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Tracsis Plc

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FY2018 Annual Report · Tracsis Plc
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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity 
Notes to the Company Balance Sheet 

Group Information 

2 
3 
4 

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13 

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77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

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 related transport technologies, and successfully executed a 
strategy that has seen it make a total of ten acquisitions and three investments.  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 its customers. The Group has a blue chip client base which includes the majority of UK transport 
operators and 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, local authorities and a variety of large engineering 
and infrastructure companies. 

The Group’s products and services comprise two principal offerings:  

•  Rail Technology & Services 

o  Software: Industry strength optimisation, rail management, planning and delay-repay software that cover a 

variety of asset and information classes, plus related hosting services;  

o  Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM): Technology and reporting for critical infrastructure assets in real time, 

to identify problems and aid with preventative maintenance; 

o  Professional Services: Consulting and technology related professional services across the operational and 

strategic planning horizon for traffic and transport customers and network operators 

• 

Traffic & Data Services:  

o  Collection,  collation  and  analytical  services  of  traffic  and  passenger/customer  data  within  rail,  traffic  and 

pedestrian rich environments;  

o  Event planning, traffic management and parking for outdoor and sporting event markets. 

Tracsis has multiple offices in the UK which service our growing client base.   

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

Financial highlights  
for the year ended 31 July 2018: 

•  Revenues increased 16% to £39.8m (2017: £34.5m) 
•  Adjusted EBITDA* increased 11% to £9.4m (2017: £8.5m) 
•  Statutory Profit before Tax after exceptional items of £8.3m (2017: £4.6m) 
•  Cash balances of £22.3m (2017: £15.4m) 
• 

Full year dividend increased 14% to 1.6p per share (2017: 1.4p) 

*Reconciliation provided in note 31. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.   Our vision is being 
achieved via the delivery of a three 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 2017/8: 

1  Organic 

further sales from existing 
products to UK 

•  Ongoing delivery of a multi-million contract win for TRACS Enterprise with 

a major UK Train Operating Company 

•  Renewal of a significant contract with a major global engineering company 
•  High level of Software licence renewals achieved across the whole Group 
•  Strong sales made to the Group’s key UK customer 
•  New revenue stream developed for Passenger Counts business 

2  Overseas Markets 

showing good promise  
and remain relatively untapped 

•  Additional work secured from a key client in North America for the Group’s 
Remote Condition Monitoring technology, and further sales targeted 
Traffic Data business in Ireland continues positive trading 

• 
•  Software sale in New Zealand delivered 

3 

Acquisitions 

•  Completion  of  acquisitions  of Travel  Compensation  Services  Limited and 

Delay Repay Sniper Limited 

•  Additional  investments  made  into  Vivacity  Labs  Limited  and  Nutshell 

Software Limited in the year 

•  Numerous potential targets appraised in the year 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Strategic Report 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report  

A welcome from Chris Cole, Non-Executive Chairman 

I am pleased to report that once again Tracsis has achieved another successful year of trading with good organic growth across 
all areas of the Group, record levels of revenue and profitability and further progress on a range of operational and strategic 
goals  across  both  divisions  of  the  business.    Tracsis  also  completed  two  successful  acquisitions  of  well  run  and  profitable 
enterprises (TCS and DRS) which continues the established theme of considered, accretive M&A in line with our stated growth 
strategy.     

The culmination of this progress has translated into strong financial performance, and a business that is well positioned to take 
advantage of interesting and dynamic traffic and transport markets that are changing at a significant pace.  On behalf of the 
Board, my sincere thanks go to all Tracsis employees for their continued hard work and dedication and I look forward to the 
coming year. 

Introduction 

The year ended 31 July 2018 was a further year of growth, with Group revenues close to £40m, an overall increase of 16%, with 
organic revenue growth, excluding acquisitions, of some 14% which was particularly pleasing.  The impact of M&A activity was 
negligible given the specific timing of the Travel Compensation Services (TCS) and Delay Repay Sniper (DRS) transactions and 
we expect these enterprises to make a good contribution with a full year of trading and the chance to integrate and leverage 
their operations and technology across the wider Group.  The Group’s financial position at year end remained strong, with cash 
balances in excess of £22m and no debt. 

Business overview 

Tracsis specialises in providing software, hosting services, consultancy and technology solutions to high value, mission critical 
challenges  within  the  transport  and  traffic  sector.   The  Group’s  market  offering  can  be  broadly  categorised  into  two  distinct 
offerings: 

1.  Rail  Technology  &  Services:    Application  software  development  and  licensing,  cloud-based  data  hosting,  remote 
condition monitoring technology (RCM), and associated operational, implementation and strategic consulting services. 

The  Group  has  a  long  pedigree  in  developing  industrial  strength  application  software  that  facilitates  a  variety  of 
resource/asset optimisation that removes extraneous cost, increases network uptime and robustness and improves 
overall  service  delivery.    Our  software  offering  is  primarily  used  by  transport  operators  but  also  by  infrastructure 
providers and maintainers.  The Group also has a separate Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) offering – hardware 
and  software  –  that  allows  for  real-time  reporting  on  the  status  and  health  of  critical  infrastructure  assets  that  can 
identify problems before they lead to failure and aid with preventative maintenance.  Utilising our expertise in the sector, 
the  Group’s  professional  services  division  provides  consultancy  and  specialist  advice  across  the  operational  and 
strategic planning horizons and play a key role in advising owning Groups, operators and a range of regulatory bodies.  
The  recent  acquisition  of TCS  and  DRS  has  expanded  our technology  offering  and  moves Tracsis  into  a  new  and 
disruptive element of the passenger transport market that we believe will experience significant growth in the near term. 

The current focus of the Rail Technology & Services division is one of product expansion and improvement, customer 
upsell/cross-sell  and  the  move  to  cloud  based  services.    Our  UK  customer  base  continues  to  provide  the  best 
opportunities for organic growth by building on existing relationships and capabilities.  

2.  Traffic & Data Services:  Data capture, analysis, categorisation and interpretation of traffic and pedestrian movement.  
Tracsis provides a means to help our clients understand demand for their services and in turn this allows for informed 
decision making and capital expenditure to ultimately aid with the planning, building and eventual day-to-day operations 
of a transport environment. 
Over  a  number  of  years,  the  Group  has  developed  what  is  now  the  largest  traffic  and  transport  data  capture  and 
analytics business in the UK.  Latterly this has been bolstered through the acquisition of SEP and the investment made 
into  Citi  Logik  and  Vivacity  Labs.    This  division  has  now  expanded  its  addressable  markets  from  roads,  rail  and 
highways to include the pedestrian rich environments of major sporting and outdoor events and is now focusing on the 
advent of urban planning and traffic management for Smart Cities.   

The  current  focus  of  the  Traffic  &  Data  Services  division  is  one  of  technology  and  process  transition  to  undertake 
broader, more complex and ultimately more valuable projects for our clients.   In moving this division to a stronger 
technology footing we expect to see a significant improvement in operating margin and good progress has been made 
in the past year in improving this metric.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   5 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

The Group's mission is to help our clients solve complex, high value, data driven problems for which there is typically little by 
way  of  an  alternative  offering.   Tracsis  chooses  to  operate within  the  traffic  and  transport  markets  due  to  the  abundance  of 
complex problems where our expertise and products have clear and demonstrable benefit.  These markets also exhibit several 
attractive traits for the Group – high barriers to entry due to domain knowledge, large and disparate data sets, well informed 
customers that understand the value/costs in the problems we solve, and a large pool of interesting M&A opportunities that can 
be difficult for external parties to access or understand without sector expertise.   

The Directors believe that the traffic, transport and pedestrian rich environments are particularly well positioned for consistent, 
long term, and sustainable growth and that the Group will capitalise on this via an expanding portfolio of products and services 
that  have  a  common  theme  of  ‘smart’  planning  and  ‘intelligent’  mobility  whilst  delivering  the  savings  and  improvements  our 
customers have grown to expect. 

Financial summary 

The Group achieved revenues of £39.8m which was an increase of 16% on the previous year (2017: £34.5m).  It is important to 
note that the vast majority of this increase was organic, with limited revenue from M&A given the specific timing of the TCS and 
DRS acquisitions.   

Adjusted EBITDA* of £9.4m was an increase of 11% on the previous year (2017: £8.5m), with Adjusted Profit** of £8.7m being 
13% higher than the previous year (2017: £7.7m).  Statutory Profit before Tax was £8.3m (2017: £4.6m), although this includes 
an exceptional £2.65m credit relating to contingent consideration in respect of the Ontrac acquisition which arose due to specific 
target milestones not being met, though it is important to note that Ontrac performed very well all the same.  Statutory Profit 
before Tax net of this exceptional credit was £5.6m which shows a comparable improvement on the prior year of some 22%.   
All of the financial metrics show good growth on the previous year and a solid organic performance. 

At 31 July 2018, the Group’s cash balances had increased to £22.3m (2017: £15.4m), and cash generation continues to be 
strong.  Overall cash balances increased by £6.9m in the financial year, after the acquisition of TCS and DRS (£1.7m cash 
outflow), the investments in Vivacity Labs and Nutshell amounting to £0.7m, and paying contingent consideration of £0.3m (in 
respect of the SEP year two earn out).  Post period end, an amount of £2.1m was paid in respect of the Ontrac year two earn 
out which represented good trading and profitability.  The business therefore generated net cash of c. £10m which once again 
demonstrates strong conversion of profits to cash.  The Group continues to be debt free. 

As mentioned above, the statutory results include an exceptional credit of £2.65m in respect of the finalisation of the Ontrac 
contingent consideration, as required by IFRS3.  This credit came about due to the inclusion of profit related performance targets 
within  the  deal  structure  for  Ontrac.  Whilst  this  business  has  performed  very  well  in  the  past  two  years,  the  full  contingent 
consideration was not maximised which gave rise to the credit.  Needless to say, this is a non-cash exceptional credit and should 
be viewed as a non recurring item that is not part of underlying performance. 

* Earnings before finance income, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, other operating income, and share-based payment 
charges and share of result of equity accounted investees – see note 31 for reconciliation 
** Earnings before finance income, tax, amortisation, exceptional items, other operating income, share-based payment charges, and share of 
result of equity accounted investees – see note 31 for reconciliation 

Trading Progress and Prospects  

Rail Technology & Services 

Summary segment results: 

£19.0m  (2017: £16.0m)  +19% 
Revenue  
  +5% 
(2017: £6.5m) 
£6.8m 
EBITDA * 
  +4% 
(2017: £6.3m) 
Profit before Tax  £6.6m 

Software 

(excluding £2.65m exceptional credit) 

Software  sales, excluding  Ontrac,  were  £7.7m  (2017:  £6.4m),  which  was a significant increase (20%)  on  the  previous  year, 
mainly due to the Group starting work on delivering a major multiyear contract with one of the largest Train Operating Companies 
in  the  UK  for  our  TRACS  Enterprise  solution.  Delivery  of  this  programme  has  been  challenging  and  rewarding,  with  good 
progress being made, and the implementation will continue throughout the rest of current financial year.  In preparation for the 
delivery  of  larger  technology  engagements  of  this  type  in  future,  we  have  taken  active  steps  to  significantly  expand  our 
development team which following a period of extensive recruitment is now close to full strength.  Going forwards we will continue 
to market TRACS Enterprise to the rest of the UK market and are confident of making progress in the months and years to 
come.   Outside this major contract, all aspects of the software portfolio once again performed well, with excellent renewal rates 
for the TRACS, Compass, and Retail & Operations product suites.  

 
 
 
 
6 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

Ontrac 

Ontrac  once  again  performed  very  well  in  the  period  and  contributed  revenue  of  £5.9m  (2017:  £5.3m),  with  the  business 
completing a number of bespoke development projects for its key client, as well as benefitting from the high levels of recurring 
revenue that comes from its software licences and hosting services.  The business continues to specialise in the digitisation, 
visualisation and streamlining of asset information and works closely with infrastructure clients and the railway supply chain on 
a  number  of  key  initiatives  where  shared  information  can  result  in  significant  improvements  in  data  quality  whilst  removing 
extraneous processes and costs.  Ontrac’s Rail Hub and eTrac products remain highly relevant to the UK rail market and the 
business continues to market these initiatives along with other innovations to their customer base.   

Ontrac performed well during the two year earn out period following acquisition by Tracsis in 2015 and additional performance 
related contingent consideration of £2.1m was paid to Ontrac shareholders post period end.  Going forwards, Ontrac trading will 
now  be  included  within  the  software  element of  the  Rail Technology  &  Services  division although  we  intend  to maintain  the 
Ontrac brand which is a well-known and reputable brand within its target market. 

Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) 

Revenues of £3.0m were 15% higher than the previous year (2017: £2.6m), due to a combination of positive trading with the 
Group’s main UK rail infrastructure client, additional business generated from other UK supply chain customers and further sales 
made within North America.  As intimated previously, we now have business development resources within the US and we have 
seen a lot of activity in the past year which has led to several pilots and trial engagements.  Whilst it is true to say this activity 
has not yet translated into meaningful revenue, we continue to believe there is a significant latent opportunity with overseas 
RCM and our plans remain unchanged for the coming year.  Within the UK, our busbar pilot remains ongoing, and we continue 
to work with our major client for this exciting project which has huge growth potential in the future if successful.  

Consultancy and Professional Services 

Consultancy and professional services revenue was £1.9m (2017: £1.7m) which was a good performance helped by high levels 
of franchise bid work.  Tracsis supported a bidder for the West Coast Partnership, Southeastern, and also Wales & Borders rail 
operations.  In addition, we picked up good work from other government bodies, a variety of other train operating companies 
(TOCs), and several multi-disciplinary engineering companies. 

Acquisitions: Travel Compensation Services (TCS) and Delay Repay Sniper (DRS) 

In the six months post acquisition, TCS and DRS contributed £0.5m of revenue (2017: £nil). The business continues to work on 
a number of significant, high profile tenders which if successful, will lead to further growth in the future. The business has come 
a long way in a short space of time, and the area in which it operates is ripe for technology disruption with the solution that TCS 
provides offering a compelling return on investment for operators to dramatically reduce their delay repay processing costs. The 
Directors are keen to grow this part of the Group and integration has begun and is well underway.  Most recently, TCS launched 
its new compensation service for the corporate business travel market which we believe is a further growth area outside of TOC 
and passenger engagement. 

Traffic & Data Services 

Summary segment results: 

£20.8m  (2017: £18.5m)  +13% 
Revenue  
+28% 
(2017: £2.0m) 
EBITDA  * 
£2.6m 
+46% 
(2017: £1.4m) 
Profit before Tax  £2.0m 

Traffic Data and Passenger Counts 

Revenues of £14.5m were delivered in the year (2017: £12.8m), which reflect good organic growth in the year.  Our traffic data 
business delivered multiple large and diverse projects including a significant and challenging project for Transport for London 
looking at City wide cycle assets (given rising demand and inherent safety concerns), and also renewed and expanded a major 
contract with a global engineering consultancy.   General trading elsewhere remained solid, and margins were improved by the 
structural and technological changes that were started in the previous financial year and remain ongoing.  The result of our 
efforts led to significant cost reductions, a refocussed management team, and a streamlined business unit that has produced a 
strong performance in the year.    

With regard to passenger counting, we also developed a piece of analysis software that allows for automatic train loading data 
(i.e. passenger counts) to be taken directly from trains currently in service.  This information is highly relevant to TOCs when 
making revenue protection and performance decisions and requires a high degree of accuracy given the vagaries of timetable 
changes, delays and unit swaps which can lead to erroneous information being used.  The Board is pleased to be are up and 
running with this software service within a short space of time, and also with the meaningful revenue achieved in the year under 
review. 

