains at 19% rather than the previously enacted reduction to 17%. In March 2021 it was announced that 
the rate of  corporation tax is expected to increase to 25% from April 2023 which would affect future tax charges. The tax rate used to 
calculate deferred tax is the enacted rate of  19% (2019: 17%), being the rate at which the timing differences are expected to unwind 
based on currently enacted UK corporate tax legislation.

The credit for the year can be reconciled to the profit/(loss) for the year as follows:

Profit/(loss) before taxation 

Income tax calculated at 19%

(2019: 19%) 

Negative goodwill credit not taxed  

Disallowable expenses including share-based payment 

Deferred tax in respect of  share options 

Enhanced research and development allowances 

Deferred tax not recognised 

Adjustment for prior periods 

Change in deferred tax rate 

Differing deferred tax and R&D tax credit rates 

Total tax credit 

2020 
£’000 

406 

(77) 

312 

(101) 

440 

471 

(29) 

37 

(53) 

(172) 

828 

2019 
£’000

(129)

25

–

(20)

–

94

–

15

–

(33)

81

In addition to the tax credit, a further development expenditure tax related credit of  £nil (2019: £29K) is included in operating expenses. 
Deferred tax is recognised over the vesting period for share options in respect of  the corporate tax deduction available under the EMI 
scheme for the difference between market value on exercise and the exercise price and the exceptional £440K credit arises in the year 
as a result of  the year end share price of  £3.22.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60

8  Earnings per share

The calculation of  the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

Earnings 

Earnings for the purpose of  basic and diluted earnings per share being net 
profit attributable to the shareholders 

Number of shares 

2020 
£’000 

1,234 

2019 
£’000

(48)

2020 

2019

Weighted average number of  Ordinary Shares for the purposes of  basic earnings per share 

20,687,836 

14,772,372

Weighted average number of  Ordinary Shares for the purposes of  diluted earnings per share 

21,659,166 

14,772,372

Earnings per Share (pence)

Basic 
Diluted 

5.96 
5.70 

(0.32)
(0.32)

The earnings per share is calculated from the number of  £0.04 Ordinary Shares in issue.

Options over Ordinary Shares granted to employees are included in the calculation of  potentially dilutive shares in respect of  a profit.

9  Intangible assets

Group 

Cost

As at 1 January 2019 

Additions 

Reclassification 

As at 31 December 2019 

Additions  

On acquisition 

As at 31 December 2020 

Amortisation or Impairment

As at 1 January 2019 

Charge 

Reclassification 

As at 31 December 2019 

Charge  

As at 31 December 2020 

Carrying amount

As at 31 December 2019 

As at 31 December 2020 

Goodwill 
£’000 

Patent costs 
£’000 

Computer   Development 
costs 
£’000 

Software 
£’000 

104 

– 

– 

104 

– 

– 

104 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

104 

104 

62 

14 

– 

76 

8 

– 

84 

19 

5 

– 

24 

5 

29 

52 

55 

89 

6 

(18) 

77 

  13 

11 

101 

77 

2 

(14) 

65 

5 

70 

12 

31 

2,552 

1,816 

– 

4,368 

2,447 

– 

6,815 

92 

176 

– 

268 

255 

523 

Total 
£’000

2,807

1,836

(18)

4,625

2,468

11

7,104

188

183

(14)

357

265

622

4,100 

6,292 

4,268

6,482

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
61

The  carrying  amount  of   goodwill  relates  to  the  acquisition  of   the  original  RF  technology  based  business,  whilst  all  the  capitalised 
development  costs  relate  to  projects  in  respect  of   the  Group’s  Improved  Harness  TechnologyTM  (‘IHT’)  process  for  unlimited  length 
printed circuit boards and know-how which has since been developed by the Group with amortisation on the initial development projects 
commencing in 2018.

