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Tracsis Plc

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FY2022 Annual Report · Tracsis Plc
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Technology Makes 
It Possible, People 
Make It Happen

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Who we are
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. Since then 
the Group has grown rapidly, diversified into 
related transport technologies, and successfully 
executed a strategy that has seen it make a total 
of seventeen acquisitions. 
Today Tracsis is a leading provider of software, 
hardware, data analytics/GIS and services for the 
rail, traffic data and wider transport industries. 
The Group has c.550 permanent employees 
serving its growing customer base from offices 
in the UK, Ireland and the US.

Strategic Report
2  At a glance
4  Highlights
6  Chair’s statement
Investment case
8 
10  Our markets
12  Our business model
14  Our strategy
16  Strategy in action: organic growth
18  Chief Executive Officer’s report
24  Our Key Performance Indicators
26  Strategy in action
28  Chief Financial Officer’s review
32  Divisional review
34  Stakeholder engagement
36  Sustainability 
44  Risk management

Governance Report
50  Board of Directors
52  Corporate governance report
54  Directors’ remuneration report
55  Directors’ Remuneration Policy
60  Directors’ report
63  Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

Financial Statements
64   Independent auditor’s report to the members 

72 

of Tracsis plc
 Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income 
73  Consolidated balance sheet 
74  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
75  Consolidated cash flow statement 
76  Notes to the consolidated financial statements
111  Company balance sheet (prepared under 

FRS 101)

112 Company statement of changes in equity
113 Notes to the Company balance sheet

Strategic report

Our purpose
Tracsis’ purpose is to empower the world to move freely, safely and sustainably.
Our approach focuses on combining leading edge software and hardware 
knowledge, data capture, analytics and industry expertise to generate insights 
and fast-to-market products and services.

What we do
We develop innovative technology-driven solutions that solve complex 
problems in order to maximise efficiency, reduce cost and risk, improve 
operational and asset performance, improve safety management and 
decision-making capabilities, and improve customer experience for clients  
and customers.

Our customers
Tracsis has a blue-chip customer base which includes all major UK transport 
owning groups, Network Rail, passenger and freight train operating companies, 
Transport for London, multiple local authorities, major outdoor music and 
sporting event organisers, and a wide variety of large engineering and 
infrastructure companies. In North America our clients include Class 1 rail 
freight companies, transit operators, shortline railroads and several large 
rail-served ports and industrials.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plc 
 
At a glance

Tracsis at a glance

Our divisions

Rail Technology & Services

Operations and Planning
•  Operational Planning, Timetabling, 

Stock and Crew and Rail 
Performance Software

Digital Railway/Infrastructure
•   Remote Condition Monitoring 
Hardware and Data Acquisition

•   Safety and Risk Management Software 

and Asset Visualisation

•   Yard Automation and Computer 

Customer Experience
•  Transit and Ticketing Solutions (PAYG)
•  Automated Delay Repay

Aided Dispatch

19+

K 19%of revenue 19+

K 19%of revenue 6+

K 6%of revenue

Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

Data Informatics
•  Location Technologies (GIS)
•  Earth Observation
•  Analytics Solutions

Traffic Data
•   Traffic Data Capture and 
Analysis (Video, ANPR, 
Machine Learning) 

Transport Insights
•  Consultancy
•  Passenger Analytics
•  Bespoke Software Solutions

Event Traffic 
Management
•   Event Transport Planning 

and Management

11+

of revenue 16+
K 11%

of revenue 23+
K 8%
of revenue 8+
K 14%

K 23%

of revenue

Read more about our divisions on p.32-33

2

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022+
81
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81
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94
89
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84
92
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77
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Key Group locations

Fairport

34.9%

Livingston

Newcastle

Wetherby

Manchester

Boroughbridge

Leeds 
(Head Office)

Derby

Coleshill 
Coventry  

Silverstone

Chelmsford
London

Dublin

Our brands

Rail Technology & Services

Operations & Planning 

Digital Railway/Infrastructure 

Customer Experience 

Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

Data Informatics 

Traffic Data 

Transport Insights 

Event Traffic Management 

Read more about our brands at www.tracsis.com

Revenue by Division (%)

44

56

44+
81+

5 1

87

81

12

13

Revenue by Geography (%)

  Rail Technology  
& Services
  Data, Analytics,  
Consultancy & Events

 UK

 Europe

 North America

 Rest of the World

3

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plc56
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13
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1
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K
 
Highlights

Financial and Operational highlights

Revenue (£m)

£68.7m 

Adjusted EBITDA* (£m)

£14.2m 

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

50.2

48.0

49.2

39.8

68.7

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

14.2

13.0

10.5

10.5

9.4

PBT (£m)

£2.6m 

Cash** (£m)

£17.2m 

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2.6

4.6

4.1

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

6.6

8.3

17.2

17.9

25.4

24.1

22.3

Adjusted EBITDA margin* (%)

Basic EPS (p)

20.6% 

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

5.1p 

20.6

25.8

21.8

21.7

23.7

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

5.1

8.1

10.0

17.8

25.7

Adjusted basic EPS (p)

Dividend per share (p)

33.2p 

2.0p 

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

33.2

2022

2.0

31.9

24.1

28.3

26.3

2021

Nil

2020

Nil

2019

2018

1.8

1.6

* 

 Earnings before net finance expense, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, other operating income, share-

based payment charges and share of results of equity accounted investees. See note 29 for reconciliation.

**  Cash and cash equivalents, and cash held in escrow.

Financial highlights 
•  Strong financial performance with high 
levels of organic and acquisitive growth

•   Revenue increased by 37% to £68.7m 

(2021: £50.2m)

 — Organic revenue growth of 24% 

 — 63% revenue growth in Data, 
Analytics, Consultancy & 
Events division, including 
post-Covid recovery and 
contribution from acquisitions

 — Rail Technology & Services 

division revenue increased by 
13% including the benefit from 
multi-year software contracts that 
went live during the year and the 
RailComm acquisition 

•  Adjusted EBITDA* increased by 9% 

to £14.2m (2021: £13.0m)

•  Profit before tax of £2.6m (2021: £4.6m) 

after £3.1m of exceptional items 
including increase in fair value 
of contingent consideration and 
transaction costs associated with 
acquisition of businesses

•   Total cash balances** of £17.2m 

with no debt (31 July 2021: £25.4m) 
after £13.5m net investment in 
acquisitions and contingent and 
deferred consideration

•   Proposed final dividend of 1.1p per 

share, with total dividend of 2.0p per 
share (2021: nil) consistent with the 
Group’s progressive dividend policy 
that was restored at the half year

Operational highlights
•  Strong post-Covid recovery of activities 
in Events and Traffic Data, made possible 
by actions taken to safeguard these 
businesses during the pandemic, and 
including some activities not expected to 
repeat in the forthcoming financial year

•  Formalised our sustainability strategy, 
with a target of being carbon neutral 
by 2030 for scope 1 and scope 2 
emissions from Tracsis operations

•  Further progress in implementing a 

more integrated operating model, with 
continued investment in management 
capability, people development, and 
common processes and systems

4

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Several multi-year rail technology software contract wins
We have secured several multi-year technology contracts in all parts of the Rail Technology and 
Services division during the year. In Rail Operations and Planning we have won two new contracts 
for our TRACS Enterprise product suite with UK passenger operators, as well as our first contract 
for this product in the rail freight sector. Development work on all three is underway. In Digital Railway 
and Infrastructure we have secured a large multi-year Centrix software contract win as well as an 
extension to our long-running Remote Condition Monitoring data logger framework contract with 
the UK’s rail infrastructure provider. The user base for Centrix has increased by 20%. Moreover, 
in Customer Experience we won a new contract for the deployment of our smart ticketing solution 
as well as two new contracts for our delay replay solution; all three of these went live in the year.

First full deployment of TRACS Enterprise went live with 
UK passenger operator
The first end-to-end deployment of our TRACS Enterprise rail operations 
software went live with a large Train Operating Company (“TOC”) in 
summer 2022, replacing disparate legacy systems. The customer has 
implemented all three modules – Train Planning, Rostering & Resourcing, 
and Control – providing a fully integrated solution with a single data 
source that helps to optimise all timetable, resource planning, work 
allocation and on the day control decision support activities.

Roll-out of large RailHub enterprise software contract progressing well
The large RailHub enterprise software contract that was awarded to our safety and 
risk management business OnTrac in the previous financial year is progressing to 
plan and is on schedule to be completed before the end of 2022. This will more than 
double the user base for this product to over c.40,000 UK-based rail infrastructure and 
maintenance staff. 

Expanded addressable markets via acquisition
The acquisition of RailComm in March 2022 has given the Group direct 
access to the large and growing North American rail technology market. 
See pages 26 and 27 for further detail on this acquisition. In addition 
the Group has expanded its technology addressable market into Earth 
Observation with the acquisition of Icon GEO (“Icon”) in November 
2021. Icon has been fully integrated with the Group’s Data Analytics/GIS 
business Compass Informatics, to create an Irish-based Data Analytics 
centre of excellence providing location-related technologies and 
analytics solutions to government and commercial organisations.

Read more at www.tracsis.com

5

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcChair’s statement

I am pleased to report another 
good year for the Group. We 
have continued to invest in new 
businesses and technologies, 
and continue to integrate the 
Group’s activities. Our markets 
have resilient long-term growth 
drivers, to which our products 
and services are well aligned.
Chris Cole
Chair

6

Well positioned 
for future growth

Overview
I am pleased to report another good year for the Group, having 
emerged strongly from Covid-affected activities. Our revenue 
grew by 37% with support from strategic acquisitions and adjusted 
EBITDA* increased to £14.2m. Our balance sheet remains strong.

Our market drivers remain positive, and Tracsis’ products and 
services are well aligned with these drivers, as demonstrated at our 
recent institutional investor day. We continue to integrate the Group 
to ensure we have the appropriate platform to support our strategic 
growth plan.

During the year we continued to invest in new businesses and 
technologies with the acquisitions of Icon GEO and RailComm. 
Both support our strategic objectives to increase our addressable 
markets. The RailComm acquisition in particular, being Tracsis’ 
first direct presence in the North American rail market, provides 
an opportunity for the Group to progressively market its existing 
portfolio of rail products and services into this large, growing and 
addressable market. 

Board
We regularly review the composition of the Board to ensure that 
we have the requisite mix of skills and experience to ensure the 
continued success of the Company. Dr James Routh was appointed 
to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent 
Director on 29 September 2021. James is currently Chief Executive 
Officer of AB Dynamics plc, an AIM-listed provider of advanced 
testing systems, simulation products and testing services to the 
global automotive and mobility sectors.

On 5 October 2022 Jill Easterbrook was appointed to the Board as 
a Non-Executive Director. Jill is Non-Executive Chair of Headland 
Consultancy and is a Non-Executive Director on the boards of 
FTSE 100 companies Auto-Trader Group plc and Ashtead Group 
plc, as well as international household brands company UP Global 
Sourcing Holdings plc. From 2017 to 2020 she served as Chief 
Executive Officer of fashion retailer Boden, prior to which she held 
a variety of senior roles at Tesco plc, where she was a member of 
the Executive Committee.

Both James and Jill bring excellent commercial, international and 
technological experience to the Board that will be invaluable in 
developing Tracsis for the future.

Lisa Charles-Jones will step down from the Board on 31 December 2022 
after six years with the Group. Lisa will be succeeded as Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee by Jill Easterbrook at this date. I would like 
to thank Lisa for her service to Tracsis and wish her well for the future.

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022As part of the Board’s programme we held Board meetings 
at the Company’s sites in Derby and Leeds, and were given a 
demonstration of the MPEC Remote Condition Monitoring business 
operations. During financial year 2022/23 the Board plans to visit 
further Tracsis operations.

The Board completed an internal evaluation process in the financial 
year ended 31 July 2022. This process concluded that the Board 
was operating effectively and has the requisite collective skills in the 
areas of strategy, finance, human resources and global commercial 
expertise to assist with the implementation of our strategy. Further 
details are provided in the Statement of Corporate Governance on 
pages 52 to 53.

The Board is supported by a management team that has been 
strengthened with the additions of a Group Managing Director and 
a People Director.

On behalf of the Board I would like to express my thanks for all our 
management and staff for their hard work throughout the year.

Outlook
Tracsis operates in markets that have long-term structural growth 
drivers, which the Board believes are resilient to near-term economic 
or political uncertainty. These include the continuing digitalisation 
of the rail and broader transport industries in the UK and overseas. 
Further details of these drivers are provided on pages 10 to 11. Our 
products and services are well aligned with these drivers, which 
gives the Board confidence in delivering continued growth.

We will continue to pursue M&A as a core part of our growth strategy, 
supported by a strong balance sheet. This gives the opportunity 
to further expand the Group’s addressable markets and to further 
diversify our sector and geographic reach in order to build a 
broader-based business.

We are making good progress in implementing a clear growth 
strategy and the Board believes that the Group is well positioned 
to deliver further progress in the coming financial year and beyond.

Corporate governance
Strong corporate governance and risk management is an essential 
element of the Board’s activities and is key to ensuring ongoing 
stability and growth of the Group. The Group’s approach to 
governance and its procedures are reported separately in the 
Statement of Corporate Governance on pages 52 to 53.

Chris Cole
Chair
8 November 2022

ESG
The Board is committed to delivering sustainable growth that delivers 
long-term stakeholder value and benefits the communities in which 
we, and our customers, operate. The Group’s purpose, products and 
services are well aligned with this vision. This year we have formalised 
an environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) strategy that 
articulates our sustainability ambitions and provides a framework for 
delivering these. Our target for Tracsis operations is to be carbon 
neutral for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 2030. Further information 
on this strategy and the Group’s approach to ESG can be found on 
pages 36 to 43.

Dividend
The Group remains committed to the progressive dividend policy 
that was adopted in 2012. In the year ended 31 July 2022 we have 
seen a recovery in activity levels in those parts of the Group most 
impacted by Covid-19, and we have not utilised the UK Government’s 
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”). In this context the 
Board considered it appropriate to restore the progressive dividend 
policy at the interims. Given the strong full year performance of the 
Group, the Board is recommending a final dividend of 1.1 pence 
per share payable on 10 February 2023 to shareholders on the 
register at 27 January 2023, subject to shareholder approval at the 
forthcoming AGM.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

7

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportInvestment case

Why invest in Tracsis

We deliver sustainable value for our stakeholders by developing innovative, technology-driven solutions that solve complex problems. Our 
business model is focused 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 strong balance sheet and cash generation enable us to invest for future growth.

1

2

3

High value products  
and services
Our products and services offer compelling 
value propositions for our customers. 
They are well differentiated, and in several 
cases are unique. We have strong, long-term 
relationships with our customers, which 
support a high level of recurring and repeat 
revenue and provide valuable insight in 
developing the next generation of products. 
This is underpinned by sector-specific 
expertise that allows us to provide expert 
advisory support and consultancy to our 
customers, and to fully understand their 
challenges and how best to provide a solution. 

Strong market fundamentals
Our products and services enable our 
customers to deliver mission-critical 
activities with increased efficiency, 
enhanced performance, higher productivity 
and improved safety. This is well aligned 
with industry drivers in the short, medium 
and long term. 

The Williams-Shapps Plan for UK Rail issued 
in May 2021 outlined a strategic vision for 
the rail industry in the UK, with a greater 
focus on passenger and freight customers, 
the delivery of an increasingly safe and 
reliable rail network, and greater integration 
across different transport modes whilst 
prioritising innovation in new technologies.

Tracsis is well aligned to help deliver this 
strategic vision. With the rail industry 
focused on improving safety, improving 
timetabling and on-time train performance, 
increasing pre-emptive and asset-condition 
maintenance, and accelerating innovation 
in areas like pay-as-you-go smart ticketing 
and delay repay, the Group is well positioned 
to benefit from the commitment to greater 
innovation and investment in a digital railway.

Multiple growth vectors in a large 
addressable market
Our growth strategy is focused on five 
core areas. 

In the Rail Technology & Services segment, 
these are: 

1.  Operational Performance Software; 

2.  Remote Condition Monitoring Hardware 

and Software; 

3.  Risk Management and Safety 

Software; and

4.  Smart Ticketing and customer 

experience software. 

In the Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events 
segment, the fifth growth vector is:

5.  “Big Data” (data informatics and GIS).

These multiple vectors ensure diversification 
of our growth opportunities across customers 
and industry drivers, which supports our 
confidence that the Group can deliver 
further significant value for shareholders 
and provides some resilience against 
short-term market volatility.

The addressable market for each of these 
growth vectors is significant. We estimate 
that the addressable UK rail market for 
Tracsis’ current products and services is 
at least £100m, and is growing due to the 
strong market fundamentals described 
above. The acquisition of RailComm in the 
year has further expanded our addressable 
market by providing the Group with direct 
access to a long-established sales network 
into a significant number of rail clients in 
North America. In addition to the growth 
opportunities that exist in RailComm’s 
core markets of rail yard automation and 
computer aided dispatching, the Group will 
progressively market its existing portfolio 
of rail products and services.

Read more on p.10-11

Read more on p.32-33

Read more on p.18-23

8

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 20224

5

6

Strong cash generation
The Group has net cash of £17.2m at 
31 July 2022, with no debt and high levels 
of operating cash generation. Our strong 
balance sheet enables us to invest for future 
growth and gives the financial flexibility to 
support investment in innovation and the 
development of our business infrastructure 
to deliver this.

M&A opportunities
We are actively pursuing M&A opportunities 
to expand our addressable markets and 
increase our technical capabilities. 

In the year to 31 July 2022 we completed 
two acquisitions: 
•  Enhanced the Group’s technology 
capabilities with the acquisition of 
geoscience company Icon GEO which 
specialises in Earth Observation

•  Acquired the US based rail technology 

software and services provider 
RailComm, giving direct access to the 
large and growing North American market

A resilient business model
Our business model is highly resilient, and is 
built upon long-term customer relationships, 
well differentiated products and services 
that deliver compelling value propositions, 
high levels of recurring and repeat revenue, 
and strong cash generation. Working in 
partnership with our customers, we deliver 
solutions that enable positive operational 
and ESG outcomes for our customers.

Our Rail Technology & Services products 
principally support the operational 
requirements of running and maintaining 
the railway and are therefore largely resilient 
against changes in passenger numbers, 
as demonstrated during the Covid-19 
pandemic. The wider focus on investing 
in modernising and digitising the UK railway 
is an important long-term trend that will 
support growth.

Our Events and Traffic Data businesses did 
see reduced activity levels as a result of 
Covid-19, but since Government restrictions 
were eased there has a significant recovery 
in both markets. Activity levels in Events 
have returned to pre-pandemic levels, and 
the performance in the year included some 
activities that are not expected to repeat. 
The recovery in Traffic Data was slower but 
has returned to close to the monthly run-rate 
seen pre-pandemic. Some month-to-month 
variability in demand remains and activity 
levels in this market are more sensitive to 
Government and public-sector funding.

Read more on p.28-31

Read more on p.26-27

Read more on p.12-13

9

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcOur markets

Delivering across our markets

The Group’s organic growth strategy is focused across five core areas:

1

2

3

4

5

Operational 
Performance 
Software

Remote 
Condition 
Monitoring 
Hardware 
and Software

Risk 
Management 
and Safety 
Software

Smart 
Ticketing 
and 
Customer 
Experience

Product/software based

Data 
Analytics 
and GIS

Capability 
based

These vectors are underpinned by structural drivers of growth in the markets where we operate. Tracsis is well placed to capitalise on these 
industry trends in the short and long term.

Read more about our organic growth strategy on p.14

Delivering a more efficient and futureproof railway 

Drivers
Short term
•  Increasing demand from the UK Government and 
train operators to deliver cost, efficiency and 
performance improvements

•   Legacy operational systems are under-invested and 

poorly integrated

•   Operational efficiencies from real-time asset tracking 

and condition-based maintenance

•   Consumer demand for improved real-time information
Long term
•  Public bodies including UK Government and 

European Commission continuing a broad digital 
transformation agenda in rail in order to futureproof 
the industry by increasing efficiency, improving 
safety outcomes, and delivering an enhanced 
customer experience

•  Williams-Shapps Plan for UK Rail will bring the 
operation of track and trains under a single 
supervisory body, Great British Railways (“GBR”), 
providing opportunity for better industry-wide 
integrated tools and processes

•  A data-driven approach to delivering a more agile 

and flexible timetable

•  US investment in transport infrastructure 

Tracsis solutions
•   TRACS Enterprise is a high availability, cloud-hosted, 
enterprise-wide modular planning and delivery 
system for rail operators built around existing Tracsis 
standalone software products. It provides a single 
source of information for all timetable, resource 
planning, work allocation and central decision 
support, delivering significant cost savings and 
enhanced operational capabilities including scenario 
planning and information to customers

•   Our Remote Condition Monitoring products enable 
both reactive and predictive maintenance of rail 
industry assets, improving their performance and life 
cycle and reducing the requirement for scheduled 
maintenance visits

•   In the North American market, Tracsis’ Yard 

Automation and Computer-Aided Dispatching 
tools improve the efficiency and productivity of rail 
operations and rail-served ports and industrials by 
providing digital solutions that optimise decision 
making and traffic throughput

Link to growth vectors

1

2

10

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Delivering a safe and sustainable railway

Drivers
Short term
•  Improving the safety of people working on or near 

the railway

•   Reducing the number of near-misses and fatalities 

for rail users and workers

Long term
•  Ongoing focus on improving safety outcomes
•   Network Rail target of a net-zero emissions 

railway by 2050

•   Increasing public transport use as part of delivering 

a lower carbon future

Tracsis solutions
•  The RailHub risk management and safety platform 
has been developed to change the way the rail 
industry approaches the management and planning 
of work on the railway. It provides access to a range 
of digital tools and workflows that enable the 
planning and delivery of safe work on the railway 
across the rail infrastructure and maintenance sector
•  Opportunities to further integrate Tracsis software 
solutions in the operational, asset management 
and safety and risk management space in order to 
provide more sophisticated digital tools to deliver 
safe operations and maintenance of the railway 

Link to growth vectors

3

An improved and modern customer experience

Drivers
Short term
•  Ensuring customers can purchase tickets in a more 

convenient and flexible way

•  Growing demand for pay-as-you-go (“PAYG”) travel 

post-Covid

•  Consumer demand for best value, in the face 

of ticket and fare complexity

Long term
•  Increasing demand for multi-modal 

transport solutions

•  Improving the customer ticketing proposition, 

including PAYG, is a key theme of the 
Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail

Tracsis solutions
•  smartTIS is a unique account-based PAYG ticketing 
product, and is the only Rail Delivery Group (“RDG”) 
accredited PAYG solution on the UK rail network. 
Token agnostic journey taps are captured and virtual 
tickets are created. It is capable of applying all rail 
fare types, railcard discounts and weekly capping, 
and can ensure that the customer always pays the 
cheapest fare

•  Through our Innovation Hub R&D incubator, we 

have developed a mobile app (“Hopsta”) that puts 
this PAYG technology directly into the hands of the 
consumer and avoids the requirement for expensive 
gateline infrastructure. The first pilots of this product 
are expected to begin during 2023

•  Tracsis delay repay solutions deliver fully automated 
claim assessment on the UK rail network for train 
operators, including claim decision, fulfilment and 
fraud detection

Link to growth vectors

4

Using data for greater industry insight

Drivers
Short term
•  Data-rich organisations seeking greater insight 
into how they can facilitate better and faster 
decision making

•  Market regulated industries requiring data/GIS 
solutions to demonstrate ongoing compliance

Long term
•  Increased data usage to deliver a more efficient, 

reliable and sustainable railway

Tracsis solutions
•  Dublin-based data centre of excellence with 

capabilities in geographical information systems 
(“GIS”), earth observation, data analytics and field 
computing, and mobile app development
•  Increasing range of digital rail products and 

solutions that generate or collect data from multiple 
components of running and maintaining the railway

Link to growth vectors

5

11

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcOur business model

A resilient and sustainable 
business model

Rail Technology & Services

How we create value

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Conditio

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Operational performance 
improvement through 
digital transformation

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Customers
We provide innovative, technology-driven 
solutions that solve complex problems 
for our customers and enables them 
to better achieve their operational, 
regulatory and sustainability goals. Our 
products and services offer a compelling 
value case to our customers, enabling us 
to develop strong, long-term relationships 
with them to become trusted partners 
and innovators who can help them to 
address future challenges.

Shareholders
Through the execution of our strategy 
we deliver continued growth and value 
creation for our shareholders. We have 
a strong balance sheet, with no debt, 
which enables us to continue to invest 
in the growth of the business.

What sets us apart
•  Unique, market-leading products including the 

only fully integrated planning and delivery system 
for rail operators, and the only RDG accredited 
PAYG ticketing solution for use on the UK railway

•  Innovative solutions that are already being 

used by major transport operators

•  Our solutions are mission-critical to support 
the operational requirements of running and 
maintaining the railway, and are therefore largely 
resilient against changes in passenger numbers

•  We build close working relationships with 
our customers as long-term partners to 
deliver sustainable value and understand 
their challenges – resulting in high 
customer retention

•  We move quickly to test new ideas and bring 

products to market

The value we create

Employees
We consider our employees to be 
some of the best in the sector and 
we strive to provide them with a safe 
and rewarding working environment, 
providing opportunities for personal 
development, career progression, and 
an inclusive and open culture.

12

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
We use our technical expertise, deep domain knowledge, unique range 
of product and service offerings and fast-to-market agility to deliver 
long-term value to our shareholders, mission-critical solutions to our 
customers, and rewarding careers for our people.

Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events 

How we create value

i o n

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Using industry  
expertise and  
data management  
to deliver insight and  
on-the-day execution

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D a t a  

What sets us apart
•  Sector-specific expertise in the transport and 

environmental fields

•  Long-term relationships with key customers, 
built on a strong track record of delivery

•  Retained our core teams and skills through 

Covid, enabling a strong recovery

•  Uniquely placed to apply data management 
expertise to the rail industry in combination 
with our unique product offerings in 
this market

Communities
Doing the right thing for our people, 
our suppliers, our communities and our 
environment is a core part of our culture 
and values. We offer support through 
charitable giving and volunteering. 
Our products and services enable 
our customers to deliver significant 
benefits to communities and society 
at large, for example through the 
provision of a reliable, accessible 
and sustainable railway.

Environment
Our products and services enable our 
customers to deliver their sustainability 
goals, including positive environmental 
outcomes such as lower GHG emissions. 
We are committed to reducing our own 
environmental impact and have a target 
of carbon neutral Scope 1 and Scope 2 
emissions by 2030. 

Read more on p.36-43

Suppliers
We work closely with our suppliers 
and operate with integrity and in 
an ethical way.

13

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plc 
 
Our strategy

Our growth strategy is focused 
in four areas
Our vision for Tracsis is to become a leading provider of high value, niche 
technology solutions and services that solve complex problems which maximise 
efficiency in regulated industries.
Our strategy to achieve this vision is focused in four areas, as outlined below. 
We believe this strategy will allow Tracsis to deliver further significant value to 
shareholders in the short and long-term.

Organic growth

Expand addressable markets

Delivery of our pipeline, continual innovation of products 
and services, flawless high quality delivery, and an 
excellent close working relationship with our customers

Selling our products and services into new markets, 
including overseas, and expansion into select sectors that 
share problems with the industries we currently serve

Progress in 2022
•  RailComm acquisition provides direct access to a significant 

number of rail clients in North American market 

•  Icon GEO acquisition enhances technology capabilities into 

Earth Observation

•   Secured new contract wins in both Icon GEO and RailComm 

post acquisition

•   Further growth from Compass Informatics

Future focus
•   Execute growth strategy for North America
•  Continued growth in data informatics and GIS
•  Targeted growth opportunities overseas or in adjacent markets

Progress in 2022
•  24% organic revenue growth for the Group
•  Multi-year TRACS Enterprise contract wins with two UK passenger 
operators, and our first contract win in the rail freight sector
•  New smart ticketing contract won and implemented with a large 
passenger train operating company (“TOC”). Two new delay 
repay contracts also secured and implemented with UK TOCs

•  Large multi-year Centrix software contract win in Remote 

Condition Monitoring and an extension to our long-running data 
logger framework contract

•  Roll-out of RailHub enterprise software contract won in previous 
financial year progressing to plan and will more than double the 
user base to c.40,000 individuals by late 2022

•  First full deployment of TRACS Enterprise went live in summer 
2022; work continues on implementing other TRACS Enterprise 
contracts due to go-live over the next 2 years

•  Large pipeline of rail technology contract opportunities
•   Strong post-Covid recovery of activities in Events and Traffic 
Data, made possible by actions taken to safeguard these 
businesses during the pandemic

Future focus
•  Complete deployments of TRACS Enterprise contracts won 
in previous years where development work is underway
•   Secure further multi-year rail technology contracts across 

all product lines

•   Leverage RailComm to cross-sell existing Tracsis products and 

services into North America

•   Continued investment in software & technology products
•   Support UK rail industry to deliver the strategic vision outlined 

in the Williams-Shapps Plan

14

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Integration and capability

Acquisitions

Reinvesting Group profits to fund further accretive 
acquisitions that meet our disciplined investment criteria

Progress in 2022
•  Acquisition of RailComm providing direct access to North 

American market

•  Expanded technology addressable market into Earth 

Observation through Icon acquisition

•  Further potential targets evaluated

Future focus
•  Active pursuit of M&A to extend rail software and Data 

Informatics footprint – focus on recurring revenue growth

Enhanced integration and collaboration across the Group, 
increasing management capability and bandwidth, and 
improving our systems and processes, as key foundations 
to deliver our growth strategy

Progress in 2022
•  Developed a comprehensive people strategy to attract, retain 

and develop talent

•   Enhanced management capability and bandwidth with targeted 

recruitment for senior roles

•   Launched “OneTracsis” leadership training programme
•   Started workstream to implement a single Group-wide IT 

operating model

•   ESG strategy and targets agreed
•   Developed Hopsta PAYG smart ticketing app through Innovation 

Hub programme

•   Icon GEO acquisition fully integrated

Future focus
•  Execution of people strategy, including further development 

programmes

•   Complete IT transformation
•   Further R&D collaboration via Innovation Hub
•   Implement ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) 
•   Continued alignment of Group-wide systems and processes

15

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcStrategy in action: organic growth

Our strategy in action – delivering 
digital transformation

First full deployment of TRACS Enterprise

The first full deployment of our TRACS 
Enterprise system for rail operators 
went live in July 2022 with a large UK 
passenger operator. This provides a single 
source of information for all timetable, 
resource planning, work allocation and 
control decision support activities, and 
delivers cost, efficiency and performance 
improvements for our customers. It also 
has enhanced functionality over the legacy 
systems it has replaced including the 
ability to simulate operational changes in a 
sandbox environment before releasing into 
a live environment. Five other passenger 
and freight operators are scheduled to 
go-live with this system over the next 
two years.

There has been a c.20% increase in 
the user base for our Centrix data 
acquisition, diagnostics and performance 
analysis software over the last 12 
months. This powerful software platform 
delivers operational efficiencies for rail 
infrastructure owners by enabling them to 
optimise their asset management strategy, 
including real-time asset tracking and 
condition-based maintenance. 

Centrix delivering data-driven insights to infrastructure owners

16

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Doubling the user base for our RailHub risk management and safety software

The roll-out of the large enterprise 
software contract for our RailHub 
software platform that was won in the 
previous financial year is progressing to 
plan and is scheduled to be completed 
by December 2022. This will more 
than double the user base of this unique 
product to over 40,000 individuals 
involved in the planning and delivery of 
maintenance and upgrade work on or 
near the railway line. It underpins our 
confidence in the future of the RailHub 
platform, with opportunities to develop 
further functionality and applications 
that support improved safety outcomes 
for rail infrastructure providers 
and maintainers.

Deployment of our smart ticketing technology with a third UK operator

Our smartTIS solution, the only RDG 
accredited pay-as-you-go (“PAYG”) 
smart ticketing technology for use on 
the UK rail network, has now gone live 
with a third train operating company in 
the UK. Already in use on the GTR and 
Southwestern Railway networks, it is 
now live on the GWR network enabling 
passengers in the West of England to 
get best value walk-up fares for the day 
of travel including weekly season ticket 
price capping. 

17

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcChief Executive Officer’s report

We have delivered strong 
organic and acquisitive 
growth and are making good 
progress in delivering our 
strategic growth strategy 
and in implementing a more 
integrated operating model. We 
have won several new software 
contracts and have good growth 
prospects across the Group.
Chris Barnes
Chief Executive Officer

18

Committed to 
our strategy

Overview
I am pleased with the progress the Group has made this year 
in executing its growth strategy. We have delivered financial 
performance aligned to our long term strategic plan, with high levels 
of organic and acquisitive growth. Revenue increased by 37% to 
£68.7m, including organic revenue growth of 24%. We have won a 
number of new multi-year software contracts that will support further 
growth in recurring revenues. We have expanded our addressable 
markets with the acquisitions of RailComm and Icon GEO. In Data, 
Analytics, Consultancy and Events we have seen a strong post-Covid 
recovery in activity levels. We have also made further progress in 
implementing a more integrated and scalable operating model.

The UK rail industry’s transition to a new Great British Railways 
structure is ongoing and the overall objective is to create a data-driven, 
customer-focused, safety-critical future for the industry. Digital 
transformation will play a significant role in the industry’s transition 
and our range of rail technology products and services is well 
placed to help the rail industry deliver operational performance 
improvements and efficiency savings.

Tracsis is fully committed to delivering sustainable growth that 
benefits the communities in which we, and our customers, operate. 
The Group’s products and services are well aligned with this vision, 
and support our customers in delivering positive environmental and 
social outcomes. This year we have formalised our sustainability 
strategy and set ourselves the ambition of being carbon neutral by 
2030 for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions from Tracsis operations.

There are strong growth prospects across the Group and we 
therefore remain committed to implementing our overall strategic 
growth and investment plans. We will continue to pursue organic 
and acquisitive growth supported by a strong balance sheet.