 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   7 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

Our traffic data offering continues to benefit from a sizeable market share within its relevant sector with a good and varied service 
offering to allow significant and diverse projects to be delivered.  The strategy for this part of our business is unchanged – to 
transition what was historically a ‘project led, service business’ to a ‘product led, technology business’.  In doing so the Group 
believes it can achieve enhanced operational efficiencies via increased use of technology and process improvements to improve 
both  gross  and  net  margin.   Tracsis  remains  excited  by  the  opportunity  new  technology  poses  and  our  investment  into  the 
Vivacity Labs ‘Felicity’ platform is showing real promise in terms of increasing our data analysis ability and transitioning to a 
more technology led approach.  

SEP 

SEP achieved revenues of £6.3m (2017: £5.7m) which was pleasing, and the business has made good progress in transitioning 
from an owner managed business to a division of a public company. The delivery during the peak summer months was strong 
as  always,  and  this  year  also  saw  the  continuation  of  clients  using  our Tracsis  Live Traffic  software,  which    provides  event 
operators with a real time insight into traffic and pedestrian dynamics that comprises ANPR technology, together with application 
software developed internally by the Group’s development team  The Group continues to work closely with one of the largest 
clubs in the English Premier League and looks forward to replicating our success within this market in the year ahead as we 
target other stadiums and fixed venue events. 

Overall, it was pleasing to see margins within the T&DS Division increasing compared to the previous year, which was a key 
objective set out at the start of the financial year. 

Dividends 

In February 2012, the Board implemented a progressive dividend policy and the Group intends to maintain this going forwards.  
An interim dividend of 0.7p per share for 2016/17 was paid in April 2018.  A final dividend of 0.9p per share in respect of 2017/18 
is proposed, to take the full year dividend to 1.6p. This represents a 14% increase on the previous year’s dividend of 1.4p per 
share.   

As always, the dividends remain well covered by the Group’s profitability and cash position, which supports its primary focus on 
growth via acquisition and through further development of new products and services. The Board is committed to maintaining 
the progressive dividend policy as the business continues to trade profitably and in line with its expectations. 

The dividend will be paid on 15 February 2019 to shareholders on the register on 1 February 2019. 

Acquisitions 

The Board was delighted to have completed the acquisitions of TCS and DRS during the year.  Both businesses operate within 
the Delay Repay (DR) space which is a passenger compensation regime that exists within multiple transport environments for 
delayed or cancelled services.  Within the rail sector, DR has existed for many years and is an obligation of most franchise 
operations.  In recent years however, a combination of rising fares, poor service performance and government policy/intervention 
has raised the profile of DR which has in turn given rise to far greater volumes of passenger claims.  This in turn has created 
several areas where Tracsis can get involved with the main one being assisting TOCs automatically process valid DR claims 
through an intelligent software engine that process claims at a far higher accuracy, with greater speed and lower cost than a 
human counterpart (similar in concept to the rest of Tracsis’ software suite).  

TCS and DRS were acquired with a deal structure that reflects the significant growth opportunities that exist within their markets, 
and hence have a large amount of contingent consideration potentially payable should the businesses grow significantly from 
their current levels.  An amount, reflecting the current performance of each business was paid upfront, with the balance payable 
subject to various stretch targets being achieved.  In the six months post acquisition, TCS and DRS delivered revenue of £0.5m, 
and a PBT of £0.1m (pre exceptional deal costs and amortisation). 

Numerous other acquisition opportunities were appraised during the year and the pipeline of opportunities remains as strong as 
always.  The Group’s appetite for making further accretive acquisitions that meet with our stated investment criteria remains 
unchanged and we expect to complete further transactions in due course. 

Investments  

During the previous year, the Group announced that it had made a strategic investment of up to £1.3m into Vivacity Labs Limited 
("Vivacity"), a provider of smart, hyperlocal data for smart cities and intelligent transport systems, in return for a 28.1% equity 
stake.  To the end of July 2018, Tracsis has invested £1.0m of this total amount, in return for 23.3% of the equity, including an 
investment of £0.6m that was made in the current financial year. Tracsis held a warrant to subscribe for a further 4.8% of the 
enlarged share capital for an additional £0.3m which was exercised post period end. 

 
 
 
 
8 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer’s Report continued 

The Traffic & Data Services Division also entered into an Agreement to begin to adopt the Vivacity machine learning technology, 
which has the potential to significantly enhance our traffic analysis capability whilst also reducing the associated overhead costs 
of video processing.  This work is still at a relatively early stage but is showing significant promise and will be a key focus for the 
Traffic Data team in the coming year. 

The Group continues to hold an investment in Citi Logik Limited and at year-end held 17.24%. Citi Logik was successful in 
securing further monies from Innovate UK during the year and has won multiple First of a Kind (FOAK) projects to demonstrate 
mobile network data analytics (i.e. utilising consumer mobile phone data to model traffic and pedestrian movements in near real 
time).  

Summary and Outlook 

In summary, 2017-18 was another good year for Tracsis on multiple fronts, with strong organic growth and financial performance 
coupled with operational progress and capped off by an exciting acquisition.  The Group continues to mature and evolve both 
in terms of people, processes and technologies and remains well positioned for the future. 

Tracsis’  growth  strategy  remains  unchanged:  to  deliver  shareholder  value  both  organically  and  through  acquisition  of 
complementary businesses, and by developing products and services that solve well recognised, high value problems that are 
poorly served by  existing  technology.   The  Group’s business  model  continues  to  focus  on  markets  that generally  have  high 
barriers to entry, with contracts that are sold on a recurring/repeat basis, and to a retained customer base that is predominantly 
blue  chip  in  nature.    This  strategy  has  worked  well  in  the  past  to  generate  consistent  growth  and  significant  returns  for 
shareholders and the Group believes it will continue to work well in the future. 

As always our thanks go to our staff, customers and other partners, and we look forward to sharing further success with them 
in the years ahead. 

Chris Cole, Chairman 

John McArthur, Chief Executive Officer 

8th November 2018 

 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   9 

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 

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

1.  Rail Technology 
& Services 

of 

the  Group’s 
Several 
products  and  services  are 
expected to be still in demand 
regardless  of  the  structure  of 
the  industry  they  have  a clear 
value 
demonstrable 
and 
proposition 
some 
(though 
more  than  others)  and  return 
on 
investment  case.  The 
Group expects that demand for 
certain  solutions  will  remain 
regardless 
ownership 
of 
structure.  However,  in  certain 
circumstances,  there  is  very 
against 
little 
politically  driven  changes  or 
other structural changes. 

mitigation 

Competition 

The  success  of  the  Group  may 
lead  to  increased  competition,  in 
particular 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.  Rail Technology & 

Services 

Reduced government spending 

to 

subject 

pays 
pricing 

close 
The  Group 
attention 
and 
to 
customer satisfaction 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.  The  Group 
restructured  its  Traffic  &  Data 
Services  Division 
the 
previous  year  and  saw  the 
benefits of this during the year 
under review.  

that 

in 

The  Group  continues  to  derive 
revenues  directly  and  indirectly 
from  government  commitment  to 
invest  and  modernise  transport 
infrastructure,  and  would  be 
significantly 
these 
funding  streams  were 
public 
reduced. 

impacted 

if 

1.  Traffic  &  Data 

Services 

2.  Rail Technology & 

Services 

the  exposure 

As  the  Group  continues  to 
grow and diversify its revenue 
streams, 
to 
government  spending  should 
reduce but will always be a risk 
for the Traffic & Data Services 
Division due to the nature of its 
customer  base.  For  the  Rail 
Technology 
Services 
Division, the Group attempts to 
ensure that its offerings have a 
clear return on investment and 
value  proposition,  to  ensure 
demand will remain strong.  

& 

Increased  given  the  recent 
rail industry challenges that 
have been well publicised in 
the  press  and  the  political 
headlines 
rail 
the 
that 
industry has received. 

No change in the year to the 
risk  of  overall  competition 
across the Group.  

Increased in the year given 
the  increased  proximity  to 
the 
‘Brexit’ 
uncertainties 
this  may 
potentially bring. 

and 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Risk Management continued 

Description/Potential impact: 

Area of Group 
impacted: 

Mitigation: 

Change in the year: 

Reliance on certain key customers 

The Group has a large number of 
customers but derives a significant 
amount  of  business  from  one  key 
customer for a large part of its Rail 
Technology  &  Services  offering. 
There  can  be  no  guarantee  as  to 
the  timing  or  quantum  of  any 
potential  future  orders  from  this 
customer. 
the 
Group’s  Traffic  &  Data  Services 
division  operates  under  a  number 
of  Framework  Agreements  with 
one  large  one  in  particular  from 
whom  a  significant  amount  of 
revenue is obtained. 

Furthermore, 

Attraction  and  retention  of  key 
employees 

to 

The  Group  continues  to  have  a 
number  of  key  individuals.  Skills 
and  expertise  in  our  markets  are 
specialist  and  hard 
find  or 
develop,  and  so  further  growth  of 
the  business  may  be  restricted 
should  key  individuals  leave  the 
business  or  if  the  business  is 
unable  to  attract  and  recruit  new 
staff to deliver its growth plans.  

Delays to project delivery 

the  previous  year, 

During 
the 
Group  was  successful  in  securing 
a  significant  contract  with  a  major 
UK  Train  Operating  Company 
which  has  a  number  of  deadlines 
implementation,  along  with 
for 
certain  penalties 
the 
programme not be implemented in 
accordance  with  the  contractual 
requirements and timeframes. 

should 

1.  Rail Technology & 

Services 

2.  Traffic  &  Data 

Services 

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 
the 
offerings 
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. 

1.  Rail Technology & 

Services 

The  Group  believes  it  offers 
remuneration 
competitive 
packages,  and  also  offers 
various 
incentive 
share 
schemes  to  staff  in  order  to 
attract  and  retain  high  calibre 
share 
employees. 
schemes  are  designed  such 
that  employees  are  rewarded 
in  the  success  of  the  Group, 
and  are  tied  in  for  a  period  of 
time.  

Such 

delivery 

The  Group  has  deployed  an 
team, 
extensive 
following  a  major  recruitment 
exercise, and has worked with 
the client to establish a project 
plan to ensure that the project 
has 
the  best  chance  of 
successful delivery. 

No  major  change  in  the 
year. 

Total  revenues  from  the 
Group’s  largest  customer 
were 
of  Group 
14% 
revenue (2017: 16%). 

Revenues in respect of the 
Group’s  Remote  Condition 
Monitoring  accounted 
for 
around  8%  (2017:  8%)  of 
total Group revenue.  

continued 

The Traffic & Data Services 
Division 
to 
account  for  over  half  of 
overall Group revenues and 
derived 
(2017: 
£3.2m 
£2.5m)  from  one  particular 
customer. 

Increased  in  the  year  for 
parts  of  the  Group  given 
two  periods  of  contingent 
consideration ended. 

Increased  in  the  year  as 
delivery of this key contract 
progressed. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management continued 

Description/Potential impact: 

Technological changes 

Area of Group 
impacted: 

1.  Traffic  &  Data 

Services 

2.  Rail Technology & 

Services 

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

lead 

Customer pricing pressure 

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

1.  Traffic  &  Data 

Services 

2.  Rail Technology & 

Services 

TRACSIS PLC   |   11 

Mitigation: 

Change in the year: 

No change in the year. 

No change in the year. 

they 

The Group continues to invest 
in  research  and  development 
for  its  technology  products  to 
ensure  that  they  remain  up  to 
date  and  also  relevant  to  the 
customer base, as it also takes 
feedback from its clients about 
what  they  require  from  the 
products. This helps to ensure 
that 
relevant. 
remain 
Some of the Group’s offerings 
are  protected  by  customer 
Framework 
relationships, 
contractual 
Agreements, 
agreements 
also 
significant  development  costs, 
which  provide  protection  even 
if  new  entrants  may  come 
along.  The  Group  made  a 
strategic investment in Vivacity 
the 
Labs  Limited  during 
previous  year 
to 
the  risks 
mitigate  some  of 
posed  by  technology  to  the 
Traffic  &  Data  Services 
Division. 

to  seek 

and 

cost 

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

ensuring 

return 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

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.  Rail Technology 
& Services 

All parts of the Group 

All parts of the Group 

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 

Impact of EU Referendum 

to 

on 

leave 

The  decision 
the 
European  Union  may  have  a 
potential 
the 
impact 
macroeconomic  conditions  in  the 
UK, from which the Group derives 
the  majority  of  its  revenue  and 
profit,  which  may  impact  on  the 
Group’s  customers,  in  particular 
those  revenues  derived  from  the 
public  sector  should  this  lead  to 
in  government 
any 
spending. 
has 
customers in Ireland and Sweden. 

The  Group 

reduction 

No change in the year. 

No change in the year. 

Increased in the year as the 
the 
date 
for 
European  Union 
gets 
closer. 

leaving 

employs 

The  Group 
a 
dedicated  Health  &  Safety 
team  for  its  Traffic  &  Data 
Services  division,  and  where 
necessary elsewhere 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, procedures 
to 
and  method  statements 
provide  mitigation 
against 
health & safety risk. 

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. 

Tracsis  continues  to  operate 
within  specific  niche  verticals 
of the traffic data and transport 
markets.  The  Group  believes 
that its market offering and the 
sectors  in  which  it  operates 
provides it with good resilience 
to external influences although 
these 
remains  vigilant  of 
influences. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   13 

Strategic Report 

Key Performance Indicators 

1.  The Group’s main Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) assessed at Group Level are as follows: 

a.  Sales Revenue and various Profit metrics versus budget, forecast 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 specific divisions: 

a.  Rail Technology & Services 

i.  Customer renewal rates for Software and new customer take up / product matrix  
ii.  Staff utilisation and chargeability  
iii.  Revenue by customer and by product type 
iv.  Delivery of major orders versus customer requirements 

b.  Traffic & Data Services:  

i.  Customer enquiries and conversion rates,  
ii.  Working capital tie up in debtors and work in progress and Capital expenditure 
iii.  Number of events and event days, plus casual staff costs relative to revenue 

50

40

30

20

10

0

10
8
6
4
2
0

25

20

15

10

5

0

Revenue - £m

32.6

34.5

39.8

22.4

25.4

Revenue

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Profit Before Tax - £m

8.3

4.2

4.5

4.0

4.6

Adjusted EBITDA - £m (see note 31 for 
reconciliation)

8.5

7.6

9.4

6.5

5.4

Adjusted EBITDA

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Basic Earnings Per Share - p

25.7

12.9

14.1

12.7

13.4

10

5

0

30

20

10

0

PBT

Basic EPS

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Cash - £m

22.3

13.3

11.4

15.4

8.9

Cash

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Governance 

Board of Directors 

Executive Directors 

John McArthur (43) 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 (40) 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 

Current: 

Chris Cole (72) Independent Non-Executive Chairman 

Chris is Non-Executive Chairman of WSP Global Inc. (listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange), the successor to WSP Group plc, 
and Non-Executive Chairman of Redcentric plc. Up until September 2018, he was also Non-Executive Chairman of Ashtead 
Group plc. Chris brings significant general business and public market experience to the Board from his current and previous 
roles. 

Member of Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nominations Committee. 

