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Tracsis Plc

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FY2014 Annual Report · Tracsis Plc
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0 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Annual Report & Accounts 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   1 

Contents 

Strategic Report 
Our Business at a Glance 
Strategy and Business Model 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s Report 
(incorporating Business Review and Future Developments) 
Risk Management 
Key Performance Indicators 

Governance 
Board of Directors 
Directors’ Report 
Directors’ Remuneration Report 
Corporate Governance 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
Independent Auditor Report to the members of Tracsis plc 

Financial Statements 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income  
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Company Balance Sheet 
Notes to the Company Balance Sheet 

Group Information 

2 
3 
4 

8 
11 

12 
13 
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21 
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62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Strategic Report 

Our Business at a Glance 

Tracsis plc was founded in January 2004 to commercialise world class research and expertise 
developed in the field of transport scheduling and software optimisation technologies.   

In  the  subsequent  years  Tracsis  has  grown  rapidly,  diversified  into  other  related  transport 
technologies, and successfully executed an aggregation strategy that has seen it make a total 
of  6  acquisitions  so  far.    Today,  the  Group  specialises  in  solving  a  variety  of  data  capture, 
reporting and resource optimisation problems along with the provision of a range of associated 
professional services.  

Tracsis’  products  and  services  are  used  to  increase  efficiency,  reduce  cost  and  improve  the 
operational  performance  and  decision  making  capabilities  for  clients  and  customers.  The 
Group has a blue chip client base which includes the majority of UK transport operators such 
as  Arriva,  First,  Go-Ahead,  National  Express,  Stagecoach,  and  Virgin.    The  business  also 
works extensively with large transport authorities and infrastructure operators such as Network 
Rail, the Department for Transport, Transport Scotland, Transport for London, numerous local 
authorities and a variety of large engineering and infrastructure companies. 

The Group’s products and services comprise four principal revenue streams:  

•  Software:  Industry  strength  resource  optimisation  and  rail  management  software  that 

covers a variety of asset and information classes;  

•  Professional  Services:  Consulting  and technology  related  professional  services  across 

the operational and strategic planning horizon; 

•  Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM): Technology and reporting for critical infrastructure 
assets in real time, to identify problems and aid with preventative maintenance; and 
•  Data  Capture  and  Analytics:  Collection,  collation  and  analytical  services  of  traffic  and 

passenger/customer data within rail, traffic and pedestrian rich environments. 

Tracsis has offices in the UK and Australia which service projects in Europe and Australasia.  
We currently employ close to 300 staff many of whom are shareholders in the company. 

The  business  drives  growth  both  organically  and  via  strategic  acquisition  and  has  made  six 
acquisitions since coming to marking in 2007. 

Financial highlights  
for the year ended 31 July 2014: 

•  Revenues increased 106% to £22.4m (2013: £10.8m) 
•  Adjusted EBITDA increased 61% to £5.4m (2013: £3.4m) 
•  Profit Before Tax increased 62% to £4.2m (2013: £2.6m) 
•  Cash balances grew to £8.9m (2013: £6.6m) 
•  Full year dividend increased 14% to 0.8p per share (2013: 0.7p) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   3 

Strategic Report 

Strategy and Business Model  

Our  vision  for  Tracsis  is  to  become  a leading  provider  of  high  value,  niche  technology  solutions and  services  for  the  global 
transportations  markets.    Our  business  model  remains  focussed  on specialist  offerings  that  have  high  barriers  to  entry,  are 
sold  on  a  recurring  basis  under  contract,  and  to  a  retained  customer  base  that  is  largely  blue  chip  in  nature  with  limited 
competitive pressures.   Our vision will be achieved via a 3 pronged strategy.   

1)  Manageable, industry-led organic growth through continual innovation of products and services. 

2)  International expansion in select overseas markets. 

3)  Reinvesting our profits to fund further accretive acquisitions that meet with our disciplined investment criteria. 

We believe our strategy will allow Tracsis to continue the growth trajectory we have achieved since IPO in 2007 and deliver 
further significant value to shareholders in the short, medium and long term.  Achievements made in the past year in respect 
of our business strategy can be summarised as follows: 

Strand of Strategy: 

Achievements 2013/14: 

1  Organic 

further sales from existing 
products to UK 

2  Overseas Markets 

as yet relatively untapped 

3 

Acquisitions 

•  Renewal of a major Framework Agreement with our largest UK customer 
for the Group’s Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) technology.  This has 
been extended until March 2018 
Tracsis  Data  Capture  and  Analytics  division  (trading  as  Sky  High 
Technology) selected to deliver a significant piece of traffic data collection 
work for the Department for Transport 

• 

•  Consultancy  division  worked  extensively  with  various  transport  owning 
groups on the re-franchising of East Coast, Docklands Light Railway and 
ScotRail 

•  Growth in revenues, excluding acquisitions in the current year, to £21.8m 

versus £10.8m in 2012/13 

•  Software products continually evolving via industry led feedback 
•  Remote Condition Monitoring technology continue to receive research and 

development investment 

•  North  American  pilot  for  Remote  Condition  Monitoring  technology  with 

• 

major Class 1 rail operator announced November 2013 
This work  was subsequently extended in July 2014 and now includes 11 
discrete geographies across the United States 

•  Our  Australian  data  capture  division  contributed  £1.7m  of  revenue  in  the 

financial year  

•  Significant software project won in Sweden working with a major transport 

• 

owning group  
Increased  levels  of  business  in  Ireland  for  our  Remote  Condition 
Monitoring technology 

•  Permanent Ireland presence established and new staff in place 

•  Completed the purchase of Datasys Integration Limited in May 2014 – our 

• 

sixth acquisition since IPO 
This rail technology business is highly complementary to the core Tracsis 
software offering with good synergies across respective businesses 
•  Datasys  contributed  £0.5m  to  revenue  and  £0.1m  to  profit  in  the  two 

month period prior to year end 

•  Purchase price of £4.5m, less £1.3m of cash acquired 
• 

The Group anticipates Datasys will be highly accretive to Tracsis with high 
levels of recurring revenue and profit going forward 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Strategic Report 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report  

A welcome from Chris Cole, Non-Executive Chairman 

I  am  pleased,  with  John,  to  provide  this  year’s  combined  Chairman  and  CEO  report.    I  was  appointed  in April  2014  as  the 
Group’s  new  Non-Executive  Chairman  and  I  can  confirm  that  my  expectations  regarding  the  Business,  its  people  and  the 
Markets in which they work have been upheld.   

I am excited by the opportunities available to Tracsis, indeed it was a key factor in my decision to join, and one of my jobs is to 
ensure direction and support as we navigate and deliver on these opportunities whilst making sure that the Group continues to 
mature as we grow.  My thanks to the Directors and Management for assisting my induction into Tracsis. 

Introduction 

The Group has enjoyed a further year of substantial growth, with overall Group revenues exceeding £20m for the first time, 
and an EBITDA in excess of £5m.  Both of these are significantly ahead of the previous year and a considerable achievement 
for Tracsis.   This  has  been  a  year  of  rapid  growth  and  success  for  the  Group,  and  the  Directors  are  very  pleased  with  the 
performance in the year and the resulting financial position. 

Business overview 

The  Tracsis  Group  specialises  in  solving  a  variety  of  resource  optimisation,  rail  management,  data  capture,  and  reporting 
problems via the provision of a range of software, hardware, and associated high value technology led professional services.  
We  choose  to  operate  in  these  niche  areas  where  we  believe  there  is  clear  customer  pain  and  where  existing  technology 
solutions are not available.   

The Group’s market offering can be broadly categorised into four distinct revenue streams; 

1.  Software:  Industrial  strength  resource  optimisation  and  rail  management  software  that  covers  a  variety  of  asset 

classes. 

2.  Remote Condition Monitoring:  Hardware and embedded software for real-time reporting on critical infrastructure 

assets, to identify problems, predict failure, and aid with preventative maintenance. 

3.  Data  Capture  &  Analytics:  Collection,  collation  and  analytical  services  of  traffic  and  pedestrian  data  such  as 

volumes, queuing times, categorisation, crowding and dwell times. 

4.  Professional Services: Transport consulting and related professional services across the operational and strategic 

planning horizon. 

The  Group's  mission  is  to  solve  well  recognised  issues  within  transportation.  Through  the  provision  of  its  products  and 
services, Tracsis provides its clients with better visibility and information to assist in front line decision making whilst driving 
efficiency  and  productivity.  The  Directors  believe  that  the  transport  industry,  in  particular  rail  which  forms  a  key  part  of  the 
Group’s business, is well positioned for further growth and the Group should be able to capitalise on this with its product and 
service offerings. 

Financial summary 

The Group delivered revenue of £22.4m for the year, an increase of 106% on the prior year (2013: £10.8m) which exceeded 
the Board's original expectations. 

Organic  revenues  increased  to  £21.8m,  which  represents  good  growth  across  all  other  parts  of  the  Group  and  a  full  year 
contribution from Sky High. Revenues from Datasys Integration Limited (acquired May 2014) contributed £0.5m to the total.  
The full benefit of this latest acquisition will be experienced in the next financial year ending July 2015. 

Adjusted EBITDA* rose 61% to £5.4m (2013: £3.4m) with statutory profit before tax 62% higher at £4.2m (2013: £2.6m). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   5 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

The  full  year  contribution  of  Sky  High  and  Datasys  has  led  to  higher  amortisation  of  intangible  asset  charges  and  higher 
depreciation. It has also led to an additional share based payment charge relating to stock options that were granted to senior 
management within the team in order to retain and motivate key individuals for the future.   

At 31 July 2014, the Group had cash balances of £8.9m (2013: £6.6m). The Group’s strong cash generation and conversion 
capabilities is illustrated by the increase of £2.3m, which was in spite of the purchase of Datasys for net cash of £2.9m. 

* Earnings before finance income, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items and share-based payment charges 

Trading Progress and Prospects 

Software 

Software sales increased to £2.8m, which includes a contribution of £0.5m from the acquisition of Datasys. Organic revenues 
were ahead of the prior year at £2.3m (2013: £2.1m). This demonstrates both the high levels of recurring revenue for the suite 
of  products  and  also  the  high  levels  of  renewals  taking  place.    During  the  year  we  continued  our  strategy  of  cross  selling 
products to our existing customer base and achieved new sales of TRACS Roster, TRACS-RS and also converting one of the 
few remaining UK TOCs to adopt TrainTRACS for operational use. 

Our COMPASS team was also successful in winning a significant piece of work in Sweden with a major rail and bus operator. 
This work will be delivered during the FY14/15 financial year and follows on from other successful large projects the Group 
has delivered in both this territory as well as other international locations. 

Professional Services 

During the period, our Consultancy team worked extensively on various rail franchise bids for a number of transport owning 
Groups.  Our teams supported submissions for the recent East Coast and Scot Rail franchises and earlier in the year worked 
on Essex Thameside, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and Crossrail bids.  This work contributed towards revenues delivered 
by our consultancy team amounting to £1.8m, which was a significant increase on the £1.1m delivered in the previous year 
largely due to the UK rail franchising model being back on track.  Looking forward, the team expects to support bidders for the 
Northern  and  TransPennine  Express  franchise  bids  which  are  due  to  be  submitted  shortly.  The  DfT’s  revised  timetable  for 
bidding activity outlines what is expected to be a busy period in the coming years. The Group has also taken active measures 
to increase the level of non-TOC related consultancy revenue and in this vein has established new revenue streams within the 
signalling consultancy field. 

Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) 

Trading within this part of the Group was once again buoyant with revenues increasing significantly from £3.4m to £5.8m.  In 
October  2013,  the  Group  secured  the  renewal  of  a  Framework  Agreement  with  a  major  UK  infrastructure  customer  for  a 
further  five  years  through  to  2018  which  underpins  our  technology  footprint  and  trading  prospects  for  this  division  going 
forwards.  In January 2014, the Group secured a significant initial order of £2.2m under this Framework Agreement and this 
was fulfilled prior to the end of the financial year. There was significant demand for this technology out with this agreement for 
substantial sales across a range of other customers. 

North America roll-out 

The  Group  secured  a  pilot  project  for  its  RCM  technology  with  one  of  the  largest  class  1  railroad  operators  in  the  United 
States.  The first sale was announced on 14th November 2013 which comprised hardware and software to cover five discrete 
geographies on the customer’s rail network.  On 24th July 2014, Tracsis announced a further sale to the same customer for a 
further six geographies, all of which have now been installed and are currently being monitored on a daily basis. 

The Group anticipates further orders in due course as the client continues to evaluate the Group's technology and its benefits 
for  its  wider  network.    Following  this  success,  the  Group  is  now  working  towards  developing  commercial  relationships  with 
other  large  class  1  railroads.   Our  expansion  plans  within  the  US  are  a  key  driver  of  growth  for  this  division  and  whilst  the 
specific timing of technology uptake is difficult to predict, we see a considerable market opportunity that is many times larger 
than what we have achieved thus far within the UK. 

 
 
 
 
 
6 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

Data capture and passenger counting 

This  part  of  the  Group made a  key contribution  to  revenues  in  the  past  year  with  an  increase  from  £4.1m  to  £12.0m.  This 
takes into account a full year contribution from Sky High which was acquired in April 2013.  Following a period of integration 
with  the  wider  Group,  Sky  High  has  performed  extremely  well  and  has  diversified  its  range  of  data  capture  and  analytics 
offering by moving into non-transport areas and adopting new technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth sensing that can be 
utilised  in  various  ways  to  provide  for  greater  project diversity.  Our  existing  passenger  counts  division  continued  to  operate 
well in its niche market and these two parts of the group have now been integrated. 

Sky  High  was  also  selected  to  deliver  a  significant  piece  of  traffic  data  collection  work  through  a  global  engineering 
consultancy for a UK transport agency under a two year contract with the potential to be extended for a further period of two 
years, which was an important contract win. 

Our team 

We  were  delighted  to strengthen  our  Board  during  the  year  with  two  non-executive  Director appointments.   Chris  Cole  was 
appointed as non-executive Chairman on 28 April 2014. As the founder, former Chief Executive, and now current Chairman of 
WSP  Group,  Chris  brings  with  him  a  wealth  of  experience  in  growing  successful  businesses  and  has  made  an  immediate 
impact.   

On 1 November 2013, Sean Lippell was appointed as a non-executive Director and has also helped to strengthen the Board 
with his experience. As a former managing partner of a major law firm, Sean also has significant commercial experience and 
we welcome him to the Group.   

Dividends 

In  February  2012,  the  Board  implemented  a  progressive  dividend  policy  and  since  then  the  Group  has  maintained  this 
approach  of  growing  its  dividend  in  line  with  the  Group's  growth.    To  this  end,  an  interim  dividend  of  0.35p  per  share  for 
2013/14 was paid in April 2014.  A final dividend of 0.45p per share in respect of 2013/14 is proposed, to take the full year 
dividend to 0.80p. This represents a 14% increase on the 2012/13 total dividend paid of 0.70p per share, which in itself was a 
27% increase on the 0.55p per share paid in respect of 2011/12.   

The overall level of dividends continues to be well covered by the Group’s profitability and cash position, which supports the 
Group’s  primary  focus  on  growth  via  acquisition  and  development  of  new  products  and  services.  The  progressive  dividend 
policy will be continued going forwards provided that the business continues to trade in line with expectation. 

Acquisitions 

On  16  May  2014,  the  Group  completed  the  acquisition  of  Datasys  Integration  Limited  (the  100%  holding  company  of  the 
trading  subsidiary  Datasys  Limited  together  referred  to  as  ‘Datasys’).  The  gross  headline  consideration  was  £4.5m,  albeit 
£0.4m of this consideration was satisfied in Tracsis shares, and £1.3m of cash was acquired to give a net cash consideration 
of £2.9m.  Datasys had been known to Tracsis for many years given both companies are specialist providers of software to UK 
rail. Datasys is an excellent strategic fit for the Group, given it has a strong software product offering, high levels of recurring 
revenue and profit, and a customer base that is highly complementary to certain parts of Tracsis.  Integration of this business 
is well underway and Datasys made a positive contribution to the Group’s results in the two month period from acquisition to 
year end, contributing revenues in excess of £0.5m. 

Overseas growth 

Overseas  growth  is  a  key  part  of  the  Group’s  future  growth  strategy  and  whilst  this  remains  relatively  untapped,  further 
progress has been made.  In the year under review, the Group generated £2.1m of revenue from overseas customers (9% of 
overall Group revenues).  The majority of this (£1.7m) came from Sky High Australia, with the balance of £0.4m coming from 
clients  in  Sweden,  Ireland  and  New  Zealand.  A  small  amount  of  revenue  came  from  the  American  pilot  for  the  Remote 
Condition Monitoring technology and this represents an exciting opportunity for the year ahead. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   7 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

Summary and Outlook 

Tracsis has performed well in the period and delivered another significant year of growth across all areas of the Group with 
revenue,  adjusted  EBITDA  and  Profit  before  Tax  being  well  ahead  of  the  same  period  last  year.    Good  progress  has  been 
made  in  expanding  the  geographic  footprint  of  our  business  with  new  customers  and  a  technology  partner  within  the  US, 
whilst within the UK, the Group's acquisition has broadened our product offering to UK rail.  Tracsis continues to benefit from a 
strong balance sheet with good cash generation and significant cash reserves that will allow us to realise our growth plans for 
the future.   