Strategic progress
Large multi-year software contract wins and deployments support 
further Rail Technology and Services revenue growth
We continue to secure multi-year technology contracts in the Rail 
Technology and Services division that will support further growth 
in annual recurring licence revenue consistent with our strategy. 
During the year we secured new contracts for our TRACS Enterprise, 
Centrix, pay-as-you-go (“PAYG”) smart ticketing and delay repay 
technologies previously announced, and we have a strong pipeline 
of further opportunities. We are also making good progress in 
implementing large contracts that were won in previous years. The 
first end-to-end deployment of TRACS Enterprise went live with a 
large Train Operating Company (“TOC”) in summer 2022, replacing 
disparate legacy systems, and work continues on delivering our 
orderbook of further passenger and freight implementations for this 
product that are due to go-live through the next two financial years. 
The roll-out of the large RailHub contract won in July 2021 has been 

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022progressing to plan and is on schedule to be completed before 
the end of 2022, which will double the user base for this product 
to over 40,000 individuals. Post year end we have secured further 
orders for the next phase of development of the RailHub product. 
This conversion of our large pipeline of opportunities is delivering 
growth in annual recurring and routinely repeat revenue. For the Rail 
Technology and Services division this increased in the year by 13% 
to £21.1m.

Significant recovery completed in Events and Traffic Data
We have seen a significant recovery in activity levels in the Events 
and Traffic Data businesses that were most impacted by Covid-19. 
Both were able to quickly respond to improving market demand 
as a result of the actions taken to safeguard those businesses and 
protect jobs and skills during the pandemic. Activity levels in Events 
returned to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of the year and have 
maintained those through the remainder of the year. The final quarter 
in particular saw very high volumes as demand for sporting and 
music events increased. The performance in the year included some 
activities that are not expected to repeat in the forthcoming financial 
year. The recovery in Traffic Data was slower; however, in this market 
we also saw demand return close to pre-pandemic levels in the final 
quarter of the year. Activity levels in this market are more sensitive 
to central and local authority funding. Alongside the incremental 
contribution from the acquisitions of Icon GEO in November 2021 
and Flash Forward Consulting in February 2021, this drove extremely 
strong revenue growth in the Data, Analytics, Consultancy and 
Events Division of 63%.

US growth strategy underway, with RailComm performing well
The acquisition of RailComm in March 2022 provides direct access 
to the large and growing North American rail market. There are 
opportunities to deliver growth both in RailComm’s core markets 
of rail yard automation and Computer-Aided Dispatching, as well as 
by progressively marketing Tracsis’ existing portfolio of rail products 
and services. An experienced Tracsis Rail Managing Director has 
relocated to the US to oversee delivery of this growth strategy.

RailComm has performed well since acquisition, delivering a good 
revenue and profit performance and winning new contracts for its core 
products. Implementation work continues on a number of large projects 
with North American customers that will support further revenue and 
profit growth. We are seeing good levels of interest in our Remote 
Condition Monitoring, Movement Planner and Crew Calling solutions 
that are already well established in the UK rail market.

Continuing to build the foundations for future growth
The Group has made further good progress this year in implementing 
a more integrated business model and adopting common processes 
and systems. As part of our commitment to investing in our people 
we have launched a “OneTracsis” leadership development scheme 
with 100 managers and senior leaders enrolled on an 18-month 
programme that will also promote collaboration and innovation across 
the Group. This is part of a comprehensive people strategy that has 
been developed, under a new Group People Director, with a focus 
on succession planning, talent acquisition, and reward & benefits. We 
are expanding our shared services operating model by implementing 
a single Group-wide IT operating environment, under the direction 
of a Group Managing Director who was recruited in the year and is 
an experienced technology leader. Furthermore, we have formalised 
our sustainability strategy and targets, with the goal of making Tracsis 
carbon neutral for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.

Trading progress

Rail Technology & Services

Revenue 

£29.9m +13%

2021: £26.4m

Adjusted EBITDA* 

£9.8m +8%

2021: £9.1m

Profit before tax 

£4.8m -3%

2021: £5.0m

Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

Revenue 

£38.8m +63%

2021: £23.8m

Adjusted EBITDA* 

£4.4m +12%

2021: £3.9m

Profit before tax 

£1.8m -4%

2021: £1.9m

* 

 Earnings before net finance expense, tax, depreciation, amortisation, 

exceptional items, other operating income, share-based payment 

charges and share of result of equity accounted investees.

19

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcChief Executive Officer’s report continued

Acquisitions
Our strategy is to continue to supplement organic growth with M&A, 
with a focus on software, technology and Data Analytics and GIS 
businesses that have a good level of high quality, recurring revenue. 
Our M&A strategy is supported by a strong balance sheet and 
good levels of cash generation, and we continue to actively pursue 
acquisition opportunities. 

Our approach to M&A is to identify established businesses with a well 
differentiated product or service offering that is complementary to 
Tracsis’ existing portfolio. Importantly we look for businesses that have 
a culture of entrepreneurship and customer focus that fits with our 
ethos of building strong, long-term relationships with our customers 
that deliver compelling value propositions. In executing acquisitions 
we are able to mobilise quickly and we place a high value on acting 
with integrity. We take a partnership approach to the acquisition 
process, preferring to retain existing management to continue in their 
roles post-acquisition to deliver an agreed strategic plan. 

This year we completed two acquisitions which have expanded our 
addressable markets in both divisions. 

The acquisition of Icon Group Limited (“Icon GEO”) in November 
2021 adds Earth Observation to our existing Data Informatics and 
Geographic Information Systems (“GIS”) capabilities. Icon GEO has 
been integrated with Tracsis’ existing Data Analytics/GIS solutions 
provider, Compass Informatics, to create an Irish-based Data Analytics 
centre of excellence specialising in providing location-related 
technologies and analytics solutions and services to government 
and commercial organisations. The combined business won a new 
multi-year contract with the Irish Government in the second half of 
the financial year based on this extended range of capabilities.

In March 2022 the Group completed its first direct expansion into 
North America with the acquisition of RailComm LLC (“RailComm”). 
Headquartered in Fairport, New York, and established in 1999, 
RailComm provides mission-critical automation and control solutions 
that reduce costs, increase safety, and improve operational efficiency 
for rail passenger/freight operators and rail-served ports/industrials. 
The acquisition of RailComm is in line with Tracsis’ strategy of 
extending its rail software footprint and expanding the addressable 
markets for its products and services. In addition to the significant 
growth opportunities that exist within RailComm’s core rail markets, 
we now have direct access to a long-established sales network into 
a significant number of rail clients in the North American market. 
This will enable Tracsis to progressively market its existing portfolio 
of rail products and services, with Remote Condition Monitoring 
the initial area of focus. One of Tracsis’ senior rail managers from 
the UK has relocated to the US to oversee delivery of these 
growth opportunities.

Trading progress and prospects

Rail Technology & Services
Summary segment results:

Revenue 

Adjusted EBITDA*

Profit before tax

£29.9m

£9.8m

£4.8m

(2021: £26.4m)

(2021: £9.1m)

(2021: £5.0m)

Activity levels in our Rail Technology & Services division remain high, 
which has driven further revenue growth. All parts of the division won 
new contracts in the year, many of which went live with customers 
in the second half of the year, and we have a strong pipeline of 

20

additional multi-year software opportunities. Work has also continued 
on implementing contracts won in previous years, including the first 
go-live of the end-to-end TRACS Enterprise solution in summer 2022 
and the ongoing roll-out of the large RailHub enterprise software 
contract that was won in the previous financial year and is due to be 
completed before the end of 2022. 

Total revenue of £29.9m was 13% higher than prior year as a 
result of strong organic growth in our Rail Operations & Planning 
and Customer Experience businesses, as well as a good initial 
contribution from RailComm. Revenue in both our Remote Condition 
Monitoring (“RCM”) business and our Risk Management and Safety 
Software business (OnTrac) was lower than the record levels achieved 
in the prior year, reflecting the typical investment cycle in RCM and the 
timing of a large licence contribution in the prior year in OnTrac. Both 
businesses are well positioned to deliver growth in the coming year.

As a result of the new contract wins and the deployment of contacts 
won in previous years, annual recurring and routinely repeating 
revenue in the Rail Technology & Services division increased by 
13% to £21.1m.

Adjusted EBITDA* increased by 8% to £9.8m (2021: £9.1m). ). Profit 
before Tax decreased by £0.2m after £0.4m of transaction costs 
related to the acquisition of RailComm (2021: £nil) and £0.4m increase 
in the amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

The industry’s transition to a new Great British Railways structure, 
which aims to create a data-driven, customer-focused, safety-critical 
future for the industry, is ongoing, and we have been asked at senior 
client level to formally input our ideas into how the UK can achieve 
this vision. This demonstrates the value the industry attaches to 
Tracsis’ expertise and range of rail technology products, which 
offer a compelling and, in some cases, unique value proposition. 
Digital transformation will play a significant role in the rail industry’s 
transition and our range of products and services is well placed to 
help the industry deliver operational performance improvements and 
efficiency savings.

Rail Operations & Planning
Total revenues from the Group’s Rail Operations and Planning 
software and hosting offerings grew by 17% to £12.7m (2021: £10.9m). 
This includes the various revenue streams from our TRACS, ATTUne, 
COMPASS and Retail & Operations product suites. We continue 
to benefit from high renewal rates from existing customers. The 
strong revenue growth was mainly driven by new multi-year 
TRACS Enterprise contracts won in the year, which were previously 
announced and which we are currently implementing for our clients. 
Our focus on these projects is to work closely with our customers 
as a partner to deliver significant value over the long term. Delivery 
timelines in this sector are typically determined in partnership with 
our customers. 

Work has also continued on implementing contracts won in previous 
years. The first end-to-end implementation of all TRACS Enterprise 
modules went live with a customer in the summer of 2022. We expect 
the second to be completed in 2023.

The TRACS Enterprise contract wins have also resulted in increased 
contribution from Bellvedi, that was acquired in 2019. As a result 
the fair value of contingent consideration payable in respect of this 
acquisition has increased.

We have a strong pipeline of new multi-year TRACS Enterprise 
opportunities in both the passenger and freight sectors of the industry. 

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Digital Railway & Infrastructure
Total revenues across the Digital Railway and Infrastructure offerings 
were £13.3m (2021: £13.0m). This includes revenue from RailComm 
following its acquisition in March 2022, as well as from Remote 
Condition Monitoring (“RCM”) within MPEC and from our RailHub 
Safety and Risk Management product suites within OnTrac. Both 
MPEC and OnTrac delivered record levels of revenue in the prior 
year. Whilst these were not repeatable in FY21/22 as anticipated, 
reflecting the investment cycle of its UK customer base which 
consists of 5 year ‘Control Periods’, both business are well positioned 
for future growth and the lower revenue was more than offset by a 
strong post-acquisition performance from RailComm.

We saw lower RCM volumes in the first half of the year which was 
consistent with the historic investment cycle trend of its UK customer 
base. Activity levels increased in the second half of the year, and 
revenue over this period was at a similar level to the second half of 
the prior financial year. Having secured a large multi-year Centrix 
contract and the extension of our long-running RCM data logger 
framework contract as previously announced, the business is well 
placed to deliver growth moving forward.

OnTrac revenue was lower than the prior year which included a 
large, high margin RailHub licence sale. Activity was dominated by 
the roll-out of this product with our customer which has delivered 
implementation and support revenue in the year. This has been 
proceeding according to plan and is expected to be completed 
before the end of 2022, at which point the user base for our RailHub 
product will have more than doubled to over 40,000 individuals. 
There is a growing pipeline of future opportunities for the RailHub 
platform including additional functionality that is being developed 
by Tracsis and the opportunity to host third party applications on the 
platform. Post year end we have secured new orders for the next 
phase of development of the RailHub product, and work on these 
is underway.

RailComm has delivered a strong revenue contribution for the 
period under Tracsis ownership. This includes completion of some 
large project milestones that were in the business’ order book on 
acquisition. Implementation work is underway on a number of other 
large rail technology projects, and since acquisition the business has 
also won a number of new contracts in the North American market 
that will support ongoing revenue and profit growth. RailComm 
also opens up direct access into North America for Tracsis’ existing 
portfolio of rail products and services. We see RCM as the initial area 
of focus here, and an experienced Tracsis Managing Director has 
relocated to the US to oversee these growth opportunities.

Rail Customer Experience
There was very strong growth from our Customer Experience 
products, with revenue increasing by 56% to £3.9m (2021: £2.5m). 
This was mainly driven by the “go-live” in H2 of the financial year of 
new contract wins that were previously announced – one with a UK 
TOC for our pay-as-you-go (“PAYG”) smart ticketing solution, and two 
further delay repay contracts. This part of the Group also benefited 
from increased delay repay transaction volumes across its existing 
customer base as rail passenger numbers recovered post Covid-19.

We are seeing increased interest in iBlocks’ smart ticketing product 
offering that is well aligned with passenger requirements and with 
the UK Government’s strategic intent to deliver increased PAYG 
multi-modal ticketing as outlined in the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail. 
Through our Innovation Hub R&D incubator, iBlocks has developed 

a mobile app (“Hopsta”) that puts this technology directly in the 
hands of the consumer and avoids the requirement for expensive 
gateline infrastructure. The first pilots of this product with train 
operators are expected to start during financial year 22/23.

Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

Summary segment results:

Revenue 

Adjusted EBITDA*

Profit before tax

£38.8m

£4.4m

£1.8m

(2021: £23.8m)

(2021: £3.9m)

(2021: £1.9m)

We have seen a significant recovery in activity levels in the Events 
and Traffic Data businesses that were most impacted by Covid-19. 
As a result of the actions taken during the pandemic to protect jobs, 
look after our people and safeguard these businesses, we have 
been able to respond quickly to this increase in demand, and both 
businesses are currently operating at monthly run rates close to 
pre-pandemic levels. In Events we benefitted from certain activities 
that are not expected to repeat in the forthcoming financial year. 
The division has also benefited from the incremental contribution 
from the acquisitions of Flash Forward Consulting in February 2021 
and Icon GEO in November 2021 and both businesses have been 
fully integrated into the Group. After excluding the growth from 
acquisition, organic revenue growth for the division was £12.1m (51%). 
This also included underlying growth in both Compass Informatics 
and in transport insights.

Adjusted EBITDA* increased by 12% to £4.4m (2021: £3.9m). The prior 
period included £0.9m of support to the income statement from the 
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”). We did not take any 
CJRS support in the financial year ended 31 July 2022.

Data Analytics/GIS
Revenue increased to £7.9m (2021: £5.7m) which includes the 
incremental contribution from Icon GEO as well as continued 
underlying growth in Compass Informatics. Icon GEO has been 
fully integrated within this business to create an Irish-based Data 
Analytics centre of excellence with c.130 staff specialising in 
providing location-related technologies, earth observation and 
analytics solutions to government and commercial organisations. 
The combined business has secured additional contracts with 
government agencies in Ireland based on the combined skillset and 
service offering it can now offer.

Transport Insights
Revenue of £5.2m was 49% higher than prior year (2021: £3.5m). 
After adjusting for the year-on-year benefit from the acquisition of 
Flash Forward Consulting in February 2021, this represents organic 
growth of c.22% across the expanded range of consulting and 
specialist services this business offers in the transport space. We are 
seeing ongoing strong demand for our specialist timetabling and rail 
performance expertise.

Traffic Data
Revenue increased by 29% to £9.9m (2021: £7.7m) with activity 
levels steadily increasing as Covid-related restrictions were eased. 
The return of some restrictions linked with the Omicron variant 
did present some headwinds in the first half of the financial year, 
with work being postponed or cancelled as the prevailing traffic 
conditions were not representative of client needs. There has been 
a steady recovery of activity levels through the second half of the 
financial year, and the final quarter was particularly strong. 

21

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcChief Executive Officer’s Report continued

Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events continued
Traffic Data continued
The business is now operating at close to the monthly run rate 
seen pre-pandemic although some month-to-month variability in 
demand remains and activity levels in this market are more sensitive 
to central and local authority funding. Post year-end we have secured 
a multi-year renewal of the National Road Traffic Census contract.

Event Transport Planning & Management
The Events business delivered a very strong performance, with 
record revenue of £15.7m (2021: £6.9m). Activity levels in its market 
returned to pre-pandemic levels very quickly, with high demand 
for sporting and music events particularly in the final quarter of the 
financial year. We were able to quickly respond to this increased 
demand as a result of actions taken to protect the business 
during the pandemic. We continued to support Covid testing and 
vaccination centres which delivered c.£1.4m revenue in the period 
and is not expected to repeat.

People
Tracsis has c.550 permanent employees across three countries 
and over fifteen operating sites, and the Group is thankful to the 
whole team for their hard work during the year. We believe that the 
long-term success of the Company depends on the engagement 
and commitment of its people. We consider our employees to be 
some of the best in the sector, and we strive to provide them with 
opportunities for personal development, career progression, and 
a safe and inclusive working culture.

Engagement with our teams is a priority for me. I make regular visits 
to our offices to provide an update on what is happening across 
the Group and to enable employees to ask questions in a more 
informal setting. Since the year end we have implemented our first 
ever employee survey to ensure we better understand how we can 
continue to ensure Tracsis attracts and retains the best talent. 

We hired a Director of People in July 2021, who is implementing 
a comprehensive strategy to ensure that we have the processes, 
learning & development frameworks, and robust succession plans 
in place to continue to offer a compelling proposition to current 
and future employees, and to ensure that we have the capabilities 
and talent to deliver our growth strategy. As part of this, the Group 
launched a “OneTracsis” leadership development scheme with 100 
managers and senior leaders enrolled on an 18-month programme 
that will also promote collaboration and innovation across the Group. 
The CFO and I have attended modules of this training programme 
to update attendees on strategy and Group performance.

Safeguarding the health, welfare and safety of our people is a 
priority. During the Covid pandemic we took actions to safeguard 
as many jobs as possible, which has enabled a quick response to the 
increase in activity levels we saw when Government restrictions were 
eased. We continue to operate a hybrid working model with most of 
our employees spending some time working in the office and some 
time working from home. We recognise that the increasing cost of 
energy, food and fuel is having a direct impact on our employees. 
In order to support our people, the Board decided in August 2022 
to make a one-off supplementary payment equivalent to £1,000 to all 
our permanent employees (excluding Group and business unit senior 
management teams). This was pro-rated for part time employees, and 
locally equivalent schemes were implemented outside of the UK. 

Outlook
Our end market drivers are strong and Tracsis’ products and services 
are well aligned with these drivers. We deliver positive benefit cases to 
our clients by enabling them to deliver mission-critical activities with 
increased efficiency, enhanced performance, higher productivity, 
and improved safety.

The Group has a clear growth strategy and has a strong balance 
sheet to support its delivery. We are making good progress in 
implementing this strategy, including winning new multi-year software 
contracts, and continuing to deliver on contracts won in previous 
years. We recognise the need to continue to integrate the Group’s 
activities, technologies and operating model in order to provide a 
solid platform for ongoing scalable growth. We have made good 
progress in the year and will continue to invest in this area.

M&A remains a core part of our strategy and we have taken an 
important step in the year with our first acquisition in North America. 
This further increases our addressable markets and diversifies 
our growth opportunities. We will continue to actively pursue 
M&A opportunities, with a focus on extending our software and 
technology footprint and enhancing recurring revenue growth.

Q1 trading has been in line with the Board’s expectations and the 
Group remains well positioned to deliver further growth in the coming 
financial year and beyond.

Chris Barnes
Chief Executive Officer
8 November 2022

22

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022CEO Q&A

Q1

How is Tracsis evolving as a business?

Tracsis has a long track record of successful organic and acquisitive 
growth, and our success has been driven by an agile entrepreneurial 
approach where we are first to market with leading edge products 
and services. The key future challenge is to continue this success 
by developing a more scalable technology platform, investing in the 
skills and career paths of our people and utilising latest generation 
data and analytics capabilities. Our investment over the past 12 
months in a Group Managing Director and a Group People Director 
are an important step in providing the leadership bandwidth to 
deliver these changes. 

Q2

Are your end markets fully 
recovered post Covid?

Yes they are. Three different areas of the Tracsis business were 
impacted by the Covid pandemic. In our Events businesses we have 
seen very strong levels of demand over the past 6 months with major 
sporting events and music festivals achieving record attendance 
levels. Our delay repay business units have seen month-on-month 
growth in revenues over the past 6 months as rail passenger 
numbers recover to near pre-Covid levels. The only part of the 
business that has seen a more delayed recovery has been our Traffic 
Data business unit where it has taken until the autumn of 2022 for 
demand levels to return to pre-Covid levels. 

Q3

What has the acquisition of  
RailComm added to Tracsis? 

RailComm provides Tracsis with a market entry platform into the 
North American rail market. RailComm have established long 
term relationships with Class 1 freight companies, short line freight 
operators, transit operators and port and industrial clients into whom 
they successfully provide yard automation and computer aided 
dispatch solutions. These relationships provide the wider Tracsis 
Group with opportunities to sell directly into North America the full 
breadth of proven rail technology solutions that we already supply 
into the UK rail industry. Remote Condition Monitoring and Crew 
Calling are two immediate areas of growth opportunity.

Q4

How are changes in the UK Rail 
Industry impacting Tracsis?

With ongoing industrial action alongside the recent change of UK 
Prime Minister and Transport Secretary there remains uncertainty 
as to the future direction of the UK rail industry. The transition to a 
Great British Railways (GBR) structure continues for now and this is 
likely to see much closer levels of collaboration and integration on 

a regional basis between the infrastructure provider (Network Rail) 
and the passenger and freight operators with an improved customer 
experience at the heart of future decision making. There is also 
renewed discussion about the possibility of future renationalisation 
should there be a change of government at the next general election. 
Whatever the future direction, ‘Digital transformation’ will be at the 
centre of this transition and Tracsis is extremely well placed to play 
a key role in providing software and hardware products, consultancy, 
and data analytics/GIS solutions, all of which deliver significant 
operational benefits to the UK rail industry. 

Q5

What do you need to successfully 
deliver the next phase of growth?

Tracsis has market leading products and services and a very talented 
team of people all underpinned by long term strategic relationships 
with our clients. People and technology are crucial to our future 
success and this year we launched the OneTracsis leadership 
programme which is designed to develop the next generation of 
leaders and accelerate collaboration across the Group. Alongside 
this we continue to invest in the next generation of technology 
solutions and in the IT infrastructure and processes that will drive 
the standardisation of best practice across the Group. 

Q6

What is Tracsis’  
approach to ESG?

Our approach is employee led. We have established a cross  
business ESG working group whose key objective is to prioritise  
the activities that resonate most with our employees. This year 
the focus has been on volunteering, diversity and inclusion, 
green energy conversion and recycling. We now have a detailed 
understanding of our scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, and this has 
enabled us to set ambitious carbon targets which will be delivered 
through targeted actions across the Group. Our target is to be carbon 
neutral for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions from Tracsis operations by 
2030. More detail is contained in the ESG report on pages 36 to 43. 

Q7

What are your priorities  
for the next financial year?

Our primary organic growth objective is to convert our pipeline 
of new opportunities by ensuring that clients fully understand the 
operational and financial benefits that our technology solutions 
deliver. We will also continue to look at a wide range of acquisition 
targets both in the UK and internationally as we look to grow our 
technology capabilities and diversify our risk. Alongside both 
activities is the need to manage employee wellbeing by ensuring 
that we do what we can to support all employees with the current 
cost of living crisis. This will ensure that we maintain the skills and 
capabilities required to deliver future innovation and growth. 

23

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcOur Key Performance Indicators

Our Key Performance Indicators
The KPIs used to monitor the financial performance  
of the Group are set out below.

These KPIs give insight into the growth, profitability and financial position of the business and therefore enable progress on the implementation 
of the Group strategy to be monitored.

Revenue  
(£m)

£68.7m

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

68.7

50.2

48.0

49.2

39.8

Adjusted EBITDA  
(£m)

£14.2m

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

14.2

13.0

10.5

10.5

9.4

Definition
Value of goods sold and services provided to customers, net of 
sales taxes

Comment
Strong organic and acquisitive growth, including new multi-year software 
contracts in Rail Technology & Services, strong post-Covid recovery in 
Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events, and benefit from acquisitions of 
RailComm and Icon

Definition
Earnings before finance income, tax, depreciation, amortisation, 
exceptional items, other operating income, share-based payment 
charges and share of result of equity accounted investees. See note 29 
for reconciliation

Comment
Reflects growth in revenue net of investment in building a scalable 
platform for future growth

Profit Before Tax  
(£m)

£2.6m

2.6

4.6

4.1

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Definition
Earnings before Taxation

6.6

8.3

Comment
Increase in adjusted EBITDA is more than offset by increased 
amortisation of intangible assets, share-based payment charges, 
exceptional items including increased fair value of contingent 
consideration and transaction costs associated with acquisitions, 
and share of results of equity accounted investees

Basic Earnings per Share  
(p)

5.1p

5.1

8.1

10.0

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

17.8

25.7

Definition
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in issue

Comment
Decrease in profit before tax

24

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Adjusted EBITDA margin  
(%)

20.6%

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

20.6

25.8

21.8

21.7

23.7

Definition
Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue

Comment
Reflects the increased weighting of Data, Analytics, Consultancy & 
Events revenue and the prior year margin benefit from furlough support

Annual recurring revenue  
(Rail Technology and Services)  
(£m)(1)

£21.1m

2022

2021

2020

n/a

2019

n/a

2018

n/a

21.1

18.7

Definition
Revenue in the financial year from recurring software licences relating to 
products that have gone live, and annually repeating hardware revenue 
from framework agreements

Comment
New multi-year software contract wins and go-live of products previously 
in implementation

(1)  This metric was not reported prior to FY21.

Cash  
(£m)

£17.2m

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Adjusted Basic EPS  
(p)

33.2p

17.2

17.9

25.4

24.1

22.3

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

33.2

31.9

24.1

28.3

26.3

Definition
Value of cash and cash equivalents, and cash held in escrow

Comment
Continued strong cash generation across the Group, partly offset 
by £13.5m net investment in acquisitions and contingent and 
deferred consideration

Definition
Profit after tax before amortisation, share-based payment charges, 
exceptional items and other operating income divided by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period

Comment
Growth in adjusted EBITDA

25

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcStrategy in action

North American 
rail acquisition

The active pursuit of M&A opportunities to expand the Group’s 
addressable markets and increase our technical capabilities is a core 
part of Tracsis’ growth strategy. In March 2022 the Group completed 
an important strategic acquisition, making our first direct entry into the 
North American market with the acquisition of RailComm.

Introduction to RailComm
Headquartered in Fairport, New York, and established in 1999, 
RailComm provides mission-critical automation and control 
solutions that reduce costs, improve safety, and increase 
operational efficiency for rail passenger and freight operators 
and rail-served ports and industrials. Its two core products are 
rail yard automation and Computer-Aided Dispatching. The 
business has good levels of annual recurring software revenues 
in addition to large project delivery and systems integration work, 
and it has a wide and diversified client base across the North 
American market. The business employs 33 full time staff.

Strategic rationale
The acquisition of RailComm is consistent with the Group’s 
strategy to extend Tracsis’ rail software footprint and to expand 
the addressable market for our products and services. It provides 
Tracsis with direct access to a long-established sales network 
into a significant number of rail clients in North America, covering 
all key market segments.

Integration
RailComm will continue to operate as a standalone business 
under the management of an experienced executive team 
who have remained with the business post transaction. An 
experienced Tracsis Rail Managing Director has relocated from 
the UK to North America to focus on delivering Tracsis’ growth 
strategy in this market.

Growth strategy
There are good growth opportunities for RailComm’s core 
products in the North American market. Similar to the trend in 
the UK, rail operators in North America are increasingly seeking 
digital solutions in order to deliver efficiency, cost and safety 
improvements. RailComm has a significant order book and has 
won several new contracts in this market since acquisition that 
will support ongoing revenue and profit growth.

The acquisition also provides an opportunity to progressively 
market Tracsis’ existing portfolio of rail products in the North 
American market. Remote Condition Monitoring is the initial 
area of focus. 

We will continue to pursue other opportunities to enhance 
Tracsis’ technical capabilities and product offering in this large 
and growing market.

33employees

Links to strategy:

23years operating in  

the US rail market

26

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022This is an important strategic acquisition for 

Tracsis plc, providing a platform onto which

we can start to internationally expand the 

Tracsis Group and its rail product portfolio via 

direct access to the significant and growing 

North American rail technology market.

Chris Barnes
Chief Executive Officer

27

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcStrong organic and 
acquisitive growth, 
and continued high 
cash generation

The Group delivered strong organic and acquisitive revenue growth 
during the year and has continued to invest in product development, 
in expanding our addressable markets, and in implementing a more 
integrated operating model.

Group revenue of £68.7m was £18.5m (37%) higher than the prior 
year (2021: £50.2m), reflecting strong organic and acquisitive growth. 
Revenue in the Data, Analytics, Consultancy and Events division 
increased by £15.0m (63%) principally as a result of a strong post-
Covid-19 recovery in Events and Traffic Data. There was also strong 
revenue growth in both our Transport Insights and Data Analytics/GIS 
businesses, including the benefit from the acquisition of Icon GEO 
in November 2021. Revenue in the Rail Technology and Services 
division was £3.5m (13%) higher than prior year, which includes strong 
organic growth in our Rail Operations and Planning and Customer 
Experience businesses as well as the benefit from the acquisition of 
RailComm in the year. 

Adjusted EBITDA* of £14.2m was £1.2m (9%) higher than prior 
year (2021: £13.0m), which included £0.9m of support to the Income 
Statement from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”). 
No claims have been made under the CJRS in this financial year. 
Excluding the CJRS benefit in the prior year, adjusted EBITDA* 
increased by 17%. Adjusted EBITDA* margin of 20.6% was lower than 
the prior year as anticipated (2021: 25.8%) reflecting the increased 
mix of revenue from the post-Covid recovery in Data, Analytics, 
Consultancy and Events.

Statutory profit before tax of £2.6m is £2.0m lower than prior 
year (2021: £4.6m) after £3.1m of exceptional items (FY21: £1.1m). 
These principally reflect an increase in the fair value of contingent 
consideration following strong underlying trading performance in 
Bellvedi (part of our Rail Operations & Planning business), as well as 
transaction costs associated with acquisitions made in the year. 

Chief Financial Officer’s review

The Group’s strong balance 
sheet and good levels of 
cash generation allow us to 
continue to invest to support 
future growth.
Andy Kelly
Chief Financial Officer

28

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Cash generation
The Group continues to have significant levels of cash and remains 
debt free. At 31 July 2022 the Group’s cash balances, including 
cash held in escrow, were £17.2m (2021: £25.4m). Cash generation 
remains strong. 

Cash generated from operations was £9.5m (2021: £10.8m) after a 
net £4.0m increase in working capital (2021: £2.0m increase). This 
was principally due to an increase in trade receivables in the final 
trading months of the year including the strong post-Covid recovery 
in Events and Traffic Data. The Group has not had any material bad 
debt incidences. There was £0.6m cash outflow on transaction 
costs for acquisitions completed in the year (2021: £0.1m). Adjusted 
EBITDA* includes £0.1m profit on disposal of plant and equipment 
(2021: <£0.1m).

Net capital expenditure increased to £1.0m (2021: £0.3m) which principally 
reflects the post-Covid recovery in activity levels in Events and Traffic 
Data, as well as investment in IT assets. Net lease liability payments 
of £1.4m were £0.2m higher than prior year (2021: £1.2m) which includes 
the effect of acquisitions. Tax paid of £1.3m was at a similar level to 
the prior year (2021: £1.4m).

As a result free cash flow* was £5.8m (2021: £7.8m).

In addition to the £1.2m increase in adjusted EBITDA* described 
above, the movement in profit before tax reflects the following items:

•  £1.8m depreciation charge at a similar level to the prior year 

(2021: £1.6m);

•  £5.0m amortisation of intangible assets (2021: £4.3m). The increase 
versus prior year includes charges relating to the acquisitions of 
Icon GEO in November 2021 and RailComm in March 2022, as 
well as a full year charge from the acquisition of Flash Forward 
Consulting in February 2021;

•  £1.5m share-based payment charges (2021: £1.3m);
•  £3.1m exceptional items (2021: £1.1m) representing: a net £1.8m 
increase in the assessed fair value of contingent consideration 
based on the future expectations of performance from previous 
acquisitions (2021: £0.3m) which principally relates to the expected 
performance from Bellvedi in the final year of its earnout; £0.8m 
unwinding of previously discounted contingent consideration 
balances in accordance with IFRS accounting standards 
(FY21: £0.7m); £0.6m of transaction costs associated with the 
acquisitions of Icon GEO (£0.2m) and RailComm (£0.4m) (2021: £0.1m 
relating to the acquisition of Flash Forward Consulting); and £0.1m 
impairment charge relating to an equity accounted investee 
(2021: £nil); partly offset by £0.2m credit relating to the fair value 
adjustment and subsequent gain on settlement of a financial 
liability (2021: £nil);

•  £0.1m net finance expense (2021: £0.1m); and
•  £0.6m charge (2021: £0.4m) relating to the share of the result 

of equity accounted investees.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 4% to 32.3 pence 
(2021: 30.9 pence). Statutory diluted earnings per share was 
5.0 pence (2021: 7.8 pence).

29

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcChief Financial Officer’s review continued

Free cash flow*

Adjusted EBITDA*

Changes in working capital

Other adjustments(1)

Cash generated from operations

Purchase of plant and equipment 
(net of proceeds from disposal)

Lease liability payments (net of lease 
receivable receipts)

Tax paid

Other(2)

Free cash flow*

Year
ended
31 July
2022
£000

14,161

(3,953)

(692)

9,516

Year 
ended 
31 July 
2021
£000

12,978

(1,963)

(175)

10,840

(1,006)

(312)

(1,389)

(1,334)

43

5,830

(1,228)

(1,417)

(40)

7,843

(1)   Includes cash outflows on exceptional items (see note 9.3) and profit on disposal of 

plant and equipment.

(2) Includes net interest received or paid and proceeds from exercise of share options.

The Group invested £9.1m in the acquisitions of Icon GEO and 
RailComm, net of cash acquired (2021: (£0.1m)) and there was a further 
outflow of £0.3m relating to deferred consideration for the prior year 
acquisition of Flash Forward Consulting (2021: £nil). Cash payments 
of £4.1m (2021: £0.4m) were made in the year relating to contingent 
consideration on the previous acquisitions of: Bellvedi, part of Rail 
Operations and Planning, £3.5m; Cash & Traffic Management Limited, 
part of Events, £0.3m; and Compass Informatics Limited, part of Data 
Analytics/GIS, £0.3m. £0.4m was paid to repurchase ‘A’ shares in 
Tracsis Rail Consultancy, as described below (2021: nil). Dividends 
paid to shareholders were £0.3m (2021: nil) and there was a £0.2m 
favourable impact from foreign exchange (2021: £0.1m adverse). 