Lisa Charles-Jones (47) Independent Non-Executive Director 

Lisa, is a HR professional and worked for LSL Property Services plc for 13 years, which is listed on the Main Market of the 
London Stock Exchange, firstly as Head of HR and for the last ten years as Group HR Director. She is a member of the Chartered 
Institute of  Personnel and  Development  and  holds  an  MBA  from  the  University  of  Durham.  Lisa brings  a  wide  range of  HR 
experience to the Board. 

Member of Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nominations Committee. 

Liz Richards (60) Independent Non-Executive Director 

Liz was previously Group Finance Director of Callcredit Information Group, from 2000 to 2015.  Callcredit is a consumer data 
business, which grew from a start-up in 2000 to a £150m turnover business with over 1,000 employees.  Following its significant 
growth and success, the business was sold in 2014 for circa £500m. Liz is a Chartered Accountant, having trained with EY, and 
currently  is  Non-executive  Director  and  audit  committee  chair  of  LINK  Scheme  Ltd,  the  UK  ATM  network  operator.  Prior  to 
Callcredit, Liz worked in a variety of finance roles. Liz brings extensive Finance experience to the Board. 

Member of Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nominations Committee. 

Mac Andrade (42) Independent Non-Executive Director (appointed 1 November 2018) 

Mac  was  appointed  to  the  Board  on  1  November  2018.  Mac  has held  various  senior  roles  at  FirstGroup  Plc,  Network Rail, 
Scottish & Southern Energy and National Grid.  Mac brings extensive rail industry expertise and knowledge to the Board. 

Member of Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nominations Committee. 

Other Directors serving in the year: 

John Nelson (71) Independent Non-Executive Director 

John served as a Non-Executive Director during the year and until his resignation on 1 November 2018, and brought extensive 
rail  industry  experience  to  the  Board  having  been  involved in  the  industry  for  50  years.  John  served  as  a  member  of  Audit 
Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nominations Committee during the year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   15 

Governance 

Directors’ Report 

The directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2018. 

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 8 November 2018. 

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 29 to 67. 

Dividends 
The Directors have adopted a progressive dividend policy, subject to growth, profitability and cash position in the future. An 
interim dividend of 0.7p per share was paid in April 2018. The Directors propose a final dividend of 0.9p per share, subject to 
shareholder approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. This will give a full year dividend of 1.6p per share (2017: 
1.4p). 

Directors 
The directors who serve on the Board and on Board Committees during the year are set out on page 14. John Nelson resigned 
as a Director on 1 November 2018 and Mac Andrade was appointed as a Director on 1 November 2018. 

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 Liz Richards and 
Lisa Charles-Jones retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. In relation to the re-elections of each 
of the directors, the Board is satisfied that each of these directors continues to be effective and to demonstrate commitment to 
the Company. 

Information in respect of directors’ remuneration is given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 18 to 21. 

Directors’ shareholdings 

Directors’ beneficial interests in the shares of the Company, including family interests, at 31 July 2018 and 2017 were as follows: 

31 July 2018 

31 July 2017 

Number 

of 

shares 

% of 
issued 

share 

capital 

Number 

% of 
issued 

of 

share 

shares 

capital 

957,783 

3.38%  1,062,783 

3.80% 

168,022 

0.59% 

188,022 

0.67% 

John McArthur 

Max Cawthra 

John Nelson (resigned 1 Nov 18) 

125,824 

0.44% 

100,824 

0.36% 

Chris Cole 

Lisa Charles-Jones 

Liz Richards 

Mac Andrade (appointed 1 Nov 18) 

7,000 

0.02% 

7,000 

0.02% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

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.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Directors’ Report continued 

Substantial shareholdings 
At 7 November 2018, 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 
3,050,909 
Liontrust Asset Management 
2,017,035 
AXA Framlington 
1,975,545 
Unicorn Asset Management 
Ennismore Fund Management 
1,905,616 
Schroder Investment Management  1,573,684 
1,318,304 
Downing LLP 
1,113,846 
Investec Asset Management 
1,014,526 
Tellworth Investments 
991,700 
NFU Mutual 
957,783 
John McArthur 

% of 

issued shares 

10.7% 
7.1% 
7.0% 
6.7% 
5.5% 
4.6% 
3.9% 
3.6% 
3.5% 
3.4% 

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 2018 were 46 days (2017: 54 days).  

Research and development 

During the year the Group incurred £1,942,000 (2017: £1,214,000) 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 26 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, 
another subsidiary company, has a significant contract with a major worldwide engineering consultancy company from which it 
has historically derived a significant amount of business. Ontrac Limited works extensively with a major railway infrastructure 
provider, from which it has historically derived a significant amount of business. SEP Limited has a number of significant, multi-
year contracts with a number of key clients.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   17 

Directors’ Report continued 

Charitable donations 

The Group made charitable donations to various charities amounting to £nil during the year (2017: £5,029). 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. 

Third party indemnity provisions 

All  directors  benefit  from  qualifying  third  party indemnity  provisions in place  during  the  financial  year  and at the  date  of  this 
report.   

By order of the Board 

Max Cawthra 
Company Secretary 

8 November 2018 

Leeds Innovation Centre 
103 Clarendon Road 
Leeds 
LS2 9DF 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Governance 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Unaudited information: 

Tracsis plc, presents its remuneration 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 (resigned 1 Nov 18) 

Chris Cole 

Lisa Charles-Jones 

Liz Richards 

Mac Andrade (appointed 1 Nov 18) 

Date  Commencement  Unexpired 

of contract 

date 

term 

Notice 

period 

21.11.07 

20.09.10 

21.11.07 

28.04.14 

25.08.16 

01.09.16 

01.11.18 

01.01.04 

Indefinite 

6 months 

20.09.10 

Indefinite 

3 months 

21.11.07 

Indefinite 

3 months 

28.04.14 

Indefinite 

3 months 

25.08.16 

Indefinite 

3 months 

01.09.16 

Indefinite 

3 months 

01.11.18 

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, plus motivating them to deliver the Group’s 
strategy. 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   19 

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 a 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. 

Directors’ remuneration 

Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 July 2018 is set out below  

Executive Directors 

John McArthur  

Max Cawthra  

Non-Executive Directors 

John Nelson (resigned 1 Nov 18) 

Chris Cole  

Lisa Charles-Jones  

Liz Richards  

Charles Winward (resigned 17 Nov 16) 

Mac Andrade (appointed 1 Nov 18) 

Basic  Pension 
Conts 
 salary 

£000 

£’000 

196 

148 

344 

23 

50 

28 

28 

- 

- 

129 

40 

7 

47 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Bonus 

£000 

140 

90 

230 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Benefits  

in kind 

£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Total 

2018 

£000 

376 

245 

621 

23 

50 

28 

28 

- 

- 

Total 

2017 

£000 

231 

151 

382 

23 

50 

25 

25 

8 

- 

129 

131 

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

At 

1 August 

At 

Exercise 

Date from 

31 July 

price 

Which 

2017 

Granted 
(Note b) 

Lapsed 
(Note a) 

Exercised 

2018 

pence 

Exercisable  Expiry date 

Executive 
Directors 

John McArthur 

81,227 

44,342 

(10,627) 

- 

114,942 

0.4p 

See note a/b  

Max Cawthra 

54,152 

- 

(7,085) 

- 

47,067 

0.4p 

See note a/b  

15 Dec 
2025 / 6 Jan 
2027 / 28 
Feb 2028 
15 Dec 
2025 / 6 Jan 
2027  

Non-Executive 
Directors 
John Nelson 

Chris Cole 
Lisa Charles-
Jones 
Liz Richards 

Mac Andrade 

25,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(25,000) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued 

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

Note a  

Original conditions: 
'2015 LTIP' 

•  John McArthur granted maximum of 38,182 options, Max Cawthra granted a maximum of 25,455 options 
•  Full award is only payable should statutory diluted EPS for the year ending 31 July 2018 be 17.95p, and TSR versus 

the peer group is in the top quartile 

•  Should statutory diluted EPS for the year ending 31 July 2018 be less than 14.95p, and TSR versus the peer group is 

less than the median, no options will be awarded 

•  For scenarios between the above range, the options will be exercisable on a sliding scale basis in both instances 

For the year ended 31 July 2018, EPS (excluding the contingent consideration credit was 15.75p, which meant that part of the 
performance criteria that were linked to EPS were met, and TSR was between the median and upper quartile meaning that a 
part of the performance criteria that were linked to TSR were met. These items combined led to options vesting for John McArthur 
of 27,555 share options, with 10,627 lapsing, and options vesting for Max Cawthra of 18,370 options, with 7,085 lapsing. The 
options that have vested can be exercised from 15 December 2018 onwards, being three years from the grant date. 

Note b 

‘2016 LTIP’ 

•  John McArthur granted maximum of 43,045 options, Max Cawthra granted a maximum of 28,697 options 
•  Full award is only payable should statutory diluted EPS for the year ending 31 July 2019 be 17.38p, and TSR versus 

the peer group is in the top quartile 

•  Should statutory diluted EPS for the year ending 31 July 2019 be less than 14.38p, and TSR versus the peer group is 

less than the median, no options will be awarded 

•  For scenarios between the above range, the options will be exercisable on a sliding scale basis in both instances 
•  Any options vesting will be able to be exercised from 6 January 2020 onwards, being three years from the grant date 

‘2017 LTIP’ 

•  John McArthur granted maximum of 44,342 options 
•  Full award is only payable should statutory diluted EPS for the year ending 31 July 2020 be 16.87p, and TSR versus 

the peer group is in the top quartile 

•  Should statutory diluted EPS for the year ending 31 July 2020 be less than 13.87p, and TSR versus the peer group is 

less than the median, no options will be awarded 

•  For scenarios between the above range, the options will be exercisable on a sliding scale basis in both instances 
•  Any options vesting will be able to be exercised from 28 February 2021 being three years from the grant date 

The aggregate amount of pre-tax gains made by directors on the exercise of share options was £100,000 (2017: £nil). This is 
based on John Nelson’s exercise referred to above, where 25,000 options were exercised with a price of £1.75 per share and 
a market value at the time of exercise of £5.75 per share. No shares were disposed of. 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   21 

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued 

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 2017 to 31 July 2018.  

140

130

120

110

100

90

80

Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17 Dec-17 Jan-18 Feb-18 Mar-18 Apr-18 May-18 Jun-18

Jul-18

Tracsis

AIM All-Share Index

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 

Lisa Charles-Jones 

Chair of the Remuneration Committee 

8 November 2018 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

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,  adopts  the  Quoted  Company  Alliance’s  Corporate 
Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted Companies 2013 (updated April 2018) (the “QCA Code”) which supports the 
Group’s long term success and strategy for growth. 

The Board 

There are currently 6 Board members, comprising two Executive Directors and four 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  in  2014  to  oversee  Board  meetings  and  field  all  concerns  regarding  the  executive 
management of the Group and the performance of the Executive Directors. A biography of each Director appears on page 14. 
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 18. 
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. Liz Richards and Lisa Charles-Jones will be retiring at the Annual General Meeting 
and submitting themselves for re-election. 

Board meetings and attendance 

Board meetings were held on 10 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 
- 
- 
2/2 
2/2 
2/2 
2/2 

Meetings  Committee 
Meetings 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(total/poss) 
10/10 
10/10 
10/10 
10/10 
9/10 
10/10 

Audit 
Committee 
Meetings 
- 
- 
2/2 
2/2 
2/2 
2/2 

John McArthur 
Max Cawthra 
John Nelson 
Chris Cole 
Lisa Charles-Jones 
Liz Richards 

Board committees 

Nomination Committee 

The Nomination Committee comprises Chris Cole as Chairman, Mac Andrade (from 1 Nov 18), John Nelson (to 1 Nov 18), Lisa 
Charles-Jones and Liz Richards. 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 Lisa Charles-Jones as Chairperson, Mac Andrade (from 1 Nov 18), John Nelson (to 
1 Nov 18), Liz Richards and Chris Cole as attendee.  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).  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   23 

Corporate Governance continued 

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee similarly comprises Liz Richards as Chairperson, Mac Andrade (from 1 Nov 18), John Nelson (to 1 Nov 
18), Lisa Charles-Jones and Chris Cole as attendee. 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. The significant issues considered by the Audit 
Committee  relating  to  the  Group’s  financial  statements  include  Revenue  recognition,  Intangible  Assets,  and  Contingent 
Consideration, as detailed in note 4 to the financial statements. 

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. During the year, KPMG LLP did not provide any 
non audit services (2017: nil). 

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 evaluation process  

The Board completed a formal evaluation process in a previous financial year which resulted in charges to the Board but has 
not completed a formal board evaluation process during the year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

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.  Under 
the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU) and applicable 
law and they have elected to prepare the parent Company financial statements in accordance with UK accounting standards 
and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. 

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, relevant, reliable 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;   
assess  the  Group  and  parent  Company’s  ability  to continue  as  a  going concern,  disclosing,  as  applicable,  matters 
related to going concern; and   
use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or 
to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.   

• 

• 

• 

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 are responsible for such internal 
control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and 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.   

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report and a Directors’ Report 
that complies with that law and those regulations.   

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   |   25 

Independent 
auditor’s report

to the members of Tracsis plc 

1. Our opinion is unmodified 

We have audited the financial  statements  of Tracsis
plc (“the Company”) for the year  ended 31 July 
2018 which comprise the Consolidated  Statement 
of Comprehensive  Income, the Consolidated and 
Company Balance Sheet, the Consolidated and 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity, the 
Consolidated  Cash Flow Statement and the related 
notes, including the accounting policies  in note 3.

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 2018 and of the 
Group’s profit for the year then ended; 

— the Group financial  statements  have been 
properly  prepared in accordance with 
International  Financial  Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union; 

— the parent Company financial  statements have 
been properly prepared in accordance with UK 
accounting standards,  including FRS 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework; and 

— the financial  statements  have  been prepared in 

accordance with the requirements  of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with 
International  Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs 
(UK)”) and applicable  law. Our responsibilities  are 
described below. We have fulfilled  our ethical 
responsibilities  under, and are independent of the 
Group in accordance with, UK ethical  requirements 
including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied  to 
listed entities.  We believe  that the audit evidence 
we have obtained is a sufficient  and appropriate 
basis for our opinion. 

Materiality: 
Group financial 
statements  as a 
whole

Coverage

£260k (2017: £225k)

4.8% (2017: 4.9%) of Group 
profit before tax and 
contingent consideration 
credit

94% (2017:99%) of Group 
profit before tax

Risks of material misstatement vs 2017

Event driven

New: Business 
combinations 
accounting including 
valuation of acquired 
intangible  assets and 
contingent 
consideration

Recurring risks Revenue recognition –

◄►

software contracts

 
 
26 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

2. Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by 
us, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and 
directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial 
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. In 
arriving at our audit opinion above, the key audit matters, in decreasing order of audit significance, were as follows including 
Acquisition accounting as a new risk for 2018.

Business combinations 
accounting including valuation 
of acquired intangible assets 
and contingent consideration

Acquired Intangible assets 
£2,916k
Contingent consideration payable 
£1,200k

Refer to page 36 (accounting 
policy) and page 42 (financial 
disclosures)

Revenue Recognition –
Software Contracts

The risk

Our response

Subjective Valuation:

Our procedures included:

The Group has acquired Delay Repay 
Sniper Limited (DRS) and Travel 
Compensation Services Limited (TCS). 

The exercise to recognise intangible 
assets acquired at fair value involves a 
significant degree of judgement on the 
inputs used to value the intangibles, 
(such as useful economic life of assets 
and discount rate) and is a material 
estimate.

