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FY2019 Annual Report · Tricon Residential
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Annual Report & Accounts 
for the year ended 31 March 2019

Stock code: TCN

Welcome to our  
Annual Report 2019

TRICORN GROUP
Tricorn creates value for our 
stakeholders by focusing on  
our area of expertise and being  
the best at what we do.
We aim to be recognised as the  
“best in class” tube solutions  
provider in terms of service,  
quality and brand reputation.

Global 
manufacturing 
footprint

Operational 
excellence

Large 
blue-chip OEM
 customers

Tricorn

Capitalise 
on growth 
opportunities

Leveraging 
capabilities and
 know-how 

Financial
disciplines

Our Strategic Enablers
Establishing a global manufacturing footprint
 − With manufacturing operations now firmly established in 
the UK, USA and China, the Group is ideally positioned to 
support its customers’ facilities in these key areas as they 
continue to seek to localise supply and technical support. 
We continue to evaluate opportunities to expand further in 
response to the growing needs of our customers.

The Group’s Growth Priorities
Focus on large blue-chip OEM customers
We focus on a limited number of highly successful customers 
where we can build long-term, collaborative relationships. 
By working closely with them from early design, through product 
validation and onto full production, we can provide highly cost- 
effective solutions and at the same time benefit from high levels 
of recurring revenue over the life of the product.

Leveraging the capabilities and know-how across the Group
 − To harness the Group’s full potential we remain determined 

to channel and maximise our scale and act wherever possible 
as one Tricorn. Best practice is shared across the Group and 
operations are consistently benchmarked.

Maintaining financial disciplines
 − As we execute our strategy to deliver profitable growth, 

we continue to maintain financial discipline. Businesses are 
targeted to achieve EBITDA/sales of a minimum of 10% 
and a cash generation/EBITDA ratio of 1:1. Our strong 
cash generation allows the Group to make significant 
investments in our operations and at the same time 
reduce debt and increase funds.

Capitalise on significant growth opportunities
By being alert, agile and responsive to growth opportunities 
we are winning new business and securing significant 
long-term agreements. 

We continue to invest in developing our capabilities and 
expanding our capacity, ensuring that we maintain our 
competitive advantage and can meet the increasing needs 
of our customers.

Drive for operational excellence
We are committed to a relentless focus on how to improve 
the way our businesses operate. By doing this we will better 
utilise capacity, enhance our competitiveness, reduce working 
capital and generate cost savings by operating more efficiently. 
Our journey is underpinned by the engagement of management 
and employees at all levels and we remain absolutely confident 
that embedding Lean across the whole of Tricorn is an essential 
enabler to deliver and sustain our goals.

HIGHLIGHTS

2019 Highlights
Operational Highlights

 • Revenue increased 2.6% to £22.763m 

 • Continued strong growth in profits from  

 • Profit before tax up 31.6% to £1.088m

 • Improved profitability of the Transportation 

division

the China joint venture 

 • Recommended final dividend of 0.2p  

per share 

 • US expansion announced post year end  

Financial Highlights

Revenue 

Underlying EBITDA 

Underlying profit before tax 

m
0
8
1
2
2
£

.

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3
6
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.

)

m
3
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2
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(

.

2016

2017

2018

2019

2016

2017

2018

2019

2016

2017

2018

2019

Gearing

Underlying earnings  
per share 

Cash generated by 
operations 

.

%
9
7
%5
6
7
4

.

%
5
8
4

.

%
0
5
4

.

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2
0
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.

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2

.

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.

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.

)

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.

(

2016

2017

2018

2019

2016

2017

2018

2019

2016

2017

2018

2019

Contents

Strategic Report

Board of Directors 

Report of the Directors

Corporate Governance 
(including remuneration report)

Report of the Independent 
Auditor 

4

10

11

13

19

Group Income Statement

Group Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

Group Statement of Changes 
in Equity

Group Statement of Financial 
Position

25

26

27

28

Group Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to the Financial 
Statements

Company Statutory Financial 
Statements (prepared under UK 
GAAP)

29

30

54

01

Our BusinessTRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comTHE TRICORN GROUP

Tricorn USA

Locations

1   Tricorn UK, Malvern UK – Manufacturing and 

 • 65,000 sq ft facility in Franklin, North 

Registered Office

2  Tricorn UK, West Bromwich, UK – Manufacturing

3  Tricorn USA, Franklin, NC, USA – Manufacturing

12

3

4

5

6

Tricorn UK

 • Facilities in Malvern, Worcestershire and 

West Bromwich, West Midlands, providing 
c127,500 sq ft of manufacturing space

 • Capability to bend up to 4” diameter and 
currently fabricating up to 12” diameter

 • Expansion into more complex fabrication and 

framework

 • Nylon forming capability as well as wet spray 

and powder coat paint facility 

 • Market coverage includes off highway, power 
generation, oil & gas and marine markets 

Carolina

 • Manufacturing tubular assemblies up to 3” 

diameter for global OEM customers

 • Investment in new 47,000 sq ft facility at 

Rabun Gap, Georgia

 • Rabun Gap houses a fully operational wet 

spray and powder coat painting line

 • Addresses the Group’s plans to expand 

USA product offering into larger diameter 
assemblies

 • Main markets include off highway, 

commercial vehicles, agriculture and 
power generation

Tricorn USA

Tricorn USA

New Paint Plant 
at Rabun Gap, 
Georgia

02

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN12

3

4

4   Tricorn USA, Rabun Gap, Georgia, USA – Manufacturing

5   Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products, Nanjing,  

China – Manufacturing

6  Nanjing, China – Purchasing Office

Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products Limited

 • Located in Nanjing, China and occupying 
c38,000 sq ft of manufacturing space

 • Nylon forming capability and tube manipulation 

to 6” diameter

 • Separate wet spray and powder coat painting 

facility

 • Supplying global OEM customers located 
in Asia and covering off road and power 
generation markets

Small and Large Diameter Factory  - Tricorn China JV

5

6

Small and Large Diameter Factory  - Tricorn China JV

Small and Large Diameter Factory  - Tricorn China JV

Distinctive Capabilities
West Bromwich

Core Capabilities:

•

•

Steel tube bending (including electric bending)

Forming of nylon into complex shapes

• Brazing/Welding (including robotic welding)

•

•

Light assembly work for significant variety of parts

Small presswork

Product Applications:

• HP Cylinder supply tubes/LP Fuel Lines/Leak off 

rail/ Oil Gauge tubes and gauges/EGR 
Tubes/Turbo air supply, feed & drain

•

Transmission breather/Seat adjustment/Fuel 
senders

Distinctive Capabilities
Tricorn Malvern 

Heavy Duty Tube Manufacture
Typically 2” (50.8mm) 12”(300mm)

Expanding into welded tube 
assemblies to support construction 
and Agricultural industries

One piece flow manufacture and 
Kanban fed activities

• 5mm to 300mm Diameter
• Bending Electro and 

Hydraulic
• End Forming
• Beading
• Welding
• Leak test
• Surface treat 
• Paint

 • 5mm to 300mm Diameter
 • Hydraulic and electro 

bending
 • End Forming
 • Beading

 • Welding
 • Leak test
 • Surface treat
 • Painting

03

Our BusinessTRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comSTRATEGIC REPORT
Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s Statement

Performance in the Year Ended 31 March 2019
Revenue for the year at £22.763m was 2.6% higher than the 
previous year (2018: £22.180m).

New business growth in the Transportation division more 
than offset the reduction in revenue in the Energy division 
which, as anticipated, saw significantly lower demand from 
the power generation rental sector. The Company’s joint 
venture in China continues to perform well.

Underlying profit before tax at £1.088m was up 31.6% on 
the previous year (2018: £0.827m).

Post year end, the Group announced that it had extended its 
capabilities in the USA with the purchase of a custom-built, 
installed and fully operational, powder coat and wet spray 
painting line. The paint line is located at Rabun Gap, close to 
the Group’s existing facility, and will provide up to 100,000 

Customer Product Markets

square feet of additional manufacturing space. This allows 
previously sub-contracted painting processes to be brought 
in-house and also addresses plans to broaden its product 
offering in the USA.

“ We are delighted to report that Group 
revenues increased by 2.6% in the 
year while profit before tax improved 
by 31.6% to £1.088m.”

Andrew Moss 
Chairman

Application:
Engine 
Gearbox 
Lube 
Coolant

Global Markets
Truck –  
Medium and 
Heavy Duty 
Coolant

Application:
Gas Vacuum 
Braking System 

Transmission 
Breathers

Fuel suction

Global Markets
Semi-Con. 
Medium and 
Heavy Duty Truck

Application:
Fluid Transfer – 
Oil, Air, and Water

Global Markets
Power Generation
Construction
Mining 

On Road  
Truck

Off Road 
Machines

Other

Off Road  
Engines

Energy  
Generation

Global Markets
Construction
Agriculture
Mining

Application:
Hydraulic fluid 
transfer – Actuator 
control

Global Markets
Agriculture
Construction
Mining
Oil and Gas

Application:
Fluid transfer of 
oil, fuel, air water 
and coolant

04

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNTransportation

The Transportation division is focused 
on rigid, nylon and hybrid tubular 
products for engines, braking systems, 
transmission lubrication, fuel sender 
sub-systems and hydraulic actuation 
in a variety of on and off road 
applications, including construction, 
trucks and agriculture.

in the first half, however, these were 
largely overcome by year end. Post 
year end, as set out above, the Group 
announced that it had extended 
its capabilities in the USA with the 
purchase of a custom-built, installed 
and fully operational, powder coat and 
wet spray painting line. 

External revenue for the year ended 
31 March 2019 was £17.052m (2018: 
£15.901m) and underlying profit before 
tax increased by 38.8% to £0.569m 
(2018: £0.410m). 

Tricorn USA continued to make 
good progress. Market conditions 
were favourable and the pipeline of 
new business opportunities remains 
encouraging. A tight labour market 
presented challenges in recruiting and 
retaining skilled employees especially 

In the UK, the West Bromwich facility 
made excellent progress on all fronts. 
The rigid hydraulic tube business 
continues to grow and production has 
commenced successfully on the brake 
pipe assembly business for the London 
Electric Vehicle Company. In addition, 
the operation invested in an in-house 
tube cutting cell that yielded significant 
efficiency gains through the latter part 
of the year. 

Revenue (£m)

£17.052m  Up 7.2%

(2018: £15.901m)

Profit before tax (£m)

£0.569m  Up 38.8%

(2018: £0.410m)

tax at £0.472m was also down on the 
previous year (2018: £0.567m) with 
efficiency gains helping to offset some 
of the impact of the lower volume.

Energy

The Energy division is focused on 
the design and manufacture of larger 
tubular assemblies and fabrications for 
diesel engines and power generator 
sets. The key markets served through 
its customers are power generation, 
mining, marine and oil & gas 
applications. 

The Malvern facility made good 
progress in developing new business 
opportunities and in improving 
operational performance. Testing of the 
proposed new IT system, as utilised in 
West Bromwich, progressed well and 
will provide further efficiency gains 
once deployed. External revenue for 
the year at £5.711m was lower (2018: 
£6.279m) with, as anticipated, lower 
demand from the power generation 
rental sector. Underlying profit before 

Revenue (£m)

£5.711m  Down 9.0%

(2018: £6.279m)

Profit before tax (£m)

£0.472m  Down 16.8%

(2018: £0.567m)

All references to EBITDA, profit before tax and earnings per share are before intangible asset amortisation and share-based payment charges.

05

Our BusinessTRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comSTRATEGIC REPORT
Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s Statement 
continued

China
Our Chinese joint venture, Minguang-Tricorn Tubular 
Products, performed well. Market conditions softened 
slightly in the second half of the year but the strong 
operational performance saw the Group’s share of profit 
before tax increase to £0.282m, up 34.9% (2018: £0.209m). 

Coach Critical 
Thinking

Current Target

Provide Positive 
Reinforcement

Next Steps

Current State

What was 
What was 
learned
learned

Show Respect

Any Obstacle

Any Obstacle

Desired 
Desired 
Improvement
Improvement

Align Support 
Systems

Gemba has been implemented across the Group and 
is an integral part of our operations

Change in Net Funds
£’000

Business Review
The Group’s five manufacturing facilities serve a global 
blue-chip OEM customer base, many of whom have major 
facilities in the UK, USA, and China as well as elsewhere in 
the world. 

With manufacturing operations now firmly established in 
each of these key locations and performing well, the Group is 
ideally positioned to support its customers’ facilities as they 
continue to seek to localise supply and technical support.

Historically, the Group’s two main business divisions have 
focused on the transportation and energy sectors. As a 
result of Tricorn’s geographic expansion, the Board has 
carried out a review of the Group’s organisational structure 
and concluded that the current structure was no longer 
appropriate. As a result, post year end, the Group’s brands 
have been consolidated into the following geographic 
divisions:

 • Tricorn UK: comprising Malvern Tubular Components and 

Maxpower Automotive;

 • Tricorn USA: comprising Franklin Tubular Products and the 

recently announced expansion at Rabun Gap;

 • The joint venture in China remains as Minguang-Tricorn 

Tubular Products.

31 March
2018
net debt

Underlying
operating
profit

Net movement
in working
capital

Depreciation

Finance
charges

Capital 
expenditure

Sales 
development 
costs

Other
movements

31 March
2019
net debt

(2,982)

575

(401)

(3,290)

1,015

(246)

(723)

(278)

(250)

Cash generated by operations
£1,189k

All references to EBITDA, profit before tax and earnings per share are before intangible asset amortisation and share-based payment charges.

06

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNFinancial Review
The Group built on the good 
trading performance of the prior 
year and continued to expand on 
its manufacturing capability which 
resulted in solid improvements in both 
revenue and profitability. The Group 
has made a point over recent years of 
making considerable investment where 
it believes that this will yield significant 
benefits in the short and medium 
term. This was again the case in the 
year, with investments being made 
in tangible assets and development 
costs to secure contracts with new and 
existing customers, which are already 
beginning to deliver returns. 

All of the Group’s subsidiary businesses 
were again profitable in the year. Group 
EBITDA for the year was £1.872m 
(2018: £1.575m) and underlying 
profit before tax was £1.088m (2018: 
£0.827m).

Income Statement
Revenue for the year, at £22.763m, 
increased by 2.6% (2018: £22.180m). 
While revenue in the Energy division 
was lower than the prior financial 
year, this was more than offset by 
an increase in demand within the 
Transportation division. In line with 
Group policy when reporting the results 
for its joint venture in China, the Group 
has reported its share of the profit 
before tax while the revenue figure for 
the joint venture is not reported in the 
Group consolidated income statement.