As a result, total cash balances decreased by £8.2m to £17.2m. £2.2m 
of this is held in escrow following the acquisition of RailComm and 
will be payable during the year ending 31 July 2023 to satisfy any 
contingent consideration associated with this acquisition.

Acquisitions and other corporate activity
Icon GEO
On 3 November 2021 the Group acquired The Icon Group 
Limited (“Icon GEO”). Headquartered in Dublin, Icon GEO is an 
interdisciplinary geosciences business specialising in earth 
observation, geographical information systems, and spatial data 
analytics. The acquisition consideration comprised an initial cash 
payment of €2.2m (£1.9m) which was funded out of Tracsis cash 
reserves, a further cash payment to reflect the working capital 
position of the business (above a working capital hurdle) on 
completion totalling €2.2m (£1.9m) and the issue of 68,762 new 
ordinary shares in Tracsis plc to a value of €0.8m (£0.6m). Additional 
contingent consideration of up to €1.8m (£1.5m) is payable subject to 
Icon GEO achieving certain stretched financial targets in the three 
years post acquisition.

RailComm LLC & RailComm Associates Inc
The Group acquired RailComm LLC and its wholly owned subsidiary 
RailComm Associates Inc (together “RailComm”) on 11 March 2022. 
Headquartered in Fairport, New York, and established in 1999, 
RailComm provides mission-critical automation and control solutions 
that reduce costs, increase safety, and improve operational efficiency 
for rail passenger/freight operators and rail-served ports/industrials. 
The acquisition consideration comprised an initial cash payment 
of $11.5m (£8.8m) which was funded out of Tracsis cash reserves. 
Additional contingent consideration of up to $2.7m (£2.2m) is payable 
subject to RailComm achieving certain financial targets in the first full 
year post acquisition through to 31 March 2023. This cash is being 
held in escrow through that period.

Tracsis Rail Consultancy
In the previous financial year the Group acquired Flash Forward 
Consulting Limited. As part of the transaction the sellers were allotted 
10,225 “A” shares in Tracsis Rail Consultancy Limited. The “A” shares 
have full dividend and capital distribution rights attached but do not 
have any voting rights attached to them. “A” shares guarantee the 
holder a dividend each financial year. The fair value of this liability 
at 31 July 2021 was assessed as £590,000. On 17 June 2022 the 
Group acquired all of these “A” shares in return for a cash payment of 
£416,000. The fair value of the “A” shares at this date was £463,000. 
A fair value adjustment of £127,000 and a gain on purchase of £47,000 
have been recognised in exceptional items in the year. See note 9.3.

30

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Dividend
The Group remains committed to the progressive dividend policy 
that was adopted in 2012. In the financial year ended 31 July 2022, 
we have seen a strong recovery in activity levels in those parts 
of the Group most impacted by Covid-19, and we did not utilise 
the UK Government’s CJRS scheme. In this context the Board has 
recommended a final dividend of 1.1 pence per share. The final 
dividend, subject to shareholder approval at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting, will be paid on 10 February 2023 to shareholders 
on the register at the close of business on 27 January 2023. This will 
bring the total dividend for the year to 2.0 pence per share. 

Andy Kelly
Chief Financial Officer
8 November 2022

Contingent and deferred consideration
The Group has made several acquisitions over the past few years 
and carries contingent and deferred consideration payable in 
respect of them. These are carried at fair value, which is based on 
the estimated amounts payable according to the specific provisions 
of the terms of each transaction. The fair value of contingent and 
deferred consideration payable at 31 July 2022 was £9.9m (2021: 
£8.8m). The movement on contingent and deferred consideration is 
set out below:

At the start of the year

Arising on acquisition

Cash payment

Fair value adjustment to Statement of 
Comprehensive Income 

Unwind of discounting

Exchange adjustment

At the end of the year

2022
£000

8,801

2,832

(4,441)

1,792

802

140

9,926

2021
£000

7,334

878

(410)

327

672

—

8,801

The £1.8m fair value adjustment mainly relates to Bellvedi where the 
forecast performance for the business in the final year of its earnout 
period has increased following the new TRACS Enterprise contracts 
that have been won in the year.

The ageing profile of the remaining contingent and deferred 
consideration liabilities is as follows:

Payable in less than one year

Payable in more than one year 

Total

2022
£000

8,893

1,033

9,926

2021
£000

4,997

3,804

8,801

* 

 This report provides alternative performance measures (“APMs”) which are not defined or specified under the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), 

to improve the comparability of reporting between different periods. These metrics adjust for certain items which impact upon IFRS measures, to aid the user in understanding the 

activity taking place across the Group’s businesses. The largest components of the adjusting items, being depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments, and share of result of 

equity accounted investees, are “non-cash” items and are separately analysed to assist with the understanding of underlying trading. Share-based payments are adjusted to reflect the 

underlying performance of the Group as the fair value on issue is impacted by market volatility that does not correlate directly to trading performance. APMs are used by the Directors 

and management for performance analysis, planning, reporting and incentive purposes. See note 29 for a reconciliation of APMs to the closest equivalent IFRS measure.

31

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcDivisional review

Rail Technology & Services

Operations and Planning
Supplies a range of software products to passenger and freight 
operators that enable them to increase the efficiency of their 
operations and provide an enhanced experience for their customers. 
The product suite covers all aspects of transport operations including 
timetabling, resource and rolling stock planning & optimisation, 
real time performance and control, service recovery, incident 
management, retail services and asset management. Products 
include TRACS, ATTUne, Compass, and Retail & operations product 
suites. TRACS Enterprise is a high availability, cloud hosted, 
enterprise-wide modular planning and delivery system for passenger 
and freight operators providing a single source of information 
for all timetable, resource planning, work allocation and control 
decision support.

Digital Railway/Infrastructure
Remote Condition Monitoring (MPEC)
Provides hardware and software solutions that enable reactive, 
condition-based and predictive maintenance of critical infrastructure 
assets, improving their performance and life cycle. We are a leading 
provider of rail approved data loggers and sensors to monitor asset 
performance within level crossings, switch machines, track circuits, 
wiring and signalling systems. Supported by our own web-based 
Data Acquisition software platform, Centrix, we offer infrastructure 
owners a complete solution to deliver operational efficiencies.

Safety and Risk Management (OnTrac)
Supplies software solutions that allow infrastructure providers 
and maintainers to plan and deliver safe work on the railways 
by automating heavily regulated business processes, by enabling 
users to plan and execute work collaboratively, and by providing 
better quality and more visual information. Our flagship product 
RailHub is a digital platform with unique capabilities, including 
schematics on demand, live work site monitoring and digital 
sign-offs, that ensure work being carried out on or near the line is 
done so safely and productively. Accessible simultaneously across 
smartphones, tablets and desktops, our software solutions are part 
of the move to a more digital railway.

Customer Experience
Transit and Ticketing Solutions (iBlocks)
Provides smart ticketing solutions and bespoke software 
development of mission-critical back office solutions used by train 
operators and the Rail Delivery Group. smartTIS is a unique account-
based ticketing product already deployed on about 20% of the UK 
rail network that offers a flexible, multi-modal tap and travel system 
with a best fare guarantee. It is capable of performing the full cycle 
from token-agnostic tap capture through to fare generation, payment 

collection and revenue settlement. Capable of applying all rail fare 
types, railcard discounts, weekly capping and flexible ticketing, it is 
uniquely placed to facilitate the move towards a paperless, pay-as-
you-go smart ticketing environment.

Automated Delay Repay (iBlocks and TCS)
Provides automated delay repay claim assessment on the UK rail 
network for train operators, including claim decision, fulfilment and 
fraud detection.

RailComm Products and Solutions
Yard Automation
RailComm’s automation solutions improve the efficiency and safety 
of rail yard operations by enabling enhanced centralised control of 
complex operations and by automating safety-critical processes. 
Its solutions include:

•  remote control and routing: digital centralised control of switches 

and train routing to improve the efficiency of traffic moving through 
the yard and removing the need for workers to enter potentially 
dangerous track space;

•  blue flag and track protection: automation of processes to deliver 

enhanced safety outcomes for workers inspecting, maintaining and 
fuelling vehicles around the yard;

•  intelligent railcar yard inventory: a real-time automated inventory 
system to identify and follow the location of all locomotives and 
cars entering the yard; and

•  remote heater control: centralised control of switch heaters, snow 
melters and third-rail heaters to improve efficiency and reliability.

Computer-Aided Dispatching
RailComm’s dispatch system seamlessly integrates different train 
types and rulesets to optimise movement instructions, ensuring safe 
and efficient operations from a single system that fully supports all 
positive train control (“PTC”) enabled railroads. Its solutions include:

•  centralised traffic control: supports freight and passenger 

operations to ensure safe, accurate and efficient routing of rail 
traffic, as well as control and monitoring of trackside assets 
including signals, power devices, gates and bridges;

•  track warrant control and direct traffic control: dispatch system for 
operations without signal control, providing full conflict checking, 
automated data management, temporary speed restrictions, and 
track out of service alerts; and

•  digital track warrant: digital workflow for requesting and issuing 

track warrants.

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA* 

Profit Before Tax

£29.9m 

+13%

£9.8m 

+8%

£4.8m 

-3%

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

32

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

Core activities
Data Informatics
(Compass Informatics and Icon GEO)
Provides location-related technologies including geographical 
information systems (“GIS”) and Earth Observation, as well 
as analytics solutions and services, to assist government and 
commercial organisations to deliver more efficient operations, 
protect their assets and meet regulatory requirements. Application 
sectors are primarily regulated industries including transportation, 
utilities, environment and planning. The focus on location technology 
creates particularly valuable insights for planning transport services 
and assets, protecting and enhancing natural resources, and 
ensuring and facilitating regulatory compliance. Headquartered in 
Dublin, the business has a strong client base in Ireland and UK.

Transport Insights
(Tracsis Transport Consultancy)
Provides consultancy, training and technology-related professional 
services to support operational, commercial, customer service 
and strategic planning activities in rail, bus and the wider transport 
industry. Our unique offering combines sector-specific expertise 
with innovative bespoke software tool development and passenger 
analytics capabilities including access to the range of products and 
services offered across the Tracsis Group.

Traffic Data
Provides transport data collection and analysis for local authorities, 
transport planners and operators, highways authorities, and large 
engineering consultancies. Through the application of automatic 
data collection systems, video with machine learning AI, and manual 
survey methods, we provide temporary or permanent data collection 
in any traffic environment and for any class of traffic including motor 
vehicle type, cyclists and pedestrians. The insights we offer are 
deployed by industry-leading public and private sector clients to 
improve the flow of traffic and trade throughout the UK and Ireland.

Event Traffic Management
(SEP and CTM)
Delivers traffic management solutions and event admission control 
services for large, complex operations including cultural and sporting 
events, festivals, large retail sites and other ad hoc activities. We 
support our customers with all aspects of planning, control, signage, 
traffic management and car parking. Technologies such as Tracsis 
Live Technology (“TLT”) offer improved traffic monitoring and traffic 
flow in and out of major event venues.

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA* 

Profit Before Tax

£38.3m 

+63%

£4.4m 

+12%

£1.8m 

-4%

33

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcStakeholder engagement

Building strong relationships

Employees

Customers

Why we engage
The Group has a wide range of current 
and prospective customers across its 
divisions and business units. Regular 
contact is maintained through a variety 
of relationships at all levels throughout 
the organisation. The Group seeks to 
develop strong, long-term relationships 
with these customers to become trusted 
partners and innovators who can help 
them to address future challenges.

How we engage
•  Regular contact through business 
unit and Group management 
•  Attendance at industry events 

and tradeshows 

Outcomes
The Group mainly engages with its 
customers via a mix of face-to-face 
meetings, video and telephone calls, 
industry events, and email communication. 
We have a number of large projects that 
are ongoing at any point in time which 
require regular dialogue and close liaison 
with our customer base. Our products 
and services offer a compelling value 
case for our customers, and we have won 
several large, multi-year contracts across 
both divisions.

The Board made a conscious decision 
during the Covid-19 pandemic to protect 
the Events and Traffic Data businesses 
that were most impacted by a reduction 
in demand. This included protecting as 
many jobs as possible, and preserving 
the mix of skills and experience across 
our workforce. Activity levels in both 
markets returned to pre-pandemic levels 
through the year to 31 July 2022, and as 
a result of these actions we were able to 
quickly respond to our customers’ needs 
in order to meet this increase in demand.

Why we engage
The long-term success of the Group 
depends on the engagement and 
commitment of its employees. We strive to 
provide our people with opportunities for 
personal development, career progression, 
and a safe and inclusive working culture.

How we engage
•   Divisional and business unit 

line managers
•   Employee Training
•   Internal communications
•   Health & Safety reviews
•   Employee survey
Outcomes
Engagement occurs on both a formal 
and an ad-hoc basis throughout the 
year. The CEO and CFO make regular 
visits to our offices, enabling staff to 
engage and to ask questions in a more 
informal setting. The Board also rotate 
the location of their meetings around 
Tracsis operating locations. 

As part of a people strategy to ensure we 
have the capabilities and talent to deliver 
our growth ambition, we launched a 
‘OneTracsis’ leadership development 
scheme involving 100 managers and 
senior leaders. The CEO and CFO 
have attended modules of this training 
programme to update on strategy and 
Group performance.

The health and safety of all employees 
is a key priority. Health & Safety activities 
are co-ordinated centrally by the 
Group Health & Safety Manager and 
are reported to senior management on 
a monthly basis. During the year there 
were two RIDDOR reportable incidents, 
no serious injuries, and no fatalities.

We recognise that the increasing cost of 
energy, food and fuel is having a direct 
impact on our employees. To help support 
our people, the Board approved a one-off 
supplementary payment equivalent 
to £1,000 to all permanent employees 
(excluding senior management teams). This 
was pro-rated for part time employees, 
and locally equivalent schemes were 
implemented outside of the UK. These 
payments were made after 31 July 2022.

Section 172 statement
The Directors have acted in a way that 
they consider, in good faith, to be most 
likely to promote the long-term success 
of the Company and to deliver long-term 
shareholder value, while having regard 
for all individual stakeholders.

The Board and its Committees consider 
who its key stakeholders are, and the 
potential impact of decisions made 
on them, taking into account a wide 
range of factors including the impact 
on the Group’s operations and the likely 
consequences of decisions made in 
the long term.

The Directors promote a culture within 
Tracsis of treating everyone fairly 
and with respect and this extends to 
all principal stakeholders including 
shareholders, employees, consultants, 
suppliers, customers, and the 
communities where it is active.

The Group’s key stakeholders, material 
issues, and how the Board and the 
Group have engaged with them during 
the year are set out opposite.

34

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Suppliers

Communities

Investors

Why we engage
The majority of the Group’s costs are staff 
costs. In respect of external suppliers, 
the Group has a policy of treating all 
suppliers fairly and in accordance with 
high standards of business conduct 
and ethics.

How we engage
•  Regular contact through business unit 

and Group management
•  Supplier due diligence
•   Payment of suppliers in accordance 
with agreed terms and conditions

Outcomes
The Group’s payment terms are generally 
within 30 days of invoice, and we provide 
details of our payment practices twice a 
year. The July 2022 report indicated that 
the average time taken to pay invoices 
was 19 days and that 85% of invoices 
were paid within 30 days.

Why we engage
We see ourselves as part of the 
communities in which we live and 
work, and we are committed to ensuring 
that the Group’s operations, products 
and services positively contribute to 
these communities. 

How we engage
•   Individual businesses mainly maintain 
these relationships at a local level
•   Group volunteering & community 

outreach policy

Outcomes
We have a volunteer & community 
outreach policy that provides paid 
time off to enable and encourage our 
people to volunteer their time and skills 
to support community and charitable 
initiatives. We are encouraging each part 
of the Group to use this to take a more 
active role in their communities.

During the year the Group has 
formalised its ESG strategy and targets. 
These are described in more detail on 
pages 36 to 43.

Why we engage
The Board is committed to communicating 
openly with shareholders to ensure 
that its strategy and performance 
are understood. We provide them 
with reliable, timely and transparent 
information on a regular basis, in order 
that they can make informed decisions 
on their investment in our Company.

How we engage
•  Annual Report and Accounts
•  AGM
•   Group website
•   Investor roadshows and results 

presentations

•   Stock exchange announcements
•   Investor visits and ad hoc meetings
•   Engagement through the Group’s 

broker, finnCap Ltd

Outcomes
Responsibility for managing shareholder 
relationships rests with the CEO and 
CFO, with the support and assistance 
of the Company’s broker. Two investor 
roadshows were completed in the year, 
for the final results from the previous 
year and the interim results from the 
current year. Both were conducted 
through a mix of face-to-face meetings 
and video conference. These roadshows 
cover existing and potential new 
investors. On both occasions the Group 
also conducted an online presentation 
available for all holders and non-holders 
to attend. As part of the roadshow for 
the full year results for FY 21/22 the 
Group will also be participating in the 
MelloLondon investor conference.

The Group maintains regular contact 
with major shareholders and there 
were various ad hoc meetings 
throughout the year with both UK 
and overseas investors. A Rail 
Technology product demonstration day 
was held in October 2022 for institutional 
investors. The demonstration videos for 
the Group’s TRACS Enterprise, Remote 
Condition Monitoring, Smart Ticketing, 
and Safety and Risk Management rail 
technology products are available for all 
holders and non-holders to view on the 
Tracsis plc website.

35

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcSustainability is 
intrinsic to our 
purpose and our 
products

Our approach
Tracsis is fully committed to delivering sustainable growth that benefits 
the communities in which we, and our customers, operate. The Group’s 
products and services are well aligned with this vision, and support our 
customers in delivering positive environmental and social outcomes. 
This is achieved by maximising operating efficiency, improving health 
& safety performance, delivering enhanced customer experience, 
and providing expert consultancy on environmental and transport 
issues. Our growth strategy is focused in these areas.

The Group sees sustainability as a fundamental component of 
delivering long-term stakeholder value and of our employee 
proposition in order to attract and retain talent. This year we have 
formalised an environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) strategy 
that articulates our sustainability ambitions and provides a framework 
for delivering these. The execution of this strategy will embed ESG 

as a core component of our operating model.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”)
We have aligned our ESG strategy and ambitions to the United 
Nations SDGs. In reviewing this alignment we have considered the 
subindicators within each of the SDGs. Our products and services, 
as well as our own environmental ambitions, are aligned with SDG 
12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate 
Action. Our social ambitions and people strategy are aligned with 
SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 
5 Gender Equality, and SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth. 
Our products and services support our customers in delivering 
critical transport infrastructure that is aligned with SDG 9 Industry, 
Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11 Sustainable Cities 
and Communities.

Sustainability 

Tracsis is committed to 
delivering sustainable growth. 
This year we have formalised 
our sustainability strategy 
that articulates our ambitions 
and provides a framework for 
delivering these.
Chris Barnes
Chief Executive Officer

Our target is to be carbon neutral for scope 
1 and scope 2 emissions by

2030

36

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Tracsis sustainability framework

Our purpose
To empower the world to move freely, safely and sustainably

Our sustainability focus areas and ambition

Environment

Social

Governance

Enabling a zero carbon future

Helping people to prosper

An ethical and transparent business

How we achieve this

Through how we operate
An operating model that delivers positive outcomes for our 
people, our communities and our environment

Through our products and services
Enabling our customers to achieve their sustainability goals 
through our products and services

Corporate governance and compliance underpinning product and service quality

Our sustainability goals

Environment

Social

Governance

Sustainability ambitions
We see reducing carbon emissions 
as the area in which Tracsis can 
deliver the most material positive 
environmental impact.

Tracsis operating model
We are focused on reducing the 
carbon emissions from Tracsis’ 
operations:
Our target is to be carbon neutral for 
scope 1 and 2 emissions across Tracsis 
operations by 2030

Tracsis products and services
We envisage a zero carbon 
energy efficient transport future
Our products and services enable this 
by improving transport effectiveness 
and efficiency

Sustainability ambitions
We want to ensure Tracsis has  
a positive impact on the people who 
work for us, and on the communities 
where we operate.

Tracsis operating model
We want to provide our employees 
with meaningful, rewarding and 
sustainable employment:
•  ensuring they are safe and protected 

from harm in the workplace;
•  creating a diverse and positive 

culture, with progression based on 
merit and capability;

•  equal pay for equal work, and fairly 

rewarding success;

•  providing training and development 
for all employees through formal 
programmes; and

•  identifying potential and supporting 

career progression.

Tracsis products and services
We want to deliver a positive social 
impact on society at large:
•  supporting our customers to deliver 
positive social impacts through 
the application of our products 
and services;

•  delivering improved health and safety 
outcomes for our customers through 
our Rail Technology products; and
•  Tracsis operations having a positive 
impact in the communities where 
we operate.

Sustainability ambitions
Our ambition is to be a successful, 
innovative and sustainable business 
that delivers long-term value and 
is accountable for its actions and 
behaviour.

Tracsis operating model 
Effective and transparent 
stakeholder engagement

Tracsis products and services
Managing sustainable value 
throughout the Company

37

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcSustainability continued

Environmental reporting
Our commitment to net zero
We are committed to environmental sustainability. We see enabling a net zero carbon future as the area in which Tracsis can make the most 
positive environmental impact – both in terms of our own operating model and through our products and services supporting our customers to 
achieve a net zero carbon transport future.

Our target for Tracsis operations is to be carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. We feel that this ambitious target will provide a 
focus for our activities.

Aim

Carbon neutral  
(Scope 1 and 2)

Metric
Tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide emissions, tCO2e

2030 target

Zero

Environment

Fleet electrification 
(owned and hired for operations)

Number of Electric Vehicles / Total Number of Vehicles

100% renewable energy supply

% kWh of renewable electricity supply (Scope 2)

100%

100%

As shown in the chart below over 70% of the Group’s carbon emissions are generated from its vehicle fleet which is primarily in the Events 
and Traffic Data businesses. Our primary focus to achieve our carbon neutral goal is therefore on achieving 100% electrification of this fleet. 
This involves iterating our operating model to progressively increase the utilisation of full electric vehicles. In the near term we will also 
seek smarter deployment of hybrid vehicles as part of this transition. Alongside this we are committed to ensuring that 100% of the Group’s 
electricity supply is from renewable sources.

Tracsis Group – total CO2 emissions for the year ended 31 July 2022 (%)

4

9

13

74+

74

 Scope 1 (vehicle emissions)

 Scope 1 (other)

 Scope 2 (purchased electricity)

 Scope 3 (business travel)

Our focus on carbon does not mean we are not also committed to delivering other positive environmental outcomes. For example we have  
a waste management policy to reduce the amount of waste the Group produces, and to increase the amount of reuse and recycling of  
waste materials.

Supporting our clients’ net zero ambitions
Our Rail Technology products support our clients to deliver more efficient and more reliable rail transport services, with an improved customer 
experience. We see increasing rail transport usage as an integral part of delivering a net zero transport future. Achieving this requires the 
digital transformation of the rail industry. As shown by the chart below rail travel is a significantly lower carbon intensity form of transport versus 
air and car (less than 5% of CO2 emissions of air travel, and less than 15% of car travel).

Carbon emissions per mode of travel, grams of CO2 per passenger mile

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Train

Source: European Environment Agency

Air

Car

38

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 20224
+
+
9
+
+
13
+
+
K
Travel trends across modes since 2002
The table below shows that rail travel has been taking share from other modes of transport since 2002.

 Trips per person per year

 Since 2002

 Miles per person per year

 Since 2002

 Miles per person per year

 Since 2002

21

+58%

625

+43%

29

+56%

50

-22%

231

-16%

30

-15%

580

-14%

5,009

-14%

212

-10%

250

-5%

205

-1%

70

-4%

Source: Department for Transport
Energy consumption and emissions data
We recognise the impact that greenhouse gas emissions have on our environment, and we are committed to reducing our emissions. As such 
we are no longer applying the usage exemption and therefore we are reporting for the first time the Group’s energy consumption and emissions 
in accordance with the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements. We are reporting our two Divisions separately due to 
the different consumption profiles. 

Energy consumption used to calculate emissions: /kWh

4,188,923

327,106

338,350

4,177,679

Current reporting year (to 31 July 2022)

Emissions by division year (to 31 July 2022)

UK and offshore

Global
(excluding UK 
and offshore)

Rail Technology  
& Services

Data, Analytics,  
Consultancy & Events

Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned/controlled operations

Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the use of electricity

Scope 3: Emissions from sources that we do not own

Total emissions

Intensity ratio: total gross tCO2e (as above)/£100,000 revenue
Methodology

782

73

126

981

1.72

44

18

17

79

0.63

10

39

16

65

0.22

817

52

126

995

2.56

Reporting (and the organisational boundary to which it applies) uses the Control Approach as defined in the GHG Protocol Corporate 
Standard (Revised). BEIS-DEFRA 2022 Conversion Factors are used for UK emissions and SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) 
2021 Conversion Factors are used for Ireland. US figures use the 2007 IPCC Fourth Assessment Conversion Factors (to be consistent with 
the BEIS-DEFRA 2022 conversion factors which are based on the 2007 IPCC Fourth Assessment figures).

Scope 1 Emissions: Emissions from combustion of gas are based on kWh consumption. Emissions from combustion of fuel for transport 
purposes are based on litres of purchased fuel (converted to kWh for the energy consumption calculation above using BEIS-DEFRA 2022 
Conversion Factor ratios). 

Scope 2 Emissions: Emissions for location-based Purchased Electricity are based on kWh consumption. Owing to the nature of the events 
industry, it has not been possible to produce carbon emission figures for remote event sites where event organisers provide electricity 
supply to temporary cabins, so these emissions are excluded.

For Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the primary sources of data are invoices and service reports. Missing data points have been estimated based on 
available data for the same business location or, in one case where no data was available from the landlord, an analysis of locations with similar 
operational profiles. Where estimated data suggests a range of possible values, as opposed to a single reasonable value, the higher value of 
the range has been used to give the higher value of carbon emissions.

Scope 3 Emissions: Emissions from business travel in rental cars or employee-owned vehicles where the company is responsible for purchasing 
the fuel are based on mileage from expense claim data or, where unavailable, maximum estimated mileage for each business given the 
nature of its operations.

39

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcSustainability continued

Events going green

Our Events business has started the journey to vehicle fleet electrification and is learning how to adapt 
and best utilise electric vehicles in day to day operations:

•  they are using green energy to charge an emerging fleet of electric vehicles where possible;
•  have introduced e-bikes at some large events venues to quickly and efficiently move staff 

around; and

•  are offering their insights to scale-up this approach to other Group businesses who operate 

vehicle fleets.

This work represents the start of our transition to a full hybrid/electric vehicle fleet in line with the 
Group’s strategy. 

Photovoltaic panels are powering the Events head office, as well as charging operational equipment 
such as e-bikes, two way radios and where possible electric vehicles etc. 

Green initiatives have moved to the forefront of our business leaders thoughts, and are positively 
influencing our business strategies, generating momentum and encouraging pragmatic solutions 
to reduce carbon emissions.

Social reporting
Ensuring that Tracsis has a positive impact on the people who work for us, and across society at large including the communities where we and 
our customers operate, is fundamental to our ambition to deliver sustainable growth and long-term stakeholder value. Our strategy is focused 
on four key areas.

Health & safety
Ensuring our people are safe and protected from harm in the workplace is a key priority and the Board are committed to driving a strong safety 
culture throughout the Group. Our 2030 target is for zero lost time injuries. The Group Health and Safety Manager is responsible for oversight 
of all safety issues and provides a report to the Executive Management Team on a monthly basis. This report covers the details of any health & 
safety related incidents including near misses, and mitigating actions being taken to ensure these are not repeated. During the financial year 
ended 31 July there were two RIDDOR reportable incidents, no serious injuries, and no fatalities. 

Employee engagement
The Group is focused on offering a compelling proposition to current and future employees, in order to retain and attract the best talent. A key 
component of this is regular and meaningful engagement with our employees from all parts of the Group. Communication occurs on both a 
formal and an ad hoc basis throughout the year. The CEO and CFO provide regular updates to senior leaders throughout the business to keep 
them informed of what is happening across the wider Group. They also make regular visits to our offices which provide opportunities for all 
staff to engage with them and to ask questions in a more informal setting. The Board have also started to rotate the location of their meetings 
around Tracsis operating locations, which provides further opportunity for engagement with our employees. 

In September 2022 the Group undertook its first employee survey, to better understand how we could improve our employee proposition. 
The results of this are being evaluated, and will be discussed with our teams to ensure that opportunities for improvement are fully understood 
and are implemented. 60% of employees completed the survey. We will repeat this exercise on a regular basis going forward and will work 
to ensure we maximise the number of employees participating in the survey.

40

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Training, development and opportunities
We consider our employees to be some of the best in the sector and we strive to provide them with a rewarding working environment, 
providing opportunities for personal development, career progression, and an inclusive and open culture. The Group hired a Director of 
People in July 2021 who has developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure that we have the processes, learning & development frameworks, 
and robust succession plans in place to continue to offer a compelling proposition to current and future employees, and to ensure we have the 
capabilities and talent to deliver our growth strategy. 

As part of this, the Group launched a “OneTracsis” leadership development scheme with 100 managers and senior leaders enrolled on an 
18-month programme that will also promote collaboration and innovation across the Group. The CEO and CFO have attended modules of 
this training programme to update on strategy and Group performance.

The one-to-one session and subsequent 
follow-ups have been excellent… they 
deal with the things that directly relate 
to my role.

I have enjoyed meeting colleagues 
from other teams… it has broadened 
my thinking beyond my actual 
business group.

We are committed to ensuring there is equal opportunity for 
employment and progression across the Group, based solely on 
merit and performance, and supported by an inclusive and open 
culture. We have created an employee-led equality, diversity and 
inclusion forum to drive further improvements and awareness in 
these areas. One key outcome from this has been the roll-out of 
“Tracsis Talks”. These are lunchtime sessions covering a range of 
employee-generated topics that are open to all employees and 
enable knowledge sharing and an open forum for discussion and 
sharing of ideas and experiences. Topics covered in the year include 
LGBT+ and mental health awareness.

41

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcSustainability continued

Governance
The Tracsis Board provides oversight and has overall responsibility for the Group’s sustainability performance. It sets the targets for the Group 
and monitors progress on delivering these.

The Group has established a Sustainability Committee responsible for implementing a strategy to deliver these targets. Its remit also includes 
developing ESG policies, providing oversight of ESG initiatives, and ensuring compliance with relevant legal and regulatory matters. The ESG 
Committee is chaired by the Group Chief Executive, Chris Barnes, and comprises senior executives from a number of functional disciplines.

The ESG Committee works with the leadership teams of our divisions and operating units to implement the Group’s sustainability strategy. 
These activities range from Group-wide implementation of policies to initiatives delivered at a site level or by individual employees. More 
complex workstreams that require cross-divisional co-ordination are overseen by the Group Quality and Risk Director. The risk assurance team 
are also responsible for the measurement of performance and KPIs.

We recognise the increasing importance of sustainability to our stakeholders, including our employees. In order to ensure that the Group’s 
strategy addresses those issues that are most meaningful to its people, it has established an ESG working group with representation from a 
diverse range of employees across the Group and at different levels of the organisation. This working group makes recommendations to the 
ESG Committee on initiatives, policies and areas of focus, and is empowered to help deliver the sustainability strategy.

How sustainability is managed in Tracsis

Risk assurance
KPls and reporting

Tracsis Board
Sets objectives  
and monitors performance

Tracsis 
Sustainability Committee
Implements strategy to 
achieve objectives 
Sets Group-wide policies  
Ensures compliance with regulations

Divisional leadership
Executes strategy 
Implements policies

Employee-led initiatives
Identify what is most important 
and meaningful to our teams 
and communities 
Execute strategy

42

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Sustainability - Risk/TCFD
The recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) provide a framework for consistent disclosure of 
climate-related information. We support the TCFD disclosures and are taking steps to be fully compliant for financial year 2022-23 reporting. 
The key actions to achieve this are focused around extending our analysis of the impact of climate-related risks on the Group’s strategy. 
Our approach and the next steps of our journey towards meeting the TCFD recommendations in full are summarised below.

Governance
Our approach
Climate-related risks and opportunities are managed within the Group’s established risk management model which is overseen by a Group 
Risk Oversight Committee (GROC) chaired by the Chief Executive Officer. The GROC reports formally to the Tracsis Board at least twice a year.

During the last 12 months the GROC has overseen modifications on the risk model, to ensure that it captures climate related risks and opportunities. 

Future focus
Continued engagement between the Board and the GROC on climate-related matters

Strategy
Our approach
Our purpose – to empower the world to move freely, safely and sustainably – is aligned with the UK Government target to achieve net zero 
carbon emissions by 2050. We contribute to achieving this both through our own sustainability goals and by delivering products and services 
that help our customers to deliver positive sustainability outcomes. 

Our growth strategy is outlined on pages 14 and 15. As we progress to full TCFD compliance we will conduct a detailed risk mapping exercise 
to assess the potential impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on our strategy.

Future focus
Undertake a climate-related scenario analysis exercise to assess the resilience of our growth strategy against climate-related risks

Execute a carbon reduction plan to achieve the sustainability goals for Tracsis’ own operations as outlined on page 38.

Risk Management
Our approach
The assessment and management of climate-related risks is integrated into our groupwide approach to risk management as overseen by the 
GROC. Climate change is a principal risk category associated with this approach. An analysis of all principal risk categories, including climate 
change, is presented to the Board at least twice a year.

Future focus
Undertake a targeted analysis of the risk areas identified for further exploration

Metrics and Targets
Our approach
Our ambition is to be carbon neutral for scope 1 and 2 emissions across our global operations by 2030. 

Progress in the year
We disclose our greenhouse gas emissions on page 39.