To determine the values of  the costs capitalised management include the actual cost of  purchase for all materials which are acquired 
for product development purposes, they collect daily time analyses of  work performed by design or product engineers which captures 
the time spent on development activities which is then evaluated using a labour rate appropriate for the engineer who has worked the 
time and finally an element of  direct relevant overhead cost is incorporated to reflect the additional cost of  operating the developmental 
department of  the Group.

Impairment tests for goodwill

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if  events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might 
be impaired. The carrying values are assessed on a value in use basis for impairment purposes by calculating the net present value 
(NPV) of  future cash flows arising from the original acquired business. The goodwill impairment review assessed whether the carrying 
value of  goodwill was supported by the NPV of  future cash flows based on management forecasts for 5 years, an assumed growth rate 
of  1% (2019: 1%) for the next 5 years and a discount rate of  12% (2019: 12%). There is significant headroom in the assessment from a 
range of  reasonable sensitivities.

Government grants

The Company has received aggregate grants from UK and European government research and development initiatives amounting to 
£965,005 (2019: £908,547) which fund a proportion of  development work and which have been deferred in line with the capitalised 
development cost assets above that they relate to. They are released to profit and loss in line with the amortisation of  the costs. There are 
no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attached to the grants.

Company 

Cost

As at 1 January 2019 

Additions 

Reclassification 

As at 31 December 2019 

Additions  

As at 31 December 2020 

Amortisation or Impairment

As at 1 January 2019 

Charge 

Reclassification 

As at 31 December 2019 

Charge  

As at 31 December 2020 

Carrying amount

As at 31 December 2019 

As at 31 December 2020 

Goodwill 
£’000 

Patent costs 
£’000 

Computer  Development 
costs 
£’000 

Software 
£’000 

104 

– 

– 

104 

– 

104 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

104 

104 

62 

14 

– 

76 

8 

84 

19 

5 

– 

24 

5 

29 

52 

55 

89 

6 

(18) 

77 

9 

86 

77 

2 

(14) 

65 

5 

70 

12 

16 

2,552 

1,816 

– 

4,368 

2,447 

6,815 

92 

176 

– 

268 

255 

523 

Total 
£’000

2,807

1,836

(18)

4,625

2,464

7,089

188

183

(14)

357

265

622

4,100 

6,292 

4,268

6,467

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
62

10  Property, plant and equipment

Group 

Cost

As at 1 January 2019 

Additions  

On transition to IFRS 16 

Reclassification 

As at 31 December 2019 

Additions  

On acquisition 

Movement 

As at 31 December 2020 

Depreciation

As at 1 January 2019 

Charge 

Reclassification 

As at 31 December 2019 

Charge  

Reclassification 

As at 31 December 2020 

Carrying amount

As at 31 December 2019 

As at 31 December 2020 

Leasehold 
improvements 
£’000 

Plant and 
machinery 
£’000 

Right of 
use assets - 
Plant 
£’000 

Right of 
use assets - 
Buildings 
£’000 

375 

88 

– 

– 

463 

17 

– 

– 

480 

91 

32 

– 

123 

38 

– 

161 

340 

319 

1,047 

76 

– 

18 

1,141 

318 

2,257 

(2,209) 

1,507 

713 

73 

14 

799 

393 

(289) 

903 

214 

603 

860 

626 

– 

– 

1,486 

1,334 

703 

2,209 

5,732 

214 

127 

– 

342 

237 

289 

868 

– 

– 

814 

– 

814 

– 

1,914 

– 

2,728 

– 

93 

– 

93 

247 

– 

340 

1,272 

4,865 

721 

2,388 

Total 
£’000

2,282

790

814

18

3,904

1,669

4,874

–

10,447

1,018

325

14

1,357

915

–

2,272

2,547

8,175

Included within the carrying amount of  the above, are assets held subject to hire purchase contracts of  £2.8M (2019: £1.18M) relating 
to plant and machinery.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
Company 