Gross margins were up slightly at 
38.4% (2018: 38.3%) and distribution 
costs were largely unchanged at 
£1.022m (2018: £1.005m). While 
the Group’s administration costs 
increased to £6.701m (2018: £6.646m), 
operational gearing reduced to 29.4% 
(2018: 29.9%). 

The Group’s Chinese joint venture, 
Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products, 
showed further growth in profitability 
over the prior year, with the Group’s 
share of profit for the year increasing to 
£0.282m (2018: £0.209m).

EBITDA for the year was £1.872m 
(2018: £1.575m). Finance costs for the 
year were £0.209m (2018: £0.226m) 
and the Group delivered an underlying 
profit before tax for the year of 
£1.088m (2018: £0.827m). 

After deducting intangible asset 
amortisation and share-based payment 
charges, the profit before tax was 
£0.950m (2018: £0.606m). 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) 
was 2.62p (2018: 2.00p) and after 
adjusting for non-underlying items, 
the underlying EPS was 3.02p (2018: 
2.65p). 

Given the progress made and our 
confidence in the future prospects of 
the Group, the Board is recommending 
the reinstatement of a final dividend of 
0.2p per share (2018: Nil). If approved 
by the shareholders at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting, to be held 
on 11 September 2019, the dividend 
will be paid on 18 October 2019 to all 
shareholders who are on the register on 
4 October 2019. 

Cash Flow
The Group’s cash flow from operations 
in the year was £1.189m (2018: 
£1.532m) and it achieved a cash 
generated by operations to EBITDA 
ratio of 0.64:1 (2018: 0.97:1). This was 
below the target ratio of 1:1 largely 
as a result of adverse working capital 
movements, particularly on creditors. 
Part of this is a timing issue at the year 
end on supplier payments, with director 
incentive payments during the year also 
having an impact. 

After interest payments and net tax 
receipts, cash generated by operating 
activities was £0.943m (2018: 
£1.321m). 

Segmental Revenue
£’000

1
0
9
5
1

,

9
7
2
6

,

2
5
0
7
1

,

1
1
7
5

,

8
3
5
2
1

,

8
7
4
5

,

5
9
5
3
1

,

4
2
9
4

,

2016

2017

2018

2019

n Energy n Transportation

During the year, the net cash outflow 
from investing activities was £1.001m 
(2018: £0.696m). Expenditure on 
the purchase of plant and machinery 
was £0.723m (2018: £0.696m). In 
addition, the Group had expenditure 
of £0.278m (2018: £Nil) on intangible 
assets. In a number of instances, the 
Group makes the decision to invest in 
order to develop the capabilities and 
infrastructure required to support a 
particular customer contract. During 
the financial year, the Group secured 
a contract where an existing customer 
was outsourcing work which it had 
previously manufactured in-house. 

This required a level of investment 
by the Group to transfer and develop 
the manufacturing processes, 
equipment, tooling and know-how. 
This expenditure is reported by the 
Group as an intangible asset.

07

Our BusinessTRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comSTRATEGIC REPORT
Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s Statement 
continued

Outlook 
We are delighted to report that Group 
revenues increased by 2.6% in the year 
while profit before tax improved by 
31.6% to £1.088m. Earnings per share 
increased by 14.0% to 3.02p. These 
results reflect our focus on growth and 
our continuing investment in our global 
operations. 

Our Transportation division delivered 
strong revenue growth coupled with 
improved margins. The increased 
contribution from our joint venture in 
China resulted from strong operational 
performance. 

We are excited by the recently 
announced expansion of our 
capabilities in the USA. This allows 
us to bring in-house previously sub-
contracted painting processes and also 
addresses our plans to broaden our 
product offering in this key market.

Given the progress made to date 
and our confidence in the future 
prospects of the Group, the Board is 
recommending the reinstatement of a 
final dividend of 0.2p per share.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The management of the business and 
the nature of the Group’s strategy are 
subject to a number of risks.

The Directors are of the opinion that 
a thorough risk management process 
is adopted which involves the formal 
review of all the risks identified below. 
Where possible, processes are in place 
to monitor and mitigate such risks. 
The Directors have set out below the 
principal risks facing the business.

Economic Climate
The Group is exposed to global markets 
through both its customer base and the 
market sectors that it serves. As a result 
there is constant monitoring of the 
economic environment by the Board 
to ensure that the Group responds 
to economic changes appropriately 
in order to ensure that the risk of any 
impact is mitigated. 

Supply Chain
At an operational and strategic level 
the Group ensures that it develops 
close relationships with its customers 
and its suppliers. By doing this, it 
is in a position to understand the 
changing nature of sourcing and supply 
chain strategy quickly and respond 
accordingly to any risks that this might 
pose to the Group.

World Class Fabrication
One Piece Flow Manufacturing Process

 Standardised Work Methods
 Improved Takt
 Kanban Fed Activities
 New Tools, Electrics and Extraction
 Team Engagement/Ownership
 Significant number of systems shipped

each year to USA and to China

As a result of the Group’s expenditure 
on investing activities in the year, net 
debt increased over the prior year 
to £3.290m (2018: £2.982m), cash 
and cash equivalents were £0.493m 
(2018: £0.692m) and gearing was 
45.0% (2018: 47.6%).

The Group uses short-term borrowings 
to fund its operating activities, with 
selected capital additions and larger 
projects being financed by lease 
finance arrangements. At the year end, 
the Group did not have any term debt 
in place and had no covenants on its 
borrowings.

Balance Sheet
Total assets of the Group as at 
31 March 2019 were £15.044m, 
which was £0.685m higher than 
the prior year, driven mainly by the 
increase in the value of the Group’s 
investment in its joint venture in China 
and increases in tangible and intangible 
assets, as discussed above. Net working 
capital for the Group increased in the 
year to £4.040m (2018: £3.475m).

On translation of its overseas assets 
and liabilities, the Group made an 
exchange gain of £0.125m (2018: 
loss of £0.487m). This is a non-cash 
movement, which is not hedged and 
is treated as a movement in other 
comprehensive income. As a result, 
the translation reserve in shareholders’ 
funds now shows a £0.014m surplus 
(2018: £0.111m deficit).

People
The Board would like to take the 
opportunity to thank all our employees 
for their hard work and support 
throughout the year. Their commitment 
and dedication ensures that we 
continue to drive the business forward 
and deliver quality products to our 
customers.

08

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNCompetition
The Group ensures that it is constantly 
monitoring its competitive environment 
in order to respond to competitive 
pressures as well as taking advantage 
of any opportunities that are presented 
to it. Regular reviews of market 
intelligence ensure that the Group 
manages its competition risk.

Operational 
A focus on operational improvement 
ensures that the Group’s products 
remain reliable and of the highest 
quality. Recruiting, retaining, developing 
and motivating staff also continue to 
be a key priority for the Group. With 
operational performance being such 
a high priority for the Group, risks are 
identified and managed on a regular 
basis.

Environmental
The Group reviews the risk that its 
activities place on the environment 
through the promotion of green 
initiatives wherever possible.

Global Presence
The Group operates through wholly 
owned subsidiaries in the UK and 
the US as well as being a partner in 
a joint venture in China. As a result 
of international expansion in these 
jurisdictions, new risks have been 
presented. Senior management has 
responded by making frequent visits 
overseas in order to mitigate and 
control those risks. The Group assessed 
the direct impact of exiting the 
European Union as minimal. However, 
it continues to monitor the situation 
and its potential impact on customers 
and suppliers.

Andrew Moss
Chairman
31 May 2019

Mike Welburn
Chief Executive
31 May 2019

09

Our BusinessTRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tricorn Group plc is the parent company of a group of specialist engineering subsidiaries whose activities incorporate high 
precision tube manipulation, systems engineering and specialist fittings.

Directors 
The present membership of the Board is set out below.

A B Moss 
R Allsop 
M I Welburn

P Lee
D E Leakey

Executive Directors

Non-executive Directors

Mike Welburn
Chief Executive 
Officer

Phil Lee 
Group Finance  
Director

David Leakey
Group Sales  
Director

Andrew Moss
Non-executive  
Chairman

Roger Allsop 
Non-executive 
Director

Joined Tricorn in April 
2003, appointed to the 
Board in March 2004 
and as Chief Executive 
in November 2007. 
He had previously 
been with IMI plc for 
18 years where he 
had held a number 
of senior roles within 
the Fluid Power 
Division. This included 
responsibility for 
European Operations 
and Global OEM 
Strategy. 

Joined Tricorn in 
January 2009 and 
appointed to the Board 
in February 2009.  He 
had previously been 
at Rolls-Royce plc for 
nine years working 
in a number of roles 
including Finance 
Director of Distributed 
Generation Systems 
(part of the Rolls-Royce 
Energy Business). Prior 
to Rolls-Royce he had 
been with National 
Grid Plc.

Purchased MTC 
in 1984 and Chief 
Executive of Tricorn up 
to 2002 after which 
he became a non-
executive Director. 
Chairman of the 
Audit, Nominations 
and Remuneration 
Committees. He was 
previously managing 
director of Westwood 
Dawes plc and a non-
executive director of 
Netcall plc. 

Joined Tricorn and 
appointed to the Board 
in June 2011.  He 
had previously spent 
27 years working 
at Norgren Ltd, the 
Motion and Fluid 
Controls division 
of IMI plc. He has 
most recently held 
the role of Global 
Sales Director in the 
Energy Sector, with 
responsibility for 
the global business 
development of the 
company’s products 
into the oil & gas 
markets. David has 
also held the position 
of Sales Director in 
Norgren’s Life Sciences 
and Automotive 
Sectors.

Appointed as a non-
executive Director in 
November 2014 and 
Chairman in December 
2014.  Member of the 
Audit, Remuneration 
and Nominations 
Committees.  He 
has over 30 
years’ experience 
in international 
engineering groups 
specialising in aviation, 
automotive and power 
electronics products, 
and advanced 
composite materials. 
He spent 13 years 
with Umeco Plc, five 
years of which was 
spent as a main board 
director, resulting in his 
appointment as Chief 
Executive in 2011. 
Prior to this he was 
with BTR/Invensys Plc 
managing a number 
of international 
manufacturing 
businesses.

10

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNREPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
for the year ended 31 March 2019

Share Capital
Details of the Company’s share capital are given in note 25 
to the financial statements. The Group’s policy for managing 
capital and financing to support the activities of the Group is 
detailed in note 24 to the financial statements.

Substantial Shareholdings
The only interests in excess of 3% of the issued share capital 
of the Company, which have been notified as at 23 May 
2019, were as follows:

R Allsop
Canaccord Genuity Wealth 
Management 
W B Nominees
FNZ Nominees Limited
Cheviot Capital

Ordinary
 shares of
10 pence each
Number
11,220,000

6,060,000
1,378,334
1,370,150
1,300,000

Percentage
 of capital
%
33.20

17.93
4.08
4.05
3.85

Business Review, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 
and Principal Risks and Uncertainties
A review of the Group’s trading operations, KPIs and 
principal risks and uncertainties is contained in the Strategic 
Report on page 4. The key financial salients shown on page 1 
are deemed to be the KPIs of the Group.

Employment Policies
Management places emphasis on training and developing 
its employees. In addition, management encourages self-
development which in turn aids succession planning, 
supporting the strategic growth of the Group.

Employees are kept up-to-date with management policies 
and their respective duties. Management emphasise the 
importance of good communication and relations with all 
employees throughout the Group.

It is the policy of the Group that there should be no unfair 
discrimination in considering applications for employment, 
including those from disabled persons. Employees are given 
equal opportunities for career development and promotion.

Management takes a proactive approach to the welfare of 
the Group’s employees and the strong commitment to health 
and safety is cascaded down to all levels of the business by 
senior management.

Health and Safety
The Group recognises its responsibility to ensure that 
its employees work in as safe a working environment as 
possible. Checks are also implemented to ensure its clients 
comply with Health and Safety legislation. 

Financial Risks and Management
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise an 
invoice discounting facility, short-term borrowings, hire 
purchase and finance lease contracts, cash and short-term 
deposits. The main purpose of these financial instruments is 
to raise finance for the Group’s operations. The Group has 
various other financial instruments such as trade receivables 
and trade payables, which arise directly from its operations. 

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments 
are interest rate risk, liquidity risk, commodity price risk, 
foreign currency risk, and credit risk. The Board reviews and 
agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they are 
summarised below.

Interest rate risk
The policy of the Group is to manage its interest cost using 
a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. The Group’s exposure 
to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings is currently 
managed by the use of floating facilities. The Group finances 
specific large plant acquisitions via hire purchase or finance 
lease contracts. The interest rate risk on positive cash 
balances is not considered to be significant.

Liquidity risk 
The Group’s objective is to maintain a balance between 
continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of bank 
deposits, bank loans, overdrafts, invoice discounting and 
finance lease and hire purchase contracts. Money on deposit 
is held on treasury reserve, partly to finance working capital 
and also to help finance future acquisitions.

Commodity price risk 
The exposure of the Group to the price of steel is high, 
therefore selling prices are monitored regularly to reduce 
the impact of such risk and opportunities to reduce material 
costs are explored constantly. The Group has partly 
responded to this risk by sourcing materials in low-cost 
countries. The Group also looks to recharge any increased 
cost of commodities to customers.

Foreign currency risk 
Certain purchases and sales are made in foreign currencies. 
In order to minimise the impact of currency movements the 
Group utilise short term forward currency contracts. Such cover 
is determined by written policies set by the Board. Foreign 
exchange differences on retranslation of foreign currency assets 
and liabilities are taken to the Group profit or loss.

Credit risk 
The Group trades with only recognised, creditworthy third 
parties. It is the Group’s policy that all customers who 
wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit vetting 
procedures. In addition, receivable balances are monitored on 
an ongoing basis with the result that the Group’s exposure to 
bad debts is not significant.

11

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur GovernanceREPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
for the year ended 31 March 2019
continued

Other Non-financial Risks 
The Group supplies products to a large number of customers 
and works with a number of key suppliers. Successful 
management of this process is key to delivering the results 
of the Group. This is also underpinned by retention and 
training of our staff to ensure that our knowledge and skills 
are maintained.

Directors’ Responsibilities for the Group and Company 
Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic 
Report, the Report of the Directors, the Group financial 
statements and the Company financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the 
Directors have to prepare the Group financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union and the Company 
financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards and applicable law including FRS 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework). Under company law 
the Directors must not approve the Group and Company 
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 Group and Company for that period. In preparing these 
Group financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain 
the Group and Company’s transactions and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of 
the Group and Company and enable them to ensure that 
the Group and Company financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for 
safeguarding the assets of the Group and 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 Group and Company’s auditors 
are unaware; and

 • the Directors have taken all 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 
auditors are aware of that information.