Future focus
Formalise a carbon reduction plan to achieve our carbon neutral ambition

43

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcRisk management

Improving the way we manage our risks

The Group continues to grow rapidly including through acquisition, which brings 
additional challenges for managing risk. We have implemented a risk management 
model to systematically capture and evaluate risk at both the operating business and the 
Group level. The key risks facing the Group are reviewed by the Board on a regular basis.

The key risks currently facing the Group, and a summary of the mitigation measures 
in place, are set out below:

Project delivery

The Group has several significant contracts with major UK Train Operating Companies and infrastructure providers which contain a 
number of deadlines for implementation, in accordance with the contractual requirements and timeframes. The scale and complexity 
of these projects require careful management to ensure delivery. Certain events within the Data, Analytics, Consultancy and Events 
division are significant and require large staff deployments and delivery.

Area of Group impacted
1.  Rail Technology & Services
2.  Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

Change in the year 
Increased in Rail Technology & Services due to additional 
contracts secured.

Mitigation
The Group continues to deploy an extensive delivery team and 
works with clients to establish a programme and project plan 
to ensure that deliverables can be achieved. Best practice is 
shared across the operating businesses and is co-ordinated 
from the Group centre where appropriate. As part of its activities 
to further integrate the Group’s operating model, a Group-wide 
project management office (“PMO”) is being implemented 
that will oversee standardisation of programme and project 
management capabilities around best practice. Event-related 
work is subject to significant advance planning.

Rail industry structure changes

The Group continues to derive a significant proportion of its revenue from the UK rail industry. The Williams-Shapps Plan for UK Rail 
was published in May 2021 outlining the UK Government’s plans for reforming and restructuring the UK rail industry. Legislation to 
enact this has yet to be passed. A future Government may introduce further changes.

Area of Group impacted
1.  Rail Technology & Services

Mitigation
Several of the Group’s products and services are expected to 
still be required regardless of any changes to the structure of 
the industry as they have a clear value proposition and return 
on investment. These products and services are predominantly 
focused on improving the efficiency, health and safety, and 
customer experience on the UK railway, which are all well 
aligned with the strategic goals of the Williams-Shapps Plan for 

UK Rail. In some parts of the Group there is a risk that competitor 
products could be adopted as an industry-wide solution.

The acquisition of RailComm in the year gives the Group direct 
access to the large and growing North American rail market. 
This will progressively diversify our Rail Technology & Services 
revenue exposure to the UK rail industry.

Change in the year 
No change in the year.

44

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Competition

The success of the Group could lead to increased competition, in particular in Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events where our 
products and services can be more easily replicated. The Group has a wide range of product and service offerings and some are 
more exposed to competition than others. 

Area of Group impacted
1.  Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events
2.  Rail Technology & Services

Mitigation
The Group pays close attention to pricing and customer 
satisfaction for areas subject to the most competition and 

seeks to be competitively priced where possible. The Group 
attempts to ensure its products and services have a clear 
value proposition and return on investment, and seeks to build 
long-term customer relationships that reduce the exposure 
to potential new entrants. 

Change in the year 
No change in the year.

Cyber security incident

A malicious cyber-attack or security breach on the Group’s IT systems. National Cyber Security Centre (“NCSC”) information and 
guidance to UK businesses indicate that such an incident should attract a high probability rating. Any such incident could disrupt 
business continuity or impact contracted delivery requirements.

Area of Group impacted
All parts of the Group

Mitigation
ISO 27001 certification has been achieved during the year 
for certain parts of the Group. All of our Rail Technology 
& Services businesses now have this certification. Cyber 
Essentials certification has been maintained as a baseline for 
the remainder of the Group. The Group’s outsourced IT services 
provider manages some elements of operational risk within the 
framework required by ISO 27001.

The Group has a Quality and Risk Director who also fulfils a 
defined information security role. Business continuity plans 
are in place, tested and maturing as a result of implementing 
ISO 27001. A Group-wide integrated IT strategy is in the process 
of being implemented.

Change in the year 
Increased. The National Cyber Security Centre (“NCSC”) 
highlighted an increased threat associated with the situation 
in Ukraine.

Downturn or instability in major markets

The Group derives revenues directly and indirectly from the UK and Irish Governments, and would be significantly impacted if these 
public funding streams were reduced as a result of spending reviews or a change in Government.

Area of Group impacted
1.  Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events
2.  Rail Technology & Services

Mitigation
As the Group grows and diversifies its revenue streams, the 
exposure to Government spending should reduce. It will always 
be a risk for parts of the Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events 
division due to the nature of its customer base. For the Rail 
Technology & Services division, the Group seeks to ensure that its 
offerings have a clear return on investment and value proposition, 

to ensure demand remains high. The RailComm acquisition in 
the US provides some further geographic diversification.

The Group has shown previously during Covid-19 that it 
can respond to broad economic pressures and has strong 
management processes.

Change in the year 
Increased due to macroeconomic factors including the situation 
in Ukraine and increasing inflation and cost of living in the UK 
and Ireland.

45

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcRisk management continued

Reliance on certain key customers 

The Group has a large number of customers but derives a significant amount 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. There is therefore some exposure to the largest customer’s funding cycles and procurement processes. In addition, 
the Group’s Data, Analytics, Consultancy and Events division operates under a number of Framework Agreements with one large 
customer from whom a significant amount of revenue is obtained. Across the Group, there are a number of key customers which 
contribute to large amounts of revenue. 

Change in the year 
No change in the year.

Total revenues from the Group’s largest customer were 12% 
of Group revenue (2021: 17%).

Area of Group impacted
1.  Rail Technology & Services
2.  Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

Mitigation
As the Group continues to grow both organically and by 
acquisition, the exposure to and reliance on any one customer 
will reduce, relative to total Group revenue. Although there will 
always be an exposure to certain key customers, it manages 
this risk by managing customer requirements proactively to 
understand their needs and respond to them to ensure that 
its products and services are embedded with the customer 
as much as possible.

Attraction and retention of key employees 

The Board believes that the long-term success of the Group depends on the engagement and commitment of its employees. 
The Group has a number of key individuals, plus a wide and diverse workforce. Skills and expertise in the Group’s key markets 
are specialist and can be difficult to find or develop, and so growth of the business may be impacted should key individuals leave 
employment, or if the business is unable to attract, recruit and develop staff for its growth plans. 

Area of Group impacted
All parts of the Group

Change in the year 
No change in the year.

Mitigation
The Group seeks to offer competitive remuneration packages, 
and also offers various share incentive schemes to staff in order 
to attract and retain good calibre employees. The Group seeks 
to provide career development opportunities in order to offer 
staff with the chance to progress within the business. The Group 
Director of People is implementing a comprehensive people 
strategy to ensure the Group attracts and retains the skills and 
capabilities required to deliver our growth strategy.

46

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Technological changes 

The Group has a variety of product and service offerings which may be threatened should competitors or other new market entrants 
develop rival technology that offers more effective ways of doing things.

Area of Group impacted
1.  Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events
2.  Rail Technology & Services

Mitigation
The Group continues to invest in its technology product 
development to ensure that its products remain up to date and 
also relevant to the customer base. 

they remain relevant. Some of the Group’s offerings continue 
to be protected by customer relationships, Framework 
Agreements and contractual terms, and also a barrier to 
entry is the significant development costs required to enter 
the market, which provides some protection. The Group’s 
evolving “Innovation Hub” provides a forum for cross-divisional 
collaboration to help identify opportunities and drive future 
product development.

It also receives feedback from its clients about their 
requirements from the products which helps to ensure that 

Change in the year 
No change in the year.

Health and safety

The Group has a large number of employees operating at a variety of temporary and permanent locations across the UK, Ireland and 
North America. Some employees fulfill established high-risk and safety critical worker roles.

Area of Group impacted
1.  Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events
2.  Rail Technology & Services

Mitigation
Dedicated Group-led health and safety team trained to IOSH 
and NEBOSH standards, as well as 24/7 access to external 
health and safety consultancy support, retained by contract.

Structured health and safety processes, policies and procedures 
are in place, led by a dedicated and appropriately trained health 
and safety team.

Dashcams and tracker devices have been installed in white 
fleets, whilst an external provider manages driver risk, licence 
and competence checks. On-site risk-based internal assurance 
activity is provided by dedicated Group resource. 

All work activity is assessed for risk and subject to a documented 
safe system of work.

Change in the year 
Increased in year due to a strong post-Covid recovery in activity 
levels in Events and Traffic Data.

47

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcRisk management continued

Customer pricing pressure

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

Area of Group impacted
1.  Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events
2.  Rail Technology & Services

Change in the year 
No change in the year.

Mitigation
The Group seeks to operate a lean organisation structure in 
order to mitigate pricing pressure, and ensures that its cost base 
operates efficiently and effectively. Pricing for large tenders and 
enquiries is reviewed at Group level prior to commitment. 

The Group is committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and 
offering a compelling return on investment for its products with 
a clear long-term value proposition to our customers.

Brand reputation

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

Area of Group impacted
1.  Rail Technology & Services
2.  Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

Mitigation
There is a broad range of preventative measures in place 
across the Group that contribute to reducing this risk, 
including: environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) 
policies, principles and ethos; structured risk management 
processes; internal reporting mechanisms; embedded health 
and safety policy, processes and culture; and an internal 
compliance function.

As part of its corporate governance, 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. Trained and qualified staff are in 
key appointments, and there is an internal incident reporting 
mechanism and structured risk management model.

Change in the year 
No change in the year.

Regulatory breach 

Deviation from regulatory compliance leading to a fine or sanction of enforcement order imposed on the business by a Court or 
regulatory body (including but not limited to FCA, HSE, ICO, etc.). Any security incident leading to a data breach could undermine 
trust and confidence in the Group’s ability to meet the requirements of the privacy regulatory environment.

Area of Group impacted
All parts of the Group

Mitigation
Effective Group-level corporate governance 
mechanisms exercised.

Directors briefed on AIM Rules in conjunction with nominated 
adviser, and regular dialogue maintained with our broker 
finnCap throughout the year.

Group controlled Privacy Programme in place designed 
to demonstrate regulatory compliance. The programme is 
benchmarked against the International Association of Privacy 
Professionals (“IAPP”), and the Certified Information Privacy 
Managers (“CIPM”) principles and doctrine.

Appointed PECB trained and certified Data Protection Officer to 
provide guidance, advice and support. Established an effective 
health and safety management team, policy and processes. 

Change in the year 
No change in the year.

48

Tracsis plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Integration risk 

The Group made two acquisitions in the year, including its first in North America, and has further M&A as a core part of its growth 
strategy. It plans to integrate each acquired business to deliver synergies and ensure compliance with all required governance 
policies and procedures.

Area of Group impacted
1.  Rail Technology & Services
2.  Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

A senior member of the UK leadership team has relocated to the 
US in order to oversee integration activities and execution of 
our growth strategy.

Mitigation
Comprehensive due diligence processes are undertaken 
prior to acquisition. 

Change in the year 
No change in the year.

A Group-controlled integration plan is developed for each 
acquisition, under the direction of the Group Operations 
Director, linked to the mitigation of risk and delivering synergies 
and growth.

Climate change

The challenges presented by climate change may have implications on our operations and business model, and those of our customers.

There is a risk that our financial performance could be adversely impacted by physical risks to people and assets that result from 
a projected increase in the frequency of natural disasters caused by climate change, and the impact of gradual changes such as 
increasing temperatures.

We are committed to achieving a carbon neutral target for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for our own operations by 2030. Achieving 
this may necessitate investment in new equipment and working practices which could result in an increase in the cost base. Other costs 
may also increase as a result of climate change, including insurance and the cost of meeting regulatory and reporting requirements.

Area of Group impacted
All parts of the Group.

Change in the year 
New in the year.

Mitigation
The Group has established a clear sustainability strategy, 
supported by a robust governance model and ESG policies. 
An ISO 14001 compliant environmental management system 
is being implemented. We are in the process of developing 
a carbon reduction plan in order to achieve our carbon target 
for Tracsis operations.

The strategic report has been approved by the Board of Directors and signed on their behalf.

Andy Kelly
Director, Tracsis plc
Nexus  
Discovery Way  
Leeds  
United Kingdom  
LS2 3AA 

49

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual Report and Accounts 2022 Tracsis plcGovernance

Board of Directors

Executive directors and 
Non-Executive directors

Key

R

N

A

Remuneration Committee

Nomination Committee

Audit Committee

Chair of Committee

Chris Barnes
Chief Executive Officer

Chris was appointed as Chief 
Executive Officer on 1 May 2019. 
Prior to joining Tracsis, Chris 
was Managing Director of 
Ricardo UK Limited’s automotive 
consulting division, and had 
previously held a number of 
senior roles within Ricardo 
plc. Before joining Ricardo he 
held positions at Ford Motor 
Company and at A.T. Kearney. 
Chris has a Master’s degree 
in Engineering, Economics 
and Management from the 
University of Oxford and 
is an alumnus of Harvard 
Business School.

Andy Kelly
Chief Financial Officer

Andy was appointed as 
Chief Financial Officer on 
1 February 2021. Prior to joining 
Tracsis he spent eight years at 
Videndum plc in a number of 
senior roles including Group 
Financial Controller and 
Divisional Finance Director. 
Before joining Videndum he 
held positions in finance and 
strategy at Anglo American plc 
and Carphone Warehouse plc. 
Andy is a Chartered Accountant, 
having qualified with Deloitte, 
and holds a first class degree 
in Natural Sciences from the 
University of Cambridge.

Chris Cole
Independent  
Non-Executive Chair

N

Chris is Non-Executive 
Chairman of WSP Global 
Inc. (listed on the Toronto 
Stock Exchange), a leading 
global engineering and 
environmental consultancy. 
Chris held the post of Chief 
Executive Officer at WSP 
between 1987 and 2012. The 
company now has revenues 
approaching C$10bn and 
employs 70,000 people 
worldwide. Chris is also 
Non-Executive Chairman of 
Applus (listed on the Madrid 
Stock Exchange), a leading 
global testing, inspection and 
certification company that 
employs 20,000 people. He is 
a Chartered Engineer and has 
worked in the public company 
environment for more than 
30 years, including the past 
chairmanship of Ashtead 
Group plc. 

50

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Lisa Charles-Jones
Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Liz Richards
Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Dr James Routh
Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Jill Easterbrook
Independent 
Non-Executive Director

R   A   N

R   A   N

R   A   N

R   A   N

Lisa is currently HR Director 
for Parkdean Resorts. She 
is an 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. Lisa is 
also a Trustee for the Percy 
Hedley Foundation. She is 
a member of the Chartered 
Institute of Personnel and 
Development and holds an 
MBA from the University of 
Durham. Lisa will be stepping 
down from the Board on 
31 December 2022, and will 
be succeeded as Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee by 
Jill Easterbrook at this date.

Liz is a highly experienced 
executive and non-executive 
director with a career 
spanning the financial 
services, data and software 
sectors. She was previously 
Chief Financial Officer of 
CallCredit (now Transunion), 
a successful consumer data 
business where, as a founder 
member, she oversaw its rapid 
growth from start-up in 2000 
to a £150m revenue business 
by 2015. Liz currently also 
holds Non-Executive Director 
and Audit Committee Chair 
positions at both LINK Scheme 
Ltd and dotdigital plc, as 
well as two pro bono roles – 
Governor and Chair of Audit 
for Leeds Trinity University 
and Trustee and Chair of 
Finance and Investment for 
Yorkshire Cancer Research.

James was appointed to the 
Board on 29 September 2021. 
He is currently Chief Executive 
Officer of AB Dynamics plc, 
having held the position since 
2018. Prior to this he was Group 
Managing Director at FTSE 250 
listed Diploma PLC for six years 
where he delivered a series 
of successful international 
acquisitions. His previous 
career involved leadership 
positions predominantly in 
the aerospace and defence 
industry, including senior roles 
at Chemring Group PLC and 
Cobham PLC. James holds a 
PhD in Engineering and is a 
Chartered Mechanical Engineer 
and Fellow of the Institution of 
Mechanical Engineers.

Jill was appointed to the Board 
on 5 October 2022. She is 
also Non-Executive Chair 
of Headland Consultancy 
and is a Non-Executive 
Director on the boards of 
Auto Trader Group plc, 
Ashtead Group plc and UP 
Global Sourcing Holdings 
plc. She was previously 
Chief Executive Officer 
of Boden. This followed a 
15-year career in a variety 
of senior management roles 
at Tesco plc, where she was 
a member of the Executive 
Committee. Jill will succeed 
Lisa Charles-Jones as Chair of 
the Remuneration Committee 
on 31 December 2022.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

51

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportCorporate governance report

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 Companies 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. Further details of the Group’s compliance 
with the QCA Code can be found on the Group’s website 
https://www.tracsis.com/investors/corporate-governance.

The Board
There are currently seven Board members, comprising two Executive 
Directors and five Non-Executive Directors. Lisa Charles-Jones 
will step down from the Board on 31 December 2022. 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 pages 50 and 51. 
The Directors each have diverse backgrounds and a wide range of 
experience is available to the Group. The Board meets ten times a 
year 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 56. 
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 (“AGM”). It also requires 
any person who has been appointed as a Director by the Board 
since the date of the Company’s last AGM to retire at the next AGM 
following their appointment. Lisa Charles-Jones has informed the 
Board of her intention to step down with effect from 31 December 
2022. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Company’s Articles 
of Association, the Board has determined that all of the remaining 
Directors shall retire from office at the forthcoming AGM in line 
with the best practice recommendations of the Financial Reporting 
Council’s UK Corporate Governance Code. Each of the Directors 
intends to stand for re-appointment by the shareholders.

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 
video conference. The Company Secretary records attendance at all 
Board meetings including where attendance is by video conference.

Board
meetings
total/poss

Nomination
Committee
meetings

Remuneration
Committee
meetings

Audit
Committee
meetings

Chris Barnes

Andy Kelly

Chris Cole

Lisa Charles-Jones

Liz Richards

James Routh

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

9/9

—

—

1/1

1/1

1/1

—

—

—

2/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

3/3

2/3

3/3

3/3

In addition to the scheduled Board meetings detailed above, ad 
hoc calls took place in the year relating to various financial and 
transactional decisions.

Independence of Non-Executive Directors
The Directors consider all Non-Executive Directors to be independent. 

Board Committees
Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee comprises Chris Cole as Chair, 
Lisa Charles-Jones (until 31 December 2022), Liz Richards, James 
Routh and Jill Easterbrook (from 5 October 2022). The Committee’s 
primary responsibilities are to make recommendations to the Directors 
on all new appointments of Directors and senior management, 
to interviewing nominees, to take up references and to consider 
related matters. 

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises Lisa Charles-Jones 
as Chair (until 31 December 2022), Liz Richards, James Routh and 
Jill Easterbrook. Chris Cole is an attendee. The Committee’s primary 
responsibilities are to review the incentive and reward packages 
for the Chairman, Executive Directors and senior executives to 
ensure that they are aligned with the Group’s strategic objectives 
and financial performance, and are appropriate to attract, retain and 
motivate management behaviour in support of the Company’s culture 
and beliefs and the long-term sustainable creation of shareholder 
value. Jill Easterbrook will succeed Lisa Charles-Jones as Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee on 31 December 2022.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises Liz Richards as Chair, Lisa Charles-Jones 
(until 31 December 2022), James Routh and Jill Easterbrook (from 
5 October 2022). Chris Cole is an 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, £5,000 was paid to Grant Thornton UK LLP 
in respect of non-audit work (2021: £5,000). This non-audit work 
comprised the review of the half-yearly financial statements.

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. 

52

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

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 Chief Executive’s 
Statement includes 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 ongoing 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 at least twelve months from 
the signing of the financial statements in operational existence and 
have therefore adopted the going concern basis in preparing the 
accounts. The Group is debt free and has substantial cash resources. 
At 31 July 2022 the Group had net cash and cash equivalents 
totalling £17.2m. The Board has prepared cash flow forecasts for 
the forthcoming year based upon assumptions for trading and the 
requirements for cash resources including contingent consideration. 
These forecasts take into account reasonably possible changes in 
trading financial performance, and indicate that it is appropriate to 
use the going concern basis for the preparation of the consolidated 
financial statements. Further to this, management prepared a 
severe but plausible scenario, reducing revenues from budget and 
including a more pessimistic view of working capital. There was still 
ample headroom under this scenario. A reverse stress test was also 
considered. The revenue and cash flow assumptions required to 
eliminate any headroom under the reverse stress test are considered 
by the Board to be highly unlikely, particularly given trading 
performance to date.

Board evaluation process 
The Board completed an internal evaluation process in the financial year ended 31 July 2022. This process concluded that the Board was 
operating effectively and has the requisite collective skills in the areas of strategy, finance, human resources and global commercial expertise 
to assist with the implementation of our strategy. Areas for improvement that were identified through the evaluation were as follows:

Areas for improvement

Actions

Ensure succession planning is well considered and long term, and 
consider the skills and experience required as the Group evolves.

Succession plans are being implemented through consultation 
between the Chair, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and 
Chief Executive. This supported the appointment of Jill Easterbrook 
to the Board in October 2022.

Incorporate increased focus on ESG strategy as part of the Board 
standing agenda.

ESG strategy has been agreed during the year. The Board will review 
progress on delivering this strategy on a regular basis.

Adopt a hybrid approach to Board meetings with a mixture of 
in-person and virtual meetings, in order to maintain flexibility and 
optimise in-person time.

The annual Board calendar includes two virtual meetings and eight 
in-person meetings. In-person meetings are held at several of the 
Group’s office locations which also enables the Board to meet with 
a range of Tracsis employees.

Ensure the induction process for new Board members is regularly 
reviewed and updated in line with the evolution of the Group.

The Board will keep under constant review the induction process 
for newly appointed Board Directors. 

Directors keep their skills and knowledge up to date through relevant training and development courses including from the Company’s 
advisers. All Directors are encouraged to use their independent judgement and to constructively challenge other Directors where appropriate. 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

53

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportPay and performance for the year ended 31 July 2022
•  As a result of partially meeting the financial and strategic targets, 
69% of the maximum annual bonus was payable to the CEO and 
CFO for the year ended 31 July 2022. Details of the targets, and 
the performance against the targets, are set out overleaf.

•  In respect of LTIP awards granted to Chris Barnes in 2019, 48% of 

awards will vest as a result of performance against the relative total 
shareholder return targets. No vesting will take place in respect 
of the statutory diluted EPS targets given that the threshold target 
was not met.

Implementation of the Remuneration Policy for the 
year ending 31 July 2023
In respect of implementing the Remuneration Policy for the year 
ending 31 July 2023:

•  the CEO and CFO salaries were increased in line with the 

workforce in respect of strong performing employees. The current 
salaries for the CEO and CFO from 1 August 2022 are £304,425 
and £207,900 respectively;

•  pension provision will continue at 10% of salary;
•  annual bonus potential will continue to be capped at 100% of 

salary for FY23. 80% of the bonus will be payable against sliding 
scale profit targets and 20% will be based on personal targets; and

•  2022 LTIP awards will be granted to Executive Directors in line with 
the annual grant policy over shares equal in value to no more than 
100% of salary. Details of the numbers of shares granted and the 
performance targets will be detailed in the RNS issued immediately 
following the grant date. We intend to extend the LTIP scheme to 
include certain members of the senior management team from the 
2022 award inclusive. Performance conditions for these awards 
will be consistent with those for Executive Directors.

As a Committee, we recognise the need to foster good relations 
with our shareholders and encourage open dialogue. As such, the 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee is available to discuss the 
Company’s approach to remuneration with our investors at any time. 

We trust you will find the new format of this report to be informative 
and look forward to receiving your support at our forthcoming AGM. 

Lisa Charles-Jones
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
8 November 2022

Directors’ remuneration report

Annual Statement
Dear Shareholder, on behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 July 2022. 
As the Company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market, we 
are required to comply with AIM Rule 19 in respect of remuneration 
disclosures and we adopt the Quoted Companies Alliance’s 
Corporate Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted 
Companies 2013 (“the QCA Code”). However, following a recent 
review, we have decided to redraft the report and provide additional 
disclosures on a voluntary basis, in line with AIM best practice, 
to enable shareholders to better understand and consider our 
remuneration arrangements.

Consistent with best practice, this report is divided into three 
sections, being:

•  this Annual Statement, which summarises the Committee and 
its work, remuneration outcomes in respect of the year just 
ended and how the Remuneration Policy will be operated for 
the forthcoming financial year;

•  the Remuneration Policy Report, which summarises the 

Company’s Remuneration Policy; and

•  the Annual Report on Remuneration, which discloses how 
the Remuneration Policy was implemented in the year ended 
31 July 2022 in detail and how the Policy will operate for the year 
ending 31 July 2023.

Committee members
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Lisa Charles-Jones 
as independent Non-Executive Director and also consists of 
Liz Richards and James Routh. The Committee meets at least 
three times a year and at other times during the year as agreed 
between the members of the Committee. Jill Easterbrook joined 
the Committee on 5 October 2022, and will take over as Chair from 
1 January 2023. The attendance record for the regular scheduled 
meetings is included on page 52.

Committee responsibilities
Tracsis is committed to maximising shareholder value over time. 
Each year the Remuneration Committee reviews the incentive 
and reward packages for the Chairman, Executive Directors and 
senior executives to ensure that they are aligned with the Group’s 
strategic objectives and financial performance, and are appropriate 
to attract, retain and motivate management behaviour in support of 
the Company’s culture and beliefs and the long-term sustainable 
creation of shareholder value. The Committee has formal terms of 
reference which can be found in the investor section of the Group’s 
website. The Board (excluding the Non-Executive Directors) sets 
the annual base fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors and 
they do not receive any additional benefits, nor are they eligible 
to participate in any pension, bonus or share-based incentive 
arrangements.

Advisers to the Committee
FIT Remuneration Consultants LLP was appointed to provide 
independent advice to the Remuneration Committee as and when 
required in respect of remuneration quantum and structure and 
developments in governance and best practice more generally. 
FIT is a member and signatory of the Remuneration Consultants 
Group and voluntarily operates under the Code of Conduct in relation 
to executive remuneration consulting in the UK, details of which can 
be found at www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com.

54

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

This section sets out the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (“the Policy”). In order to deliver the Group’s strategy, the primary objectives of our 
Policy are:

•  to operate a transparent, simple and effective remuneration structure which encourages the delivery of targets in accordance with our 

business plan and strategy;

•  to attract, motivate and retain individuals of the highest calibre by providing competitive and appropriate short- and long-term variable 

pay which is dependent upon challenging performance conditions; and

•  to promote the Company’s culture and the long-term success of Tracsis and ensure that our policy is aligned with the interests of, and 

feedback from, our shareholders.

Summary of Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Component

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Base salary

Benefits

Pension

To provide a competitive base 
salary to attract, motivate and 
retain Directors with the 
experience and capabilities to 
achieve the strategic aims.

Normally reviewed annually after considering 
the performance, role and responsibility of 
each Director, market conditions and the 
Company’s performance and the level of 
pay across the Group as a whole.

To provide a market-competitive 
benefits package.

Life assurance and private medical insurance.

n/a

n/a

To provide an appropriate level 
of retirement benefit.

Pension provision which may be paid as a 
pension and/or cash allowance.

10% of salary

n/a

Maximum

Performance

n/a

n/a

Annual 
performance-
related bonus

To reward performance against 
annual targets which support the 
strategic direction of the Group.

LTIP

To drive and reward the 
achievement of longer-term 
objectives and align 
management with shareholders.

Awards are normally based on a combination 
of annual financial performance and individual 
business-related objectives. Awards may be 
subject to malus/clawback provisions at the 
discretion of the Committee.

Conditional shares and/or nil cost or nominal 
cost share options. Vesting is normally 
subject to the achievement of challenging 
performance conditions relating to adjusted 
diluted EPS growth and total shareholder 
return, normally over a period of three years. 
Dividend equivalents may be awarded to the 
extent awards vest. Awards may be subject to 
malus/clawback provisions at the discretion 
of the Committee.

100% of salary 80% relates to 

achievement of financial 
performance criteria 
and the remaining 
20% relates to 
business-related objectives 

100% of salary Sliding scale with 50% for 

EPS and 50% for TSR

Shareholding 
guidelines

To align management with 
employees and shareholders.

Executive Directors are expected to build 
and maintain a shareholding of 100% of salary 
over a five-year period.

n/a

All-employee 
share awards

To align management with 
employees and shareholders.

Awards will be consistent with prevailing 
HMRC tax favoured all-employee share plans.

Prevailing 
HMRC limits

Non-Executive 
Directors

The Committee determines the 
Chairman fee.

Fees for the Non-Executive 
Directors are agreed by the 
Chairman and Chief Executive. 

n/a

Fees are reviewed annually taking into 
account the level of responsibility and 
relevant experience. Fees may include 
a basic fee and additional fees for further 
responsibilities and are paid monthly 
in arrears. Travel and other reasonable 
expenses incurred in the course of 
performing their duties may be reimbursed.

n/a

n/a

n/a

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

55

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Service contracts
The details of the Executive and Non-Executive Directors’ service contracts and appointment letters are summarised below: 

Executive Directors

Chris Barnes

Andy Kelly

Non-Executive Directors

Chris Cole

Lisa Charles-Jones

Liz Richards

James Routh

Jill Easterbrook

Date of contract/
commencement date

Unexpired term

Notice period

04.02.19

01.02.21

28.04.14

25.08.16

01.09.16

29.09.21

05.10.22

Indefinite

Indefinite

Indefinite

Indefinite

Indefinite

Indefinite

Indefinite

6 months

6 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

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

Annual Report on Remuneration
Single total figure of remuneration for Directors
The remuneration of the Directors in respect of the year ended 31 July 2022 (and for the prior year) was as follows:

Year

Basic salary
£000

Annual bonus (1)

£000

Benefits
£000

Pension (2)
£000

Executive Directors

Chris Barnes

Andy Kelly (from 1 February 2021)

Non-Executive Directors

Chris Cole

Lisa Charles-Jones

Liz Richards

James Routh (from 29 September 2021)

Former Directors

Max Cawthra (to 1 February 2021)

Mac Andrade (to 2 August 2021)

Total

FY22

FY21

FY22

FY21

FY22

FY21

FY22

FY21

FY22

FY21

FY22

FY21

FY22

FY21

FY22

FY21

FY22

FY21

282

256

186

88

80

60

45

33

45

33

42

—

—

75

—

30

708

601

193

109

128

37

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

34

—

—

321

180

1

1

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

1

28

26

19

9

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

4

—

—

19

13

Total
£000

504

392

334

134

80

60

45

33

45

33

42

—

—

113

—

30

1,050

795

(1)  Details of the annual bonus targets, performance against the targets, and bonus awards are set out below.

(2) Chris Barnes elected to exchange employer pension contributions for additional salary in FY21 and FY22. The quantum of this is reported within pension in the table above.

(3) In addition to the above, Chris Barnes:

•    exercised 21,417 nominal cost options in May 2022 which were granted to him to compensate for unvested incentives forfeited from his previous employer. The pre-tax value of these 

options at the date of exercise was £225,328. Following the sale of shares to cover income tax and NI, he retained 11,083 shares; and

•   holds 2019 LTIP awards vesting in December 2022, based on three-year performance to 31 July 2022. Details of the vesting level are set out below.

56

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Annual Report on Remuneration continued
Annual bonus for the year ended 31 July 2022
The Executive Directors were eligible to receive bonuses with a maximum opportunity of 100% of salary in respect of financial (80%) and 
personal objectives (20%). Details of the performance targets and resulting bonus outcome are set out in the tables below: 

Measure

Adjusted EBITDA

Personal targets

Total

Weighting
(% of salary)

80%

20%

100%

Threshold

Target

Max

Actual

£12.4m
(0% of salary)

£13.8m
(40% of salary)

£15.2m
(80% of salary)

£14.2m

See table below

Result
C Barnes
(% of salary)

Result
A Kelly
(% of salary)

52%

17%

69%

52%

17%

69%

Personal objective performance 

C Barnes 

Objective

Weighting

Organic growth 

Acquisitive growth 

Leadership capability 

Key account strategy 

Succession planning 

Total

20%

20%

20%

20%

20%

100%

Payment
 awarded 

20%

20%

20%

15%

10%

85%

17% of salary 
payable for 
personal 
objectives

Objective

Organic growth

Acquisitive growth 

Governance 

Market coverage 

Key strategies in place 
including ESG 

Total

A Kelly 

Weighting

Payment
 awarded 

20%

20%

20%

20%

20%

100%

17% of salary 
payable for 
personal 
objectives

20%

20%

15%

15%

15%

85%

In addition to assessing the above financial and personal targets, the Committee also considered the wider stakeholder experience and 
the performance of the individual Director when determining the extent to which annual bonuses should become payable. Based on this 
assessment, the Committee is satisfied that total bonus awards of 69% of salary for the Executive Directors are appropriate.

LTIPs vesting in respect of three years to 31 July 2022
Details of the performance targets set and actual achievement against them in respect of the 2019 LTIP awards vesting in December 2022, 
based on three-year performance to 31 July 2022, are set out in the table below.

Performance measure

Statutory diluted EPS

Total shareholder return versus the FTSE AIM 100

Weighting

Performance
 period end

Threshold
(25% vesting) 

Maximum
(100% vesting) 

50%

50%

31 July 2022

31 July 2022

22.92p

25.92p

Median

Upper quartile

97.34%

Actual

4.95p

% vesting for
 this part of the
 award

0%

48.6%

Based on the above vesting, the pre-tax value of the 38,961 nominal value options held by Chris Barnes have a value of £169,469 based on the 
share price at 31 July 2022. 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

57

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Executive Directors’ share awards in the Company (audited)
Details of share awards in the Company held by the Executive Directors, all of which are structured as nominal value (0.4p) options, are as follows:

1 August 2021

Granted

Lapsed

Exercised

31 July 2022

Date of grant

Exercisable
 from

Expiry date

Chris Barnes

Buyout(1)

LTIP(2)

LTIP(3)

LTIP(4)

Total

Andy Kelly

Buyout(1)

LTIP(3)

LTIP(4)

Total

21,417

38,961

40,891

—

101,269

7,692

13,482

—

21,174

—

—

—

27,653

27,653

—

—

17,597

17,597

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(21,417)

—

01/05/2019

04/02/2022

01/05/2029

—

—

—

38,961

03/12/2019

03/12/2022

03/12/2029

40,891

29/12/2020

29/12/2023

29/12/2030

27,653

29/11/2021

29/11/2024

29/11/2031

(21,417)

107,505

—

—

—

—

7,692

01/02/2021

01/02/2024

01/02/2031

13,482

05/02/2021

05/02/2024

05/02/2031

17,597

29/11/2021

29/11/2024

29/11/2031

38,771

(1)  Buyout award to compensate for unvested incentives forfeited from previous employer.