Cost

As at 1 January 2019 

Additions  

On transition to IFRS 16 

Reclassification 

As at 31 December 2019 

Additions  

As at 31 December 2020 

Depreciation

As at 1 January 2019 

Charge 

Reclassification 

As at 31 December 2019 

Charge  

As at 31 December 2020 

Carrying amount

As at 31 December 2019 

As at 31 December 2020 

Leasehold 
improvements 
£’000 

Plant and 
machinery 
£’000 

Right of 
use assets - 
Plant 
£’000 

Right of 
use assets - 
Buildings 
£’000 

375 

88 

– 

– 

463 

17 

480 

91 

32 

– 

123 

38 

161 

340 

319 

1,907 

702 

– 

18 

2,627 

1,315 

3,942 

927 

200 

14 

1,141 

277 

1,418 

1,486 

2,524 

860 

626 

– 

0 

1,486 

1,182 

2,668 

214 

127 

0 

342 

204 

545 

1,144 

2,123 

– 

– 

814 

– 

814 

– 

814 

– 

93 

– 

93 

93 

186 

721 

628 

63

Total 
£’000

2,282

790

814

18

3,904

1,332

5,236

1,018

325

14

1,357

408

1,765

2,547

3,471

Included within the carrying amount of  the above, are assets held subject to hire purchase contracts of  £2.12M (2019: £1.18M) relating 
to plant and machinery.

11  Investments

As at 1 January 2020 

Stevenage Circuits Limited 

As at 31 December 2020 

Company 
2020 
£’000

–

2,172

2,172

The  Company  owns  100%  of   the  share  capital  in  Stevenage  Circuits  Limited,  a  company  registered  at  1  Ashvale,  Alexandra  Way, 
Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 8NB. The company is a manufacturer of  PCBs.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2020Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

For the year ended December 2019

12  Inventories

Raw materials 

Work in progress 

Finished goods 

Group 
2020 
£’000 

1,088 

528 

394 

2,010 

Company 
2020 
£’000 

Group and  
Company 
2019 
£’000

384 

130 

79 

593 

364

142

49

555

There is no material difference between the value of  inventories stated and their replacement cost. There are no material stock provisions 
at any period end, neither have material amounts of  stock been written off  in any of  the periods presented.

13  Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 

Amounts owed by group undertakings 

Other receivables 

Prepayments 

Group 
2020 
£’000 

1,381 

– 

– 

371 

1,752 

Company 
2020 
£’000 

Group and 
Company 
2019 
£’000

370 

2,077 

17 

263 

2,727 

831

–

7

819

1,657

Trade receivables are stated net of  impairment for estimated irrecoverable amounts of  £20K (2019: £1K). There have been no material 
write offs or other material movements in the impairment provision recognised in the current or prior period.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of  trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value. Prepayments includes 
£nil (2019: £743K) in respect of  deposits for capital equipment.

The Directors consider the credit quality of  trade and other receivables that are neither past due nor impaired to be of  good quality. 
Substantially all overdue amounts have been collected since the year end.

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

For the year ended December 2019

65
65

14  Trade and other payables

Amounts falling due within one year:

Trade payables 

Taxes and social security costs 

Other payables 

Accruals and deferred income 

Provisions 

Amounts falling due after more than one year:

Deferred income – grants 

Group 
2020 
£’000 

Company 
2020 
£’000 

Group and 
Company 
2019 
£’000

1,076 

318 

0 

319 

244 

1,956 

910 

434 

102 

0 

95 

0 

631 

910 

652

52

51

291

-

1,046

856

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of  trade and other payables approximates to their fair values. Accruals and deferred 
income includes a contract liability totalling £118K (2019:£139K) in relation to one customer payment received in advance. During the 
current period revenue totalling £21K (2019 : £Nil) was recognised as certain performance obligations were met.