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

Auditors
Grant Thornton UK LLP offer themselves for reappointment 
as auditors in accordance with section 489 of the Companies 
Act 2006.

 • make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and 

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

prudent;

 • state whether applicable IFRS have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements; and

 • prepare the financial statements on the going concern 

basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group 
and Company will continue in business.

M I Welburn
Director
Date: 31 May 2019

12

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNCORPORATE GOVERNANCE
for the year ended 31 March 2019

Statement by the Directors on compliance with the 
provisions of the QCA Corporate Governance Code 

Chairman’s Corporate Governance Statement
The Board of Directors is committed to ensuring that Tricorn 
adheres to appropriate standards of governance.

The AIM Rules for Companies require all AIM quoted 
companies to have formally identified and adopted 
Corporate Governance Code by 28 September 2018. After 
careful consideration, the Board decided that the Quoted 
Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code (“QCA 
Code”) is the most appropriate for the Group. The QCA Code 
has been developed with significant involvement from key 
stakeholders in the small companies investment community 
and is a principles-based approach relevant to smaller but 
growing businesses.

The principles of the QCA Code are detailed below. We have 
addressed each point identifying the impact on the Group 
and the arrangements that the Group has in place to comply 
with the Code.

QCA Corporate Governance Code

Principle 1 – Establish a strategy and business model 
which promote long-term value for shareholders

Application
The board must be able to express a shared view of the company’s 
purpose, business model and strategy. It should go beyond the 
simple description of products and corporate structures and set 
out how the company intends to deliver shareholder value in the 
medium to long-term. It should demonstrate that the delivery of 
long-term growth is underpinned by a clear set of values aimed 
at protecting the company from unnecessary risk and securing its 
long-term future.

The Tricorn Approach
Tricorn Group’s strategy is explained in detail on the inside 
cover of its Annual Report and Accounts and can also be 
found on the Group’s website, www.tricorn.uk.com.

The Group looks to create value for its stakeholders by 
focusing on its areas of expertise and being the best at what 
it does. At the same time the Group aims to be recognised 
as the “best in class” tube solutions provider. To achieve this, 
the Group identifies Strategic Enablers and Growth Priorities. 
They are:

 • Strategic Enablers:

 − Establishing a global manufacturing footprint

 − Leveraging the capabilities and know-how across the 

Group

 − Maintaining financial disciplines

 • Growth Priorities:

 − Focus on large blue-chip OEM customers

 − Capitalise on significant growth opportunities

 − Drive for operational excellence

At the same time the Group is aware that it faces risks 
and challenges to its business and these are detailed and 
addressed in the Annual Report and Accounts.

Principle 2 – Seek to understand and meet 
shareholder needs and expectations

Application
Directors must develop a good understanding of the needs and 
expectations of all elements of the company’s shareholder base.

The board must manage shareholders’ expectations and should 
seek to understand the motivations behind shareholder voting 
decisions.

The Tricorn Approach
The Group aims to deliver a balance to shareholders between 
capital and income growth, taking into account the Group’s 
growth expectations over the medium term. 

The Board encourages regular interaction and 
communication with both private and institutional 
shareholders and responds to shareholder queries in a 
timely manner. As well as hosting institutional shareholder 
visits to the Group’s UK facilities, the Board ensures that it 
is available to present and discuss its interim and full year 
results on a one-to-one basis with shareholders. 

The Group’s AGM, which takes place each September, is seen 
by the Board as an excellent opportunity to communicate 
and present to shareholders at one of the Group’s UK 
manufacturing facilities, where questions can be asked 
directly of Board members and queries addressed.

13

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur GovernanceCORPORATE GOVERNANCE
for the year ended 31 March 2019
continued

Principle 3 – Take into account wider stakeholder and 
social responsibilities and their implications for long-
term success

Setting strategy includes determining the extent of exposure to 
the identified risks that the company is able to bear and willing to 
take (risk tolerance and risk appetite).

Application
Long-term success relies upon good relations with a range of 
different stakeholder groups, both internal (workforce) and 
external (suppliers, customers, regulators and others). The board 
needs to identify the company’s stakeholders and understand 
their needs, interests and expectations.

Where matters that relate to the company’s impact on society, 
the communities within which it operates or the environment 
have the potential to affect the company’s ability to deliver 
shareholder value over the medium to long term, then those 
matters must be integrated into the company’s strategy and 
business model.

Feedback is an essential part of all control mechanisms. Systems 
need to be in place to solicit, consider and act on feedback from 
all stakeholder groups.

The Tricorn Approach
The Group is committed to upholding its responsibilities to 
its stakeholders, both those internal to the organisation and 
external.

The Group’s Annual Report and Accounts highlight the 
policies that it has in place in respect of its employees. The 
Group’s employees are vital to its success and the Board 
regularly seeks their feedback and conducts surveys on 
all aspects of employment. Work councils are also held to 
encourage employee engagement.

The Group has a varied supplier and blue-chip customer base 
and works closely with both stakeholders to ensure that the 
appropriate feedback mechanisms are in place.

The community plays an important part in the success 
of our businesses and the Group makes sure that, where 
appropriate, it engages with the wider community on a 
regular basis. Examples include different parts of the Group 
holding open days and tours to engage with the community.

Principle 4 – Embed effective risk management, 
considering both opportunities and threats, 
throughout the organisation

Application
The board needs to ensure that the company’s risk management 
framework identifies and addresses all relevant risks in order to 
execute and deliver strategy; companies need to consider their 
extended business, including the company’s supply chain, from 
key suppliers to end-customer.

The Tricorn Approach
The Group discusses the risks to its business within its 
Annual Report and Accounts. Within the report, risks 
are identified with explanations outlining how the Group 
addresses them. Furthermore, in the Report of the Directors 
the Board identifies those financial and non-financial risks 
that may impact the business and then details the processes 
and procedures that are in place to mitigate them.

The Board considers the risks to the Group at each Board 
Meeting. Risk registers are maintained within the Group and 
these are reviewed regularly.

Regular review of performance and risk take place between 
the executive Directors and senior management of the 
businesses, with more formal reviews taking place at least 
monthly. These reviews assess risks impacting, or which 
may impact, trading performance. As a result, each business 
carries out regular forecasting updates, which allow for 
ongoing performance monitoring and actions to be taken 
quickly to mitigate risk. 

Principle 5 – Maintain the Board as a well functioning, 
balanced team led by the chair

Application
The board members have a collective responsibility and legal 
obligation to promote the interests of the company and are 
collectively responsible for defining corporate governance 
arrangements. Ultimate responsibility for the quality of, and 
approach to, corporate governance lies with the chair of the 
board.

The board (and any committees) should be provided with high 
quality information in a timely manner to facilitate proper 
assessment of the matters requiring a decision or insight.

The board should have an appropriate balance between executive 
and non-executive directors and should have at least two 
independent non-executive directors. Independence is a board 
judgement.

The board should be supported by committees (e.g. audit, 
remuneration, nomination) that have the necessary skills and 
knowledge to discharge their duties and responsibilities effectively.

Directors must commit the time necessary to fulfil their roles.

14

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN 
The Tricorn Approach
The Board of Directors is responsible for leading and 
controlling the Group. The biographies of the members of 
the Board are set out in the Annual Report and Accounts. 
Andrew Moss as Chairman and Mike Welburn as the Chief 
Executive Officer have responsibility for the day-to-day 
running of the Group.

The Report provides further information on Directors’ 
responsibilities. The Board is supplied with regular 
information with regards to the operational and financial 
performance of the Group. The Board currently comprises of 
three executive Directors and two non-executive Directors 
and meets formally at least quarterly, which all Directors are 
required to attend. Information relating to the meeting is 
circulated in advance by the Company Secretary and minutes 
of the meeting are produced as an accurate record.

The Board is supported by Audit, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committees. There are specific matters which 
are reserved for the Board, which are available on the 
Group’s website. In addition, the terms of reference for each 
of the sub-committees can also be found on the Group’s 
website.

Principle 6 – Ensure that between them the Directors 
have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and 
capabilities

Application
The board must have an appropriate balance of sector, financial 
and public markets skills and experience, as well as an appropriate 
balance of personal qualities and capabilities. The board should 
understand and challenge its own diversity, including gender 
balance, as part of its composition.

The board should not be dominated by one person or a group 
of people. Strong personal bonds can be important but can also 
divide a board.

As companies evolve, the mix of skills and experience required on 
the board will change, and board composition will need to evolve 
to reflect this change.

The Tricorn Approach
The Nominations Committee oversees the process of 
recruitment, where new appointments to the Board are 
necessary. Their recommendations are then put to the Board. 
The search for new appointees is conducted according to the 
relevant skills and experience that an individual can bring to 
the role. Appointments are made on merit against specific 
criteria giving due regard to the benefits of diversity.

The biographies of the Board of Directors, which are 
available both in the Annual Report and Accounts and also 
on the Group’s website, provide details of the employment 
history of each of the Directors, but also their relevant 
experience as it relates to the Group.

The training and development needs of Board members are 
considered on an ongoing basis and are encouraged as a way 
of ensuring that each Board member has the appropriate 
experience and skills for the Group.

Principle 7 – Evaluate Board performance based on 
clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous 
improvement

Application
The board should regularly review the effectiveness of its 
performance as a unit, as well as that of its committees and the 
individual directors.

The board performance review may be carried out internally or, 
ideally, externally facilitated from time to time. The review should 
identify development or mentoring needs of individual directors 
or the wider senior management team.

It is healthy for membership of the board to be periodically 
refreshed. Succession planning is a vital task for boards. 
No member of the board should become indispensable.

The Tricorn Approach
The Board carries out an evaluation of its performance 
annually. The KPIs of the Group which are shown in the 
Annual Report and Accounts are used to assess performance 
which aligns to shareholders’ expectations.

In addition, an annual appraisal of performance is carried out, 
reviewing internal performance against specific targets and 
requirements.

Each Director is subject to a re-election process at the 
Group’s AGM, with one Director being put forward for 
re-election each year.

Principle 8 – Promote a corporate culture that 
is based on ethical values and behaviours

Application
The board should embody and promote a corporate culture 
that is based on sound ethical values and behaviours and use 
it as an asset and a source of competitive advantage.

The policy set by the board should be visible in the actions 
and decisions of the chief executive and the rest of the 
management team.

Corporate values should guide the objectives and strategy 
of the company.

15

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur GovernanceCORPORATE GOVERNANCE
for the year ended 31 March 2019
continued

The culture should be visible in every aspect of the business, 
including recruitment, nominations, training and engagement. 
The performance and reward system should endorse the desired 
ethical behaviours across all levels of the company.

The corporate culture should be recognisable throughout the 
disclosures in the annual report, website and any other statements 
issued by the company.

The Tricorn Approach
The Group’s Corporate Strategy, detailed on the inside 
cover of its Annual Report and Accounts, sets the overriding 
framework under which the Group promotes a culture that 
maximises performance with regards to our employees, 
customers and suppliers, environment and community.

The Directors lead by example and work with senior 
management to implement the processes and procedures 
within the Group’s subsidiary businesses. Policies covering 
whistleblowing and anti-bribery are widely communicated 
and respected. Furthermore, each of the Group’s businesses 
has developed specific employment manuals providing 
employees with up-to-date rules and regulations, health and 
safety rules, as well as pay grades, progression and appraisal 
processes. Employees are also encouraged to consider and 
present opportunities for improvement within their area 
of work.

The Group aims to attract, employ and retain the highest 
calibre of employees. Each business looks to recruit 
apprentices, where opportunities present themselves, 
and each business currently employs apprentices in various 
disciplines. Communication with employees is seen as 
critical to the success of each of the Group’s businesses, 
with regular briefings, newsletters, forums and open days 
proving successful.

The reward strategy of the Group aims to offer competitive 
pay and benefits. At the same time, employees have the 
opportunity to train and become competent in further 
disciplines to enhance their pay.

Health and safety is of paramount importance to the Group 
and each employee is made aware of their obligations 
to maintain a safe workplace. All employees undergo 
appropriate training and are regularly assessed to ensure 
continuing competence.

The Group is committed to Lean principles in the 
manufacturing process. Such principles enable the Group 
to reduce its manufacturing waste, aim to lower carbon 
emissions and improve the utilisation of packaging materials 
to reduce the Group’s impact on the environment. Other 
measures which the Group employ include the safe disposal 
of waste through the manufacturing process and reducing 
energy consumption where possible.

The Group focuses on large blue-chip OEM customers and 
ensures that it works closely with its customers through 
all aspects of the relationship. The Group is keen to satisfy 
customer requirements through engineered solutions and 
high-quality products, which lead to a positive customer 
relationship. The Group’s suppliers are expected to have 
in place appropriate health and safety, environmental, 
labour and human rights standards that the Group itself is 
expected to adhere to. The Group has detailed terms and 
conditions which are issued to both customers and suppliers. 
This details the terms under which the Group is prepared to 
trade, including payment terms. Where it is important to the 
relationship, and in the best interests of the Group, specific 
agreements or long-term contracts with customers and 
suppliers will be negotiated and entered into. 

Principle 9 – Maintain governance structures and 
processes that are fit for purpose and support good 
decision-making by the Board

Application 
The company should maintain governance structures and 
processes in line with its corporate culture and appropriate to its:

 • size and complexity; and

 • capacity, appetite and tolerance for risk.

The governance structures should evolve over time in parallel 
with its objectives, strategy and business model to reflect the 
development of the company.

The Tricorn Approach
The Corporate Governance section of the Group’s Annual 
Report and Accounts covers a number of points around the 
governance structure of the Group.

As previously indicated, the Board is supported by the 
Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees, with 
terms of reference for each committee available on the 
Group’s website.

16

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNPrinciple 10 – Communicate how the Company is 
governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue 
with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders

Application 
A healthy dialogue should exist between the board and all of 
its stakeholders, including shareholders, to enable all interested 
parties to come to informed decisions about the company.

Directors’ Remuneration
The Board recognises that Directors’ remuneration is of 
legitimate concern to the shareholders and is committed to 
following current best practice. The Group operates within 
a competitive environment, performance depends on the 
individual contributions of the Directors and employees and 
it believes in rewarding vision and innovation.

In particular, appropriate communication and reporting structure 
should exist between the board and all constituent parts of its 
shareholder base. This will assist:

 • the communication of shareholders’ views to the board; and

 • the shareholders’ understanding of the unique circumstances 

and constraints faced by the company.

It should be clear where these communication practices are 
described (annual report or website).