(2) Three-year performance targets are based on: 50% EPS (statutory diluted EPS for FY22 of 22.92p to 25.92p); and 50% relative TSR vs FTSE AIM 100 (median to upper quartile).

(3) Three-year performance targets are based on: 50% EPS (statutory diluted EPS for FY23 of 20.78p to 23.78p); and 50% relative TSR vs FTSE AIM 100 (median to upper quartile).

(4)  Three-year performance targets are based on: 50% EPS (adjusted diluted EPS for FY24 of 33.59p to 47.82p); and 50% relative TSR vs FTSE AIM 100 (median to upper quartile).

Directors’ interests in shares
The interests (both beneficial and family interests) of the Directors in office at the date of this report in the share capital of the Company were 
as follows: 

Chris Barnes

Andy Kelly

Chris Cole

Lisa Charles-Jones

Liz Richards

James Routh

Interests in
 ordinary shares
at 31 July 2022

Interests in
 ordinary shares
at 31 July 2021

Interests in
 share-based
 incentive options
 at 31 July 2022

Interests in
 share-based
 incentive options
 at 31 July 2021

11,083

—

7,000

—

—

—

—

—

7,000

—

—

—

107,505

38,771

101,269

21,174

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

58

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows the Group’s expenditure on shareholder distributions (including dividends) and total employee pay expenditure. 
Additional information on the number of employees, total revenue and underlying profit has been provided for context. 

Employee expenditure

Distributions to shareholders

Average number of permanent employees

Revenue 

Adjusted EBITDA

Year ended
31 July 2022
£000

Year ended
31 July 2021
£000

36,740

26,333

266

561

68,723

14,161

—

434

50,237

12,978

Change
%

40%

n/a 

29%

37%

9%

Share price
The market price of the Company’s shares on 31 July 2022 was 895p per share. The highest and lowest market prices during the year were 
1,095p and 885p respectively.

Performance graph
The chart below shows the Company’s share price (rebased) compared with the performance of the AIM 100 and AIM All Share for the ten-year 
period to 31 July 2022.

 Tracsis plc

 AIM All Share

 AIM 100

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

31 July 

2012

31 July 

2013

31 July 

2014

31 July 

2015

31 July 

2016

31 July 

2017

31 July 

2018

31 July 

2019

31 July 

2020

31 July 

2021

31 July 

2022

Lisa Charles-Jones
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
8 November 2022

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

59

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportDirectors’ shareholdings
Directors’ beneficial interests in the shares of the Company, including 
family interests, at 31 July 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

31 July 2022

31 July 2021

Number
of shares

% of issued
share capital

Number
of shares

% of issued
share capital

Chris Barnes

11,083

0.04%

—

—

—

—

—

—

Andy Kelly

Chris Cole

Lisa Charles-Jones

Liz Richards

James Routh

Jill Easterbrook

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. 

Substantial shareholdings
At 31 October 2022, 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: 

Charles Stanley

Investec Wealth & Investment

Schroder Investment Management

Unicorn Asset Management

Number
of shares 

2,382,399

2,329,156

2,168,963

1,825,000

Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management

1,429,855

Rathbones

Premier Miton Investors

AXA Framlington Investment Managers

Franklin Templeton Fund Management

BGF

1,278,027

1,131,093

1,042,731

1,014,663

981,000

% of
issued 
shares

8.0%

7.8%

7.3%

6.1%

4.8%

4.3%

3.8%

3.5%

3.4%

3.3%

Directors’ report

The Directors present their report and the audited financial 
statements for the year ended 31 July 2022.

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 Nexus, 
Discovery Way, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS2 3AA.

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 2022.

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’s Statement, the Chief Executive Officer’s 
Report and the Strategy and Business Model sections of the report. 
The Corporate Governance Statement included on pages 52 to 53 
forms part of the Directors’ 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 
72 to 110.

Dividends
The Group remains committed to the progressive dividend policy 
that was adopted in 2012. The Board has recommended a final 
dividend of 1.1 pence per share (2021: £nil). The final dividend, subject 
to shareholder approval at the 2022 Annual General Meeting, will 
be paid on 10 February 2023 to shareholders on the register at 
the close of business on 27 January 2023. This will bring the total 
dividend for the year to 2.0 pence per share (2021: £nil). The Board did 
not consider it appropriate to pay a dividend in the previous financial 
year while the Group was utilising the Coronavirus Job Retention 
Scheme in respect of furloughed staff.

Directors
The Directors who serve on the Board and on Board Committees 
during the year are set out on pages 50 to 51.

Under the Articles of Association of the Company, one-third of the 
Directors (excluding those being re-elected for the first time by 
shareholders) are subject to retirement by rotation at the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting (“AGM”), notice of which accompanies this 
Annual Report and Accounts. The Company’s Articles of Association 
also require any person who has been appointed as a Director 
since the date of the Company’s last AGM to retire at the next AGM 
following their appointment. The Board consider it appropriate for 
all Directors to retire and stand for re-election on an annual basis. 
Lisa Charles-Jones has informed the Board of her intention to step 
down with effect from 31 December 2022. All other Directors will 
retire and offer themselves for election or re-election to the Board 
at the forthcoming AGM. 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 54 to 59.

60

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

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 2022 were 59 days 
(2021: 56 days). 

Our approach to engagement with suppliers is detailed further in the 
Section 172 Statement on page 34.

Research and development
During the year the Group incurred £3,280,000 (2021: £3,383,000) 
of expenditure on research and development activity mainly relating 
to software development, which has been charged to the income 
statement in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy.

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

Employment policy
It is the policy of the Group to operate a fair employment policy. 
No employee or job applicant is less favourably treated than another 
on the grounds of their sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, 
religion, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, colour or disability 
and all appointments and promotions are determined solely on 
merit. The Directors encourage employees to be aware of all issues 
affecting the Group and place considerable emphasis on employees 
sharing in its success through its employee share option schemes. 
In addition, the Group is committed to training courses, with a number 
of staff undertaking apprenticeships and other technical training, and 
also to career development and internal promotion where possible 
within the Group. Further details on employee engagement are 
provided in the Section 172 Statement on page 34.

Environment
The Group adheres to all environmental regulations and has, where 
possible, utilised environmental-sustaining policies such as recycling 
and waste reduction. Further details of the Group’s environmental, 
social and governance strategy are provided on pages 36 to 43. 
The Group is classed as large under the Companies Act 2006 
and therefore falls under the scope of the Streamlined Energy and 
Carbon Reporting (“SECR”) requirements. The Group is exempt from 
disclosure related to SECR as no individual UK registered subsidiary 
is a large company and the parent company itself consumes less than 
40,000 KWH of energy per year. The Group has voluntarily reported 
SECR disclosures for all operations on page 39.

Future business developments
Details of these are provided in the Strategic Report, and the 
Chief Executive Officer’s Report on pages 18 to 22.

Significant contracts
There are a number of significant contracts in operation across 
the Group: 

•  Tracsis plc has some large contracts with train operating 

companies from which it derives significant amounts of revenue;

•   MPEC Technology Limited, a subsidiary company, 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 has a large contract with a major railway 

infrastructure provider, from which it derives a significant amount 
of business;

•  SEP Limited and Cash & Traffic Management Limited both have 
a number of significant multi-year contracts with a number of 
key clients; 

•   Compass Informatics Limited has a range of contracts with 
government bodies and private sector organisations; 

•   iBlocks Limited has some significant contacts with train operating 

companies and also industry association bodies; 

•   RailComm LLC has a number of large contracts with North 

American rail and infrastructure operators.

Auditor
A resolution to reappoint Grant Thornton UK 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.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

61

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportDirectors’ report continued

Anti-bribery and corruption
The Group is committed to conducting business with honesty and 
integrity. We have a policy on anti-bribery and corruption measures 
that sets out a zero-tolerance approach to these matters, and 
identifies the responsibilities and behaviours expected of all Tracsis 
employees in this regard.

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. 

Events after the balance sheet date
On 5 October 2022 Jill Easterbrook was appointed to the Board as 
a Non-Executive Director. Jill joined the Audit, Remuneration and 
Nomination Committees with immediate effect. On the same date 
it was also announced that Lisa Charles-Jones intends to resign from 
the Board from 31 December 2022.

By order of the Board

Andy Kelly
Company Secretary
8 November 2022 
Nexus, Discovery Way 
Leeds, United Kingdom 
LS2 3AA

62

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

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 also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the parent 
company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors confirm that:

•  so far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the parent company’s auditor is unaware; and

•  the Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken 
as Directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the parent company’s 
auditor is aware of that information.

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

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

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 UK 
Adopted International Accounting Standards 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 and profit or loss of the parent company and 
Group for that period. Note that where the exemption has been taken 
under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to publish the 
parent company’s profit and loss account, Section 408(3) states that 
the Directors must still prepare and approve the parent company’s 
profit and loss account even though it is not published. In preparing 
each of the Group and parent company financial statements, the 
Directors are required to: 

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 
•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, and prudent; 
•  for the Group financial statements, state whether applicable 

UK-adopted International Accounting Standards in conformity with 
the Companies Act 2006 have been followed, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

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

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless 

it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue 
in business.

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Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportFinancial statements

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Tracsis plc

Opinion

Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of Tracsis plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 July 
2022, which comprise the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, Consolidated balance sheet, Consolidated statement 
of changes in equity, Consolidated cash flow statement, the notes to the consolidated financial statements including a summary of 
significant accounting policies, Company balance sheet, Company Statement of changes in equity and notes to the parent company 
financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and UK-adopted international accounting standards. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements is United Kingdom Accounting Standards, 
including Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 2022 and of 

the group’s profit;

•  the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards;
•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 

Accounting Practice; and 

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

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

Conclusions relating to going concern
We are responsible for concluding on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the 
audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the group’s 
and the parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw 
attention in our report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify the auditor’s 
opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our report. However, future events or conditions may 
cause the group or the parent company to cease to continue as a going concern.

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting included:

•  evaluating management’s board paper, which incorporated detailed cashflow forecasts covering the period to 31 December 2023, along 

with challenge and assessment of the inputs and assumptions used to prepare the forecast;

•  evaluating the historical accuracy of forecasting in relation to going concern assessments;
•  testing management’s severe but plausible scenario to check that there is adequate headroom in the forecast to cover unforeseen cost 

increases or reduced revenues; and

•  assessing the reverse stress test that management have completed in concluding on the going concern assumption. 

In our evaluation of the directors’ conclusions, we considered the inherent risks associated with the group’s and the parent company’s 
business model including effects arising from macro-economic uncertainties, we assessed and challenged the reasonableness of estimates 
made by the directors and the related disclosures and analysed how those risks might affect the group’s and the parent company’s financial 
resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period.  

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

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of 
the financial statements is appropriate. 

The responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the ‘Responsibilities of directors for the financial 
statements’ section of this report.

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Our approach to the audit

Overview of our audit approach

Overall materiality: 

Group: £268,000, which represents 5% of the group’s profit before tax, adjusted for impairment and 
other exceptional items.

Parent company: £183,000, which represents 3% of the parent company’s revenue.

Key audit matters were identified as: 

•  Valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets (same as previous year); 
•  Completeness and Valuation of acquired intangibles in respect of the Icon Group and RailComm LLC 

acquisitions (same as previous year); and

Materiality

Key audit 
matters

•  Valuation of contingent consideration (same as previous year). 

Scoping

Our auditor’s report for the year ended 31 July 2021 included one key audit matter that has not been 
reported as a key audit matter in our current year’s report being Revenue Recognition. Revenue 
recognition has not been assessed as a key audit matter as a result of the low complexity identified in 
the course of performing the audit. 

Scoping has been determined to ensure appropriate coverage of the significant risks as well as 
coverage of the key results in the financial statements:

We performed an audit of the financial information of five components using component materiality 
(full-scope audit) and an audit of one or more account, balances, classes of transactions or disclosures 
of the component (specific-scope audit) for seven components assessed to be material. We performed 
analytical procedures at group level (analytical procedures) on the financial information of all the 
remaining group components and performed tests on material balances where appropriate. In the 
previous year, we performed full-scope audits on five components and five audits of one or more 
account, balances, classes of transactions or disclosures.  There has been a change in the mix 
of those components year on year due to changes to their relative performance in relation to the 
group results.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 
judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to 
fraud) that we identified. These matters included those that 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 the graph below, we have presented the key audit matters, 
significant risks and other risks relevant to the audit.

Description

Audit response

KAM

Disclosures

Our results

High

Going 

concern

Potential 

financial  

statement 

impact

Existence of cash

Existence and 

valuation of trade 

receivables and 

contact assets

Accuracy of staff costs

Valuation of 

goodwill and other 

intangible assets

Revenue 

recognition

Management override 

of controls

Valuation of contingent 

consideration

Completeness and 

Valuation of acquired 

intangible in respect of the 

icon Group and Rail Comm 

LLC acquisitions

Completeness and 

accuracy of trade 

payables and accruals

Accuracy of the share 

based payment charge

Key audit matter

Significant risk

Other risk

Low

Low

Extent of Management judgement

High

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Key Audit Matter – Group

How our scope addressed the matter – Group

Valuation of goodwill and other intangible 
assets 
We identified impairment of goodwill and other 
intangible assets as one of the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement due 
to error. 

The group recorded goodwill and other 
intangible assets with a carrying value of 
£65.9m as at 31 July 2022 (2021: £51.7m). 

There is an increased risk that the goodwill and 
intangibles held by the group are impaired as 
per International Accounting Standard (‘IAS’) 36 
‘Impairment of Assets’ because of the high level 
of estimation uncertainty in assessing the future 
performance of the group using operating cash 
flows and long-term growth rates and also 
in assessing the appropriate discount rate to 
apply in calculating the ‘value in use’ of the cash 
generating units (CGUs).

Our significant risk relates to the iBlocks CGU 
as this represents £17.3m of intangible assets 
and has seen a delay in certain contracts.

In responding to the key audit matter, we performed the following audit procedures:

•  assessing and challenging management’s impairment review, checking whether 

appropriate costs are included or excluded, that cash flows included in the model are 
appropriate, and that the methodology used is in accordance with the requirements 
of IAS 36; 

•  obtaining evidence in relation to management’s assumptions including specific, future 

contracts that have been included in management’s forecasts including correspondence to 
date with prospective customers and assessing the impact on the value in use to check if 
there are changes in expected completion dates;

•  utilising internal valuation experts to independently determine a weighted average 

cost of capital (WACC) for the iBlocks CGU and assessing whether the WACC used by 
management as determined by the management expert, is appropriate; 

•  assessing the competence of management’s expert through consideration of their 

qualifications and experience; 

•  performing sensitivity analysis on the forecast cash flows, long term growth rates and 

discount rates and determining their impact on the carrying value of the intangible assets; 

•  evaluating historical forecasting accuracy by comparing results achieved in prior years 

to budgets; 

•  evaluating whether the goodwill and intangible assets are allocated to the CGUs 
appropriately and challenging whether the CGUs identified are appropriate; and 

•  assessing whether the disclosure included for headroom sensitivities is appropriate and 

assessing whether the accounting policy is in line with IAS 36. 

Relevant disclosures in the Annual Report 
and Accounts 2022
•  Financial statements: Note 14 

Our results
From our audit work performed we are satisfied with management’s assessment that the 
goodwill and intangibles allocated to the iBlocks CGU is not materially impaired. 

Intangible Assets

Completeness and Valuation of acquired 
intangibles in respect of the Icon Group and 
RailComm LLC acquisitions
We identified valuation and completeness of 
intangible assets arising on acquisition as one 
of the most significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement due to error. 

The group acquired RailComm LLC and Icon 
Group in the year resulting in additions of 
£18.1m to intangible assets, of which £3.1m is 
allocated to customer related intangibles, £5.7m 
is allocated to technology related intangibles, 
£0.4m is allocated to order book, £0.8m is 
allocated to marketing related intangibles and 
£8.1m allocated to goodwill. 

International Financial Reporting Standard 
(IFRS) 3 ‘Business Combinations’ requires 
most assets and liabilities in the consolidated 
financial statements to be recorded at fair value. 
There is significant management judgement 
involved in determining the fair value of the 
assets and liabilities acquired, including the 
calculation of the fair value of technology and 
customer related intangibles acquired, and the 
discount rate and long-term growth rates used 
in the valuation. 

In responding to the key audit matter, we performed the following audit procedures:

•  utilising our valuation experts to assist in assessing the work performed by management’s 

valuation expert in relation to the valuation of acquired intangible assets and consideration 
paid. This included challenging whether the methodology used in the valuation is in line 
with acceptable valuation methods and whether inputs such as future profits, attrition rates 
and discount rates used are appropriate; 

•  assessing the competence of management’s expert through consideration of their 

qualifications and experience; 

•  challenging management’s rationale and calculations behind the fair value of consideration;
•  testing of the acquisition balance sheet by agreeing material balances to supporting 

evidence, including cash balances to bank statements, inventory counts on acquisition and 
treatment of significant contracts ongoing at acquisition to supporting documentation; 

•  reperforming the calculation of goodwill and comparing to the figure as determined by 
management to gain assurance over the mathematical accuracy of the calculation; 

•  agreeing the consideration paid to bank statement by reference to acquisition 

agreements; and 

•  assessing the adequacy of the accounting policy and relevant disclosures made in 

the financial statements with respect to the acquisition to determine whether they are 
complete, accurate and in line with IFRS 3.

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Key Audit Matter – Group

How our scope addressed the matter – Group

Relevant disclosures in the Annual Report and 
Accounts 2022
•  Financial statements: Note 5 Acquisitions and 

investments in the current year

Our results
Based on our audit work performed we have not identified any material misstatements 
relating to the completeness and valuation of intangible assets arising on acquisition.

•  Financial statements: Note 14 

Intangible Assets

Valuation of contingent consideration 
We identified the valuation of contingent 
consideration payable as one of the most 
significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement due to error.

At the year end the group recorded total 
contingent consideration payable of £9.3m 
(2021: £7.9m). iBlocks and Bellvedi account 
for £6.2m of the total balance and there 
were material movements in the underlying 
profit estimates for both. £2.9m relates to the 
two new acquisitions being Icon Group and 
Railcomm LLC.

The valuation of contingent consideration 
at fair value involves a significant degree of 
management judgement and is a material 
accounting estimate with a high degree of 
estimation uncertainty.

In responding to the key audit matter, we performed the following audit procedures:

•  agreeing contingent consideration per management’s workings to the trial balance and 

financial statements, and agreeing brought forward contingent consideration to prior year 
financial statements;

•  checking the mathematical accuracy of the schedules provided to us by performing 

recalculations of contingent consideration due; 

•  utilising internal valuation experts to assess the discount rate used by management in the 

fair value calculation for contingent consideration relating to new acquisitions;

•  testing the movement in contingent consideration payable year on year by checking 

whether there were any changes to the fair value of contingent consideration and agreeing 
it to supporting documentation including forecasts and fair value calculations. Where there 
were payments made, we also agreed these to bank records; 

•  challenging management’s rationale and assumptions used in calculations behind the fair 
values of any contingent consideration, including the assessment of the range of possible 
outcomes and the probability of each of these. This included a focussed assessment of the 
discounting applied in measuring the fair value of the contingent consideration in relation to 
the acquisitions;  

•  assessing the historical forecasting accuracy of management in relation to fair value 

estimations and prior year estimates of payments; and

•  assessing the adequacy of the accounting policy and relevant disclosures made in the 

financial statements to ensure they are complete, accurate and in line with IFRS 9 ‘Financial 
Instruments’. 

Relevant disclosures in the Annual Report and 
Accounts 2022
•  Financial statements: Note 4 Critical 

Our results
Based on our audit work performed we have not identified any material misstatements 
relating to the valuation of contingent consideration.

Accounting Estimates and Judgements

•  Financial statements: Note 20 Contingent 

and deferred consideration

We did not identify any key audit matters relating to the audit of the financial statements of the parent company.

Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing the audit, and in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on the 
audit and of uncorrected misstatements, if any, on the financial statements and in forming the opinion in the auditor’s report.

Materiality was determined as follows:
Materiality measure

Group

Parent company

Materiality for financial 
statements as a whole

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that, individually or in the 
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of the users of these financial 
statements. We use materiality in determining the nature, timing and extent of our audit work.

Materiality threshold

£268,000, which is 5% of the group’s  profit before tax, 
adjusted for impairment and other exceptional items.

£183,000, which is 3% of revenue. 

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Materiality measure

Group

Parent company

Significant judgements 
made by auditor in 
determining materiality

In determining materiality, we made the following 
significant judgements: 

In determining materiality, we made the following 
significant judgements: 

•  profit before tax is a key performance indicator for 

the group; and

•  charges in relation to acquisitions and other 

investments, separately disclosed by management 
as “exceptional” and described in note 9.3, are 
not reflective of the trading performance of the 
group. The profit before tax is therefore adjusted 
for these charges.

Materiality for the current year is higher than the level 
that we determined for the year ended 31 July 2021 to 
reflect an increase in adjusted profit before tax. 

•  That this benchmark is the most appropriate because 
the parent company is both a trading company and 
a holding company and revenue is less volatile than 
the profit before tax which is impacted by intra group 
costs and costs of acting as a holding company.

Materiality for the current year is higher than the level 
that we determined for the year ended 31 July 2021 to 
reflect the increase in revenue recognised.

Performance materiality 
used to drive the extent of 
our testing

We set performance materiality at an amount less than materiality for the financial statements as a whole 
to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceeds materiality for the financial statements as a whole.

Performance 
materiality threshold

£201,000, which is 75% of financial statement 
materiality.

£137,000, which is 75% of financial statement materiality.

Significant judgements 
made by auditor in 
determining performance 
materiality

In determining performance materiality, we made the 
following significant judgements: 

In determining performance materiality, we made the 
following significant judgements: 

•  Based on experience of previous audits of the group, 

•  Based on experience of previous audits of the parent, 

we have not identified a significant number of 
uncorrected misstatements nor significant control 
deficiencies.

we have not identified a significant number of uncorrected 
misstatements nor significant control deficiencies.

Specific materiality

We determine specific materiality for one or more particular classes of transactions, account balances or disclosures 
for which misstatements of lesser amounts than materiality for the financial statements as a whole could reasonably 
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

Specific materiality 

We determined a lower level of specific materiality for 
the following areas:

We determined a lower level of specific materiality for 
the following areas:

•  Directors’ remuneration; and 
•  Identified related party transactions outside of the 

•  Directors’ remuneration; and 
•  Identified related party transactions outside of the 

normal course of business.

normal course of business.

We determine a threshold for reporting unadjusted differences to the audit committee.

Communication of 
misstatements to the audit 
committee

Threshold for 
communication

£13,000 and misstatements below that threshold that, 
in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds.

£9,000 and misstatements below that threshold that, 
in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds.

The graph below illustrates how performance materiality interacts with our overall materiality and the tolerance for potential uncorrected misstatements.
Overall materiality – Group

Overall materiality – Parent company

Profit before tax adjusted 
for impairment and other 
exceptional items £5.6m

95+5 95+5

Revenue 
£6.1m

£67,000, 25%

£201,000, 

TFPUM  

£268,000 

PM  

75%

FSM 

5%

FSM 

£183,000, 

3%

PM  

£137,000, 

75%

TFPUM  

£46,000, 25%

FSM: Financial statements materiality, PM: Performance materiality, TFPUM: Tolerance for potential uncorrected misstatements

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An overview of the scope of our audit 
We performed a risk-based audit that requires an understanding of the group’s and the parent company’s business and in particular matters 
related to:

Understanding the group, its components, and their environments, including group-wide controls
•  We obtained an understanding of the group and its environment, including group-wide controls, and assessed the risks of material 

misstatement at the group level.

•  We obtained an understanding of the group organisational structure and considered its effect on the scope of the audit.
Identifying significant components
•  We evaluated the identified components to assess their significance and determined the planned audit response based on a measure of 

materiality. Significance was determined, as a percentage of the group’s revenue, profit before tax and adjusted profit before interest and tax 
or based on qualitative factors, such as component’s specific nature or circumstances.

Type of work to be performed on financial information of parent and other components (including how it addressed the key audit matters)
•  Full-scope audits were performed on the financial information of five components using component materiality. These procedures included 
a combination of tests of details and analytical procedures. The key audit matters were tested as part of our work at a group level rather than 
in a specific component.  

•  Specific scope audits were carried out on a further seven components using component materiality. These procedures included a 

combination of tests of details and analytical procedures and were designed to increase coverage of the group’s financial statement 
line items.  

•  For the eight components that were not individually significant to the group, we carried out analytical procedures. Where there were 

material balances in these components that affect the group, we performed procedures on those balances to consider whether there was 
material error.

Performance of our audit
•  All three KAMs were addressed with the full-scope audit procedures and specific-scope audits where relevant to the component.
•  We performed the full-scope audit and specific-scope audits across the components in line with the scope described above with the 

support of one UK component auditor. We also engaged with a further component auditor to provide support to the group engagement 
team in Ireland.

Communications with component auditors
•  We issued group instructions to component auditors and reviewed the work performed by the component auditors during the planning, 

fieldwork and completion stages of the audit.  These reviews were based on the size and risk of the component and the financial statement 
line items selected to audit.

Changes in approach from previous period
The scope has been amended in the current year to include only those components with a material impact on the group results or that are 
materially exposed to the significant risks. This has changed the mix of components in scope but not the overall coverage. There has been an 
increase in the number of specific scope entities due to the increased financial performance of those entities and the addition of Railcomm 
following acquisition by the group. 

Audit approach

Full-scope audit

Specified audit procedures

Analytical procedures

Total

No. of
 components

% coverage
 Revenue

% coverage 
Profit before tax

5

7

8

20

52

42

6

100

—

87

13

100

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

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

We have nothing to report in this regard.

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Our opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 are unmodified
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
•  the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared 

is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matter on which we are required to report under the Companies Act 2006
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in 
our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 

branches not visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the 

accounting records and returns; or

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

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

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

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

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

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.  Owing to the inherent limitations 
of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that material misstatements in the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is 
properly planned and performed in accordance with ISAs (UK). 

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below: 

•  We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the group and the parent company and 

determined that the most significant are applicable law and UK-adopted international accounting standards (for the group), United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (for the parent company) and relevant tax regulations.

•  We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the entity by discussing relevant frameworks with 

management and component management and seeking and obtaining correspondence with relevant parties to support this. 

•  We assessed the susceptibility of the group’s and the parent company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud 
might occur, by evaluating management’s incentives and opportunities for manipulation of the financial statements. This included the 
evaluation of the risk of management override of controls. We determined that the principal risks were in relation to:

•  journal entries that increased revenues or that reclassified costs from the income statement to the balance sheet that are posted by senior 

finance personnel;

•  potential management bias in determining accounting estimates, especially in relation to their assessment of the valuation of intangible 

assets; and

•  transactions with related parties.

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•  These audit procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from fraud or error. The 
risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error and detecting 
irregularities that result from fraud is inherently more difficult than detecting those that result from error, as fraud may involve collusion, 
deliberate concealment, forgery or intentional misrepresentations. Also, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is 
from events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it.

•  The engagement partner’s assessment of the appropriateness of the collective competence and capabilities of the engagement team 

included consideration of the engagement team’s:

•  understanding of, and practical experience with, audit engagements of a similar nature and complexity through appropriate training 

and participation;

•  knowledge of the industry in which the group and the parent company operate; and
•  understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements specific to the group and the parent company. 

•  We had engagement team communications in respect of potential non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud including the 

potential for fraud in revenue recognition through manipulation of deferred income. 

•  We made enquiries with both component auditors, requesting that they confirm to us instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations 

that gave rise to a risk of material misstatement of the group financial statements.

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

Mark Overfield BSc FCA
Senior Statutory Auditor 
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP 
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants
Leeds
8 November 2022

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

71

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportConsolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 July 2022

Revenue 

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative costs

Adjusted EBITDA*

Depreciation

Adjusted profit**

Amortisation of intangible assets

Other operating income

Share-based payment charges

Operating profit before exceptional items

Exceptional items:

Impairment losses

Other

Operating profit/(loss)

Net finance expense 

Share of result of equity accounted investees

Profit/(loss) before tax

Taxation

Profit/(loss) after tax

Other comprehensive (expense)/income

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Foreign currency translation differences

Items not to be reclassified to profit and loss in subsequent period

Revaluation of financial assets 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year

Earnings per ordinary share

Basic 

Diluted 

2022

2021

Group 
excluding 
in-year 
acquisitions
£000

63,380

(25,246)

38,134

(34,649)

13,018

(1,700)

11,318

(4,253)

426

(1,502)

5,989

(49)

(2,455)

3,485

(132)

(556)

2,797

(987)

1,810

423

(50)

2,183

Acquisitions 
in year
£000

5,343

(1,237)

4,106

(4,336)

1,143

(67)

1,076

(747)

—

— 

329

—

(559)

(230)

(9)

—

(239)

(69)

(308)

—

—

(308)

Notes

6

6, 29

13

29

14

9.4

8

9.3

9.3

9

10

15

11

15

12

12

Total
£000

68,723

(26,483)

42,240

(38,985)

14,161

(1,767)

12,394

(5,000)

426

(1,502)

6,318

(49)

(3,014)

3,255

(141)

(556)

2,558

(1,056)

1,502

Total
£000 

50,237

(15,424)

34,813

(29,657)

12,978

(1,603)

11,375

(4,269)

440

(1,276)

6,270

—

(1,114)

5,156

(87)

(434)

4,635

(2,279)

2,356

423

(126)

(50)

1,875

5.09p

4.95p

—

2,230

8.06p

7.82p

* 

 Earnings before finance income, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, other operating income, share-based payment charges and share of result of equity accounted 

investees – see note 29. 

**   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 29. 

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

72

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
c

i

r
e
p
o
r
t

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Consolidated balance sheet 
as at 31 July 2022 
Company number: 05019106

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments – equity

Investments in equity accounted investees

Deferred tax assets

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash held in escrow

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Non-current liabilities

Lease liabilities

Contingent consideration payable

Deferred consideration payable

Deferred tax liabilities

Current liabilities

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Contingent consideration payable

Deferred 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

Translation reserve

Fair value reserve

Total equity

Note

13

14

15

15

21

16

18

20

17

20

20

21

17

19

20

20

22

23

23

23

23

23

2022
£000

4,897

65,867

—

—

410

71,174

1,090

18,454

2,217

14,970

36,731

107,905

1,476

736

297

10,671

13,180

1,291

24,092

8,585

308

—

34,276

47,456

60,449

119

6,436

6,161

47,448

335

(50)

2021
£000

3,540

51,745

50

605

551

56,491

381

11,263

—

25,387

37,031

93,522

1,131

3,220

584

8,517

13,452

928

17,007

4,689

308

473

23,405

36,857

56,665

117

6,401

5,525

44,710

(88)

—

60,449

56,665

The financial statements on pages 72 to 110 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 8 November 2022 and were 
signed on its behalf by:

Chris Barnes  
Chief Executive Officer 

Andy Kelly
Chief Financial Officer

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

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

73

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 July 2022

At 1 August 2020

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners:

Share-based payment 
charges

Exercise of share options

Shares issued as 
consideration for 
business combinations

At 31 July 2021

At 1 August 2021

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners:

Dividends 

Share based payment charges

Exercise of share options 
(note 22)

Shares issued as 
consideration for business 
combinations (note 5)

At 31 July 2022

Share 
capital
£000

116

—

—

—

—

1

—

117

117

—

—

—

—

—

2

—

119

Share 
premium
£000

6,373

Merger 
reserve
£000

5,420

—

—

—

—

28

—

6,401

6,401

—

—

—

—

—

35

—

—

—

—

—

105

5,525

5,525

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

6,436

636

6,161

Retained 
earnings
£000

41,078

2,356

—

2,356

1,276

—

—

44,710

44,710

1,502

—

1,502

(266)

1,502

—

—

47,448

Details of the nature of each component of equity are set out in Notes 22 and 23.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements

Translation
reserve
£000

Fair value
reserve
£000

Total
 £000

53,025

2,356

(126)

2,230

1,276

29

105

56,665

56,665

1,502

373

1,875

(266)

1,502

37

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(50)

(50)

—

—

—

—

(50)

636

60,449

38

—

(126)

(126)

—

—

—

(88)

(88)

—

423

423

—

—

—

—

335

74

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Consolidated cash flow statement 
for the year ended 31 July 2022

Operating activities

Profit for the year

Net finance expense

Depreciation

Profit 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)

Payment of contingent consideration

Cash held in escrow for payment of contingent consideration

Payment of deferred consideration

Net cash flow used in investing activities

Financing activities

Dividends paid

Proceeds from exercise of share options

Settlement of financial liability

Lease liability payments

Lease receivable receipts

Net cash flow used in financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Exchange adjustments

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

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

Notes

10

13

9.1

9.3

9.4

14

15

11

8

10

10

13

5

20

20

20

28

19

17

2022
£000 

1,502

141

1,767

(70)

2,441

(426)

5,000

556

1,056

1,502

13,469

(233)

(4,103)

383

9,516

6

—

(1,334)

8,188

(1,129)

123

(9,097)

(4,126)

(2,217)

(315)

(16,761)

(266)

37

(416)

(1,421)

32

(2,034)

(10,607)

190

25,387

14,970

2021 
£000 

2,356

87

1,603

(46)

985

(440)

4,269

434

2,279

1,276

12,803

49

(4,796)

2,784

10,840

7

(74)

(1,417)

9,356

(400)

88

127

(410)

—

—

(595)

—

27

—

(1,260)

32

(1,201)

7,560

(93)

17,920

25,387

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

75

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportNotes to the consolidated financial statements

1 Reporting entity
Tracsis plc (the ‘Company’) is a public company incorporated, 
domiciled, and registered in England in the United Kingdom. The 
registered number is 05019106 and the registered address is 
Nexus, Discovery Way, Leeds, LS2 3AA. The consolidated financial 
statements of the Company for the year ended 31 July 2022 
comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as 
the ‘Group’) and equity account the Group’s interest in associates. 
The parent company financial statements present information about 
the Company as a separate entity and not about its Group.