The valuation of contingent 
consideration recognised at fair value 
involves a significant degree of 
judgement and is a material estimate.

— Accounting analysis: We assessed the 
judgements taken around fair value 
adjustments having regard to relevant
accounting standards. 

— Considering the separately identified 

intangible assets acquired through gaining 
an understanding of the business’ acquired 
and applying our professional experience 
and judgement;

— Benchmarking assumptions: challenging 
the basis for the key assumptions used in 
the valuation such as discount rate and 
growth rates applied in the valuation of 
acquired intangibles having regard to 
internal and external data; and

— Challenging the basis for key assumptions 

used in the valuation of contingent 
consideration such as forecast future 
performance and probability weightings.

— Assessing transparency: considering the 
adequacy of the Groups disclosures in 
respect of business combinations 
accounting and contingent consideration 
payable.

Complex Accounting Treatment

Our procedures included: 

Software contracts are a key revenue 
stream for the Group.

— Accounting analysis: We critically 

(Group and Parent)

assessed the Group’s accounting policies in 
relation to revenue recognition with 
[We continue to perform procedures over [identify key audit matter]. However, following [explain why risk is less significant this 
Software revenue (Group) 
reference to the accounting standards; 
year], we have not assessed this as one of the most significant risks in our current year audit and, therefore, it is not separately 
£14,010k, (2017: £11,711k)
identified in our report this year.]
Deferred income (Group) £3,740k 
(2017: £4,086k)

These contracts often contain multiple 
components resulting in complex 
revenue, and ultimately profit, 
recognition considerations.

Software revenue (parent 
company) £3,500k (2017: £2,333k)
Deferred Income (parent 
company) £423k (2017: £407k)

Given the complexity there is a risk of 
error on the amount of revenue 
recognised or deferred on those 
contracts at year end.

Refer to page 35 (accounting 
policy), page 44 and page74 
(financial disclosures).

— Test of Detail: We agreed a sample of sales 
to customer orders and sales invoices to 
determine whether the contractual terms 
such as timing and value had been taken 
into account in calculating revenue. 

— Expectation vs. Outcome: We performed a 
recalculation over a sample of deferred 
income at the year end to determine, based 
on our understanding of the transaction price 
and value of the deliverable if the correct 
deferred income amount had been 
recognised by reference to the contractual 
terms. 

 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   27 

Group Materiality
£260k (2017: £225k)

£260k
Whole financial
statements materiality
(2017:  £225k)

£214.6k
Range  of materiality  at 13
(2017:  11) components 
£214.6k - £2.3k)
(2017:  £200k – £20k)

3. Our application of materiality and an overview of the 

scope of our audit 

Materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole 
was set at £260k (2017: £225k), determined with 
reference to a benchmark of Group profit before tax 
normalised to exclude this years contingent credit of 
£2,653k as disclosed in note 9.3. (of which it represents 
4.6% (2017: 4.9%of profit before tax). 

Profit before tax and 
contingent consideration 
credit
£5,622k (2017 profit before tax: 
£4,616k)

Materiality for the parent company financial statements 
as a whole was set at £180.7k (2017: £184k), determined 
with reference to a benchmark of Company profit before 
tax normalised to exclude this years contingent 
consideration credit of £2,653k as disclosed in note 9.3, 
of which it represents 4.9% (2017: 4.7% of company 
profit before tax).
We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any 
corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements 
exceeding £13k, in addition to other identified 
misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative 
grounds.

Of the Group's 13 (2017: 11) reporting components, we 
subjected 11 (2017: 9) to full scope audits for Group 
purposes. For the residual 2 components, we performed 
analysis at an aggregated Group level to re-examine our 
assessment that there were no significant risks of 
material misstatement within these.
The components within the scope of our work accounted 
for the percentages illustrated opposite.

The work on all 13 (2017: 11) components was 
performed by the Group team.
The Group team performed procedures on the items 
excluded from normalised group profit before tax

Profit before tax
Group materiality

£13k
Misstatements reported to the 
audit  committee  £13k (2017: 
£11.3k)

Group revenue

Group profit before tax

94%

(2017: 99%)

99

94

100%

(2017: 
100%)

100

100

Group total assets 

100%

(2017: 99%)

99

100

Key: 

Full scope  for Group  audit  purposes  2018

Full scope  for Group  audit  purposes  2017

Residual  components

 
 
 
 
28 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

4. We have nothing to report on going concern

7. Respective responsibilities 

We are required to report to you if we have concluded that 
the use of the going concern basis of accounting is 
inappropriate or there is an undisclosed material uncertainty 
that may cast significant doubt over the use of that basis for 
a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval 
of the financial statements. We have nothing to report in 
these respects.

5. We have nothing to report on the other information in 

the Annual Report

The directors are responsible for the other information 
presented in the Annual Report together with the financial 
statements. Our opinion on the financial statements does 
not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not 
express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated 
below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in 
doing so, consider whether, based on our financial 
statements audit work, the information therein is materially 
misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or 
our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work we have not 
identified material misstatements in the other information.

Strategic report and directors’ report 

Based solely on our work on the other information: 
— we have not identified material misstatements in the 

strategic report and the directors’ report; 

— in our opinion the information given in those reports for 

the financial year is consistent with the financial 
statements; and 

— in our opinion those reports have been prepared in 

accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

6.  We have nothing to report on the other matters on 
which we are required to report by exception 

Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to 
you if, in our opinion: 

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

— the parent Company financial statements are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and 
returns; or 

— certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified 

by law are not made; or 

— we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit.

We have nothing to report in these respects

Directors’ responsibilities 

As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 
24, the directors are responsible for: the preparation of the 
financial statements including being satisfied that they give 
a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine 
is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error; assessing the Group and, 
parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; 
and using the going concern basis of accounting unless 
they either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent 
Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities 

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

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the 
FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 

8. The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our 

responsibilities

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.

David Morritt (Senior Statutory Auditor) 

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 

Chartered Accountants 
1 Sovereign Square

Sovereign Street
Leeds

LS1 4DA

8 November 2018

 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   29 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income  
for the year ended 31 July 2018  

Revenue  

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Administrative costs 

Adjusted EBITDA* 

Depreciation 

Adjusted profit ** 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Other operating income 

Share-based payment charges 

2018 

2017 

Continuing 
operations 

Acquisitions 

Notes 

£000 

£000 

Total 

£000 

£000  

6 

39,370 

464 

39,834 

34,486 

(16,623) 

- 

(16,623) 

(15,279) 

22,747 

464 

23,211 

19,207 

(14,211) 

(516) 

(14,727) 

(14,491) 

6 

14 

15 

9.4 

8 

9,311 

(758) 

8,553 

114 

(2) 

112 

9,425 

(760) 

8,665 

8,494 

(799) 

7,695 

(1,674) 

(100) 

(1,774) 

(1,674) 

197 

(1,193) 

17 

- 

214 

134 

(1,193) 

(1,300) 

Operating profit / (loss) before exceptional items 

5,883 

29  

5,912 

4,855 

Exceptional items  

9.3 

2,653 

(81) 

2,572 

(139) 

Operating profit / (loss) 

Finance income  

Finance expense  

Share of result of equity accounted investees 

Profit / (loss) before tax 

Taxation 

Profit / (loss) after tax and total comprehensive 
income 

Earnings per ordinary share 

Basic  

Diluted  

8,536 

(52) 

8,484 

4,716 

9 

10 

11 

16 

19 

(27) 

(201) 

8,327 

12 

(1,004) 

7,323 

- 

- 

- 

(52) 

(25) 

(77) 

19 

(27) 

(201) 

15 

(38) 

(77) 

8,275 

4,616 

(1,029) 

(901) 

7,246 

3,715 

13 

13 

25.97p 

25.11p 

(0.27p) 

(0.26p) 

25.70p 

24.85p 

13.36p 

12.93p 

* Earnings before finance income, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, other operating income, and share-based payment 
charges and share of result of equity accounted investees – see note 31.   

** Earnings before finance income, tax, amortisation, exceptional items, other operating income, share-based payment charges, and share of 
result of equity accounted investees – see note 31.   

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2018 Company number: 05019106 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Investments – equity 

Loans due from associated undertakings 

Investments in equity accounted investees 

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Hire-purchase contracts 

Contingent consideration payable 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Hire-purchase contracts 

Trade and other payables 

Contingent consideration payable 

Current tax liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the company 

Called up share capital 

Share premium reserve 

Merger reserve 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

Note 

14 

15 

16 

16 

16 

22 

17 

19 

18 

21 

22 

18 

20 

21 

23 

24 

24 

24 

2018 

£000 

2,181 

26,223 

250 

250 

972 

602 

2017 

£000 

2,461 

24,458 

675 

187 

111 

457 

30,478 

28,349 

253 

7,329 

22,329 

29,911 

60,389 

121 

1,100 

3,875 

5,096 

157 

10,316 

2,165 

546 

13,184 

18,280 

42,109 

113 

6,243 

3,160 

32,593 

42,109 

239 

8,480 

15,350 

24,069 

52,418 

230 

- 

3,718 

3,948 

320 

8,842 

5,041 

620 

14,823 

18,771 

33,647 

112 

5,948 

3,010 

24,577 

33,647 

The financial statements on pages 29 to 67 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 8 November 2018 
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 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

TRACSIS PLC   |   31 

Share 
Capital 
£’000 

Share 
Premium 
£’000 

Merger 
reserve 
£’000 

Retained 
Earnings 
£’000 

Total 
 £’000 

110 

5,622 

3,010 

19,924 

28,666 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

-  

-  

-  

-  

326 

5,948 

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

3,715 

3,715 

(362) 

1,300  

-  

3,715 

3,715 

(362) 

1,300 

328 

3,010 

24,577 

33,647 

At 1 August 2016 

Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners: 

Dividends 

Share based payment 
charges 

Exercise of share options 

At 31 July 2017 

112 

At 1 August 2017 

Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive income 

Transactions with owners: 

Dividends 

Share based payment 
charges 

Exercise of share options 

Shares issued as 
consideration for business 
combinations 

At 31 July 2018 

112 

5,948 

3,010 

24,577 

33,647 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

295 

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

150 

7,246 

7,246 

(423) 

1,193  

-  

- 

7,246 

7,246 

(423) 

1,193 

296 

150 

113 

6,243 

3,160 

32,593 

42,109 

Details of the nature of each component of equity are set out in Notes 23 and 24. 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 July 2018  

Operating activities 

Profit for the year 

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Depreciation 

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment 

Non cash exceptional items 

Other operating income 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Share of result of equity accounted investees 

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 

Interest received 

Interest paid 

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 of cash acquired) 

Equity investments and loans to investments 

Repayment of loans from investments 

Receipt of deferred consideration 

Payment of contingent consideration 

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 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Notes 

10 

11 

14 

9.3 

9.4 

15 

16 

12 

8 

10 

11 

14 

5 

5 

16 

21 

30 

18 

2018  
£000  

7,246 

(19) 

27 

760 

17 

(2,653) 

(214) 

1,774 

201 

1,029 

1,193 

9,361 

(14) 

1,259 

1,411 

12,017 

19 

(27) 

(1,407) 

10,602 

(509) 

53 

(1,714) 

(700) 

- 

- 

(323) 

(3,193) 

(423) 

296 

(303) 

(430) 

6,979 

15,350 

22,329 

2017  
£000  

3,715 

(15) 

38 

799 

12 

139 

(134) 

1,674 

77 

901 

1,300 

8,506 

32 

(2,314) 

488 

6,712 

15 

(38) 

(664) 

6,025 

(558) 

56 

- 

(550) 

111 

300 

(1,109) 

(1,750) 

(362) 

328 

(276) 

(310) 

3,965 

11,385 

15,350 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   33 

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 2018 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 as adopted by the EU (‘IFRSs’) and applicable law. The Company has elected to prepare its parent company 
financial statements in accordance with FRS 101.  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. 

Presentation currency 
These consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling. 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 2017. 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 2017:  

•  Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 7) 
•  Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses (Amendments to IAS 12)  
•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle (Amendments to IFRS 12)  

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

The following new or revised standards and interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 
(IASB) have not been applied in preparing these accounts as their effective dates fall in periods beginning on or after 
1 August 2018. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued 

2 

Basis of preparation (continued) 

Effective for the year ending 31 July 2019 

• 

• 

• 

IFRS  2  ‘Share-based  payment’  –  amendments  clarifying  how  to  account  for  certain  types  of  share-based 
payment transactions 
IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ – introduces new requirements for classification and measurement of financial 
assets and financial liabilities, impairment methodology and hedge accounting. 
IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ – provides a single model for measuring and recognising 
revenue arising from contracts with customers, unless the contracts are in the scope of other standards, such 
as IAS 17. It supersedes all existing revenue requirements in IFRS. 

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle (Amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 28) 

Effective for the year ending 31 July 2020 

• 

IFRS  16  ‘Leases’  –  provides  a  single  lessee  accounting  model,  specifying  how  leases  are  recognised, 
measured, presented and disclosed 

IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” 

The  Group  is  required  to  adopt  IFRS  15  “Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers”  from  1  August  2018.  IFRS  15 
establishes  a  comprehensive  framework  for  determining  whether,  how  much  and  when  revenue  is  recognised.  It 
replaces existing revenue recognition guidance, including IAS 18 “Revenue” and IAS 11 “Construction Contracts”. 

The principles in IFRS 15 must be applied using the following five step model: 

Identify the contract(s) with a customer 
Identify the performance obligations in the contract 

1. 
2. 
3.  Determine the transaction price 
4.  Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract 
5.  Recognise revenue when or as the entity satisfies its performance obligations 

Revenue is recognised either when the performance obligation in the contract has been performed (so “point in time” 
recognition)  or  “over  time”  as  control  of  the  performance  obligation  is  transferred  to  the  customer.  The  Group  is 
continuing to assess the estimated impact that the initial application of IFRS 15 will have on its consolidated financial 
statements.  The  estimated  impact  of  the  adoption  of  this  standard  on  the  Group  is  based  on  initial  assessments 
undertaken to date and is summarised below. The actual impact of adopting the standard at 1 August 2018 may change 
as whilst the Group has made an assessment of all the significant income streams, it has not finalised the assessment 
of all income streams and controls over its new reporting approach. An initial assessment of the impact of IFRS 15 is 
summarised as follows: 

Rail Technology & Services 
There are a number of revenue streams within this division. The Group has a number of different arrangements in 
respect of software and other related services such as hosting, support and maintenance. The revenue recognition in 
respect of perpetual licence sales, and also bespoke development work under IFRS 15 is expected to be the same as 
current accounting. Software licences which involve hosting are currently generally spread over the term of the licence 
on a straight line basis and this is expected to continue under IFRS 15. Software licences which do not involve hosting, 
but moreover access to the Software are divided into licence fees and support, both of which have different accounting 
treatments and are expected to continue under IFRS 15. Revenue in respect of contracts which involve purely hosting, 
or support and maintenance is spread on a straight line basis is over the term of the Agreement, which again is expected 
to  continue  under  IFRS  15.  In  respect  of  remote  condition  monitoring,  revenue  is  recognised  once  the  units  are 
despatched  to  the  Customer  and  under  IFRS  15,  this  is  not  expected  to  change  under  IFRS  15.  For  consultancy 
services, revenue is recognised when the services are performed and this is not expected to change under IFRS 15. 