The  Group’s  strategy  remains  unchanged:  to  deliver  shareholder  value  and  growth  both  organically  and  by  acquisition,  by 
creating  products  and  services  that  solve  well  recognised  transport  problems  that  are  typically  poorly  served  by  existing 
technology. Our business model remains focussed on niche specialist offerings that have high barriers to entry, are sold on a 
recurring  basis  under  contract,  and  to  a  retained  customer  base  that  is  largely  blue  chip  in  nature  with  limited  competitive 
pressures.    

Looking  ahead,  the  passenger  transport  markets  both  within  the  UK  and  internationally  are  experiencing  record  levels  of 
government spending, rising passenger numbers, and regulatory change.  This environment gives rise to greater demands for 
quality, safety, and the need from both passengers and operators for value for money.  To this end, Tracsis is well placed to 
help solve some of these challenges and sees a wide range of opportunities for further growth across the Group.  In the period 
ahead  we  intend  to  make  further  in-roads  into  overseas  markets,  most  notably  the  US,  whilst  continuing  to  diversify  our 
technology  portfolio  through  a  combination  of  in-house  development  and  further  prudent  allocation  of  capital  to  fund  new 
acquisitions.   

As always, our thanks go to our valued customers, supportive shareholders and, most of all, our talented employees for their 
ongoing support towards the Group’s growth and success. 

Chris Cole, Chairman 

John McArthur, Chief Executive Officer 

12 November 2014 

 
 
 
 
8 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Strategic Report 

Risk Management 

Key risks 
The board carefully considers the risks facing the Group and endeavour to minimise the impact of those risks.  The key risks 
are as follows:  

Description/Potential impact: 

Rail industry structure changes 

Area of Group 
impacted: 

Mitigation: 

Change in the year: 

present 

structure 

The 
and 
organisation  of  the  rail  industry  in 
the  UK  may  be  changed  in  the 
future, or by a future government, 
impacting  the  Group.  The  Group 
derives  a significant  amount of  its 
results from the UK rail industry.   

Competition 

to 

The  success  of  the  Group  may 
lead 
increased  competition, 
especially  in  Data  Capture  where 
our products and services may be 
more easily replicated. The Group 
has  a  variety  of  product  and 
service  offerings  and  some  are 
more 
more 
to 
competition than others.  

exposed 

Reduced government spending 

indirectly 

modernise 

revenues 
The  Group  derives 
directly 
from 
and 
government  commitment  to  invest 
and 
transport 
infrastructure, especially in the UK 
and  Australia,  and  would  be 
significantly 
these 
public 
funding  streams  were 
reduced. 

impacted 

if 

1.  Software 
2.  Consultancy 
3.  Condition 
Monitoring 
4.  Data Capture 

1.  Data Capture 
2.  Consultancy 
3.  Condition 
Monitoring 

4.  Software 

1.  Data Capture 
2.  Condition 
Monitoring 

3.  Consultancy 
4.  Software 

of 

Several 
the  Group’s 
products  and  services  will  still 
be  in  demand  regardless  of 
the structure of the industry as 
them  have  a 
some  of 
value 
demonstrable 
proposition  and 
return  on 
investment  case.  The  Group 
for 
expects 
certain  solutions  will  remain 
regardless 
ownership 
of 
structure.  However,  in  certain 
circumstances,  there  is  very 
against 
little 
politically  driven  changes  or 
other structural changes. 

that  demand 

mitigation 

it 

to 

sure 

pays 

subject 

The  Group 
close 
attention  to  pricing  for  areas 
most 
strong 
competition  and  endeavours 
is 
to  make 
competitively  priced  where 
appropriate.  Where  possible, 
the  Group  tries  to  ensure  its 
products  and  services  have  a 
clear  value  proposition  and 
return on investment such that 
the  products  and  services  are 
embedded  within  its  customer 
base  to  reduce  the  exposure 
to new entrants. 

As  the  Group  continues  to 
grow  and  develop  more 
revenue  streams  and  sources 
of  income,  the  exposure  to 
government  spending  should 
in  theory  reduce.  By  ensuring 
that  the  Group’s products  and 
services  have  a  clear  return 
on 
investment  and  value 
proposition,  then  in  the  event 
in  spending 
that 
does  take  place,  it  is  hoped 
that  budget  and  demand  for 
the  group’s  offerings  will 
remain  strong and not subject 
to reduction. 

reduction 

The 
threat  of  structural 
changes  has  existed  for 
some time and is always a 
risk.  The  prospect  of  a 
general  election  in  2015 
may  potentially  bring  a 
change  of  Government 
which  may 
potentially 
result  in  changes  to  the 
the 
structure  of 
industry 
with 
consequential 
impact on the Group. 

a 

For  the  year  under  review, 
Data  Capture, 
the  area 
most  heavily  exposed  to 
competition,  accounted  for 
around  half  of  the  Group’s 
revenues,  which  increased 
on the previous year due to 
the timing of the acquisition 
of  Sky  High  which  has  a 
full year of trading included 
this  year  as  opposed  to 
reduced levels last year, so 
the  overall 
the 
to 
Group has increased. 

risk 

forthcoming  general 
The 
election 
potential 
and 
change of government may 
result in reduced spending.  

the  UK 

rail 
However, 
industry, one of the group’s 
key markets, has continued 
to  experience  significant 
investment 
the 
Government and the Group 
has benefited from this. 

from 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   9 

Risk Management continued 

Description/Potential impact: 

Area of Group 
impacted: 

Reliance on certain key customers 

Mitigation: 

Change in the year: 

for 

derives 

The  Group  has  a  number  of 
customers 
a 
but 
significant  amount  of  business 
from  single  customer  under  a 
Framework  Agreement 
its 
Remote  Condition  Monitoring 
technology  with  no  guarantee  as 
to  the  timing  or  quantum  of  any 
future 
potential 
orders. 
Furthermore, 
the  Group’s  Data 
Capture operates under a number 
of  Framework  Agreements  and 
team  works 
the  Consultancy 
extensively  with  bidders  during 
franchise  bid  work.  Reduced 
levels  of  trading  with  any  key 
customer  may  adversely  impact 
the Group.  

Attraction  and  retention  of  key 
employees 

The  Group  has  a  number  of  key 
individuals,  though  their  individual 
importance  has  arguably  reduced 
as  the  Group  has  grown  and  the 
reliance 
people 
reduces.  However,  skills  and 
in  our  markets  are 
expertise 
specialist  and  hard 
find  or 
develop,  and  so  further  growth  of 
the business may be restricted.  

certain 

on 

to 

1.  Condition 
Monitoring 
2.  Data Capture 
3.  Consultancy 
4.  Software 

All parts of the Group. 

The  Group  successfully 
extended 
its  Framework 
Agreement for its Condition 
Monitoring 
Technology 
until  2018  with  a  key 
customer.  However,  there 
is  no  guarantee  of  sales 
this 
orders 
agreement 
the 
Framework  itself  provides 
a  barrier  to  entry  for  new 
entrants.  The  Group  also 
two 
announced  a  major 
year  contract  with 
the 
potential to be extended for 
a  further  two  years,  for  its 
Data Capture business. 

under 
but 

The  Group  announced  a 
pilot  in  North  America  for 
its  Condition  Monitoring 
technology  which  remains 
under review. 

As the Group has grown in 
the 
arguably 
size, 
exposure 
certain 
to 
reduces. 
employees 
However,  as  the  economy 
continues  to  grow  and  exit 
recession,  then  the  risk  of 
not  being  able  to  recruit  or 
individuals 
retain 
the 
increases 
competition 
other 
potential employers.  

given 
from 

key 

and 

evolve, 

the  group  continues 

to 
As 
grow 
the 
exposure  to  and  reliance  on 
any one customer will reduce. 
Although 
the  Group  will 
always  be  exposed  to  certain 
key  customers, 
it  manages 
this  risk  by  engaging  with  the 
customers 
to 
understand  their  needs  and 
respond  to  them  in  terms  of 
changes 
or 
service  offerings  to  reinforce 
the  relationship  to  ensure  that 
its  products  and  services  are 
embedded  with  the  customer 
as best as possible.  

proactively 

products 

to 

The  Group  is  also  seeking  to 
mitigate  its  exposure  to  one 
customer in Remote Condition 
expanding 
by 
Monitoring 
overseas  and 
targeting 
certain geographic markets. 

is 

The  Group  offers  competitive 
remuneration  packages,  and 
also offers two share schemes 
to  staff  (EMI  share  options, 
and discounted share options) 
in  order  to  attract  and  retain 
high  calibre  employees.  Such 
share  schemes  are  designed 
that  employees  are 
such 
rewarded in the success of the 
Group,  and  are  tied  in  for  a 
period  of  time.  As  the  Group 
has  grown,  the  EMI  share 
scheme has been restricted to 
certain  staff  but  a  number  of 
staff  continue  to  hold  these 
options from historic times. As 
the  Group  grows,  the  reliance 
on  and  exposure  to  certain 
individuals  in  terms  of  impact 
on 
is 
the  overall  Group, 
reduced. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Risk Management continued 

Area of Group 
impacted: 

1.  Software 
2.  Condition 
Monitoring 
3.  Data Capture 
4.  Consultancy 

Description/Potential impact: 

Technological changes 

develop 

The  Group  has  a  variety  of 
product  and  service  offerings 
which may be under threat should 
rival 
competitors 
technology  or  should  better  ways 
of  doing 
things  be  discovered 
which  make  some  of  the  Group’s 
services  redundant.  This  could 
potentially  lead  to  reduced  levels 
of business. 

Customer pricing pressure 

Price  pressure 
from  customers 
may  potentially  result  in  margins 
being  eroded  in  the  fullness  of 
revenues  are 
time 
achieved  than  those  which  were 
achieved historically. 

lower 

if 

1.  Data Capture 
2.  Software 
3.  Consultancy 
4.  Condition 
Monitoring 

Mitigation: 

Change in the year: 

This 
is  under  constant 
review  as  a  Technology 
focussed  business  and  as 
the  group  becomes  more 
diverse and larger, each of 
the  Group’s  product  and 
service 
are 
subject to different levels of 
technology 
at 
threats 
various points in time. 

offerings 

Data  Capture  now  makes 
up  a  larger  part  of  the 
overall  Group  following  the 
acquisition  of  Sky  High, 
the 
this  part  of 
and 
most 
business 
pricing 
vulnerable 
pressure,  and  as 
the 
element of revenue derived 
from  Data  Capture  has 
increased,  the  risk  to  the 
overall 
has 
increased in the year. 

Group 

is 
to 

that 

they 

The Group continues to invest 
in  research  and  development 
for  its  technology  products  to 
ensure  that  they  remain  up  to 
date  and  also  relevant  to  the 
customer  base,  as 
it  also 
takes feedback from its clients 
about  what  they  require  from 
the  products.  This  helps  to 
remain 
ensure 
relevant.  The  group  works 
closely  with  its  customers  to 
deliver  the  next  generation  of 
products.  For  certain  parts  of 
the Group, the business works 
with  technology  partners  who 
have  specific  expertise  and 
can  help 
to 
maximise its service offerings. 
Some of the Group’s offerings 
are  protected  by  customer 
Framework 
relationships, 
contractual 
Agreements, 
also 
agreements 
significant  development  costs, 
which  provide  protection  even 
if  new  entrants  may  come 
along. 

the  Group 

and 

most 

believes 

relatively 

it 
The  Group 
operates  a 
lean 
business  in  order  to  protect 
against  pricing  pressure,  and 
for 
is  constantly  searching 
ways  to  keep  its  cost  base  to 
a  minimum.  When  reviewing 
tenders  and  enquiries,  pricing 
is  submitted  accordingly  on 
favourable 
the 
commercial  terms.  The  Group 
to  ensuring 
is  committed 
customer 
and 
offering a compelling return on 
its  products 
for 
investment 
with  a  clear  value proposition, 
with 
the 
customer base will continue to 
take  its  products  due  to  their 
quality  and  business  case, 
with  price  being  of 
less 
concern to them. 

the  objective 

satisfaction 

that 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   11 

Strategic Report 

Key Performance Indicators 

The Group’s main Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are as follows: 

1.  Assessed at Group Level: 

a.  Sales Revenue and Profit (Adjusted EBITDA and Profit before Tax) versus budget and prior year 
b.  Sales Pipeline prospects and forecasts versus budget and prior year 
c.  Cash balances, debtors and working capital requirements 

2.  Additional Key Performance Indicators specific to certain revenue streams 

a.  Software: Customer renewal rates and new customer take up / product matrix  
b.  Consultancy: Staff utilisation and chargeability, revenue derived from various sources  
c.  Data Capture & Analytics: Customer enquiries and conversion rates, working capital tie up in debtors and 

work in progress 

d.  Remote Condition Monitoring: Delivery of major orders versus customer requirements, revenue by customer 

25

20

15

10

5

0

5

4

3

2

1

0

10

8

6

4

2

0

Revenue - £m

22.4

10.8

8.7

2.6

4.1

Adjusted EBITDA - £m

5.4

3.3

3.4

1.2

0.7

6

4

2

0

Revenue

EBITDA

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Profit Before Tax - £m

Earnings Per share (Basic) - p

4.2

3.0

2.6

1.1

0.6

12.9

9.96

8.42

4.49

2.5

15

10

5

0

Revenue

Basic EPS

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Cash - £m

8.9

7.6

6.6

4.7

2.5

Cash

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Governance 

Board of Directors 

Executive Directors 

John McArthur (39) Chief Executive Officer 

John has been the Chief Executive Officer of Tracsis since the formation of the company in January 2004.  Prior to this he 
worked as an investment manager with Techtran Group Limited which specialises in developing the commercial potential of 
intellectual  property  developed  at  the  University  of  Leeds.    John  also  worked  for  several  years  with  Axiomlab  Group  plc,  a 
technology venture capital company, having started his career with Arthur Andersen & Co.  He holds a first class degree in 
Management Science from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. 

Max Cawthra (36) Chief Financial Officer 

Max  joined  Tracsis  in  September  2010  as  Financial  Controller  and  was  promoted  to  the  Board  in  August  2011,  as  a 
replacement  for  Darren  Bamforth  who  had  acted  as  Finance  Director on  a  part  time basis.  Max  is  a  Chartered  Accountant, 
having trained with Ernst & Young in Leeds. Prior to joining Tracsis, Max spent seven years at Persimmon plc in a variety of 
roles.  

Non-Executive Directors 

Chris Cole (68) Non-Executive Chairman 

Chris is Non-Executive Chairman of WSP Global Inc. (listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange), the successor to WSP Group 
plc.  He  is  also  Non-Executive  Chairman  of  Ashtead  Group  plc,  having  previously  been  a  Non-Executive  Director,  Senior 
Independent Non-Executive Director of Infinis plc, and Non-Executive Chairman of Redcentric plc. 

Charles Winward (44) Non-Executive Director 

Charles was an Executive Director of IP Group plc until April 2014, having joined in 2007. At IP Group, Charles successfully 
invested in and served as Non-Executive Director at high potential technology companies, including Retroscreen Virology plc 
and Xeros Technology plc.  Previously, Charles was Vice President of Technology Infrastructure at J P Morgan Chase & Co, 
where  he  worked  in London and  New  York.  Charles  is a Chartered  Financial  Analyst, holds  an  MBA  from  the  University  of 
California at Berkeley and an undergraduate engineering degree from the University of Bristol. 

John Nelson (67) Non-Executive Director 

John Nelson has worked at the top of the rail industry for over thirty years and has been in the sector for 46 in total. Before 
privatisation he was Managing Director of British Rail's biggest business, Network South East, and prior to that was General 
Manager  of  the  Eastern  Region,  then  a  quarter  of  the  rail  network  in  the  UK.  Since  privatisation  he  has  established  7  new 
businesses including leading strategic management consultancy First Class Partnerships and the country's first Open Access 
company,  Hull  Trains.  At  one  time  or  another  he  has  chaired  the  Boards  of  13  train  operating  companies  and  sat  on  the 
Boards  of  4  others  as  a  Non  Executive  Director.  He  continues  to  promote  new  rail  ventures  and  was  recently  granted  an 
award for outstanding personal contribution to the rail industry at the National Rail Awards 2013. 

Sean Lippell (64) Non-Executive Director 

Sean  has  more  than  35  years'  experience  as  a  corporate lawyer  and  was  formerly  Member  of  Addleshaw  Goddard  LLP,  a 
post which he held for 13 years, five of which were as Managing Partner within their corporate division. Sean is currently a 
director of Acceleris Marketing Communications Limited. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   13 

Governance 

Directors’ Report 

The directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2014. 