15  Borrowings

Amounts falling due within one year:

Lease liabilities 

Hire purchase contract obligations  

Other short term financing 

Amounts falling due between one and five years:

Lease liabilities 

Hire purchase contract obligations  

Amounts falling due in more than five years:

Lease liabilities 

Total borrowings 

Group 
2020 
£’000 

Company 
2020 
£’000 

Group and 
Company 
2019 
£’000

187 

740 

128 

1,055 

1,258 

1,713 

2,971 

1,107 

5,133 

80 

469 

128 

677 

411 

1,101 

1,512 

161 

2,350 

73

266

–

339

364

601

965

288

1,592

Hire purchase obligations are secured on the specific tangible fixed assets to which they relate.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2019Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66
66

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

For the year ended December 2019

Financing activities and movements in total borrowings 

As at 1 January 2019 

Cash movements:

Lease payments in respect of  right of  use assets 

Hire purchase contract payments  

Interest paid 

Non-cash movements:

Interest accrued 

Lease liability on transition to IFRS 16 

New hire purchase contracts 

As at 31 December 2019 

Cash movements:

Lease payments in respect of  right of  use assets 

Hire purchase contract payments  

Interest paid 

Non-cash movements:

Interest accrued 

On acquisition of  subsidiary 

New hire purchase and financing contracts 

As at 31 December 2020 

Payments due under lease liabilities are as follows:

In one year or less 

Between one and five years 

In more than five years 

Over five years 

Future finance charges 

Present value of  liabilities 

£’000

518

(89)

(195)

(83)

83

814

544

1,592

(87)

(397)

(195)

195

2,374

1,651

5,133

Group 
2020 
£’000 

Company 
2020 
£’000 

Group and 
Company 
2019 
£’000

1,314 

3,649 

1,232 

6,195 

(1,062) 

5,133 

792 

1,772 

184 

2,748 

(398) 

2,350 

434

873

306

1,613

335

(356)

1,592

16  Financial instruments and capital management

Risk management

The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of  the Group’s risk management objectives and policies. The overall objective 
of  the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as possible without unduly affecting the Group’s innovation and flexibility. All 
funding requirements and financial risks are managed based on policies and procedures adopted by the Board of  Directors. The Group 
is exposed to financial risks in respect of  market, credit, foreign exchange and liquidity risk.

Capital management

The Group’s capital comprises all components of  equity which includes share capital, retained earnings and other reserves as indicated 
in the Statement of  Financial Position.

The  Group’s  objectives  when  maintaining  capital  are  to  safeguard  the  entity’s  ability  to  continue  as  a  going  concern,  so  that  it  can 
continue to provide returns for Shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders, and to provide an adequate return to Shareholders by 
pricing products and services commensurately with the level of  risk.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2019Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
67

The capital structure of  the Company and Group consists of  Shareholders equity with all working capital requirements financed from 
cash and capital expenditure utilising cash and term hire purchase contracts.

The Group sets the amount of  capital it requires in proportion to risk. It manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in the 
light of  changes in economic conditions, terms of  borrowing facilities and the risk characteristics of  the underlying assets and activity. 
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.

Market risks

These arise from the nature and location of  the customer markets, foreign exchange and interest rate risks.

The Group trades within the UK, European and US aeronautical and communications markets, and accordingly there is a risk relating 
to the underlying performance of  these markets. The Directors monitor this and the foreign exchange risk closely with the intention to 
foresee downturns in trade or changes in the use of  technology.

Foreign exchange risk

The Group trades in overseas markets and, whilst it has net foreign currency balances, has forward contracts in place with an option to 
sell sufficient foreign currency receipts at a fixed rate which it uses to manage pricing and the exposure to exchange rate risks. It is not 
considered to be a material sensitivity to the range of  fluctuations in exchange rates experienced within the last year.