The Tricorn Approach
The Board encourages regular interaction and 
communication with both private and institutional 
shareholders and responds to shareholder queries in a timely 
manner. As well as hosting institutional visits to the Group’s 
UK facilities, the Board ensures that it is available to present 
and discuss its interim and full year results on a one-to-one 
basis with shareholders. 

The Group’s AGM, which takes place each September, is seen 
by the Board as an excellent opportunity to communicate 
and present to shareholders at one of the Group’s UK 
manufacturing facilities, where questions can be asked 
directly of Board members and queries addressed.

Going Concern
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
Detailed cash flow forecasts covering at least 12 months 
from the date that these accounts were approved have been 
prepared which highlight that the Group has sufficient cash 
headroom within its bank facilities to support its activities. 
The key assumptions in these forecasts have been sensitised 
and no issues arise which lead to any concern regarding 
the operations or financing of the Group. For this reason, 
the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the financial statements.

Policy on Executive Directors’ Remuneration
Detail of individual Directors’ remuneration is set out in 
note 5 to the financial statements. The policy of the Board 
is to provide executive remuneration packages designed to 
attract, motivate and retain Directors of the calibre necessary 
to maintain the Group’s position and to reward them for 
enhancing shareholder value and return. It aims to provide 
sufficient levels of remuneration to do this, but to avoid 
paying more than is necessary and reflects the Directors’ 
responsibilities. A separate Remuneration Committee has 
been established comprising the non-executive Directors and 
is chaired by R Allsop.

Basic Annual Salary
The Remuneration Committee reviews each Executive 
Director’s basic salary annually. In deciding upon appropriate 
levels of remuneration the Board believes that the Group 
should offer levels of base pay reflecting individual 
responsibilities and which are commensurate with similar 
jobs in other business sectors.

Annual Bonus Payments, Benefits and Pension 
Arrangements
M I Welburn, P Lee and D E Leakey participate in a 
performance-related bonus arrangement through Tricorn 
Group plc.

M I Welburn, P Lee and D E Leakey benefit from the 
provision of private medical insurance, the provision of 
company cars or car allowance and are eligible to participate 
in a contributory pension scheme.

R Allsop and A B Moss receive no bonus, pension or benefits 
in kind.

17

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur GovernanceCORPORATE GOVERNANCE
for the year ended 31 March 2019
continued

Notice Periods
M I Welburn has a service agreement with the Company which is terminable on not less than 12 months’ written notice 
given by either party to the other at any time. P Lee and D E Leakey have service agreements with the Company which are 
terminable on not less than six months’ written notice given by either party to the other at any time. 

A B Moss has a letter of appointment with the Company which is terminable upon one months’ written notice being given 
by either party. R Allsop has a letter of appointment with the Company which is terminable upon six months’ written notice 
being given by either party.

Share Option Incentives
The Company has adopted a number of individual unapproved and Enterprise Management Incentive scheme share 
option agreements to motivate and retain key personnel of the Group. At 31 March 2019 the following options were 
held by the Directors: 

At beginning 
of period
Number

Lapsed 
during  the 
year
Number

Granted  
during the 
year
Number

Exercised 
during the 
year
Number

At end 
of year 
2019
Number

Exercise 
price
£

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

361,844
1,000,000
500,000
500,000

500,000
921,000
1,263,156

0.10
0.10
0.175
0.10

0.10
0.10
0.10

EMI Options
M I Welburn’s EMI share option for 1,263,156 shares was 
granted on 5 August 2010. This scheme has vested and is in 
force for ten years with an exercise price of 10p per share. 

P Lee options over 500,000 shares were issued in the first 
quarter of the following financial year. In addition, there is 
a further option over 921,000 shares, granted on 5 August 
2010, 736,800 of which have vested at 31 March 2019. 
These options vest in tranches of 184,200 shares once the 
share price has achieved the trigger points of 20p, 25p, 30p, 
35p and 40p for ten consecutive days.

The exercise periods for share options were set by the 
Remuneration Committee in order to incentivise and retain 
key executives. All share disposals will be limited to one third 
of the option in any given year without prior Board approval. 
The market price of the Company’s shares at 31 March 2019 
was 19.00p (31 March 2018: 19.00p) and the range during 
the year was 17.50p to 38.00p (2018: 15.75p to 24.75p).

Unapproved share options
M I Welburn
M I Welburn
D E Leakey
D E Leakey
Enterprise Management Incentive scheme (EMI) options
P Lee
P Lee
M I Welburn

361,844
1,000,000
500,000
500,000

500,000
921,000
1,263,156

Unapproved Share Options
M I Welburn’s unapproved share option was granted on 
16 September 2010, over 361,844 shares. This scheme has 
vested and is in force for ten years with an exercise price 
of 10p per share. The unapproved options over 1,000,000 
shares for M I Welburn were granted under the Group’s LTIP 
and vest in tranches of 200,000 shares once the share price 
has achieved the trigger points of 20p, 25p, 30p, 35p and 
40p for ten consecutive days. 

D E Leakey has an unapproved option over 500,000 shares 
at 17.5p granted on 30 June 2015. A further option over 
500,000 shares was granted on 4 April 2016 at an option 
price of 10p. Both options vest immediately and run for 
ten years.

18

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNINDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 
To the members of Tricorn Group plc

Opinion

Our opinion on the Group financial statements is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of Tricorn Group plc (the “parent Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) 
for the year ended 31 March 2019 which comprise the Group Income Statement, the Group Statement of Comprehensive 
Income, the Group and Company Statement of Changes in Equity, the Group and Company Statement of Financial Position, 
the Group Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is 
applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent Company financial statements is applicable law 
and 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 March 2019 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

 • the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;

 • 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 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 have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to 
report to you where:

 • the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of 

accounting in the preparation of the financial statements 
is not appropriate; or

 • the Directors have not disclosed in the financial 

statements any identified material uncertainties that may 
cast significant doubt about the Group’s or the parent 
Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting for a period of at least 12 months from 
the date when the financial statements are authorised for 
issue. 

Overview of our audit approach
 • We determined materiality for 
the audit of the Group financial 
statements as a whole to be £198,000;

 • The key audit matter was identified as 

revenue recognition;

 • We performed full-scope procedures 
on UK-based operations (Tricorn 
Group plc, Maxpower Automotive 
Limited, Malvern Tubular Components 
Limited) and Franklin Tubular Products 
Inc. and performed specified audit 
procedures on its joint venture, 
Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products 
Nanjing Limited.

19

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur Governance 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 
To the members of Tricorn Group plc
continued

Key audit matters
The graph below depicts the audit risks identified and their relative significance based on the extent of the financial 
statement impact and the extent of management judgement. 

High

Potential
financial
statement
impact

Low

Low

Revenue
recognition

Investment
impairment

Inventory

Management override
of controls

Forex
translations

Exceptional
costs

Transition
to and
implementation
of IFRS 15

Implementation of
IFRS 9

Trade 
receivables/payables

Extent of management judgement

High

Key audit matter

Significant risk

Other risk

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.

Key audit matter – Group

How the matter was addressed in the audit – Group

Risk 1 – Revenue recognition
Under International Standard on Auditing (UK) 240 
“The auditor’s responsibilities relating to fraud in an 
audit of financial statements”, there is a presumed 
risk of fraud in revenue recognition. 

Revenue is recognised to the extent that economic 
benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can 
be reliably measured.

Under ISA (UK) 240 “The auditor’s responsibilities 
relating to fraud in an audit of financial statements”, 
there is a presumed risk that revenue may be 
misstated due to fraud. Revenue is a key driver and 
performance indicator of the business and is also 
a significant value in the financial statements. We 
therefore identified revenue recognition (focusing 
on occurrence) as one of the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement.

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: 

 • Assessing the Group’s accounting policies for recognition of 

revenue for compliance with the requirements of IFRS 15 and 
whether management accounted for revenue in accordance with 
the new policies, including the accounting and disclosure for the 
transition to the new IFRS.

 • Testing, on a sample basis, the operating effectiveness of certain 
key controls over order authorisation, invoicing and despatch. 

 • Agreeing, on a sample basis, amounts recognised in 

revenue to source documents including invoices and proof 
of shipping documents.

The Group’s accounting policy on revenue recognition is shown 
in note 2 and related disclosures are included in note 3. 

Key observations
Based on our audit work, we did not identify evidence of material 
misstatement in the revenue recognised in the year ended 
31 March 2019.

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

20

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNOur application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic 
decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality in determining the 
nature, timing and extent of our audit work and in evaluating the results of that work.

Materiality was determined as follows:

Materiality measure Group

Parent

Financial statements 
as a whole

We determined materiality for the audit of 
the financial statements as a whole to be 
£198,000.

We determined materiality for the audit of 
the financial statements as a whole to be 
£148,500.

Our determination of materiality was based 
on a consideration of a number of benchmarks 
that we believe to be of importance to the 
users of the financial statements, most notably 
the Group’s preliminary earnings before tax 
and total revenues. These benchmarks are 
considered particularly important due to the 
significant level of user focus on these figures 
in assessing the Group’s performance.

Materiality for the current year is higher 
than the level that we determined for the 
year ended 31 March 2018 as a result of 
the increased earnings before tax, increased 
revenues and using both benchmarks to 
determine materiality in the current year.

Out determination of materiality was based 
on an initial calculation of 2% of the parent 
Company’s preliminary total assets, then 
capped at component materiality for the 
Group audit. This benchmark was considered 
to be the most appropriate as it most 
appropriately reflects the Company’s status as 
a non-trading holding company. 

Materiality for the current year is higher 
than the level that we determined for the 
year ended 31 March 2018 to reflect the 
Company’s increased asset base in the current 
year and increased Group materiality.

Performance 
materiality used to 
drive the extent of our 
testing

Based on our risk assessment, including the 
Group’s overall control environment, we 
determined a performance materiality at 75% 
of the financial statement materiality. 

Based on our risk assessment, including the 
Company’s overall control environment, we 
determined a performance materiality at 75% 
of the financial statement materiality.

Specific materiality

We determined a lower level of materiality 
for Directors’ remuneration and related party 
transactions outside of the normal course of 
business due to their sensitivity in the view of 
key stakeholders.

We determined a lower level of materiality 
for Directors’ remuneration and related party 
transactions outside of the normal course of 
business due to their sensitivity in the view of 
key stakeholders.

Communication of 
misstatements to the 
Audit Committee

£9,900 and misstatements below that 
threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting 
on qualitative grounds.

£7,425 and misstatements below that 
threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting 
on qualitative grounds.

21

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur GovernanceINDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 
To the members of Tricorn Group plc
continued

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our audit approach was a risk-based approach founded 
on a thorough understanding of the Group’s business, its 
environment and risk profile. The components of the Group 
were evaluated by the Group audit team based on a measure 
of materiality, considering each as a percentage of the 
Group’s total assets, revenues and profit before taxation, to 
assess the significance of the component to determine the 
planned audit response.

Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. 
The other information comprises the information included in 
the Annual Report, set out on pages 31 to 54, other than the 
financial statements and our auditors’ 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. 

A full-scope audit approach for all components evaluated as 
significant was determined based on their relative materiality 
to the Group and our assessment of the audit risk. For 
significant components requiring a full-scope approach we 
evaluated the controls over the financial reporting system 
identified as part of our risk assessment, reviewed the 
financial statement production process and addressed critical 
accounting matters. We sought, wherever possible, to rely on 
the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls in order to 
reduce substantive testing. We then undertook substantive 
testing on significant transactions and material account 
balances.

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. 

In order to address the described audit risks identified during 
our planning procedures, we performed a full-scope audit of 
the financial statements of the UK-based operations (Tricorn 
Group plc, Maxpower Automotive Limited, Malvern Tubular 
Components Limited) and the USA operation (Franklin 
Tubular Products Inc.). The Group engagement team visited 
the location in the USA to perform relevant audit procedures.

The Group also has an investment in a joint venture in China, 
Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products Nanjing Limited. The 
Group audit team performed specified audit procedures over 
the balances within the joint venture, which is consistent 
with the prior year approach. The operations that were 
subject to full-scope audit procedures totalled 100% of 
consolidated revenues and 68% of consolidated profit before 
taxation.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006 is unmodified
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course 
of the audit:

 • the information given in the Strategic Report and the 

Report of the Directors’ for the financial year for which 
the financial statements are prepared is consistent with 
the financial statements; and

 • the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors’ 

have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal 
requirements.

22

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNMatters 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 Report 
of Directors’.

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 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 “Directors’ Responsibilities for 
the Group and Company Financial Statements” set out on 
page 12, the Directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the Group 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 Group financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the Group 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.

Auditors’ 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.

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.

Rebecca Eagle
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditors, Chartered Accountants
Birmingham
31 May 2019

23

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur GovernanceTRICORN GROUP PLC

GROUP CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 31 March 2019

Company number 1999619

Group Income Statement

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

Group Statement of Changes in Equity

Group Statement of Financial Position

Group Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to the Financial Statements

25

26

27

28

29

30

24

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNGROUP INCOME STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 March 2019

22,763
(14,025)
8,738
(1,022)

(6,701)
–
–

–
–
(6,701)

1,015
282
(209)
1,088
(66)

1,022

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Distribution costs
Administration costs
– General administration costs
– Restructuring costs
– Intangible asset amortisation
–  Fair value charge relating to 
forward exchange contracts
– Share-based payment charge
Total administration costs

Operating profit/(loss)
Share of profit from joint venture
Finance costs
Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax (charge)/credit
Profit/(loss) after tax from 
continuing operations
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 
Company
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Note

3

12

6

3/4
14
8
3/4
9

10
10

2019 
£’000 
Underlying

2019 
£’000 
Non-underlying

2019 
£’000 
Group

2018 
£’000 
Underlying

2018 
£’000 
Non-underlying

–
–
–
–

22,763
(14,025)
8,738
(1,022)

22,180
(13,685)
8,495
(1,005)

–
–
(102)

–
(36)
(138)

(138)
–
–
(138)
–

(6,701)
–
(102)

–
(36)
(6,839)

877
282
(209)
950
(66)

(6,646)
–
–

–
–
(6,646)

844
209
(226)
827
70

–
–
–
–

–
–
(175)

(6)
(40)
(221)

(221)
–
–
(221)
–

2018 
£’000 
Group

22,180
(13,685)
8,495
(1,005)

(6,646)
–
(175)

(6)
(40)
(6,867)

623
209
(226)
606
70

(138)

884

897

(221)

676

1,022

(138)

884

897

(221)

676

2.62p
2.39p

2.00p
1.86p

All of the activities of the Group are classed as continuing unless otherwise stated.