Tracsis  plc  (‘the  Company’)  is  a  public  limited  company  incorporated  and  domiciled  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  under  the 
Companies Act 2006. 

The address of the Company’s registered office is Leeds Innovation Centre, 103 Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9DF. 

The Company is listed on AIM, part of the London Stock Exchange. 

The Group financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 12 November 2014. 

Further information on the activities of the business, the Group strategy and an indication of the outlook for the business are 
presented  in  the  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer’s  Statement  and  the  Strategy  and  Business  Model  sections  of  the 
report. 

Financial results 
Details  of  the  Group’s  financial  results  are  set  out  in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income,  other  primary 
statements and in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 23 to 55. 

Dividends 
The Directors have adopted a progressive dividend policy, subject to growth, profitability and cash position in the future. An 
interim dividend of 0.35p per share was paid in April 2014. The Directors propose a final dividend of 0.45p per share, subject 
to shareholder approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. This will give a full year dividend of 0.8p per share. 

Directors 
The directors who serve on the Board and on Board Committees during the year are set out on page 12. Sean Lippell was 
appointed as a Director on 1 November 2013. Chris Cole was appointed as a Director on 28 April 2014. 

Under  the  Articles  of  Association  of  the  Company,  one  third  of  the  directors  are  subject  to  retirement  by  rotation  at  the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting, notice of which accompanies this Report and Accounts.  Accordingly Max Cawthra and 
Charles Winward retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.  In addition, Chris Cole will seek re-
election given he was appointed since the last Annual General Meeting. In relation to the re-elections of each of the directors, 
the Board is satisfied that each of these directors continues to be effective and to demonstrate commitment to the Company.   

Information in respect of directors’ remuneration is given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 16 to 18. 

Directors’ shareholdings 

Directors’  beneficial  interests  in  the  shares  of  the  Company,  including  family  interests,  at  31  July  2013  and  2014  were  as 
follows: 

31 July 2014 

31 July 2013 

Number 

of 

shares 

% of 
issued 

share 

capital 

Number 

% of 
issued 

of 

share 

shares 

capital 

John McArthur 

1,117,433 

4.26% 

968,462 

3.79% 

Max Cawthra 

John Nelson 

Charles Winward 

Chris Cole 

Sean Lippell 

54,000 

230,824 

86,771 

- 

- 

0.21% 

0.88% 

0.33% 

- 

- 

4,000 

0.02% 

30,790 

0.12% 

56,500 

0.22% 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

On 10 September 2014, Chris Cole purchased 7,000 shares, representing 0.03% of the issued share capital.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Directors’ Report continued 

None  of  the  Directors  had  any  interests  in  the  share  capital  of  subsidiaries.    Further  details  of  share  options  held  by  the 
directors are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.   

Substantial shareholdings 
At  11  November  2014,  being  the  latest  practicable  date  prior  to  the  publication  of  this  document,  the  Company  has  been 
advised of the following shareholdings of 3% or more in the issued share capital of Tracsis plc:  

% of 

issued shares 

Number 
of  
shares 
2,776,846 
Techtran Group Limited  
1,860,532 
Unicorn Asset Management 
1,590,000 
The University of Leeds 
Downing LLP 
1,531,696 
Ennismore Fund Management  1,500,000 
1,440,986 
BlackRock Inc 
1,343,778 
Liontrust Investmet Partners 
1,286,166 
Fidelity 
1,262,500 
Hargreave Hale Limited 
1,131,648 
Investec Asset Management 
John McArthur 
1,117,433 
1 – Techtran Group Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of IP Group plc.   

10.5% 
7.1% 
6.0% 
5.8% 
5.7% 
5.5% 
5.1% 
4.9% 
4.8% 
4.3% 
4.2% 

Payment of suppliers 

It is the Group’s policy to pay suppliers in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed in advance, providing all trading 
terms and conditions have been met. All payments are made in the ordinary course of business and the Group expects to pay 
all supplier debts as they become due. 

Trade payable days for the Group at 31 July 2014 were 57 days (2013: 62 days).  

Research and development 

During the year the Group incurred £393,000 (2013: £411,000) of expenditure on research activity, which has been charged to 
the Income Statement. 

Financial instruments 

Details of the Group’s exposure to financial risks are set out in Note 24 to the financial statements. 

Employment policy 

It is the policy of the Group to operate a fair employment policy. No employee or job applicant is less favourably treated than 
another on the grounds of their sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, 
colour or disability and all appointments and promotions are determined solely on merit. The Directors encourage employees 
to be aware of all issues affecting the Group and place considerable emphasis on employees sharing in its success through its 
employee share option scheme. 

Environment 

The Group adheres to all environmental regulations and has, where possible, utilised environmental-sustaining policies such 
as recycling and waste reduction. 

Significant Contracts 

One  of  the  Group’s  subsidiaries,  MPEC  Technology  Limited,  has  a  significant  Framework  Agreement  with  a  major  railway 
infrastructure provider, from which it has historically derived a significant amount of business. 

Charitable donations 

The Group made charitable donations to various charities amounting to £8,134 during the year (2013: £13,922). No political 
donations were made. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
TRACSIS PLC   |   15 

Directors’ Report continued 

Auditor 

A resolution to appoint KPMG LLP will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting. 

Provision of information to auditor 

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

By order of the Board 

Max Cawthra 
Company Secretary 

12 November 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Governance 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Unaudited information: 

Tracsis plc, as an AIM company, is not required to present a Directors Remuneration Report in accordance with the Combined 
Code.  As part of the Company’s commitment to Corporate Governance, we present a voluntary report below. 

Remuneration committee 

The  Remuneration  Committee  is  described  in  the  Report  on  Corporate  Governance.  The  remuneration  for  each  Executive 
Director  is  determined  by  the  Remuneration  Committee,  which  comprises  the  Non-Executive  Directors.    None  of  the 
committee members has any personal financial interest, other than as shareholders, in the matters to be decided. 

Service contracts 

It is the Group’s policy to enter into service contracts or letters of appointment with all Directors.  Specific terms are: 

Executive Directors 

John McArthur 

Max Cawthra 

Non-Executive Directors 

John Nelson 

Charles Winward 

Chris Cole 

Sean Lippell 

Date  Commencement  Unexpired 

of contract 

date 

term 

Notice 

period 

21.11.07 

20.09.10 

21.11.07 

21.11.07 

28.04.14 

01.11.13 

01.01.04 

Indefinite 

6 months 

20.09.10 

Indefinite 

3 months 

21.11.07 

Indefinite 

3 months 

21.11.07 

Indefinite 

3 months 

28.04.14 

Indefinite 

3 months 

01.11.13 

Indefinite 

3 months 

None of the service contracts or letters of appointment provide for any termination payments. 

Remuneration policy 

The remuneration packages for Directors and senior management have been structured so as to fairly compensate them for 
their contribution to the Group and to encourage them to remain within the Group. The basic components of these packages 
include: 

Basic salary and bonus arrangements 

Each  Director  receives  an  annual  salary  or  Directors’  fee  for  his/her  services.  These  salaries  are  reviewed  annually  by  the 
Remuneration  Committee  and  take  into  account  the  financial  performance  of  the  Group  and  market  conditions.  The Group 
operates a bonus scheme. The Remuneration Committee is entitled to decide whether any bonuses are payable, and if so, 
what amounts should be granted to Executive Directors. Directors, in line with all members of staff are entitled to exchange an 
element of any cash bonus awarded for discounted share options under the Group’s Long Term Incentive Plan. 

External appointments 

The committee recognises that its directors may be invited to become executive or non-executive directors of other companies 
or  to  become  involved  in  charitable  or  public  service  organisations.    As  the  Committee  believes  that  this  can  broaden  the 
knowledge and experience of the directors to the benefit of the Group, it is the Group’s policy to approve such appointments 
provided that there is no conflict of interest and the commitment is not excessive.  The director concerned can retain the fees 
relating to any such appointment. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   17 

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued 

Pensions and benefits in kind 

All staff, Executive Directors and senior management are entitled to participate in the stakeholder pension plan established by 
the Group. Benefits are provided to certain Executive Directors, including private health cover. The Group does not provide 
any company  cars  to  any  of  its  Directors.  The  Group  makes  employer  pension  contributions  to  the  pension  schemes  of  J 
McArthur and M Cawthra at a standard 5% of basic salary, in line with the level of contributions for other members of staff. 
During the previous financial year, John McArthur elected to take a reduction in basic salary in return for additional employers 
pension contributions and this was continued in the financial year under review. There was no additional cost to the Group in 
respect of this arrangement. 

Audited information: 
Directors’ remuneration 

Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 July 2014 is set out below  

Executive Directors 

John McArthur  

Max Cawthra  

Non-Executive Directors 

John Nelson 

Charles Winward 

Chris Cole (from 28 April 2014) 

Sean Lippell (from 1 November 2013) 

Basic  Pension 
Conts 
 salary 

£000 

£’000 

117 

90 

207 

16 

16 

13 

12 

57 

30 

5 

35 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Bonus 

£000 

75* 

49* 

124 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Benefits  

in kind 

£000 

Total 

2014 

£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

222 

144 

366 

16 

16 

13 

12 

57 

Total 

2013 

£000 

188 

112 

300 

15 

15 

- 

- 

30 

*  Denotes  cash  bonus  amount  determined  by  Remuneration  Committee  –  all  Directors  (with  the  exception  of  NEDs)  are 
eligible to exchange any part of salary or bonus for discounted EMI Share Options under a scheme open to all staff.  

Directors’ interests in shares options in the Executive Share Option Schemes 

At 

1 August 

At 

Exercise 

Date from 

31 July 

price 

Which 

2013  Granted*  Lapsed  Exercised 

2014 

pence 

Exercisable  Expiry date 

Executive 
Directors 

John McArthur 

240,000 

Max Cawthra 

235,162 

Non-Executive 
Directors 

John Nelson 

225,034 

Charles Winward 

137,517 

Chris Cole 

Sean Lippell 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

50,000* 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(140,000) 

100,000 

175p 

See note 3  

(75,000) 

160,162 

89p/0.4p 

See notes 1 
and 2  

26 Mar 
2023 
20 Jun 2022 
/1 Aug 2022  

(200,034) 

25,000 

175p 

See note 3  

(87,517) 

50,000 

175p 

See note 3  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

50,000 

185p 

See note 4  

26 Mar 
2023 
26 Mar 
2023 
- 
1 November 
2023 

* In accordance with Corporate Governance best practice, the Group will no longer be granting stock options to Non-Executive 
Directors in lieu of salary. This will ensure objectivity and independence within the Board’s decision making process. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued 

Directors’ interests in shares options in the Executive Share Option Schemes (continued) 

1 – Exercisable in batches in 6 monthly intervals commencing 6 months from the date of grant (20 June 2012).  All options will be fully exercisable 36 months after 
the date of grant. 

2 – Options granted in 2012/13 relate to the Company’s LTIP scheme where Max Cawthra exchanged an element of his 2011/12 cash bonus for discounted share 
options as part of a scheme available to all staff, in return for 10,162 options with an exercise price of 0.4p 

3 – Options granted in 2012/13 are exercisable in batches in 3 monthly intervals commencing 3 months from the date of grant (26 March 2013).  All options will be 
fully exercisable 24 months after the date of grant. 

4 – Options granted in 2013/14 are exercisable in batches in 3 monthly intervals commencing 3 months from the date of grant (1 November 2013).  All options will 
be fully exercisable 36 months after the date of grant. 

The aggregate amount of pre-tax gains made by directors on the exercise of share options was £220,512 (2013: £296,683). 
No  directors  received  or  were  due  to  receive  any  shares  under  long  term  incentive  schemes  other  than  under  the  share 
options schemes set out above. 

Performance graph 

The following graph shows the Company’s share price (rebased) compared with the performance of the FTSE AIM all-share 
index (rebased) for the period from 1 August 2013 to 31 July 2014. 

250

200

150

100

50

0

Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec- 13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar- 14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14

Tracsis - rebased

AIM All Share - rebased

The committee has selected the above indices because they are most relevant for a company of Tracsis’s size and sector.  

On behalf of the Board 

Sean Lippell 

Chair of the Remuneration Committee 

12 November 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   19 

Governance 

Corporate Governance 

Tracsis  plc  was  listed  on  AIM  on  27  November  2007.  The  Group  recognises  the  importance  of,  and  is  committed  to,  high 
standards  of  corporate  governance.  Tracsis  plc,  as  an  AIM  Company,  is  not  required  to  comply  with  the  June  2010  UK 
Corporate Governance Code, although it has adopted some of the principles as set out below. 

The Board 

There are currently 6 Board members, comprising 2 Executive Directors and 4 Non-Executive Directors. The role of the Non-
Executive Directors is to bring independent judgement to Board deliberations and decisions. Chris Cole was appointed as a 
new  Non-Executive  Chairman  of  the  Board during  the  year  to  oversee  Board  meetings  and  field  all concerns  regarding  the 
executive management of the Group and the performance of the Executive Directors. Sean Lippell was appointed as a non-
executive Director during the year too. A biography of each Director appears on page 12. The Directors each have diverse 
backgrounds and a wide range of experience is available to the Group. The Board meets on a monthly basis to review the 
Group’s  performance  and  to  review  and  determine  strategies  for  future  growth.  The  Board  has  delegated  specific 
responsibilities to its committees as set out below. 

Each of the Directors is subject to either an executive services agreement or a letter of appointment as set out on page 16. 
Tracsis plc’s Articles of Association require directors to retire from office and submit themselves for re-election on a one third 
rotation at each Annual General Meeting. Max Cawthra and Charles Winward will be retiring at the Annual General Meeting 
and submitting themselves for re-election. In addition, Chris Cole will seek re-election given he was appointed since the last 
Annual General Meeting. 

Board meetings and attendance 

Board meetings were held on 12 occasions during the year.  The table below shows attendance at the meetings whether in 
person or by telephone.  The Company Secretary records attendance at all board meetings including where attendance is by 
telephone conference. 

Board  Nomination  Remuneration 
Committee 
Meetings 

Meetings  Committee 
Meetings 

(total/poss) 

John McArthur 
Max Cawthra 
John Nelson 
Charles Winward  
Chris Cole 
Sean Lippell 

12/12 
12/12 
11/12 
10/12 
3/3 
7/9 

- 
- 
2/2 
2/2 
N/A 
1/1 

- 
- 
2/2 
2/2 
1/1 
1/1 

Board committees 

Nomination Committee 

Audit 
Committee 
Meetings 

- 
- 
2/2 
2/2 
1/1 
1/1 

The  Nomination  Committee  comprises  Chris  Cole  as  Chairman,  and  the  Non-Executive  Directors.  The committee’s  primary 
responsibilities are to make recommendations to the Directors on all new appointments of Directors and senior management, 
interviewing nominees, to take up references and to consider related matters.   

Remuneration Committee 

The  Remuneration  Committee  comprises  Sean  Lippell  as  Chairman  and  the  Non-Executive  Directors.    The  committee’s 
primary responsibilities are to review the performance of the Executive Directors and to determine the terms and conditions of 
service of senior management and any Executive Director appointed to the Board (including the remuneration of and grant of 
options to any such person under any share scheme adopted by the Group).  

Audit Committee 

The  Audit  Committee  similarly  comprises  Charles  Winward  as  Chairman  and  the  Non-Executive  Directors.    The  audit 
committee’s primary responsibilities are to monitor the financial affairs of the Group, to ensure that the financial performance 
of the Group is properly measured and reported on, and to review reports from the Group’s auditor relating to the accounting 
and internal controls.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Corporate Governance continued 

Non audit services 

In  accordance  with  its  policy  on  non  audit  services  provided  by  the  Group’s  auditor,  the  Audit  Committee  reviews  and 
approves the award of any such work.  The Audit Committee refers to the Board for approval of any work comprising non audit 
services where the fees for such work represent more than 25% of the annual audit fee. 

Auditor independence and conflicts of interest 

The  Audit  Committee  continues  to  evaluate  the  independence  and  objectivity  of  the  external  auditor  and  takes  into 
consideration  all  United  Kingdom  professional  and  regulatory  requirements.    Consideration  is  given  to  all  relationships 
between  the  Group  and  the  audit  firm  (including  in  respect  of  the  provision  of  non  audit  services).    The  Audit  Committee 
considers whether, taken as a whole, and having regard to the views, as appropriate, of the external auditor and management, 
those relationships appear to impair the auditor’s judgement or independence.  The Audit Committee feels they do not. 

Internal audit 

The Audit Committee agrees that there should be no internal audit function of the Group at this time considering the size of the 
Group and the close involvement of senior management over the Group’s accounting systems. However, the Committee will 
keep this matter under review in the event that circumstances warrant an internal function for the Group in the future. 