The Group had the following net cash, sales ledger and purchase ledger balances denominated in foreign currencies:

Euro denominated 

US dollar denominated 

Credit risk

2020 
£’000 

1,121 

(12) 

2019 
£’000

178

222

Credit risk is the risk of  financial loss if  a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. 
The  Group  is  mainly  exposed  to  credit  risk  from  credit  sales  and  attempts  to  mitigate  credit  risk  by  assessing  the  creditworthiness 
of  customers and closely monitoring payments history. Given the long experience of  the Group with its customers and in view of  the 
systems and relations with customers that the Group has, the Directors consider the credit quality of  trade receivables to be good and 
debts to be virtually fully recoverable. The credit quality of  trade receivables can be assessed via external credit ratings (if  available) or 
to historical information about default rates.

The Group considers a debtor to be in default when a decision has been made to commence legal proceedings for recovery. There 
have been no material impairments to trade or other receivables invoiced within the 3 years included within these financial statements.

Impairment provisions are also recognised based on the simplified approach within IFRS9 using the lifetime expected credit losses. To 
measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables are grouped based on shared credit risk and days past due.  The expected loss 
rates are based on payment profiles and historical credit loss experience.  The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and 
forward looking information on macroeconomic factors affecting the ability of  the customers to settle receivables. 

Credit risk on cash and cash equivalents is considered to be minimal as the counterparties are all substantial banks with high credit ratings.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is the total of  financial assets as set out in the table below.

Interest rate risk

The Group makes use of  fixed rate finance lease or hire purchase agreements to acquire property, plant and equipment; this ensures 
that  the  Group  maintains  its  existing  working  capital  and  ensures  certainty  of   costs  at  the  point  of   acquisition  of   those  assets.  The 
Directors therefore do not consider that the Group is exposed to a material risk or sensitivity from fluctuations in interest rates as all lease 
liabilities have fixed interest rates. These liabilities are set out in note 14.

Liquidity risk

The maturity of  the Group’s financial liabilities including borrowing facilities detailed above is as set out below. Current liabilities were 
payable on demand or to normal trade credit terms with the exception of  hire purchase contract obligations payable monthly and leases 
payable quarterly.

Liquidity risk of  the business is managed by the preparation of  and monitoring of  a rolling weekly cash forecast which is integrated with 
a regular review of  credit risk exposure (as detailed above) and the Board level review of  three-month rolling finance facility headroom.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2019Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68

At 31 December 2019 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities 

Hire purchase contracts (including interest) 

At 31 December 2020 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities 

Other short term financing 

Hire purchase contracts (including interest) 

Up to 1 year 
£’000 

1-2 years 
£’000 

2-5 years 
£’000 

In more 
than 5 years 
£’000

855 

118 

316 

1,289 

– 

120 

288 

408 

– 

366

405 

771 

–

306

306

Up to 1 year 
£’000 

1-2 years 
£’000 

2-5 years 
£’000 

In more 
than 5 years 
£’000

1,956 

334 

128 

962 

– 

415 

– 

738 

3,380 

1,153 

– 

1,244 

– 

1,252 

2,496 

–

1,232

–

–

1,232

Classification of financial instruments

All financial assets are held at amortised cost and all financial liabilities have been classified as other financial liabilities measured at 
amortised cost with the exception of  any forward currency contracts that exist which are measured at fair value as a derivative instrument.

Financial assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Financial liabilities 

At amortised cost

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities  

Other short term financing 

Hire purchase contracts 

17  Deferred tax liabilities

Group
Liability/(asset) in respect of:

As at 31 December 2019 

On acquisition 

Debit/(credit) to profit or loss 

As at 31 December 2020 

2020 
£’000 

1,381 

13,930 

15,311 

2020 
£’000 

1,956 

2,552 

128 

2,453 

7,089 

Accelerated 
capital  
allowances 
£’000 

Intangible 
assets 
£’000 

Share Based 
Payment 
£’000 

242 

345 

198 

785 

407 

– 

265 

672 

(48) 

– 

(445) 

(493) 

Losses 
£’000 

(200) 

(345) 

(213) 

(758) 

2019 
 £’000

838

567

1,405

2019 
£’000

855

725

–

867

2,447

Total 
£’000

401

–

(195)

206

There is an unrecognised deferred tax asset in respect of  losses carried forward of  approximately £460K (2019: £nil).