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

25

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsGROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that will subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss 
Foreign exchange translation differences
Total comprehensive income attributable to equity holders of the parent

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

2019
£’000

884

125
1,009

2018
£’000

676

(487)
189

26

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNGROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Balance at 1 April 2017
Share-based payment charge
Total transactions with owners
Profit and total comprehensive 
income
Balance at 31 March 2018
Share-based payment charge
Total transactions with owners
Profit and total comprehensive 
income
Balance at 31 March 2019

Share 
capital
£’000

3,379
–
–

–
3,379
–
–

–
3,379

Share 
premium
£’000

Merger 
reserve
£’000

Translation 
reserve
£’000

Share-based 
payment 
reserve
£’000

Profit and 
loss account
£’000

1,692
–
–

–
1,692
–
–

–
1,692

1,388
–
–

–
1,388
–
–

–
1,388

376
–
–

(487)
(111)
–
–

125
14

309
40
40

–
349
36
36

–
385

(1,107)
–
–

676
(431)
–
–

884
453

Total
£’000

6,037
40
40

189
6,266
36
36

1,009
7,311

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

27

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsGROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 31 March 2019

Note

2019
£’000

2018
£’000

11
12
13
14

16
17
18

20
21

21
19

25

391
401
4,668
1,191
6,651

3,040
4,854
493
6
8,393
15,044

(3,854)
(3,675)
–
(70)
(7,599)

(109)
(25)
(134)

391
210
4,325
917
5,843

2,867
4,957
692
–
8,516
14,359

(4,349)
(3,522)
(6)
(39)
(7,916)

(152)
(25)
(177)

(7,733)
7,311

(8,093)
6,266

3,379
1,692
1,388
14
385
453
7,311

3,379
1,692
1,388
(111)
349
(431)
6,266

Assets
Non-current
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in joint venture

Current
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Corporation tax

Total assets
Liabilities
Current
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts
Corporation tax

Non-current
Borrowings
Deferred tax 

Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Translation reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Profit and loss account
Total equity

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 31 May 2019.

M I Welburn 
Director

Company number: 1999619

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

28

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNGROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit after taxation from continuing operations
Adjustment for: 
– Depreciation
– Net finance costs in income statement
– Charge relating to foreign exchange derivative contract
– Amortisation charge
– Share-based payment charge
– Share of joint venture operating profit
– Taxation charge/(credit) recognised in income statement
– Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
– (Decrease)/increase in trade payables and other payables
– Increase in inventories 
Cash generated by operations
Interest paid
Income taxes received
Net cash generated by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of plant and equipment
Additions in intangible assets
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds/(repayment) of overseas short-term borrowing
Repayment of short-term borrowings
Payment of finance lease liabilities
Net cash used in financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

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

2019
£’000

2018
£’000

884

676

575
209
–
102
36
(282)
66
229
(542)
(88)
1,189
(246)
–
943

(723)
(278)
(1,001)

304
(361)
(84)
(141)

(199)

692

493

522
226
6
175
40
(209)
(70)
(443)
950
(341)
1,532
(220)
9
1,321

(696)
–
(696)

(439)
(60)
(76)
(575)

50

642

692

29

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

1  General information

Tricorn Group plc and subsidiaries’ (the “Group”) principal activities comprise high precision tube manipulation and 
systems engineering.

The Group’s customer base includes major blue-chip companies with worldwide activities in key market sectors, including 
Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Off Highway, Commercial Vehicles, Agriculture and Automotive. 

Tricorn Group plc is the Group’s ultimate parent Company. It is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. 
The address of Tricorn Group plc’s registered office, which is also its principal place of business, is Spring Lane, Malvern, 
Worcestershire, WR14 1DA. Tricorn Group plc’s shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London 
Stock Exchange. 

The consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 31 May 2019. 
Amendments to the financial statements are not permitted after they have been approved.

2  Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
This financial information has been prepared under the required measurement bases specified under International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and in accordance with applicable IFRS as adopted by the European Union and 
IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. 

The Group distinguishes between underlying and non-underlying items in its Consolidated Income Statement. Non-
underlying items are material items which arise from unusual non-recurring or non-trading events. They are disclosed 
on the face of the Consolidated Income Statement where in the opinion of the Directors such disclosure is necessary 
in order to fairly present the results for the period. Non-underlying items comprise exceptional costs of Group 
restructuring, intangible assets amortisation and share-based payment charges. 

Going concern
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue 
in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Detailed cash flow forecasts have been prepared for the period 
at least 12 months from the date that these accounts were approved, which highlight that the Group has sufficient 
headroom within its bank facilities to support its activities. The key assumptions in these forecasts have been sensitised 
and no issues arise which lead to any concern regarding the operations or financing of the Group. For this reason, the 
Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Overall considerations
The significant accounting policies that have been used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are 
summarised below. 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the measurement bases specified by IFRS for each type 
of asset, liability, income and expense. The measurement bases are more fully described in the accounting policies below. 

The accounting estimates and assumptions are consistent with the Group’s latest approved budget forecast where 
applicable. Judgements are based on the information available at each reporting date. All estimates are based on the best 
information available to management.

The Group presents separately underlying and other items in the income statement in order to provide a more 
transparent view of underlying performance and trends. The Directors consider that the underlying income statement is 
a more appropriate reflection of the Group’s performance.

Where the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the 
combination occurs, the Group shall report in its financial statements provisional amounts for the items for which the 
accounting is incomplete. During the measurement period, the Group shall retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts 
recognised at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of 
the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognised as of that date. 
The measurement period shall not exceed one year from the acquisition date. 

30

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN2  Accounting policies (continued)

Adoption of new standards 
Revenue recognition
Revenue arises from the sale of tubular components to customers. To determine whether to recognise revenue, 
the Group follows a five-step process:

1.  Identifying the contract with a customer;

2.  Identifying the performance obligations;

3.  Determining the transaction price;

4.  Allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations;

5.  Recognising revenue when/as performance obligation(s) are satisfied.

The Group contracts with customers to deliver specific products to the customer. At the start of the contract, the total 
transaction price is estimated as the amount of consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for 
transferring the promised goods to the customer. This is a fixed sales price, discounts are not offered and amounts are 
not refundable once received. Control transfers at the point in time the customer takes delivery of the goods, and this is 
the point at which revenue is recognised. Invoices are due on receipt by the customer. 

Financial instruments
IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” replaces IAS 39 and makes changes to guidance on the classification and measurement 
of financial assets and introduces an “expected credit loss” model for the impairment of financial assets. When adopting 
IFRS 9, the Directors have considered the historical credit losses experienced in relation to trade receivables and 
concluded that the adoption of IFRS 9 does not have a material impact on the financial statements.

There have been no changes to the classifications of financial assets.

Standards and interpretations not yet applied by the Group
The following new Standards and Interpretations, which are yet to become mandatory, have not been applied in the 
Group’s financial statements.

Standard or Interpretation
IFRS 16
IFRS Standards
Amendments to IAS 28
Amendments to IFRS 3
Amendments to references 

Leases
Annual improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 cycle
Long-term interests in Associates and Joint Ventures
Business combinations
Amendments to references to the Conceptual Framework 
in IFRS Standards

Effective for reporting 
periods starting on or after
1 January 2019
1 January 2019
1 January 2019
1 January 2020
1 January 2020

Based on the Group’s current business model and accounting policies, management does not expect a material impact on 
the Group’s financial statements in relation to other Standards when the Standards and Interpretations become effective. 
There are other new Standards and Interpretations not listed which are not relevant to the Group.

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
Certain estimates and judgements need to be made by the Directors of the Group which affect the results and position of 
the Group as reported in the financial statements. Estimates and judgements are required at the reporting date regarding 
whether certain assets/ liabilities are recorded at fair value which requires a number of estimates and assumptions to be 
made.

31

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

2  Accounting policies (continued)

The major areas for estimation within the financial statements are as follows:

 • Performance of impairment reviews to assess the carrying value of goodwill (see note 11).

 • In valuing goodwill and intangible assets, management has made certain assumptions in terms of cash flows 

attributable to cash-generating units to which goodwill and intangibles have been allocated. As a result, estimates 
of future cash flows are required, together with an appropriate discount factor for the purpose of determining the 
present value of the future cash flows. The basis of review of the carrying value of goodwill and intangibles is detailed 
later in the accounting policies section.

 • Estimates of inventory recoverability. Management review ageing of inventory, movement levels throughout the year 

and forecast future usage levels to set an adequate inventory provision to cover obsolete inventory lines. Management 
also calculate a general stock provision over slow-moving stock based on last usage dates. Stock that has not been 
used for over two years is provided for in full and stock that has not been used for more than one year, but has been 
used within the last two years, is provided for at 50%. Factors that could impact estimated demand and selling prices 
are the timing and success of technological developments, competitor actions, supplier prices and economic trends. 
The carrying value of gross stock, before the stock provision, at the year end was £3,646,000 (year ended 31 March 
2018: £3,456,000).

 • In July 2016, the Group increased its holding and now holds a 63% share in a joint venture in China, Minguang-Tricorn 
Tubular Products (Nanjing) Limited. The Group accounts for the joint venture under the equity accounting method 
rather than full consolidation, on the basis that no one party to the venture has sole authority for decisions reserved 
for the Board, as detailed in note 14.

Consolidation and investments in subsidiaries
The Group financial statements consolidate those of the parent Company and all of its subsidiaries as of 31 March 2019. 
The parent controls a subsidiary if it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary 
and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. The consolidated financial statements of 
the Group incorporate the financial statements of the parent Company as well as those entities controlled by the Group 
by full consolidation.

Acquired subsidiaries are subject to application of the acquisition method. This involves the valuation at fair value of all 
identifiable assets and liabilities, including contingent liabilities of the subsidiary, at the acquisition date, regardless of 
whether or not they were recorded in the financial statements of the subsidiary prior to acquisition. On initial recognition, 
the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at their fair 
value, which are also used as the basis for subsequent measurement in accordance with the Group accounting policies. 
Goodwill represents the excess of fair value consideration over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net 
assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

If the fair value of identifiable net assets exceeds the sum calculated above, the excess amount (i.e. gain on a bargain 
purchase) is recognised in profit or loss immediately.

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains or losses arising from intra-group transactions, are 
eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Investments in joint ventures
A joint venture is an arrangement that the Group controls jointly with one or more other investors, and over which the 
Group has rights to a share of the arrangement’s net assets rather than direct rights to underlying assets and obligations 
for underlying liabilities.

Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Any goodwill or fair value adjustment 
attributable to the Group’s share in the joint venture is not recognised separately and is included in the amount 
recognised as investment.

The carrying amount of the investment in joint ventures is increased or decreased to recognise the Group’s share of the 
profit or loss and other comprehensive income of the associate and joint venture, adjusted where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the accounting policies of the Group.

32

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN2  Accounting policies (continued)

Unrealised gains and losses on transactions between the Group and its joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of 
the Group’s interest in those entities. Where unrealised losses are eliminated, the underlying asset is also tested for 
impairment.

The investment in the joint venture is initially recognised at cost. When the investor has previously held an investment 
in the joint venture, accounted for in line with the above policy, the deemed cost of the investment in the joint venture 
is the fair value of the original investment at the date that joint control is achieved plus the consideration paid for the 
additional stake. Any difference between the cost of the investment and the entity’s share of the net fair value of the 
investee’s identifiable assets and liabilities is included in the carrying amount of the investment and represents either 
positive or negative goodwill.

Business combinations completed prior to date of transition to IFRS
The Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 Business Combinations retrospectively to business combinations prior to the 
date of transition to IFRS, 1 April 2006.

Accordingly the classification of the combination (acquisition, reverse acquisition or merger) remains unchanged from 
that used under UK GAAP. Assets and liabilities are recognised at date of transition if they would be recognised under 
IFRS, and are measured using their UK GAAP carrying amount immediately post-acquisition as deemed cost under IFRS, 
unless IFRS requires fair value measurement. Deferred tax is adjusted for the impact of any consequential adjustments 
after taking advantage of the transitional provisions.

Revenue recognition
The Group’s material revenue stream is in respect of the sale of tubular components. Revenue is measured by reference 
to the fair value of consideration received or receivable by the Group for goods supplied, excluding VAT and trade 
discounts. Revenue is recognised upon the transfer of risk to the customer.

When determining whether to recognise revenue, the Group adopts the five-step process proposed by IFRS 15. The 
Group contracts with customers to deliver specific parts according to specific delivery schedules, sales prices are fixed, 
discounts are not offered, amounts are not refundable once received and there are on ongoing performance obligations. 
Therefore, the Group recognises revenue once delivery has occurred.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs of ordinarily interchangeable items are assigned 
using the first in, first out cost formula. Cost of work in progress and finished goods includes materials, direct labour and 
an attributable proportion of manufacturing overheads based on normal levels of activity. Provisions are made against 
inventories where there is evidence that the carrying amount has fallen below recoverable amount.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the Group’s 
interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of a subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill which 
is recognised as an asset is reviewed for impairment at least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately through 
profit or loss and is not subsequently reversed. 

Impairment
The Group’s goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are subject to impairment testing.

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately 
identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). Goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected 
to benefit from synergies of the related business combination and represent the lowest level within the Group at which 
management controls the related cash flows.

Goodwill with an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment at least annually. All other individual assets or cash-
generating units are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount may not be recoverable.

33

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

2  Accounting policies (continued)

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds 
its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell 
and value in use, based on an internal discounted cash flow evaluation. Impairment losses recognised for cash-generating 
units, to which goodwill has been allocated, are credited initially to the carrying amount of goodwill. 

Any remaining impairment loss is charged pro rata to the other assets in the cash-generating unit. With the exception 
of goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no 
longer exist.

If the impairment is subsequently reversed, the carrying amount, except in the case of goodwill, is increased to the 
revised estimate of its recoverable amount, limited to the carrying value that would have been determined had no 
impairment been recognised previously. Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not subsequently reversed.

Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination
In accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations, an intangible asset acquired in a business combination is deemed 
to have a cost to the Group of its fair value at the acquisition date. The fair value of the intangible asset reflects market 
expectations about the probability that the future economic benefits embodied in the asset will flow to the Group. 
Where an intangible asset might be separable, but only together with a related tangible or intangible asset, the Group of 
assets is recognised as a single asset separately from goodwill where the individual fair values of the assets in the Group 
are not reliably measurable. Where the individual fair value of the complementary assets are reliably measurable, the 
Group recognises them as a single asset provided the individual assets have similar useful lives.