Traffic & Data Services 
In respect of traffic data collection and passenger counting, the Group currently recognises revenue based on the stage 
of completion, with ‘Amounts Recoverable on Contract’ (accrued income based on the stage of completion of certain 
projects – as detailed in note 19) being recognised. Under IFRS 15, this will no longer be recognised but will be replaced 
by  a  ‘Contract  Asset’  representing  the  costs  incurred  in  respect  of  the  partially  completed  projects  at  the  end  of  a 
reporting period, which will have the effect of deferring any profit to be recognised on partially completed projects. In 
respect of event planning, parking and traffic management, revenue is recognised when the event takes place and the 
service provided, and no changes are expected to take place to this revenue recognition under IFRS 15. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   35 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

2 

Basis of preparation (continued) 

IFRS 16 “Leases” 

IFRS 16 “Leases” will first be effective for the Group during the year ending 30 July 2020. It will bring most leases on 
to the balance sheet for lessees, eliminating the distinction between operating leases and finance leases. The Group 
has a number of operating lease arrangements and it is considered that the broad impact of IFRS 16 will be to recognise 
a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for the lease commitments which are detailed in note 25. In 
addition, rentals on operating leases currently charged to the statement of comprehensive income will be replaced by 
a  depreciation  charge  on  the asset  and an  interest  expense  on  the lease  liability.  Details  of  operating  lease  rental 
charges are outlined in note 9. 

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ is not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements. 

(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 below. 

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 29. 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, hosting services, along with data collection, capture, passenger counting and 
event planning, parking and traffic management 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. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
36 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Revenue recognition (continued) 

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 collection 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. 

Revenue from event planning and traffic management services is recognised when the services have been performed, 
once the work and value has been agreed with the customer. 

(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 
20 – 25% per annum reducing balance basis 

(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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   37 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Goodwill (continued) 

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.  Contingent consideration is 
treated as part of the costs of acquisition provided it is not contingent on the continuing employment of the vendors. 

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. 

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. 

(e) 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

 (f) 

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. 

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  

(h) 

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

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

Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of 
assets and liabilities and their carrying value in the financial statements. The principal temporary differences arise from 
depreciation on plant and equipment and share options granted by the Group to employees and directors. Deferred tax 
assets  and  liabilities  are measured  on  an undiscounted basis  at the tax  rates  that are expected  to apply  when  the 
related  asset  is  realised  or  liability  is  settled,  based  on  tax  rates  and  laws  enacted  or  substantively  enacted  at  the 
balance sheet date. Where the deferred tax asset recognised in respect of share-based payments would give rise to a 
credit in excess of the related accounting charge at the prevailing tax rate the excess is recognised directly in equity. 
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against 
which the temporary differences can be utilised. 

(i) 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   39 

 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

(j) 

(k) 

(l) 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

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. 

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. 

Share based payments  
The Group issues equity-settled share based payments to certain employees (including directors).  Equity-settled share 
based payments are measured 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. 

Directors  LTIPs  have  two  conditions  attached  –  Earnings  per  Share  (non-market  condition)  and  Total  Shareholder 
Return (TSR – market condition). An assessment of the fair value is made when the options are granted and in respect 
of TSR/market conditions, no further adjustment is made regardless of whether the conditions are met or not. 

 (m) 

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

(n) 

(o) 

(p) 

(q) 

(r) 

(s) 

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,  contingent 
consideration  credits,  any  goodwill  impairments  and  profit/loss  on  disposal,  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  Group  considers  all  highly  liquid 
investments with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 

Operating segments 
The Group has divided its results into two segments being ‘Rail Technology and Services’ and ‘Traffic & Data Services’. 
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. 

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. 

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

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

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

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

• 

• 

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

(t) 

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

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   41 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

3 

(u) 

(v) 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 

Investments 
Investments are carried at fair value. 

Where it is deemed that the group has a significant influence over the investment, then the investment will be accounted 
for as an associated undertaking under the equity method. 

Equity accounted investees 
Associates are accounted for using the equity method (equity accounted investees) and are initially recognised at cost. 
The Group’s investment includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment losses. The 
consolidated financial statements include the Group’s share of the total comprehensive income and equity movements 
of  equity  accounted  investees,  from  the  date  that  significant  influence  commences  until  the  date  that  significant 
influence ceases. When the Group’s share of losses exceeds its interest in an equity accounted investee, the Group’s 
carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group 
has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of an investee. 

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: 

Estimates 

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 estimation 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 estimation is required when assessing the stage of completion at a period end. 

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. 

Contingent consideration 

Within the share purchase agreements for the acquisitions of Travel Compensation Services Limited and Delay Repay Sniper 
Limited, are various provisions relating to the payment of contingent consideration which are linked to financial performance 
post acquisition. Included within the balance sheet is an amount of £1.2m, which is management’s best estimates of the fair 
value of the amount payable.  

Judgements 

There were no significant judgements applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
42 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

5 

a) 

Acquisitions and investments in the current year 

Acquisition: S Dalby Consulting Limited, Travel Compensation Services Limited and Delay Repay Sniper Limited 

On 1 February 2018, the Group acquired the entire issued share capital of Travel Compensation Services Limited ('TCS'), Delay 
Repay Sniper Limited ('DRS') and S Dalby Consulting Limited (the holding company of TCS). All three companies were subject 
to  one  Share  Purchase  Agreement.  The  Directors  believe  that  the  areas  in  which  TCS  and  DRS  operate  are  likely  to  be 
opportunities for growth in the future and believe that the Group should have a product offering to take advantage of such growth. 

TCS is a software provider of enterprise delay repay solutions to the UK Rail Industry. The business has developed technology 
that allows train operators to automatically process large volumes of consumer claims arising from rail delays and in doing so 
lower the transactional costs involved whilst speeding up response times and helping eliminate fraud.   

DRS is a consumer facing web portal (www.delayrepaysniper.com) that enables rail passengers to quickly and easily submit 
valid claims under the delay repay scheme to rail operators.  The business operates a subscription service model and is relevant 
to regular rail travellers and commuters who are often delayed many times per month and wish to forego the time and effort 
involved in submitting multiple individual claims.   

In the year ended 30 September 2017, TCS and DRS generated revenue of £0.7m and a profit before tax of £0.3m. Under the 
terms of the acquisition there is a three year earn out period during which Tracsis expect both businesses to achieve growth. 

The acquisition consideration comprised an initial cash payment of £1.75m, the issue of 28,571 Ordinary Shares in Tracsis at a 
total  value  of  £0.15m,  an additional cash  payment in  respect  of net current  assets  of  £0.2m;  and  Contingent deferred cash 
consideration of up to £4.7m, payable annually based on the significant growth in performance of the acquisitions over a three 
year period. 

The contingent consideration could range from £nil to £4.7m depending on the financial performance over the three years since 
acquisition and the Directors concluded that £1.2m was the fair value of the contingent consideration payable and included this 
in the balance sheet. 

In the period to 31 July 2018 TCS and DRS contributed revenue of £0.5m and pre tax profit of £0.1m to the Group’s results, 
before amortisation of associated intangible assets and exceptional deal costs. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 August 2017, 
management estimates that the contribution to Group revenue would have been £0.8m and Group pre tax profit for the period 
of £0.1m.  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 2017. 

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  and 
includes the workforce of TCS and DRS. 

The  fair  value  adjustments 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 £81,000 which are included within administrative expenses. 

TCS was subsequently renamed Tracsis Travel Compensation Services Limited. 

The acquisition (in respect of both trading companies – which have been amalgamated) had the following effect on the Group’s 
assets and liabilities on the acquisition date: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   43 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

5 

a) 

Acquisitions and investments in the current year (continued) 

Acquisition:  S  Dalby  Consulting  Limited,  Travel  Compensation  Services  Limited  and  Delay  Repay  Sniper  Limited 
(continued) 

Pre-acquisition  

Fair value  

value on  

carrying amount  

adjustments  

acquisition  

Recognised  

Intangible assets: Technology assets 

Intangible assets: Customer relationships 

Tangible fixed assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Trade and other payables  

Income tax payable 

Deferred tax liability 

Net identified assets and liabilities 

Goodwill on acquisition 

Consideration paid in cash  

Consideration paid: fair value of shares issued 

Fair value of contingent consideration payable 

Total consideration 

b) 

Investment: Vivacity Labs Limited 

£000  

- 

- 

   10 

214 

108 

(63) 

(32) 

(2) 

235 

£000  

1,678 

1,238 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(496) 

2,420 

£000  

1,678 

1,238 

10 

214 

108  

(63) 

(32) 

(498) 

2,655 

623 

3,278 

1,928 

150 

1,200 

3,278 

On 3 April 2017, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire up to 28.1% of Vivacity Labs Limited for total consideration of 
£1.3m, split between equity investments to be made in three tranches of £1.0m, plus a warrant for a further £0.3m. The first 
tranche of the investment took place during the year ended 31 July 2017 and comprised an investment of £0.425m in return for 
11.4%. Tranches two and three were made during the year ending 31 July 2018, and comprised a further investment of £0.575m 
in return for a further 11.9% to take the total investment to 23.3%, for total consideration of £1.0m. Tracsis holds a further warrant 
for the remaining 4.8% to take the total potential investment to 28.1%. 

Vivacity has developed novel machine learning software and sensor technology which is applied to solve a wide range of traffic 
and transport issues, most specifically for the automatic counting and classification of pedestrian and vehicle flows in a variety 
of environments. 

During the year ended 31 July 2017, the investment was carried at cost as the investment was only 11.4%. In the year ended 
31 July 2018, it was accounted for as an associated undertaking given the shareholding of 23.3%. Further details are provided 
in note 16. 

c) 

Investment: Nutshell Software Limited 

On 21 July 2016, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire up to 37.8% of Nutshell Software Limited for total consideration 
of £0.5m split as £0.25m of equity and £0.25m of debt. The investment was made in three tranches and the first one made in 
July 2016 comprised a total of £0.25m which was split £0.125m equity and £0.125m of debt in return for 23.3% of the shares in 
the company, and the second one was made in March 2017 and comprised a total of £0.125m which was split as £0.0625m 
equity and £0.0625m of debt in return for a further 8.0% of the shares in the company to take the total holding to 31.3%. 

During the year ended 31 July 2018, the third investment was made, which comprised a total of £0.125m which was split as 
£0.0625m equity and £0.0625m of debt in return for a further 6.5% of the shares in the company to take the total holding to 
37.8%. The investment is accounted for as an Associated undertaking, and further details are provided in note 16. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

6 

Segmental analysis 

The Group has divided its results into two segments being ‘Rail Technology and Services’ and ‘Traffic & Data Services’. Travel 
Compensation Services Limited and Delay Repay Sniper Limited are reported within ‘Rail Technology & Services’. 

The group has a wide range of products and services and products and services for the rail industry, such as software, hosting 
services, consultancy and remote condition monitoring, and these have been included within the Rail Technology & Services 
segment  as  they  have  similar  customer  bases  (such  as  Train  Operating  Companies  and  Infrastructure  Providers),  whereas 
traffic data collection and event planning & traffic management have similar economic characteristics and distribution methods 
and so have been included within the Traffic & Data Services segment. 

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 two operating segments, 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. 

Sales revenue is summarised below 

Rail Technology & Services  

Traffic & Data Services  

Total revenue  

Revenue can also be analysed as follows: 

Software and related services  

Other  

Total 

2018 

£000 

18,968 

20,866 

39,834 

2018 

£000 

14,010 

25,824 

39,834 

2017 

£000 

15,964 

18,522 

34,486 

2017 

£000 

11,711 

22,775 

34,486 

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   |   45 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

6 

Segmental analysis (continued) 

2018 

Rail 
Technology & 
Services 
£000  

Traffic & Data 
Services 
£000  

Unallocated 
£000  

Revenues 

Total revenue for reportable segments 

Consolidated revenue 

Profit or loss 

EBITDA for reportable segments 

   Amortisation of intangible assets 

   Depreciation 

   Exceptional items 

   Other operating income 

   Share-based payment charges 

   Interest receivable/payable(net) 

   Share of result of equity accounted investees 

18,968 

18,968 

6,802 

- 

(135) 

2,572 

- 

- 

- 

- 

20,866 

20,866 

2,623 

- 

(625) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Consolidated profit before tax 

9,239 

1,998 

- 

- 

- 

(1,774) 

- 

- 

214 

(1,193) 

(8) 

(201) 

(2,962) 

2017 

Rail 
Technology & 
Services 
£000  

Traffic & Data 
Services 
£000  

Unallocated 
£000  

Revenues 

Total revenue for reportable segments 

Consolidated revenue 

Profit or loss 

EBITDA for reportable segments 

   Amortisation of intangible assets 

   Depreciation 

   Exceptional items 

   Other operating income 

   Share-based payment charges 

   Interest receivable/payable(net) 

   Share of result of equity accounted investees 

15,964 

15,964 

6,451 

- 

(124) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

18,522 

18,522 

2,043 

- 

(675) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,674) 

- 

(139) 

134 

(23) 

(77) 

Consolidated profit before tax 

6,327 

1,368 

(3,079) 

Total 
£000  

39,834 

39,834 

9,425 

(1,774) 

(760) 

2,572 

214 

(1,193) 

(8) 

(201) 

8,275 

Total 
£000  

34,486 

34,486 

8,494 

(1,674) 

(799) 

(139) 

134 

(23) 

(77) 

4,616 

(1,300) 

(1,300) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

6 

Segmental analysis (continued) 

2018 

           Rail 
Technology 
& Services 
£’000 

Traffic & 
Data 
Services 
£000 

Unallocated 
£000 

Assets 

Total assets for reportable segments (exc. cash) 

3,142 

6,621 

Intangible assets and investments 

Deferred tax assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Consolidated total assets 

Liabilities 

- 

- 

5,673 

8,815 

- 

- 

3,520 

10,141 

Total liabilities for reportable segments 

(6,489) 

(4,651) 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Contingent consideration 

Consolidated total liabilities 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(6,489) 

(4,651) 

- 

27,695 

602 

13,136 

41,433 

- 

(3,875) 

(3,265) 

(7,140) 

2017 

           Rail 
Technology & 
Services 
£’000 

Traffic & Data 
Services 

£000 

Unallocated 
£000 

Assets 

Total assets for reportable segments (exc. cash) 

3,581 

7,599 

Intangible assets and investments 

Deferred tax assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Consolidated total assets 

Liabilities 

- 

- 

3,784 

7,365 

- 

- 

1,844 

9,443 

Total liabilities for reportable segments 

(6,142) 

(3,870) 

Deferred tax 

Contingent consideration 

Consolidated total liabilities 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(6,142) 

(3,870) 

- 

25,431 

457 

9,722 

35,610 

- 

(3,718) 

(5,041) 

(8,759) 

Major customers 
Transactions with the Group’s largest customer represent 14% of the Group’s total revenues (2017: 16%). 

Total 
£000 

9,763 

27,695 

602 

22,329 

60,389 

(11,140) 

(3,875) 

(3,265) 

(18,280) 

Total 
£000 

11,180 

25,431 

457 

15,350 

52,418 

(10,012) 

(3,718) 

(5,041) 

(18,771) 

Geographic split of revenue 

A geographical analysis of revenue is provided below: 

United Kingdom 

North America 

Rest of the World 

Total 

2018 

£000 

38,388 

260 

1,186 

39,834 

2017 

£000 

33,224 

437 

825 

34,486 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   47 

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 

2018 

£000 

17,240 

1,374 

352 

1,193 

20,159 

2017 

£000 

15,273 

1,200 

303 

1,300 

18,076 

Average number of employees (including directors) in the year 

667 

683 

The staff number calculation above takes account of the Group’s permanent members of staff, and also takes account of a 
large number of casual employees that are used, and includes a ‘full time equivalent’ number in respect of them. 