2 Basis of preparation
(a) Statement of compliance
The Group consolidated financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards 
(“IFRSs”). 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.

(b) Basis of measurement
The Accounts have been prepared under the historical cost 
convention, with the exception of the valuation of investments, 
contingent consideration, financial liabilities and initial valuation of 
assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations which are 
included on a fair value basis.

(c) Presentation currency
These consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling. 
All financial information presented in sterling has been rounded to 
the nearest thousand.

(d) 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 financial statements have been prepared and approved by 
the directors in accordance with UK adopted international accounting 
standards (“IFRSs”). The accounting policies have been applied 
consistently to all periods presented in the consolidated financial 
statements, unless otherwise stated.

There are no new standards, amendments to existing standards or 
interpretations that are not yet effective that are expected to have 
a material impact on the Group.

(f) Going concern
The Group is debt free and has substantial cash resources. 
At 31 July 2022 the Group had net cash and cash equivalents 
totalling £15.0m, with a further £2.2m held in an escrow account for 
settlement of contingent consideration relating to the Railcomm 
acquisition. The Board has prepared cash flow forecasts for the 
period through to December 2023 based upon assumptions for 
trading and the requirements for cash resources, these forecasts 
take into account reasonably possible changes in trading financial 
performance. The Group’s policies for financial risk management 
are detailed in note 24 to these financial statements. 

Further to this, management prepared a severe but plausible 
scenario, reducing revenues from budget and including a more 
pessimistic view of working capital. There was still ample headroom 
under this scenario. A reverse stress test was also considered. 
The revenue and cashflow assumptions required to eliminate 
any headroom under the reverse stress test are considered by 
the Board to be highly unlikely and particularly given trading 
performance to date.

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.

(a) Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. The Group 
controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to 
affect those returns through its power over the entity. In assessing 
control, the Group takes into consideration potential voting 
rights. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in 
the consolidated financial statements from the date that control 
commences until the date control ceases. The accounting policies 
of subsidiary companies have been changed where necessary 
to align them with the policies adopted by the Group. The Group 
entities included in these consolidated financial statements are 
those listed in note 27. All intra-group balance and transactions, 
including unrealised profits arising from intra-group transactions, 
are eliminated fully on consolidation.

Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant 
influence, but not control, over the financial and operating policies. 
Significant influence is presumed to exist either when the Group 
holds between 20 and 50 percent of the voting power of another 
entity or when the Group is deemed to have a significant influence 
by virtue of a Board position. 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.

76

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

3 Significant accounting policies continued
(b) Revenue recognition
The Group applies IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. IFRS 15 established a comprehensive framework for determining 
whether, how much and when revenue is recognised. 

The Group derives revenue from software licencing and bespoke development work, post contract customer support, sale of hardware & 
condition monitoring technology, consultancy and professional services, traffic data collection & capture, passenger counting, plus event 
planning, parking and traffic management services.

The following tables provide information about the nature and timing of the satisfaction of performance obligations in contracts with customers, 
and the related revenue recognition policies. Revenue is recognised when the performance obligation in the contract has been performed 
(either at a “point in time” or “over time” as control is transferred to the customer). Consideration received in advance of the performance 
obligation being satisfied by the Group is included as a contract liability on the balance sheet. An asset is recognised in accordance with 
IFRS 15:95 in relation to costs associated with incomplete performance obligations where the costs relate directly to the contract and can be 
specifically identified, the costs generate or enhance resources of the Group and the costs are expected to be recovered. Adjustments are 
made to allocate discounts relative to the stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation. The Group does not adjust the transaction 
price for the time value of money as it does not expect to have any contracts where the period between the transfer of the promised service to 
the client, and the payment by the client exceeds one year.

The details of the significant accounting policies under IFRS 15 are set out below for each of the two operating segments within the Group.

Rail Technology & Services
Revenue stream

Software – perpetual and 
non-cancellable annual 
software licenses, and support 
and maintenance services 
associated with these licenses

Software as a Service, and 
support services associated 
with these licenses

Bespoke software 
development work

Recognition policy

The criteria under IFRS 15 have been considered to assess whether the software licenses and support and 
maintenance are distinct performance obligations. As the support and updates do not makes changes to 
the software that are so fundamental that the software would not be able to operate without them they are 
considered distinct.

The Group recognises the revenue from the sale of perpetual and non-cancellable annual software licenses at 
the time that the license is made available to the customer as it is considered that control passes at that point 
in time. Additionally the Group does not undertake activities that significantly affect the license after the point 
at which it was provided to the customer.

The allocation of the transaction price between the two performance obligations included in the contract is 
based on an expected cost plus margin approach as the stand-alone selling price is not observable.

Revenue related to ongoing support and periodic updates is recognised over the license period as the Group 
is unable to predict at inception of the license when the support and updates will be required to be provided 
to the customer. As such, control is considered to pass over time.

Under IFRS 15 two distinct performance obligations have been identified for these contracts:

•  hosted software licences; and
•  maintenance and support.

Revenue from the provision of the hosted software license is recognised evenly over the period in which 
the license is hosted by the Group. This policy reflects the continuous transfer of the service to the customer 
throughout the contracted license period. For renewals of hosted licenses, the revenue is recognised over 
the period of the contract.

Revenue related to ongoing support and periodic updates is recognised over the license period as the Group 
is unable to predict at inception of the license when the support and updates will be required to be provided 
to the customer.

Revenue in relation to bespoke development work is recognised on completion of the work in most contracts 
as it is considered that control of the work does not pass until all development work has been completed. The 
development work does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group. In some contracts the Group 
does have an enforceable contractual right to payment for performance completed to date and revenue is 
recognised over time.

Hardware

Under IFRS 15, the Group has identified one performance obligation in relation to the sale of hardware items, being 
delivery to the customer, which is considered the point in time that control passes and revenue is recognised.

Hardware items are also sold to the customer alongside a license for condition monitoring software however 
the license is considered to be distinct from the hardware under IFRS 15 criteria as the two can be sold and used 
separately from each other. The transaction price is allocated to the components of the contract based on an 
adjusted market assessment approach. 

Revenue recognition for the condition monitoring software license is recognised in line with nature of the software 
(hosted Software as a Service) which is detailed further above.

Provision is made for any returns by customers.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

77

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report3 Significant accounting policies continued
(b) Revenue recognition continued
Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events
Revenue stream

Recognition policy

Traffic data collection 
and capture and 
passenger counting 

Revenue from traffic data collection & capture and passenger counting services deliverables is recognised 
on the provision of the contract deliverable(s) as agreed with the customer, unless there is an enforceable 
right to payment under the contract, in which instance revenue would be recognised over the completion of 
the project based on actual costs compared to expected total project costs, the input method under IFRS 15.

Event planning, parking and 
traffic management services

There is considered to be one performance obligation in the completion of event planning, parking and traffic 
management, which is the completion of the service, and this is satisfied upon its completion of the service, 
being at a point in time.

Consultancy services

Consultancy service contracts are either contracted on a time and materials basis, or as fixed fee contracts.

Time and materials contracts are recognised over time as services are provided at the fee rate agreed with 
the client where there is an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.

Fixed fee contracts are recognised over time based on the actual service provided to the end of the reporting 
period as a proportion of the total services to be provided where there is an enforceable right to payment, the 
output method under IFRS 15. In contracts where there is no enforceable right to payment for performance 
completed to date, revenue is recognised on completion of the contracted deliverables.

(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. 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)

4% on cost 

Computer equipment

33 1/3% on cost

Office fixtures and fittings

10–20% on cost

Motor vehicles

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 assess the fair value of net 
identifiable assets and liabilities in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards. The costs of integrating and 
reorganising acquired businesses are charged to the post acquisition 
income statement. Goodwill arising on acquisitions of subsidiaries is 
included in intangible assets. 

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

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units (“CGUs”) 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”.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a 
potential impairment. The carrying value of the CGU containing 
the goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the 
higher of value in use and the fair value less costs of disposal. 
When the recoverable amount of the CGU is less than the carrying 
amount including goodwill, an impairment loss is recognised. Any 
impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and is not 
subsequently reversed.

Business combinations 
The Group has applied IFRS 3 Business Combinations in accounting 
for business combinations. 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.

78

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued3 Significant accounting policies continued
(d) Intangible assets continued
Business combinations continued
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. 
Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are 
recognised in operating profit or loss as such changes are primarily as a 
result of operating performance. Settlement of contingent consideration 
is included within investing activities in the Statement of Cash flows.

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. 

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 5 to 20 years for customer related assets, 10 years for 
technology related assets, 5 years for order book assets and 8 years 
for marketing related assets. Impairment and amortisation charges 
are included within operating expenditure in the income statement.

(e) Impairment of property, plant and equipment
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. 

(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.

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. Capitalised development costs would be 
amortised over the periods the Group expected to benefit from 
selling the products developed. 

(g) Financial instruments
i) Recognition and initial measurement
Trade receivables are initially recognised when they are originated. 
All other financial assets and financial liabilities are initially 
recognised when the company becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument.

A financial asset (unless it is a trade receivable without a significant 
financing component) or financial liability is initially measured at 
fair value plus, for an item not at Fair Value Through Profit and 
Loss (FVTPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to its 
acquisition or issue. A trade receivable without a significant financing 
component is initially measured at the transaction price.

ii) Classification and subsequent measurement
Financial assets
Classification
On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at: 
amortised cost; Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income 
(FVOCI) – debt investment; FVOCI – equity investment; or FVTPL.

Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial 
recognition unless the Company changes its business model for 
managing financial assets in which case all affected financial assets 
are reclassified on the first day of the first reporting period following 
the change in the business model.

A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it meets both of the 
following conditions:

•  it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets 

to collect contractual cash flows; and

•  its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows 

that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal 
amount outstanding.

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortised cost 
or FVOCI are measured at FVTPL. This includes all derivative 
financial assets.

Subsequent measurement and gains and losses
Financial assets at FVTPL – these assets are subsequently measured 
at fair value. Net gains and losses, including any interest or dividend 
income, are recognised in profit or loss. 

Financial assets at FVOCI – these assets are subsequently measured 
at fair value. Net gains and losses on fair value are recorded as other 
comprehensive income or loss, and accumulated as a separate 
reserve in equity.

Financial assets at amortised cost – These assets are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The 
amortised cost is reduced by impairment losses. Interest income, 
foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognised 
in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognised in 
profit or loss.

Financial liabilities and equity
Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity only 
to the extent that they meet the following two conditions: 

(a) 

 they include no contractual obligations upon the Group to deliver 
cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial assets or 
financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are 
potentially unfavourable to the company; and 

(b)   where the instrument will or may be settled in the Group own 

equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that includes no 
obligation to deliver a variable number of the company’s own 
equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the 
company’s exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial 
assets for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

79

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report3 Significant accounting policies continued
(g) Financial instruments continued
ii) Classification and subsequent measurement continued
Financial liabilities and equity continued
To the extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of issue 
are classified as a financial liability. Where the instrument so 
classified takes the legal form of the company’s own shares, the 
amounts presented in these financial statements for called up share 
capital and share premium account exclude amounts in relation to 
those shares.

Financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortised cost or 
FVTPL. A financial liability is classified as at FVTPL if it is classified 
as held-for-trading, it is a derivative or it is designated as such on 
initial recognition. Financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair 
value and net gains and losses, including any interest expense, 
are recognised in profit or loss. Other financial liabilities are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method. Interest expense and foreign exchange gains and losses are 
recognised in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is also 
recognised in profit or loss.

iii) Impairment 
The Group recognises loss allowances for expected credit losses 
(ECLs) on financial assets measured at amortised cost and debt 
investments measured at FVOCI. The Group measures loss 
allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECL, except for other debt 
securities and bank balances for which credit risk (i.e. the risk of 
default occurring over the expected life of the financial instrument) 
has not increased significantly since initial recognition, which are 
measured as 12-month ECL.

The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified model of recognising lifetime 
expected credit losses for all trade receivables as these items do not 
have a significant financing component. 

Measurement of ECLs
ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit 
losses are measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls 
(i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the entity in 
accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the company 
expects to receive). ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate 
of the financial asset.

Write-offs
The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is written off (either 
partially or in full) to the extent that there is no realistic prospect 
of recovery. 

(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 
80

Tracsis plc 

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.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria 
are met. Offset occurs where the Group has the legal right to settle 
current tax amounts on a net basis, and the deferred tax amounts are 
levied by the same tax authority on the same entity.

(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.

(j) Leases
The Group has applied IFRS 16 Leases throughout the financial year. 
For any new contracts entered into the Group considers whether 
a contract is, or contains a lease. A lease is defined as ‘a contract, 
or part of a contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the 
underlying asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration’.

To apply this definition the Group assesses whether the contract 
meets three key evaluations which are whether:

•  the contract contains an identified asset, which is either explicitly 
identified in the contract or implicitly specified by being identified 
at the time the asset is made available to the Group;

•  the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic 
benefits from use of the identified asset throughout the period of 
use, considering its rights within the defined scope of the contract; 

•  the Group has the right to direct the use of the identified asset 

throughout the period of use.

The Group assesses whether it has the right to direct ‘how and for 
what purpose’ the asset is used throughout the period of use.

Measurement and recognition of leases as a lessee
At lease commencement date, the Group recognises a right-of-use 
asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet. 

The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which is made up of 
the initial measurement of the lease liability, any initial direct costs 
incurred by the Group, an estimate of any costs to dismantle and 
remove the asset at the end of the lease, and any lease payments 
made in advance of the lease commencement date (net of any 
incentives received).

The Group depreciates the right-of-use assets on a straight-line basis 
from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of the 
useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The 
Group also assesses the right-of-use asset for impairment when such 
indicators exist. 

At the commencement date, the Group measures the lease liability 
at the present value of the lease payments unpaid at that date, 
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease if that rate 
is readily available or the Group’s incremental borrowing rate.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability 
are made up of fixed payments (including in substance fixed), 
variable payments based on an index or rate, amounts expected to 
be payable under a residual value guarantee and payments arising 
from options reasonably certain to be exercised.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued3 Significant accounting policies continued
(j) Leases continued
Measurement and recognition of leases as a lessee continued
Subsequent to initial measurement, the liability will be reduced 
for payments made and increased for interest. It is remeasured to 
reflect any reassessment or modification, or if there are changes in 
in-substance fixed payments.

When the lease liability is remeasured, the corresponding adjustment 
is reflected in the right-of-use asset, or profit and loss if the right-of-
use asset is already reduced to zero.

The Group has elected to account for short-term leases and leases 
of low-value assets using the practical expedients. Instead of 
recognising a right-of-use asset and lease liability, the payments in 
relation to these are recognised as an expense in profit or loss on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term.

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

(l) 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.

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.

In respect of share options which are not linked to TSR, which is the 
vast majority of share options for staff including EMI options and 
discounted LTIP, the fair value of the option 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. The amount recognised as an expense 
is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the related 
service conditions are expected to be met. Service conditions are 
time based, with full vesting achieved over a 3.5 year period and 
partial vesting at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd anniversary of award.

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. 

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

(n) 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, changes in fair value of contingent 

consideration, unwind of discounting of contingent consideration, 
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.

(o) 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.

(p) 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. 

(q) Operating segments
The Group has divided its results into two segments being ‘Rail 
Technology and Services’ and ‘Data, Analytics, Consultancy & 
Events’. The level of disclosure of segmental and other information is 
determined by such assessment. Further details of the considerations 
made and the resulting disclosures are provided in note 6 to the 
financial statements.

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

(s) 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.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

81

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report3 Significant accounting policies continued
(t) Translation of financial statements of foreign entities
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations (including goodwill 
and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition) 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.

(u) Investments
Investments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value 
recognised through Other Comprehensive Income, accumulated 
in a separate reserve in Equity. 

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.

(v) Government grants
Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are 
recognised in profit or loss as other income on a systematic basis 
in the periods in which the expenses are recognised, unless the 
conditions for receiving the grant are met after the related expenses 
have been recognised. In this case, the grant is recognised when 
it becomes receivable. Grant income in the previous financial 
year included claims made under the Coronavirus Job Retention 
Scheme which was recognised as the staff costs to which it related 
were incurred.

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
Contingent consideration
Within the share purchase agreements for the acquisitions of 
Compass Informatics Limited, Cash & Traffic Management Limited, 
Bellvedi Limited, iBlocks Limited, The Icon Group Limited, and 
Railcomm LLC, are various provisions relating to the payment of 
contingent consideration which are linked to financial performance 
post acquisition. There is a degree of estimation uncertainty in 
calculating the fair value of the contingent consideration as it is 
dependent on the future profit performance which results from 
assumptions about revenues and costs of the acquired businesses, 
and each of which is subject to a separate share purchase agreement 
and basis for calculating contingent consideration. Each Share 
Purchase Agreement contains different provisions for calculating 
contingent consideration, timeframes over which it is calculated and 
payable, and therefore sensitivities regarding the total amount to be 

paid. Included within the balance sheet is a total amount of £9.3m, 
which is management’s best estimates of the fair value of the amount 
payable in respect of all of the acquisitions which have a remaining 
contingent consideration liability. Further details on management’s 
assessment of this, including sensitivities, is provided in note 20 to 
these financial statements.

Judgements
Revenue recognition
Judgements have been taken in the application of IFRS 15 “Revenue 
from Contracts with Customer”. Performance obligations have been 
identified based on the contracts in place with customers in the 
accounting period, and because certain contracts include multiple 
performance obligations. Consideration has subsequently been 
allocated to these performance obligations. A judgement has been 
taken by the Group as to whether the performance obligations and 
subsequent revenue recognition is at a point in time or over a period 
of time. The criteria under IFRS 15 to recognise revenue over time 
are judgemental and the Group assesses on a contract by contract 
basis whether these are met. This includes considering for individual 
contracts whether there is an enforceable right to payment for work 
completed to date. There are judgements taken in allocating revenue 
recognised over time utilising the input and output methods under 
IFRS 15. There are judgements taken in allocating the transaction 
price based on the relative stand-alone selling price of each 
distinct service or item within the contract. and judgements as to 
whether the performance obligation has been met prior to revenue 
being recognised.

Investments in associates
Judgements have been taken in assessing the accounting for the 
investment in Vivacity Labs Limited applying IAS 28 Investment in 
Associates and Joint Ventures (2011). In the previous financial year, 
the Group holding in Vivacity Labs Limited fell below 20% to 17.6% 
and has reduced again in the current financial year to 14.7%, however 
the Group continues to maintain a Board seat and take an active role 
in the future development of Vivacity Labs Limited. Considering the 
criteria set out in IAS 28 it was determined that the Group continues 
to exert significant influence over Vivacity Labs Limited and the 
investment continues to be accounted for using the equity method. 

In the current financial year, the Group holding in Nutshell Software 
Limited has also fallen to below 20% following a fundraising round 
that the Group did not participate in. The Group has also resigned 
its position on the Board in the financial year. Having made an 
assessment against the criteria in IAS 28 it has been determined 
that the Group no longer exerts significant influence over Nutshell 
Software Limited and as such the investment has ceased to be 
accounted for as an Associate from 24 November 2021. After this 
point Nutshell has been accounted for as an investment held at fair 
value with changes in fair value recognised in Other Comprehensive 
Income, and accumulated in a separate reserve in Equity.

82

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued5 Acquisitions in the current year
(a) The Icon Group Limited (“Icon”)
On 3 November 2021 the Group acquired the entire issued 
share capital of The Icon Group Limited (“Icon”). Icon is an Ireland 
based interdisciplinary geoscience company specialising in Earth 
Observation (EO), Geographical Information System (GIS) and spatial 
data analytics. Icon has several long-term repeat contracts. The 
acquisition of Icon Group adds EO capabilities that enhance the 
Group’s offering in this growing market. Icon has a customer base 
that is complementary to Tracsis’.

The acquisition consideration comprised an initial cash payment 
of €2.2m (£1.9m) which was funded out of Tracsis cash reserves 
and the issue of 68,762 new ordinary shares in Tracsis to a value 
of €0.8m (£0.6m). An additional payment of approximately €2.2m 
(£1.9m) reflects the net current asset (above a working capital hurdle) 
position at completion on a euro for euro basis. Additional contingent 
consideration of up to €1.8m (£1.5m) is payable subject to Icon Group 
achieving certain stretched financial targets in the three years 
post acquisition. 

The business is cash generative and debt free. In the period from 
acquisition to 31 July 2022 The Icon Group Limited contributed 
revenue to the Group of £2.0m and pre-tax profit of £0.3m, before 
amortisation of associated intangible assets and exceptional deal 
costs (pre tax loss £0.2m including amortisation of associated 
intangible assets and exceptional deal costs). If the acquisition 
had occurred on 1 August 2021 management estimates that 
the contribution to Group revenue would have been £2.7m 

and Group pre-tax profit for the period of £0.4m (estimated pre tax 
loss £0.2m including amortisation of associated intangible assets 
and exceptional deal costs if the acquisition had occurred on 
1 August 2021). 

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 gross contractual amounts receivable for acquired 
receivables is consistent with fair value. Acquired receivables are 
expected to be collected in full following acquisition.

The goodwill that arose on acquisition can be attributed to a 
multitude of assets, including the skills and experience of staff 
within the acquired business and anticipated synergies arising from 
the acquisition, that cannot readily be separately identified for the 
purposes of fair value accounting. 

The fair value adjustments arise in accordance with the requirements 
of IFRSs to recognise intangible assets acquired. Due to the nature 
of the company acquired, this often requires the recognition of 
additional intangible assets, specifically in relation to customer 
relationships. An external valuation specialist has been engaged 
by the Group to assist with the valuation of the intangibles. 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 £0.2m which are included within 
administrative expenses.

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

Intangible assets: Customer related intangibles

Tangible fixed assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables 

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

Pre-acquisition 
carrying amount 
€000 

—

15

2,069

1,037

(493)

—

2,628

Fair value 
adjustments 
€000 

2,367

—

—

—

—

(296)

2,071

Recognised 
value on 
acquisition 
€000 

Recognised 
value on
acquisition
£000

2,367

15

2,069

1,037

(493)

(296)

4,699

1,537

6,236

4,484

750

1,002

6,236

2,014

13

1,760

882

(419)

(252)

3,998

1,308

5,306

3,820

636

850

5,306

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

83

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report5 Acquisitions in the current year continued
(b) Railcomm LLC & Railcomm Associates Inc
On 11 March 2022 the Group acquired the entire members 
interests of Railcomm LLC and its wholly owned subsidiary Railcomm 
Associates Inc (together “Railcomm”). Railcomm is a US based 
company providing mission critical automation and control solutions 
that reduce costs, increase safety, and improve operational efficiency 
for rail passenger/freight operators and rail served ports/industrials. 
Its two core products are rail yard automation and computer aided 
dispatching and it has a wide and diversified client base across 
the North American market. The acquisition is in line with Tracsis’ 
strategy of extending its rail software footprint and expanding the 
addressable markets for its products and services.

The acquisition consideration comprised an initial cash payment 
of $11.5m (£8.8m) which was funded out of Tracsis cash reserves. 
Additional contingent consideration of up to $2.7m (£2.1m) is payable 
subject to Railcomm delivering certain financial targets in the first 
full year after acquisition through to 31 March 2023. A further $0.1m 
(£0.1m) post completion adjustment in accordance with the purchase 
agreement was due to the sellers following completion.

The business was acquired on a debt free basis. In the period from 
acquisition to 31 July 2022 Railcomm contributed revenue to the 
Group of £3.3m and pre-tax profit of £0.8m, before amortisation 
of associated intangible assets and exceptional deal costs (pre-tax 
loss £0.1m including amortisation of associated intangible assets 
and exceptional deal costs). If the acquisition had occurred on 
1 August 2021 management estimates that the contribution to 
Group revenue would have been £8.9m and Group pre-tax profit 

for the period of £2.0m (estimated pre-tax profit £0.7m including 
amortization of associated intangible assets and exceptional deal 
costs if the acquisition had occurred on 1 August 2021). The fair value 
of intangible assets will be assessed throughout the measurement 
period up to 12 months from the date of acquisition.

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 gross contractual amounts receivable for acquired 
receivables is consistent with fair value. Acquired receivables are 
expected to be collected in full following acquisition.

The goodwill that arose on acquisition can be attributed to a 
multitude of assets, including the skills and experience of staff 
within the acquired business, and anticipated synergies arising from 
the acquisition, that cannot readily be separately identified for the 
purposes of fair value accounting. 

The fair value adjustments arise in accordance with the requirements 
of IFRSs to recognise intangible assets acquired. Due to the nature 
of the companies acquired, this often requires the recognition of 
additional intangible assets, specifically in relation to technology, 
customer relationships, order books and marketing. An external 
valuation specialist has been engaged by the Group to assist 
with the valuation of the intangibles. In determining the fair values 
of intangible assets, the Group has used discounted cash flow 
forecasts. The Group incurred acquisition related costs of £0.4m 
which are included within administrative expenses.

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

Pre-acquisition 
carrying amount 
$000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
$000 

Recognised 
value on 
acquisition 
$000 

Recognised 
value on
acquisition
£000

Intangible assets: Technology intangibles

Intangible assets: Customer related intangibles

Intangible assets: Order backlog intangible

Intangible assets: Marketing related intangibles

Tangible fixed assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventory

Trade and other payables 

Contract liabilities

Deferred tax liability

Net identified assets and liabilities

Goodwill on acquisition

Consideration paid in cash 

Fair value of contingent consideration payable

Total consideration

—

—

—

—

345

2,257

2,687

576

(2,837)

(5,302)

—

(2,274)

7,398

1,481

501

1,082

—

—

—

—

—

—

(2,825)

7,637

7,398

1,481

501

1,082

345

2,257

2,687

576

(2,837)

(5,302)

(2,825)

5,363

8,841

14,204

11,610

2,594

14,204

5,654

1,132

383

827

264

1,725

2,053

440

(2,168)

(4,052)

(2,159)

4,099

6,756

10,855

8,873

1,982

10,855

84

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued6 Revenue and segmental analysis
(a) Revenue
Sales revenue is summarised below:

Rail Technology & Services 

Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events 

Total revenue 

Revenue can also be analysed as follows:

Software and related services 

Data, Analytics, Consultancy, and Events

Other 

Total

2022
£000

29,935

38,788

68,723

2022
£000

22,088

38,788

7,847

68,723

2021
£000

26,424

23,813

50,237

2021
£000

20,980

23,813

5,444

50,237

Revenue to come from contracts entered into with performance obligations not fulfilled or only partially fulfilled amounted to £28.9m as at 
31 July 2022, of which £15.6m is expected to be recognised within one year, and £13.3m after one year (£15.1m as at 31 July 2021, with £8.9m 
to be recognised within one year and £6.2m after one year).

Further information on revenue is provided below:

Recognised over time

At a point in time

Rail Technology & Services

Recognised over time

At a point in time

Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events

Recognised over time

At a point in time

Total revenue 

Major customers
Transactions with the Group’s largest customer represent 12% of the Group’s total revenues (2021: 17%).

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

United Kingdom

Ireland

Rest of Europe

North America

Rest of the World

Total

2022
£000

14,925

15,010

29,935

—

38,788

38,788

14,925

53,798

68,723

2022
£000

55,849

8,827

280

3,343

424

2021
£000

12,180

14,244

26,424

—

23,813

23,813

12,180

38,057

50,237

2021
£000

43,965

5,449

338

189

296

68,723

50,237

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

85

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report6  Revenue and segmental analysis continued
(b) Segmental analysis
The Group has divided its results into two segments being ‘Rail Technology & Services’ and ‘Data, Analytics, Consultancy & Events’ consistent 
with disclosure in the 2021 Financial Statements.

The Group has a wide range of products and services for the rail industry, such as software, hosting services, 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). Traffic data collection and event planning & traffic management, and data and analytics and 
consultancy offerings have similar economic characteristics and distribution methods and so have been included within the Data, Analytics, 
Consultancy & Events 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 Executive Directors, 
who review internal monthly management reports, budgets and forecast information as part of this. Accordingly, the Executive 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.

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. Presented below segmental analysis 
of profit before tax for 2021 has been further analysed to allocate amortisation and exceptional items, assets and liabilities for 2021 has been 
further analysed to allocate Intangibles & Investments, Contingent Consideration and Deferred Consideration to each individual segment.

Revenues

Total revenue for reportable segments

Consolidated revenue

Profit or loss

EBITDA for reportable segments

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation

Exceptional items (net)

Other operating income

Share-based payment charges

Interest payable (net)

Share of result of equity accounted investees

Consolidated profit before tax

2022

Rail Technology 
& Services
£000 

Data, Analytics, 
Consultancy 
& Events
£000 

Unallocated
£000 

Total
£000 

29,935

29,935

38,788

38,788

9,780

(3,731)

(748)

(444)

—

—

(46)

—

4,381

(1,269)

(1,019)

(176)

—

—

(68)

—

4,811

1,849

—

—

—

—

—

(2,443)

426

(1,502)

(27)

(556)

(4,102)

68,723

68,723

14,161

(5,000)

(1,767)

(3,063)

426

(1,502)

(141)

(556)

2,558

86

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued6  Revenue and segmental analysis continued
(b) Segmental analysis continued
Reconciliations of reportable segment revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities and other material items continued

Revenues

Total revenue for reportable segments

Consolidated revenue

Profit or loss

EBITDA for reportable segments:

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation

Exceptional items (net)

Other operating income

Share-based payment charges

Interest payable (net)

Share of result of equity accounted investees

Consolidated profit before tax

Assets

Total other assets for reportable segments

Intangible assets and investments

Deferred tax assets

Cash held in escrow

Cash and cash equivalents

Consolidated total assets

Liabilities

Total other liabilities for reportable segments

Deferred tax liabilities

Contingent consideration

Deferred consideration

Consolidated total liabilities

2021

Rail Technology 
& Services
£000 

Data, Analytics, 
Consultancy 
& Events
£000 

Unallocated
£000 

Total
£000 

26,424

26,424

9,059

(3,345)

(699)

—

—

—

(36)

—

23,813

23,813

3,919

(924)

(904)

(129)

—

—

(37)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(985)

440

(1,276)

(14)

(434)

4,979

1,925

(2,269)

50,237

50,237

12,978

(4,269)

(1,603)

(1,114)

440

(1,276)

(87)

(434)

4,635

2022

Rail Technology 
& Services
£000

Data, Analytics, 
Consultancy 
& Events
£000

Unallocated
£000

Total
£000

10,935

54,277

—

2,217

8,918

76,347

13,506

11,590

—

—

6,052

31,148

—

—

410

—

—

410

24,441

65,867

410

2,217

14,970

107,905

(17,070)

(9,789)

—

(26,859)

—

(8,320)

—

—

(10,671)

(10,671)

(1,001)

(605)

—

—

(9,321)

(605)

(25,390)

(11,395)

(10,671)

(47,456)

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

87

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report6 Revenue and segmental analysis continued
(b) Segmental analysis continued
Reconciliations of reportable segment revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities and other material items continued

2021

Rail Technology 
& Services
£000

Data, Analytics, 
Consultancy 
& Events
£000

Unallocated
£000

Total
£000

Assets

Total other assets for reportable segments

Intangible assets and investments

Deferred tax assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Consolidated total assets

Liabilities

6,515

42,171

—

16,862

65,548

8,669

9,574

—

6,483

24,726

Total other liabilities for reportable segments

(11,913)

(7,036)

—

655

551

2,042

3,248

(590)

(8,517)

—

—

15,184

52,400

551

25,387

93,522

(19,539)

(8,517)

(7,909)

(892)

—

(7,194)

—

(19,107)

—

(715)

(892)

(8,643)

(9,107)

(36,857)

2022

UK
£000

Ireland
£000

North America
£000

Total
£000

4,034

44,213

—

—

UK
£000

3,240

48,116

50

605

627

6,258

—

—

236

15,396

—

—

2021

Ireland
£000

North America
£000

300

3,629

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,897

65,867

—

—

Total
£000

3,540

51,745

50

605

Deferred tax

Contingent consideration

Deferred consideration

Consolidated total liabilities

Non-current assets can be split as follows:

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments – equity

Investments in equity accounted investees

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments – equity

Investments in equity accounted investees

88

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

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

Split:

Cost of Sales

Administrative expenses

Total

Average number of permanent staff

Average number of casual staff (full time equivalents)

2022
£000

2021
£000

30,855

21,834

3,201

1,182

1,502

2,419

804

1,276

36,740

26,333

13,582

23,158

36,740

561

395 

956

7,031

19,302

26,333

434

124

558

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.

Included within the staff costs are claims made under the furlough scheme totalling £nil (2021: £884,000).

The directors’ remuneration and share options are detailed within the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 54 to 59. Total directors’ 
remuneration, including bonus and pension contributions was £1,050,000 (2021: £795,000). The aggregate remuneration of the highest paid 
director was £504,000 (2021: £392,000). The highest paid director exercised 21,417 share options in the year (2021: nil). One director (2021: nil) 
exercised share options during the year. Two directors (2021: two) currently participate in the long-term incentive plan. One director (2021: one) 
receives employer pension contributions into a personal pension scheme. Directors of the Company control 0.06% of the voting shares of the 
company (2021: 0.02%). Details of other key management personnel are disclosed in note 25.

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. This scheme is no longer open to new participants.

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 were also able to exchange an element of annual 
salary in return for share options. 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. This scheme is no longer open to new participants.

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 UK-based staff except for Directors. Staff are also able to 
exchange an element of annual salary in return for share options. 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. Employees are liable for settling income tax and national insurance liabilities arising 
from the exercise of options.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

89

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report8 Share-based payments continued
Directors’ scheme
Directors were not entitled to take part in the 2015 to 2021 staff schemes. Separate schemes for the Directors have been put in place with 
performance conditions attached to vesting. Further details of these schemes are provided in the Directors Remuneration Report.

