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Tracsis Plc

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FY2015 Annual Report · Tracsis Plc
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0 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

& bus 

Annual Report & Accounts 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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’s 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 

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12 

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65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 7 acquisitions and a strategic investment so far (this includes the post year end transactions 
of  SEP  and  Citi  Logik).    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;  

•  Traffic  &  Data  Services:  Collection,  collation  and  analytical  services  of  traffic  and 
passenger/customer  data  within  rail,  traffic  and  pedestrian  rich  environments.    The 
acquisition of SEP Events post year end further expands this capability into the outdoor 
and sporting event markets. 

•  Professional  Services:  Consulting  and technology  related  professional  services  across 
the operational and strategic planning horizon for traffic and transport customers; and 
•  Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM): Technology and reporting for critical infrastructure 

assets in real time, to identify problems and aid with preventative maintenance. 

Tracsis  has  offices  in  the  UK  and  Australia  which  service  our  client  base  in  Europe  and 
Australasia.  At year end we employed 320 permanent staff many of whom are shareholders in 
the company. 

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

Financial highlights  
for the year ended 31 July 2015: 

•  Revenues increased 14% to £25.4m (2014: £22.4m) 
•  Adjusted EBITDA increased 20% to £6.5m (2014: £5.4m) 
•  Profit Before Tax increased 6% to £4.5m (2014: £4.2m) 
•  Cash balances grew to £13.3m (2014: £8.9m) 
•  Full year dividend increased 25% to 1.0p per share (2014: 0.8p) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 traffic 
and 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 is being achieved via the delivery of a 3 pronged strategy.   

1)    Manageable,  industry-led  organic  growth  through  continual  innovation  of  products  and  services  and  an  excellent  close 
working relationship with our customers. 

2)  International expansion into select overseas markets that share problems with the industries we currently serve. 

3)  Reinvesting company 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 2014/15: 

1  Organic 

further sales from existing 
products to UK 

•  Overall  Group  revenues  increased  from  £22.4m  to  £25.4m  with  no  new 

acquisitions in the financial year 

•  Strong Group wide levels of trading experienced in the year, in particular at 

the Traffic & Data Services part of the Group 

•  Consultancy team worked extensively with various transport owning groups 

on the re-franchising of Northern and Transpennine Express 

•  High levels of recurring revenue from Software suite of products, with very 

high renewal rates due to nature of the products 

•  Remote  Condition  Monitoring  technology  revenues  reduced  versus  prior 
year (as anticipated) but the division performed very well in spite of this  
•  Several  new  senior  hires  recruited  into  key  posts  throughout  the  Group.  
These  include  new  Head  of  Software,  Head  of  Consultancy,  Group  HR 
Manager and International Business Development Manager 

•  Continuation of North American rollout for our Remote Condition Monitoring 

• 

technology 
3  ‘Class  1’  freight  operators  piloting  our  technology  with  a  developed 
pipeline of passenger, transit and other freight rail customers 

•  Signed agreement with US technology partner to help service this territory 
•  Our  Australian  Traffic  &  Data  Services  division  contributed  £2.2m  of 

revenue in the financial year  

•  Significant  further  software  project  delivered  in  Sweden  working  with  a 

major transport owning group  

•  Continued  good  levels  of  business  in  Ireland  for  our  Remote  Condition 

Monitoring technology 

•  No  acquisitions  completed  in the  financial  year  (to July  ’15)  although  the 
Group appraised numerous opportunities none of which met with our strict 
investment criteria 

•  Post  year  end  Tracsis  completed  a  strategic  investment  into  Citi  Logik 

• 

Limited and also completed the acquisition of SEP Limited 
The overall volume and quality of acquisition opportunities seen by Tracsis 
remains high 

2  Overseas Markets 

showing good promise  
and remain relatively untapped 

3 

Acquisitions 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Strategic Report 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report  

A welcome from Chris Cole, Non-Executive Chairman 

My expectations for the progress of our Company since joining the Board as Non-Executive Chairman continued through 2015 
in terms of financial results, integration of the Group and the post-year transaction highlights. 

I am confident that we are well placed to create opportunities and value in the busy Rail and Transportation sectors we serve.   

My thanks to the Directors and Management of Tracsis for delivering excellent results and a sound platform to continue to build 
upon. 

Introduction 

The Group has enjoyed a further year of growth and consolidation, with total Group revenues rising to in excess of £25m, and 
EBITDA in excess of £6m.  Both of these are significantly ahead of the previous year and represent a considerable achievement 
for Tracsis.  The business continues to benefit from significant financial strength, great products and services, and an engaged 
customer base which operates within a challenging environment of public and political scrutiny.    

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 there is clear customer pain, an opportunity to create significant value for 
customers, and where existing technology solutions are not available.  Working in this way, Tracsis can share in the upside of 
the benefit we bring to our clients and generate significant value for our shareholders.  This approach has worked for us since 
our IPO in 2007 and we continue to deploy this strategy today. 

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

•  Software and technology led consulting:  Industry-strength resource optimisation and rail management software 
that covers a variety of asset classes.  Our technology offering is delivered alongside in-house professional services 
where we have deep industry knowledge across the operational and strategic planning horizons. 

•  Remote Condition Monitoring:  Hardware and software that allows for real-time reporting on critical infrastructure 
assets.    We  collect,  process  and  analyse  significant  amounts  of  data  from  over  12,000  installations  and  help  our 
customers identify problems that aid with preventative maintenance.  In a nutshell this offering removes considerable 
delay, cost and uncertainty from a transport network and leads to a safer railway; and, 

• 

Traffic & Data Services:  Data capture, processing and analysis of traffic and pedestrian data to aid with the planning, 
investment and ultimate operations of a transport environment.  By revenue, this is the largest and most diverse part 
of the Tracsis Group and we use a variety of technology (WiFi, ATC, ANPR, telco data) to deliver projects for a wide 
range of blue chip clients.  

The  Group's  mission  from  the  outset  has  been  to  solve  complex,  data  driven  problems  within  the  transportation  markets.  
Through  the provision of  its  products  and services, Tracsis provides  its  clients  with  better  visibility  and  information  to  assist 
decision making whilst driving efficiency, productivity and enhanced safety.  The Directors believe that the transport industry, in 
particular passenger 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 expanding portfolio of product and service offerings. 

Financial summary 

The Group achieved revenue of £25.4m for the year, an increase of 14% on the prior year (2014: £22.4m) which exceeded the 
Board's original expectations and was the first time that Group revenues have exceeded £25m. Adjusted pre-tax profit of £5.8m 
was ahead of market expectations of £5.5m and the previous year result of £5.0m. 

Adjusted EBITDA* increased by 20% to £6.5m (2014: £5.4m) with statutory Profit Before Tax 6% higher at £4.5m (2014: £4.2m).  
Statutory PBT was impacted by higher amortisation due to the Datasys acquisition from 2014, and higher share based payment 
charges  due  to  the  high  take  up  of  the  Group’s  share  schemes.    The  Group  also  incurred  costs  of  c.  £95K  in  relation  to 
professional fees and due diligence enquiries associated with aborted acquisitions. 

At 31 July 2015, the Group had cash balances of £13.3m (2014: £8.9m), with cash conversion remaining strong. Overall cash 
balances increased by £4.4m in the financial year.  In spite of a healthy pipeline of opportunities, no acquisitions were completed 
during the year. 

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

 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   5 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

Trading Progress and Prospects 

Software 

Software sales increased significantly to £5.6m (2014: £2.8m), which reflects the full year contribution from Datasys which was 
acquired in May 2014.  This strong performance continues to demonstrate the high levels of recurring revenue for our software 
which comes from a retained user base under contract.   

We now have 10 distinct products across the TRACS, COMPASS and Datasys software range, and continue our strategy of 
cross selling products to our customer base which is made up of all the major Train Operating Companies along with several 
smaller transit/metro players and non-franchised rail operators.  We continued to invest in new product development, with the 
bulk of our time being spent developing the Bugle Day One product which won a Modern Railways Industry Innovation Award 
back in June.   Our software division were also successful in delivering a significant installation of COMPASS to a major rail and 
bus operator in Sweden following on from other successful projects the Group has delivered in this territory.  In the past year we 
also  created  a  new  post  of  Head  of  Software  to  help  the  Group  manage  technology  risk  and  standardise  our  approach  to 
technology development, testing and quality assurance.     