Other intangible assets
Product development costs
Expenditure on the research phase of projects to develop new customised products for customers is recognised as an 
expense as incurred. Costs that are directly attributable to a project’s development phase are recognised as intangible 
assets, provided they meet the following recognition requirements:

 • the development costs can be measured reliably;

 • the project is technically and commercially feasible;

 • the Group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete the project;

 • the Group has the ability to use or sell the product; and

 • the product will generate probable future economic benefits.

Development costs not meeting these criteria for capitalisation are expensed as incurred. Directly attributable costs 
include employee costs incurred on product development along with an appropriate portion of relevant overheads.

Intangible amortisation
Intangible assets are amortised over the following periods:

Brand names 
Customer contracts 
Product development costs 

15 years
5 years
3 years

Foreign currencies
These financial statements are presented in UK Sterling which is the functional currency of the parent and the 
presentational currency of the Group.

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. 
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the reporting date. 
Exchange differences are dealt with through profit or loss.

34

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN2  Accounting policies (continued)
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at acquisition cost less subsequent depreciation and impairment losses. 
Depreciation is charged on these assets, after adjusting for their residual values, on a straight-line basis over the 
estimated useful economic life of each asset. The useful lives of property, plant and equipment can be summarised as 
follows:

Buildings  
Plant and equipment 
Motor vehicles 

40 years
3 to 15 years
5 years

Leases
The economic ownership of a leased asset is transferred to the lessee if the lessee bears substantially all the risks and 
rewards related to the ownership of the leased asset and is then disclosed and accounted for as a finance lease asset. 
The related asset is recognised at the time of inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, the 
present value of the lease payments plus incidental payments, if any, to be borne by the lessee. A corresponding amount 
is recognised as a finance leasing liability, irrespective of whether some of these lease payments are payable up-front at 
the date of inception of the lease.

Subsequent accounting for assets held under hire purchase and finance lease agreements, i.e. depreciation methods and 
useful lives, correspond to those applied to comparable acquired assets. The corresponding hire purchase and finance 
leasing liability is reduced by lease payments less finance charges, which are expensed to finance costs. Finance charges 
represent a constant periodic rate of interest on the outstanding balance of the hire purchase and finance lease liability.

All other leases are treated as operating leases. Payments on operating lease agreements are recognised as an expense 
on a straight-line basis. Associated costs, such as maintenance and insurance, are expensed as incurred. 

The Group does not act as a lessor.

Taxation
Current income tax assets and/or liabilities comprise those obligations to, or claims from, fiscal authorities relating to the 
current or prior reporting period, that are unpaid at the reporting date. They are calculated according to the tax rates and 
tax laws applicable to the fiscal periods to which they relate, based on the taxable profit for the year.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. This involves the comparison 
of the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements with their respective tax bases. 
However, in accordance with the rules set out in IAS 12, no deferred taxes are recognised in conjunction with the initial 
recognition of goodwill on acquisitions. This applies also to temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries 
if reversal of these temporary differences can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in 
the foreseeable future. In addition, tax losses available to be accounting policies carried forward as well as other income 
tax credits available to the Group are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets.

Deferred tax liabilities are always provided for in full. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that they will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated, without 
discounting, at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or 
substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the income statement. Only 
changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities that relate to a change in value of assets or liabilities that is charged directly to 
equity are charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income.

35

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

2  Accounting policies (continued)

Employee benefits
Defined contribution pension scheme
Pensions to employees are provided through contributions to individual personal pension plans. A defined contribution 
plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions to an independent entity. The Group has no legal 
or constructive obligations to pay further contributions after payment of the fixed contribution.

The contributions recognised in respect of personal pension plans are expensed as they fall due. Liabilities and assets 
may be recognised if underpayment or prepayment has occurred and are included in current liabilities or current assets as 
they are normally of a short-term nature.

Other employee benefits 
Short-term employee benefits, including holiday entitlement, are included in other employee obligations at the 
undiscounted amount that the Group expects to pay as a result of the unused entitlement.

Financial instruments
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments requires the classification of financial instruments into different types for which the 
accounting requirement is different. The Group has classified its financial instruments as follows:

 • short-term fixed deposits, principally comprising funds held with banks and other financial institutions;

 • trade and other receivables are held at amortised cost;

 • trade and other payables are held at amortised cost;

 • borrowings are classified as other liabilities held at amortised cost.

Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value. Their subsequent measurement depends on their classification:

 • loans and receivables and other liabilities are held at amortised cost; and

 • instruments that are held for trading are held at fair value.

Changes in fair value are included in the income statement.

Trade and other receivables 
The Group makes use of a simplified approach in accounting for trade and other receivables, recording the loss allowance 
as lifetime expected credit losses. These are the expected shortfalls in contractual cash flows, considering the potential 
for default at any point during the life of the financial instrument. In calculating the lifetime credit losses, the Group uses 
its historical experience, external indicators and forward-looking information to calculate the expected losses.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and overdrafts as well as short-term highly liquid 
investments such as bank deposits.

Equity
Share capital is determined using the nominal value of shares that have been issued. Equity instruments issued by the 
Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. When the Company purchases its own shares, 
the consideration is deductible from equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders until the shares are either 
cancelled or reissued. When this happens, any consideration received is included in equity attributable to equity holders. 
Treasury shares are held at cost.

The share premium account represents premiums received on the initial issuing of the share capital. Any transaction costs 
associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from share premium, net of any related income tax benefits.

The merger reserve represents the difference between the issue price and the nominal value of shares issued as 
consideration for the acquisition of a subsidiary undertaking when the Company has taken advantage of merger relief. 

All current and prior period results are taken to the income statement.

36

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN2  Accounting policies (continued)
Share-based employee remuneration
All share-based payment arrangements are recognised in the consolidated financial statements. The Group operates 
equity-settled share-based remuneration plans for remuneration of its employees.

All employee services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based remuneration are measured at their fair 
values. These are indirectly determined by reference to the fair value of the share options awarded. Their value is 
appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and 
sales growth targets).

All share-based remuneration is ultimately recognised as an expense in the profit or loss with a corresponding credit to 
the share-based payment reserve, net of deferred tax where applicable. If vesting periods or other vesting conditions 
apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate of the number of share 
options expected to vest. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that 
are expected to become exercisable. Estimates are subsequently revised, if there is any indication that the number of 
share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. No adjustment is made to the expense recognised in 
prior periods if fewer share options ultimately are exercised than originally estimated.

Upon exercise of share options, the proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs up to the nominal 
value of the shares issued are allocated to share capital with any excess being recorded as share premium. Share-based 
charges for employees who leave the Group and whose options lapse are written back to the profit and loss reserve.

Provisions for liabilities
Provisions are recognised when present obligations will probably lead to an outflow of economic resources from the 
Group and they can be reliably estimated. A present obligation arises from the presence of a legal or constructive 
obligation that has resulted from past events. 

Provisions are measured at the estimated expenditure required to settle the present obligation, based on the most 
reliable evidence available at reporting date and all future estimated cash flows are discounted to arrive at the present 
value of the provision.

Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated 
at amortised cost using the effective rate of interest method. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the 
Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date.

37

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

3  Segmental reporting

The Group operates two main operating segments:

 • Energy: manipulated tubular assemblies for use in power generation, oil & gas and marine sectors.

 • Transportation: ferrous, non-ferrous and nylon material tubular assemblies for use in on and off-highway applications.

The financial information detailed below is frequently reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision-maker.

Year ended 31 March 2019

Revenue
– from external customers
– from other segments
Segment revenues
Underlying operating profit/(loss)* 
Intangible asset amortisation
Share-based payment charge
Operating profit/(loss)
Share of profit from joint venture
Net finance costs
Profit/(loss) before tax
Other segment information:
Segmental assets
Capital expenditure
Depreciation

* Before intangible asset amortisation and share-based payment charges. 

Year ended 31 March 2018

Revenue
– from external customers
– from other segments
Segment revenues
Underlying operating profit/(loss)* 
Fair value charge relating to forward exchange contracts
Intangible asset amortisation
Share-based payment charge
Operating profit/(loss)
Share of profit from joint venture
Net finance costs
Profit/(loss) before tax
Other segment information:
Segmental assets
Capital expenditure
Depreciation

Energy
£’000

Transportation
£’000

Unallocated
£’000

Total
£’000

5,711
59
5,770
508
–
–
508
–
(36)
472

3,377
331
202

17,052
–
17,052
717
–
–
717
–
(148)
569

9,822
415
371

–
(59)
(59)
(210)
(102)
(36)
(348)
282
(25)
(91)

1,880
2
2

22,763
–
22,763
1,015
(102)
(36)
877
282
(209)
950

15,079
748
575

Energy
£’000

Transportation
£’000

Unallocated
£’000

Total
£’000

6,279
–
6,279
604
–
–
–
604
–
(37)
567

3,249
299
121

15,901
–
15,901
512
–
–
–
512
–
(102)
410

9,508
526
400

–
–
–
(272)
(6)
(175)
(40)
(493)
209
(87)
(371)

1,602
3
1

22,180
–
22,180
844
(6)
(175)
(40)
623
209
(226)
606

14,359
828
522

* Before intangible asset amortisation, share-based payment charges and fair value charges on foreign exchange contracts.

38

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN3  Segmental reporting (continued)

The Group’s revenue from external customers (by destination) and its geographic allocation of total assets may be 
summarised as follows:

United Kingdom
Europe
North America
Rest of World

United Kingdom
Europe
North America
Rest of World

Year ended 31 March 2019

Non-current 
assets
£’000

3,678
–
2,973
–
6,651

Current 
assets
£’000

5,047
–
3,198
148
8,393

Year ended 31 March 2018

Non-current 
assets
£’000

3,392
–
2,451
–
5,843

Current 
assets
£’000

5,142
–
3,159
215
8,516

Revenue
£’000

10,877
750
10,620
516
22,763

Revenue
£’000

10,805
825
9,861
689
22,180

Total 
assets
£’000

8,725
–
6,171
148
15,044

Total 
assets
£’000

8,543
–
5,610
215
14,359

4  Profit before taxation

The profit on ordinary activities before taxation is stated after charging:

Auditors’ remuneration:
Audit of parent Company
Audit of subsidiaries
Total audit

Non-audit services:
Corporate taxation
R&D claims
Total non-audit services

Total fees

Operating lease charges:
Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Motor vehicles

Depreciation and amortisation:
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment – owned
Property, plant and equipment – leased

2019
£’000

2018
£’000

14
46
60

12
3
15

75

294
110
62

102
546
29

14
44
58

12
3
15

73

316
117
48

176
499
23

39

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

5  Directors’ emoluments

2019

Basic
£’000

Bonus
£’000

Benefits 
in kind
£’000

2018

2019

2018

Total
£’000

Basic
£’000

Bonus
£’000

Benefits 
in kind
£’000

Total
£’000

Pension
£’000

Pension
£’000

40
15
154
144
116
469

–
–
15
14
12
41

–
–
24
21
10
55

40
15
193
179
138
565

30
15
150
140
113
448

–
–
75
70
56
201

–
–
22
22
9
53

30
15
247
232
177
702

–
–
10
10
8
28

–
–
10
10
8
28

A B Moss 
R Allsop
M I Welburn*
P Lee*
D E Leakey*

* The Executive Directors are classified as the key management personnel of the Group as defined in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures.

Employers’ National Insurance Contributions made relating to Directors’ emoluments were £0.089m (2018: £0.064m).

Share-based payment charge by Director (note 6)

M I Welburn*
P Lee*
D E Leakey*

6  Employees costs

The average number of persons (including Directors) employed by the
Group during the year was:
Production
Sales, distribution and administration

Staff costs during the year were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Share-based payment charge

2019
£’000

2018
£’000

–
–
7
7

–
–
7
7

2019
Number

2018
Number

248
56
304

2019
£’000

7,689
656
110
36
8,491

227
56
283

2018
£’000

7,381
713
81
40
8,215

40

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN7  Share-based employee remuneration

There are two share-based remuneration schemes in operation:

 • Approved Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme

 • Unapproved share options.

At 
31 March 
2018
No. of 
shares

Granted 
in year
No. of 
shares

Exercised 
in year
No. of 
shares

Lapsed
 in 
year
No. of 
shares

At 
31 March 
2019
No. of 
shares

Life 
remaining 
on options 
at 31 March 
2019
Months

Exercise 
price
Pence

Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) Scheme
Exercise date:
March 2009 – March 2019
August 2010 – August 2020

500,000
2,184,156
2,684,156

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
500,000
– 2,184,156
– 2,684,156

10p
10p

–
17

The weighted average exercise price of the EMI scheme at 31 March 2019 was 10p (2018: 10p). 2,499,956 options were 
available for exercise at 31 March 2019 (2018: 2,499,956).

At 
31 March 
2018
No. of 
shares

1,000,000

361,844
500,000
 250,000
600,000
650,000
3,361,844
6,046,000

Unapproved share options
September 2010 – September 
2020
September 2010 – September 
2020
June 2011 – June 2021
March 2015 – March 2025
April 2016 – April 2026
January 2018 – January 2028

Total share options

Granted 
in year
No. of 
shares

Exercised
in year
No. of 
shares

Lapsed
 in 
year
No. of 
shares

At 
31 March 
2019
No. of 
shares

Life 
remaining 
on options 
at 31 March 
2019
Months

Exercise 
price
Pence

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

– 1,000,000

10p

–
361,844
–
500,000
–
250,000
–
600,000
–
650,000
– 3,361,844
– 6,046,000

10p
17.5p
17p
10p
21.5p

18

18
27
72
84
106

The weighted average exercise price of the unapproved share options at 31 March 2019 was 13.9p (2018: 13.9p). 
3,161,844 options were available for exercise at 31 March 2019 (2018: 3,361,844).

The market price of the Company’s shares at 31 March 2019 was 19.00p (31 March 2018: 22.00p) and the range during 
the year was 17.50p to 38.00p (2018: 15.75p to 24.75p).

Options over 500,000 shares were issued in the first quarter of the following financial year.

The approved and unapproved option schemes have been valued by management using the Black-Scholes valuation 
model. Key inputs into the model are expected share price volatility of 35%-60% and the expected risk-free interest rates 
of 1.25%-2.33%. 

1,000,000 of the unapproved options and 921,000 of the approved EMI options issued have performance criteria.

These options vest in five equal tranches once the share price has achieved the trigger points of 20p, 25p, 30p, 35p and 
40p for ten consecutive days.

In total, £36,000 (2018: £40,000) of share-based employee remuneration expense has been included in the Consolidated 
Income Statement. No liabilities were recognised due to share-based transactions.