Details of the schemes are given below:

Grant date
Staff schemes

02/08/2012

28/01/2013

01/08/2013

01/08/2014

01/08/2015

25/09/2015

01/12/2015

01/08/2016

01/08/2017

01/08/2018

16/01/2019

01/05/2019

01/08/2019

01/08/2020

01/08/2021

29/07/2022

Directors’ schemes(5)

02/12/2019

29/12/2020

01/02/2021

05/02/2021

29/11/2021

Outstanding

Employees
entitled

Number 
of options 

Performance
conditions

Exercise
price 
(p)

Earliest
exercise
date

Expiry
date

2

1

2

11

18

8

2

18

13

53

11

7

62

97

73

1

1

1

1

1

2

4,004

Time served

0.40

02/08/2013 (1)

02/08/2022

65,000

Time served

155.5

28/07/2013 (2)

28/01/2023

1,616

Time served

34,796

Time served

29,423

Time served

8,140

Time served

28,378

Time served

55,235

Time served

40,414

Time served

76,904

Time served

27,236

Time served

40,075

Time served

86,587

Time served

181,506

Time served

116,011

Time served

1,900

Time served

38,961

EPS and TSR

40,891

EPS and TSR

7,692

Time served

13,482

EPS and TSR

45,250

EPS and TSR

943,501

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

01/08/2014 (1)

01/08/2023

01/08/2015 (1)

01/08/2024

01/08/2016 (3)

01/08/2025

25/09/2016 (3)

25/09/2025

01/12/2016 (3)

01/12/2025

01/08/2017 (3)

01/08/2026

01/08/2018 (3)

01/08/2027

01/08/2019 (3)

01/08/2028

16/01/2020 (3)

16/01/2029

01/05/2023 (4)

01/05/2029

01/08/2020 (3)

01/08/2029

01/08/2021 (3)

01/02/2030

01/08/2022 (3)

01/08/2031

09/05/2025

28/07/2032

02/12/2022

02/12/2029

29/12/2023

29/12/2030

01/02/2024

01/02/2031

05/02/2024

05/02/2031

29/11/2024

29/11/2031

(1)   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.

(2)  Vesting dates for these options are: 10% vest six months after grant date, 15% vest 12 months after grant date, 15% vest 18 months after grant date, 15% vest 24 months after grant date, 

20% vest 30 months after grant date, 25% vest 36 months after grant date.

(3)  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. 

(4)   Vesting of these options are linked to time served and also the financial performance of Bellvedi Limited which was acquired in 2019.

(5)  Details of EPS and TSR are disclosed in the Directors remuneration report.

90

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued8 Share based payments continued
Directors’ scheme 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

2022
Weighted
average
exercise
price

13.2p

0.4p

0.4p

14.1p

11.1p

20.8p

2021 
Number 

978,469

275,668

(5,912)

(193,430)

1,054,795

543,821

2021
Weighted
average
exercise
price

17.0p

0.4p

0.4p

14.9p

13.2p

25.5p

2022 
Number 

1,054,795

163,161

(13,176)

(261,279)

943,501

494,124

Share options were exercised at numerous points in the year, and the average share price for the year ended 31 July 2022 was 980p 
(2021: 695p).

The share options outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.4 years (2021: 6.5 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 on options granted in the 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

Fair Value of Options Granted

01/08/2021

29/11/2021

29/07/2022

980.0p

1010.0p

895.0p

0.4p

3.5

30%

10

10

3.5%

0.2%

980p

0.4p 

3.0

30%

10

10

3.5%

0.2%

884p

0.4p

3.0

30%

10

10

3.5%

0.2%

895p

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. 

Charge to the income statement

Share-based payment charges

2022
£000

1,502

2021
£000

1,276

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

91

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report9 Operating profit 
9.1 Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment – owned

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment – leased (including right of use assets)

Total depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 13)

Total amortisation (note 14)

Profit on disposal of plant and equipment

Operating lease rentals: Land and buildings*

Operating lease rentals: Motor Vehicles*

Operating lease rentals: Plant & machinery*

Total operating lease rentals

2022
£000

608

1,159

1,767

5,000

(70)

112

—

2

114

2021
£000

560

1,043

1,603

4,269

(46)

53

50

1

104

Research and development expenditure expensed as incurred

3,280

3,383

Grants received:

Government grants

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

* 

 Operating lease rentals in 2022 and 2021 relate to items for which the recognition and measurement exemptions have been taken available within IFRS 16.

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

Total

(459)

—

2022
£000

132 

190

5

327

(625)

(884)

2021
£000

72

153

5

230

An additional £45,000 was charged in relation to 2021, for audit of financial statements of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation.

9.3 Exceptional items:
The Group incurred a number of exceptional items in 2022 and 2021 which are analysed as follows:

Impairment losses

Non cash:

Investment in Associate

Total impairment losses

Other

Non cash:

Contingent consideration fair value adjustment

Unwind of discounting of contingent consideration

Fair value adjustment – Financial Liability

Gain on settlement of Financial liability

Cash:

Legal and professional fees in respect of acquisitions and other corporate activities

Total other

Total exceptional items

Split:

Non cash

Cash

Total

2022
£000

2021
£000

49

49

1,792

774

(127)

(47)

622

3,014

3,063

2022
£000

2,441

622

3,063

—

—

327

658

—

—

129

1,114

1,114

2021
£000

985

129

1,114

92

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued9 Operating profit continued
9.3 Exceptional items: continued
2022
An exceptional cost has been recognised to increase the fair value of the contingent consideration payable at the end of the financial year. A £1,792,000 
charge to the income statement has been recorded which reflects the increased pipeline for software contract opportunities, and the impact of software 
contracts which have been secured in the financial year. A further charge totalling £774,000 has been recognised which reflects the unwinding of 
the discounting of contingent consideration. The discount rates applied vary by acquisition and are in the range of 3.25% to 14.5%. A breakdown of 
the remaining fair value of contingent consideration by acquisition is included in note 20. These costs are deemed to be exceptional items due to the 
size and volatility of the items which can vary significantly from year to year. On 17 June 2022 the Group acquired the minority shareholding of 10,225 
TRC A Shares which were issued as part of the consideration on the acquisition of Flash Forward Consulting in February 2021. The fair value was 
determined on acquisition as £590,000 and was recognised as a financial liability in the Statement of Financial Position held at Fair Value through 
Profit and Loss. The fair value of these shares was assessed as £463,000 immediately prior to the re-purchase and a resulting fair value adjustment 
recognised of £127,000. Consideration for the shares paid was £416,000 and a resulting one-off gain has been recognised totalling £47,000.

During 2022 the Group made two acquisitions. In November 2021 the Group acquired The Icon Group Limited. Legal and professional fees 
related to this acquisition totalled £167,000. In March 2022 the Group acquired Railcomm LLC incurring acquisition related fees of £392,000. 
As part of the acquisition the Group incurred £40,000 (2021: £nil) of legal and professional costs associated with the transfer of a UK employee 
to oversee the integration of the acquisition. 

Legal and professional fees have also been incurred in relation to one off transactions (including the re-purchase of TRC A Shares) and as they 
will not recur in future years, are deemed to be exceptional in nature.

An impairment loss of £49,000 has been recognised in the year in relation to the Investment in the Associate in Nutshell Software Limited. 
Following an assessment of the anticipated future cash flows anticipated from the investment a judgement was taken to write down the 
remaining carrying value to £nil.

2021
In the previous financial year, the Group acquired Flash Forward Consulting Limited and incurred exceptional deal related costs totalling 
£129,000 in relation to this. A net exceptional charge of £327,000 was also recognised to increase the assessed fair value of the contingent 
consideration based on future expectations of performance of the entities. The increase in the fair value of contingent consideration payable 
principally reflects an increased pipeline of software contract opportunities, partly offset by some extension of procurement cycles from 
certain customers. Unwind of discounting of contingent consideration totalling £658,000 was completed in the year. Contingent consideration 
at 31 July 2021 has been discounted at 12%. 

9.4 Other operating income
The Group does not qualify 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 £426,000 in 2022 (2021: £440,000).

10 Net finance expense

Interest received on bank deposits

Interest on Lease receivable

Interest on Lease liabilities

Net foreign exchange loss

Unwind of discount of Deferred Consideration

Total net finance expense

11 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

Adjustment in respect of prior periods

Total deferred tax

Total tax in income statement

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

2022
£000

6

3

(98)

(23)

(29)

(141)

2022
£000

1,327

(3)

1,324

(200)

—

(68)

(268)

1,056

2021
£000

7

4

(74)

(10)

(14)

(87)

2021
£000

1,850

(48)

1,802

(1,144)

1,673

(52)

477

2,279

Tracsis plc

93

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report11 Taxation continued
Recognised in the income statement continued
Reconciliation of the effective tax rate:

Profit before tax for the period

Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 
of 19.0% (2021: 19.0%)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Rate changes

Adjustments in respect of previous years

Overseas tax not at 19%

Trading losses carried forward

Other movements

Total tax expense

2022 
£000 

2,558

486

623

—

(71)

(104)

73

49

1,056

2022 
% 

100.0

19.0

24.4

—

(2.8)

(4.1)

2.9

1.9

41.3

2021 
£000 

4,635

881

(251)

1,673

(100)

(79)

77

78

2,279

2021 
% 

100.0

19.0

(5.4)

36.1

(2.2)

(1.7)

1.7

1.7

49.2

A UK corporation rate of 19% (effective 1 April 2020) was substantively enacted on 17 March 2020, reversing the previously enacted reduction 
in the rate from 19% to 17%. An increase in the UK corporation rate from 19% to 25% (effective 1 April 2023) was substantively enacted on 
24 May 2021. This will increase the Group’s future current tax charge accordingly. The net deferred tax liability has been calculated at the 
rate that it is anticipated to unwind; for UK entities either 19% or 25% (2021: either 19% or 25%) and for those overseas at a range between 
12.5% to 27%, appropriate to the tax jurisdiction in which they operate. The group has carried forward tax losses at the year-end totalling £nil 
(2021: £0.9m). There are no unrecognised tax losses carried forward.

12 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
The calculation of basic earnings per share at 31 July 2022 was based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of £1,502,000 
(2021: £2,356,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 29,486,000 (2021: 29,229,000), 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

2022

29,332

51

103

2021

29,122

7

100

29,486

29,229

Diluted earnings per share
The calculation of diluted earnings per share at 31 July 2022 was based on profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of £1,502,000 
(2021: £2,356,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary 
shares of 30,330,000 (2021: 30,131,000):

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. 
These figures are relevant to the Group and are provided to enable a comparison to similar businesses and are metrics used by Equities Analysts 
who cover the Group. Amortisation and share based payment charges are deemed to be ‘non-cash at the point of recognition’ in nature, and 
exceptional items by their very nature are one-off, and therefore excluded in order to assist with the understanding of underlying trading. 
A reconciliation of this figure is provided below. The Group has also presented an ‘Adjusted Profit’ metric as detailed in note 29, with the key 
difference between the numbers presented below, and those disclosed in note 29 being the income tax charge.

Profit after tax

Amortisation of intangible assets

Share-based payment charges

Exceptional items (net)

Other operating income

Tax impact of adjusting items

Adjusted profit for EPS purposes

2022
£000

1,502

5,000

1,502

3,063

(426)

(847)

9,794

2021
£000

2,356

4,269

1,276

1,114

(440)

746

9,321

94

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued12 Earnings per share continued
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

For the purposes of calculating Dilutive earnings per share

Basic adjusted earnings per share

Diluted adjusted earnings per share

13 Property, plant and equipment

Cost

At 1 August 2020

Lease Modifications

Additions

Arising on acquisition

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 July 2021

Lease Modifications

Additions

Arising on acquisition

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 July 2022

Depreciation

At 1 August 2020

Charge for the year 

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 July 2021

Charge for the year 

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 July 2022

Net book value

At 1 August 2020

At 31 July 2021

At 31 July 2022

2022
£000

29,486

844

30,330

33.22p

32.29p

Plant, 
machinery,
fixtures
and fittings
£000

2021
£000

29,229

902

30,131

31.89p

30.93p

Total
£000

2,404

8,280

—

176

—

(39)

—

2,541

—

158

3

—

1

644

959

1

(466)

(6)

9,412

213

2,669

276

(283)

20

Land and
buildings
£000

Motor
vehicles
£000

Computer
equipment
£000

2,508

644

356

—

—

—

3,508

213

686

254

—

19

1,459

—

233

—

(426)

—

1,266

—

1,158

—

(269)

—

1,909

—

194

1

(1)

(6)

2,097

—

667

19

(14)

—

4,680

2,155

2,769

2,703

12,307

841

814

—

—

1,655

802

—

1

2,458

1,667

1,853

2,222

762

251

(400)

—

613

415

(217)

—

811

697

653

1,344

1,558

223

—

(6)

1,775

286

(13)

—

1,538

315

(24)

1,829

264

—

—

2,048

2,093

351

322

721

866

712

610

4,699

1,603

(424)

(6)

5,872

1,767

(230)

1

7,410

3,581

3,540

4,897

Additional information on Right of Use Assets included in the total property, plant and equipment balance is provided below.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

95

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report13 Property, plant and equipment continued

Cost

At 1 August 2021

Lease Modifications

Additions

Arising on acquisition

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 July 2022

Depreciation

At 1 August 2021

Charge for the year 

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 31 July 2022

Net book value

At 31 July 2021

At 31 July 2022

Land and
buildings
£000

Plant
machinery and 
vehicles
£000

Total
right-of-use 
asset
£000

3,109

213

687

254

—

19

1,111

—

853

3

(95)

—

4,220

213

1,540

257

(95)

19

4,282

1,872

6,154

1,512

785

—

2

2,299

1,597

1,983

549

374

(56)

—

867

2,061

1,159

(56)

2

3,166

562

1,005

2,159

2,988

Additions to right of use assets in the 2021 totalled £356,000 for Land and Buildings, and £203,000 for Plant, Machinery & Vehicles. Lease 
modifications were recognised totalling £213,000 for Land and Buildings. In the previous financial year the depreciation charge was £798,000 
for Land and Buildings, and £245,000 for Plant, Machinery & Vehicles. The net book value of disposals in 2021 were £10,000 of Plant, 
Machinery & Vehicles.

14 Intangible assets

Cost

At 1 August 2020

Arising on acquisition

At 31 July 2021

Arising on acquisition

Exchange adjustment

At 31 July 2022

Amortisation

At 1 August 2020

Charge for the year

At 31 July 2021

Charge for the year

Exchange adjustment

At 31 July 2022

Carrying amounts

At 1 August 2020

At 31 July 2021

At 31 July 2022

Customer- 
related
intangibles
£000

Technology- 
related
intangibles
£000

Order Book
intangibles 
£000

Marketing- 
related
intangibles
£000 

Goodwill 
£000 

11,850

954

12,804

8,064

484

36,125

684

36,809

3,146

58

20,417

—

20,417

5,654

421

21,352

40,013

26,492

623

—

623

—

—

623

11,227

12,181

20,729

9,112

2,263

11,375

2,768

(1)

14,142

27,013

25,434

25,871

4,281

2,006

6,287

2,160

6

8,453

16,136

14,130

18,039

Total 
£000 

68,392

1,638

70,030

18,074

1,054

89,158

14,016

4,269

18,285

5,000

6

23,291

54,376

51,745

65,867

—

—

—

383

29

412

—

—

—

29

—

29

—

—

383

—

—

—

827

62

889

—

—

—

43

1

44

—

—

845

96

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued14 Intangible assets continued
The following carrying values of intangible assets arising from the acquisitions that the Group has completed in the current and previous years 
are analysed into the following cash generating units:

Goodwill

Customer-related 
intangibles

Technology-related
intangibles

Order Book-related
intangibles

Marketing-related
intangibles

Rail Operations(1)

Bellvedi Limited

MPEC Technology 
Limited

OnTrac Technology 
Limited

iBlocks Limited

Tracsis Travel 
Compensation 
Services Limited and 
Delay Repay Sniper 
Limited

Tracsis Traffic Data 
Limited 

Event Traffic 
Management(2)

Compass Informatics 
Limited and The Icon 
Group Limited

Transport 
Consultancy(3)

RailComm LLC

2022
£000

 495 

 40 

2021
£000

 495 

 40 

2022
£000

 1,926 

 3,690 

2021
£000

 2,094 

 3,912 

2022
£000

297 

2021
£000

 463

 3,216 

 3,682 

 269

269

564

 628

 —

 —

 602 

 7,109 

 602 

 7,109 

 8,997 

 3,221 

 9,671 

 3,487 

 467 

 6,949 

 606 

 7,841 

 — 

 — 

 554 

 616 

 488 

 656 

 390 

 390 

 121 

 291 

 587 

 587 

 1,601 

 1,923 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

2,309

1,021 

 3,183 

 1,725 

 764 

 882 

1,668 

7,260

20,729

1,668

—

12,181

 964 

 1,087 

 — 

1,050

25,871

—

25,434

5,858

18,039

 — 

—

14,130

(1)  Comprises Safety Information Systems Limited and Datasys Integration Limited.

(2) Comprises SEP Limited and Cash & Traffic Management Limited.

(3) Comprises Tracsis Rail Consultancy Limited, Tracsis Passenger Analytics Limited and Flash Forward Consulting Limited.

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

Administrative expenses

2022
£000

2021
£000

2022
£000

2021
£000

—

 — 

 —

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

383

383

—

 — 

 —

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

—

—

—

 — 

 —

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

845

845

—

 — 

 —

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 — 

—

—

2022
£000

5,000

2021
£000

4,269

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. Customer related intangibles have between 1 and 16 years left to amortise. Technology related intangibles have 
between 2 and 10 years remaining to amortise, order book intangibles have 5 years remaining to amortise and Marketing related intangibles 
have 8 years left to amortise.

The majority of technology related intangibles relates to seven brands of software that have been acquired in past acquisitions. These are 
named in the annual report and accounts.

In accordance with the requirements of IAS36 “Impairment of Assets”, goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash generating units (CGUs) which 
are expected to benefit from the combination. CGUs are not larger than the operating segments of the Group. Each CGU is assessed for 
impairment annually or whenever there is a specific indicator of impairment.

As part of the annual impairment test review, the carrying value of goodwill has been assessed with reference to value in use over a projected 
period of three years together with a terminal value. This reflects the projected cash flows of the CGU based on the actual operating results, 
the most recent Board approved Budget and management projections.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

97

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report14 Intangible assets continued

Rail Operations

Bellvedi Limited

MPEC Technology Limited

Ontrac Technology Limited

iBlocks Limited

Tracsis Travel Compensation Services Limited & Delay Repay Sniper Limited

Tracsis Traffic Data Limited 

Event Traffic Management

Compass Informatics Limited & The Icon Group Limited

Transport Consultancy

Railcomm LLC

Discount
rate

Long term
growth rate

14.5%

14.5%

14.5%

14.5%

14.5%

14.5%

14.5%

14.5%

12.5%

14.5%

13.5%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2.5%

The key assumptions on which the value in use calculations are based relate to business performance over the next three years, long-term growth 
rates beyond 2024 and the discount rates applied. The key judgements are the level of revenue and margins anticipated and the proportion of 
operating profit converted into cash flow in each year. Forecasts are based on past experience and take into account current and future market 
conditions and opportunities. 

Sensitivities of reasonably possible changes have been considered for each CGU as below, resulting in the carrying amount not exceeding 
the recoverable amount for each CGU:

•  a 1% point increase in the discount rate
•  a 1% point reduction in the long term growth rate.

The discount rate applied would need to increase by more than 2.3% points before the carrying amount would not exceed the recoverable 
amount in any CGU.

The CGU that is most sensitive to assumptions around future contract wins is iBlocks. Were the discount rate to increase by 3.1% points, this would 
reduce headroom against the non-current assets to £nil. For this same CGU forecast net cashflows would need to reduce by more than 21.7% before 
its carrying amount would exceed the recoverable amount. Management do not consider either scenario to be reasonably possible.

As a newly acquired subsidiary, the RailComm CGU is sensitive to changes in forecasting assumptions. A decrease in forecasted revenues of 
3% with no cost mitigation and into perpetuity would reduce the headroom against the non-current assets to £nil.  Management consider this 
unlikely because of the good performance since acquisition of Railcomm and the value of its current orderbook.

15 Investments
The Group has made investments in Vivacity Labs Limited, Citi Logik Limited and Nutshell Software Limited. 

The carrying value of the investments is detailed below:

Investments – equity

Citi Logik Limited

Nutshell Software Limited

Investments in equity accounted investees

Nutshell Software Limited

Vivacity Labs Limited

% held
At 31 July 2022

2022
£000

15.40%

17.22%

17.22%

14.65%

—

—

—

—

—

2021
£000

50

—

57

548

655

An impairment loss of £49,000 has been recognised in the year in relation to the Equity Accounted Investee, Nutshell Software Limited. 
Following an assessment of the anticipated future cash flows from the investment a judgement was taken to write down the remaining carrying 
value of the Investment to £nil.

During the financial year, Nutshell Software Limited has secured additional funding through the issue of new ordinary shares. The Group did 
not subscribe for these newly issued shares and this has reduced the overall holding of the Group in Nutshell Software Limited to 17.22%. The 
Group has also resigned its Board seat in the financial year. It is considered that the Group no longer exerts significant influence over Nutshell 
Software Limited, and as such the Investment is no longer an equity accounted investment.

In the current financial year, a further round of fundraising was completed by Vivacity Labs Limited. The Group did not subscribe to the new 
shares issued, and its interest in the Company has diluted to 14.65%. The Group has maintained a Board seat at the year-end date. The Group 
has assessed its ability to exert significant influence over Vivacity Labs Limited, despite the holding being below 20% of the overall issued 
share capital, and considers it meets the requirements set out in IAS 28, including but not limited to the maintenance of a Board seat.

98

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued15 Investments continued
An assessment of the fair value of the Equity Investment in Citi Logik Limited was completed at the end of the year, and a reduction in fair 
value has been recognised of £50,000. In accordance with the Group accounting policies changes in fair value of the Equity Investment are 
recognised in Other Comprehensive Income. The remaining fair value of the investment has been determined as £nil.

The Group’s share of the loss of Nutshell Software Limited and Vivacity Labs Limited can be summarised as follows:

Nutshell Software Limited(1)

Vivacity Labs Limited(2)

2022
£000

(8)

(548)

(556)

2021
£000

(160)

(274)

(434)

Prior years
£000

(283)

(478)

(761)

Total
£000

(451)

(1,300)

(1,751)

(1)  Share of loss calculated to 24 November 2021 at which point the Group ceased to exert significant influence over the entity.

(2) Share of loss in this financial year has been recognised to the extent that the carrying value of the Investment in Equity Accounted Investees has been reduced to £nil.

Summary financial information in respect of each Company is as follows:

Name

Vivacity Labs Limited

16 Inventories

Raw materials and work in progress

Finished goods

Date of last signed accounts

31 December 2021

Revenue
£000

5,936

Loss after tax
£000

(2,330)

Net assets
£000

3,954

2022
£000

521

569

1,090

2021
£000

83

298

381

The value of inventories expensed in the period in cost of sales was £1,393,000 (2021: £1,585,000). Provision is made for slow moving and 
obsolete stock on a line-by-line basis. The value of any write downs/reversals in the current and previous period was not material. 

17 Lease liabilities 

Due within one year

Due after more than one year:

– Between one and two years

– Between two and five years

Total due after more than one year

Total obligation

A reconciliation of the obligation is stated below.

At 1 August

Lease modifications

New contracts

Arising on acquisition

Total cash outflow

Interest

Exchange adjustments

At 31 July

2022
£000

1,291

841 

635

1,476

2,767

2022
£000

2,059

213

1,540

260

2021
£000

928

754

377

1,131

2,059

2021
£000

2,114

644

561

—

(1,421)

(1,334)

97

19

74

—

2,767

2,059

For new leases entered into in the year, the discount rate has been calculated as the incremental borrowing rate available to the Group at the 
date of the lease commencement. The range of incremental borrowing rates utilised to value the leases existing at the end of the year is 2.6% 
to 2.7% (2021: 2.6% to 2.7%)

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

99

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report17 Lease liabilities continued
Future minimum lease payments at 31 July 2022 were as follows:

2022

2021

Carrying 
amount
£000

2,767

2,059

Contractual 
cash flows
£000

2,921

2,105

Less than 
one year
£000

1,387

985

One to 
two years
£000

882

632

Two to 
five years
£000

652

488

Lease payments not recognised as a liability
The Group has elected not to recognise a lease liability for short term leases (leases with an expected term of 12 months or less) or for leases 
of low value assets. Payments made under such leases are expensed on a straight-line basis. 

The expense relating to payments not included in the measurement of the lease liability is as follows:

Short-term leases

Leases of low value assets

Total

18 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables

Other receivables and prepayments

Lease receivable

Corporation tax receivable

2022
£000

112

2

114

2022
£000

13,755

4,551

70

78

2021
£000

103

1

104

2021
£000

8,874

2,290

99

—

18,454

11,263

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 (2022: 12% of revenue, 2021: 17% of revenue), though there are no concerns over the credit 
worthiness of the customer. 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 fair values of trade and other receivables are approximately the same as their book values. The expected credit loss for Group trade 
receivables is immaterial. The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets. 

19 Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Other tax and social security

Contract liabilities

Accruals and other payables

Financial liability

2022
£000

2,256

3,604

12,321

5,911

—

24,092

2021
£000

1,173

2,644

8,085

4,515

590

17,007

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

Contract liabilities relates to consideration received in advance of the completion of the associated performance obligation. Revenue recognised 
in the reporting period that was included in the contract liability balance at beginning of the year totalled £6,458,000 (2021: £6,079,000).

Financial liabilities are valued at fair value through the profit and loss (FVTPL). The instrument arose in the previous financial year as part of 
the acquisition of Flash Forward Consulting Limited and was in relation to A shares issued in Tracsis Rail Consultancy, which have no voting 
rights attached to them, and guarantee the holder a dividend each financial year. On 17 June 2022 the Group settled the financial liability 
in exchange for a cash payment of £416,000. The fair value of the A shares on this date was determined as £463,000. A gain on settlement 
totalling £47,000 has been recognised in exceptional items in the year, see note 9.3 for further details.

100

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued20 Contingent and deferred consideration
(a) Contingent consideration
During this financial year the Group acquired The Icon Group Limited (“Icon”) and Railcomm, LLC and Railcomm Associates Inc (together 
“Railcomm”). Under the share purchase agreement in place for Icon, contingent consideration is payable which is based on the profitability 
of Icon in the 3 year period after the acquisition, and on the successful renewal of certain key contracts. Contingent consideration is payable 
in Euros up to a maximum of €1,750,000 (£1,471,000), and the fair value of the amount payable was assessed as €902,000 (£757,000). 
Contingent consideration under the share purchase agreement for Railcomm is payable up to a maximum of $2,700,000 (£2,217,000) linked 
to the financial performance of the business in the year following the acquisition through to 31 March 2023. At the year-end date the fair 
value of the amount payable was assessed at $2,626,000 (£2,157,000). Cash held in escrow for the purpose of settlement of the contingent 
consideration for the Railcomm acquisition totalled £2,217,000 at the balance sheet date. The cash held in escrow is held as a financial asset 
not within the overall cash and cash equivalents balance, due to restrictions on access to the cash on demand. Prior approval of any transfers 
must be completed by both Tracsis and the seller before they can take place, and as such the cash is not considered to be available on 
demand. If the financial performance metrics linked to the contingent consideration are not met in full, the balance will be returned to Tracsis.

In 2020 the Group acquired iBlocks Limited. Under the share purchase agreement in place for this acquisition, contingent consideration is 
payable which is linked to the profitability of the acquired business for a three-year period post acquisition and the signing of certain contracts 
currently under negotiation. The maximum amount payable is £8.5m, and the fair value of the amount payable was assessed at £2,224,000 at 
the year-end date.

In 2019, the Group acquired Compass Informatics Limited and Bellvedi Limited. Under the share purchase agreements for each of these 
companies, contingent consideration is payable which is linked to the profitability of the acquired businesses over a two to four year period 
post acquisition. The maximum amount payable over the contingent consideration period is €1,500,000 (£1,261,000) for Compass Informatics 
Limited and £7,900,000 for Bellvedi Limited. The fair value of the amount payable was assessed at £243,000 for Compass Informatics Limited 
and £3,940,000 for Bellvedi Limited at the year-end date.

During the financial year, the final contingent consideration due on the 2019 acquisition of Cash & Traffic Management Limited was paid 
totalling £259,000 (2021: £nil). Contingent consideration of €329,000 (£281,000) was paid in respect of the Compass Informatics Limited 
acquisition (2021: £410,000) and £3,586,000 in respect of the Bellvedi Limited acquisition.

As detailed in note 9.3, a net exceptional charge of £1,792,000 was recognised, following a review of the assumptions of the fair value of the 
contingent consideration as at 31 July 2022. At the balance sheet date, the Directors assessed the fair value of the remaining amounts payable 
which were deemed to be as follows:

Cash & Travel Management Limited

Compass Informatics Limited

Bellvedi Limited

iBlocks Limited

The Icon Group Limited

Railcomm, LLC

2022
£000

—

243

3,940

2,224

757

2,157

9,321

2021
£000

253

462

4,357

2,837

—

—

7,909

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 which specify the specific arrangements and calculations relating to 
each acquisition. This involves assumptions about future profit forecasts, which results from assumptions about revenues and costs, and is 
discounted back to the present value using an appropriate discount rate and an estimate of when it is expected to be payable. A range of 
outcomes is considered, and a probability/likelihood weighting is applied to each of them in order to produce a weighted assessment of the 
amount payable.

The Group has considered multiple profit related scenarios in estimating the fair value of contingent consideration payable in the future. In 
all cases, contingent consideration payable could range from zero to the maximum amount included in the Share Purchase Agreements as 
detailed in this note and also note 5. Each Share Purchase Agreement contains different provisions for calculating contingent consideration, 
timeframes over which it is calculated and payable, and therefore sensitivities regarding the total amount to be paid. In respect of Compass 
Informatics Limited, Bellvedi Limited, iBlocks Limited, The Icon Group, and Railcomm a change in the estimated profit of 10% would result in a 
change in the fair value of contingent consideration of £1.0m.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

101

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report20 Contingent and deferred consideration continued
(a) Contingent consideration continued
The movement on contingent consideration can be summarised as follows:

At the start of the year

Arising on acquisition (note 5)

Cash payment

Fair value adjustment to Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Unwind of discounting

Exchange adjustment

At the end of the year

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

2022
£000

7,909

2,832

(4,126)

1,792

774

140

9,321

2022
£000

8,585

736

9,321

2021
£000

7,334

—

(410)

327

658

—

7,909

2021
£000

4,689

3,220

7,909

(b) Deferred consideration
The Group acquired Flash Forward Consulting Limited on 26 February 2021. As part of this acquisition cash consideration totalling £945,000 is 
payable in three equal instalments on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd anniversary of the acquisition date. At acquisition the present value of this deferred 
consideration was assessed as £878,000 discounted using a rate of 3.75%. At 31 July 2022 the present value of this deferred consideration is 
£605,000. The movement on deferred consideration can be summarised as follows:

At the start of the year

Arising on acquisition (note 5)

Cash payment

Unwind of discounting

At the end of the year

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

21 Deferred tax

Non-current liability/(asset)

At 31 July 2020

Arising on acquisition

(Credit)/charge to statement of comprehensive income (note 11)

At 31 July 2021

Adjustment in respect of previous years

Arising on acquisition (note 5)

Charge/(credit) to statement of comprehensive income (note 11)

Exchange Adjustment

At 31 July 2022

Intangible 
assets 
£000 

8,200

132

1,140

9,472

—

2,411

(969)

152

11,066

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£000 

34

—

22

56

34

—

224

—

314

Share 
options 
£000 

(634)

—

(683)

(1,317)

—

—

238

—

(1,079)

2022
£000

892

—

(315)

28

605

2022
£000

308

297

605

Other
£000

(243)

—

(2)

(245)

(102)

—

307

—

(40)

2021
£000

—

878

—

14

892

2021
£000

308

584

892

Total 
£000 

7,357

132

477

7,966

(68)

2,411

(200)

152

10,261

The net deferred tax liability has been calculated at the rate that it is anticipated to unwind; for the UK either 19% or 25% (2021: 19% or 25%), and 
for those overseas at a range between 12.5% to 27%, appropriate to the tax jurisdiction in which they operate.

102

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued 
21 Deferred tax continued
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

22 Share capital 

Allotted, called up and fully paid:

Ordinary shares of 0.4p each

2022
£000

(410)

10,671

10,261

2021
£000

(551)

8,517

7,966

2022
Number

2022
£

2021
Number

2021
£

29,662,218

118,649

29,332,177

117,329

The following share transactions have taken place during the year ended 31 July 2022:

At start of the year

Issued as consideration for business combinations

Exercise of share options (Note 8)

At end of the year

2022
Number

2021
Number

29,332,177

29,122,548

68,762

261,279

16,199

193,430

29,662,218

29,332,177

During the year, a number of options were exercised from the schemes with exercise price varying from 0.4p to 162.5p – all took place at either 
the nominal value or above the nominal value.

23 Capital and reserves 
The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve:
Reserve

Description and purpose

Share capital

Amount subscribed for share capital at nominal value

Share premium

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value

Merger reserve

Amounts arising from the premium of the fair value of shares issued over their nominal value, in respect of certain 
business combinations 

Retained earnings

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

Translation reserve

Translation differences on retranslation of subsidiaries denominated in a foreign currency

Fair Value reserve

Cumulative changes in fair value of Investments

24 Financial risk management 
The principal financial instruments comprise cash and short-term deposits, trade receivables and contingent consideration. The main purpose 
of these financial instruments (with the exception of contingent consideration) 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 fair values of the 
financial assets are approximately equal to their year-end carrying values and represent the maximum exposure to credit risk.

Financial assets

Cash and short-term deposits(1)

Cash held in escrow(1)

Trade Receivables(1)

Investments in Equity and Debt instruments(3)

Lease Receivable(4)

2022
£000

14,970

2,217

13,755

—

70

2021
£000

25,387

—

8,874

50

99

31,012

34,410

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

103

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report24 Financial risk management continued
Cash and short-term deposits at 31 July 2022 are held in bank accounts with a floating rate of interest. This is consistent with cash and 
short-term deposits held at 31 July 2021.