Professional Services 

Revenue rose 8% to £2.0m (2014: £1.8m) which was a strong performance and follows on from the achievements made last 
year.  Our consultancy division is broader and more diverse than it was a year ago and we have made a concerted effort to bring 
in  new  resources  to  our team  to  broaden  the  service  offering.   Along  with  several  new  hires made during  the  year  we  also 
appointed a new Head of Consultancy.  These changes were partly to enable a reduction of our reliance on franchise bidding 
work  (which  is  inherently  lumpy  in  nature)  but  primarily  in order  to  build  a  team  that  was  able  to  quickly  take  advantage  of 
opportunities in other areas of the rail supply chain which historically have been outside of the core operational planning space.   

These changes are beginning to bear fruit and in the first half of the financial year, our team worked on a variety of major projects 
for Network Rail outside of the franchise bidding space.   In the second half of the year, we chose to get heavily involved with 
two high profile franchise bids working for the transport owning Groups.  Tracsis supported submissions for the recent Northern 
and  TransPennine  Express  franchise  bids,  and  we  expect  to  support  bidders  for  the  Greater  Anglia  and  South  Western 
franchises in the coming financial year.  Looking ahead, our professional services team will continue to diversify our offering 
whilst remaining a key source of expertise within the franchise bidding arena.  

Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) 

Revenues of £3.0m (2014: £5.8m) were adverse to the previous year although this decrease was anticipated following a very 
strong performance in 2014.  The trading performance and profitability of RCM in the year remained buoyant and in April 2015 
we announced a large order for £1.1m from our major UK based customer.  This order was substantially fulfilled by the end of 
the financial year, and we remain under a Framework agreement with this customer until 2018.  Within the UK, Tracsis now has 
an installed base in excess of 12,000 data loggers and this population is growing steadily as the rail industry continues to invest 
in smarter ways of working to deliver a most cost effective railway to the customer. 

Outside of the UK, we have continued to invest time and effort to develop overseas markets and earlier in the year, we were 
pleased to announce a distribution agreement with a US rail technology partner on an exclusive basis. This agreement has led 
to three active pilots for the adoption of our RCM technology with major Class 1 operators in North America (i.e. those defined 
by freight revenue in excess of $500M per annum).  As alluded to at the half year, the specific adoption rate of Remote Condition 
Monitoring technology will vary significantly from customer to customer and will be impacted by several factors which Tracsis 
are not able to impact such as the adoption of Positive Train Control within North America.  To this end we have yet to see 
significant revenue contribution from overseas markets although we continue to believe there is a large and viable market.  In 
the meantime, Tracsis will continue to promote RCM technology both directly and via our partners to seed the US market and 
management believes this is the best approach that will lead to success in the fullness of time.  

Traffic & Data Services 

Now the largest part of the Group by revenue, our rebranded T&DS (Traffics & Data Services) offering saw considerable organic 
growth in the period with a sharp increase in sales from £12.0m to £14.8m.  Macroeconomic conditions in the UK have remained 
positive, though the increase in revenue was also attributable to management achieving most of the strategic goals that were 
set  out  at  the  beginning  of  the  year.    These  included  further  technology  innovation  (i.e.  WiFi,  Bluetooth,  mobile),  proactive 
account management, and continued professionalisation of our tendering process that has allowed us to bid for and win several 
very large traffic data capture projects.  Outside of the UK, our Australia operations made a great contribution to the Group and 
traded ahead expectations with revenues of £2.2m (2014: £1.7m).   

Post year end, the acquisition of SEP Events and the equity investment into Citi Logik were great additions to our traffic and 
data capture capabilities.  SEP opens up an entirely new market to Tracsis through which obvious cross selling opportunities to 
the event industry exist whilst the mobile analytics capability of Citi Logik presents an entirely new product offering which has 
exciting possibilities.   

 
 
6 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

Dividends 

In February 2012, the Board implemented a progressive dividend policy and the Group maintains this approach of growing the 
dividend in line with growth.  To this end, an interim dividend of 0.4p per share for 2014/15 was paid in May 2015.  A final dividend 
of 0.6p per share in respect of 2014/15 is proposed, to take the full year dividend to 1.0p.  This represents a 25% increase on 
the 2014/15 total dividend paid of 0.8p per share.   

The dividends remain 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 Board is committed to maintaining the progressive 
dividend policy going forwards provided that the business continues to trade in line with expectation. 

Acquisitions 

The Group appraised a number of acquisition opportunities in the year but none passed with the Group’s strict investment and 
diligence criteria in order to complete.  The Group incurred costs of circa £95K in relation to our company investigations, research 
and general due diligence.   

Post year end, we were delighted to have completed the acquisition of SEP Limited and make a £1.0m investment into Citi Logik 
Limited  in  exchange  for  a  29.41%  equity  stake.    Both  transactions  are  of  strategic  importance  to  Tracsis  and  met  with  the 
approval of our investment committee.    

SEP Limited 

Based in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, SEP is a market leading provider of traffic planning and management services for the 
events industry.  The business was formed in 1989, and has a 25 year pedigree which has seen its client list expand to now 
include many of the UK's largest and most prestigious outdoor entertainment and sporting fixtures. 

In terms of capabilities, SEP works with event organisers and ‘blue light’ services (police, ambulance, fire brigade) to plan and 
deliver  traffic  management  services  for  major  events.    This  remit  includes  significant  amounts  of  preparation,  planning  and 
delivery work and revolves around how to maximise the safe and effective mass movement of people and vehicles into and out 
of  a  specific  location.    SEP  provides  end  to  end  traffic  management  services  and  will  be  involved  from  the  pre-planning 
consultation stage right through to deliver of traffic management services (road closures and signage) and on the day delivery 
(parking management, meet and greet, revenue collection).  

The Directors believe that SEP is highly complementary to Tracsis' existing Traffic & Data Services division and will offer strong 
cross-sell and upsell opportunities given the nature of this business offering.  Both SEP and Tracsis have worked together in the 
past and collaborated on major events such as Royal Ascot, T in the Park, The Grand National, and the Wings and Wheels air 
show. 

In the year ended 30 September 2014, SEP generated revenue of £4.0m, an adjusted EBITDA of £0.4m and Profit before Tax 
of £0.3m.  The business employs 30 permanent staff, all of whom will remain with the business post transaction.   

The acquisition consideration comprised an initial cash payment of £1.625m and the issue of 55,005 ordinary shares of 0.4p 
each in Tracsis at an issue price of 454.5p (a total value of £0.25m).  Deferred consideration of £0.1m is payable over two years 
with performance consideration of up to £0.6m is payable based on SEP achieving certain financial targets in the two years post 
acquisition, giving a total consideration of up to £2.6m. 

Citi Logik Limited 

On  4th  September Tracsis  completed  a  strategic  investment  of  up  to  £1.0m  to  acquire  29.4%  of  Citi  Logik.    Citi  Logik  was 
established in 2011, and has developed unique technology and expertise in mobile analytics to improve the understanding of 
interactions between people, transport and the built environment using large anonymised mobile phone datasets.  The business 
has a global framework agreement with a major FTSE 100 telecommunications business to source mobile data and works with 
a range of public and private customers on projects ranging from transport analysis to consumer behaviour and travel patterns. 

The Directors believe Citi Logik has a highly novel technology platform that will be complementary to the existing Tracsis Traffic 
&  Data  Services  division.    Mobile  analytics  offers  strong  cross-sell  and  upsell  opportunities  to  the  Tracsis  Group  and 
complements existing survey methods which will expand the market into larger projects of greater size and complexity. 

Tracsis will invest up to £1.0m via a combination of equity and debt funding with £0.5m being made immediately with a further 
£0.5m invested within the next 12 months subject to delivery of agreed business plan milestones.  A Tracsis executive will join 
the Board of Directors of Citi Logik to help grow the business and promote mobile analytics to the Tracsis customer base. 