41

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

8  Finance income and expense

Other income
Finance income

Invoice discounting interest
Interest on short-term borrowing 
Interest on hire purchase agreements and finance leases
Finance expense

9  Taxation on loss on ordinary activities

The tax is based on the loss for the year and represents:

UK corporation tax
Overseas taxes
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Current tax charge for the year
Deferred taxation (note 19)
Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities

2019
£’000

–
–

176
25
8
209

2018
£’000

–
–

169
51
6
226

2019
£’000

2018
£’000

30
36
–
66
–
66

39
8
(26)
21
(91)
(70)

The tax assessed is different to the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018: 19%). The differences are 
explained as follows:

Profit on ordinary activities before tax
Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% 
(2018: 19%)
Effect of:
Movement in unprovided deferred tax asset
Overseas tax charge 
Deduction for R&D
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Deferred tax regarding intangibles
Deferred tax on share-based payment charge
Other differences

2019
£’000

950

181

(96)
36
(64)
–
(5)
36
(22)
66

2018
£’000

606

115

(85)
8
(20)
(5)
–
(99)
16
(70)

At 31 March 2019 the Group had tax losses of £558,000 (2018: £592,000) to offset against future profits within the 
United Kingdom. 

42

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN10 Earnings per share

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by 
the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.

The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per share, adjusted to allow for the issue of 
shares and the post tax effect of dividends and/or interest, on the assumed conversion of all dilutive options and other 
dilutive potential ordinary shares. 

Reconciliations of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below:

Basic earnings per share 
Dilutive shares
Diluted earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share 
Dilutive shares
Diluted earnings per share 

31 March 2019

Weighted average 
number of shares
Number ’000

Earnings per 
share
Pence

33,795
3,248
37,043

2.62
–
2.39

31 March 2018

Weighted average 
number of shares
Number ’000

Earnings per 
share
Pence

33,795
2,546
36,341

2.00
–
1.86

Profit
£’000

884
–
884

Profit
£’000

676
–
676

The Directors consider that the following adjusted earnings per share calculation is a more appropriate reflection of the 
Group’s performance.

Basic earnings per share 
Amortisation of intangible asset
Share-based payment charge
Adjusted earnings per share
Dilutive shares
Diluted adjusted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share 
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts
Amortisation of intangible asset
Share-based payment charge
Adjusted earnings per share
Dilutive shares
Diluted adjusted earnings per share

31 March 2019

Weighted average 
number of shares
Number ’000

Earnings per 
share
Pence

33,795

2.62

33,795
3,248
37,043

3.02
–
2.76

31 March 2018

Weighted average 
number of shares
Number ’000

Earnings per 
share
Pence

33,795

2.00

33,795
2,546
36,341

2.65
–
2.47

Profit
£’000

884
102
36
1,022
–
1,022

Profit
£’000

676
6
175
40
897
–
897

43

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

11 Goodwill

Cost
At 31 March 2017, 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2019
Impairment
At 31 March 2017, 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2019
Net book value
At 31 March 2017
At 31 March 2018
At 31 March 2019

Goodwill above relates to the following cash-generating units:

Maxpower Automotive Limited

Total
£’000

391

–

391
391
391

Date of
acquisition

Original cost
£’000

June 2007

391
391

Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration given over the fair value of 
the identifiable net assets acquired.

The Group tests annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indicators that goodwill might be impaired. 

The recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units (“CGUs”) are determined from value-in-use calculations, covering a 
detailed five-year forecast and applying a discount rate of 10.0%. Management’s key assumptions are based on their past 
experience and future expectations of the market over the longer term.

The key assumptions for the value-in-use calculations are those regarding discount rate of 10.0% growth rates and 
expected changes to selling prices and direct costs.

Apart from the considerations described in determining the value-in-use of the cash-generating unit above, the 
Group management does not believe that reasonably possible changes in the assumptions underlying the value in use 
calculation would have an impact on the carrying value of goodwill.

After applying sensitivity analysis in respect of the results and future cash flows, in particular for presumed growth rates 
and discount rates, management believes that no impairment is required. Management is not aware of any other changes 
that would necessitate changes to its key estimates.

44

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN12 Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 April 2018
Additions
At 31 March 2019
Amortisation
At 1 April 2018
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2018
Net book value
At 31 March 2017
At 31 March 2018
At 31 March 2019

Product 
development 
costs
£’000

Brand
names
£’000

Customer
contracts
£’000

563
278
841

(481)
(57)
(538)

227
82
303

450
–
450

(322)
(30)
(352)

158
128
98

312
–
312

(312)
–
(312)

–
–
–

Total
£’000

1,325
278
1,603

(1,115)
(87)
(1,202)

385
210
401

All intangible asset amortisation is included in the Group income statement under amortisation of intangibles as detailed 
on the face of the Group income statement.

The brand names have a remaining useful economic life of four years. The product development costs have, on average, a 
remaining useful economic life of three years.

13  Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 April 2017
Additions
Foreign exchange revaluation

At 1 April 2018
Additions
Foreign exchange revaluation
At 31 March 2019
Depreciation
At 1 April 2017
Charge for the year

At 1 April 2018
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2019
Net book value
At 31 March 2017
At 31 March 2018
At 31 March 2019

Land and
buildings
£’000

Plant and
equipment
£’000

Motor
vehicles
£’000

1,680
–
(183)
1,497

2
115
1,614

120
37
157

37
194

1,560
1,340
1,420

8,275
828
(98)
9,005

746
55
9,806

5,535
485
6,020

538
6,558

2,740
2,985
3,248

43
–
–
43

–
–
43

43
–
43

–
43

–
–
–

Total
£’000

9,998
828
(281)
10,545

748
170
11,463

5,698
522
6,220

575
6,795

4,300
4,325
4,668

The net book value of property, plant and equipment includes £348,000 (2018: £377,000) in respect of assets held under 
finance leases and hire purchase contracts.

The borrowings of the Group are secured by a floating and fixed charge over the assets of the Group.

45

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

14 Investment in joint venture

Details of the Group’s material joint venture at the end of the reporting period is as follows:

Name of joint venture 

Principal business activity

Country of 
incorporation

Minguang-Tricorn Tubular 
Products Nanjing Limited

Manufacturer of large diameter 
tubular assemblies

People’s Republic  
of China

Proportion of ownership interest 
held by the Group

31 March 2019

31 March 2018

63%

63%

In July 2013, the Group agreed terms for the formation of the joint venture above. In May 2016, the Group increased its 
shareholding from 51% to 63% via a contribution of plant, machinery and inventory into the joint venture. At this time 
the joint venture partner also made a contribution of cash into the joint venture. Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products 
Nanjing Limited is still deemed to be a joint venture of the Group as the appointment of its Directors and the allocation 
of voting rights for key business decisions, require the unanimous approval of its venturers. 

The investment in Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products Nanjing Limited is accounted for using the equity method in 
accordance with IFRS 11. Summarised financial information for Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products Nanjing Limited is set 
out below:

Non-current assets
Current assets (a)
Total assets
Current liabilities
Total liabilities

(a) Includes cash and cash equivalents

Revenue
Profit for the year
Depreciation

2019
£’000

458
1,739
2,197
486
486

2018
£’000

555
1,576
2,131
860
860

151

121

2019
£’000

2,767
282
(91)

2018
£’000

2,498
209
(101)

A reconciliation of the above summarised financial information to the carrying amount of the investment in Minguang-
Tricorn Tubular Products Nanjing Limited is set out below:

Net assets
Brought forward at the beginning of the year
Total comprehensive profit
Carried forward at the end of the year

2019
£’000

1,315
436
1,751

2018
£’000

984
331
1,315

Proportion of ownership interest held by the Group

63%

63%

Interest in joint venture
Foreign exchange gain on translation of investment
Goodwill
Carrying amount of the investment at the end of the financial year

1,103
24
64
1,191

829
24
64
917

No dividends were received from Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products Nanjing Limited during the year.

Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products Nanjing Limited is a private company, therefore no quoted market prices are available 
for its shares.

46

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN15  Subsidiaries

At 31 March 2019 the subsidiaries of the Group were as follows:

Name of subsidiary undertaking

Country of 
incorporation

Description of 
shares held

Malvern Tubular Components Limited United Kingdom

Ordinary

Hallco 348 Limited (formerly RMDG 
Aerospace Limited)
Maxpower Automotive Limited

United Kingdom

Ordinary

United Kingdom

Ordinary

Maxpower Automotive Components 
Manufacturing (Wuxi) Limited

China

Ordinary

Franklin Tubular Products Inc.

USA

Ordinary

Robert Morton DG Limited*
Hallco 347 Limited

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Ordinary
Ordinary

* Held by a subsidiary undertaking.

16 Inventories

Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods

% of nominal 
value of 
shares held

100

100

Principal business activity

Manufacturer of tubular 
components
Non-trading

100 Manufacturer of highway and 
automotive tubular and pipe 
components 
100 Manufacturer of highway and 
automotive tubular and pipe 
components. Dormant in the 
year
Manufacturer of tubular 
assemblies and components to 
highway and heavy duty truck 
market
Dormant
Dormant

100
100

100

2019
£’000

2,024
423
593
3,040

2018
£’000

1,794
327
746
2,867

2018
£’000

4,080
(25)
4,055
219
262
421
4,957

In the year to 31 March 2019, a total of £8,427,759 of inventory (2018: £8,513,211) was included in the income 
statement as an expense.

17 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Impairment of trade receivables

Amounts owed by related parties
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
Total

2019
£’000

3,998
(26)
3,972
262
122
498
4,854

At 31 March 2019, some of the unimpaired trade receivables are past their due date but all are considered recoverable. 
The age of financial assets past due but not impaired, is as follows:

47

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

17 Trade and other receivables (continued)

Not more than one month
Not more than two months
Not more than three months

2019
£’000

183
–
5
188

2018
£’000

187
–
5
192

Trade and other receivables are usually due within 30-75 days and do not bear any effective interest rate. All trade 
receivables are subject to credit risk exposure. However, the Group does not identify specific concentrations of credit 
risk with regards to trade and other receivables as the amounts recognised represent a large number of receivables from 
various customers.

The fair value of these short-term financial assets is not individually determined as the carrying amount is a reasonable 
approximation of fair value.

18 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

2019
£’000
493

2018
£’000
692

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and balances with banks only. At the year end £452,000 (2018: 
£615,000) of cash on hand and balances with banks were held by the subsidiary undertakings, however this balance is 
available for use by the Group.

19 Deferred taxation

The deferred tax included in the statement of financial position arose in the following areas:

Intangible assets
Accelerated capital allowances
Short-term timing differences
Losses
Share-based payment

The movement in the deferred taxation account during the year was:

Balance brought forward
Group income statement movement arising during the year
Balance carried forward

Assets

Liabilities

2019
£’000

–
–
16
70
83
169

2018
£’000

–
–
27
23
119
169

2019
£’000

(20)
(174)
–
–
–
(194)

Assets

Liabilities

2019
£’000

68
101
169

2018
£’000

68
101
169

2019
£’000

(184)
(10)
(194)

2018
£’000

(25)
(169)
–
–
–
(194)

2018
£’000

(184)
(10)
(194)

As at 31 March 2019 the Group has unprovided deferred tax assets as follows:

Trading losses

Unprovided 
2019
£’000

Unprovided 
2018
£’000

558

592

This deferred tax asset is not recognised due to uncertainty over its recoverability. At 31 March 2019 the Group had tax 
losses of £71,000 (2018: £71,000) to offset against future profits within the United Kingdom. Tax losses available to 
utilise outside of the UK at 31 March 2019 are £2,830,000 (2018: £2,538,000).

48

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN20 Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables
Amounts owed by related parties
Other taxation and social security
Accruals

2019
£’000

2,889
227
427
311
3,854

2018
£’000

2,975
266
374
734
4,349

Due to the short-term duration of trade and other payables the carrying value in the statement of financial position 
represents the fair value of the liabilities.

21 Borrowings

Current borrowings
Invoice discounting facility 
Hire purchase agreements and finance lease liabilities (note 22)

Non-current borrowings
Hire purchase agreements and finance lease liabilities (note 22)

2019
£’000

3,605
70
3,675

109
109

2018
£’000

3,437
85
3,522

152
152

The future contractual payments, including interest, for bank borrowings and the invoice discounting facility are as 
follows:

In one year or less or on demand
Invoice discounting facility
Other short-term borrowing

2019
£’000

3,605
–
3,605

2018
£’000

3,437
–
3,437

Invoice discounting facility
Interest on the invoice discounting facility, which is secured on the debtors financed, is paid at the rate of 2.10% over 
bank base rate per annum.

22 Hire purchase agreements and finance lease liabilities

The commitments under hire purchase agreements and finance lease liabilities are as follows:

31 March 2019
Payments
Discounting

31 March 2018
Payments
Discounting

Within
1 year

Within 
1–2 years

Within
2–5 years

78
(8)
70

96
(11)
85

62
(7)
55

83
(9)
74

61
(7)
54

89
(11)
78

The hire purchase agreements and finance lease liabilities are secured against the assets to which they relate.

Total

201
(22)
179

268
(31)
237

49

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

23 Financial instruments

The Group uses financial instruments comprising cash and short-term deposits, invoice discounting, other short-term 
borrowings and hire purchase agreements and finance leases. The Group has items such as trade receivables and trade 
payables that arise directly from its operations.

Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables
The Group manages its trade receivables to ensure that credit risk is minimised by avoiding concentration with any one 
customer. All trade receivables have set credit terms which are monitored. 

The invoice discounting facility provides immediate funds on approved trade receivables.

The Group works to ensure that it receives acceptable trading terms from its suppliers.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises due to the Group’s requirement to fund working capital and investment in the business. The Group’s 
objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of deposits, bank loans, 
invoice discounting, other short-term borrowings and finance lease and hire purchase contracts. Money on deposit is 
held on treasury reserve, partly to finance working capital and also to help finance future acquisitions.

Interest rate risk
The Group’s policy is to manage its interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. The Group’s exposure to 
interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings is managed by the use of both fixed and floating facilities. The Group finances 
specific large plant acquisitions via hire purchase or finance lease contracts. The Group pays interest on:

 • Short-term borrowings at between 2.1% over base rate and 12%.

 • Finance leases at 2.0% to 2.5% over base rate.

If the Group’s interest rates were to rise/fall by 10% then the interest charge within the financial statements would 
increase/decrease by £2,000 (2018: £2,000) equity and reserves would reduce/increase by the same amount, and the 
interest charge would be £207,000/£211,000 (2018: £224,000/£228,000).

Foreign currency risk
The Group transacts certain purchases and sales in foreign currencies. At 31 March 2019 there were no (2018: two) 
foreign currency forward contracts in force. 

Foreign exchange differences on retranslation of monetary foreign currency assets and liabilities are taken to the income 
statement of the Group.