Control procedures 

The Board approves the annual budget each year. This process allows the Board to identify key performance targets and risks 
expected  during  the  upcoming  year.  The  Board  also  considers  the  agreed  budget  when  reviewing  trading  updates  and 
considering expenditures throughout the year.  Progress against budget is monitored via monthly reporting of actual financial 
performance against budget and prior year actual results. 

The  Group  has  clear  authority  limits  deriving  from  the  list  of  matters  reserved  for  decision  by  the  Board  including  capital 
expenditure approval procedures.  

Relations with shareholders 

The Board recognises and understands that it has a fiduciary responsibility to the shareholders. The Chairman’s Statement 
and Chief Executive’s Statement include detailed analysis of the Group’s performance and future expectations. The Group’s 
website  (www.tracsis.com)  allows shareholders  access  to  information,  including  contact  details  and  the  current  share  price. 
The  Chief  Executive  is  responsible for on-going  dialogue  and  relationships  with shareholders,  alongside  the  Chief  Financial 
officer and Chairman. 

The Annual General Meeting will be a platform for the Board to communicate with shareholders and the Board welcomes the 
attendance and participation of all shareholders. 

Going concern 

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue for the foreseeable future in 
operational existence and have therefore adopted the going concern basis in preparing the accounts. 

Independence of Non-Executive Directors 

The  Directors  consider  all  Non-Executive  Directors  to  be  independent.  With  effect  from  23  April  2014,  Mr  CS  Winward 
resigned from his position as a Director of IP Group plc, one of the Group’s major shareholders and as such no longer has a 
potential conflict of interest.  

Board review process  

The  Board  does  not  formally  appraise  its  performance  each  year,  but  considers  the  performance  of  Board  members  on  an 
informal  basis,  to  ensure  that  each  director  has  the  skills  and  experience  required  to  perform  their  duties.  The  Board  is 
satisfied that all Directors have the appropriate level of skills and experience. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   21 

Governance 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the 
Annual Report and the Financial Statements 

The  directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  Annual  Report  and  the  group  and  parent  company  financial  statements  in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company  law  requires  the  directors  to  prepare  group  and  parent  company  financial  statements  for  each  financial  year.  As 
required  by  the  AIM  Rules  of  the  London  Stock  Exchange  they  are  required  to  prepare  the  group  financial  statements  in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applicable law and have elected to prepare the parent company financial 
statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the group and parent company and of their profit or loss for that period.  

In preparing each of the Group and Parent Company 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; 

• 

• 

• 

for the group financial statements, state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
EU; 

for  the  parent  company  financial  statements,  state  whether  applicable  UK  Accounting  Standards  have  been  followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

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

The  directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  adequate  accounting  records  that  are  sufficient  to  show  and  explain  the  parent 
company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent company and 
enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the group and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities. 

The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  maintenance  and  integrity  of  the  corporate  and  financial  information  included  on  the 
company's website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Governance 

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members 
of Tracsis plc 

We have audited the financial statements of Tracsis plc for 
the year ended 31 July 2014 set out on pages 23 to 61. The 
financial  reporting  framework  that  has  been  applied  in  the 
preparation  of  the  group  financial  statements  is  applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 
as  adopted  by  the  EU.  The  financial  reporting  framework 
that  has  been  applied  in  the  preparation  of  the  parent 
company  financial  statements  is  applicable  law  and  UK 
Accounting  Standards  (UK  Generally  Accepted  Accounting 
Practice). 

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a 
body,  in  accordance  with  Chapter  3  of  Part  16  of  the 
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken 
so  that  we  might  state  to  the  company's  members  those 
matters  we  are  required  to  state  to  them  in  an  auditor's 
report  and  for  no  other  purpose.  To  the  fullest  extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to  anyone  other  than  the  company  and  the  company's 
members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for 
the opinions we have formed. 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor 

that 

they  give  a 

As  explained  more  fully  in  the  Directors'  Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 21, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied 
fair  view.  Our 
responsibility  is  to  audit,  and  express  an  opinion  on,  the 
financial  statements  in  accordance  with  applicable  law  and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those 
standards  require  us  to  comply  with  the  Auditing  Practices 
Board's Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

true  and 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements 
is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: 
www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.. 

Opinion on financial statements 

In our opinion:  

• 

• 

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the 
state of the group's and of the parent company's affairs 
as at 31 July 2014 and of the group's profit for the year 
then ended; 

the  group  financial  statements  have  been  properly 
prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRSs  as  adopted  by  the 
EU; 

• 

• 

the  parent  company  financial  statements  have  been 
properly  prepared  in  accordance  with  UK  Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice 

the 
in 
financial  statements  have  been  prepared 
accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  Companies 
Act 2006. 

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 
2006 

In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report 
and  Directors'  Report  for  the  financial  year  for  which  the 
financial  statements  are  prepared  is  consistent  with  the 
financial statements. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

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

• 

• 

• 

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

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

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

•  we  have  not 

the 
explanations we require for our audit. 

received  all 

information  and 

Jeremy Gledhill (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor  
Chartered Accountants 

1 The Embankment 
Neville Street  
Leeds  
LS1 4DW 

12 November 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   23 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income  
for the year ended 31 July 2014  

Revenue 
- continuing 
- acquisitions 
Total revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Administrative costs 

Adjusted EBITDA* 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Depreciation 
Exceptional item: Acquisition costs 
Share-based payment charges 

Operating profit 
- continuing 
- acquisitions 
- exceptional acquisition costs 
Total operating profit 
Finance income  
Finance expense  

Profit before tax 
Taxation 
Profit after tax  

Notes 

6 

15 
14 

8 

9 
10 
11 

12 

2014  
£000  

21,843 
514 
22,357 

2013  
£000  

10,831 
- 
10,831 

(9,546) 

(3,033) 

12,811  

7,798  

(8,614) 

(5,272) 

5,434 
(460) 
(431) 
(31) 
(315) 

4,153 
75 
(31) 
4,197  
36  
(32)  

4,201  
(898) 
3,303  

3,367 
(273) 
(154) 
(225) 
(189) 

2,751 
- 
(225) 
2,526  
75  
(11)  

2,590  
(486) 
2,104  

Other comprehensive income/(expense): 
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 
Foreign currency translation differences – foreign operations 

(38) 

(62) 

Total recognised income for the year 

3,265 

2,042 

Earnings per ordinary share 
Basic  
Diluted  
* Earnings before finance income, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items and share-based payment charges.   

12.90p 
12.44p 

13 
13 

8.42p 
8.15p 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2014 Company number: 05019106 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Current assets 

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Hire-purchase contracts 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Hire-purchase contracts 

Trade and other payables 

Current tax liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the company 

Called up share capital 

Share premium reserve 

Merger reserve 

Share based payments reserve 

Retained earnings 

Translation reserve 

Total equity 

Note 

14 

15 

16 

18 

17 

20 

17 

19 

21 

22 

22 

22 

22 

22 

2014 

£000 

1,689 

10,724 

12,413 

263 

4,442 

8,920 

2013 

£000 

1,600 

6,067 

7,667 

236 

3,865 

6,571 

13,625 

10,672 

26,038 

18,339 

133 

1,388 

1,521 

100 

6,075 

493 

6,668 

232 

1,046 

1,278 

96 

3,532 

224 

3,852 

8,189 

5,130 

17,849 

13,209 

105 

4,591 

1,846 

698 

10,709 

(100) 

17,849 

102 

4,280 

1,472 

383 

7,034 

(62) 

13,209 

The financial statements on pages 23 to 55 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 12 
November 2014 and were signed on its behalf by: 

John McArthur – Chief Executive Officer 

Max Cawthra – Chief Financial Officer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   25 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Share  
Share  Premium  

Merger  

Capital  Reserve  

Reserve  

Share-
based  

Payments   Retained   Translation 
Reserve 

Reserve   Earnings  

£000 

£000  

£000  

£000  

£000  

£000  

Total  

£000  

At 1 August 2012 

99 

4,113 

935 

194 

102 

4,280 

1,472 

383 

7,034 

(62)  13,209 

At 1 August 2013 

102 

4,280 

1,472 

383 

Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive 
income/(expense) 
Total comprehensive 
income 
Transactions with owners: 

Dividends 
Share based payment 
charges 
Exercise of share options 
Shares issued as 
consideration for business 
combinations 
At 31 July 2013  

Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive 
income/(expense) 
Total comprehensive 
income 
Transactions with owners: 

Dividends 
Share based payment 
charges 
Tax movements in equity 

Exercise of share options 
Shares issued as 
consideration for business 
combinations 
At 31 July 2014  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

1 

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

167  

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

- 

537 

-  

- 

-  

-  

189  

-  

-  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

1 

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

311 

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

- 

374 

-  

- 

-  

-  

315  

-  

-  

-  

5,092 

2,104 

-  10,433 

- 

2,104 

- 

(62) 

(62) 

2,104 

(62) 

2,042 

(162) 

-  

-  

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

(162) 

189  

169  

538  

7,034 

3,303 

(62)  13,209 

- 

3,303 

- 

(38) 

(38) 

3,303 

(38) 

3,265 

(191) 

-  

563 

-  

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

(191) 

315 

563 

313 

375 

105 

4,591 

1,846 

698 

10,709 

(100)  17,849 

Details of the nature of each component of equity are set out in Notes 21 and 22. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement  
for the year ended 31 July 2014  

Operating activities 

Profit for the year 

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Depreciation 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Income tax charge 

Share based payment charges 

Operating cash inflow before changes in working capital 

Movement in inventories 

Movement in trade and other receivables 

Movement in trade and other payables 

Cash generated from operations 

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Income tax paid 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Investing activities 

Purchase of plant and equipment 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Net cash flow used in investing activities 

Financing activities 

Dividends paid 

Proceeds from exercise of share options 

Hire purchase repayments 

Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Effect of exchange fluctuations 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Notes 

2014  

£000  

2013  

£000  

3,303  

2,104  

10 

11 

14 

15 

12 

8 

10 

11 

14 

5 

28 

17 

(36) 

32 

431 

460 

898 

315 

5,403 

(27) 

(94) 

1,080  

6,362  

36  

(32)  

(649) 

5,717  

(446) 

(2,886)  

(3,332) 

(191) 

313 

(120) 

2  

2,387  

(38) 

6,571  

8,920  

(75) 

11 

154 

273  

486  

189  

3,142  

- 

(539) 

116  

2,719  

75  

(11)  

(1,093) 

1,690  

(75) 

(2,462)  

(2,537) 

(162) 

169 

(95)  

(88)  

(935)  

(62) 

7,568  

6,571  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   27 

Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

1 

Reporting entity 

Tracsis plc (the ‘Company’) is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.  The consolidated financial statements of the 
Company for the year ended 31 July 2014 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘Group’). 

2 

Basis of preparation 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Statement of compliance 
The  Group  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial 
Reporting  Standards  (‘IFRSs’)  as  adopted  by  the  EU  and  applicable  law.  The  Company has  elected  to  prepare  its 
parent company financial statements in accordance with UK accounting standards and applicable law (‘UK GAAP’).  
These parent company statements appear after the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

Basis of measurement 
The Accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

Functional and presentation currency 
These consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the Company’s functional currency.  All 
financial information presented in sterling has been rounded to the nearest thousand. 

Use of estimates and judgements 
The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRSs  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. 

The 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 if the revision only affects that period, or in the period of the 
revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current and future periods.  

Judgements made by management in the application of IFRSs that have a significant effect on the Group financial 
statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment in future years are disclosed in Note 4. 

(e) 

Changes in accounting policies 
IFRS and IFRIC are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the IASB) and must be adopted into 
European Union law, referred to as endorsement, before they become mandatory under the IAS Regulation.  

The following amendments to financial reporting standards were adopted from 1 August 2013, the start of the new 
financial year. None of them have had a significant impact on the Group: 

•  Amendment  to  IFRS  7:  Financial  Instruments  Disclosures  –  Offsetting  Financial  Assets  and  Financial 

Liabilities 
IFRS 13: Fair Value Measurement 

• 
•  Amendment to IAS 1: Presentation of Financial Statements - comparative periods 
•  Amendment to IAS 16: Property, Plant and Equipment - servicing equipment 
•  Amendment to IAS 19: Employee Benefits – post employment benefits and termination benefits projects 
•  Amendment to IAS 32: Financial Instruments Presentation – tax effect of equity dividends 
•  Amendment to IAS 34: Interim Financial reporting – interim reporting of segment assets 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued 

2 

Basis of preparation (continued) 

The following new amendments to standards were in issue but are not yet effective for the financial year beginning 1 
August 2013 and are not currently relevant for the Group: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

IFRS 10 –  Consolidated Financial Statements 
IFRS 11 – Joint arrangements 
IFRS 12 –  Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities 
IFRS  15  –  Revenue  from  contracts  with  customers  (replacement  of  IAS11,  IAS18,  IFRIC13,  IFRIC15, 
IFRIC18 and SIC-31) (effective 1 January 2017, not yet endorsed by EU). 
IFRS  9  Amendments  –  Financial  Instruments  (replacement  of  IAS39)  (effective  1  January  2015,  not  yet 
endorsed by EU). 
IAS 36 Amendments – Impairment of Assets (effective 1 January 2014, endorsed by EU on 19 December 
2013). 

No  new  standards  becoming  effective  and  applied  in  the  current  year  have  had  a  material  impact  on  the  financial 
statements.  The impact of IFRS15 – Revenue from contracts with customers, will be considered for future periods. 

The  Group  continues  to  monitor  the  potential  impact  of  other  new  standards  and  interpretations  which  may  be 
endorsed by the European Union and require adoption by the Group in future reporting periods. 

(f) 

Going concern 
The Group is debt free and has substantial cash resources.  The Board has prepared cash flow forecasts for the 
forthcoming year based upon assumptions for trading and the requirements for cash resources. 

Based upon this analysis, the Board has concluded that the Group has adequate working capital resources and that it 
is appropriate to use the going concern basis for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.  

3 

Significant accounting policies 

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial 
statements and have been applied consistently by Group entities, except as stated in note 2(e), which addresses changes in 
accounting policies. 

(a) 

Basis of consolidation 
The Group’s accounting policy with respect to business combinations is set out above. 

Subsidiaries  are  entities  controlled  by  the  Company.    The  financial  statements  of  subsidiaries  are  included  in  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  from  the  date  that  control  commences  until  the  date  control  ceases.    The 
accounting  policies  of  subsidiary  companies  have  been  changed  where  necessary  to  align  them  with  the  policies 
adopted by the Group. 

The Group entities included in these consolidated financial statements are those listed in note 27. 

All  intra-group  balance  and  transactions,  including  unrealised  profits  arising  from  intra-group  transactions,  are 
eliminated fully on consolidation. 

(b) 

Revenue recognition 
Revenue  is  measured  at  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  received  or  receivable  (excluding  value  added  tax  and 
discounts given) derived from the provision of goods and services to customers during the period.  The Group derives 
revenue  from  software,  post  contract  customer  support,  sale  of  hardware  &  condition  monitoring  technology, 
consultancy and professional services, and data capture/passenger counting services. 

Revenue from software is derived from the sale of software both as a perpetual and non-cancellable annual licences, 
the provision of software as a service and the support and hosting services associated with this. 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   29 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Revenue recognition (continued) 

The  Group  recognises  the  revenue  from  the  sale  of  perpetual  and  non-cancellable  annual  software  licences  and 
specified  upgrades  upon  shipment  of  the  software  product  or  upgrade,  when  there  are  no  significant  vendor 
obligations remaining, when the fee is fixed and determinable and when collectability is considered probable.  Where 
appropriate the Group provides a reserve for estimated returns under the standard acceptance terms at the time the 
revenue is recognised.  Payment terms are agreed separately with each customer. 

Revenue from the provision of Software as a Service under contracts with extended terms which combine software 
and support services elements are recognised evenly over the period to which the services relate. Customers pay an 
agreed fee covering a range of periods, for a defined contractual term, and the contracts provide the customer with 
various rights during the term of the contract. This policy reflects the continuous nature of the transfer of value to the 
customer. 

Revenue capable of being allocated to customer support services is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term 
of the support contract.  Revenue not recognised in the income statement under this policy is classified as deferred 
income in the balance sheet. 

Revenue  capable  of  being  allocated  to  hosting  services  is  recognised  on  a  straight  line  basis  over  the  term  of  the 
hosting contract. Revenue not recognised in the income statement under this policy is classified as deferred income 
in the balance sheet. 

In the case where a single contract involves the combination of any or all of sale of software as a perpetual or non-
cancellable annual licence, provision of Software as a Service, support services and hosting services, the amount of 
consideration  is  derived  from  an  assessment  of  the  fair  value  of  each  of  the  individual  constituent  elements  of  the 
goods and services provided. The revenue allocated to each element is recognised as outlined above. 

Revenue  from  hardware  sales  and  condition  monitoring  technology  is  recognised  as  the  products  are  shipped  to 
customers. Provision is made for any returns to customers, or credit notes to be issued. 