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2019Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
69

Company
Liability/(asset) in respect of:

As at 31 December 2019 

Debit/(credit) to profit or loss 

As at 31 December 2020 

Accelerated 
capital  
allowances 
£’000 

242 

225 

467 

Intangible 
assets 
£’000 

Share Based 
Payment 
£’000 

407 

265 

672 

(48) 

(445) 

(493) 

Losses 
£’000 

(200) 

(240) 

(440) 

Total 
£’000

401

(195)

206

18	 Defined	contribution	scheme

The Group contributes to personal pension plans for the benefit of  employees. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable 
by the Group to the funds.

Contributions payable by the Group for the year 

19  Share capital

Group and Company 

Allotted, called up and fully paid

2020 
£’000 

120 

 2020 
£’000 

2019 
£’000

63

2019 
£’000

28,426,122 (2019: 14,772,372) Ordinary Shares of  £0.04 each 

1,137 

591

7,341,250 Ordinary £0.04 shares were issued on 30 March 2020 at 80 pence each in order to provide funds for the acquisition of  SCL 
investment and working capital. 6,312,500 £0.04 Ordinary Shares were issued on 9 December 2020 at £2.00 per share in order to provide 
funds for further investment in plant and manufacturing capacity required by manufacturing agreements and anticipated demand.

Ordinary shares have equal rights to votes in any circumstances and are non-redeemable.

Ordinary shares have rights to receive dividends and capital distributions.

No dividends have been declared or are proposed in respect of  the year (2019: £nil).

Analysis of Movements of Shares in Issue 

1 January 

Shares issued on 30 March 2020 

Shares issued on 9 December 2020 

31 December 

20  Contingent liabilities

2020 

2019

14,772,372 

14,772,372

7,341,250 

6,312,500 

–

–

28,426,122 

14,772,372

At 31 December 2020, the Company and Group had no contingent liabilities (2019: none).

21  Financial commitments

The Company and Group had capital commitments of  £3.51M at 31 December 2020 (2019: £706K) in respect of  the investment to be 
made in new plant.

22  Share Option Plan

Introduction

The Group established the EMI Share Option Plan on 15 June 2018 which allows for the grant of  enterprise management incentive share 
options which qualify for favourable tax treatment under the provisions of  Schedule 5 to Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 
(ITEPA) (EMI Options) and awards of  non-qualifying options (together Awards).

The  awards  are  not  transferable.  Only  the  person  to  whom  an  Award  is  granted  or  his  or  her  personal  representatives  may  acquire 
Ordinary Shares pursuant to an Award.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2019Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70

The Board and Remuneration Committee has overall responsibility for the operation and administration of  the Share Option Plan and 
discretion to select the persons to whom Awards are to be granted.

Size of EMI Options grants/plan limits

The Group will grant EMI Options for as long as the Group satisfies the qualifying conditions set out in the EMI Code.

Under the EMI Code, an employee may hold EMI Options over Ordinary Shares with a value (as at the date of  grant) up to £250K. Where 
this threshold is exceeded, the employee may not receive EMI Options for three years. He may, however, receive non-qualifying Awards, 
subject to the limit as set out below.

Unless  the  Remuneration  Committee  otherwise  determines,  the  aggregate  number  of   Ordinary  Shares  over  which  Awards  may  be 
granted  under  the  Share  Option  Plan  on  any  date  shall  be  limited  so  that  the  total  number  of   Ordinary  Shares  issued  and  issuable 
pursuant to Awards granted under the Share Option Plan and any other share scheme operated by the Company in any rolling 10-year 
period will be restricted to 10 per cent of  the Group’s issued Ordinary Share capital from time to time calculated at the relevant time.