If the US Dollar and Euro were to fall/rise against GBP by 10% on the closing rate and average annual rate at 31 March 
2019 then Group profits would rise/fall by £102,000 at 31 March 2019 (2018: £133,000) and equity and reserves would 
increase/reduce by the same amount.

Commodity price risk
The Group’s exposure to the price of steel is high, therefore selling prices are monitored regularly to reduce the impact 
of such risk and opportunities to reduce material costs are explored constantly. The Group has partly responded to this 
risk by sourcing materials in low-cost countries. In addition, any increases in the cost of steel would be passed onto 
customers.

If steel prices were to fall/rise by 10% on the closing year end price, and the Group was unable to pass the increase onto 
customers, then Group profits would rise/fall by £135,000 at 31 March 2019 (2018: £177,000) and equity and reserves 
would increase/reduce by the same amount.

50

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN23  Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets and liabilities
The IFRS 9 categories of financial assets included in the statement of financial position and the headings in which they 
are included are as follows:

Non-financial asset
Loans and other receivables at amortised cost
Total assets

The financial assets are included in the statement of financial position in the following headings:

Current assets
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents

2019
£’000

498
4,849
5,347

2019
£’000

4,356
493
4,849

2018
£’000

421
5,228
5,649

2018
£’000

4,536
692
5,228

The IFRS 9 categories of financial liabilities included in the statement of financial position and the headings in which they 
are included are as follows:

Non-financial liability
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Total liabilities 

The financial liabilities are included in the statement of financial position in the following headings:

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings

2019
£’000

427
–
7,211
7,638

2019
£’000

3,427
3,675

109
7,211

2018
£’000

374
6
7,649
8,029

2018
£’000

3,975
3,522

152
7,649

All financial liabilities mature in less than one year, except for £0.055m (2018: £0.074m) which matures in one to two 
years and £0.054m (2018: £0.079m) which matures in two to five years.

51

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

23  Financial instruments (continued)

Fair value hierarchy
The following analyses financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position in 
accordance with the fair value hierarchy prescribed by IFRS 7 Financial Instruments Disclosures. This hierarchy groups 
financial assets and liabilities into three levels based on the significance of inputs used in measuring the fair value of the 
financial assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

Level 1 : quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

Level 2 : inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly 
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

Level 3 : inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). 

The level within which the financial asset or liability is classified is determined based on the lowest level of significant 
input to the fair value measurement.

There are no financial assets and one financial liability measured at fair value in the statement of financial position at  
31 March 2019 (2018: none).

All financial liabilities are level 1.

24 Capital management policies procedures
The Group’s capital management objectives are:

 • to ensure that the Group can continue as a going concern;

 • to ensure the Group has adequate resources to support the strategy of the Group; and

 • to provide a return to the Group’s shareholders.

The Group’s capital equals total equity less cash and cash equivalents. The Group’s financing includes total equity plus 
borrowings. The borrowings have been taken out to provide working capital for the Group.

25 Share capital

Authorised
100,000,000 ordinary shares of 10 pence each
Allotted and issued
2019: 33,795,000 (2018: 33,795,000) ordinary shares of 10 pence each 

All 10 pence ordinary shares carry the same voting rights and rights to discretionary dividends.

26 Contingent liabilities

There were no contingent liabilities at 31 March 2019 or 31 March 2018.

27 Capital commitments

At 31 March 2019 the Group had capital commitments of £Nil (2018: £Nil). 

2019
£’000

2018
£’000

10,000

10,000

3,379

3,379

52

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN28 Leasing commitments 

The Group’s aggregate minimum operating lease payments for the remaining lives of the leases are as follows:

In one year or less
One to five years
Greater than five years

2019
Land and 
buildings 
£’000

313
1,216
630
2,159

2018 
Land and 
buildings 
£’000

251
600
150
1,001

2019 
Other 
£’000

126
87
–
213

2018 
Other 
£’000

131
190
–
321

29 Transactions with related parties 

Malvair Properties Limited, a company in which R Allsop, a non-executive Director, has a beneficial interest, owns a 
property occupied by a Group company under an operating lease. The company incurred operating lease charges of 
£0.150m (2018: £0.150m) during the year relating to this lease.

The Group also has a joint venture in China, Minguang-Tricorn Tubular Products Nanjing Limited. During the year the 
Group has made sales to the joint venture of £0.545m (2018: £0.375m) and purchases from the joint venture of £0.134m 
(2018: £0.410m). At the balance sheet date amounts held in trade and other receivables and owed to the Group by the 
joint venture amounted to £0.262m (2018: £0.219m), and amounts held in trade and other payables and owed by the 
Group to the joint venture amounted to £0.227m (2018: £0.266m). 

53

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsTRICORN GROUP PLC

COMPANY STATUTORY 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 31 March 2019

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

Company Statement of Financial Position

Notes to the Financial Statements

55

56

57

54

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNCOMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31 March 2019

Balance at 1 April 2017
Share-based payment charge
Total transactions with owners
Dividends from subsidiary companies
Loss and total comprehensive expense
Balance at 31 March 2018
Share-based payment charge
Total transactions with owners
Dividends from subsidiary companies
Loss and total comprehensive expense
Balance at 31 March 2019

Share
 capital
£’000
3,379
–
–
–
–
3,379
–
–
–
–
3,379

Share
premium
£’000
1,692
–
–
–
–
1,692
–
–
–
–
1,692

Share-
based
payment
 reserve
£’000
309
40
40
–
–
349
36
36
–
–
385

Merger 
reserve
£’000
1,592
–
–
–
–
1,592
–
–
–
–
1,592

Profit
 and loss
account
£’000
(890)
–

2,000
(283)
827
–
–

 (218)
609

Total
£’000
6,082
40 
40
2,000
(283)
7,839
36
36

 (218)
7,657

55

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsCOMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 31 March 2019

Note

7

8

9

10

2019
£’000

3
6,814
6,817

4,086
41
4,127

2018
£’000

2
6,814
6,816

4,232
77
4,309

(3,287)

(3,286)

840

7,657

3,379
1,692
385
1,592
609
7,657

1,023

7,839

3,379
1,692
349
1,592
827
7,839

Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Investments

Current assets
Debtors: amounts due within one year
Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Share-based payment reserve
Merger reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity shareholders’ funds

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 31 May 2019.

The Company’s loss for the year was £218,000 (2018: loss of £283,000).

M I Welburn 
Director

Company number: 1999619

56

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

1  Basis of preparation

The separate financial statements of the Company have been prepared under the historical cost convention 
and in accordance with UK accounting standards. 

The principal activity of the Company is that of a holding company which has remained unchanged from the 
previous year.

2  Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Financial 
Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework and the Companies Act 2006.

Functional and presentation currency
The financial statements are presented in British Pounds Sterling.

Financial Reporting Standard 101 – reduced disclosure exemptions
The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101:

 • The requirement of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments Disclosure

 • The requirements of paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement

 • The requirement in paragraph 38 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to present comprehensive information 

in respect of:

 − paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1;

 − paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment;

 − paragraph 118(e) of IAS 38 Intangible Assets;

 − paragraph 76 and 79(d) of IAS 40 Inventory Property; and 

 − paragraph 50 of IAS 41 Agriculture

 • The requirements of paragraph 10(d), 10(f), 16, 38A, 38C, 38D, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 111 and 134-136 of IAS 1 

Presentation of Financial Statements

 • The requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows

 • The requirements of paragraph 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

 • The requirements of paragraph 17 and 18a of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures

Investments
Investments held by the Company are included at cost less accumulated impairment.

Financial instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements 
entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the entity after 
deducting all of its financial liabilities.

Where the contractual obligations of financial instruments (including share capital) are equivalent to a similar debt 
instrument, those financial instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in 
the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses relating to financial liabilities are included in the income statement. 
Finance costs are calculated so as to produce a constant rate of return on the outstanding liability.

Where the contractual terms of share capital do not have any terms meeting the definition of a financial liability then this 
is classed as an equity instrument. Dividends and distributions relating to equity instruments are debited direct to equity.

57

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

2  Accounting policies (continued)

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax is recognised on all timing differences where the transactions or events that give the Company an obligation 
to pay more tax in the future, or a right to pay less tax in the future, have occurred by the balance sheet date. Deferred 
tax assets are recognised when it is more likely than not that they will be recovered.

Deferred tax is measured using rates of tax that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date.

Share-based payments
All share-based payment arrangements are recognised in the parent Company’s financial statements. The Company 
operates equity-settled share-based remuneration plans for remuneration of employees of the Company and its 
subsidiaries. Options are issued by the parent to the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The charge for the 
share-based remuneration is recognised in the parent Company income statement.

All employee services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based remuneration are measured at their fair 
values. These are indirectly determined by reference to the fair value of the share options awarded. Their value is 
appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and 
sales growth targets).

All share-based remuneration is ultimately recognised as an expense in profit or loss with a corresponding credit to the 
share-based payment reserve, net of deferred tax where applicable. If vesting periods or other vesting conditions apply, 
the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate of the number of share options 
expected to vest. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are 
expected to become exercisable. Estimates are subsequently revised, if there is any indication that the number of share 
options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. No adjustment is made to the expense recognised in prior 
periods if fewer share options ultimately are exercised than originally estimated.

Upon exercise of share options, the proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs up to the nominal 
value of the shares issued are allocated to share capital with any excess being recorded as share premium. 

Equity
Share capital is determined using the nominal value of shares that have been issued. Equity instruments issued by the 
Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. When the Company purchases its own shares, 
the consideration is deductible from equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders until the shares are either 
cancelled or reissued. When this happens, any consideration received is included in equity attributable to equity holders. 

The share premium account represents premiums received on the initial issuing of the share capital. Any transaction costs 
associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from share premium, net of any related income tax benefits.

The merger reserve represents the difference between the issue price and the nominal value of shares issued as 
consideration for the acquisition of a subsidiary undertaking when the Company has taken advantage of merger relief. 

The income statement includes all current and prior period results.

3  Profit for the financial year

The Company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included its own income 
statement in these financial statements. The Company’s loss for the year was £218,000 (2018: Loss of £283,000).

The auditors’ remuneration incurred by the Company during the year for audit services totalled £14,000 (2018: £14,000), 
and for tax compliance services totalled £2,000 (2018: £2,000).

58

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCN4  Directors’ and employees’ remuneration

Staff costs during the year were as follows: 

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs

2019
£’000

671
89
27
787

2018
£’000

847
64
18
929

The average number of persons (including Directors) employed by the Company during the year was ten (2018: ten).

5  Directors’ emoluments

All details on Directors’ remuneration are given in note 5 of the Group financial statements.

6  Share-based employee remuneration

All details on share options are included in note 7 of the Group financial statements.

7  Fixed asset investments

Cost
At 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2019
Impairment
At 1 April 2018
Charge
At 31 March 2019
Net book value
At 31 March 2019
At 31 March 2018

Total
£’000

9,729

(2,915) 

–
(2,915)

6,814
6,814

At 31 March 2019 the Company holds 100% of the ordinary share capital of the following subsidiaries:

Name of subsidiary undertaking

Country of 
incorporation

Description of 
shares held

% of nominal 
value of 
shares held

Malvern Tubular Components Limited 

United Kingdom

Ordinary

Hallco 348 Limited (formerly RMDG 
Aerospace Limited)
Maxpower Automotive Limited

United Kingdom

Ordinary

United Kingdom

Ordinary

100

100

100

Maxpower Automotive Components 
Manufacturing (Wuxi) Limited*

China

Ordinary

100

Franklin Tubular Products Inc.

USA

Ordinary

100

Robert Morton DG Limited*
Hallco 347 Limited

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Ordinary
Ordinary

100
100

* Held by a subsidiary undertaking.

Principal business activity

Manufacturer of tubular 
components
Non-trading

Manufacturer of highway 
and automotive tubular and 
pipe components
Manufacturer of highway 
and automotive tubular and 
pipe components. Dormant 
this year
Manufacturer of tubular 
assemblies and components 
to highway and heavy duty 
truck market
Dormant
Dormant

59

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2019

8  Debtors

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income

9  Creditors: amounts due within one year

Bank borrowings
Trade creditors
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
Other taxes and social security
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts
Accruals and deferred income

Borrowings are repayable as follows:

Within one year
– bank borrowings

10 Share capital

2019
£’000

3,802
242
42
4,086

2019
£’000

201
15
2,854
28
–
189
3,287

2019
£’000

201
201

2019
£’000

2018
£’000

4,011
193
28
4,232

2018
£’000

332
11
2,470
24
6
443
3,286

2018
£’000

332
332

2018
£’000

Authorised
100,000,000 ordinary shares of 10 pence each
Allotted and issued
2019: 33,795,000 (2018: 33,795,000) ordinary shares of 10 pence each 

10,000

10,000

3,379

3,379

All 10 pence ordinary share capital carry the same voting rights and rights to discretionary dividends.

11 Contingent liabilities

A cross-guarantee exists between all companies in the Group for all amounts payable to the bank. The maximum 
potential liability to the Company at 31 March 2019 is £3.117m (2018: £2.781m).

There were no further contingent liabilities at 31 March 2019 or 31 March 2018.

12 Capital commitments

There were no capital commitments at 31 March 2019 or at 31 March 2018.

13 Related parties

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption available under section 17 and 18a to not disclose transactions with 
wholly owned subsidiaries in the Group.

60

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019Stock Code: TCNCOMPANY INFORMATION

Company registration number:

1999619

Registered office:

Directors:

Spring Lane 
Malvern Link 
Malvern 
Worcestershire 
WR14 1DA

Mr Andrew Brian Moss (Chairman and non-executive Director)
Michael Ian Welburn (Chief Executive Officer)
Phillip Lee (Finance Director)
David Edward Leakey (Sales Director) 
Roger Allsop (Non-executive Director)

Secretary:

Phillip Lee

Nominated adviser and  
Nominated broker:

Registrars:

Bankers:

Solicitors:

Auditors:

Shore Capital & Corporate Limited
Cassini House
57-58 St. James’s Street
London
SW1A 1LD

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

HSBC Bank plc
5 Broad Street
Worcester
WR1 2EJ

Harrison Clark
5 Deansway 
Worcester
WR1 2JG

Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditors and Chartered Accountants
The Colmore Building
20 Colmore Circus
Birmingham
West Midlands
B4 6AT

TRICORN GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2019www.tricorn.uk.comOur FinancialsTricorn Group plc
Spring Lane, Malvern Link
Malvern, Worcestershire
WR14 1DA

T: 01684 569956
F: 01684 892337

Visit us online at
www.tricorn.uk.com