Financial liabilities

Trade and Other Payables(1)

Contingent Consideration(2)

Financial Liabilities(2)

Deferred Consideration(4)

Lease Liabilities(4)

2022
£000

8,167

9,321

— 

605

2,768

20,861

2021
£000

5,688

7,909

590 

892 

2,059

17,138

(1)  Items are measured at amortised cost. There are no significant financing components and short-term in nature.

(2) Measured at fair value with changes through the Income Statement.

(3) Investments in equity measured at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income, investments in debt instruments measured at amortised cost.

(4)  Measured at amortised cost. The Group considers that the fair value is materially consistent with amortised cost for those assets measured on this basis.

The Group had no 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.

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, though the interest rates being offered by the 
major financial institutions are generally less than 0.5% with many being much less than this. Total finance income in the year amounted 
to £9,000. The Group has cash balances of £15.0m as at 31 July 2022 which is spread across different banks as detailed below, and each 
attracts a different interest rate. Any sensitivity to interest rates would depend on the following factors: Tracsis subsidiary entity making the 
investment, the amount invested, the length of commitment and ability to access to the funds, and the choice of financial institution. In view 
of current interest rates and the current economic backdrop, the Group does not consider that it has a major exposure to interest rates and 
should interest rates rise, any additional rates would have a small impact on the amount of finance income receivable. 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 2022, 
the Group had £nil in a fixed rate 30 day deposit account (2021: £nil). At the year end the Group has $2.7m (£2.2m) held in an escrow account 
(2021: £nil). This balance is in relation to the Railcomm acquisition and is held separately from cash and cash equivalents as it does not meet the 
requirements under IAS7.

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. The Group did not incur any material bad 
debts in the financial year, and has historically not had any either, and so views the overall credit risk to be low. As noted in note 6 and note 
18 the Group derives c. 12% of its revenue from a major customer, whose credit worthiness is unquestionably strong. The Group had a trade 
receivables balance of £13,755,000 at 31 July 2022, and this related to over 300 individual customers. The largest individual receivable was 
£1,198,000 and related to a major infrastructure Group in a very strong financial position. Other receivables over £100,000 were spread across 
31 individual clients and amounted to c. £8.5m. These clients include for example large infrastructure providers, Train Operators and Owning 
groups, numerous Government departments and other bodies, engineering consultants, plus shopping centre providers; all of whom are 
deemed to be creditworthy.

104

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued24 Financial risk management continued
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. As at 31 July 2022, of the Group’s total cash balances of £15.0m, £14.7m 
was spread across seven major, highly rated banking institutions with £5.7m held at the lead bank, £4.4m held at another bank, and £4.6m held 
with others.

The maturity of the Group’s financial liabilities has been disclosed below. The tables below include the gross cash outflows associated with the 
financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis.

Maturity analysis of financial liabilities at 31 July 2022:

Balance sheet value at 31 July 2022

Due within one year

Due between one and five years

Total

Trade and 
other payables (1)

£000

8,167

8,167

—

8,167

Contingent 
consideration
£000

Deferred 
consideration
£000

9,321

9,155

913

10,068

605

315

315

630

(1)  Included within Trade and Other Payables in the Statement of Financial Position. 

Maturity analysis of financial liabilities at 31 July 2021:

Balance sheet value at 31 July 2021

Due within one year

Due between one and five years

Total

Trade and 
other payables 1
£000

Contingent 
consideration
£000

Deferred 
consideration
£000

5,688

5,688

 —

5,688

7,909

5,047

3,914

8,961

892

315

630

945

Lease 
liabilities
£000

2,768

1,387

1,534

2,921

Lease 
liabilities
£000

2,059

985

1,120

2,105

Financial 
liability (1)
£000

—

—

—

—

Financial 
liability 1
£000

590

590

—

590

Total
£000

20,861

19,024

2,762

21,786

Total
£000

17,138

12,625

5,664

18,289

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. 
The Group is exposed to the Euro following the acquisition of Compass Informatics Limited in 2019 and The Icon Group Limited in 2022. These 
entities raise the vast majority of their sales invoices in Euros. Total sales to/from Ireland amounted to £8,827,000 in the year representing around 
13% of total Group sales revenue. The closing exchange rate used was c.1.19 Euros to GBP, with an average throughout the year of c.1.18 Euros 
to GBP. The Group has acquired Railcomm LLC in the financial year and therefore has an increased exposure to the US Dollar. The vast majority 
of sales invoices raised by Railcomm are in USD. Total sales to customers in North America amounted to £3,343,000 (5% of total Group sales 
revenue). The closing exchange rate used was c.1.22 USD to GBP, with an average throughout the year of c1.25 USD to GBP. Any changes to 
this exchange rate would increase the Group’s foreign currency risk, though as noted above the vast majority of the Group’s sales continue 
to be made in Sterling. In addition, as detailed in note 20 the Group has assessed the fair value of the contingent consideration relating to the 
acquisitions of Compass Informatics Limited as £0.2m and The Icon Group Limited as £0.8m, which under the terms of both Share Purchase 
Agreement has to be made in Euros. The fair value of the contingent consideration relating to the acquisition of Railcomm LLC has been calculated 
as £2.2m, this amount is due to be paid in USD. Any changes to the exchange rate would impact on the foreign currency exposure but as these 
payments are to be made over a number of years, the impact is not expected to be significant. The year end exposure to foreign currency risk is 
considered to be immaterial by management.

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 12, 22 and 
23. 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.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

105

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

Market risks
The Directors consider that the Group has no significant exposure to market risks with respect to its financial instruments. 

Changes in liabilities from financing activities

At 1 August 2021

Changes from financing cash flows

Payment of lease liabilities

Settlement of financial liability

Total changes from financing cash flow

Changes in fair value

Other changes

Arising on acquisition

Payment of contingent consideration

Gain on settlement

Lease additions and modifications

Interest unwind on liabilities

Exchange adjustments

Payment of deferred consideration

At 31 July 2022

At 1 August 2020

Changes from financing cash flows

Payment of lease liabilities

Total changes from financing cash flow

Changes in fair value

Other changes

Arising on acquisition

Payment of contingent consideration

Lease additions and modifications

Interest unwind on liabilities

At 31 July 2021

Contingent 
consideration
£000

Deferred 
consideration
£000

7,909

892

Lease 
liabilities
£000

2,059

Financial 
liability
£000

590

—

—

—

1,792

2,832

(4,126)

—

—

774

140

—

9,321

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

28

—

(315)

605

Contingent 
consideration
£000

Deferred 
consideration
£000

7,334

—

—

327

—

(410)

—

658

7,909

—

—

—

—

878

—

—

14

892

(1,421)

—

(1,421)

—

260

—

—

1,754

97

18

—

2,767

Lease 
liabilities 
£000

2,114

(1,334)

(1,334)

—

—

—

1,205

74

2,059

—

416

(416)

(127)

—

—

(47)

—

—

—

—

—

Financial 
liability
£000

—

—

—

—

590

—

—

—

590

106

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued25 Related party transactions
The following transactions took place during the year with other related parties:

Nutshell Software Limited(1)

Vivacity Labs Limited(1)

WSP UK Limited(2)

Nutshell Software Limited(1)

Vivacity Labs Limited(1)

Purchase of goods and services

Amounts owed to related parties 

2022
£000

157

409

2021
£000

97

439

2022
£000

12

24

2021
£000

8

—

Sale of goods and services

Amounts owed by related parties 

2022
£000

2,738

37

38

2021
£000

3,112

93

6

2022
£000

909

—

—

2021
£000

1,054

4

2

(1)  Citi Logik Limited, Nutshell Software Limited, and Vivacity Labs Limited, are related parties by virtue of the Group’s shareholding in these entities.

(2)  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:

Short-term employee benefits:

Wages and salaries

Post-employment benefits:

Contributions to defined contribution plans

Share based payment charges

2022
£000

2021
£000

3,236

2,966

262

700

4,198

224

610

3,800

26 Employee benefits
The Group makes contributions to defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately in 
independently administered funds. The pension cost charge for the year comprises contributions payable by the Group to the schemes and 
other personal pension plans and amounted to £1,182,000 (2021: £804,000). There were outstanding contributions at 31 July 2022 of £273,000 
(2021: £113,000).

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

107

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report27 Group entities 
Below are the subsidiary undertakings which contribute to the Group results: 

Held by Tracsis plc
Tracsis Rail Consultancy Limited(1)
Tracsis Passenger Analytics Limited (1)
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(2)
Ontrac Technology Limited(1)
Ontrac Limited(1)
Tracsis Travel Compensation Services Limited(1)
Delay Repay Sniper Limited(8) *
Cash & Traffic Management Limited(2)
Compass Informatics Limited(6)
Bellvedi Limited(1)
iBlocks Limited(1)
Flash Forward Consulting Limited(1)
Compass Informatics UK Limited(2)
Northbrook Investments Limited(6)
The Icon Group Limited(6)
Railcomm, LLC(7)
Railcomm Associates, Inc(7)
Tracsis Group US Holdings, LLC(7)
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)

Principal activity

Rail industry consultancy
Rail industry consultancy
Software and consultancy
Rail industry hardware & Datalogging
Transportation data collection
Holding Company
Rail industry software
Event planning & traffic management
Dormant
Holding company
Rail industry software
Rail industry software
Rail industry software
Event planning & traffic management
Software development
Rail industry software
Rail industry software
Transport industry consultancy
Software development
Holding company
Software development
Rail industry data loggers
Payroll company
Holding company
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant

Country of incorporation

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
Republic of Ireland
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
United States of America
United States of America
United States of America
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

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

Mobile Network Data Analysis
Mobile application development
Machine Learning technology

England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales

15.40%
17.22%
14.65%

*  At the year end date Delay Repay Sniper Limited had been placed into voluntary liquidation.

The registered offices of the subsidiaries are as follows:

(1)  Nexus, Discovery Way, Leeds, England, LS2 3AA

(2)  Templar House, 1 Sandbeck Court, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, England LS22 7BA

(3)  The Platform, New Station Street, Leeds, England, LS1 4JB

(4)  Floor 1, Baltimore House, Baltic Business Quarter, Gateshead, Tyne And Wear, England, NE8 3DF

(5)  International House 24 Holborn Viaduct, City Of London, London, England, EC1A 2BN

(6)  Block 8, Blackrock Business Park, Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland, A94 W209

(7)  Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801, United States of America

(8)  C/o Azets Holdings Limited, 5th Floor Ship Canal House, 98 King Street, Manchester, M2 4WU.

108

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued28 Dividends
The Group did not pay an interim or final dividend in financial year 2019/20 or 2020/21. The Group is committed to a progressive dividend 
policy, and an interim dividend for financial year 2021/22 has been paid. The cash cost of the dividend payments is below:

Interim dividend for 2021/22

Total dividends paid

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

Interim dividend for 2020/21 of 0.0p per share paid

Final dividend for 2020/21 of 0.0p per share paid

Interim dividend for 2021/22 of 0.9p per share paid

Final dividend for 2021/22 of 1.1p per share proposed

2022
£000

266

266

2022
£000

—

—

266

327

2021
£000

—

—

2021
£000

—

—

—

—

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

Total dividends paid per share

2022

2.0

2021

Nil

2020

Nil

2019

1.8p

2018

1.6p

2017

1.4p

2016

1.2p

2015

1.0p

2014

0.8p

29 Reconciliation of alternative performance measures (“APMs”)
The Group uses APMs, which are not defined or specified under the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). 
These metrics adjust for certain items which impact upon IFRS measures, to aid the user in understanding the activity taking place across the 
Group’s businesses. The largest components of the adjusting items, being depreciation, amortisation, share based payments, and share of 
result of equity accounted investees, are ‘non-cash’ items and are separately analysed to assist with the understanding of underlying trading. 
Share based payments are adjusted to reflect the underlying performance of the group as the fair value is impacted by market volatility that 
does not correlate directly to trading performance. APMs are used by the Directors and management for performance analysis, planning, 
reporting and incentive purposes.

Adjusted EBITDA
Calculated as Earnings before net finance expense, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items, other operating income, share-based 
payment charges and share of result of equity accounted investees. This metric is used to show the underlying trading performance of the 
Group from period to period in a consistent manner and is a key management incentive metric. The closest equivalent statutory measure is 
profit before tax. Adjusted EBITDA can be reconciled to statutory profit before tax as set out below:

Profit before tax

Finance expense – net

Share-based payment charges

Exceptional items – net

Other operating income

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation

Share of result of equity accounted investees

Adjusted EBITDA

2022
£000

2,558

141

1,502

3,063

(426)

5,000

1,767

556

14,161

2021
£000

4,635

87

1,276

1,114

(440)

4,269

1,603

434

12,978

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

109

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report29 Reconciliation of alternative performance measures (“APMs”) continued
Adjusted profit
Calculated as Earnings before net finance expense, tax, amortisation, exceptional items, other operating income, share-based payment 
charges, and share of result of equity accounted investees. This metric is used to show the underlying business performance of the Group 
from period to period in a consistent manner. The closest equivalent statutory measure is profit before tax. Adjusted profit can be reconciled to 
statutory profit before tax as set out below:

Profit before tax

Finance expense – net

Share-based payment charges

Exceptional item– net

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

2022
£000

2,558

141

1,502

3,063

(426)

5,000

556

12,394

2022
£000

14,161

(1,767)

12,394

2021
£000

4,635

87

1,276

1,114

(440)

4,269

434

11,375

2021
£000

12,978

(1,603)

11,375

Adjusted basic earnings per share
Calculated as profit after tax before amortisation, share-based payment charges, exceptional items and other operating income divided by 
the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. This is a common metric used by the market in monitoring similar 
businesses and is used by Equities Analysts who cover the Group to better understand the underlying performance of the Group. See note 12 
“Earnings per share”.

Free cash flow
Calculated as net cash flow from operating activities after purchase of plant and equipment, proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment, 
proceeds from exercise of share options, lease liability payments, and lease liability receipts. This measure reflects the cash generated in the 
period that is available to invest in accordance with the Group’s growth strategy and capital allocation policy.

Free cash flow reconciles to net cash flow from operating activities as set out below: 

Net cash flow from operating activities

Purchase of plant and equipment

Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment

Proceeds from exercise of share options

Lease liability payments

Lease receivable receipts

Free cash flow

2022
£000

8,188

(1,129)

123

37

(1,421)

32

5,830

2021
£000

9,356

(400)

88

27

(1,260)

32

7,843

30 Subsequent events
On 5 October 2022 Jill Easterbrook was appointed to the Board as a non-executive director. Jill joined the Audit, Remuneration and 
Nomination Committees with immediate effect. On the same date it was also announced that Lisa Charles-Jones intends to resign from 
the Board from 31 December 2022 and Jill will assume Chair of the Remuneration Committee at this date.

110

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedCompany balance sheet (prepared under FRS 101)
as at 31 July 2022 
Company number: 05019106

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investments

Deferred tax assets

Other receivables

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Total assets

Non-current liabilities

Lease Liabilities

Contingent consideration

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Contingent consideration

Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium reserve

Merger reserve

Translation reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

Note

2022 
£000 

2021 
£000 

32

33

38

34

34

35

37

36

35

37

39

825

79,935

216

6,375

87,351

3,925

8,333

12,258

99,609

322

736

1,058

36,157

177

6,428

42,762

43,820

55,789

119

6,436

6,161

9

43,064

55,789

431

74,186

225

—

74,842

3,571

4,943

8,514

83,356

—

3,220

3,220

17,727

137

4,689

22,553

25,773

57,583

117

6,401

5,525

—

45,540

57,583

The Company’s loss for the year, after dividends received and impairment of investments was £3,712,000 (2021: profit for the year after 
dividends received £241,000).

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 8 November 2022 and were signed on its 
behalf by:

Chris Barnes  
Chief Executive Officer  

Andy Kelly
Chief Financial Officer

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

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

111

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report 
 
 
Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 July 2022

At 1 August 2020 

Profit and total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Share-based payment charges

Shares issued as consideration for business 
combinations

Exercise of share options 

At 31 July 2021

At 1 August 2021 

Loss after tax

Other Comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Dividends

Share based payment charges

Shares issued as consideration for business 
combinations

Exercise of share options 

At 31 July 2022

Share 
capital
£000

116

—

—

—

1

117

Share 
capital
£000

117

—

—

—

—

—

2

Share 
premium
£000

6,373

—

—

—

28

6,401

Share 
premium
£000

6,401

—

—

—

—

—

35

119

6,436

Merger 
reserve
£000

5,420

—

—

105

—

5,525

Merger 
reserve
£000

5,525

—

—

—

—

636

—

6,161

Translation 
reserve
£000

—

—

—

—

—

—

Translation 
reserve
£000

—

—

9

—

—

—

—

9

Retained 
earnings
£000

44,023

241

Total 
equity
£000

55,932

241

1,276

1,276

—

—

105

29

45,540

57,583

Retained 
earnings
£000

45,540

(3,712)

—

(266)

1,502

—

—

Total 
equity
£000

57,583

(3,712)

9

(266)

1,502

636

37

43,064

55,789

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve:

Reserve

Description and purpose

Share capital

Amount subscribed for share capital at nominal value

Share premium

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value

Merger reserve

Amounts arising from the premium of the fair value of shares issued over their nominal value, in respect of certain 
business combinations

Retained earnings

Cumulative net profits recognised in the income statement. The share-based payment reserve which was previously 
shown separately is incorporated in retained earnings in the previous and current financial year

Translation reserve

Effect of foreign currency translation of net investment in overseas subsidiaries

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

112

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

Notes to the Company balance sheet

31 Company accounting policies
Tracsis plc (“the Company”) was incorporated and is domiciled in England, in the United Kingdom. Its registered office is Nexus, Discovery Way, 
Leeds, LS2 3AA, 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 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 Group’s financial statements.

Revenue recognition
The Company has initially applied IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” from 1 August 2018. IFRS 15 has established a 
comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue is recognised.

The Company derives revenue from software licencing, bespoke development work and post contract customer support.

The following table provides information about the nature and timing of the satisfaction of performance obligations in contracts with customers, 
and the related revenue recognition policies. Revenue is recognised either when the performance obligation in the contract has been 
performed (“point in time” or “over time” as control is transferred to the customer). Consideration received in advance of the performance 
obligation being satisfied by the Company is included as a Contract Liability on the balance sheet. An asset is recognised when a performance 
obligation has been completed, but no consideration has yet been received. Adjustments are made to allocate discounts relative to the 
stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation. The Company does not adjust the transaction price for the time value of money as 
it does not expect to have any contracts where the period between the transfer of the promised service to the client, and the payment by the 
client exceeds one year.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

113

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportNotes to the Company balance sheet continued

31 Company accounting policies continued
Revenue recognition continued

Revenue stream

Recognition policy

Software – perpetual and 
non-cancellable annual 
software licenses, and support 
and maintenance services 
associated with these licenses

Software as a service, and 
support services associated with 
these licenses

Bespoke software 
development work

There are two separate performance obligations associated with this revenue stream:

•  provision of the perpetual or non-cancellable annual software licence; and
•  maintenance and support services.

The company recognises the revenue from the sale of perpetual and non-cancellable annual software 
licenses at the time that the license is made available to the customer as it is considered that control passes 
at that point in time.

The allocation of the transaction price between the two performance obligations included in the contract 
is based on an expected cost-plus margin approach as the stand-alone selling price is not observable.

Revenue related to ongoing support and periodic updates is recognised over the license period as the 
Company is unable to predict at inception of the license when the support and updates will be required 
to be provided to the customer. As such, control is considered to pass over time.

Under IFRS 15 two distinct performance obligations have been identified for these contracts:

•  hosted software licences; and
•  maintenance and support.
Revenue from the provision of the hosted software license is recognised evenly over the period in which 
the license is hosted by the Company. This policy reflects the continuous transfer of the service to the 
customer throughout the contracted license period.

Revenue related to ongoing support and periodic updates is recognised over the license period as the 
Company is unable to predict at inception of the license when the support and updates will be required to 
be provided to the customer.

Revenue in relation to bespoke development work is recognised on completion of the work in most 
contracts as it is considered that control of the work does not pass until all development work has been 
completed. The development work does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group. In some 
contracts the Group does have an enforceable contractual right to payment for performance completed to 
date and revenue is recognised over time.

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 

Fixtures and fittings  

– 

–  

–  

4% on cost 

33 1/3% on cost

10% 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.

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. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are 
recognised in operating profit or loss as such changes are primarily as a result of operating performance. 

114

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

 
 
31 Company accounting policies continued
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 Company 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.

Leases
For any new contracts entered into the Company considers whether a contract is or contains a lease. A lease is defined as ‘a contract, or part 
of a contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration’.

To apply this definition the Company assesses whether the contract meets three key evaluations which are whether:

•  the contract contains an identified asset, which is either explicitly identified in the contract or implicitly specified by being identified at the 

time the asset is made available to the Group; 

•  the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset throughout the period of use, 

considering its rights within the defined scope of the contract; and

•  the Group has the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of use.

The Group assess whether it has the right to direct ‘how and for what purpose’ the asset is used throughout the period of use.

Measurement and recognition of leases as a lessee
At lease commencement date, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet. 

The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which is made up of the initial measurement of the lease liability, any initial direct costs incurred by 
the Group, an estimate of any costs to dismantle and remove the asset at the end of the lease, and any lease payments made in advance of the 
lease commencement date (net of any incentives received).

The Company depreciates the right-of-use assets on a straight-line basis from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of the 
useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The Group also assesses the right-of-use asset for impairment when such 
indicators exist. 

At the commencement date, the Group measures the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments unpaid at that date, discounted 
using the interest rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily available or the Group’s incremental borrowing rate.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are made up of fixed payments (including in substance fixed), variable 
payments based on an index or rate, amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee and payments arising from options 
reasonably certain to be exercised.

Subsequent to initial measurement, the liability will be reduced for payments made and increased for interest. It is remeasured to reflect any 
reassessment or modification, or if there are changes in in-substance fixed payments.

When the lease liability is remeasured, the corresponding adjustment is reflected in the right-of-use asset, or profit and loss if the right-of-use 
asset is already reduced to zero.

The Group has elected to account for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets using the practical expedients. Instead of recognising 
a right-of-use asset and lease liability, the payments in relation to these are recognised as an expense in profit or loss on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term.

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 81. Where there are 
charges relating to subsidiary undertakings, these are borne in full by the relevant subsidiary undertakings via a recharge.

Profit and loss account
The Company has not presented its own profit and loss account as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The Company’s 
loss after taxation for the year amounted to £3,712,000 after receiving dividends from subsidiary undertakings of £4,752,000, and incurring an 
impairment loss on investments of £1,850,000 (2021: profit of £241,000 after receiving dividends from subsidiary undertakings of £2,500,000, 
impairment loss on investments of £nil).

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

115

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportNotes to the Company balance sheet continued

32 Property, plant and equipment

Cost

At 1 August 2021

Additions

At 31 July 2022

Depreciation

At 1 August 2021

Charge for the year

At 31 July 2022

Net book value

At 31 July 2021

At 31 July 2022

Land and 
buildings *
£000

Computer
equipment
£000

Fixtures
and fittings
£000

838

542

1,380

460

160

620

378

760

160

43

203

123

29

152

37

51

20

—

20

4

2

6

16

14

Total
£000

1,018

585

1,603

587

191

778

431

825

* 

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

Included in the net carrying amount of property, plant and equipment are assets held under leases of £496,000 (2021: £104,000).

A reconciliation of the Right of Use Asset is as follows:

Cost

At 1 August 2021

Additions

At 31 July 2022

Depreciation

At 1 August 2021

Charge for the year

At 31 July 2022

Net book value

At 31 July 2021

At 31 July 2022

33 Investments 

At 1 August 2021

Effect of acquisitions

Impairment

At 31 July 2022

Land and buildings
£000

438

542

980

334

150

484

104

496

Shares in, and loans to subsidiary undertakings
£000 

74,186

7,599

(1,850)

79,935

On 3 November 2021 the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of The Icon Group Limited. Further details about this acquisition 
are found in note 5 to the Group financial statements. On 11 March 2022, the Company invested $3,000,000 (£2,292,000) in Tracsis Group 
US Holdings LLC in exchange for the entire issued shareholding. Tracsis Group US Holdings LLC acquired Railcomm, LLC and Railcomm 
Associates, Inc (together “Railcomm”) on the same day. Further details of the Railcomm acquisition are disclosed in note 5 to the Group 
financial statements. 

An impairment charge totalling £1,850,000 has been recognised during the financial year relating to three minority investments held by the 
Group following assessment of the anticipated future cash flows of the businesses.

116

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

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

Name

Country of incorporation

Principal activity

Class and 
percentage
of shares held

Subsidiary undertakings:

Tracsis Rail Consultancy Limited

Tracsis Passenger Analytics Limited

Safety Information Systems Limited

MPEC Technology Limited

Tracsis Traffic Data Limited

Datasys Integration Limited

Tracsis Retail & Operations Limited

SEP Limited

SEP Events Limited

OnTrac Technology Limited

OnTrac 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

Holding

Direct

Direct

Direct

Direct

Direct

Direct

Rail industry consultancy Ordinary 100%

Rail industry ancillary services Ordinary 100%

Software and consultancy Ordinary 100%

Rail industry hardware and  

Ordinary 100%

data logging

Transportation data collection Ordinary 100%

Holding company Ordinary 100%

Rail industry software Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Event planning and traffic 
management

Ordinary 100%

Direct

Dormant Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Holding company Ordinary 100%

Direct

Rail industry software Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Tracsis Travel Compensation Services Limited England and Wales

Rail industry software Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Delay Repay Sniper Limited*

Cash & Traffic Management Limited

Compass Informatics Limited

Bellvedi Limited

iBlocks Limited

Flash Forward Consulting Limited

Compass Informatics UK Limited

Northbrook Investments Limited

The Icon Group Limited

Tracsis Group US Holdings, LLC

RailComm LLC

England and Wales

England and Wales

Republic of Ireland

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Rail industry software Ordinary 100%

Event planning and traffic 
management

Ordinary 100%

Software development Ordinary 100%

Rail industry software Ordinary 100%

Rail industry software Ordinary 100%

Direct

Direct

Direct

Direct

Direct

Transport industry consultancy Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Software development Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Holding company Ordinary 100%

Direct

Software development Ordinary 100%

Indirect

United States of America

Holding company Ordinary 100%

Direct

United States of America

Software development Ordinary 100%

Indirect

RailCommRailComm Associates, Inc

United States of America

Payroll company Ordinary 100%

Indirect

S Dalby Consulting Limited

Sky High Data Capture Limited

Sky High Traffic Data Limited

The Web Factory Birmingham Limited

Forsyth Whitehead & Associates Limited

Sky High Technology (Scotland) Limited

Count on Us Traffic Limited

Burra Burra Distribution Limited

Sky High NCS Limited

Halifax Computer Services Limited

Skyhightraffic Limited

The Traffic Survey Company Limited

The People Counting Company Limited

Myratech.net Limited

Footfall Verification Limited

Minority investments

Citi Logik Limited

Nutshell Software Limited

Vivacity Labs 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

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

Dormant Ordinary 100%

Direct

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 Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Dormant Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Dormant Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Dormant Ordinary 100%

Indirect

Mobile network data analysis Ordinary 14.9%

Mobile application development Ordinary 23.4%

Machine learning technology Ordinary 17.6%

Direct

Direct

Direct

*  At 31 July 2022 Delay Repay Sniper Limited had been entered into voluntary liquidation.

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

117

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportNotes to the Company balance sheet continued

34 Trade and other receivables

Due in less than one year

Trade receivables 

Amounts owed by Group undertakings

Other debtors

Corporation Tax

Prepayments

Due in more than one year

Amounts owed by Group undertakings

2022
£000

1,146

4,798

910

903

576

8,333

6,375

6,375

2021
£000

284

2,871

600

922

266

4,943

—

—

The carrying value of trade receivables approximates to the fair value. The expected credit loss for Trade receivables is immaterial. Amounts 
owed by Group undertakings due in less than one year are interest free and repayable on demand. Amounts due in more one than one year 
relate to two tranches of intercompany loan notes issued as part of the acquisition of Railcomm. These loan notes have a fixed repayment date 
in March 2025. Interest accrues on the loan notes daily at 4.9%, and is due for payment monthly in arrears.

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

35 Lease liabilities

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 obligation

A reconciliation of the obligation is stated below:

At start of the year

New leases

Interest on lease liabilities

Total cash outflow

At end of the year

2022
£000

177

182

140

322

499

2022
£000

137

542

6

(186)

499

2021
£000

137

—

—

—

137

2021
£000

316

—

6

(185)

137

Future minimum lease payments at 31 July 2022 were as follows:

2022

2021

Carrying 
amount
£000

499

137

Contractual 
cash flows
£000

523

139

Less than 
one year
£000

190

139

One to 
two years
£000

190

—

Two to 
five years
£000

143

—

The Company has elected not to recognise a lease liability for short term leases (leases with an expected term of 12 months or less) or for 
leases of low value assets. Payments made under such leases are expensed on a straight-line basis. 

The expense relating to payments not included in the measurement of the lease liability is as follows:

Short-term leases

Leases of low value assets

Total

2022
£000

—

1

1

2021
£000

—

1 

1

118

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

36 Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Other tax and social security

Amounts owed to Group undertakings

Accruals and contract liabilities

2022
£000

360

189

33,438

2,170

36,157

2021
£000

88

139

15,278

2,222

17,727

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

37 Contingent consideration
During this financial year the Company acquired The Icon Group Limited (“Icon”). Under the share purchase agreement in place for Icon, 
contingent consideration is payable which is based on the profitability of Icon in the 3 year period after the acquisition, and on the successful 
renewal of certain key contracts. Contingent consideration is payable in Euros up to a maximum of €1,750,000 (£1,471,000), and the fair value 
of the amount payable was assessed as €902,000 (£757,000). 

In 2020, the Company acquired iBlocks Limited. Under the share purchase agreement in place for this acquisition, contingent consideration is 
payable which is linked to the profitability of the acquired business for a three-year period post acquisition and the signing of certain contracts 
currently under negotiation. The maximum amount payable is £8.5m, and the fair value of the amount payable was assessed at £2,224,000 at 
the year-end date.

In 2019, the Company acquired Compass Informatics Limited and Bellvedi Limited. Under the share purchase agreements for each of these 
companies, contingent consideration is payable which is linked to the profitability of the acquired businesses over a two to four year period 
post acquisition. The maximum amount payable is €1,500,000 (£1,261,000) for Compass Informatics Limited and £7,900,000 for Bellvedi 
Limited. The fair value of the remaining amount payable was assessed at £243,000 for Compass Informatics Limited and £3,940,000 for 
Bellvedi Limited.

During the financial year, the final contingent consideration due on the 2019 acquisition of Cash & Traffic Management Limited was paid 
totalling £259,000 (2021: £nil). Contingent consideration of €329,000 (£281,000) was paid in respect of the Compass Informatics Limited 
acquisition (2021: £410,000) and £3,586,000 in respect of the Bellvedi Limited acquisition which was made in the year ended 31 July 2019 
(2021: £nil).

The company recognised an exceptional debit of £1,792,000, following a review of the assumptions of the fair value of the contingent 
consideration as at 31 July 2022. At the balance sheet date, the Directors assessed the fair value of the remaining amounts payable which 
were deemed to be as follows.

Cash & Travel Management Limited

Compass Informatics Limited

Bellvedi Limited

iBlocks Limited

The Icon Group Limited

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

2022
£000

—

243

3,940

2,224

757

7,164

2022
£000

6,428

736

7,164

2021
£000

253

462

4,357

2,837

—

7,909

2021
£000

4,689

3,220

7,909

Annual Report and Accounts 2022 

Tracsis plc

119

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportNotes to the Company balance sheet continued

38 Deferred tax asset

At start of the year 

Charge to statement of comprehensive income during the year

At end of the year

The deferred tax asset can be split as follows:

Accelerated Capital Allowances 

Share options

Other

At end of the year

39 Share capital 

Allotted, called up and fully paid:

Ordinary shares of 0.4p each

2022
£000

(225)

9

(216)

2022
£000

—

(210)

(6)

(216)

2022
Number

2022
£

2021
Number

2021
£000

(233)

8

(225)

2021
£000

(1)

(224)

—

(225)

2021
£

29,662,218

118,649

29,332,177

117,329

The following share transactions have taken place during the year ended 31 July 2022:

At start of the year

Issued as consideration for business combinations

Exercise of share options

At end of the year

2022
Number

2021
Number

29,332,177

29,122,548

68,762

261,279

16,199

193,430

29,662,218

29,332,177

40 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the year or in the previous year. The company is exempt from disclosing other related party 
transactions as they are with other companies that are wholly owned within the Tracsis plc group.

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

Compensation of key management personnel of the Group
The Company considers its directors to be its key management personnel. Their remuneration is as set out below. 

Short-term employee benefits:

Wages and salaries

Non-cash benefits

Post-employment benefits:

Contributions to defined contribution plans

Share based payments

2022
£000

1,029

2

19

349

1,399

2021
£000

781

1

13

183

978

120

Tracsis plc 

Annual Report and Accounts 2022

S
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Group information

Company Secretary and registered office
Andy Kelly
Nexus
Discovery Way
Leeds
LS2 3AA

The registered office of all subsidiary entities is detailed in note 27 
to the Group financial statements.

Telephone 
Fax  

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

Additional bankers
Barclays
NatWest
Santander
Royal Bank of Scotland
Co-Operative
Bank of Ireland
Allied Irish
Key Bank
Triodos

Registered number
05019106 

Website
www.tracsis.com

Auditor
Grant Thornton UK LLP
No 1 Whitehall Riverside
Leeds
LS1 4BN

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

Nominated adviser and stockbroker
finnCap Limited
1 Bartholomew Close
London
EC1A 7BL

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

Solicitors
Haynes & Boone
1 New Fetter Lane
London
EC4A 1AN

CBP015880

Tracsis plc’s commitment to environmental issues is reflected in this Annual Report, 
which has been printed on Arena Extra White Smooth, an FSC® certified material.

This document was printed by L&S using its environmental print technology, which 

minimises the impact of printing on the environment, with 99% of dry waste diverted 

from landfill. Both the printer and the paper mill are registered to ISO 14001.