 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   7 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

Overseas growth 

Overseas growth continues to be a key part of the Group’s future growth strategy and whilst this still remains relatively untapped, 
significant progress has been made in the past year.   In the year under review, the Group generated £2.8m of revenue from 
overseas customers (2014: £2.1m) which accounted for 11% of Group revenues (2014: 9%).  The majority of this (£2.2m) again 
came from our Australian operations, with the balance of £0.6m again coming from clients in Sweden, Ireland and New Zealand 
(2014:  £0.4m),  with  a  major implementation of  COMPASS  being  delivered  in  Scandinavia.   A small  amount  of  revenue  was 
delivered from our various North American pilots for our Remote Condition Monitoring technology which continues to be an area 
of focus for the year ahead.   Tracsis now employs a full time business development resource for European markets and, as 
discussed above, has a signed agreement in place with a US partner.  Looking ahead, we anticipate our overseas footprint to 
grow in the coming year albeit at a pace that is hard for us to predict given market forces beyond our control.  With that said, 
management believe the Group is well positioned to take advantage of new customer opportunities as and when these present 
themselves. 

Summary and Outlook 

Tracsis has once again performed well and delivered another year of growth with revenue, adjusted EBITDA and Profit Before 
Tax being well ahead of the same period last year.  The Group has consolidated and built upon the successes of 2014 and made 
genuine strides forward to put in place the building blocks that allow us to scale our enterprise for the years ahead.  The post 
year-end investments were a welcome addition and shows management’s commitment to not only breaking into new and related 
markets but also our passion for technology and innovation.  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 organically and via acquisition, by creating products and 
services  that  solve  well  recognised  problems  that  are  poorly  served  by  existing  technology.    Our  business  model  remains 
focussed on niche  offerings  that  typically  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.  This strategy has worked well in 
the past to generate significant returns for shareholders and we believe it will continue to work well in the future especially given 
the pace of change within our target markets. 

Looking  ahead, Tracsis  remains  well  placed  to  benefit  from  a  growing  UK  traffic  and  transport  industry  and  will  continue  to 
develop our overseas footprint which we believe remains a significant opportunity for the future.  In the meantime we will, as 
ever,  continue  to  diversify  our  technology  portfolio  through  working  hand  in  glove  with  our  customers  and  making  the  right 
acquisitions as and when these present themselves. 

As always, our thanks go to our supportive clients, shareholders and, above all, our talented team who continue to make Tracsis 
the business it is. 

Chris Cole, Chairman 

John McArthur, Chief Executive Officer 

4 November 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
8 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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.   

1.  Software 
2.  Consultancy 
3.  Condition 
Monitoring 
4.  Traffic & Data 
Services 

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 
demonstrable 
value 
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 

Competition 

to 

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

1.  Traffic  &  Data 

Services 
2.  Consultancy 
3.  Condition 
Monitoring 

4.  Software 

Reduced government spending 

to 

pays 

subject 

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

that 

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.  Traffic  &  Data 

Services 
2.  Condition 
Monitoring 

3.  Consultancy 
4.  Software 

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 
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 

and 

The  Group  notes 
that 
Network  Rail  became  part 
of HM Treasury during 2014 
which  was  a  change  from 
previous  years.  The  Group 
also  notes 
the  press 
releases from Network Rail, 
associated  media 
and 
its 
regarding 
coverage 
performance.  The  Group 
also notes the results of the 
General Election which took 
place  during  the  year.  The 
threat of structural changes 
has  existed  for  some  time 
and is always a risk.  

For  the  year  under  review, 
Traffic & Data Services, the 
area most heavily exposed 
to competition, continued to 
account  for  around  half  of 
the  Group’s  revenues,  so 
this 
risk  has 
remained  unchanged,  but 
the generic risks in respect 
of competition for the whole 
Group remain the same. 

specific 

The results of the recent UK 
General  Election  has  not 
to  any  noticeable 
led 
changes 
to  Government 
spending that has impacted 
on the Group. 

the  UK 

However, 
rail 
industry, one of the group’s 
key markets, has continued 
to  experience  significant 
investment 
the 
Government and the Group 
has benefited from this. It is 
that  Network  Rail 
noted 
of  HM 
became 
Treasury in the year. 

from 

part 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   9 

Risk Management continued 

Description/Potential impact: 

Area of Group 
impacted: 

Reliance on certain key customers 

Mitigation: 

Change in the year: 

1.  Condition 
Monitoring 

2.  Traffic  &  Data 

Services 
3.  Consultancy 
4.  Software 

for 

The  Group  has  a  number  of 
customers but derives a 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 potential future 
orders.  Furthermore,  the  Group’s 
Traffic  &  Data  Services  division 
operates  under  a  number  of 
Framework  Agreements  with  one 
large  one  in  particular,  and  the 
Consultancy 
works 
extensively  with  bidders  during 
franchise bid work. Reduced levels 
of  trading  with  any  key  customer 
may adversely impact the Group.  

team 

to 

certain 

engaging 

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

proactively 

reinforce 

with 

to 

All parts of 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 on certain people reduces. 
However,  skills  and  expertise  in 
our markets are specialist and hard 
to  find  or  develop,  and  so  further 
growth  of  the  business  may  be 
restricted.  

The Group continues to seek to 
mitigate  its  exposure  to  one 
customer in Remote Condition 
Monitoring 
expanding 
by 
overseas  and  is  continuing  to 
target 
geographic 
markets. 

certain 

The  Group  offers  competitive 
remuneration  packages,  and 
also  offers  share  schemes  to 
staff  including  EMI  options,  in 
order to attract and retain high 
calibre employees. Such share 
schemes  are  designed  such 
that  employees  are  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  the 
overall Group, is reduced. 

Revenues in respect of the 
Group’s  Remote  Condition 
Monitoring  were  reduced 
compared  to  the  previous 
year, which was anticipated 
to  some  extent.  Revenues 
from  this  part  of  the  group 
accounted  for  around  12% 
of  Group 
revenue  as 
opposed to over 25% in the 
previous financial year. The 
Traffic & Data Services part 
of  the  Group  continued  to 
account  for  over  half  of 
overall Group revenues and 
derived  £1.4m  of  revenue 
(representing 5% of overall 
Group  revenues)  from  one 
particular 
Framework 
Agreement. 

Unchanged  from  previous 
the  economy 
years.  As 
continues  to  grow  then  the 
risk  of  not  being  able  to 
recruit 
key 
individuals  increases  given 
the  competition  from  other 
potential employers.  

retain 

or 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Risk Management continued 

Description/Potential impact: 

Technological changes 

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

lead 

Area of Group 
impacted: 

1.  Software 
2.  Condition 
Monitoring 

3.  Traffic  &  Data 

Services 
4.  Consultancy 

Customer pricing pressure 

1.  Traffic  &  Data 

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

Services 
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 

The Group made a strategic 
investment 
in  Citi  Logik 
Limited in September 2015 
to  attempt  to  mitigate  the 
risk  posted  by  the  use  of 
mobile  phone  data 
for 
transport data collection. 

Traffic  &  Data  Services 
continues  to  make  up  a 
larger  part  of  the  overall 
Group,  and  this  part  of  the 
business is most vulnerable 
to  pricing  pressure,  and  as 
the  element  of  revenue 
derived from Traffic & Data 
Services  has  remained  at 
around  half  of  Group 
revenues, 
risk  has 
the 
remained  unchanged  on  a 
Groupwide basis. 

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 ensure 
that they remain relevant. The 
Group  works  closely  with  its 
customers  to  deliver  the  next 
generation  of  products.  For 
certain parts of the Group, the 
with 
business 
technology partners who have 
specific expertise and can help 
the  Group 
its 
service offerings. Some of the 
Group’s offerings are protected 
relationships, 
by 
Framework 
Agreements, 
contractual  agreements  and 
also  significant  development 
costs, which provide protection 
even if new entrants may come 
along.  The  Group  made  a 
strategic 
in  Citi 
investment 
Logik  Limited  in  September 
2015. 

to  maximise 

customer 

works 

tenders 

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

to 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   11 

Risk Management continued 

Description/Potential impact: 

Area of Group 
impacted: 

Mitigation: 

Change in the year: 

Health & Safety 

The Group has a large number of 
employees operating at a variety of 
sites around the country. 