The directors’ remuneration and share options are detailed within the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 18 to 21. 

Total  directors’  remuneration,  including  bonus  and  pension  contributions  was  £750,000  (2017:  £513,000).  The  aggregate 
remuneration of the highest paid director was £376,000 (2017: £231,000). The highest paid director did not exercise any share 
options nor did he receive any shares under a long term incentive plan during the year. One director (2017: one) exercised 
share options during the year. Two directors (2017: two) participate in the long term incentive plan. Two directors (2017: two) 
receive employer pension contributions into a personal pension scheme. Directors of the Company control 4.4% of the voting 
shares of the company (2017: 4.9%). Details of other key management personnel are disclosed in note 27. 

8 

Share based payments 

The Group has various share option schemes for its employees.   

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 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 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. 

Unapproved Share options 
In August 2015, the Group implemented a revised share option scheme, resulting in discounted unapproved 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 except for Directors. 
Staff are also able to exchange an element of annual salary in return for share options too. The vesting period is three and a 
half years. 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. 

Directors’ scheme 
Directors were not entitled to take part in the 2015, 2016 or 2017 staff schemes and a revised scheme was implemented by the 
Remuneration Committee. Details of this scheme are provided in the Directors Remuneration Report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
48 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

8 

Share based payments (continued) 

Details of the schemes are given below: 

Employees 

Number  

Performance 

Exercise 

entitled 

of options  

conditions 

price (p) 

Grant date 

Staff schemes 

28/01/2009 

20/05/2010 

22/09/2011 

21/11/2011 

02/08/2012 

02/08/2012 

08/01/2013 

28/01/2013 

01/08/2013 

01/08/2013 

01/01/2014 

01/01/2014 

01/08/2014 

01/08/2015 

25/09/2015 

01/12/2015 

01/08/2016 

01/08/2017 

Directors’ schemes 

15/12/2015 

06/01/2017 

28/02/2018 

Outstanding 

Earliest 

exercise 

date 

28/07/2009* 

20/01/2011* 

22/03/2012* 

21/05/2012* 

02/08/2013** 

02/02/2013* 

08/07/2013* 

28/07/2013* 

01/02/2014* 

52.0 

51.5 

63.5 

57.5 

0.40 

123.0 

159.0 

155.5 

162.5 

0.40 

01/08/2014** 

199.5 

01/07/2014* 

0.40 

0.40 

01/01/2015** 

01/08/2015** 

0.40  01/08/2016**** 

0.40  25/09/2016**** 

0.40  01/12/2016**** 

0.40  01/08/2017**** 

0.40  01/08/2018**** 

Expiry 

date 

28/01/2019 

20/05/2020 

22/09/2021 

21/11/2021 

02/08/2022 

02/08/2022 

08/01/2023 

28/01/2023 

01/08/2023 

01/08/2023 

01/01/2024 

01/01/2024 

01/08/2024 

01/08/2025 

25/09/2025 

01/12/2025 

01/08/2026 

01/08/2027 

15/12/2025 

06/01/2027 

28/02/2028 

21,000 

30,000 

32,351 

25,000 

10,089 

22,683 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

9,000 

Time served 

70,000 

34,501 

8,523 

11,250 

21,178 

70,268 

139,138 

77,269 

53,188 

213,515 

84,128 

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

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

Time served 

1 

1 

2 

1 

8 

3 

1 

1 

4 

6 

1 

1 

29 

84 

21 

6 

91 

60 

2  

2 

1 

45,925 

71,742 

44,342 

EPS and TSR 

EPS and TSR 

EPS and TSR 

0.40 

0.40 

0.40 

15/12/2018 

06/01/2020 

28/02/2021 

1,095,090 

* 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 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 3.5 year period, with various forfeit/reductions if exercise takes place 
sooner 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   49 

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 

Lapsed  

Exercised 

Outstanding at 31 July 

Exercisable at 31 July 

2018 

  Weighted 

Average 

2018  

Exercise 

Number  

1,342,730 

137,103 

(43,012) 

(341,731) 

1,095,090 

613,006 

Price 

44.0p 

0.4p 

0.4p 

86.7p 

26.9p 

47.6p 

2017  

Number  

1,556,094 

324,002 

(119,841) 

(417,525) 

1,342,730 

736,801 

2017 

Weighted 

Average 

Exercise 

Price 

59.0p 

0.4p 

0.4p 

78.4p 

44.0p 

80.0p 

Share options were exercised at numerous points in the year, and the average share price for the year ended 31 July 2018 was 
515p (2017: 454p). 

The share options outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5 years (2017: 7 
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 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

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 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 

01/08/
2014 
199.5p  330.0p 

02/01/ 
2015 
411.5p 

0.4p 

185.0p 

199.5p 

0.4p 

0.4p 

0.4p 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

30% 

30% 

30% 

30% 

30% 

30% 

30% 

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% 

Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

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/
2015 
420.0p 

25/09/
2015 
452.5p 

01/12/ 
2015 
462.5p 

15/12/ 
2015 
550.0p 

15/12/ 
2015 
550.0p 

01/08/ 
2016 

06/01/ 
2017 
438.0p  502.5p 

0.4p 

3.5 

30% 

10 

10 

0.4p 

3.5 

30% 

10 

10 

0.4p 

3.5 

30% 

10 

10 

0.4p 

2 

30% 

10 

10 

0.4p 

3 

30% 

10 

10 

0.4p 

3.5 

30% 

10 

10 

0.4p 

3 

30% 

10 

10 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

3.5% 

Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Options granted in the current year: 

Options granted on 

Share price at date of grant 

Exercise price 

Vesting period (years) 

Expected volatility 

Option life (years) 

Expected life (years) 

Risk-free rate 

Expected dividends expressed as a dividend yield 

01/08/
2017 
445.0p 

28/02/
2018 
500.0p 

0.4p 

3.5 

30% 

10 

10 

0.4p 

3 

30% 

10 

10 

3.5% 

3.5% 

- 

- 

The expected volatility is based on the historic volatility of the Company’s share price. An assessment of the likelihood of 
market conditions being achieved is made at the time that the options are granted. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

TRACSIS PLC   |   51 

8 

Share based payments (continued) 

Charge to the income statement 

Share based payment charges 

9  

Operating profit  

9.1  

Operating profit is stated after charging: 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment - owned 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment - leased 

Total depreciation 

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment 

Operating lease rentals: Land and buildings 

Operating lease rentals: Plant & machinery 

Total operating lease rentals 

2018 

£000 

1,193 

2018 

£000 

592 

168 

760 

17 

474 

37 

511 

2017 

£000 

1,300 

2017 

£000 

595 

204 

799 

12 

418 

29 

447 

Research and development expenditure expensed as incurred 

1,942 

1,214 

9.2  

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  

2018 

£000 

25 

75 

- 

9.3 

Exceptional items: 

The Group incurred a number of exceptional items in 2018 and 2017 which are analysed as follows: 

Non cash: 

Provision against investment 

Contingent consideration credit 

Cash: 

Legal and professional fees in respect of acquisitions  

Total exceptional items 

2018 

£000 

- 

(2,653) 

81 

(2,572) 

2017 

£000 

18 

45 

- 

2017 

£000 

139 

- 

- 

139 

2018 
During  the  year,  the  Group  acquired  Travel  Compensation  Services  Limited  and  Delay  Repay  Sniper  Limited,  and  incurred 
£81,000  of  exceptional  deal  related  costs  as  a  result.  An  exceptional  credit  on  contingent  consideration  arose  as  the  final 
amounts in respect of the acquisition of Ontrac Limited was finalised and £2,058,000 was paid post year end against an amount 
included in the Balance Sheet of £4,711,000 resulting in an exceptional credit of £2,653,000 

2017 
The provision against the investment relates to the Group’s interests in Citi Logik Limited. Following a review of the carrying 
value in the year, the Directors concluded that the value of the investment should be partly provided against and as such, an 
impairment was recognised for the carrying value. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

9.4 

Other operating income: 

The Group no longer qualifies as a SME for R&D purposes and as such is governed by the large company ‘above the line’ credit 
in  respect  of  research  and  development  costs  for  Corporation  Tax  purposes.  This  amounted  to  £214,000  in  2018  (2017: 
£134,000). 

10  

Finance income 

Interest received on bank deposits 

11  

Finance expense 

Interest on finance lease obligations 

12  

Taxation  

Recognised in the income statement 

Current tax expense  

Current year 

Adjustment in respect of prior periods 

Total current tax  

Deferred tax 

Current year  

Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Rate changes 

Total deferred tax 

Total tax in income statement 

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 19.00% (2017: 19.67%) 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

Non taxable income 

Effect of rate changes 

Other movements 

Total tax expense 

2018  

£000  

19  

2018  

£000  

27  

2018  

£000  

1,515 

- 

1,515 

(486) 

- 

(486) 

1,029 

2018  

£000  

8,275 

1,572 

26 

(504) 

- 

(65) 

1,029 

2018  

%  

100.0 

19.0 

0.3 

(6.1) 

- 

(0.8) 

12.4 

2017  

£000  

4,616 

908 

127 

- 

(189) 

55 

901 

2017 

£000 

15 

2017 

£000 

38 

2017  

£000  

1,351 

- 

1,351 

(261) 

(189) 

(450) 

901 

2017  

%  

100.0 

19.7 

2.7 

- 

(4.1) 

1.2 

19.5 

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.  Further reductions to 19% (effective from 1 April 2017) and to 18% (effective 1 April 
2020) were substantively enacted on 26 October 2015, and an additional reduction to 17% (effective from 1 April 2020) was 
announced in the Budget on 16 March 2016. The deferred tax asset and liability at 31 July 2018 and 31 July 2017 has been 
calculated based on these rates. This will reduce the company's future current tax charge accordingly and reduce the deferred 
tax asset and liability further. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   53 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

13 

Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share 
The calculation of basic earnings per share at 31 July 2018 was based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of 
£7,246,000 (2017: £3,715,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 28,196,000 (2017: 27,804,000), 
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 

2018 

27,964 

14 

218 

28,196 

2017 

27,546 

- 

258 

27,804 

Diluted earnings per share 
The  calculation  of  diluted  earnings  per  share  at  31  July  2018  was  based  on  profit  attributable  to  ordinary  shareholders  of 
£7,246,000 (2017: £3,715,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue after adjustment for the effects of 
all dilutive potential ordinary shares of 29,159,000 (2017: 28,738,000): 

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  

Other operating income 

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 

2018 

£’000 

7,246 

1,774 

1,193 

(2,572) 

(214) 

7,427 

28,196 

29,159 

26.34p 

25.47p 

2017 

£’000 

3,715 

1,674 

1,300 

139 

(134) 

6,694 

27,804 

28,738 

24.08p 

23.29p 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

14  

Property, plant and equipment 

Cost 

At 1 August 2016 

Additions 

Disposals 

At 31 July 2017 

Additions 

Arising on acquisition 

Disposals 

At 31 July 2018 

Depreciation 

At 1 August 2016 

Charge for the year  

Disposals 

At 31 July 2017 

Charge for the year  

Disposals 

At 31 July 2018 

Net book value 

At 1 August 2016 

At 31 July 2017 

At 31 July 2018 

Freehold 

Land & 

Motor 

Computer 

Plant, 
machinery, 
fixtures 

Buildings 

Vehicles 

equipment 

& fittings 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

400 

- 

- 

400 

- 

- 

- 

400 

66 

12 

- 

78 

12 

- 

90 

334 

322 

310 

1,306 

322 

(252) 

1,376 

54 

- 

(210) 

1,220 

423 

255 

(194) 

484 

224 

(151) 

557 

883 

892 

663 

1,523 

98 

(2) 

1,619 

143 

10 

(147) 

1,625 

1,189 

196 

(1) 

1,384 

157 

(147) 

1,394 

334 

235 

231 

2,070 

300 

(171) 

2,199 

343 

- 

(582) 

1,960 

1,013 

336 

(162) 

1,187 

367 

(571) 

983 

1,057 

1,012 

977 

Total 

£000 

5,299 

720 

(425) 

5,594 

540 

10 

(939) 

5,205 

2,691 

799 

(357) 

3,133 

760 

(869) 

3,024 

2,608 

2,461 

2,181 

The net book value of assets held under finance lease obligations is £511,000 (2017: £709,000). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

TRACSIS PLC   |   55 

15  

Intangible assets 

Cost 

At 1 August 2016 and 2017 

Arising on acquisition 

At 31 July 2018 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 1 August 2016 

Charge for the year 

At 31 July 2017 

Charge for the year 

At 31 July 2018 

Carrying amounts 

At 1 August 2016 

At 31 July 2017 

At 31 July 2018 

Customer 
related 
intangibles 

£000 

Technology 
related 
intangibles 

£000 

22,373 

1,238 

23,611 

2,272 

1,276 

3,548 

1,327 

4,875 

20,101 

18,825 

18,736 

3,974 

1,678 

5,652 

968 

398 

1,366 

447 

1,813 

3,006 

2,608 

3,839 

Goodwill  

£000  

3,025 

623 

3,648 

-  

-  

-  

- 

- 

3,025 

3,025 

3,648 

Total  

£000  

29,372 

3,539 

32,911 

3,240 

1,674 

4,914 

1,774 

6,688 

26,132 

24,458 

26,223 

The following carrying values of intangible assets arising from the acquisitions that the Group has completed in the current 
and previous years are analysed as follows: 

Goodwill 
2018 

£000 

2017 

£000 

Customer related 
intangibles 
2018 

2017 

Technology related 
intangibles 
2018 

2017 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

Tracsis Rail Consultancy Limited 

Tracsis Passenger Counts Limited 

Safety Information Systems Limited 

MPEC Technology Limited 

Tracsis Traffic Data Limited  

Datasys Integration Limited 

SEP Limited 

Ontrac Technology Limited 
Tracsis Travel Compensation 
Services Limited & Delay Repay 
Sniper Limited 

671 

43 

136 

269 

390 

359 

555 

602 

623 

671 

43 

136 

269 

390 

359 

555 

602 

- 

390 

203 

154 

819 

802 

2,446 

1,039 

425 

221 

168 

883 

973 

2,601 

1,184 

11,695 

12,370 

1,188 

- 

3,648 

3,025  

18,736 

18,825 

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

Administrative expenses 

- 

- 

31 

193 

- 

961 

- 

1,026 

1,628 

3,839 

2018 

£000 

1,774 

- 

- 

53 

262 

- 

1,127 

- 

1,166 

- 

2,608 

2017 

£000 

1,674 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

15  

Intangible assets (continued) 

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. 

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 

2018 

1.0% 

10-12% 

2017 

1.0% 

10-12% 

A rate of 10% is used for acquisitions within the Rail Technology & Services segment, and a rate of 12% is used for acquisitions 
within the Traffic & Data Services segment.  

The  directors’  key  assumptions  relate  to  profitability,  revenue  growth  and  the  discount  rate,  however,  carrying  value  is  not 
significantly sensitive to reasonably foreseeable changes in these assumptions in respect of all acquired intangible assets with 
the exception of those resulting from the acquisition of Ontrac Technology Limited, where profits could fall by circa 25% versus 
projected numbers before an impairment would be recognised of intangible assets and also the carrying value of the investment 
within Tracsis plc. If profits were to fall by more than 25% then an impairment would be recognised. No impairment charges in 
respect of goodwill arose during the year. 