Revenue  from  consultancy  and  professional  services  is  recognised  when  the  services  have  been  performed,  once 
the work and value has been agreed with the customer.  

In respect of data capture and counting services, revenue is recognised on services not yet billed at the fair value of 
consideration  expected  to  be  receivable  to  the  extent  that  the  work  has  already  been  carried  out  at  the  year  end. 
Where the outcome  of  a contract can  be  estimated  reliably,  revenue  and  costs  are  recognised by  reference  to  the 
stage  of completion of  the  contract activity  at  the  end  of  the  reporting period, measured based  on  work  performed 
and  if  its  receipt  is  considered  probable.  Where  the  outcome  of  a  contract  cannot  be  estimated  reliably,  contract 
revenue  is  only  recognised  to  the  extent  of  contract costs  incurred  that  it  is  probable  will  be  recoverable.  Contract 
costs  are  recognised  as  expenses  in  the  period  in  which  they  are  incurred. When  it  is  probable  that  total  contract 
costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately. 

(c) 

Property, plant and equipment 
Items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost.  As well as the purchase price, cost includes 
directly  attributable  costs.    The  corresponding  liability  is  recognised  within  provisions.   Items  of  property,  plant  and 
equipment are carried at depreciated cost. 

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

Freehold buildings (excluding land)   
Computer equipment 
Office fixtures and fittings 
Motor vehicles 

– 
–  
– 
– 

4% on cost  
33 1/3% on cost 
10% - 20% on cost, or 15% reducing balance 
25% per annum reducing balance basis 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

(d) 

Intangible assets 

Goodwill 
Goodwill  arising  on  acquisitions  comprises  the  excess  of  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  for  investments  in 
subsidiary  undertakings  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  identifiable  assets  acquired  at  the  date  of  acquisition.  
Adjustments are made to fair values to bring the accounting policies of the acquired businesses into alignment with 
those  of  the  Company.    The  costs  of  integrating  and  reorganising  acquired  businesses  are  charged  to  the  post 
acquisition income statement.  Goodwill arising on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets.   

Goodwill  is  not  amortised  but  is  tested  annually  for  impairment  and  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated  impairment 
losses.  Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity 
sold. 

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing.  Each of those cash-generating 
units  represents  the  lowest  level  within  the  group  at  which  the  associated  level  of  goodwill  is  monitored  for 
management  purposes  and  are  not  larger  than  the  operating  segments  determined  in  accordance  with  IFRS  8 
“Operating Segments”. 

Business Combinations  

From  1  August  2009  the  Group  has  applied  IFRS  3  Business  Combinations  (2008)  in  accounting  for  business 
combinations.  The change in accounting policy has been applied prospectively and has had no material impact on 
earnings per share. Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, 
which  is  the  date  on  which  control  is  transferred  to  the  Group.    Control  is  the  power  to  govern  the  financial  and 
operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.  In assessing control, the Group takes into 
consideration potential voting rights that currently are exercisable. 

 For acquisitions on or after 1 August 2009, the Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as: 

• 
• 

• 

the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus 
the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus if the business combination is 
achieved in stages, the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less 
the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

  When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships.  Such 
amounts are generally recognised in profit or loss. 

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group 
incurs in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred. 

Any  contingent  consideration  payable  is  recognised  at  fair  value  at  the  acquisition  date.    If  the  contingent 
consideration is classified as equity, it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity.  Otherwise, 
subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in profit or loss. 

For acquisitions prior to 1 August 2009, goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the Group’s 
interest in the recognised amounts (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities 
of the acquiree.  

Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurred in 
connection with business combinations were capitalised as part of the cost of acquisition. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   31 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Intangible assets (continued) 

Other intangible assets 

An  intangible  asset,  which  is  an  identifiable  non-monetary  asset  without  physical  substance,  is  recognised  to  the 
extent that it is probable that the expected future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to the group and 
that its cost can be measured reliably.  The asset is deemed to be identifiable when it is separable or when it arises 
from contractual or other legal rights.   

Intangible  assets,  primarily  customer  relationships  and  technology  related  assets,  acquired  as  part  of  a  business 
combination  are  capitalised  separately  from  goodwill  and  are  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated  amortisation  and 
accumulated impairment losses.  Amortisation is calculated using a straight line method over the estimated useful life 
of the assets of 10 to 20 years for customer related assets and 10 years for technology related assets. 

Impairment of non-current assets 
Where  an  indication  of  impairment  is  identified,  the  recoverable  amount  of  the  asset  is  estimated  in  order  to 
determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). If the recoverable amount (higher of fair value less cost to sell 
and value in use of an asset) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is 
reduced to its recoverable amount. 

Research and Development Costs 
Expenditure on internally developed products is capitalised as intangible assets if it can be demonstrated that: 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

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

(e) 

 (f) 

Capitalised development costs would be amortised over the periods the Group expected to benefit from selling the 
products developed. At present, the Group has not considered that its development expenditure meets the criteria for 
capitalisation.   

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

 (g) 

Financial instruments 
The Group classifies its financial instruments, or their component parts, on initial recognition as a financial asset, a 
financial liability or an equity instrument in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. 

Financial  instruments  are  recognised  on  the  balance  sheet  when  the  Group  becomes  a  party  to  the  contractual 
provisions of the instrument. 

Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the definition 
of a financial liability. The Group’s ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments, net of issue costs. 

Trade receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

 (i) 
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet are included at cost and comprise cash at bank, cash in hand and 
short term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. 
(ii) 
Trade receivables do not carry interest and are stated at their nominal value as reduced by appropriate allowances 
for estimated irrecoverable amounts. 
(iii) 
Trade payables are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value. 
(iv) 
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. 

Equity instruments  

Trade payables 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

(h) 

Taxation 
The tax on the profit or loss for the year represents current and deferred tax. 

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the period.  Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in 
the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years 
and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible.  The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated 
using tax rates that have been enacted at the balance sheet date. 

Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of 
assets and liabilities and their carrying value in the financial statements. 

The principal temporary differences arise from depreciation on plant and equipment and share options granted by the 
Group to employees and directors.   

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply 
when the related asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted 
at the balance sheet date. 

Where the deferred tax asset recognised in respect of share-based payments would give rise to a credit in excess of 
the related accounting charge at the prevailing tax rate the excess is recognised directly in equity. 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against 
which the temporary differences can be utilised. 

(i) 

(j) 

Dividend distribution  
Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in 
the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders, or in the case of interim dividends, 
when paid. 

Leases 
Leases  are  classified  as  finance  leases  whenever  the  terms  of  the  lease  transfer  substantially  all  the  risks  and 
rewards  of  ownership  to  the  lessee.  All  other  leases  are  classified  as  operating  leases.  Assets  held  under  finance 
leases are initially recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the 
present  value  of  the  minimum  lease  payments.  The  corresponding  liability  to  the  lessor  is  included  in  the  balance 
sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the 
lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges 
are charged directly to profit or loss, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are 
capitalised in accordance with the Group’s general policy on borrowing costs. Contingent rentals are recognised as 
expenses in the periods in which they are incurred. 

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight line basis over the lease term, except where 
another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset 
are  consumed.  Contingent  rentals  arising  under  operating  leases  are  recognised  as  an  expense  in  the  period  in 
which they are incurred. 

In  the  event  that  lease  incentives  are  received  to enter  into  operating  leases, such  incentives  are  recognised  as  a 
liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight line basis, 
except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the 
leased asset are consumed. 

(k) 

Employee benefits  
Wages, salaries, social security contributions, paid annual leave, bonuses and non-monetary benefits are accrued in 
the year in which the associated services are rendered by the employees of the Group.  Where the Group provides 
long term employee benefits, the cost is accrued to match the rendering of the services by the employees concerned. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   33 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

(l) 

 (m) 

(n) 

(o) 

(p) 

(q) 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Share based payments  
The  Group  issues  equity-settled  share  based  payments  to  certain  employees  (including  directors).    Equity-settled 
share based payments are measure at fair value at the date of grant.  The fair value determined at the grant date of 
the equity-settled share based payments is expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting period, together with a 
corresponding increase in equity, based upon the Group’s estimate of the shares that will eventually vest. 

Fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The expected life used in the model has been 
adjusted,  based  on  management’s  best  estimate,  for  the  effects  of  non-transferability,  exercise  restrictions  and 
behavioural considerations. 

Where the terms and conditions of options are modified, as a minimum an expense is recognised as if the terms had 
not been modified.  In addition, an expense is recognised for any increase in the value of the transaction as a result 
of the modification, as measured at the date of modification. 

Where an equity-settled transaction is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of the cancellation, and 
any  expense  not  yet  recognised  for  the  transaction  is  recognised  immediately.  However,  if  a  new  transaction  is 
substituted  for  the  cancelled  transaction,  and  designated  as  a  replacement  transaction  on  the  date  that  it  was 
granted, the cancelled and new transactions are treated as if they were a modification of the original transaction as 
described in the previous paragraph. 

Retirement benefits  
Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are charged to the income statement in the year to which they 
relate. 

Exceptional items 
Items which are significant by virtue of their size or nature and/or which are considered non-recurring are classified 
as exceptional operating items.  Such items, which include for example costs relating to acquisitions, amortisation of 
intangible  assets  and  share  based  payment  charges,  are  included  within  the  appropriate  consolidated  income 
statement  category  but  are  highlighted  separately.    Exceptional  operating  items  are  excluded  from  the  profit 
measures used by the board to monitor underlying performance. 

Finance income 
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested.  Interest income is recognised as it accrues in profit or 
loss, using the effective interest method. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash  and  cash  equivalents  comprise  cash  balances  and  call  deposits.    The  Company  considers  all  highly  liquid 
investments with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 

Operating segments 
The Group has determined that, based on its internal reporting framework and management structure, that it has only 
one  reportable  segment  on  a business  basis,  but has  two  reportable segments  on  a geographical  basis –  UK  and 
Australia.  Such determination is necessarily judgemental in its nature and has been determined by management in 
preparing the financial statements.  The level of disclosure of segmental and other information is determined by such 
assessment. Further details of the considerations made and the resulting disclosures are provided in note 6 to the 
financial statements. 

(r) 

Inventories 
Inventories  are  measured  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  net  realisable  value.  Provision  is  made  for  slow  moving  and 
obsolete inventories on a line by line basis. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

(s) 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Foreign currencies 
The  individual  financial  statements  of  each  Group  entity  are  presented  in  the  currency  of  the  primary  economic 
environment  in  which  the  entity  operates  (its  functional  currency).  For  the  purpose  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements,  the  results  and  financial  position  of  each  Group  entity  are  expressed  in  Pounds  Sterling,  which  is  the 
functional currency of the Company and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements. 

In  preparing  the  financial  statements  of  the  individual  entities,  transactions  in  currencies  other  than  the  entity’s 
functional  currency  (foreign  currencies)  are  recorded  at  the  rates  of  exchange  prevailing  at  the  dates  of  the 
transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the 
rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign 
currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. 

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated. 

Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise except for: 

• 

• 

exchange differences that relate to assets under construction for future productive use, which are included 
in the cost of those assets when they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs on foreign currency 
borrowings; and 
exchange  differences  on  monetary  items  receivable  from  or  payable  to  a  foreign  operation  for  which 
settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur, which form part of the net investment in a foreign operation, 
and  which  are  recognised  in  the  foreign  currency  translation  reserve  and  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  on 
disposal of the net investment. 

(t) 

Translation of financial statements of foreign entities 
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated using exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The 
components of shareholders’ equity are stated at historical value. An average exchange rate for the period is used to 
translate the results and cash flows of foreign operations. 

Exchange  differences  arising  on  translating  the  results  and  net  assets  of  foreign  operations  are  taken  to  the 
translation  reserve  in  equity  until  the  disposal  of  the  investment.  The  gain  or  loss  in  the  income  statement  on  the 
disposal  of  foreign  operations  includes  the  release  of  the  translation  reserve  relating  to  the  operation  that  is  being 
sold. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   35 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

4 

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements 

The Group’s accounting policies are set out in Note 3.   

The  Directors  consider  that  the  key  judgements  and  estimates  made  in  the  preparation  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements are: 

Intangible fixed assets 

On acquisition, the Company calculates the fair value of the net assets acquired. Due to the nature of the companies acquired, 
this  often  requires  the  recognition  of  additional  intangible  assets,  specifically  in  relation  to  technology  or  customer 
relationships.  The  assessment  of  intangible  assets  acquired  is  necessarily  judgemental  and  has  been  performed  using  a 
discounted cash flow model.  Significant judgement has been applied in assessing the future revenues to be achieved from 
that  acquisition,  the  growth  rate  of  that  revenue,  the  associated  costs  and  the  discount  factor  to  be  applied.   In  addition, 
management  make  estimates  as  to  the  useful  economic  life  of  the  resulting  intangible  assets,  based  on  their  industry 
expertise. These estimates affect the amount of amortisation recognised in each financial year. 

Actual results may vary significantly from expectations in future years.  Annual reviews of the Group’s intangible fixed assets 
are carried out, using commercial judgements to determine whether there is any evidence that the useful economic life is no 
longer  appropriate,  or  whether  there  are  impairment  indicators  relating  to  specific  intangible  assets  due  to  changes  in 
circumstance during the financial year in question. 

Revenue recognition 

Certain  of  the  Group’s  contracts  for  software  licences,  software  provided  as  a  service,  maintenance  services  and  other 
consultancy projects have a term of more than one year.  The Directors assess the fair value of the entire contract attributable 
to each of the different services and the timing of when revenues should be recognised and this assessment can differ from 
the  legally  contracted  values.  A  level  of  judgement  and  estimate  is  required  in  assessing  the  level  of  potential  customer 
returns for certain hardware products. Some of the Group’s revenue is derived from data capture/counting services, in which 
projects can last for an extended period of time. As such, an element of judgement is required when assessing the stage of 
completion at a period end. 

Share-based payments 

The Group has equity settled share-based remuneration schemes for employees.  The fair value of share options is estimated 
by using the Black-Scholes valuation model, on the date of grant based on certain assumptions.  These assumptions include, 
among others, expected volatility, expected life of the options and number of options expected to vest.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

5 

Acquisition of subsidiaries   

(a)  Acquisition in the current year: Datasys Integration Limited 

On 16 May 2014, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Datasys Integration Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary 
Datasys  Limited  (Datasys).  Datasys  Integration  Limited  is  a  holding  company  whilst  Datasys  Limited  is  a  trading  company. 
Based  in  Manchester,  Datasys  provides  rail  management  software  systems,  business  applications  and  hosting  services  for 
the  majority  of  the  UK's  train  operating  companies.  Its  client  base  includes  all  of  the  major  transport  owning  groups.  The 
principle  activity  of  the  business  is  software  development,  sales  and  licensing  with  revenues  predominantly  derived  from 
products  that  assist  train  operators  capture,  report  and  analyse  the  root  causes  of  delays  and  other  performance  critical 
information. The vast majority of Datasys revenue comes from long term recurring software leases. 

In  the period  to  31 July  2014  the  company  contributed  revenue of  £514,000  and  operating  profit  of  £75,000  to  the  Group’s 
results, net of amortisation of associated intangible assets.  If the acquisition had occurred on 1 August 2013, management 
estimates  that  consolidated  revenue  would  have  been  £2,474,000  and  consolidated  profit  for  the  year  would  have  been 
£526,000.  In determining these amounts, management has assumed that the fair value adjustments, determined provisionally 
that arose on the date of acquisition would have been the same if the acquisition had occurred on 1 August 2013. 

The acquisition had the following effect on the Group’s assets and liabilities on the acquisition date: 

Pre-acquisition  

Fair value  

value on  

carrying amount  

adjustments  

acquisition  

Recognised  

Intangible assets: Technology assets 

Intangible assets: Customer relationships 

Other intangible assets 

Tangible fixed assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Deferred tax asset 

Trade and other payables and deferred income 

Income tax receivable /(payable) 

Deferred tax liability 

Net identified assets and liabilities 

Goodwill on acquisition 

Consideration paid in cash  

Stamp Duty 

Net cash acquired 

Net cash flow 

Consideration paid: fair value of shares issued 

Total consideration 

£000  

-  

-  

£000  

1,660 

3,098 

1,362 

(1,362) 

   49 

483 

110 

(1,463) 

27 

- 

568 

-  

-  

(110) 

-  

-  

(952) 

2,334  

£000  

1,660 

3,098 

- 

49 

483  

- 

(1,463) 

27 

(952) 

2,902  

359  

3,261  

4,150  

23  

(1,287) 

2,886  

375  

3,261  

Pre-acquisition  carrying  amounts  were  determined  based  on  applicable  IFRSs,  immediately  prior  to  the  acquisition.    The 
values of assets and liabilities recognised on acquisition are the estimated fair values. The goodwill that arose on acquisition 
can be attributed to a multitude of assets that cannot readily be separately identified for the purposes of fair value accounting.  