1.  Traffic & Data 
Services 
2.  Condition 
Monitoring 
3.  Software & 

Consultancy 

Unchanged  from  previous 
years. 

employs 

The  Group 
a 
dedicated  Health  &  Safety 
Manager  for  its  Traffic  &  Data 
Services division. The Remote 
Condition  Monitoring  division 
engages  the  services  of  a 
specialist  Health  &  Safety 
Advisor.  Business  unit  heads 
report  on  Health  &  safety 
matters  to  the  Board  at  every 
board  meeting.  Across 
the 
Group,  there  are  a  number  of 
policies, 
and 
method  statements  to  provide 
mitigation  against  health  & 
safety risk. 

procedures 

Brand reputation 

Any  adverse  publicity  concerning 
the Group, or any of its subsidiary 
businesses may have an impact on 
the 
trading  prospects 
future 
if 
Group’s 
adversely 
brand 
affected as a result of this. 

is 

All parts of the Group 

The  Board  maintains  regular 
dialogue with Operational staff 
and Heads of Department and 
so is made aware of any issues 
so that corrective action can be 
taken if necessary. 

Unchanged  from  previous 
years.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 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.  Traffic & Data Services: Customer enquiries and conversion rates, working capital tie up in debtors and 

work in progress, capital expenditure 

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

Revenue - £m

Adjusted EBITDA - £m

30
25
20
15
10
5
0

5
4
3
2
1
0

15

10

5

0

25.4

22.4

10.8

8.7

4.1

Revenue

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Profit Before Tax - £m

4.2

4.5

3

2.6

1.1

6.5

5.4

3.3

3.4

1.2

Adjusted EBITDA

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Basic Earnings Per Share - p

12.9

14.1

9.96

8.42

4.49

8

6

4

2

0

15

10

5

0

PBT

Basic EPS

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Cash - £m

13.3

7.6

6.6

8.9

4.7

Cash

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   13 

Governance 

Board of Directors 

Executive Directors 

John McArthur (40) 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 (37) Chief Financial Officer 

Max  joined  Tracsis  in  September  2010  as  Financial  Controller  and  was  promoted  to  the  Board  in  August  2011.  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 (69) 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 (45) 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 (68) 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 (65) 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Governance 

Directors’ Report 

The directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2015. 

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 4 November 2015. 

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 24 to 57. 

Dividends 
The Directors have adopted a progressive dividend policy, subject to growth, profitability and cash position in the future. An 
interim dividend of 0.40p per share was paid in May 2015. The Directors propose a final dividend of 0.60p per share, subject to 
shareholder approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. This will give a full year dividend of 1.0p per share. 

Directors 
The directors who serve on the Board and on Board Committees during the year are set out on page 13.  

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 John McArthur and 
Sean Lippell retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.   

Information in respect of directors’ remuneration is given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 17 to 19. 

Directors’ shareholdings 

Directors’ beneficial interests in the shares of the Company, including family interests, at 31 July 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 

31 July 2015 

31 July 2014 

Number 

of 

shares 

% of 
issued 

share 

capital 

Number 

% of 
issued 

of 

share 

shares 

capital 

John McArthur 

1,117,433 

4.21%  1,117,433 

4.26% 

Max Cawthra 

54,000 

0.20% 

54,000 

0.21% 

John Nelson 

230,824 

0.87% 

230,824 

0.88% 

Charles Winward 

Chris Cole 

Sean Lippell 

86,771 

7,000 

- 

0.33% 

0.03% 

- 

86,771 

0.33% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   15 

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 3 November 2015, 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:  

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 
1,262,500 
Hargreave Hale Limited 
1,183,182 
Fidelity 
1,131,648 
Investec Asset Management 
1,117,433 
John McArthur 

% of 

issued shares 

10.4% 
7.0% 
5.9% 
5.7% 
5.6% 
5.4% 
5.0% 
4.7% 
4.4% 
4.2% 
4.2% 

1 – Techtran Group Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of IP Group plc.   

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 2015 were 55 days (2014: 57 days).  

Research and development 

During the year the Group incurred £437,000 (2014: £393,000) 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.  Tracsis  Traffic  Data  Limited 
(previously Sky High Technology Limited), another subsidiary company, has a significant Framework Agreement with a major 
worldwide engineering consultancy company from which it has historically derived a significant amount of business. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
16 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Directors’ Report continued 

Charitable donations 

The  Group  made  charitable  donations  to  various  charities  amounting  to  £6,290  during  the  year  (2014:  £8,134).  No  political 
donations were made. 

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 

4 November 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   17 

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. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 2015 is set out below  

Executive Directors 

John McArthur  

Max Cawthra  

Non-Executive Directors 

John Nelson 

Charles Winward 

Chris Cole  

Sean Lippell  

Basic  Pension 
Conts 
 salary 

£000 

£’000 

153 

120 

273 

23 

25 

50 

25 

123 

40 

6 

46 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Bonus 

£000 

106 

71 

177 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Benefits  

in kind 

£000 

Total 

2015 

£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

299 

197 

496 

23 

25 

50 

25 

123 

Total 

2014 

£000 

222 

144 

366 

16 

16 

13 

12 

57 

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

At 

1 August 

At 

Exercise 

Date from 

31 July 

price 

Which 

2014  Granted*  Lapsed  Exercised 

2015 

pence 

Exercisable  Expiry date 

Executive 
Directors 

John McArthur 

100,000 

Max Cawthra 

160,162 

Non-Executive 
Directors 

John Nelson 

25,000 

Charles Winward 

50,000 

Chris Cole 

- 

Sean Lippell 

50,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100,000 

175p 

See note 3  

160,162 

89p/0.4p 

See notes 1 
and 2  

26 Mar 
2023 
20 Jun 2022 
/1 Aug 2022  

25,000 

175p 

See note 3  

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   19 

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  £Nil  (2014:  £220,512).  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 2014 to 31 July 2015. 

140

130

120

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

Jul-14

Aug-14

Sep-14

Oct-14

Nov-14

Dec-14

Jan-15

Feb-15

Mar-15

Apr-15

May-15

Jun-15

Jul-15

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 

4 November 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 current 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 
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board during the previous 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 previous year too. A biography of each Director appears on page 13. 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 17. 
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.  John  McArthur  and  Sean  Lippell  will  be  retiring  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting 
and submitting themselves for re-election.  

Board meetings and attendance 

Board meetings were held on 11 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 

10/11 
11/11 
10/11 
11/11 
11/11 
10/11 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
2/2 
2/2 
2/2 
2/2 

Board committees 

Nomination Committee 

Audit 
Committee 
Meetings 

- 
- 
2/2 
2/2 
2/2 
2/2 

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.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   21 

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.  

Board review process  

The Board 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. During the year, the Board commenced a more formal evaluation process, and this was ongoing at the date of this 
report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   23 

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 2015 set out on pages 24 to 64. 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 

As  explained  more  fully  in  the  Directors'  Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 22, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility 
is  to  audit,  and  express  an  opinion  on,  the  financial 
statements 
law  and 
in  accordance  with  applicable 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those 
standards  require  us  to  comply  with  the  Auditing  Practices 
Board's Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 

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 2015 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 

David Morritt (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor  
Chartered Accountants 

1 Sovereign Square 
Sovereign Street 
Leeds  
LS1 4DA 

4 November 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income  
for the year ended 31 July 2015  

Revenue from continuing operations 

6 

25,382 

22,357 

Notes 

2015  
£000  

2014  
£000  

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Administrative costs 

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

Operating profit from continuing operations 
Finance income  
Finance expense  

Profit before tax 
Taxation 
Profit after tax  

(9,632) 

(9,546) 

15,750 

12,811  

(11,282) 

(8,614) 

15 
14 

8 

9 
10 
11 

12 

6,529 
(714) 
(724) 
- 
(623) 

4,468 
31 
(29) 

4,470 
(741) 
3,729 

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

4,197  
36  
(32)  

4,201  
(898) 
3,303  

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

(89) 

(38) 

Total recognised income for the year 

3,640 

3,265 

Earnings per ordinary share 
Basic  
Diluted  

13 
13 

14.10p 
13.48p 

12.90p 
12.44p 

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

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   25 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2015 Company number: 05019106 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Deferred tax 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 