16  

Investments 

The Group has made investments in Vivacity Labs Limited, Citi Logik Limited and Nutshell Software Limited. Further details 
regarding these transactions are shown in note 5 ‘Acquisitions and investments in the current year’. 

The total gross investments made were as follows (a combination of debt and equity) 

Citi Logik Limited 

Nutshell Software Limited 

Vivacity Labs Limited 

These are split as follows: 

Equity investments: 

Citi Logik Limited 

Nutshell Software Limited 

Vivacity Labs Limited 

% held 

At 31 July 

17.2% 

37.8% 

23.3% 

2018 

£000 

500 

500 

1,000 

2,000 

2018 

£000 

375 

250 

1,000 

1,625 

2017 

£000 

500 

375 

425 

1,300 

2017 

£000 

375 

188 

425 

988 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   57 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

16  

Investments (continued) 

Convertible Loan notes receivable from investments: 

Citi Logik Limited 

Nutshell Software Limited 

2018 

£000 

125 

250 

375 

2017 

£000 

125 

187 

312 

During the previous financial year, Citi Logik Limited repaid loan notes amounting to £111,000, and a provision of £139,000 was 
made against the carrying value of the investment in Citi Logik Limited comprising amounts against the equity value of £125,000 
and the remaining debt of £14,000, following a conversion of the remaining debt that took place. 

During the year, the Group increased its investment in Vivacity Labs Limited from 11.4% to 23.3% and as such it has been 
accounted for as an equity accounted investee. A share of the results of £121,000 was recognised. 

Nutshell Software Limited was accounted for as an associated undertaking, with a share of results of £80,000 being recognised 
based on the Group’s holding of 31.3% for a period of time and 37.8% for part of the financial year. 

Following this accounting treatment, investment, repayment and provision, the carrying value of the investments as follows: 

Investments – equity  

Citi Logik Limited 

Vivacity Labs Limited 

Convertible Loan notes receivable from associated undertakings: 

Nutshell Software Limited 

Investments in equity accounted investees: 

Nutshell Software Limited 

Vivacity Labs Limited 

2018 

£000 

250 

- 

250 

2018 

£000 

250 

250 

2018 

£000 

93 

879 

972 

2017 

£000 

250 

425 

675 

2017 

£000 

187 

187 

2017 

£000 

111 

- 

111 

During the year, the Group increased its investment in Vivacity Labs Limited from 11.4% to 23.3% and as such it has been 
accounted for as an equity accounted investee. 

At start of the year 

Reclassification of Vivacity Labs Limited investment 

Additional investment made 

Share of results of equity accounted investee 

At end of the year 

2018 

£000 

111 

425 

637 

(201) 

972 

2017 

£000 

125 

- 

63 

(77) 

111 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

17  

Inventories 

Raw materials & work in progress 

Finished goods 

2018 

£000 

180 

73 

253 

2017 

£000 

159 

80 

239 

The value of inventories expensed in the period in cost of sales was £698,000 (2017: £600,000). 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.  

18 

Hire purchase contracts  

Due within one year 

Due after more than one year: 

   Between one and two years 

   Between two and three 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 

Hire Purchase Obligations 

2018 

2017 

2018 

£000 

157 

114 

7 

121 

278 

2018 

£000 

550 

31 

(303) 

278 

2017 

£000 

320 

145 

85 

230 

550 

2017 

£000 

664 

162 

(276) 

550 

Carrying 
amount 
£000 

Contractual 
cash flows 
£000 

Less than 
one year 
£000 

One to 
Two years 
£000 

Two to 
Five years 
£000 

278 

550 

301 

620 

172 

375 

120 

155 

9 

90 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   59 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

19  

Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables and prepayments 

Amounts recoverable on contracts 

2018 

£000 

6,573 

521 

235 

7,329 

2017 

£000 

7,223 

409 

848 

8,480 

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 as detailed in note 6 (2018: 14% of revenue, 2017: 16% of revenue), 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 within the Traffic & Data Services division. 

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 

2018 

£000 

978 

80 

- 

1,058 

2017 

£000 

1,070 

295 

172 

1,537 

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 continues to evolve. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

20  

Trade and other payables 

Trade payables 

Other tax and social security 

Deferred income 

Accruals and other payables 

2018 

£000 

1,075 

2,122 

3,740 

3,379 

10,316 

2017 

£000 

1,178 

1,761 

4,086 

1,817 

8,842 

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. 

21  

Contingent consideration 

During the year, the Group acquired Travel Compensation Services Limited (renamed Tracsis Travel Compensation Services 
Limited) and Delay Repay Sniper Limited. Under the share purchase agreement, contingent consideration is payable which is 
linked to the profitability of the acquired businesses for a three year period post acquisition. The maximum amount payable is 
£4,700,000. The fair value of the amount payable was assessed at £1,200,000. 

During the year, contingent consideration of £323,000 was paid in respect of the SEP acquisition which was made in the year 
ended 31 July 2016, and £nil was paid in respect of the Ontrac acquisition which was made in the year ended 31 July 2016. An 
amount of £2,058,000 was paid after the Balance Sheet date in respect of the Ontrac acquisition which was agreed with the 
Sellers and also £7,000 in respect of SEP Limited. 

At the balance sheet date, the Directors assessed the fair value of the remaining amounts payable which were deemed to be 
as follows. 

SEP Limited  

Ontrac Limited 

Tracsis Travel Compensation Services Limited & Delay Repay Sniper Limited 

2018 

£000 

7 

2,058 

1,200 

3,265 

2017 

£000 

330 

4,711 

- 

5,041 

The group has made numerous acquisitions over the past few years and carries contingent consideration payable in respect of 
them, which is considered to be a ‘Level 3 financial liability’ as defined by IFRS 13. These are carried at fair value, which is 
based on the estimated amounts payable based on the provisions of the Share Purchase Agreements and involves assumptions 
about future profit forecasts. 

The movement on contingent consideration can be summarised as follows: 

At the start of the year 

Arising on acquisition 

Cash payment 

Release to Statement of Comprehensive Income  

At the end of the year 

2018 

£000 

5,041 

1,200 

(323) 

(2,653) 

3,265 

2017 

£000 

6,150 

- 

(1,109) 

- 

5,041 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   61 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

21  

Contingent consideration (continued) 

The ageing profile of the remaining liabilities can be summarised as follows: 

Payable in less than one year 

Payable in more than one year  

Total 

22  

Deferred tax 

Non-current liability/(asset) 

At 31 July 2016 

(Credit)/charge to income statement (note 12) 

At 31 July 2017 

Arising on acquisition (note 5) 

(Credit)/charge to income statement (note 12) 

At 31 July 2018 

2018 

£000 

2,165 

1,100 

3,265 

2017 

£000 

5,041 

- 

5,041 

  Accelerated  

Intangible  

capital  

Share  

assets  

allowances   options  

£000  

£000  

£000  

4,159 

(515) 

3,644 

496 

(301) 

3,839 

125 

(51) 

74 

2 

(40) 

36 

(573) 

116 

(457) 

- 

(145) 

(602) 

Total  

£000  

3,711 

(450) 

3,261 

498 

(486) 

3,273 

The closing deferred tax asset and liability has been calculated at 17% as at 31 July 2018 (2017: 17%). 

This is presented on the Balance Sheet as follows within non-current assets and liabilities. 

Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Net liability per table above 

23  

Share capital  

Allotted, called up and fully paid: 

Ordinary shares of 0.4p each 

2018 

£000 

(602) 

3,875 

3,273 

2017 

£000 

(457) 

3,718 

3,261 

2018 

2018 

2017 

2017 

Number 

£ 

Number 

£ 

28,334,086 

113,336 

  27,963,784 

111,855 

The following share transactions have taken place during the year ended 31 July 2018: 

At start of the year 

Issued as consideration for business combinations 

Exercise of share options (Note 8) 

At end of the year 

2018 

Number 

2017 

Number 

27,963,784 

27,546,259 

28,571 

341,731 

- 

417,525 

28,334,086 

27,963,784 

During the year, a number of options were exercised from the schemes with exercise price varying from 0.4p to 199.5p. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

24  

Capital and reserves  

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve: 

Reserve  
Share capital 
Share premium 
Merger reserve 

Retained earnings 

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  
Cumulative  net  profits  recognised  in  the  income  statement.  The  share  based  payment 
reserve  which  was  previously  shown  separately  was  incorporated  into  retained  earnings 
during the previous year. 

25  

Operating leases  

The  Group  leases several  office  facilities  under  operating  leases  plus  various  other  assets.    During  the  year  £511,000  was 
recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2017: £447,000). 

Leases as lessee 

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

Land and buildings 

Minimum lease payments are payable as follows: 

Within one year 

In the second to fifth years 

Plant and machinery 

Within one year 

In the second to fifth years 

2018 

£’000 

338 

413 

751 

2018 

£’000 

46 

72 

118 

2017 

£’000 

410 

659 

1,069 

2017 

£’000 

20 

37 

57 

26 

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 

2018 

Fixed 

Floating 

Rate 

£000 

Rate 

£000 

Total 

£000 

Cash and short term deposits 

- 

22,329 

22,329 

2017 

Fixed 

Floating 

Rate 

£000 

Rate 

£000 

Total 

£000 

- 

15,350 

15,350 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   63 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

26 

Financial risk management (continued) 

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 2018, the Group did not have any fixed-rate deposits in place. 

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. The Group holds its cash balances with highly rated financial institutions 
and it is also spread across numerous institutions to avoid any exposure to one individual bank. 

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, 23 and 24.  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. 

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 makes some overseas sales and some overseas purchases, some of which are invoiced in Sterling and others in 
the local currency, so there continues to be a small exposure to foreign currency, in particular to the American dollar. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

27 

Related Party Transactions 

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

Leeds Innovation Centre Limited (1) 

Ashtead Plant Hire Co Limited (2) 

Flash Forward Consulting Limited (3) 

Citi Logik Limited (4) 

Nutshell Software Limited (4) 

Vivacity Labs Limited (4) 

WSP UK Limited (5) 

Flash Forward Consulting Limited (3) 

Citi Logik Limited (4) 

Purchase of 

Amounts owed to   

goods and services 

related parties      

2018 

£000 

99 

5 

28 

36 

107 

17 

2017 

£000 

79 

13 

- 

126 

6 

7 

2018 

£000 

13 

1 

5 

- 

9 

- 

2017 

£000 

8 

2 

- 

7 

- 

Sale of 

Amounts owed by   

goods and services 

related parties      

2018 

£000 

3,180 

1 

30 

2017 

£000 

2,489 

- 

- 

2018 

£000 

883 

- 

36 

2017 

£000 

708 

- 

- 

(1) Leeds Innovation Centre Limited is a company which is connected to The University of Leeds.  Tracsis plc rents its office accommodation, 
along with related office services, from this company. 
(2) Ashtead Plant Hire Co Limited is a subsidiary of Ashtead Group plc (Ashtead) of which Chris Cole is Chairman. SEP Limited, one of the 
Group’s subsidiaries purchased goods and services from Ashtead during the year. All transactions with Ashtead took place at arm’s length 
commercial rates and were not connected to Mr Cole’s position at Ashtead. SEP Limited traded with Ashtead prior to its acquisition by Tracsis 
plc. 
(3) Flash Forward Consulting Limited is a related party as John Nelson served as a Non-executive Director of Tracsis plc during the year and 
also Chairman of Flash Forward Consulting Limited 
(4) Citi Logik Limited, Nutshell Software Limited, and Vivacity Labs Limited, are related parties by virtue of the Group’s shareholding in these 
entities. 
(5) WSP UK Limited (WSP) is a company which is connected to Chris Cole who serves as non-executive Chairman of Tracsis plc and also of 
WSP Global Inc, WSP’s parent company. Sales to WSP took place at arm’s length commercial rates and were not connected to Mr Cole’s 
position at WSP.  

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

Compensation of key management personnel of the Group 
The Group considers the key management personnel to be its directors and the directors of the Group’s subsidiaries. Full details 
of their compensation are set out below: 

Total remuneration 

Share based payment charges 

2018 

£’000 

2,214 

451 

2,665 

2017 

£’000 

1,589 

495 

2,084 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   65 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

28 

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 £352,000 
(2017: £303,000).  There were outstanding contributions at 31 July 2018 of £62,000 (2017: £36,000). 

29 

Group entities  

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

Held by Tracsis plc 

Principal activity  Country of incorporation 

Tracsis Rail Consultancy Limited (1) 

Rail industry consultancy 

England and Wales 

Tracsis Passenger Counts Limited (1) 

Rail industry consultancy 

England and Wales 

Safety Information Systems Limited (1) 

MPEC Technology Limited (1) 

Tracsis Traffic Data Limited (2) 

Datasys Integration Limited (1) 

Tracsis Retail & Operations Limited (1) 

SEP Limited (1) 

SEP Events Limited (1) 

Ontrac Technology Limited (1) 

Ontrac Limited (1) 

S-H TrafficData Solutions Private Limited (6) 
Tracsis Travel Compensation Services 
Limited (1) 
Delay Repay Sniper Limited (1) 

S Dalby Consulting Limited (1) 

Sky High Data Capture Limited (2) 

Sky High Traffic Data Limited (2) 

The Web Factory Birmingham Limited (2) 

Forsyth Whitehead & Associates Limited (2) 

Sky High Technology (Scotland) Limited (2) 

Count on Us Traffic Limited (2) 

Burra Burra Distribution Limited (2) 

Sky High NCS Limited (2) 

Halifax Computer Services Limited (2) 

Skyhightraffic Limited (2) 

The Traffic Survey Company Limited (2) 

The People Counting Company Limited (2) 

Myratech.net Limited (2) 

Footfall Verification Limited (2) 

Minority investments: 

Citi Logik Limited (3) 

Nutshell Software Limited (4) 

Vivacity Labs Limited (5) 

Software and consultancy 
Rail industry hardware & 
Datalogging 
Transportation data collection 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

Holding Company 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 
Event planning & traffic 
management 
Dormant 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

Holding company 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 

England and Wales 

Data processing 

India 

Rail industry software 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 

England and Wales 

Dormant 

Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 
Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

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 

England and Wales 

Mobile Network Data Analysis 
Mobile application 
development 
Machine Learning technology 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

17.2% 

37.8% 

23.3% 

% ordinary 
share 
capital 
owned 
100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100%  

100%  

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

29 

Group entities (continued) 

The registered offices of the subsidiaries are as follows: 

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 
(6) 

Leeds Innovation Centre, 103 Clarendon Road, Leeds, England, LS2 9DF 
Templar House, 1 Sandbeck Court, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, England LS22 7BA 
Albury Mill Mill Lane, Chilworth, Guildford, England, GU4 8RU  
Floor 1, Baltimore House, Baltic Business Quarter, Gateshead, Tyne And Wear, England, NE8 3DF 
International House 24 Holborn Viaduct, City Of London, London, England, EC1A 2BN 
No.61, 2nd Main, 1st Block, Koramangala, Bangalore – 560034, India 

30 

Dividends 

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

Final dividend for 2015/16 of 0.70p per share paid 

Interim dividend for 2016/17 of 0.60p per share paid 

Final dividend for 2016/17 of 0.80p per share paid 

Interim dividend for 2017/18 of 0.70p per share paid 

Total dividends paid 

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

2018 

£000 

- 

- 

225 

198 

423 

2017 

£000 

195 

167 

- 

- 

362 

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 paid 
Interim dividend for 2015/16 of 
0.50p per share paid 
Final dividend for 2015/16 of 0.70p 
per share paid 
Interim dividend for 2016/17 of 
0.60p per share paid 
Final dividend for 2016/17 of 0.80p 
per share paid 
Interim dividend for 2017/18 of 
0.70p per share paid 
Final dividend for 2017/18 of 0.90p 
per share proposed 

2018 

£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

198 

255 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

£000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

167 

225 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

137 

195 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

106 

164 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

89 

119 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

75 

102 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

48 

87 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

The total dividends paid or proposed in respect of each financial year ended 31 July is as follows: 

Total dividends paid per share 

2018 

1.6p 

2017 

1.4p 

2016 

1.2p 

2015 

1.0p 

2014 

0.8p 

2013 

0.7p 

2012 

0.55p 

The dividend will be payable on 15 February 2019 to shareholders on the Register at 1 February 2019. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   67 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued  

31 

Reconciliation of adjusted profit metrics 

In addition to the statutory profit measures of Operating profit and profit before tax, the Group quotes Adjusted EBITDA and 
Adjusted profit. These figures are relevant to the Group and are provided to provide a comparison to similar businesses and are 
metrics used by Equities Analysts who cover the Group. 