The fair value adjustments were provisional and arise in accordance with the requirements of IFRSs to recognise intangible 
assets acquired.  In determining the fair values of intangible assets the Group has used discounted cash flow forecasts.  The 
fair value of shares issued was based on market value at the date of issue. 

The Group incurred acquisition related costs of £31,000 which are included within administrative expenses. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   37 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

5 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

(b)  Acquisition in the previous year: Sky High plc (subsequently renamed Sky High Technology Limited) 

On 26 March 2013, the Group published a recommended cash offer to acquire the entire issued share capital of Sky High plc, 
for  a  combination  of  cash  and  share  based  consideration,  with  the  share  based  consideration  being  dealt  with  via  a 
Management Agreement and Prowse Trust Agreement. On 17 April 2013, the offer was declared unconditional in all respects 
as  the  Group  had  received  valid  acceptances  of  over  90%  of  the  Offer  Shares.  Following  this  announcement,  the  Group 
exercised  its  rights  under  Sections  979  and  980  of  Companies  Act  2006  to  compulsory  transfer  the  remaining  shares  to 
Tracsis by applying the ‘squeeze out’ provisions of the Act. Sky High was delisted from AIM on 16 May 2013. 

Sky High is a traffic data collection, aggregation and analysis company that provides primary information to a variety of clients 
that include government bodies, private companies well known within the market place and public sector groups. Its primary 
markets are  the  transport  and  people moving sectors  ranging  from  highway  agencies,  stations  and  railways,  to  festival  and 
conference organisers.  

The acquisition took place as the Directors believe that Sky High operates in a similar market, cross selling opportunities exist, 
there  is  some  overlap  of  customer  base,  and  Sky  High  has  a  sizeable  Australian  presence  which  the  Group  may  seek  to 
capitalise  on  in  the  future.  By  removing  duplicate  PLC  costs  and  achieving  other  synergies,  there  is  also  an  opportunity  to 
increase profitability, and Sky High management will be able to devote more time to the running of the business as opposed to 
being distracted by PLC related matters. 

In the period to 31 July 2013 the company contributed revenue of £3,190,000 and operating profit of £217,000 to the Group’s 
results.  If the acquisition had occurred on 1 August 2012, management estimates that consolidated revenue would have been 
£9,594,000 and consolidated profit for the year would have been £349,000.  In determining these amounts, management has 
assumed that the fair value adjustments, determined provisionally that arose on the date of acquisition would have been the 
same if the acquisition had occurred on 1 August 2012. 

The acquisition had the following effect on the Group’s assets and liabilities on the acquisition date: 

Pre-acquisition  

Fair value  

value on  

carrying amount  

adjustments  

acquisition  

Recognised  

Intangible assets: Customer relationships 

Other intangible assets 

Tangible fixed assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Hire purchase contract obligations 

Trade and other payables 

Income tax payable 

Deferred tax liability 

Net identified assets and liabilities 

Goodwill on acquisition 

Consideration paid in cash  

Net cash acquired 

Net cash flow 

Consideration paid: fair value of shares issued 

Total consideration 

£000  

-  

861 

1,200  

2,294  

(407) 

(1,488) 

(21) 

(64) 

2,375  

£000  

1,704  

(861) 

-  

(250) 

- 

-  

-  

(358) 

235  

£000  

1,704 

- 

1,200  

2,044  

(407) 

(1,488) 

(21) 

(422) 

2,610  

390  

3,000  

2,759  

(297) 

2,462  

538  

3,000  

Pre-acquisition  carrying  amounts  were  determined  based  on  applicable  IFRSs,  immediately  prior  to  the  acquisition.    The 
values of assets and liabilities recognised on acquisition are the estimated fair values. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

5 

Acquisition of subsidiaries - Acquisition in the previous year: Sky High plc (continued) 

The goodwill that arose on acquisition can be attributed to a multitude of assets that cannot readily be separately identified for 
the purposes of fair value accounting. These include an Australian presence which may be used to facilitate Tracsis overseas 
growth, cross selling opportunities, operating synergies, staff skills and capabilities, and a brand/reputation. 

The fair value adjustments were provisional and arise in accordance with the requirements of IFRSs to recognise intangible 
assets acquired.  In determining the fair values of intangible assets the Group has used discounted cash flow forecasts.  The 
fair value of shares issued was based on market value at the date of issue. 

The Group incurred acquisition related costs of £225,000 which are included within administrative expenses. 

6 

Segmental analysis 

The Group’s revenue and profit was derived from its principal activity which is the solving a variety of data capture, reporting 
and resource optimisation problems along with the provision of a range of associated professional services. 

In accordance with IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’, the Group has made the following considerations to arrive at the disclosure 
made in these financial statements. 

IFRS  8  requires  consideration  of  the  Chief  Operating  Decision  Maker  (“CODM”)  within  the  Group.    In  line  with  the  Group’s 
internal reporting framework and management structure, the key strategic and operating decisions are made by the Board of 
Directors, who review internal monthly management reports, budgets and forecast information as part of this.  Accordingly, the 
Board of Directors are deemed to be the CODM. 

Operating segments have then been identified based on the internal reporting information and management structures within 
the  Group.    From  such  information  it  has  been  noted  that  the  CODM  reviews  the  business  as  a  single  operating  segment, 
receiving internal information on that basis.  The management structure and allocation of key resources, such as operational 
and administrative resources, are arranged on a centralised basis.  Due to the small size and low complexity of the business, 
profitability is not analysed in further detail beyond the operating segment level and is not divided by revenue stream. 

The CODM reviews a split of revenue streams on a monthly basis and, as such, this additional information has been provided 
below. 

Revenue  

Software licences and post contract customer support 

Rail Consultancy and professional services 

Data capture & Analytics and passenger counting 

Condition monitoring technology and embedded software & associated hardware 

Total revenue 

2014 

£000 

2,798 

1,815 

11,987 

5,757 

22,357 

2013 

£000 

2,142 

1,145 

4,124 

3,420 

10,831 

Reconciliations of reportable segment revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities and other material items 
Information regarding the results of the reportable segment is included below.  Performance is measured based on segment 
profit  before  income  tax,  as  included  in  the  internal  management  reports  that  are  reviewed  by  the  Board  of  Directors.  
Segment profit is used to measure performance.  There are no material inter-segment transactions, however, when they do 
occur,  pricing  between  segments  is  determined  on  an  arm’s  length  basis.    Revenues  disclosed  below  materially  represent 
revenues to external customers. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

TRACSIS PLC   |   39 

6 

Segmental analysis (continued) 

Revenues 

Total revenue for reportable segments 

Consolidated revenue 

Profit or loss 

Total profit or loss for reportable segments 

Unallocated amounts: 

   Share based payment charge 

   Other exceptional items (net) 

   Depreciation 

   Amortisation of intangible assets 

   Interest receivable/payable(net) 

Consolidated profit/(loss) before tax 

Revenues 

Total revenue for reportable segments 

Consolidated revenue 

Profit or loss 

Total profit or loss for reportable segments 

Unallocated amounts: 

   Share based payment charge 

   Other exceptional items (net) 

   Depreciation 

   Amortisation of intangible assets 

   Interest receivable/payable(net) 

Consolidated profit/(loss) before tax 

2014 

           UK 

Australia 

£000  

£000  

20,634 

20,634 

1,723 

1,723 

5,295 

(315) 

(31) 

(339) 

(460) 

17 

4,167 

139 

- 

- 

(92) 

- 

(13) 

34 

           UK 

£000  

2013 

Australia 

£000  

10,374 

10,374 

3,422 

(189) 

(225) 

(129) 

(273) 

67 

2,673 

457 

457 

(55) 

- 

- 

(25) 

- 

(3) 

(83) 

Total 

£000  

22,357 

22,357 

5,434 

(315) 

(31) 

(431) 

(460) 

4 

4,201 

Total 

£000  

10,831 

10,831 

3,367 

(189) 

(225) 

(154) 

(273) 

64 

2,590 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

6 

Segmental analysis (continued) 

Assets 

Total assets for reportable segments 

Unallocated assets – intangible assets 

Consolidated total assets 

Liabilities 

Total liabilities for reportable segments 

Unallocated liabilities – deferred tax 

Consolidated total liabilities 

Assets 

Total assets for reportable segments 

Unallocated assets – intangible assets 

Consolidated total assets 

Liabilities 

Total liabilities for reportable segments 

Unallocated liabilities – deferred tax 

Consolidated total liabilities 

UK 

£’000 

14,686 

10,724 

25,410 

6,428 

1,388 

7,816 

UK 

£’000 

11,622 

6,067 

17,689 

3,858 

1,046 

4,904 

2014 

Australia 

£000 

628 

- 

628 

373 

- 

373 

2013 

Australia 

£000 

650 

- 

650 

226 

- 

226 

Total 

£000 

15,314 

10,724 

26,038 

6,801 

1,388 

8,189 

Total 

£000 

12,272 

6,067 

18,339 

4,084 

1,046 

5,130 

Major customers 
Transactions with the Group’s largest customer represent 25% of the Group’s total revenues (2013: 31%). 

Geographic split of revenue 
A geographical analysis of revenue is provided below: 

United Kingdom 

Australia 

Rest of the World 

Total 

2014 

£000 

20,252 

1,723 

382 

22,357 

2013 

£000 

9,951 

457 

423 

10,831 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   41 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

7  

Employees and personnel costs  

Staff costs: 

Wages and salaries 

Social security contributions 

Contributions to defined contribution plans 

Equity-settled share based payment transactions 

Average number of employees (including directors) in the year 

2014 

£000 

8,363 

684 

135 

315 

9,497 

 295  

2013 

£000 

4,078 

344 

67 

189 

4,678 

138 

The increase in staff costs and numbers is due to the impact of having Sky High within the Group for a full year during this 
financial year. Parts of the business utilise high levels of casual workers for periods of time, and as such, full time equivalent 
figures have been derived. 

The directors’ remuneration and share options are detailed within the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 16 to 18. 

8 

Share based payments 

The Group has two share option schemes for all employees (including directors).   

EMI Share options 

Options are exercisable at a price agreed at the date of grant.  The vesting period is usually between one and five years.  The 
exercise of options is dependent upon eligible employees meeting performance criteria.  The options may not be exercised 
before  the  occurrence  of  a  takeover,  sale  or  admission.    The  options  are  settled  in  equity  once  exercised.    If  the  options 
remain unexercised after a period of 10 years from the date of grant, the options expire.  Options are forfeited if the employee 
leaves the Group before the options vest. 

Discounted EMI Share options 

In  August  2012,  the  Group  implemented  a  new  EMI  share  option  scheme,  resulting  in  discounted  EMI  share  options  being 
issued  to  staff  instead  of  cash  bonuses,  provided  certain  predetermined  performance  criteria  were  met  for  both  the  overall 
group, and the part of the business the employee directly works in. This scheme was made available to all staff. Staff are also 
able to exchange an element of annual salary in return for share options too. The vesting period is three years. The exercise 
of options is dependent upon eligible employees meeting performance criteria.  The options may not be exercised before the 
occurrence  of  a  takeover,  sale  or  admission.    The  options  are  settled  in  equity  once  exercised.    If  the  options  remain 
unexercised after a period of 10 years from the date of grant, the options expire.  Options are forfeited if the employee leaves 
the Group before the options vest. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

8 

Share based payments (continued) 

Details of the schemes are given below: 

Grant date 

28/01/2009 

20/05/2010 

12/01/2011 

01/06/2011 

22/09/2011 

21/11/2011 

20/06/2012 

02/08/2012 

02/08/2012 

01/11/2012 

08/01/2013 

28/01/2013 

28/01/2013 

26/03/2013 

26/03/2013 

01/08/2013 

01/08/2013 

01/11/2013 

01/01/2014 

01/01/2014 

Outstanding 

Employees 

Number  

Performance 

Exercise 

entitled 

of options  

conditions 

price (p) 

143,000 

Time served 

62,000 

12,500 

90,000 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

267,500 

Time served 

25,000 

Time served 

150,000 

Time served 

72,592 

72,500 

Time served 

Time served 

100,000 

Time served 

55,000 

Time served 

52.0 

51.5 

49.5 

50.0 

63.5 

57.5 

89.0 

0.40 

123.0 

133.5 

159.0 

Earliest 

exercise 

date 

28/07/2009* 

20/01/2011* 

12/07/2011* 

01/12/2011* 

22/03/2012* 

21/05/2012* 

20/12/2012* 

02/08/2013** 

02/02/2013* 

01/06/2013* 

08/07/2013* 

28/07/2013* 

Expiry 

date 

28/01/2019 

20/05/2020 

12/01/2021 

01/06/2021 

22/09/2021 

21/11/2021 

20/06/2022 

02/08/2022 

02/08/2022 

01/11/2022 

08/01/2023 

28/01/2023 

28/01/2023 

4,823 

Time served 

0.40 

28/01/2014** 

70,000 

Time served 

175,000 

Time served 

155.5 

175.0 

26/06/2013***

26/03/2023 

14,286 

312,500 

62,173 

50,000 

75,000 

24,686 

1,838,560 

Time served 
Time served 
Time served 
Time served 
Time served 
Time served 

0.40 

26/03/2014** 

162.5 

01/02/2014* 

0.40 

01/08/2014** 

185.0  01/02/2014**** 

199.5 

01/07/2014* 

0.40 

01/01/2015** 

26/03/2023 

01/08/2023 

01/08/2023 

01/11/2023 

01/01/2024 

01/01/2024 

4 

2 

2 

1 

12 

1 

1 

24 

7 

1 

7 

1 

1 

3 

1 

11 

35 

1 

2 

2 

* Vesting dates for these options are: 10% vest six months after grant date, 15% vest 12 months after grant date, 15% vest 18 months after 
grant date, 15% vest 24 months after grant date, 20% vest 30 months after grant date, 25% vest 36 months after grant date. 

** Vesting dates for these options are linked to time served, and were awarded based on certain performance conditions being met, and in 
exchange for an annual cash bonus. The full vesting is achieved over a 3 year period, with various forfeit/reductions if exercise takes place 
sooner 

*** Vesting dates for these options are in equal three month instalments over a 24 month period 

**** Vesting dates for these options are in equal three month instalments over a 36 month period 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   43 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

8 

Share based payments (continued) 

The number and weighted average exercise price of share options are as follows: 

Outstanding at 1 August  

Granted 

Forfeited 

Exercised 

Outstanding at 31 July 

Exercisable at 31 July 

2014 

  Weighted 

Average 

2014  

Exercise 

Number  

1,929,016 

525,251 

(10,674) 

(605,033) 

1,838,560 

Price 

79.1p 

142.8p 

111.8p 

51.8p 

106.0p 

2013  

Number  

1,784,102 

664,965 

(141,500) 

(378,551) 

1,929,016 

940,026 

87.9p 

1,031,837 

2013 

Weighted 

Average 

Exercise 

Price 

53.6p 

133.0p 

104.2p 

44.7p 

79.1p 

56.4p 

The share options outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 7 years (2013: 6 
years). 

Fair value assumptions of share based payment charges 
The  estimate  of  the  fair  value  of  share  based  awards  is  calculated  using  the  Black-Scholes  option  pricing  model.    The 
following assumptions were used: 

Options granted in previous years: 

Options granted on 

Share price at date of grant 

Exercise price 

Vesting period (years) 

Expected volatility 

Option life (years) 

Expected life (years) 

Risk-free rate 

01/06/ 
2011 
50.0p 

50.0p 

3 

12/01/ 
2011 
49.5p 

49.5p 

3 

01/08/ 
2010 
50.5p 

50.5p 

3 

20/05/ 
2010 
51.5p 

51.5p 

3 

17/03/ 
2010 
50.5p 

50.5p 

3 

15% 

15% 

15% 

15% 

15% 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

28/01/ 
2009 
52p 

26/11/ 
2007 
40p 

52p 

3 

15% 

10 

10 

40p 

1 

40% 

10 

10 

3.5% 

0.5% 

0.5% 

0.5% 

0.5% 

0.5% 

4.75% 

Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Options granted in previous years (continued): 

Options granted on 

Share price at date of grant 

Exercise price 

Vesting period (years) 

Expected volatility 

Option life (years) 

Expected life (years) 

Risk-free rate 

22/09/ 
2011 
63.5p 

63.5p 

3 

21/11/ 
2011 
57.5p 

57.5p 

3 

01/02/ 
2012 
62.0p 

62.0p 

3 

20/06/ 
2012 
89.0p 

89.0p 

3 

50% 

50% 

50% 

50% 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

8 

Share based payments (continued) 

Options granted in previous years (continued): 

Options granted on 

Share price at date of grant 

Exercise price 

Vesting period (years) 

Expected volatility 

Option life (years) 

Expected life (years) 

Risk-free rate 

02/08/
2012 
123.0p 

02/08/
2012 
123.0p 

01/11/
2012 
133.5p 

08/01/
2013 
159.0p 

28/01/
2013 
155.5p 

28/01/
2013 
155.0p 

26/03/
2013 
175.0p 

26/03/
2013 
175.0p 

0.4p 

123.0p 

133.5p 

159.0p 

0.4p 

155.0p 

175.0p 

0.4p 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

2 

3 

20% 

20% 

20% 

20% 

20% 

20% 

20% 

20% 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Options granted in the current year: 

Options granted on 

Share price at date of grant 

Exercise price 

Vesting period (years) 

Expected volatility 

Option life (years) 

Expected life (years) 

Risk-free rate 

01/08/
2013 
162.5p 

162.5p 

01/08/
2013 
162.5p 

01/11/
2013 
185.0p 

01/01/
2014 
199.5p 

01/01/
2014 
199.5p 

0.4p 

185.0p 

199.5p 

0.4p 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

30% 

30% 

30% 

30% 

30% 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

The expected volatility is based on the historic volatility of the Company’s share price. 