20 

16 

18 

17 

20 

17 

19 

21 

22 

22 

22 

22 

22 

2015 

£000 

1,930 

10,010 

882 

12,822 

274 

4,273 

13,341 

17,888 

2014 

£000 

1,689 

10,724 

560 

12,973 

263 

4,442 

8,920 

13,625 

30,710 

26,598 

229 

1,734 

1,963 

171 

5,697 

502 

6,370 

133 

1,948 

2,081 

100 

6,075 

493 

6,668 

8,333 

8,749 

22,377 

17,849 

106 

4,776 

1,846 

1,321 

14,517 

(189) 

22,377 

105 

4,591 

1,846 

698 

10,709 

(100) 

17,849 

The financial statements on pages 24 to 57 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 4 November 
2015 and were signed on its behalf by: 

John McArthur – Chief Executive Officer 

Max Cawthra – Chief Financial Officer 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 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 
Tax movements in equity 

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

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

1 

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

311 

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

- 

374 

-  

- 

-  

-  

315  

-  

-  

-  

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 

At 1 August 2014 

105 

4,591 

1,846 

698 

10,709 

(100)  17,849 

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 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

At 31 July 2015  

106 

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

185 

4,776 

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

- 

-  

-  

623  

-  

-  

3,729 

- 

3,729 

- 

(89) 

(89) 

3,729 

(89) 

3,640 

(225) 

-  

304 

-  

- 

-  

-  

-  

(225) 

623 

304 

186 

1,846 

1,321 

14,517 

(189)  22,377 

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

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement  
for the year ended 31 July 2015  

Operating activities 

Profit for the year 

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Depreciation 

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment 

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 

Proceeds from disposal 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 (used in)/from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Effect of exchange fluctuations 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

TRACSIS PLC   |   27 

Notes 

2015  

£000  

2014  

£000  

3,729 

3,303  

10 

11 

14 

15 

12 

8 

10 

11 

14 

5 

28 

17 

(31) 

29 

724 

3 

714 

741 

623 

6,532 

(11) 

169 

(378) 

6,312 

31 

(29) 

(964) 

5,350 

(697) 

59 

- 

(638) 

(225) 

186 

(186) 

(225) 

4,487 

(66) 

8,920 

(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  

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

13,341 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 2015 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  Group  and  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) 

Accounting developments 
The Group and Company financial statements have been prepared and approved by the directors in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (“Adopted IFRSs”). The accounting policies have 
been applied consistently to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise stated.  

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published that are mandatory 
for the group’s accounting period beginning on or after 1 August 2014. The following new standards and amendments 
to standards are mandatory and have been adopted for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 August 2014:  

• 

• 

IFRS 10 - “Consolidated Financial Statements” and IAS 27 – “Separate Financial Statements”. These are part 
of  a  new  suite  of  standards  on  consolidation  and  related  standards,  replacing  the  existing  accounting  for 
subsidiaries and making limited amendments in relation to associates. 
IFRS 12 - “Disclosure of Interest in Other Entities”. This contains the disclosure requirements for entities that 
have interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements (i.e. joint operations or joint ventures), associates and/or 
unconsolidated structured entities.  

•  Amendments to IAS 32 - “Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”.  
•  Amendments to IAS 36 - “Recoverable Amounts Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets”.  
• 

IFRIC 21 - “Levies”.  

These standards have not had a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   29 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued 

2 

Basis of preparation (continued) 

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published that are mandatory 
for the group’s accounting period beginning on or after 1 August 2015. The Group has elected not to adopt early these 
standards which are described below:  

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010 - 2012 Cycle  
•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2011 - 2013 Cycle  

The above are not expected to have a material impact on the group’s reported results. 

IFRS 15 - “Revenue From Contracts With Customers” has been published which will be mandatory for the group’s 
accounting  period  beginning  on  or  after  1  August  2018.  The  group  is  still  considering  the  impact  of  this  standard 
however  it  is  anticipated  the  impact  on  the  financial  position  and  performance  of  the  group  will  not  be  material.  In 
addition, the IASB has indicated that it will issue a new standard on accounting for leases. Under the proposals, lessees 
would be required to recognise assets and liabilities arising from both operating and finance leases on the balance 
sheet.  The  IASB  also  plans  to  issue  a  new  standard  on  insurance  contracts.  The  group  will  consider  the  financial 
impacts of this new standard when finalised. There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective 
that would be expected to have a material impact on the group. 

(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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 
25% per annum reducing balance basis 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   31 

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.  An investor controls an investee when the investor is 
exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those 
returns through its power over the investee.   

 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 
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  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   33 

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. 

(i) 

(j) 

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. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
34 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   35 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   37 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

5 

Acquisition of subsidiaries - Acquisition in the previous 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 were included within administrative expenses. 

There were no subsequent adjustments to provisional fair values 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

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. 

Following the acquisition of SEP Limited (SEP) in September 2015, the Board will consider the segments and how it allocates 
resource following the integration of SEP in the year ending 31 July 2016. 

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

Revenue  

Software  

Consultancy  

Operations and Planning Systems 

Traffic & Data Services 

Remote Condition Monitoring Technology 

Total revenue 

2015 

£000 

5,593 

1,956 

7,549 

14,858 

2,975 

25,382 

2014 

£000 

2,798 

1,815 

4,613 

11,987 

5,757 

22,357 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   39 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

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 

   Depreciation 

   Amortisation of intangible assets 

   Interest receivable/payable(net) 

Consolidated profit 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 before tax 

           UK & 
Rest of the 
World 
£000  

23,137 

23,137 

6,197 

(623) 

(652) 

(714) 

11 

4,219 

           UK & 
Rest of the 
World 
£000  

20,634 

20,634 

5,295 

(315) 

(31) 

(339) 

(460) 

17 

4,167 

2015 

Australia 

£000  

2,245 

2,245 

332 

- 

(72) 

- 

(9) 

251 

2014 

Australia 

£000  

1,723 

1,723 

139 

- 

- 

(92) 

- 

(13) 

34 

Total 

£000  

25,382 

25,382 

6,529 

(623) 

(724) 

(714) 

2 

4,470 

Total 

£000  

22,357 

22,357 

5,434 

(315) 

(31) 

(431) 

(460) 

4 

4,201 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

6 

Segmental analysis (continued) 

Assets 

Total assets for reportable segments 

Unallocated assets – intangible assets 

Unallocated assets - deferred tax 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 

Unallocated assets - deferred tax assets 

Consolidated total assets 

Liabilities 

Total liabilities for reportable segments 

Unallocated liabilities – deferred tax 

Consolidated total liabilities 

UK & Rest 
of the World 
£’000 

2015 

Australia 

£000 

18,926 

10,010 

882 

29,818 

6,199 

1,734 

7,933 

892 

- 

- 

892 

400 

- 

400 

UK & Rest of 
the World 
£’000 

2014 

Australia 

£000 

14,686 

10,724 

560 

25,970 

6,428 

1,948 

8,376 

628 

- 

- 

628 

373 

- 

373 

Total 

£000 

19,818 

10,010 

882 

30,710 

6,599 

1,734 

8,333 

Total 

£000 

15,314 

10,724 

560 

26,598 

6,801 

1,948 

8,749 

Major customers 
Transactions with the Group’s largest customer represent 11% of the Group’s total revenues (2014: 25%). 

Geographic split of revenue 

A geographical analysis of revenue is provided below: 

United Kingdom 

Australia 

Rest of the World 

Total 

2015 

£000 

22,534 

2,245 

603 

25,382 

2014 

£000 

20,252 

1,723 

382 

22,357 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2015 

£000 

10,651 

875 

176 

623 

12,325 

2014 

£000 

8,363 

684 

135 

315 

9,497 

Average number of employees (including directors) in the year 

401 

 295  

The directors’ remuneration and share options are detailed within the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 17 to 19. 