Adjusted  EBITDA  is  defined  as  Earnings  before  finance  income,  tax,  depreciation,  amortisation,  exceptional  items,  other 
operating income, and share-based payment charges and share of result of equity accounted investees. 

Adjusted EBITDA can be reconciled to statutory profit before tax as set out below: 

Profit before tax 

Finance income / expense – net 

Share-based payment charges 

Exceptional items 

Other operating income 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Depreciation 

Share of result of equity accounted investees 

Adjusted EBITDA 

2018 

£000 

8,275 

8 

1,193 

(2,572) 

(214) 

1,774 

760 

201 

9,425 

2017 

£000 

4,616 

23 

1,300 

139 

(134) 

1,674 

799 

77 

8,494 

Adjusted profit is defined as Earnings before finance income, tax, amortisation, exceptional items, other operating income, share-
based payment charges, and share of result of equity accounted investees. 

Adjusted profit can be reconciled to statutory profit before tax as set out below: 

Profit before tax 

Finance income / expense – net 

Share-based payment charges 

Exceptional items 

Other operating income 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Share of result of equity accounted investees 

Adjusted profit 

Adjusted EBITDA reconciles to adjusted profit as set out below: 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Depreciation 

Adjusted profit 

2018 

£000 

8,275 

8 

1,193 

(2,572) 

(214) 

1,774 

201 

8,665 

2018 

£000 

9,425 

(760) 

8,665 

2017 

£000 

4,616 

23 

1,300 

139 

(134) 

1,674 

77 

7,695 

2017 

£000 

8,494 

(799) 

7,695 

32 

Events after the Balance Sheet Date 

An amount of £2.1m was paid in respect of the acquisition of Ontrac Limited following the finalisation of the amounts due to the 
Sellers under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Financial Statements 

Company Balance Sheet (prepared under FRS 101) 
as at 31 July 2018 
Company number: 05019106 

Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investments 
Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 
Contingent consideration 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Contingent consideration 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital 
Share premium reserve 
Merger reserve 
Retained earnings 
Total equity 

Note 

34 
35 
39 

36 

38 

37 
38 

40 

2018  
£000  

342 
38,845 
360 
39,547 

10,152 
2,608 
12,760 

2017  
£000  

328 
34,867 
369 
35,564 

7,648 
2,866 
10,514 

52,307 

46,078 

1,100 
1,100 

- 
- 

10,304 
2,165 
12,469 

9,830 
5,041 
14,871 

13,569 

14,871 

38,738 

31,207 

113 
6,243 
3,160 
29,222 
38,738 

112 
5,948 
3,010 
22,137 
31,207 

The Company’s profit for the year, after dividends received was £6,315,000 (2017: £3,855,000) 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 8 November 2018 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   |   69 

Total 
equity 
£000 
31,207 

6,315 

(423) 

1,193 

150 

296 

Financial Statements 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

At 1 August 2017  
Profit and total comprehensive 
income 
Dividends 

Share based payment charges 
Shares issued as consideration 
for business combinations 
Exercise of share options 

At 31 July 2018  

At 1 August 2016  
Profit and total comprehensive 
income 
Dividends 

Share based payment charges 

Exercise of share options 

At 31 July 2017  

Share 
capital 
£000 
112 

Share 
premium 
£000 
5,948 

Merger 
reserve 
£000 
3,010 

Retained 
earnings 
£000 
22,137 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

113 

- 

- 

- 

- 

295 

6,243 

- 

- 

- 

150 

- 

6,315 

(423) 

1,193 

- 

- 

3,160 

29,222 

38,738 

Share 
capital 
£000 
110 

Share 
premium 
£000 
5,622 

Merger 
reserve 
£000 
3,010 

Retained 
earnings 
£000 
17,344 

- 

- 

- 

2 

112 

- 

- 

- 

326 

5,948 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,855 

(362) 

1,300 

- 

Total 
equity 
£000 
26,086 

3,855 

(362) 

1,300 

328 

3,010 

22,137 

31,207 

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve: 

Reserve  
Share capital 
Share premium 
Merger reserve 

Retained earnings 

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  
Cumulative  net  profits  recognised  in  the  income  statement.    The  share  based  payment 
reserve  which  was  previously  shown  separately  was  incorporated  into  retained  earnings 
during the previous year.  

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Financial Statements 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet  

33 

Company accounting policies 

Tracsis plc (“the Company”) was incorporated and is domiciled in the United Kingdom. Its registered office is Leeds Innovation 
Centre, 103 Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9DF, registered number 05019106. The principal activity of Tracsis plc is that of a 
holding company and also software development and consultancy for the rail industry. 

The company’s accounting reference date is 31 July. 

Basis of preparation 

The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Financial  Reporting  Standard  101  ‘Reduced  Disclosure 
Framework’ (“FRS 101”) which has been applied. 

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. The policies have 
been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis. The presentation currency used is sterling and amounts 
have been presented in round thousands (“£000s”). 

Disclosure exemptions adopted: 

In preparing these financial statements the company has taken advantage of all disclosure exemptions conferred by FRS 101. 
Therefore these financial statements do not include: 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

certain comparative information as otherwise required by EU endorsed IFRS; 
certain disclosures regarding the company’s capital; 
a statement of cash flows; 
the effect of future accounting standards not yet adopted; 
these financial statements do not include certain disclosures in respect of share based payments. 
the disclosure of the remuneration of key management personnel; and 
disclosure of related party transactions with other wholly owned members of the Tracsis plc group of companies. 

In addition, and in accordance with FRS 101 further disclosure exemptions have been adopted because equivalent disclosures 
are included in the Company’s financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   71 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

33 

Company accounting policies (continued) 

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. 

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. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment is 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 
income statement in the year. 

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 Company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been 
enacted at the balance sheet date. 

Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying value in the financial statements. The principal temporary differences arise from depreciation on 
plant and equipment and share options granted by the Group to employees and directors.   

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the 
related asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 
date. Where the deferred tax asset recognised in respect of share-based payments would give rise to a credit in excess of the 
related accounting charge at the prevailing tax rate the excess is recognised directly in equity. 

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

33 

Company accounting policies (continued) 

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. 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. 

Share based payments 
The Company’s accounting policies followed are in all material regards the same as the Group’s policy as shown on page 39. 
Where  there are charges  relating  to  subsidiary  undertakings,  these are  borne by  the  relevant  subsidiary  undertakings  via  a 
recharge. 

The Company has not presented its own profit and loss account as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The 
Company’s profit after taxation for the year amounted to £6,315,000 after receiving dividends from subsidiary undertakings of 
£3,350,000  and  an  exceptional  contingent  consideration  credit  of  £2,653,000  (2017:  profit  of  £3,855,000  after  receiving 
dividends of £3,550,000). 

34  

Property, plant and equipment 

Cost 

At 1 August 2017 

Additions 

At 31 July 2018 

Depreciation 

At 1 August 2017 

Charge for the year 

At 31 July 2018 

Net book value 

At 31 July 2017 

At 31 July 2018 

*Includes land of £100,000 which is not depreciated 

35  

Investments  

At 1 August 2017 

Additions 

At 31 July 2018 

Freehold 

Land &   Computer 

Buildings* 

equipment 

£000 

£000 

400 

- 

400 

78 

12 

90 

322 

310 

34 

34 

68 

28 

8 

36 

6 

32 

Total 

£000 

434 

34 

468 

106 

20 

126 

328 

342 

Shares in, and loans to   

subsidiary  
undertakings  

£000  

34,867 

3,978 

38,845 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   73 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

35  

Investments (continued) 

The companies in which Tracsis plc’s interest is more than 10% at the year end are as follows:  

Name 

Subsidiary undertakings: 
Tracsis Rail Consultancy 
Limited 
Tracsis Passenger Counts 
Limited  
Safety Information Systems 
Limited 

Country of 

incorporation 

Class and  

percentage 

Principal activity 

of shares held 

Holding 

England and Wales 

Rail industry consultancy 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

Rail industry ancillary 
services 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 

MPEC Technology Limited 

England and Wales 

Tracsis Traffic Data Limited 

England and Wales 

Software and consultancy 
Rail industry hardware & 
datalogging 
Transportation data collection 

Datasys Integration Limited 
Tracsis Retail & Operations 
Limited 

England and Wales 

Holding Company 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 

SEP Limited 

England and Wales 

SEP Events Limited 

England and Wales 

Event planning & traffic 
management 
Dormant 

Ontrac Technology Limited 

England and Wales 

Holding Company 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 

India 

Data processing 

 Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 

England and Wales 

Rail industry software 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 
Ordinary 100% 
Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Direct 

Direct 

Direct 

Direct 

Indirect 

Direct 

Indirect 

Direct 

Indirect 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Direct 

Direct 

Indirect 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

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 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Ordinary 100% 

Ordinary 100% 

Indirect 

Indirect 

Ontrac Limited 
S-H TrafficData Solutions 
Private Limited 
Tracsis Travel Compensation 
Services Limited 
Delay Repay Sniper Limited 

S Dalby Consulting Limited 

England and Wales 

Sky High Data Capture Limited 

England and Wales 

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 

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 

Footfall Verification Limited 

England and Wales 

Minority investments 

Citi Logik Limited 

England and Wales 

Mobile network data analysis 

Ordinary 17.2% 

Nutshell Software Limited 

England and Wales  Mobile application development 

Ordinary 37.8% 

Vivacity Labs Limited 

England and Wales 

Machine learning technology 

Ordinary 23.3% 

Direct 

Direct 

Direct 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
74 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

36  

Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables  

Amounts owed by group undertakings 

Other debtors 

Corporation Tax 

Prepayments 

2018 

£000 

294 

1,168 

362 

756 

28 

2,608 

2017 

£000 

356 

1,573 

348 

577 

12 

2,866 

The carrying value of trade receivables approximates to the fair value. Amounts owed by group undertakings are interest free 
and repayable on demand. 

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

37  

Trade and other payables 

Trade payables 

Other tax and social security 

Amounts owed to group undertakings 

Accruals and deferred income 

2018 

£000 

125 

60 

8,996 

1,123 

10,304 

2017 

£000 

27 

45 

9,229 

529 

9,830 

The carrying value of trade receivables approximates to the fair value. Amounts owed to group undertakings are interest free 
and repayable on demand. 

38  

Contingent consideration 

During the year, the Group acquired Travel Compensation Services Limited and Delay Repay Sniper Limited. Under the share 
purchase agreement, contingent consideration is payable which is linked to the profitability of the acquired businesses for a 
three year period post acquisition. The maximum amount payable is £4,700,000. The fair value of the amount payable was 
assessed at £1,200,000. 

During the year, deferred and contingent consideration of £323,000 was paid in respect of the SEP acquisition which was made 
in the year ended 31 July 2016, and £nil was paid in respect of the Ontrac acquisition which was made in the year ended 31 
July  2016.  An  amount of  £2,058,000  was  paid after  the  Balance  Sheet  date in  respect  of  the  Ontrac  acquisition  which was 
agreed with the Sellers and also £7,000 in respect of SEP Limited. 

At the balance sheet date, the Directors assessed the fair value of the remaining amounts payable which were deemed to be 
as follows. 

SEP Limited  

Ontrac Limited 

Travel Compensation Services Limited & Delay Repay Sniper Limited 

2018 

£000 

7 

2,058 

1,200 

3,265 

2017 

£000 

330 

4,711 

- 

5,041 

An exceptional release to the Statement of Comprehensive Income was recognised amounting to £2,653,000 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACSIS PLC   |   75 

2018 

£000 

2,165 

1,100 

3,265 

2017 

£000 

5,041 

- 

5,041 

2018 

£000 

(369) 

9 

(360) 

2018 

£000 

- 

(360) 

(360) 

2017 

£000 

(436) 

67 

(369) 

2017 

£000 

(3) 

(366) 

(369) 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

38  

Contingent consideration (continued) 

The ageing profile of the remaining liabilities can be summarised as follows: 

Payable in less than one year 

Payable in more than one year  

Total 

39  

Deferred tax (asset) / liability  

At start of the year  

Charge to income statement during the year 

At end of the year 

The deferred tax asset can be split as follows: 

Accelerated Capital Allowances  

Share options 

At end of the year 

40  

Share capital  

Allotted, called up and fully paid: 

Ordinary shares of 0.4p each 

2018 

2018 

2017 

2017 

Number 

£ 

Number 

£ 

28,334,086 

113,336 

  27,963,784 

111,855 

The following share transactions have taken place during the year ended 31 July 2018: 

At start of the year 

Issued as consideration for business combinations 

Exercise of share options 

At end of the year 

2018 

Number 

2017 

Number 

27,963,784 

27,546,259 

28,571 

341,731 

- 

417,525 

28,334,086 

27,963,784 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76 | Annual Report and Accounts 2018 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet continued 

41  

Operating leases   

Operating lease commitments.  

Minimum lease payments are payable as follows: 

Land and buildings: 

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

42 

Related Party Transactions 

2018 

£’000 

26 

- 

2017 

£’000 

61 

25 

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      

2018 

£000 

99 

2017 

£000 

79 

2018 

£000 

13 

2017 

£000 

8 

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. 

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

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group information 

Company Secretary and Registered 
Office 
Max Cawthra 

Auditor 

KPMG LLP 

Leeds Innovation Centre 

103 Clarendon Road 

Leeds 

LS2 9DF 

1 Sovereign Square 

Sovereign Street 

Leeds 

LS1 4DA 

Telephone +44 (0) 845 125 9162 

Principal bankers 

Fax            +44 (0) 845 125 9163 

Registered number 

05019106  

Website 

www.tracsis.com 

HSBC Bank plc 

33 Park Row 

Leeds 

LS1 1LD 

TRACSIS PLC   |   77 

Nominated Advisor and 
Stockbroker 
finnCap Limited 

60 New Broad Street  

London 

EC2M 1JJ 

Registrars 

Neville Registrars 

18 Laurel Lane 

Halesowen 

West Midlands 

B63 3DA 

Additional bankers 

Solicitors 

Barclays 

NatWest 

Santander 

Royal Bank of Scotland 

Co-Operative 

Rosenblatt Solicitors 

9-13 St Andrew Street 

London 

EC4A 3AF