Rights attaching to shares

Ordinary Shares issued in connection with the exercise of  Awards will rank equally with Ordinary Shares of  the same class then in issue. 
Application will be made for admission to trading on AIM of  new Ordinary Shares issued.

Malus and Clawback

The Remuneration Committee may apply clawback where at any time before or within a year of  vesting it determines that the final results 
of   the  Company  were  misstated.  The  Remuneration  Committee  may  also  apply  the  clawback  at  any  time  if   it  is  discovered  that  the 
participant engaged in fraudulent or dishonest conduct prior to vesting that justified, or would have justified, summary dismissal from 
office or employment.

Awards

Included in the awards are options over 368,690 Ordinary Shares granted to Mark Hodgkins, a Director, both within the EMI scheme and 
further non qualifying options.

Share option movements

Outstanding at beginning of  the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Issued during the year 

Outstanding at the end of  the year 

2020 
Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price (p) 

28 

28 

87.5 

57.5 

2020 

Number 

915,360 

(13,415) 

984,000 

1,885,909 

2019 
Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price (p) 

28 

28 

- 

28 

2019 

Number

990,015

(74,655)

-

915,360

Of  the outstanding options at the reporting date none were exercisable (2019: none).  

Options over 990,015 Ordinary Shares were granted to employees on 15 June 2018. They are exercisable at 28.25 pence per share after 
a period of  3 years. The share-based payment charge of  72.25 pence per option share has been measured using the Black Scholes 
model applying the three-year vesting period, a volatility of  50% and annual risk-free rate of  1.5%. Options over 984,000 Ordinary Shares 
were granted to employees on 24 June 2020. They are exercisable at 87.5 pence per share after a period of  2 years and subject to 
performance conditions being met. The share-based payment charge of  30 pence per option share has been measured using the Black 
Scholes model applying an expected three-year vesting period, a volatility of  50% and annual risk-free rate of  1.0%.

23  Business combination

The parent company acquired all of  the share capital of  Stevenage Circuits Limited (‘SCL’), a UK-based designer and manufacturer of  
short flex and rigid printed circuit boards, on 1 April 2020. The acquisition primarily adds further manufacturing capacity to enable the 
demand-led ramp up of  Trackwise Design’s Improved Harness Technology production, as well as customers and technical, sales and 
operational expertise.

The assets were acquired at a discount to their fair value resulting in negative goodwill of  £1.64M which has been credited to the income 
statement in accordance with IFRS 3 and represents an exceptional item in the period. This relates to the ability of  the combined group to 
fully utilise the manufacturing capacity of  SCL and enhance earnings from the specialist plant and equipment. The consolidated negative 
goodwill credit is not expected to be taxable.

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2019Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The fair values of  the assets and liabilities acquired are as follows:

Property, plant and equipment 

Right of  use property assets 

Intangible assets 

Inventories 

Trade receivables and prepayments 

Tax 

Cash 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities 

Hire purchase liabilities 

Provisions 

Negative goodwill arising 

Consideration paid 

71

Fair value 
£’000

3,013

1,914

11

871

1,121

492

544

(1,699)

(1,914)

(460)

(79)

3,814

(1,642)

2,172

Consideration was paid in cash and there is no deferred or contingent consideration payable.

Gross trade receivables acquired were £897K all of  which all was expected to be recovered. Right of  use property assets are included 
in property, plant and equipment and lease liabilities within borrowings in the consolidated statement of  financial position.

Acquisition related expenses of  £226K have been charged as an exceptional item in the income statement together with £278K incurred 
in respect of  the integration of  SCL into the Group. This involved incremental project time and cost to bring processes and operations 
in line with Trackwise.

The  negative  goodwill  and  acquisition  expenses  are  both  considered  highly  material  and  significant  non-recurring  items.  They  are 
therefore presented below operating loss in the consolidated income statement.

24 

Ultimate controlling party and related party transactions

There was no individual controlling party as at 31 December 2020.