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 2015 

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 

01/08/2014 

02/01/2015 

Outstanding 

Employees 

Number  

Performance 

Exercise 

entitled 

of options  

conditions 

price (p) 

93,000 

58,000 

12,500 

46,000 

64,500 

25,000 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

150,000 

Time served 

71,296 

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 

308,193 

60,751 

50,000 

75,000 

24,686 

201,816 

856 

1,733,207 

Time served 
Time served 
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 

0.40 

0.40 

01/01/2015** 

01/08/2015** 

02/01/2016** 

26/03/2023 

01/08/2023 

01/08/2023 

01/11/2023 

01/01/2024 

01/01/2024 

01/08/2024 

02/01/2025 

3 

2 

1 

1 

4 

1 

1 

23 

7 

1 

7 

1 

1 

3 

1 

11 

35 

1 

2 

2 

68 

1 

* 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 

2015 

  Weighted 

Average 

2015  

Exercise 

2014  

Number  

Price 

Number  

1,838,560 

106.0p 

1,929,016 

206,763 

(5,902) 

(306,214) 

1,733,207 

1,159,321 

0.4p 

0.4p 

60.9p 

101.8p 

110.1p 

525,251 

(10,674) 

(605,033) 

1,838,560 

940,026 

2014 

Weighted 

Average 

Exercise 

Price 

79.1p 

142.8p 

111.8p 

51.8p 

106.0p 

87.9p 

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 2015 

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 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 

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 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

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 

Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield 

01/08/
2014 
330.0p 

02/01/
2015 
411.5p 

0.4p 

0.4p 

3 

3 

30% 

30% 

10 

10 

10 

10 

3.5% 

3.5% 

- 

- 

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

Charge to the income statement 

Share based payment charges 

2015 

£000 

623 

2014 

£000 

315 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2015 

£000 

640 

84 

724 

237 

68 

305 

437 

2015 

£000 

16 

38 

3 

32 

2015  

£000  

31  

2015  

£000  

29  

2015  

£000  

959 

14 

973 

(232) 

- 

(232) 

741 

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  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 20.66% (2014: 22.33%) 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

Research and development enhancement 

Adjustment in respect of prior periods 

Other movements 

Total tax expense 

2015  

£000  

4,470 

924 

22 

(115) 

14 

(104) 

741 

2015  

%  

100.0 

20.7 

0.5 

(2.6) 

0.3 

(2.3) 

16.6 

2014  

£000  

4,201  

938  
18  

(110) 

44 

8 

898 

2014  

%  

100.0  

22.3  
0.4  

(2.5) 

1.0  

0.2 

21.4  

Reductions in the UK corporation tax rate from 23% to 21% (effective from 1 April 2014) and 20% (effective from 1 April 2015) 
were  substantively  enacted  on  2  July  2013.  In  the  Budget  on  8  July  2015,  the  Chancellor  announced  additional  planned 
reductions to 18% by 2020. This will reduce the company's future current tax charge accordingly. The deferred tax liability at 31 
July 2015 has been calculated based on the rate of 20% substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 
The Group also utilised some tax losses in respect of the Datasys acquisition where no deferred tax asset had previously been 
recognised. These have now been fully utilised. 

12.2  

Recognised in reserves – direct to equity 

Deferred Tax  

Deferred tax relating to share based payments 

13 

Earnings per share 

2015  

£000  

304 

2014  

£000  

563 

Basic earnings per share 
The calculation of basic earnings per share at 31 July 2015 was based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of 
£3,729,000 (2014: £3,303,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 26,443,000 (2014: 25,608,000), 
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 

2015 

26,258 

- 

185 

26,443 

2014 

25,526 

26 

56 

25,608 

Diluted earnings per share 
The  calculation  of  diluted  earnings  per  share  at  31  July  2015  was  based  on  profit  attributable  to  ordinary  shareholders  of 
£3,729,000 (2014: £3,303,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue after adjustment for the effects of 
all dilutive potential ordinary shares of 27,656,000 (2014: 26,559,000): 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   47 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

13 

Earnings per share (continued) 

Adjusted EPS 

In addition, Adjusted Profit EPS is shown below on the grounds that it is a common metric used by the market in monitoring 
similar businesses. A reconciliation of this figure is provided below: 

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Share-based payment charges 

Exceptional items: Acquisition costs 

Adjusted profit for EPS purposes 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares  
In thousands of shares 

For the purposes of calculating Basic earnings per share 

Adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares 

Basic adjusted earnings per share 

Diluted adjusted earnings per share 

2015 

£’000 

3,729 

714 

623 

- 

5,066 

26,443 

27,656 

19.16p 

18.32p 

2014 

£’000 

3,303 

460 

315 

31 

4,109 

25,608 

26,559 

16.05p 

15.47p 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

14  

Property, plant and equipment 

Freehold 

Land & 

Motor 

Computer 

Plant, 
machinery, 
fixtures 

Buildings 

Vehicles 

equipment 

& fittings 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

Total 

£000 

Cost 

At 1 August 2013 

Additions 

Arising on acquisition 

Exchange rate variances 

At 31 July 2014 

Additions 

Disposals 

Exchange rate variances 

At 31 July 2015 

Depreciation 

At 1 August 2013 

Charge for the year  

Arising on acquisition 

Exchange rate variances 

At 31 July 2014 

Charge for the year  

Disposals 

Exchange rate variances 

At 31 July 2015 

Net book value 

At 1 August 2013 

At 31 July 2014 

At 31 July 2015 

400 

- 

- 

- 

400 

- 

- 

- 

400 

30 

12 

- 

- 

42 

12 

- 

- 

54 

370 

358 

346 

730 

55 

- 

(14) 

771 

367 

(156) 

(37) 

945 

377 

117 

- 

(14) 

480 

104 

(106) 

(29) 

449 

353 

291 

496 

1,226 

3,112 

756 

207 

243 

(34) 

209 

61 

(9) 

1,172 

1,487 

292 

(13) 

(67) 

391 

(70) 

(17) 

1,384 

1,791 

537 

151 

225 

(34) 

879 

211 

(6) 

(54) 

568 

151 

30 

(9) 

740 

397 

(65) 

(15) 

1,030 

1,057 

471 

304 

(57) 

3,830 

1,050 

(239) 

(121) 

4,520 

1,512 

431 

255 

(57) 

2,141  

724 

(177) 

(98) 

2,590 

219 

293 

354 

658 

747 

734 

1,600 

1,689 

1,930 

The net book value of assets held under finance lease obligations is £426,000 (2014: £194,000). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

TRACSIS PLC   |   49 

15  

Intangible assets 

Cost 

At 1 August 2013 

Arising on acquisition 

At 31 July 2014 

Arising on acquisition 

At 31 July 2015 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 1 August 2013 

Charge for the year 

At 31 July 2014 

Charge for the year 

At 31 July 2015 

Carrying amounts 

At 1 August 2013 

At 31 July 2014 

At 31 July 2015 

Customer 
related 
intangibles 

£000 

Technology 
related 
intangibles 

£000 

Goodwill  

£000  

1,509 

359 

1,868 

- 

4,332 

3,098 

7,430 

- 

1,868 

7,430 

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

1,509 

1,868 

1,868 

456 

333 

789 

456 

1,245 

3,876 

6,641 

6,185 

914 

1,660 

2,574 

- 

2,574 

232 

127 

359 

258 

617 

682 

2,215 

1,957 

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

Goodwill 
2015 

2014 

£000 

£000 

Customer related 
intangibles 
2015 

2014 

Technology related 
intangibles 
2015 

£000 

£000 

£000 

Tracsis Rail Consultancy Limited 
(previously) RWA Rail Limited 
Tracsis Passenger Counts Limited 
(previously Peeping Limited) 
Safety Information Systems Limited 

MPEC Technology Limited 
Tracsis Traffic Data Limited 
(previously Sky High Technology 
Limited and Sky High plc) 
Datasys Integration Limited 

671 

43 

136 

269 

390 

359 

671 

43 

136 

269 

390 

359 

1,868  

1,868  

496 

258 

195 

531 

277 

209 

1,011 

1,075 

1,314 

1,484 

2,911 

6,185 

3,065 

6,641 

- 

- 

100 

398 

- 

1,459 

1,957 

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

Administrative expenses 

2015 

£000 

714 

2014 

£000 

460 

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. 