Charge to the income statement 

Share based payment charges 

2014 

£000 

315 

2013 

£000 

189 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

TRACSIS PLC   |   45 

9  

Operating profit  

Operating profit is stated after charging: 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment - owned 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment - leased 

Total depreciation 

Operating lease rentals: Land and buildings 

Operating lease rentals: Plant & machinery 

Total operating lease rentals 

Research and development expenditure expensed as incurred 

Auditor’s remuneration: 

Audit of these financial statements  

Amounts receivable by auditors and their associates in respect of: 

-  Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 

-  Other services relating to taxation 

-  Other services  

10  

Finance income 

Interest received on bank deposits 

11  

Finance expense 

Interest on finance lease obligations 

12  

Taxation  

12.1  

Recognised in the income statement 

Current tax expense  

Current year 

Adjustment in respect of prior periods 

Total current year  

Deferred tax 

Current year 

Adjustment in respect of prior periods 

Total deferred tax 

Total tax in income statement 

2014 

£000 

372 

59 

431 

210 

59 

269 

393 

2014 

£000 

20 

33 

3  

18  

2014  

£000  

36  

2014  

£000  

32  

2014  

£000  

901 

44 

 945 

(47) 

- 

(47) 

 898  

2013 

£000 

129 

25 

154 

114 

22 

136 

411 

2013 

£000 

43 

3 

3 

46 

2013 

£000 

75 

2013 

£000 

11 

2013  

£000  

563  

1 

 564  

(78) 

- 

(78) 

 486  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

12  

Taxation (continued)  

Reconciliation of the effective tax rate 

Profit before tax for the period 
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of 
corporation tax in the UK of 22.33% (2013: 23.66%) 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

Research and development enhancement 

Adjustment in respect of prior periods 

Marginal relief / effect of small company tax rates 

Other movements 

Total tax expense 

2014  

£000  

4,201  

938  
18  

(110) 

44 

- 

8 

2014  

%  

100.0  

22.3  
0.4  

(2.5) 

1.0  

- 

0.2 

898 

21.4  

2013  

£000  

2,590  

613  
51  

(121) 

1 

(3) 

(55) 

486 

2013  

%  

100.0  

23.7  
2.0  

(4.7) 

-  

(0.1) 

(2.1) 

18.8  

Reductions in Corporation tax rates to 21% from 1 April 2014 and 20% from 1 April 2015 were substantially enacted on 2 July 
2013. This reduces the Group’s future tax charge accordingly. The Group also has some tax losses in respect of the Datasys 
acquisition where no deferred tax asset has been recognised which may reduce the future charge should these be utilised. 

12.2  

Recognised in reserves – direct to equity 

Deferred Tax  

Deferred tax relating to share based payments 

13 

Earnings per share 

2014  

£000  

563 

2013  

£000  

- 

Basic earnings per share 
The calculation of basic earnings per share at 31 July 2014 was based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of 
£3,303,000 (2013: £2,104,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 25,608,000 (2013: 24,982,000), 
calculated as follows: 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares  
In thousands of shares 

Issued ordinary shares at 1 August 

Effect of shares issued related to business combinations 

Effect of shares issued for cash 

Weighted average number of shares at 31 July 

2014 

25,526 

26 

56 

2013 

24,839 

70 

73 

25,608 

24,982 

Diluted earnings per share 
The  calculation  of  diluted  earnings  per  share  at  31  July  2014  was  based  on  profit  attributable  to  ordinary  shareholders  of 
£3,303,000 (2013: £2,104,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue after adjustment for the effects of 
all dilutive potential ordinary shares of 26,559,000 (2013: 25,827,000): 

In addition, adjusted EBITDA* is shown below on the grounds that it is a common metric used by the market in monitoring 
similar businesses. 

Adjusted EBITDA*  

Basic adjusted EBITDA* per share 

2014 

£000 

5,434 

21.22p 

Diluted adjusted EBITDA* per share 
* Earnings before finance income, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items and share-based payment charges. 

20.46p 

2013 

£000 

3,367 

13.48p 

13.04p 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   47 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

14  

Property, plant and equipment 

Freehold 

Office 

Land & 

Motor 

Computer 

fixtures 

Buildings 

Vehicles 

equipment 

& fittings 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

Cost 

At 1 August 2012 

Additions 

Arising on acquisition 

Exchange rate variances 

At 31 July 2013 

Additions 

Arising on acquisition 

Exchange rate variances 

At 31 July 2014 

Depreciation 

At 1 August 2012 

Charge for the year  

Arising on acquisition 

Exchange rate variances 

At 31 July 2013 

Charge for the year  

Arising on acquisition 

Exchange rate variances 

At 31 July 2014 

Net book value 

At 1 August 2012 

At 31 July 2013 

At 31 July 2014 

400 

- 

- 

- 

400 

- 

- 

- 

400 

18 

12 

- 

- 

30 

12 

- 

- 

42 

382 

370 

358 

21 

8 

719 

(18) 

730 

55 

- 

(14) 

771 

14 

38 

339 

(14) 

377 

117 

- 

(14) 

480 

7 

353 

291 

Total 

£000 

593 

91 

2,500 

(72) 

3,112 

471 

304 

(57) 

131 

46 

619 

(40) 

756 

207 

243 

(34) 

41 

37 

1,162 

(14) 

1,226 

209 

61 

(9) 

1,172 

1,487 

3,830 

86 

61 

426 

(36) 

537 

151 

225 

(34) 

879 

45 

219 

293 

12 

43 

535 

(22) 

568 

151 

30 

(9) 

740 

29 

658 

747 

130 

154 

1,300 

(72) 

1,512 

431 

255 

(57) 

2,141  

463 

1,600 

1,689 

The net book value of assets held under finance lease obligations is £194,000 (2013: £305,000). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

15  

Intangible assets 

Cost 

At 1 August 2012 

Arising on acquisition 

At 31 July 2013 

Arising on acquisition 

At 31 July 2014 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 1 August 2012 

Charge for the year 

At 31 July 2013 

Charge for the year 

At 31 July 2014 

Carrying amounts 

At 1 August 2012 

At 31 July 2013 

At 31 July 2014 

Customer 
related 
intangibles 

£000 

Technology 
related 
intangibles 

£000 

2,628 

1,704 

4,332 

3,098 

7,430 

274 

182 

456 

333 

789 

2,354 

3,876 

6,641 

914 

- 

914 

1,660 

2,574 

141 

91 

232 

127 

359 

773 

682 

2,215 

Goodwill  

£000  

1,119  

390  

1,509 

359 

1,868 

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

1,119 

1,509 

1,868 

Total  

£000  

4,661 

2,094 

6,755 

5,117 

11,872 

415 

273 

688 

460 

1,148 

4,246 

6,067 

10,724 

The following carrying values of intangible assets arising from the acquisitions of RWA Rail Limited in August 2008, Peeping 
Limited in July 2009, Safety Information Systems Limited in December 2009, MPEC Technology Limited in June 2011, Sky 
High plc in April 2013, and Datasys Integration Limited in May 2014 are analysed as follows: 

RWA Rail Limited 

Peeping Limited 

Safety Information Systems Limited 

MPEC Technology Limited 

Sky High Technology Limited 

Datasys Integration Limited 

Goodwill 
2014 

2013 

£000 

£000 

671 

43 

136 

269 

390 

359 

671 

43 

136 

269 

390 

- 

1,868  

1,509  

Customer related 
intangibles 
2014 

2013 

£000 

£000 

531 

277 

209 

1,075 

1,484 

3,065 

6,641 

567 

295 

222 

1,139 

1,653 

- 

3,876 

Technology related 
intangibles 
2014 

£000 

- 

- 

123 

467 

- 

1,625 

2,215 

2013 

£000 

- 

- 

146 

536 

- 

- 

682 

The amortisation charge is recognised in the following line items in the income statement: 

Administrative expenses 

2014 

£000 

460 

2013 

£000 

273 

Customer related intangibles and technology related intangibles are amortised over their useful life, which is the period during 
which they are expected to generate revenue. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   49 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

15  

Intangible assets (continued) 

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to cash generating units (CGUs) and is tested for impairment on an 
annual basis, or more frequently if there are indications that the carrying value might be impaired, by comparing the carrying 
amount against the discounted cash flow projections of the CGU.  CGUs are not larger than the operating segments of the 
Group. 

The  carrying  value  of  the  goodwill  has been  determined  based  on  value  in use  calculations, covering  detailed  budgets  and 
three  year  forecasts,  followed  by  an  extrapolation  of  expected  cash  flows  at  growth  rates  given  below.    The  growth  rates 
reflect  prudent  long  term  growth  rates  for  the  services  provided  by  the  CGU.    Gross  and  operating  margins  have  been 
assumed to remain constant based on budget and past experience. 

Long term growth rate 

Discount rate 

2014 

1.0% 

10% 

2013 

1.0% 

10% 

The  directors’  key  assumptions  relate  to  revenue  growth  and  the  discount  rate,  however,  carrying  value  is  not  significantly 
sensitive to reasonably foreseeable changes in either assumption. No impairment charges in respect of goodwill arose during 
the year. 

16  

Inventories 

Raw materials & work in progress 

Finished goods 

2014 

£000 

184 

79 

263 

2013 

£000 

138 

98 

236 

The value of inventories expensed in the period in cost of sales was £2,034,000 (2013: £922,000). Provision is made for slow 
moving and obsolete stock on a line by line basis. The value of any write downs/reversals in the current and previous period 
was not material.  

17  

Hire purchase contracts  

Due within one year 

Due after more than one year: 

   Between one and two years 

   Between two and three years 

   Between three and four years 

   Between four and five years 

Total due after more than one year 

Total hire purchase contract obligation 

A reconciliation of the obligation is stated below. 

At start of the year 

Arising on acquisition 

New hire purchase contracts 

Repayments 

At end of the year 

2014 

£000 

100 

79 

32 

22 

- 

133 

233 

2014 

£000 

328 

- 

25 

(120) 

233 

2013 

£000 

96 

100 

83 

25 

24 

232 

328 

2013 

£000 

- 

407 

16 

(95) 

328 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

17  

Hire purchase contracts (continued) 

Carrying 
amount 
£000 

Contractual 
cash flows 
£000 

Less than 
one year 
£000 

One to 
Two years 
£000 

Two to 
Five years 
£000 

233 

328 

255 

365 

114 

113 

84 

113 

57 

139 

Hire Purchase Obligations 

2014 

2013 

18  

Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables and prepayments 

Amounts recoverable on contracts 

2014 

£000 

3,165 

387 

890 

4,442 

2013 

£000 

3,019 

220 

626 

3,865 

2013 

£000 

2,889 

130 

3,019 

A breakdown of trade receivables between the United Kingdom and Australia operations is as follows: 

United Kingdom 

Australia 

2014 

£000 

2,970 

195 

3,165 

Although the Group has a large number of customers, there is a concentration of risk in that the Group derives a large amount 
of revenue from one major customer, though the credit worthiness of this customer is unquestionably strong.  In other cases, 
where one customer represents a significant proportion of overall revenue, the relationship consists of a large number of small 
contracts which are not considered to be interdependent.  The directors do not consider that any of the amounts from the sale 
of goods to be irrecoverable, hence no provision has been made for bad or doubtful debts in either the current or preceding 
year. 

The fair values of trade and other receivables are the same as their book values. 

Amounts  recoverable  on  contracts  relate  to  part  completed  projects  related  to  the  Group’s  transportation  data  collection 
operations. 

Trade receivables that are past due are considered individually for impairment.  The Group uses a monthly ageing profile as 
an indicator when considering impairment.  The summarised ageing analysis of trade receivables past due but considered to 
be not impaired is as follows: 

Under 30 days overdue 

Between 30 and 60 days overdue  

Over 60 days overdue 

2014 

£000 

941 

282 

66 

1,289 

2013 

£000 

988 

131 

220 

1,339 

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.  The Group did not incur any material 
impairment losses on trade receivables in the period. The ageing profile above takes account of the enlarged Group, and the 
fact that the payment terms/collection period for an enlarged Group with a wide variety of customers has evolved. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

TRACSIS PLC   |   51 

19  

Trade and other payables 

Trade payables 

Other tax and social security 

Deferred income 

Accruals and other payables 

2014 

£000 

760 

1,391 

1,731 

2,193 

6,075 

2013 

£000 

521 

967 

785 

1,259 

3,532 

The Directors consider that the carrying amounts of trade payables approximates to their fair value. 

Deferred  income  relates  to  sales  invoiced  in  advance  of  the  completion  of  post  contract  customer  support  and  hosting 
obligations, instances where the Group has raised sales invoices in advance of installation and acceptance of certain software 
sales, and also for software licences covering several accounting periods. Support, and revenue from Software as a Service 
will  be  recognised  in  the  income  statement  over  the  remaining  period  of  the  contract,  with  other  deferred  income  being 
recognised when the successful installation takes place, or over the period of time for which multiyear deals relate to. 

20  

Deferred tax 

Non-current liability/(asset) 

At 31 July 2012 

Arising on acquisition 

(Credit)/charge to income statement 

Change in tax rates 

At 31 July 2013 

Arising on acquisition 

(Credit)/charge to income statement 

Change in tax rates 

Recognised in equity 

At 31 July 2014 

  Accelerated  

Intangible  

capital  

Share  

assets  

allowances   options  

£000  

£000  

£000  

Other 

£000  

718 

358 

(62) 

(58) 

956 

952 

(96) 

(41) 

- 

24 

64 

(7) 

(2) 

79 

- 

27 

(5) 

- 

1,771 

101 

(40) 

- 

47 

4 

11 

- 

(8) 

- 

(563) 

(560) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

76 

- 

- 

76 

Total  

£000  

702 

422 

(22) 

(56) 

1,046 

952 

(1) 

(46) 

(563) 

1,388 

Deferred tax is disclosed as a non-current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. 

The closing deferred tax asset and liability has been calculated at 20% as at 31 July 2014 (2013: 21%). 

21  

Share capital  

Allotted, called up and fully paid: 

Ordinary shares of 0.4p each 

2014 

2014 

2013 

2013 

Number 

£ 

Number 

£ 

26,258,114 

105,032 

  25,526,306 

102,105 

The following share transactions have taken place during the year ended 31 July 2014: 

126,775 shares were issued in respect of the acquisition of Datasys Integration Limited. 

605,033 share options, under the Group’s share options schemes were exercised at various points in the year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

21  

Share capital (continued) 

The movement in share capital in the year summarised as follows: 

At start of the year 

Issued as consideration for business combinations 

Exercise of share options 

At end of the year 

22  

Capital and reserves  

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve: 

2014 

Number 

2013 

Number 

25,526,306 

24,839,192 

126,775 

605,033 

308,563 

378,551 

26,258,114 

25,526,306 

Description and purpose 
Amount subscribed for share capital at nominal value 
Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value 
Amounts arising from the premium of the fair value of shares issued over their  
nominal value, in respect of certain business combinations  
Amounts arising from the requirement to expense the fair value of share options  
in accordance with IFRS2 Share-based Payments 
Cumulative net profits recognised in the income statement 
Translation differences on retranslation of Australian subsidiary 

Reserve  
Share capital 
Share premium 
Merger reserve 

Share based payments reserve 

Retained earnings 
Translation reserve 

23  

Operating leases  

Leases as lessee 

Total outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are set out below: 

Land and buildings 

The  Group  leases  several  office  facilities  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  Australia  under  operating  leases.    During  the  year 
£269,000 was recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2013: £136,000). 

Expiring within one year 

Expiring in the second to fifth years 

Plant and machinery 

Expiring within one year 

Expiring in the second to fifth years 

2014 

£’000 

59 

195 

254 

2014 

£’000 

24 

225 

249 

2013 

£’000 

20 

233 

253 

2013 

£’000 

14 

247 

261 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   53 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

24 

Financial risk management  

The principal financial instruments comprise cash and short term deposits.  The main purpose of these financial instruments is 
to provide finance for the Group’s operations.  The Group has various other financial instruments, such as trade receivables 
and payables that arise directly from its operations.  The Group has taken advantage of the exemption to exclude short term 
debtors and creditors from the disclosures given below.  The fair values of the financial instruments are equal to their year end 
carrying values and represent the maximum exposure. 