The key management personnel are considered to be the Directors. Please refer to Note 5 for details of  key management personnel 
remuneration. M Hodgkins, a Director of  the Company, holds options over 368,690 Ordinary Shares in the Company (note 22).

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2019Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72

25	 Adjusted	Operating	Profit	and	EBITDA

In monitoring the performance of  the business, the Directors focus on operating profit adjusted for material non-recurring or non-trading 
expenses and the adjustments so made are set out below:

Adjusted operating (loss)/ profit: 

Operating loss 

Add back share-based payments 

Severance costs 

Non recurring set up costs for new customer 

Exchange loss arising from contracted rate for Brexit downside protection 

Adjusted operating (loss)/profit 

Finance income and expense 

Adjusted (loss)/profit before taxation 

2020 
£’000 

(541) 

228 

– 

128 

– 

(185) 

(191) 

(376) 

The measure of  EBITDA is not recognised by IFRS however it remains an important performance measure for management.

Adjusted EBITDA: 

Operating loss 

Depreciation (net of  development cost capitalisation) 

Amortisation 

Share based payments 

Severance costs 

Non recurring set up costs for new customer 

Exchange loss arising from contracted rate for Brexit downside protection 

Adjusted EBITDA 

2020 
£’000 

(541) 

693 

265 

228 

– 

128 

– 

773 

2019 
£’000

(51)

224

28

–

57

(258)

(27)

231

2019 
£’000

(51)

132

183

224

28

–

57

573

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended December 2019Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary of Terms

73

BEIS 

CBILS 

CEM 

Department of  Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Contract Electronics Manufacturer

DEFRA 

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

DI 

EMI 

ESG 

EV 

EWIS 

GHG 

Direct Imaging

Enterprise Management Incentive

Environmental & Social Governance

Electric Vehicle

Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems

Greenhouse Gas

HVBM 

High Voltage Battery Module

IATA 

IFRS 

IHT 

IPR 

MIS 

NDA 

NPV 

OEM 

PCB 

International Air Transport Association

International Financial Reporting Standards

Improved Harness Technology TM

Intellectual Property Rights

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Non-Disclosure Agreement

Net Present Value

Original Equipment Manufacturer

Printed Circuit Board

PCBA 

Printed Circuit Board Assembly

PPE 

QCA 

RF 

SCL 

TWD 

UAM 

Personal Protective Equipment

Quoted Companies Alliance

Radio Frequency

Stevenage Circuits Limited

Trackwise Designs plc

Urban Air Mobility

Trackwise Designs plc74

Officers and Professional Advisers

DIRECTORS: 

Ian Griffiths 
Philip Johnston 
Mark Hodgkins 
Charles Cattaneo 
Susan McErlain 

Non-Executive Chair
Chief  Executive Officer
Chief  Financial Officer
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

COMPANY SECRETARY: 

Mark Hodgkins

NOMINATED ADVISOR 
& BROKER: 

AUDITOR: 

REGISTERED OFFICES: 

LAWYER: 

REGISTRAR: 

finnCap Limited
60 New Broad Street
London
EC2M 1JJ

Mazars LLP
45 Church Street
Birmingham
B3 2RT

Trackwise Designs plc
1 Ashvale
Alexandra Way
Tewkesbury
Gloucestershire
GL20 8NB

Registered in England/Wales
Company no. 3959572

Trackwise Europe Limited
The Black Church
St. Mary’s Place
Dublin 7 Ireland

Registered in Ireland
Company no: 635429

Gateley Plc
111 Edmund Street
Birmingham
B3 2HJ

Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA

Perivan   260303

Trackwise Designs plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 APRIL 2021

ASHVALE SITE READY FOR IHT DEDICATED ACTIVITY

 
 
 
 
Trackwise Designs plc

1 Ashvale | Alexandra Way | Tewkesbury | Gloucestershire GL20 8NB | UK

T: +44 (0) 1684 299930 | E: enquiries@trackwise.co.uk | W: www.trackwise.co.uk