Total  

£000  

6,755 

5,117 

11,872 

- 

11,872 

688 

460 

1,148 

714 

1,862 

6,067 

10,724 

10,010 

2014 

£000 

- 

- 

123 

467 

- 

1,625 

2,215 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 

2015 

1.0% 

10-12% 

2014 

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 

2015 

£000 

100 

174 

274 

2014 

£000 

184 

79 

263 

The value of inventories expensed in the period in cost of sales was £759,000 (2014: £2,034,000). 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 

New hire purchase contracts 

Repayments 

At end of the year 

2015 

£000 

171 

135 

72 

7 

15 

229 

400 

2015 

£000 

233 

353 

(186) 

400 

2014 

£000 

100 

79 

32 

22 

- 

133 

233 

2014 

£000 

328 

25 

(120) 

233 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   51 

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 

400 

233 

433 

255 

191 

114 

145 

84 

97 

57 

Hire Purchase Obligations 

2015 

2014 

18  

Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables and prepayments 

Amounts recoverable on contracts 

2015 

£000 

2,864 

305 

1,104 

4,273 

2014 

£000 

3,165 

387 

890 

4,442 

2014 

£000 

2,970 

195 

3,165 

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

United Kingdom 

Australia 

2015 

£000 

2,466 

398 

2,864 

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 

2015 

£000 

585 

268 

58 

911 

2014 

£000 

941 

282 

66 

1,289 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

19  

Trade and other payables 

Trade payables 

Other tax and social security 

Deferred income 

Accruals and other payables 

2015 

£000 

646 

1,000 

1,930 

2,121 

5,697 

2014 

£000 

760 

1,391 

1,731 

2,193 

6,075 

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 2013 

Arising on acquisition 

(Credit)/charge to income statement 

Change in tax rates 

Recognised in equity 

At 31 July 2014 

(Credit)/charge to income statement 

Recognised in equity 

At 31 July 2015 

  Accelerated  

Intangible  

capital  

Share  

assets  

allowances   options  

£000  

£000  

£000  

Other 

£000  

956 

952 

(96) 

(41) 

- 

1,771 

(142) 

- 

1,629 

79 

- 

27 

(5) 

- 

101 

4 

- 

105 

11 

- 

(8) 

- 

(563) 

(560) 

(18) 

(304) 

(882) 

- 

- 

76 

- 

- 

76 

(76) 

- 

- 

Total  

£000  

1,046 

952 

(1) 

(46) 

(563) 

1,388 

(232) 

(304) 

852 

The closing deferred tax asset and liability has been calculated at 20% as at 31 July 2015 (2014: 20%). 

This is presented on the Balance Sheet as follows within non-current assets and liabilities (2014 figures re-classified) 

Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Net liability per table above 

21  

Share capital  

Allotted, called up and fully paid: 

Ordinary shares of 0.4p each 

2015 

£000 

(882) 

1,734 

852 

2014 

£000 

(560) 

1,948 

1,388 

2015 

2015 

2014 

2014 

Number 

£ 

Number 

£ 

26,564,328 

106,257 

  26,258,114 

105,032 

The following share transactions have taken place during the year ended 31 July 2015: 

306,214 share options under the Group’s share options scheme were exercised at various points in the year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   53 

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: 

2015 

Number 

2014 

Number 

26,258,114 

25,526,306 

- 

306,214 

126,775 

605,033 

26,564,328 

26,258,114 

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 £305,000 
was recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2014: £269,000). 

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 

2015 

£’000 

12 

367 

379 

2015 

£’000 

21 

130 

151 

2014 

£’000 

59 

195 

254 

2014 

£’000 

24 

225 

249 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
54 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

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 

2015 

Fixed 

Floating 

Rate 

£000 

1,000 

Rate 

£000 

Total 

£000 

12,341 

13,341 

2014 

Fixed 

Floating 

Rate 

£000 

1,500 

Rate 

£000 

7,420 

Total 

£000 

8,920 

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 2015, the Group had fixed-rate deposits in place as follows: 

• 
• 

£500,000 placed on a fixed 3 month deposit at an interest rate of 0.55% 
£500,000 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   55 

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.  

Foreign currency risk 
The Group has an Australian subsidiary which is owned by Tracsis Traffic Data Limited. 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 

Purchase of 

Amounts owed to   

goods and services 

related parties      

2015 

£000 

75 

2014 

£000 

71 

2015 

£000 

7 

2014 

£000 

6 

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 

Parsons Brinckerhoff 

Sale of 

Amounts owed by   

goods and services 

related parties      

2015 

£000 

83 

1,404 

2014 

£000 

41 

- 

2015 

£000 

13 

506 

2014 

£000 

36 

- 

WSP Group (WSP) is a company which is connected to Chris Cole who serves as non-executive Chairman of Tracsis plc and also 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 in April 2014.  

On 31 October 2014, WSP completed the acquisition of Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) which made PB a related party of the Group from this date. 
One of the Group’s subsidiary companies, Tracsis Traffic Data Limited, previously Sky High Technology Limited), traded extensively with PB 
prior to its acquisition by WSP as it carried out an agreement for a significant piece of data collection work for a UK transport agency which was 
entered into in May 2014. All transactions with PB took place at arm’s length commercial rates, and were not connected to Mr Cole’s position at 
WSP. 

Disclosures in respect of sales to WSP and Parsons Brinckerhoff as stated above have been made on the following basis: 
2014: Sales to WSP from 28 April 2014 being the date Mr Cole was appointed as a Director of Tracsis and WSP therefore became a related 
party to the Group 
2015: Sales to WSP since 1 August 2014, as WSP was a related party from this date, and sales to PB since 1 November 2014 as this is the 
date WSP acquired PB and therefore the date PB became a related party to the Group 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

25 

Related Party Transactions (continued) 

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. 

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 £176,000 
(2014: £135,000).  There were outstanding contributions at 31 July 2015 of £19,000 (2014: £17,000). 

27 

Group entities 

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

Held by Tracsis plc 
Tracsis Rail Consultancy Limited 
(previously RWA Rail Limited) 
Tracsis Passenger Counts Limited 
(previously Peeping Limited) 
Safety Information Systems Limited 

MPEC Technology Limited 

Tracsis Traffic Data Limited (previously 
Sky High Technology Limited and Sky 
High plc)  
Datasys Integration Limited 
(owns 100% of Datasys Limited)  
Datasys Limited 
Tracsis Traffic Data Australia Pty 
Limited (previously Sky High Traffic 
Data Australia Pty Limited) 
S-H TrafficData Solutions Private 
Limited 
Sky High Data Capture Limited 

Sky High Traffic Data Limited 

The Web Factory Birmingham Limited 
Forsyth Whitehead & Associates 
Limited 
Sky High Technology (Scotland) 
Limited 
Count on Us Traffic Limited 

Burra Burra Distribution Limited 

Sky High NCS Limited 

Halifax Computer Services Limited 

Skyhightraffic Limited 

The Traffic Survey Company Limited 

The People Counting Company Limited 

Myratech.net Limited 

Footfall Verification 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 

% ordinary 
share 
capital owned 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

England and Wales 

100%  

Holding Company 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 

England and Wales 

Transportation data 
collection 

Data processing 

Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Australia 

India 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 
England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

100%  

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   57 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

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 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 paid 

Interim dividend for 2014/15 of 0.40p per share paid 

Total dividends paid 

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

2015 

£000 

- 

- 

119 

106 

225 

2014 

£000 

102 

89 

- 

- 

191 

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 paid 

Interim dividend for 2014/15 of 0.40p per share paid 

Final dividend for 2014/15 of 0.60p per share proposed 

2015 

£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

106 

159 

2014 

£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

89 

119 

- 

- 

2013 

£000 

- 

- 

75 

102 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2012 

£000 

48 

87 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

The dividend will be payable on 12 February 2016 to shareholders on the Register at 29 January 2016. 