Financial assets 

Cash and short term deposits 

2014 

Fixed 

Floating 

Rate 

£000 

1,500 

Rate 

£000 

Total 

£000 

7,420 

8,920 

2013 

Fixed 

Floating 

Rate 

£000 

- 

Rate 

£000 

6,571 

Total 

£000 

6,571 

The Group had no financial liabilities or derivative contracts in either the current or previous year.  It is policy that no trading in 
financial instruments should be undertaken.  The surplus cash balances have been invested in deposit accounts. 

The principal financial instruments used by the Group, from which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows: 
• 
• 
• 

trade receivables; 
cash at bank; 
trade and other payables. 

The main risks arising from the financial instruments are interest rate risk and liquidity risk.  The Board reviews and agrees 
policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below. 

Fair value or cash flow interest rate risk 
Currently the Group has surplus cash balances so does not have a borrowing requirement.  Surplus cash is put on short term 
deposit with high credit worthy banking institutions where appropriate at either fixed or floating rates. The Board monitors the 
financial markets and the Group’s future cash requirements to ensure that this policy is exercised in the Group’s best interests.   

At 31 July 2014, the Group had fixed-rate deposits in place as follows: 

• 
• 

£750,000 placed on a fixed 3 month deposit at an interest rate of 0.55% 
£750,000 placed on a fixed 3 month deposit at an interest rate of 0.55% 

Credit risk 
The Group monitors credit risk closely and considers that its current policies of credit checks meet its objectives of managing 
exposure  to  risk.    The  Group  has  no  significant  concentration  of  credit  risk.    Amounts  shown  in  the  balance  sheet  best 
represent  the  maximum  credit  risk  exposure  in  the  event  that  other  parties  fail  to  perform  their  obligations  under  financial 
instruments.   

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity  risk  is  managed  on  a  day  to  day  basis.    Facilities  are  agreed  at  appropriate  levels  having  regard  to  the  Group’s 
forecast operating cash flows and future capital expenditures.   

Capital disclosures 
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. 

- 

The capital structure of the Group consists of cash and cash equivalents, and equity attributable to shareholders of the parent, 
comprising  issued  share capital,  reserves and retained  earnings  as  disclosed in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Changes  in 
Equity and Notes 13, 21 and 22.  The Group sets the amount of capital it requires in proportion to risk.  The Group manages 
its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of 
the underlying assets.  In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid 
to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

24 

Financial risk management (continued) 

Sensitivity analysis 
In managing interest rates the Group aims to reduce the impact of short term fluctuations on the Group’s earnings. Over the 
long term, permanent changes in interest rates would have an impact on consolidated earnings. The Directors consider that a 
change of 100 basis points in interest rates at any period end would not have a material impact on cash flows. 

Market risks 
The Directors consider that the Group has no significant exposure to market risks with respect to its financial instruments. The 
Group had some deposits and access accounts with Co-Operative Bank, but following their downgrade in the previous year, 
the majority of these were subsequently withdrawn and funds placed with alternative financial institutions who were deemed 
more creditworthy. 

Foreign currency risk 
The Group has an Australian subsidiary which is owned by Sky High plc. Balances and transactions in Australian dollars are 
converted into Sterling and hence the group is exposed to an element of currency risk/fluctuation. 

25 

Related Party Transactions 

The following transactions took place during the year with other related parties: 

Leeds Innovation Centre Limited 1 

Purchase of 

Amounts owed to   

goods and services 

related parties      

2014 

£000 

71 

2013 

£000 

80 

2014 

£000 

6 

2013 

£000 

6 

1 - Leeds Innovation Centre Limited is a company which is connected to The University of Leeds.  Tracsis plc rents its office accommodation, 
along with related office services, from this company. 

WSP Group 2 

Sale of 

Amounts owed by   

goods and services 

related parties      

2014 

£000 

41 

2013 

£000 

- 

2014 

£000 

36 

2013 

£000 

- 

2  –  WSP  Group  (WSP)  is  a  company  which  is  connected  to  Chris  Cole,  a  Director  of  Tracsis  plc  since  28  April  2014.  Chris  Cole  is  non-
executive Chairman of Tracsis plc and is also a Director of WSP. Sales to WSP took place at arm’s length commercial rates, and were not 
connected  to  Mr  Cole’s  position  at  WSP  as  the  group  traded  with  WSP  prior  to  his  appointment  at  Tracsis.  The  values  disclosed  above 
represent  amounts  invoiced  since  28  April  2014,  the  date  on  which  Mr  Cole  became  a  Director  and  therefore  the  date  from  which  WSP 
became a related party 

Terms and conditions of transactions with related parties 
The purchases from related parties are made at normal market prices.  Outstanding balances that relate to trading balances 
are  unsecured,  interest  free  and  settlement  occurs  in  cash.    There  have  been  no  guarantees  provided  or  received  for  any 
related party receivables or payables. 

Compensation of key management personnel of the Group 
The Group considers the directors to be its key management personnel.  Full details of their compensation are set out in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   55 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

26 

Employee benefits 

The Group makes contributions to defined contribution pension schemes for its employees.  The pension cost charge for the 
year  comprises  contributions  payable  by  the  Group  to  the  schemes  and  other  personal  pension  plans  and  amounted  to 
£135,000 (2013: £67,000).  There were outstanding contributions at 31 July 2014 of £17,000 (2013: £10,000). 

27 

Group entities 

Below are the principal subsidiary undertakings which contribute to the Group results: 

Held by Tracsis plc 

R.W.A. Rail Limited 

Peeping Limited 

Safety Information Systems Limited 

MPEC Technology Limited 

Sky High Technology Limited 
(previously Sky High plc)  
Datasys Integration Limited 
(owns 100% of Datasys Limited)  

Principal activity  Country of incorporation 

Rail industry consultancy 

England and Wales 

Rail industry consultancy 

England and Wales 

Software and consultancy 
Rail industry hardware & 
Datalogging 
Transportation data 
collection 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

Software 

England and Wales 

% ordinary 
share 
capital owned 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100%  

100%  

28 

Dividends 

The Group introduced a progressive dividend policy during previous years. The cash cost of the dividend payments is shown 
below: 

Final dividend for 2011/12 of 0.35p per share paid 

Interim dividend for 2012/13 of 0.30p per share paid  

Final dividend for 2012/13 of 0.40p per share paid 

Interim dividend for 2013/14 of 0.35p per share paid 

Total dividends paid 

The dividends paid or proposed in respect of each financial year is as follows: 

Interim dividend for 2011/12 of 0.20p per share paid  

Final dividend for 2011/12 of 0.35p per share paid 

Interim dividend for 2012/13 of 0.30p per share paid  

Final dividend for 2012/13 of 0.40p per share paid 

Interim dividend for 2013/14 of 0.35p per share paid 

Final dividend for 2013/14 of 0.45p per share proposed 

2014 

£000 

- 

- 

102 

89 

191 

2013 

£000 

- 

- 

75 

102 

- 

- 

2013 

£000 

87 

75 

- 

- 

162 

2012 

£000 

48 

87 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2014 

£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

89 

119 

The dividend will be payable on 13 February 2015 to shareholders on the Register at 30 January 2015. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Financial Statements 

Company Balance Sheet (presented under UK GAAP) 
as at 31 July 2014  
Company number: 05019106 

Fixed assets 
Tangible fixed assets 
Investments 

Current assets 
Debtors 
Cash at bank and in hand 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 
Net current (liabilities)/assets 

Note 

30 
31 

32 

33 

2014  
£000  

359  
14,093  

1,261  
5,294  

6,555  
(7,226) 
(671)  

2013  
£000  

371  
9,545  

1,030  
3,284  

4,314  
(5,785) 
(1,471)  

Total assets less current liabilities 

13,781  

8,445  

Provisions for liabilities and charges 

34 

(6) 

(15) 

Net assets 

13,775  

8,430  

Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital 
Share premium reserve 
Merger reserve 
Share based payments reserve 
Retained earnings 
Shareholders’ funds 

35 
36 
36 
36 
36 

105  
4,591  
1,846  
698  
6,535  
13,775  

102  
4,280  
1,472  
383  
2,193  
8,430  

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 12 November 2014 and were 
signed on its behalf by: 

John McArthur   –  Chief Executive Officer 

Max Cawthra 

–  Chief Financial Officer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   57 

Financial Statements 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet  

29 

Company accounting policies (UK GAAP) 

Basis of preparation 
As  used  in  the  financial  statements  and  related  notes,  the  term  ‘Company’  refers  to  Tracsis  plc.    The  separate  financial 
statements of  the  Company  are  presented as  required by  the  Companies  Act  2006.   As permitted  by  the  Act,  the  separate 
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (‘UK GAAP’). 

These  accounts  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  applicable  accounting  standards  and  under  the  historical  cost 
convention. 

A  separate  profit  and  loss  account  dealing  with  the  results  of  the  company  only  has  not  been  presented,  as  permitted  by 
section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. 

Under FRS 1 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own cash flow statement. 

Revenue recognition 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable (excluding value added tax and discounts 
given) derived from the provision of goods and services to customers during the period.  The Company derives revenue from 
software licences, post contract customer support and consultancy services. 

The  Company  recognises  the  revenue  from  the  sale  of  software  licences  and  specified  upgrades  upon  shipment  of  the 
software  product  or  upgrade,  when  there  are  no  significant  vendor  obligations  remaining,  when  the  fee  is  fixed  and 
determinable  and  when  collectability  is  considered  probable.    Where  appropriate  the  Company  provides  a  reserve  for 
estimated  returns  under  the  standard  acceptance  terms  at  the  time  the  revenue is  recognised.    Payment  terms  are agreed 
separately with each customer. 

Revenue from post contract customer support and consultancy services is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of 
the contract.  Revenue received and not recognised in the profit and loss account under this policy is classified as deferred 
income in the balance sheet. 

Revenue from other products and services is recognised as the products are shipped or services provided. 

Tangible fixed assets 
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost.  As well as the purchase price, cost includes directly attributable costs.   

Depreciation is provided on all items so as to write off the carrying value of items over their expected useful economic lives.  It 
is applied at the following rates: 

Freehold buildings (excluding land)   
Computer equipment 

– 
–  

4% on cost  
33 1/3% on cost 

Investments 
Fixed asset investments are stated at cost less provision for impairment where appropriate.  The directors consider annually 
whether a provision against the value of investments on an individual basis is required.  Such provisions are charged in the 
profit and loss account in the year. 

Taxation 
The  charge  for  taxation  is  based  on  the  result  for  the  year  and  takes  into  account  taxation  deferred  because  of  timing 
differences  between  the  treatment  of  certain  items  for  taxation  and  accounting  purposes.    Deferred  taxation  is  recognised, 
without discounting, in respect of all timing differences which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except 
as otherwise required by FRS19. 

Leases 
Rentals  applicable  where  substantially  all  of  the  benefits  and  risks  of  ownership  remain  with  the  lessor  are  classified  as 
operating leases and payments are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

29 

Company accounting policies (UK GAAP) (continued) 

FRS20 share based payments 
The Company has adopted FRS20 and the accounting policies followed are in all material regards the same as the Group’s 
policy under IFRS2 ‘Share based payments’.  The policy is shown in the Group’s accounting policies on pages 27 to 34. 

30  

Tangible fixed assets 

Cost 

At 1 August 2013 

Additions 

At 31 July 2014 

Depreciation 

At 1 August 2013 

Charge for the year 

At 31 July 2014 

Net book value 

At 31 July 2013 

At 31 July 2014 

31  

Investments  

Cost 

At 1 August 2013 

Additions 

At 31 July 2014 

The addition in the year relates to the acquisition of Datasys Integration Limited. 

Freehold 

Land &   Computer 

Buildings 

equipment 

£000 

£000 

400 

- 

400 

30 

12 

42 

370 

358 

23 

- 

23 

22 

- 

22 

1 

1 

Total 

£000 

423 

- 

423 

52 

12 

64 

371 

359 

Shares in subsidiary  

undertakings  

£000  

9,545 

4,548 

14,093 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   59 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

31  

Investments (continued) 

The companies in which Tracsis plc’s interest is more than 20% at the year end are as follows: 

Subsidiary undertaking 

Country of 

incorporation 

R.W.A. Rail Limited 

England and Wales 

Peeping Limited 

England and Wales 

Safety Information 
Systems Limited 

England and Wales 

MPEC Technology Limited 

England and Wales 

Class and  

percentage 

Principal activity 

of shares held 

Holding 

Rail industry consultancy 
Rail industry ancillary 
services 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Software and consultancy 
Rail industry hardware & 
datalogging 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

Direct 

Direct 

Direct 

Sky High Technology 
Limited (previously Sky 
High plc) 
Sky High Traffic Data 
Australia Pty Limited 
Datasys Integration 
Limited 
Datasys Limited 

32  

Debtors 

England and Wales 

Transportation data collection 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

Australia 

Transportation data collection 

England and Wales 

Holding Company 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 

Ordinary 100% 
Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Direct 

Indirect 

Trade debtors 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 

Other debtors 

Corporation Tax 

Prepayments 

2014 

£000 

478 

603 

12 

141 

27 

1,261 

2013 

£000 

769 

50 

12 

166 

33 

1,030 

The group moved onto a Payments on Account regime for Corporation Tax in the previous year, and Tracsis plc made various 
payments  as  the  lead  Company.  Upon  finalisation  of  the  tax  computations,  the  Corporation  Tax  payments  made  will  be 
reallocated between other Group Companies and the debtor balance cleared down accordingly. 

33  

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Trade creditors 

Other tax and social security 

Corporation tax 

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings 

Accruals and deferred income 

2014 

£000 

29 

586 

- 

5,869 

742 

7,226 

2013 

£000 

14 

356 

- 

4,679 

736 

5,785 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

34  

Provisions for liabilities and charges – deferred tax liability  

At start of the year 

(Credit) / charge to profit and loss account during the year 

At end of the year 

2014 

£000 

15 

(9) 

6 

2013 

£000 

(33) 

48 

15 

35  

Share capital  

Allotted, called up and fully paid: 

Ordinary shares of 0.4p each 

2014 

2014 

2013 

2013 

Number 

£ 

Number 

£ 

26,258,114 

105,032 

  25,526,306 

102,105 

The following share transactions have taken place during the year ended 31 July 2014: 

126,775 shares were issued in respect of the acquisition of Datasys Integration Limited 

605,033 share options, under the Group’s share options schemes were exercised at various points in the year. 

36  

Reserves  

At 1 August 2013 

Dividends 

Issue of new shares 

Profit for the period 

Share based payment charges 

At 31 July 2014 

Share  

 premium  

account  

£000  

4,280 

-  

311 

-  

-  

Merger  

reserve  

£000  

1,472 

-  

374 

-  

-  

4,591 

1,846 

Share based 

payments 

reserve 

Profit  

and loss 

 account 

£000 

383 

- 

- 

- 

315 

698 

£000 

2,193 

(191) 

- 

4,533 

- 

6,535 

Profit for the period is stated after receiving dividends from subsidiary undertakings of £4,250,000. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   61 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

37  

Operating leases   

Operating lease commitments 

The  minimum  annual  lease  payments  to  which  the  Company  is  committed  under  non-cancellable  operating  leases  for  the 
coming year are as follows: 

Land and buildings: 

On leases expiring: 

Within one year 

Expiring between one and two years 

38  

Reconciliation of movement in shareholders’ funds  

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 

Dividends paid 

Other recognised gains: 

-  Issue of new shares 

-  Share based payments 

Opening shareholders’ funds 

Closing shareholders’ funds 

2014 

£’000 

9 

- 

2014 

£’000 

4,533 

(191) 

688 

315 

5,345 

8,430 

13,775 

2013 

£’000 

- 

58 

2013 

£’000 

173 

(162) 

707 

189 

907 

7,523 

8,430 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62 | Annual Report and Accounts 2014 

Group information 

Company Secretary and Registered 
Office 
Max Cawthra 
Leeds Innovation Centre 
103 Clarendon Road 
Leeds 
LS2 9DF 

Auditor 

KPMG LLP 
1 The Embankment 
Neville Street 
Leeds 
LS1 4DW 

Telephone +44 (0) 845 125 9162 
Fax            +44 (0) 845 125 9163 

Registered number 
05019106  

Website 
www.tracsis.com 

Principal bankers 
HSBC Bank plc 
33 Park Row 
Leeds 
LS1 1LD 

Additional bankers 
Natwest 
Santander 
Co-Operative 
Lloyds 
Royal Bank of Scotland 

Nominated Advisor and 
Stockbroker 
WH Ireland Limited 
11 St. James’s Square 
Manchester 
M2 6WH 

Registrars 
Neville Registrars 
18 Laurel Lane 
Halesowen 
West Midlands 
B63 3DA 

Solicitors 
Rosenblatt Solicitors 
9-13 St Andrew Street 
London 
EC4A 3AF