29 

Events after the Balance Sheet date 

a)  Strategic Investment in Citi Logik Limited 

On 4 September 2015, the Group made a strategic investment to acquire 29.4% of Citi Logik Limited (Citi Logik). Under the 
terms of the agreement, the Group will invest up to £1.0m via a combination of equity and debt funding in return for 29.4% of 
the issued share capital in Citi Logik. Investment of £0.5m (£0.375m equity and £0.125m debt) was made immediately with a 
further £0.5m to be invested on the same basis, within the 12 months of completion, subject to delivery of agreed business plan 
milestones.  A  Tracsis  executive  will  join  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Citi Logik  to  help  grow  the  business  and  promote  mobile 
analytics to the Tracsis customer base.  

b)  Acquisition of SEP Limited  

On 25th September 2015, the Group acquired the entire issued share capital of SEP Limited and SEP Events Limited ("SEP"), 
a company which provides traffic planning and management services for the events industry. The consideration comprised an 
initial cash  payment  of  £1.625m  and  the  issue  of  55,005  ordinary  shares  of 0.4p at  an  issue  price  of  454.5p  (total  value  of 
£0.25m).  Deferred consideration of £0.1m is payable over two years along with performance consideration of up to £0.6m, 
based on SEP achieving certain financial targets in the two years post acquisition, giving a total potential maximum consideration 
of up to £2.6m. At the date of signing of these accounts, the Group was in the process of completing a fair value exercise to 
identify assets and liabilities acquired, with the results and impact expected to be incorporated into the Group’s interim report 
for the six months ending 31 January 2016. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Financial Statements 

Company Balance Sheet (presented under UK GAAP) 
as at 31 July 2015  
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 assets/(liabilities) 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Note 

2015  
£000  

2014 
£000 

31 
32 

33 

34 

349 
14,093 

359  
14,093  

882 
9,182 

10,064 
(8,446) 
1,618 

1,261  
5,294  

6,555  
(7,226) 
(671)  

16,060 

13,781  

Provisions for liabilities and charges 

35 

- 

(6) 

Net assets 

16,060 

13,775  

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

36 
37 
37 
37 
37 

106 
4,776 
1,846 
1,321 
8,011 
16,060 

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

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 4 November 2015 and were 
signed on its behalf by: 

John McArthur   –  Chief Executive Officer 

Max Cawthra 

–  Chief Financial Officer 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   59 

Financial Statements 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet  

30 

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.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

30 

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 29 to 35. 

31  

Tangible fixed assets 

Cost 

At 1 August 2014 

Additions 

At 31 July 2015 

Depreciation 

At 1 August 2014 

Charge for the year 

At 31 July 2015 

Net book value 

At 31 July 2014 

At 31 July 2015 

32  

Investments  

Cost 

At 1 August 2014 

Additions 

At 31 July 2015 

Freehold 

Land &   Computer 

Buildings 

equipment 

£000 

£000 

400 

- 

400 

42 

12 

54 

358 

346 

23 

3 

26 

22 

1 

23 

1 

3 

Total 

£000 

423 

3 

426 

64 

13 

77 

359 

349 

Shares in subsidiary  

undertakings  

£000  

14,093 

- 

14,093 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   61 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

32  

Investments (continued) 

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

Country of 

incorporation 

Class and  

percentage 

Principal activity 

of shares held 

Holding 

England and Wales 

Rail industry consultancy 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

England and Wales 

Rail industry ancillary 
services 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

Subsidiary undertaking 
Tracsis Rail Consultancy 
Limited (previously) 
R.W.A. Rail Limited 
Tracsis Passenger Counts 
Limited (previously) 
Peeping Limited 
Safety Information 
Systems Limited 

MPEC Technology Limited 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

Software and consultancy 
Rail industry hardware & 
datalogging 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

Direct 

Tracsis Traffic Data 
Limited (previously Sky 
High Technology Limited 
and Sky High plc) 
Tracsis Traffic Australia 
pty Limited (previously Sky 
High Traffic Data Australia 
Pty Limited) 
Datasys Integration 
Limited 
Datasys Limited 
S-H TrafficData Solutions 
Private Limited 
Sky High Data Capture 
Limited 
Sky High Traffic Data 
Limited 
The Web Factory 
Birmingham Limited 
Forsyth Whitehead & 
Associates Limited 
Sky High Technology 
(Scotland) Limited 
Count on Us Traffic 
Limited 
Burra Burra Distribution 
Limited 
Sky High NCS Limited 
Halifax Computer Services 
Limited 
Skyhightraffic Limited 
The Traffic Survey 
Company Limited 
The People Counting 
Company Limited 
Myratech.net Limited 
Footfall Verification 
Limited 

England and Wales 

Transportation data collection 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

Australia 

Transportation data collection 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

England and Wales 

Holding Company 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

Indirect 

India 

Data processing 

 Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

England and Wales 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

England and Wales 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

England and Wales 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

England and Wales 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

England and Wales 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

England and Wales 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

33  

Debtors 

Trade debtors 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 

Other debtors 

Corporation Tax 

Deferred Tax asset 

Prepayments 

2015 

£000 

179 

245 

12 

416 

15 

15 

882 

2014 

£000 

478 

603 

12 

141 

- 

27 

1,261 

Corporation tax is recoverable from other Group companies as Tracsis plc acts as the lead company for the Group’s Payment 
on Account regime. 

34  

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Trade creditors 

Other tax and social security 

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings 

Accruals and deferred income 

35  

Provisions for liabilities and charges – deferred tax (asset) / liability  

At start of the year 

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

At end of the year 

2015 

£000 

32 

86 

7,767 

561 

8,446 

2015 

£000 

6 

(21) 

(15) 

2014 

£000 

29 

586 

5,869 

742 

7,226 

2014 

£000 

15 

(9) 

6 

36  

Share capital  

Allotted, called up and fully paid: 

Ordinary shares of 0.4p each 

2015 

2015 

2014 

2014 

Number 

£ 

Number 

£ 

26,564,328 

106,257 

  26,258,114 

105,032 

The following share transactions have taken place during the year ended 31 July 2015: 

306,214 share options under the group’s share option schemes were exercised at various points in the year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   63 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

37  

Reserves  

At 1 August 2014 

Dividends 

Issue of new shares 

Profit for the period 

Share based payment charges 

At 31 July 2015 

Share  

 premium  

account  

£000  

4,591 

-  

185  

-  

-  

Merger  

reserve  

£000  

1,846 

-  

-  

-  

-  

4,776 

1,846 

Share based 

payments 

reserve 

Profit  

and loss 

 account 

£000 

698 

- 

- 

- 

623 

1,321 

£000 

6,535 

(225) 

- 

1,701 

- 

8,011 

Profit for the period is stated after receiving dividends from subsidiary undertakings of £1,600,000. 

38  

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 

39  

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 

2015 

£’000 

- 

60 

2015 

£’000 

1,701 

(225) 

186 

623 

2,285 

13,775 

16,060 

2014 

£’000 

9 

- 

2014 

£’000 

4,533 

(191) 

688 

315 

5,345 

8,430 

13,775 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64 | Annual Report and Accounts 2015 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

40  

Events after the Balance Sheet Date  

a)  Strategic Investment in Citi Logik Limited 

On 4 September 2015, the Group made a strategic investment to acquire 29.4% of Citi Logik Limited (Citi Logik). Under the 
terms of the agreement, the Group will invest up to £1.0m via a combination of equity and debt funding in return for 29.4% of 
the issued share capital in Citi Logik. Investment of £0.5m (£0.375m equity and £0.125m debt) was made immediately with a 
further £0.5m to be invested on the same basis, within the 12 months of completion, subject to delivery of agreed business plan 
milestones.  A  Tracsis  executive  will  join  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Citi Logik  to  help  grow  the  business  and  promote  mobile 
analytics to the Tracsis customer base.  

b)  Acquisition of SEP Limited  

On 25th September 2015, the Group acquired the entire issued share capital of SEP Limited and SEP Events Limited ("SEP"), 
a company which provides traffic planning and management services for the events industry. The consideration comprised an 
initial cash  payment  of  £1.625m  and  the  issue  of  55,005  ordinary  shares  of 0.4p at  an  issue  price  of  454.5p  (total  value  of 
£0.25m).  Deferred consideration of £0.1m is payable over two years along with performance consideration of up to £0.6m, 
based on SEP achieving certain financial targets in the two years post acquisition, giving a total potential maximum consideration 
of up to £2.6m. At the date of signing of these accounts, the Group was in the process of completing a fair value exercise to 
identify assets and liabilities acquired, with the results and impact expected to be incorporated into the Group’s interim report 
for the six months ending 31 January 2016. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   65 

Group information 

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

Auditor 

KPMG LLP 
1 Sovereign Square 
Sovereign Street 
Leeds 
LS1 4DA 

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 
Investec Bank plc 
2 Gresham Street 
London 
EC2V 7QP 

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

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